Day 01: Flight from Kathmandu to Lukla(2804 m/9,197 ft) trek to Phakding (2610 m/8,560 ft.) 3 hours.

A short 35-40 minutes long scenic flight whisks us into Lukla-the gateway town to the Everest region. We will meet more of Sherpa crews at Lukla. We collect our gears and supplies and jump on the trail towards Phakding. It takes 2 ½ to 3 hrs from Lukla to Phakding. Accommodation in guesthouse.

Day 02 Trekking from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (6 hrs trekking, altitude 3440 m/11,280 ft)

The trail leads us along the Dudh Koshi River through several suspension bridges. We are greeted by the glistening Mt. Thamserku (6618 m/21, 707 ft.). The trail passes through the Sherpa villages of Benkar, Chumoa, Monjo and enters Sagarmatha National Park. 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. We stop at Chauatra to appreciate the view. Another 1 ½ hrs walk brings us to Namche Bazaar where we spend two days before we proceed further on. (BLD)

Day 03 Acclimatization day in Namche Bazaar.

Acclimatization day in Namche Bazaar is well spent on browsing the market or taking side trip to Thame. Namche Bazzar is the main center of the Everest region and has government offices, ATMs, Internet cafes, shops, restaurants, a bakery and a colorful market each Friday evening and Saturday. We will also visit Tourist Visitor Center near the headquarter of the Sagarmatha National Park where we can observe an assortment of things related to the first Everest ascenders, Sherpa culture and learn about the various plant and animal life of the Everest region. Overnight in Namche Bazaar. (B, L, D)

Day 04 Trekking from Namche Bazzar to Doley-(5-6 hrs, altitude 4,110 m/ 13,152 ft)

The trail climbs steeply up from Namche Bazzar to Kyangjuma Village from where, we have outstanding views of Thamserku, Katenga, and Ama Dablam. The most strenuous part of the day is through Mong La pass which is a very charming place. We will enjoy the grandstand views of surrounding snow-capped mountains and valleys while we have our lunch on the top of the pass. We will also notice an ancient historical Chorten standing at the centre of the settlement of Mong La. The trail from Namche Bazaar to Dole passes through varieties of vegetation including wildflowers and rhododendrons, providing habitat to pheasants, mountain goats, and the elusive musk deer. We pass through some waterfalls, cross the bridges and arrive at Dole, a small settlement. Overnight in guesthouse.

Day 05 Trekking from Doley to Machherma-(4-5 hrs of trekking, altitude 4,470 m/ 14,663 ft)

Initially, the trail climbs steadily up through a scenic ridge above the Doley and then continues via Lhabarma at 4220m (13, 842 ft.) to Luza at 4360m (14, 300 ft.). The trail is steep a lot of times as we pass through spikey bushes up to Lhabarma. The trail takes us through several of summer settlements and a charming hamlet of Luza (4360 m) and offers good views of Cho Oyu, Kantega, and Thamserku. We walk along the edges of the canyons formed by Dudhkoshi River, passing through some small hamlets and sandy spurs, we arrive at Machherma. Machherma is the last major settlement on the way up to Gokyo. It is the place where Khumbu people claim to have got the first sighting of Yeti in 1974. We may want to visit the Himalayan Rescue Hospital where we can obtain information on the altitude sickness, its precaution, and primary treatment. Overnight in Machherma.

Day 06 Trekking from Macherma to Gokyo Village (5 ½ hrs trekking, 4790 m/15, 711 ft.)

Today, the trail climbs through a ridge Chorten that offers fabulous view of both down the valley and of the Mt. Kangtega, Thamserku, and northern part to the Cho-Oyu (8153m). The valley widens past the ridge and after some gentle walk, we reach Pangka (4480 m/14, 694 ft)-which has an infamous record of having 4o people killed in 1995 by an avalanche. The trail descends to the river bank and then climbs steeply up to the terminal moraine of the Ngozamba Glacier. After crossing an iron bridge over an stream the path levels out as we follow the valley past the first lake, known as Longpongo at 4690m (15, 383 ft.), where we witness the footprints of a famous Lama on stone. As we spot the second lake-Taboche Tso, we will feel spellbound by its turquoise blue sheet of water sparkling in the sun. Little ahead of the second lake, lies the third lake; the two linked by a surging stream. Gokyo village-the destination of the day stands by the third lake with Mount Cho-Oyu as a backdrop, creating an amazing scene here. After lunch, we explore around the third Lake. We spend one more day here to explore around and hike the Gokyo Ri. Overnight in Gokyo.

Day 07 Hike Gokyo Ri (4 hrs roundtrip, altitude 5483 m/17, 984 ft.) and explore the lakes of Gokyo.

We begin to hike Golyo Ri early morning. We cross the stepping stones over the Dudh Kosi, and begin the walk up the hill of Gokyo Ri. The trail Zigzags up the ridge on the front of the hill. After about 2-3 hours of ascent, the tip of Everest is visible in the east. We follow the well trodden path to the summit of Gokyo Ri. We walk along the summit ridge for a while to find a quiet place to admire the mind blowing views of Kusum Kanguru, Thamserku, K 43, Kangtega, Taboche, Cholatse, Makalu, Lhotse, Nuptse, Everest, Changtse, and Pumori surrounding us. The scene of sunrays kissing the Everest that towers over all surrounding peaks is comparable to none. After lunch, we will set out to explore more of the lakes of Gokyo. About 3 km north of Gokyo is the fourth lake with its high cliffs and peaks rising above it. The trail continues to fifth lake. If interested, we climb on a hill at the edge of the Lakes to get astounding views of Cho-Oyu, Gyachung Kang, Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Makulu. We can see a lot more from here - the spot is called Scoundrel's Viewpoint. Beyond the fifth Lakes is the Cho Oyu Base Camp. Scenery here is breathtaking with Cho Oyu and Gyachung Kang seeming just a stone's throw away. Northern part of the fifth lake provides fabulous views of Cho-Oyu Base Camp and biggest glacier of the world- the Ngazumpa glacier. Moved by the charm, we may even try to go sixth lake too but depends upon our own interest and time. Overnight at Gokyo

Day 08 Trekking from Gokyo to Thagnag 2-3 hrs trekking, 4500 m/14, 760 ft.)

For some reason, if we did not attempt Gokyo Ri the previous day or missed any of the 6 lakes of Gokyo, we may want to do these trips today, of course depending on weather condition and on your interest, before heading down to Thagnag. Today, we have a shorter day to Thagnag. We backtrack down the Gokyo Valley. Just after the second lake, a tiny cairn marks a small path rising on the left up the moraine. We take this path to the crest of the moraine which takes about 1 hour. We descend the marked path onto the Gokyo Glacier. We will feel the dramatic change of scenery today as we cross the Gokyo glacier itself. We reach the lateral moraine on the far side in another 1 hour and walk along the path to the tiny village of Thagnag in less than 30 minutes. The village is just below a small cliff. Overnight in Thagnak.

Day 09 Cross Cho La pass (5420m/17, 778 ft.) then trek to Dzongla (4710 meters). Total trekking about 7 hours.

Cho La Pass is also another show up of this trip. Today is going to be one of the tough days, the pass is not itself difficult but it is steep and involves a glacier traverse on the eastern side. We need to be careful as the trail is vertical and the rocks glazed by ice add trouble to the trekkers making the trail slippery. Leaving Thagnag behind, the trail follows the path alongside the stream up the valley behind Thagnag to the northeast. It's a beautiful v-shaped valley with no hint of glaciations. The clear pure stream runs alongside the path. We follow the path through the yak kharkas to a saddle at 5,120 m (16, 794 ft) that takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes. From here, we can spot Cho-la pass which is an impressive sight in itself. This is the point where we might want to retreat from if we change our mind. The trail then goes down about one hundred meter before beginning to ascend from where the top of the pass is 400 m ascent. As we gain height, the view gets increasingly captivating before us. We should allow 5-6 hours to make to the top of the pass which is marked by prayer flags and cairns. Prominent mountains we get sight of during the trail on the pass and from the top are Kyajo Ri, Tengkangpoche, Numbur, Kangchung etc. The pyramidal Ama Dablam presides over a range of mountains on the south even as Cholatse soar on the west and Lobuche East and Baruntse rises sharply to our right. Descending to the far side of Dzongla takes about another 3 hours.

Day 10 Trekking from Dzongla to Lobuje to Gorakshep (Trekking 7 hrs, altitude 5170 m/16,961ft):

We climb down from Dzongla and after crossing a bridge, we traverse through the grassy trail. We enjoy the view of Lobuche Peak as we stretch up through a ridge. Ama Dablam, Kangtega, Thamserku Taboche are seen looming prominently. We curving round through the wide gravelly river bed and arrive at Lobuche in about 3 to 4 hours and join the main trail to the Everest Base Camp. The trail from Lobuche to Gorakshep goes through the moraine of the Khumbu. We pass through the pyramid sign post and continue ahead on the trail; we see the crest of north ridge of Mount Everest along with Mt. Pumori, Mahalangur, Lingtern, Khumbutse, Nuptse, etc. A small climb would lead us to Thangma Riju from where we enjoy 360 degree vista of snowy mountains. The trail, then climbs steeply up to the top through the torrent of Changri glacier and we catch our first glimpse of Kala Patthar (5545 m/18,192 ft), a grayish green hill beneath the Mt. Pumori. As we arrive at Gorakshep (3 hours) we will be overwhelmed by the snow-capped mountains including the top of the world - Mount Everest surrounding us.
If time permits and if weather is fine, its worth hiking to Kalapattar today rather than next day to enjoy the amazing sunset view. The reflection of setting sun’s rays from the snow capped mountains creates very emotional and overwhelming scenery that trekkers shouldn’t miss Overnight in Gorakshep.

Day 11: Trekking from Gorakshep to Everest Base Camp (6 hrs trekking, 5364 m/17,594 ft)-Gorak Shep (5170 m/16,961ft)

The hike from Gorakshep to Everest Base Camp is pretty easy, first along a ridge and then later going onto the Khumbu Glacier and takes about 3 hours. If you are trekking during spring, you will see the entire base camp ground covered by mountaineer’s tents. From the Everest Base Camp, we will have great views of Nuptse, Khumbuste and Pumori but Mount Everest! By now, we have attained our ultimate goal of the trip and we head back to Gorakshep for a good night's rest. The return trip to Gorakshep takes about 2 hours. If time permits and if weather is fine, its worth hiking to Kalapattar today rather than next day to enjoy the amazing sunset view. The reflection of setting sun’s rays from the snow capped mountains creates very emotional and overwhelming scenery that trekkers shouldn’t miss. Overnight in Gorak Shep. (B,L,D) Overnight in Gorak Shep.

Day 12 Hike from Gorakshep to Kala Pattar (7-8 hrs trekking, 5545 m/18,192 ft) and descend to Pheriche (4280 m/14,070 ft)

Although Everest Base Camp is the main goal of this trekking, Kala Pattar hiking is the climax of the trip. Kala Pattar offers the most spectacular views of Mount Everest and quite different than from any other points. We begin early morning so that we reach the summit before sunrise. We cross the beach and follow the path - steep at first and then more gently. The final section is quite steep. During the ascent to Kala Patthar, we can pause to catch our breath at several outstanding view points to snap pictures. The summit is marked by cairns and loads of prayer flags offered by the trekkers. As the first light of the day shines on Mount Everest and other peaks, we will have overwhelmingly beautiful views of Mount Everest and Nuptse to the east are magnificent, at much closer range than at Gokyo Ri. We can see Everest Base Camp in the distance on the Khumbu Glacier. For many people this is the ascent of a lifetime. As we have to start early morning, we have to be prepared to walk in the dark and very cold temperature, ranging from -10°C (14°F) to -14 °C (7°F). Moreover, usually there will be chilly winds which are quite expected. It takes about 2 ½ to 3 hours to reach the top, and 1 hour return trip down to Gorakshep. Depending on weather, we might spend 1 to 2 hrs on the top enjoying the sceneries and taking the pictures. After having late morning breakfast in Kala Pattar, we head down to Pheriche for overnight. We return the way we come from. It takes about 1 ½ hrs to reach to Lobujue, half an hour from Lobuje to Dughla and another 1 hour to Pheriche. Overnight in Pheriche. (B, L, D)

Day 13 Descend from Pheriche to Tengboche (3-4 hrs trekking, 3860 m/12,660 ft)

Relatively, it’s a shorter and easier day of trekking today, as we trek down to the lower altitudes. We follow the same route back to the terminal moraines at Dughla and follow the wide valley of Khumbu Khola River. We pass through the beautiful Sherpa villages of Pheriche, Orsho, and Shomare before we arrive at Pangboche (2 hrs). If you plan to visit the monastery in Pangboche, then we have to take the alternative route from Shomare. From Pangboche, we continued down to Imaja Khola and cross the bridge and walk through the forest to Debuche where we can visit a nunnery, a Nyingma-pa institution (3 hrs). Tengboche Monstery is further 30 minutes descent from Debuche. Finally, we reach Tengboche Monaster, magnificently situated on a ridge in the forest with awesome views of Everest and Ama Dablam and views down three valleys. It's probably the best location on the whole trip!! Tengboche hosts a famous festival known as Mani Rimbu during the month of November. Overnight in Tengboche. (B,L,D)

Day 14 Continue descending from Tengboche to Namche Bazaar: (5-6 hrs trekking, 3440 m/11,280 ft)

This section of the trail is well defined. We walk past the large stupa to the south of Tengboche and walk down the steep path, lined with juniper and rhododendron trees. If we are trekking during spring, pink and red rhododendron flowers ablaze our surroundings. After crossing the prayer flag festooned bridge over the Dudkoshi River, we reach Phunki Thenga by the Dudh Kosi River. The trail follows the river gorge descending rapidly through the pine forests. The path eventually reaches Sansa –a major trail junction in the region. We stop at Kyangjuma (3570 m/11,710 ft) and enjoy lunch in relaxed atmosphere with gorgeous views of Ama Dablam, Thamserku and Nuptese in every bite. After lunch, we follow the trail that clings to the steep wooded slope beyond Kyangjuma and zigzags down to Namche Bazaar. The trail is abundant with several wildlife such as mountain goats, snow leopards, colorful pheasants, etc and we will be on the lookout for them. We walk past a Chorten and arrive at army camp of Namche Bazaar, from where, we bid farewell to Lhotse, Mount Everest and Tengboche. Upon arrival at Namche Bazaar, we settle into our guesthouse. (B,L,D)

Day 15 Descend from Namche Bazaar to Lukla (2,800m/9,186ft) (2,652m/8,700ft) (6-7 hrs)

It's a long way from Namche to Lukla, but by now you should be fit enough to do it comfortably. It’s a long way down from Namche Bazaar to Lukla but by now, we should be strong enough to do it comfortably. The trail is steep down and so we need to walk slowly and control our shaky legs battling against the rocky terrain. The trail crosses several bridges over the fast following Dud Koshi and its tributaries the trail comes in level. Although we are travelling the same route down, we find out completely different views. It takes about 3 ½ hours to reach Phakding where we may stop for refreshment. It takes another 2 to 3 hours to reach Lukla. We will have time in Lukla to stretch those sore legs, and recall the experiences of the last two weeks. We will also reconfirm our flight ticket today. Overnight in Lukla. (B,L,D)

Day 16 Flight from Lukla to Kathmandu.

If weather is fine, plane from Kathmandu lands in the Lukla airstrip in time; we hop on the plane and fly to Kathmandu.