Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu(1,340m),
When you arrive at Kathmandu Airport you’ll be welcomed by a Griffon Travel representative and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to rest or explore. During the evening you will meet your guide who will give you a briefing about the trek followed by dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight – hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 02: Fly to Lukla and trek to Phakding (2,652m),
We have a very early start this morning, after breakfast we go to the domestic airport and board our flight to Lukla. The flight takes around 40 minutes and gives incredible mountain views. After a cup of tea at a local lodge in Lukla we begin our trek on the legendary “Everest Highway” which heads down through the valley following the Dudh Koshi or milk river, named after its milky colour which comes from glacial silt. We reach Phakding (2,652m) after about three hours walking and end our first day here. Overnight - tea house.
Day 03: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,446m),
After breakfast we leave Phakding and continue along the western bank of the river, following a fairly level trail that leads into the Sagarmatha National Park at Monzo (2,835m). The journey takes us through a landscape of Pine, Rhododendron and Juniper forest, we cross the Dudh Koshi on a couple of occasions and climb to the village of Chomoa. After lunch we begin the long ascent to Namche Bazaar, a fairly strenuous 668m climb that should afford us our first views of Everest and Lhotse after passing through more Pine forest we arrive at a horse shoe shaped bowl where we find the most significant Sherpa village of Namche at 3,446m. Overnight - tea house.
Day 04: Acclimatization day in Namche,
Namche village is situated high above the Bhote Koshi Gorge and is the centre of Sherpa life in the Upper Khumbu region. Its bustling market and steep, narrow streets provide plenty of colour and interest. We have an extra day here to help acclimatize to the altitude, which affords an ideal opportunity to visit the Sagarmatha National Park Headquarters, as well as the nearby Sherpa Museum. There are some spectacular views of Ama Dablam, Everest, Nuptse and Lhotse from here and this afternoon there is a chance to enjoy an optional hike along the Bhote Koshi Valley towards Phurte (3,500m), a walk of some two hours that will involve an initial steep climb, but does present some superb views across the surrounding landscapes to the mountains beyond. Alternatively you might just like to enjoy the atmosphere of Namche itself, doing a little bit shopping amongst its myriad of tiny stalls, or watching the bustling chaos of street life as yaks, trekkers and Sherpa’s vie for space amongst its narrow lanes. Overnight - tea house.
Day 05: Trek to Khumjung via Khunde and Everest view Hotel.
Today we walk behind Namche Bazaar climbing steeply through Juniper bushes all the way to the, now unused, small airstrip at Shyangboche (3,730m). We continue to climb until we reach a ridge where we can take in the impressive views from the Everest View Hotel. Alternatively we can go via Khunde and see the Hillary Hospital, built by the Himalayan Trust, a charity established by Sir Edmund Hillary to assist the Sherpa people. Depending on our choice of route we may also pass the Government Yak breeding centre. Today we will have fine views of the great ridge of Lhotse-Nuptse, Everest,Thamserku, Kangtega, AmaDablam and Khumbila.
Khumjung is a traditional village lying below the sacred face of Khumbi-La which has been inhabited by Sherpas for hundreds of years. This remarkable village is home to the world’s highest bakery and also the school established by Sir Edmund Hillary in 1960, which has become an important centre of learning for children from the outlying villages and can hold up to 500 students. There will be a chance to visit both establishments today and also possibly encounter the brightly coloured Impeyan Pheasant, Nepal’s national bird. You may wish to visit the monastery at Khumjung village (3,790m) where you will find a Yeti skull. Overnight - tea house.
Day 06: Trek to Phortse Village (3,800m).
Today we leave Khumjung and follow the trail to Gokyo valley. We climb steeply for a couple of hours to Mong La Chorten pass where we have a tea break. From here the trail switch backs down hill through Pine forests to Phortse Thagnakon the bank of the Dudha Koshi where we stop for lunch. After lunch we cross the river by a suspension bridge and climb steeply through Birch trees to the village of Phortse (3,800m). A walk to the top of the village will take you to an impressive monastery which has recently been re-built by local people. Overnight - tea house.
Day 07: Trek to Pangboche village (3,995m).
We begin today by following the trail high above the Imja Khola valley where we can look down to the impressive Thyngboche Monastery. After this we continue on a quieter path, with few steep sections, for a couple of hours until we reach the village of Pangboche(3,995m). Pangboche is the last and highest permanent settlement on the route to Everest Base Camp. We will stop here for lunch and also visit the monastery which is the oldest monastery in the region. Overnight - tea house.
Day 08: Trek to Ama Dablam Base Camp (4,576m)
Today begins with a steep descent to the Imja Khola which we cross by bridge. We then climb steeply for about three hours going through open yak pastures. Along the way you will get incredible views of the snowy peaks of Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Lhotse Shar, Nuptse, Lobuche, Tawoche and many more mountains. Before we reach Ama Dablam Base Camp we will find a small lake. Ama Dablam Base Camp is truly one of the most beautiful places in the Khumbu Valley. It consists of a large grassy meadow with a stream flowing through the middle.Overnight - tea house.
Day 09: Trek to Tengboche (3,870m)
We begin today with a steep descent back towards the Imja Khola. When we reach the river, we will follow a little known track called Saran’s secret trail. We follow this through a beautiful forest where we may see Musk Deer, Pheasants and other animals until we reach Tengboche.
Tengboche is home to a monastery of great significance to the Sherpa people of the Khumbu region. Those involved in climbing expeditions to Everest stop at this monastery to give Puja (prayers) at this sacred place to bring them good luck during their expedition. During the afternoon you’ll have time to look round the monastery. Overnight- tea house.
Day 10: Trek to Monzo (2,835),
After crossing the suspension bridge over the Dudh Koshi River we trek on wards to Kyanjuma, the junction of a trinity of ways, to Gokyo Valley, Khumjung village and Namche Bazzar. Here we will get spectacular views of Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Tawache and Lhotse. We may also see some wildlife such as Pheasants, Himalayan Griffons, Musk Deer and wild goat which can be found inside the Rhododendron forest. In the evening we can explore the surrounding area and enjoy the magnificent scenery. Overnight - tea house.
Day 11: Trek to Lukla (2,800m),
This morning we head for Lukla. We will probably meet many other trekkers as they head out to Namche. By the end of the day we will have climbed about 1,000 feet from Phakding. During our last evening on trek in Lukla we can reflect on our experiences over a much deserved beer. Overnight - tea house.
Day 12: Fly to Kathmandu,
Today we have an early start heading to the airstrip to catch a flight back to Kathmandu. Once back in Kathmandu the rest of your day is free to rest or explore Kathmandu. Overnight - hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 13: Free day in Kathmandu,
Today is your free day in Kathmandu. Your guide will meet you at your hotel in the morning and can assist you if you wish to do some sightseeing. You may wish to visit the Boudhanath Stupa the largest Buddhist temple in Nepal, or see Pashupatinath, the most sacred Hindu site in Nepal where you may see Hindu Holy men, known as Sadhus or possibly view cremation rituals on Ghats along the banks of the Bagmati River. Overnight - hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 14: End Kathmandu,
Transfer to Kathmandu international airport for your onward destination.
