If it’s a clear day when you are flying into Kathmandu, then your tour begins right from the skies itself. The sights from the windows of our jet shows us glimmering snow-capped mountain peaks spread out down below us, giving us the first thrills of our just begun vacation, sparking off a whole reaction of unforgettable experiences that stay with us for some time to come. As soon as your plane hits the tarmac of Tribhuwan International Airport, Mountain Sherpa Trekking and expeditions office representative and driver will be on standby to meet and greet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel. The rep will help you check into your designated hotel, and after going to our rooms and refreshing ourselves we will be briefed about our daily activities. The rest of your time is free to move around the neighborhood and get familiar with your surroundings. In the evening we will meet our senior trek guide who will brief the group about details related to our trek. Your first overnight in the ancient city of temples, probably the most in the world. Breakfast

After a good night’s sleep and enjoying a hearty breakfast, we proceed for our tour of Swayambhunath (popularly known as Monkey Temple) “Swayambhu” means “self-created” and refers to the myth that the hill sprung up suddenly from a vast lake that once covered Kathmandu Valley. After this tour, we drive for a visit to the famous Boudhanath Stupa (said to be the largest in the world) and a significant center of Tibetan culture in Kathmandu. The stupa is designed to be like a giant mandala (a representation of the Buddhist cosmos). After lunch, we return to our hotel to get refreshed then we take our time to prepare for trek.

After being well rested after a solid night’s sleep, we wake up fresh the next morning, have an early breakfast, and get into our vehicle for a drive to the domestic terminal of Kathmandu airport for an early morning flight to Hillary’s Lukla (2,800m/9,186ft), a gateway destination from where our trip commences. After an adventurous scenic 40 minute flight above the stunning green and white mountains, we reach the Tenzing-Hillary Airport at Lukla. Arguably, this is one of the most beautiful sky routes in the world which concludes in a remarkable landing on a hillside surrounded by high mountains peaks. Upon arrival at Lukla, we meet the other crew members and after some sorting and packing and arrangements, we start our trek through the pretty wealthy village of Lukla until we reach Phakding. To assist in acclimatization, we only have a short hike today. However, if you are interested in additional activities we can take a side trip to a nearby monastery. This is our first Overnight in Phakding.

Walking through a beautiful pine forest, the track leads us along the Dudh Koshi River through many suspension bridges, one of which is the famous Hillary Suspension Bridge. First, we catch superb scenes of the glistening Mt. Thamserku (6618m). Through the settlement of Benkar, Chumoa, Monjo, we come to the check post and entrance to Sagarmatha National Park. We pass through the last village of Jorsale before reaching Namche Bazaar. The trail climbs through the forests and bridges until we reach the confluence of the Dudh Koshi and Bhote Koshi rivers. After a final steep ascent of about two hours we get first sight of Mt. Everest peering over the Lhotse-Nuptse ridge. At this juncture, we stop at Chautara to admire the views. We still need to hike about 1.5 hours to reach Namche Bazaar, a gateway to Mt. Everest and the main trading centre of this region. Overnight in Namche [Las Vegas of the Khumbu] – B. L. D

If we are to hike a few hundred feet upwards during the day, this gives us some useful acclimatization. We go for a stroll down to the Tourist Visitor Center near the Sagarmatha National Park headquarters and observe a lot of history related to the first Everest ascenders, Sherpa culture and get some interesting insights into the plant and animal life of the Everest region.

For your information, Today Our Sherpa guide will take you on a beautiful excursion to the wonderful Sherpa villages Khumjung & Khunde to get better acclimatize in high altitude. Khumjung and Khunde village are located at the altitude of 3900m and are home to the largest community of Sherpa. If time permits, our guide will also take you to Everest View Hotel. which is a Japanese design to build a deluxe hotel with great views of the highest mountains on the planet. You will return to Namche Bazzar in the late afternoon.  you will acclimatize better if you expose yourself to higher altitudes but return to a lower altitude to sleep.

The Khumjung valley is encompassed by the snowy peaks of Kongde and Thamserku and the holy peak of Khumbila hosts a well known monastery that is also home to the yeti scalp. We visit Hillary School which is at the same site. After enjoying lunch and spending some time in Syangboche, we trot back down to Namche Bazaar.

After enjoying our breakfast in Namche, we hit the trail towards Tengboche enjoying superb views of Mt. Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam and close up views of Thamserku. Our trek follows on the gradual trail with some ups and downs overlooking magnificent views of the great Himalaya. Along the way we can spot wild fauna like pheasant, musk deer, or a herd of Himalayan Thar. The trail goes gradually down up to Kayangjuma. The path eventually reaches Sanasa which is the major trail junction to Gokyo valley and Everest Base Camp. The track then follows through the pine forests and after we cross the prayer flags festooned bridge over Dudh Koshi River, we reach Phunki Thenga, a small settlement with a couple of teahouses and a small army post amidst the alpine woods. After having a relaxed lunch at Phunki Thenga we then have a little tough climb steep up through the pine forests while before we reach Tengboche. Tengboche is a great place for close up views of Ama-Dablam, Nuptse, and Everest and the biggest Buddhist Monastery in Khumbu region is found here.

After taking great picture at Tengboche, We will walk further down to Deboche for night sleep. Deboche is located just 15-20 minute walk from Tengboche & it is surrounded by forests of rhododendrons and birch trees. Deboche offers better lodge accommodation than Tengboche, so our itinerary is designed to stay one night in Deboche instead of Tengboche.

Overnight stay at lodge in Deboche – B. L. D

From Deboche, the trail climbs and contours around the west side of the Imja Khola valley, providing outstanding views of Ama Dablam, the Nuptse-Lhotse wall and Everest. We enter Pangboche on the high trail and after lunch visit the monastery which has relics said to be the skull and hand of a yeti. From Pangboche we walk through alpine meadows and pass beneath the towering Ama Dablam to Pheriche. An exciting village to spend the night - B. L. D

This is a day to haul up and rest without being idle. We can stroll around the village and get pally with the local folks with some interesting conversations. This will give us deep insights into the lifestyles and cultures of the local folks in this region. At the same time we can also relish the landscapes that surround us and we can also catch up on some reading. Today our guide will take you for wonderful excursion to nearly 5,100M/16733ft high Peak for better acclimatization. We hike from the ridge on the north behind the Village to Nagarjuna peak (5,100 m).

Nagarjuna peak (5,100M/ 16733ft) ,We enjoy the marvelous views of world's highest peaks, Mt Lhotse, Mt Makalu and Mt Cho Yu as well as Cholatse (6440 m/21,126 ft) and Taboche (6542 m/ 21,463 ft) on the west. For the afternoon lunch, packing Lunch will be provided. Best Lodge accommodation.

Our acclimatizing gets a further boost with our hike to Chhukung village. we then do a steep climb up to Chhukung Ri at 5550m and as we top it with gasping breath we soon realize the gritty climb was worth the go; the rewards are as lovely as it comes with the natural beauty that greets us for our efforts, the jaw-dropping vistas of Cho Oyu at 8201m, Pumori at 7161m, the gigantic Lhotse wall at 8400m, Amadablam at 6812m, Makalu at 8481m & Baruntse at 7129m all put together put our hearts on top gear as it skips a beat while watching these massive peaks, and to think and wonder our fellow beings have peaked at these mountains is more than enough to prepare us for our own challenges in the days ahead…we literally savor the might and love of God in his master creations he made for us to enjoy, and we thank him for his blessings.

On our way from Chhukung, our trail goes up over loose scree as we make a beeline for the Khongma La; on reaching the top, we encounter cairns bound in prayer flags whispering odes of prayers for those who lost their lives, marks of the pass. Behind us is the landscape of icy lakes ahead down which is the Khumbu Glacier. Our final descent is a tough phase which tests our patience in the trek today. After passing some teahouses on our way to Lobuche, we climb higher onto the terminal moraine of the Khumbu glacier, passing a row of stone monuments built in memory of Sherpas who have died on mountaineering expeditions to Mt Everest. From here the trail drops and follows the west side of the valley to Lobuche. The sunset on Nuptse from here is a breathless experience. As we climb the moraine on the far side, the trail turns north through Khumbu Glacier and takes us to Lobuche for a well earned rest tonight. B. L. D

A real early start is required to reach the Everest Base Camp. It takes several hours as the trail weaves its way through ice pinnacles and past the crevasses of the Khumbu Glacier. After a brief lunch and rest, we take the trail to Everest Base Camp through the once vast Gorak Shep Lake. Continuing straight ahead, we come through the Indian army mountaineers' memorials. Only upon reaching the Everest Base Camp do we really appreciate the Everest climbers who brave the risky route through the Khumbu icefall. Mountaineer's tents stand out in bright colors against the monotony of gray surroundings (especially in the spring). Nuptse, Khumbuste and Pumori are the mountains we can view from the base camp. On the return leg, we can take a higher route to get a grand view of the Khumbu icefall and the route to the South Col. We return to Gorakshep for a restful night. B. L. D

Today is the pinnacle point of our trip. We start early in the morning after some cuppers to catch the dramatic views from Kalapattar witnessing the first light of day shining on Mt. Everest. However, we need to get prepared for an early morning, dark and cold temperature of approx (-10 to -14 C) departure beforehand. Further, there is always the potential for chilly winds which are quite common. Familiar peaks such as Lingtren, Khumbutse, Changtse tower to the east even as Everest begins to reveal itself emerging between the west shoulder crest and Nuptse. During the ascent to Kalapattar we can pause to catch our breath at several terrific view points to snap pictures. After several hours of ascent, we will peak out at Kala Patthar. From this juncture, we scramble to climb the rocky outcrop near to the summit marked by cairns and prayer flags. As we reach the top, we sit on the Kalapattar where our eyes focus taking in the mind-boggling Himalayan Panorama, wandering from one mighty massif to another. We click as many pictures as we can and take in views with our mind's eye to last for a lifetime. From here we take the path to Dzongla; after crossing a stream we come through a fork and later curving round to the wide gravelly river bed of the stream. As it flows southwestward, the trail runs across it and climbs the ridge ahead. From the grassy ridge ahead, as the trail runs across to southeast from where we can see soaring heights of Ama Dablam and Kangtega-Thamserku while Taboche looms highly ahead. Pheriche village is visible down in the distance. We will also have visibility of a hillock in Chukpi Lhara and its memorials and the lodges of Dugla. As the ridge veers northward, the vast Chola Lake spreads below Mt. Cholatse. The lake stays with us over a long stretch until we descend to a wide basin. The trail climbs up a spur and descends steeply to another broad basin. After an hour walk transverse from the basin and shortly after crossing a wobbly bridge, we reach Dzongla. We spend the night in one of the local lodges at Dzongla (only very basic lodges are available hereabouts). B. L. D

We get up early in the morning to get out of our lodge to be greeted by the mesmerizing sight of Cholatse looming over. Today is going to be one of the gritty days of our trip. The walk begins as we transverse through a spur extending westward from Dzongla. The path descends to a basin across which meanders a murmuring stream crusted with ice at places. In about an hour, we reach the top of the basin readying for the triumph on ChoLa. As we gain height, the view back gets increasingly more captivating; the Chola Lake begins to appear and the Ama Dablam in its pyramidal manifestation presides over a range of mountains on the south as Cholatse soars on the west. Climbing the incline is not easy; it is steep, but made worse by boulders over some of which we will have to scramble. We need to be alert as rocks can be glazed by ice. The final climb to the ChoLa can be a little tricky as the trail curves round the bergschrund. Upon reaching the top, we see prayer flags, strung across cairns, flapping in the strong wind. Scenery of imposing peaks in all directions is breathtaking. Although long, the path leading down to Dragnak can be easily made out from the pass because it is just decent but can be hazardous if rocks are glazed by ice, a bit of cautiousness is needed. We reach Dragnak, a rather more considerable hamlet with a small village. Stepping out of the settlement, we are greeted by fabulous mountain views. The trail brings us to the Ngozumpa glacier edge after short walk, which is longest glacier in Nepal. Reaching the other side of the glacier, we get views of the second of the Gokyo lakes on the series of six lakes. A short distance away is the third Gokyo Lake. On the edge of this lake stands the village of Gokyo but before this, we finally give rest to our weary bodies in Thangnag for the night. B. L. D

After enjoying blissful night of rest, we leave Dragnak and head for the lakes at Gokyo. We follow a very scenic path to Pangka and then descend slightly, following one of the melting rivers which flow down the west side of the Ngozumpa Glacier. We climb a steep rocky incline into the valley by the side of the glacier, passing the first of the holy lakes. We soon arrive at the second lake, crossing the path which heads across the glacier to Cho La - our route to Thame and Namche, later in the trek. The third lake is known as Dudh Pokhari (Milk Lake) and on its eastern shore is the settlement of Gokyo. Walking by the side of the lake, the scenery is splendid with the summits of Cho Oyu and Gyachung Kang reflected in its emerald green waters. Overnight by the side of the Gokyo lakes - B. L. D

Heady Gokyo Ri looms above the village on the northern edge of the lake. We leave camp just after first light, following a steep path up the hillside. As we climb, the summits of Everest, Lhotse and Makalu slowly come into view and the sight from the summit of Gokyo Ri itself, is said to be one of the premium sights to behold in the Everest region - some say it is even better than that from Kala Pattar. After lunch it is a short walk back to Gokyo for our overnight. B. L. D

Its important that we make a break at dawn today as we have to trace our trail up to Lunde after conquering of Renjo La. As there is no alternative to Lunde for overnight today, we need to start early. Down from the Gokyo Valley, we leave the main trail and turn to Renjo La trail by Dudh Pokhari. After about 3 hours, we gain the Renjo La where a dazzling vista awaits. The Everest itself, Lhotse, Cholatse and Taboche can be seen shining in the sun. Views from Renjo La are much like that from Gokyo Ri with third Gokyo Lake and Gokyo Village beneath the gray smear of Ngozumpa Glacier. Continuing on from the pass, the trail winds down a stone staircase and then scrambles over loose scree to reach the south bank of a small lake called the Angladumba Tsho. The presence of ice on the trail while descending down can make our descent a bit dangerous. Along the way we see Relama Tsho and Renjo Lake. However, we walk down through narrow valley clogged with giant boulders to Lunde where there is a support Lodge but it can be closed often. If this turns out to be the case, We walk further for another hour from Lunde to get to Marlung on the east bank of the Bhote Kosi. Overnight at Lunde or Marlung - B. L. D

From Lunde, the route turns west and the trail is almost level as we head up the Bhote Kosi Valley, once a popular trading route into Tibet. Along the way we pass many prayer flags and mani stones, all pinpointing to the Tibetan Buddhist culture of this area. After descending to the Bhote Kosi the trail climbs steeply to Thame. From here there are good views of the peaks of Teng Kangpoche and Kwangde. To the north is the Nangpa La, the pass leading to Tibet. Thame Gompa is situated above the village overlooking the valley and is the site for the famous spring celebrations of the Mani Rimdu festival. We crash out in Thame for the night. B. L. D

The trail from Thame clings to the steep wooded slope beyond Kyangjuma, winding through several bends. It’s interesting to lookout for wildlife such as mountain goats, snow leopards and colourful pheasants while we pass through the forest by the trail. A steep descent from Namche Hill leads to the suspension bridge crossing the Dudh Kosi River near the confluence of the Dudh Koshi and the Bhote Koshi Rivers. We cross the Dudh Koshi River twice at separate locations before reaching Monjo. Upon this juncture, we are out of the Sagarmatha National Park after exiting from its official entrance near Monjo and finally reach Monjo Village. Monjo is comparatively a quieter place to stay than Namche and it also means our porters have a less strenuous walk back to Lukla next day. Overnight in the docile village of Monjo – B. L. D

Today, we begin to get warmed up by the light cool breeze. Although we are traveling the same route down, we enjoy completely different views. We snap a mixture of open plains, rhododendron and pine forests, and in the distance snow covered peaks. We take time and walk at our own pace today as this is the last day of our trek. We experience the Sherpa villages' impressive faith in Buddhism and culture of prayer stones and prayer flags while we walk through the villages. Upon arrival in Lukla, we have plenty of time to relax, stretch those aching legs, and recall the experiences of the last couple of days. We experience the culmination of a fantastic trek on a happy note with everyone back safe and sound with truly happy faces! Upon arrival in Lukla, we stroll around while our leader will re-confirm our flight ticket. In the evening, we enjoy last dinner with our crew and make it a party night which calls for a celebration. Overnight at our Lodge - B. L. D

Today, after a hale and hearty b/fast, we fly back to Kathmandu after our long mountain journey. The early morning flight drops us in Kathmandu. We can rest and relax throughout the day at our hotel. If interested, we could buy some gifts to take home from Nepal for loved ones and friends and relatives; we can visit some nearby shops or venture out in Thamel for typical Nepalese goods. This short excursion either can be assisted by Mountain Sherpa’s guides or we can do it ourselves too. If we want to explore any other areas in Kathmandu, we have to manage time for this today as well! At eventide, we will attend an exciting celebration dinner together for successfully completing our trek to the whole of EVEREST hosted by Mountain Sherpa Treks and Expeditions! Overnight in Kathmandu, the valley of the gods, they say (B, D)

This is more or less a contingency day we keep in hand in the event of a delay in flights from Lukla to Kathmandu, which sometimes happens; so, if this doesn’t happen which is good and fortunate, and then it’s just great. It’s your free day to do whatever you wish, at your cool pace that suits your convenience. You could simply use this day for some shopping of souvenirs or penning a few postcards to the loved ones at home. It’s your day anyways. Breakfast

After b/fast, our rep and office vehicle will be on standby at our hotel to transfer us to the airport for our connecting flight home. Serving you was a wonderful joy and pleasure, we at Mountain Sherpa Treks will cherish the bonds of our relationship created over the time you spent with us and we thank you for choosing us as your travel partner and for visiting this amazing country Nepal. We are sure that trekking in this beautiful region of the Khumbu [Everest region] will give you lifetime memories of a vacation well enjoyed. Sayonara friends! Till we meet again. Breakfast