Everest Sherpa Cultural trek

Today begins on level ground, relative to the environment in which we are! We will cross the river on a high suspension bridge and begin to climb up to Monjo (2,800m) and on to the gateway to the Sagamartha National Park Entrance in place to protect and preserve this beautiful environment. There is a good rest stop on the way up where we will see people gathered, admiring the first real chance to see Mt. Everest in the distance. On the way up today we will be rewarded with views of Kusum Kangaru, Thamserku, Kwangde and Tawache Peak before eventually arriving at Namche after about 5 hours. Overnight at hotel.   

The main aim today is to allow our body to acclimatize, it is important to drink lots of water and take some gentle exercise. Namche is a growing town tucked into a neat little valley, there is lots going on in the centre with market days on Friday and Saturday. There are some interesting museums and shops. There is also internet and a sauna! We could venture further afield, take a visit to Khumjung where the Hillary school sits and Khunde nearby, on the way back to Namche we could visit the Shangboche airstrip, (3,790m) the highest in the world nearby is the Everest View Hotel for stunning views.

Trek from Namche Bazaar to Thame (3,800m.) and it takes about four and half hours. From Namche the route turns west and the trail is almost level as we head up the Bhote Koshi Valley, 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 there are good views of the peaks of Teng Kangpoche and Kwangde and 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 spring celebrations of the Mani Rimdu festival. There is a monastery in Thame believed to have incarnated monks. Overnight at a mountain lodge.  

Trek from Thame to Khumjung, and it takes 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 town. Here we can have excellent views of Thamserku, Kantega, Tawache and Ama Dablam. Overnight at a mountain lodge.  

Trek from Khumjung to Tengboche which takes about five to six hours. The trail descends gently for early one hour to Sanasa (3,550m.). Now we have a glimpse of first really good views of the great peaks of the Khumbu including Mt Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku and Kusum Kangaru. Passing by several villages and numerous teashops, the trail descends steeply to a bridge over the river Dudh Koshi at Phunki Tenga (3,250m.).The village has an excellent place for lunch and we can take a short rest before making the steep climb to Tengboche. Although exhausting due to the zigzag path, the trek has numerous attractions like rhododendron bushes, beautiful birds chirping and superb mountain scenery making our trek exciting. Tengboche is famous for its legendary monastery, the largest in the Khumbu region. Overnight at a mountain lodge.   

Mostly downhill today it will take us 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 may enjoy a visit to the little monastery if you haven’t already. Overnight at a mountain lodge.   

A four hour walk, today we are descending steeply for the first half then on to Phakding, where we will our afternoon meal, after lunch, it will take us around 3 to 4 hours to Lukla. This evening we will have a farewell ceremony with our guides and porters where you will be able to sample some Chang and try some Sherpa dancing. Overnight at Lodge. 

We will be on an early flight back this morning to Kathmandu, transfer to your hotel. End service.