Everest Sherpa Cultural trek - itinerary
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1350 m).
Upon your arrival at Kathmandu airport, one of our guides will greet you and transfer you to the hotel. Rest and relax for the afternoon. In the evening, join a welcome dinner with one of our team leaders at a typical Nepali restaurant. Enjoy the meal having a nice conversation and a short briefing about your Everest Sherpa Cultural trek that begins the next day. Overnight at hotel.
Day 02: A 35 min flight from KTM to Lukla (2880m) | Trek to Phakding (2640 m) | 4 hrs trek.
Our early flight to Lukla today will take approximately 35 minutes. Upon arrival in Lukla, descending 200 m, we will trek to Phakding which takes us over 4 hours. We will then catch a glimpse of some glistening mountains such as Nupla (5885m) which appears above the Kongde Ridge, Kusum Kang (6367 m) which appears on the right after a few steps. We will be following the northern (left) bank of the Dudh Kosi River all along. It is important to take these first few days slowly to let your body adapt and acclimatize to the weather, also gently and peacefully enjoying the passing scenery and culture. Overnight at a mountain lodge.
Day 03: Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3445 m) | 6 hrs trek.
Today begins on a level ground relative to the environment in which we are. We will cross the river on a high suspension bridge and begin our climb up to Monjo (2800 m) and onto the gateway towards the Sagarmatha National Park Entrance, which takes in charge to protect and preserve this sacred environment. We stop on our way up to where we will see plenty of people gathered around to admire the first real chance to see the Mt. Everest in a far distance. On our way up, we will be rewarded with views of Mt. Kusum Kangaru, Mt. Thamserku, Mt. Kwangde and Mt. Tawache peak as we eventually arrive at Namche after about 5 hours of trek. Overnight at hotel or guest house.
Day 04: Rest day in and around Namche Bazaar.
The main aim today is to allow your body to simply adapt, adapt to the surrounding, the weather and the tiredness of the trek. It is important to drink lots of water and take some gentle exercise. Namche is a growing town tucked into a neat little valley. The town seems to be busy and crowded as there is a lot going on in the center with market days on Friday and Saturday. There are some interesting museums and shops as well. Namche has all the other facility such as an internet connection and a sauna if you wish to relax. We can venture further through a field, take a visit to Khumjung where the Hillary school sits and Khunde which is just nearby. On the way back to Namche, we can visit the Shangboche (3790m) airstrip, the highest in the world. Just a few steps further are the Everest View Hotel which offers stunning views of the mountains.
Day 05: Trek from Namche Bazaar (3445 m) to Thame (3800 m) | 4 to 5 hrs trek.
Trek from Namche Bazaar to Thame (3800 m) takes about four and a half hours to reach. We ascend from Namche, as the route turns west and the trail heads up to the Bhote Koshi Valley which was once a popular trading route into Tibet. Along the way we pass many prayer flags, mani walls and carved stones, all indicative of the Tibetan Buddhist culture of this area. After descending to the Bhote Koshi, the trail climbs steeply to Thame. From here, the views of the peaks of Teng Kangpoche, Kwangde and Nangpa La, which is to our north is amazing. Nangpa La is the pass that leads to Tibet. Thame Gompa is situated above the village and is a site for the spring celebrations of the Mani Rimdu festival. There is a monastery in Thame that we can visit that is believed to have incarnated monks in it. Overnight at a mountain lodge.
Day 06: Trek from Thame to Khumjung (3790m) | 5 hrs trek.
We walk from Thame to Khumjung which takes approximately about five hours. We retrace our route down the Bhote Kosi Valley towards Namche and branch off to follow a quiet trail to Khumjung. It is a picturesque village, which also has its own Gompa at the top end of the town. Here we can have excellent views of Mt. Thamserku, Mt. Kantega, Mt. Tawache and Mt. Ama Dablam. Overnight at a mountain lodge.
Day 07: Trek from Khumjung to Tengboche (3867m) | 5 to 6 hrs trek.
We now trek from Khumjung to Tengboche which takes about five to six hours. The trail descends gently to Sanasa (3550 m). The trek from here onwards starts to reveal its true beauty as we have a really good view of the great peaks in the Khumbu region which includes Mt. Everest, Mt. Nuptse, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Ama Dablam, Mt. Thamserku and Mt. Kusum Kangaru. Passing by several villages and numerous tea shops, the trail descends steeply to a bridge over the river Dudh Koshi at Phunki Tenga (3250 m).The village has an excellent place for lunch and we can take a short rest before making the steep climb to Tengboche. Tengboche is famous for its legendary monastery, the largest in the Khumbu region. Although is gets exhausting due to the zigzag trails, the trek has numerous attractions like rhododendron bushes, beautiful birds, chirping and superb mountain scenery making our trek exciting. Overnight at a mountain lodge.
Day 08: Trek from Tengboche to Namche Bazaar (3440 m) | 4 to 5 hrs trek.
Today's trek will mostly include downhill walking which will take us about 4 to 5 hours. There is a steep climb for about an hour before we encounter the scenic walk back into Namche. From Khumjung we can pass through Khunde where we can explore a little monastery if you haven't already. Overnight at a mountain lodge.
Day 09: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Phakding | 4 hrs trek.
We walk for about four hours today as we descend steeply for the first half till we reach Phakding where we will spend the night. Overnight at guest house.
Day 10: Trek from Phakding to Lukla | 3 to 4 hrs trek.
This is our final day trekking. It will take us around 3 to 4 hours back to Lukla. This evening we will have a farewell ceremony with our guides and porters where you will be able to taste some Chyang and try some Sherpa dancing. Overnight at guest house.
Day 11: Flight from Lukla to Kathmandu (1350 m).
We will get on an early flight back to Kathmandu this morning. Transfer to hotel and rest for the day. In the evening join a farewell dinner with live culture show to celebrate the accomplishment of successfully completing the Everest Sherpa Cultural Trek. Overnight at hotel.
Day 12: Final Departure.
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the international airport for your flight back home. We wish you have a safe and sound flight. We wish to see you again in the future.
Note: The above information is just a guide and standard pattern of what we provide. The trip can be tailored at your request to accommodate your specific requirements. On adventure trips of this type, weather, transport or a multitude of other factors are beyond our control and can result in a change of itinerary. It is, however, very unlikely that the itinerary would be substantially altered; if alterations are needed the person in charge will make a decision what is the best alternative, taking into consideration the best interests of the whole group. If a change does arise, we do everything we can to reduce its effect, but we cannot be liable for the results of changes or delays.
