Everest Sherpa Trail

Day by Day Itinerary

• Day 1 Arrival in Kathmandu, Transfer to hotel

  Airport transfer to Aloft Kathmandu. Situated in the heart of the bustling capital and Thamel, this is a tourism heaven where you can unwind, explore and experience the true essence of Nepal. Just minutes away from UNESCO Heritage Sites, it truly is an epicenter of entertainment and glamour, blending local and global experiences.

  Accommodation: Aloft on BB
  Drive: 1 hour
  Elevation: 4244ft /1400m

• Day 2 Drive to Ramechhap Flight to Lukla, Trek to Phakding

  You start with early drive from Kathmandu to Ramechhap from where you will take a flight to Lukla. A gentle four-hour hike from Lukla to Phakding is an ideal first stretch of this trip to get familiar with the local terrain and trail and to practice sharing it with the frequent trains of goods-laden Dzo (a domesticated Yak hybrid) and mules. There are several small shops along the way that make for great rest stops to soak in the scene, catch your breath, and get a cup of local tea. The approach to Phakding is also when the iconic river Dudh Koshi, which originates in the Everest massif, becomes a part of the trail.

  Accommodation: MLN Phakding on FB
  Drive: 4 hour
  Flight Time: 25 min
  Elevation: 8563ft/2610m
  Trek time: 3-4 hours

• Day 3 Trek to Namche Bazaar

  The following day’s hike to Namche is breathtaking, and the trail offers two incredible swing bridge crossings over the roaring Dudh Koshi. The hike does begin its uphill climb soon after reaching near the riverbank. While this stretch is not difficult as such, it can feel relentless in its ascent. Luckily, there are no shortages of scenic spots to rest and catch your breath and take photos.

  Accommodation: MLN Namche on FB
  Elevation: 11286ft/3440m
  Trek time: 5-6 hours

• Day 4 Namche Excursion

  Namche itself is the last major stop in the Everest region, with ample options for shopping any travel needs, dining out or even taking a break at beer gardens. The trek includes an extra day to do all of that, or if you’re raring to go, choose a day trek to beautiful Khumjung instead, home of the Sir Edmund Hillary schoolhouse.

  Accommodation: MLN Namche on FB
  Elevation: 11286ft/3440m
  Trek time: 3-4 hours

• Day 5 Trek to Debuche

  You’re on the road to Everest. The trail is lined by large chortens, prayer walls and painted rock faces; and you may see small herds of tahr, brown mountain goats. Follow the path around the ridge, descend into the valley and then head back up through the forest toward Deboche. Above you, look for lammergeiers, huge bearded vultures, circling the skies. For this leg of the journey, you leave the Mountain lodges for local rest stops, but don’t worry, your MLN guide assures an elevated experience throughout.

  Accommodation: Local lodge on FB
  Elevation: 12533ft/3820m
  Trek time: 4-5 hours

• Day 6 Phortse Excursion, Debuche

  Off the main trekking route, and thus truly authentic in feel, lies the idyllic farming village of Phortse, 3840m, providing a great day trek through the impressive gorge of the Imja Khola. Running close to the wild river, you’ll scale steep paths artfully carved into the rock face and experience fantastic Ama Dablam views.

  Accommodation: Local lodge on FB
  Elevation: 12533ft/3820m
  Trek time: 4-5 hours

• Day 7 Trek to Dingboche

  You are starting to get quite high now, and there’s a fair bit of height gain from Deboche at 3820m to Dingboche at 4410m, so count on a slower pace, and five to six hours on the trail. Don’t take things too fast–just enjoy the views!

  Accommodation: Local lodge on FB
  Elevation: 14468ft/4410m
  Trek time: 5-6 hours

• Day 8 Dingboche Excursion

  With the hum of monks chanting in unison, the thud of ritual drums, there’s nothing more transporting than entering a mountain monastery, part of today’s excursion. With its unrivalled backdrop of Mt. Ama Dablam, Tengboche Monastery is the leading Buddhist retreat in the Khumbu region with a residing Rinpoche (a lama incarnate) who blesses pilgrims, mountaineers and travelers passing through.

  Accommodation: Local lodge on FB
  Elevation: 14468ft/4410m
  Trek time: 4-5 hours

• Day 9 Short Everest sightseeing, heli to Lukla, Flight to Kathmandu

  Early in the morning, you’ll take a private helicopter ride, up the Khumbu valley, straight to Everest Base Camp. It’s a thrilling finale to your trek. Expect close-up views of Everest, as well other peaks, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Kangtega, Lhotse and Nuptse. Fly by helicopter to Lukla, and then wave goodbye to the Himalayas on the short but spectacular flight back to Ramechhap. At Ramechhap our vehicle will be ready to drive you back to Kathmandu.

  Accommodation: Aloft on BB
  HeliFlight: 1 hrs approx
  Flight: 20 min
  Drive: 4 hour
  Elevation: 4244ft /1400m

• Day 10 Freeday

  The last day at Aloft Kathmandu to relax or explore the many wonders of the capital. This also serves as a contingency day in case of delays in flights to and from Lukla.

  Accommodation: Aloft on BB
  Elevation: 4244ft /1400m

• Day 11 Final Departure, transfer to International airport

  Final Departure, transfer to the International airport

  Accommodation: N/A
  Drive: 1 hour