Itinerary

Days 1-2: Kathmandu

We're met on arrival and transferred to our hotel. Sights the next day include Durbar Square, Royal Baths, Golden Temple, Patan Museum, and Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), the world's oldest religious shrine at more than 2500 years.

Days 3-10: Lukla-Namche Bazaar-Everest Base Camp

The trek begins after a flight to Lukla. We set off downhill to our night's lodging in Phakding (8,750') and follow the Dudh Koshi River valley to Namche Bazaar, an ancient market now prospering as a tourist hub and Sherpa cultural center. After acclimating for a day, hike to views of distant Mt. Everest and visit local villages for a closer view of Sherpa life. Top a ridge with a wonderful panorama of peaks, including Ama Dablam, Everest (29,029'), and Nuptse. Then descend to the Dudh Koshi before starting the long climb to Tyanboche, site of the Khumbu's holiest monastery. With chortlens lining the trail, ascend through rhododendron forest past treeline to a valley surrounded by snow-capped peaks. Another acclimatization day affords opportunities to interact with the locals and visit nearby villages. Wind around a lateral moraine of Khumbu Glacier. Fording a stream, we continue with Pumori straight ahead and Nuptse to our right. A very early morning start takes us to Everest Base Camp (17,700') for grand views of the mountain and the exhilaration of being at the foot of the highest place on earth.

Days 11-15: Kala Patthar-Lukla

The sun welcomes us to the top of Kala Patthar and world famous views of Everest, Nuptse, Loste, Pumori and a jumble of lesser peaks. At 18,300', this is the highest point on our trek. Start the steep descent through birch and juniper forest that shelters musk deer, pheasants, peacocks, wild goats, black bears and the elusive snow leopard. Descend through forest back to the rushing Dudh Koshi and on to Namche. Retrace the first days of our journey back to Phakding and Lukla with a renewed appreciation for the wonders of Nepal.

Days 16-18: Kathmandu

Fly back to Kathmandu for an afternoon and following day at your leisure. Conclude with a transfer to the airport for flights home.

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