Everest Yeti Trail

Day by Day Itinerary

• Day 1 Arrival in Kathmandu, Transfer to hotel

  Airport transfer to Gokarna Forest Resort. Situated on 470 acres of protected land, this was once the private hunting ground of Nepal’s royalty. Take this free day to mingle with the deer and monkeys wandering on the grounds, enjoy the indoor pool and health club, or avail yourself of the spectacular par 72 golf course at the center of the resort. In the evening is a welcome dinner and trek briefing.

  Accommodation: Gokarna Forest Resort on FB
  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: 3 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, hike to Khumjung/Khunde

  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.

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

• Day 5 Trek to Thame

  Now things change. The hike to Thame goes north-west out of Namche, instead of the north-east trail towards Everest that the vast majority of tourists and trekkers take. This is important because everyone shares the trail up to Namche. But when headed to Thame, the trail feels distinctly less crowded, with very little tourist traffic but ample opportunities to see the slow mountain life in small villages. The route also gets infinitely more scenic, with lots of patches of rhododendron tree groves and mountain views all around. And the closer one gets to Thame, the more compelling all of its gets!

  Accommodation: MLN Thame on FB
  Elevation: 12303ft/3750m
  Trek Time: 4-5 hours

• Day 6 Thame, visit Monastery or Sumdur ridge

  Acclimatizing, in preparation for the next day’s six-hour hike to Kongde, choose to explore the culture and sights at Thame, birthplace of famous Everest summiteers like Tenzing Noragay Sherpa—or opt to hike to Sumdur Ridge, at 4830 meters, not a true peak, but an amazing view over the valley and the serrated ridges of the Kongde range.

  Accommodation: MLN Thame on FB
  Elevation: 12303ft/3750m
  Trek Time: 4-5 hours

• Day 7 Trek to Kongde

  Unlike the aforementioned north-east trail, here you will experience real tranquility and solitude in Himalayan wilderness. As you walk under the canopy of lush mountain vegetation and rhododendron forests, cross bridgeless snow-melt streams thousands of feet up in the Himalayas, steadily navigate narrow paths above rocky canyons, and enter countless meadows with breathtaking panoramic views, your guide will likely be the only other person around. To say your ultimate destination, the Kongde lodge, is an exceptionally rare Himalayan experience would be an understatement.

  Accommodation: MLN Kongde on FB
  Elevation: 13943ft/4250m
  Trek Time: 7-8 hours

• Day 8 Kongde - visit Kongde Ri

  A full day to enjoy Kongde Ri (19685ft/6000m) is the pinnacle of the Yeti Trail. A small crystal clear lake awaits those willing to make a near four-hour ascent that day. To reflect in that otherworldly pool is truly a sublime achievement.

  Accommodation: MLN Kongde on FB
  Elevation: 13943ft/4250m
  Trek Time: 4-5 hours

• Day 9 Trek to Phakding

  You’ll enjoy a faster descent, with all the views, on this return trek to Phakding.

  Accommodation: MLN Phakding on FB
  Elevation: 8563ft/2610m
  Trek Time: 3-4 hours

• Day 10 Trek to Lukla

  Because Phakding is below Lukla, there’s a little ascent in the well-traveled route back to Lukla, where a celebratory night at the end of your trek awaits.

  Accommodation: MLN Lukla on FB
  Elevation: 9383ft/2860m
  Trek Time: 3-4 hours

• Day 11 Flight Lukla to Ramechhap, transfer to Kathmandu, Free day

  Flight Lukla to Ramechhap, transfer to Kathmandu Hotel, free day

  Accommodation: Gokarna Forest Resort on FB.
  Flight: 20 min
  Drive: 3 hours
  Elevation: 4244ft /1400m

• Day 12 Kathmandu Free day

  Free day

  Accommodation: Gokarna Forest Resort on FB
  Elevation: 4244ft /1400m

• Day 13 Final Departure, transfer to International Airport

  Final Departure, transfer to the International airport

  Accommodation: N/A
  Drive: 1 hour