Everest & Gokyo Lakes

• Day 1:
• Arrive in Kathmandu

Upon arrival at Kathmandu airport we meet & greet and transfer you to your chosen hotel in Kathmandu. The rest of the day is free for you to settle into your hotel and relax, or start exploring the local area.

• Day 2:
• Kathmandu city tour

After a pre-tour briefing we head into the centre of Kathmandu for a tour of the city. We visit Durbar Square, with its numerous temples and the old royal palace, we take a walk up to the top of Swayambunath Stupa for a great view over the city, and of course there is plenty of time to enjoy the numerous shops and stalls along the way. The evening is free for you to continue exploring or sample Kathmandu's unique nightlife.

• Day 3:
• Kathmandu to Lukla flight. Trek to Phakding

Today we take a short early morning flight from Kathmandu to Lukla (2,800m) and begin trekking to Phakding (2,652m). Descending out of Lukla the trail we take, gently winds its way along the river and serves as an easy introduction to the more challenging days we face ahead. We overnight at Phakding at one of the many comfortable trekking lodges.

• Day 4:
• Phakding to Namche Bazaar

Today starts gently as we make our way along the river to the entrance of Sagamartha National Park; this is where we will obtain our trekking permits and register with the park authorities. Soon the trail starts to rise and we begin the long climb up to Namche Bazaar (3,446m), where we stop for the night.

• Day 5:
• Namche Bazaar - acclimatisation day

You have a free day in Namche Bazaar today, for acclimatisation. This is a colourful Sherpa town and is a great place to spend time exploring. There are plenty of shops and stalls selling everything form cut price trekking gear to Buddhist prayer flags. Its internet cafes, bakeries and cafes are also popular with the many visitors. Of course, if you’re not too tired, there are plenty of interesting and scenic day walks you can do if wish. We overnight at a lodge in Namche Bazaar.

• Day 6:
• Namche Bazaar to Khumjung

We leave Namche Bazaar behind today and climb over a ridge to Khumjung, a picturesque Sherpa village nestled in the next valley. On top of the ridge it is possible to get your first glimpse of Mount Everest, weather permitting. We overnight at a lodge in Khumjung.

• Day 7:
• Khumjung to Thengboche

Today's goal is to reach the village of Thengboche, which lies on top of the next ridge. This means we start the day with a long descent through beautiful Rhododendron forests, down to the suspension bridge at Phunki Tenga (3,250m). We then start the strenuous climb and eventually we crest the ridge and arrive at Thengboche (3,870m), from where, on a clear day, the views of Everest and Lhotse are magnificent. Thengboche is also the site of a large Buddhist monastery, which is certainly worth a visit. We overnight at a lodge in Thengboche.

• Day 8:
• Thengboche to Dingboche

Today’s journey takes us through some beautiful Rhododendron forests as we follow the river up the Imja valley to Dingboche. Whilst on this stretch of the trail there is a good possibility of spotting the elusive musk deer, an endangered species, indigenous to this area. Leaving the forests behind, today ends with a steep climb up to Dingboche (4,410m). We overnight at a lodge in Dinggboche.

• Day 9:
• Dingboche - acclimatisation day

We spend today in Dingboche acclimatising to the high altitude. This traditional Sherpa village is a patchwork of fields enclosed by stonewalls and offers wonderful views of the surrounding mountains. If you've got plenty of energy and don’t feel like resting you can head up the valley towards Chukung for even better views. We overnight at a lodge in Dingboche.

• Day 10:
• Dingboche to Lobuche

Today we climb up from Dingboche and follow the valley high up on one side until we reach Dughla (4,620m) and the entrance to the Khumbu valley. Heading up the Khumbu valley, a steep climb takes us over the Thokla Pass (4,830m). From here we follow the edge of the glacial moraine onto Lobuche (4,910m). We overnight at a lodge in Lobuche.

• Day 11:
• Lobuche to Gorak Shep / Kalar Pattar

As we continue through the Khumbu valley the unfolding mountain panoramas are spectacular. After reaching the Lobuche Pass (5,110m) we continue on to Gorak Shep (5,140m). Whilst here we take a welcome break from the altitude before making our short but steep ascent of Kalar Pattar (5,550m). This view point is the perfect place to take in the full majesty of the surrounding mountains. We overnight at a lodge in Gorak Shep.

• Day 12:
• Everest & Gokyo Lakes trek

Climb Kallar Pattar. Walk to Dzonglha.

• Day 13:
• Everest & Gokyo Lakes trek

Cross Cho La Pass to Thagnak.

• Day 14:
• Everest & Gokyo Lakes trek

Thagnak to Gokyo.

• Day 15:
• Everest & Gokyo Lakes trek

Free day for Gokyo Ri and/or high lakes walks.

• Day 16:
• Everest & Gokyo Lakes trek

Gokyo to Dole.

• Day 17:
• Everest & Gokyo Lakes trek

Dole to Khumjung.

• Day 18:
• Everest & Gokyo Lakes trek

Khumjung to Phakding.

• Day 19:
• Everest & Gokyo Lakes trek

Phakding to Lukla, finish trekking.

• Day 20:
• Fly to Kathmandu. Bhaktapur ancient centre

We take a flight back to Kathmandu this morning, from where we make the short transfer to the ancient centre of Bhaktapur. Formerly the capital of one of the Kathmandu Valley's four kingdoms, Bhaktapur is a treasure trove of ancient wooden carved buildings and temples, and is a great place to spend some time exploring and getting a feel for life in Nepal centuries ago. Note. This day is built into the itinerary in case of delays to the flight back from Lukla to Kathmandu, which do occur fairly frequently when the weather is cloudy or there are high winds.

• Day 21:
• Free time in Bhaktapur and Kathmanudu

You have some free time in Bhaktapur this morning before transferring the short distance back to the centre of Kathmandu. You can relax and take it easy or do some more sightseeing or final shopping, the choice is yours. Options include adding an extension to the tour to Chitwan or Bardia National Parks, or to try some exciting white water rafting.

• Day 22:
• Kathmandu - Tour ends. Airport transfer

Your time is free today until we transfer you to the airport in time for your flight home.