Legends of Everest Trek - 11 days

From the airport, our guide will drive you to your hotel. Check in and take a rest. Later in the day, there will be a trip briefing at Third Rock Adventures' office or the hotel lounge. You will meet your trekking guide and other team members if you join a group.

Overnight in Kathmandu.

The flight for Lukla leaves early in the morning. So you pack up and head to the airport very early in the day. As Tenzing Hillary Airport in Lukla can accommodate only small planes, you will be flying there in a tiny aircraft. It is a thrilling experience as the aircraft flies close to mountains and cliffs.

After arriving in Lukla, your luggage will get sorted, and the porters will carry the heavier bags. You follow your guide, walk past the market area and head down the trail to Phakding. It is a short walk of about three to four hours to the Dudh Koshi River. You cross a suspension bridge and enter Phakding, the first Sherpa village where you will spend the night.

Overnight in Phakding.

Today you have a strenuous hike in store, but the stunning views make up for the painful leg work. The trail meanders past mani stones with Buddhist mantras carved on them, prayer flags, and thick pine and rhododendron forests. At Monjo, you step into the Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site. With the Imja and Dudh Koshi rivers flowing below, you cross the high Hillary suspension Bridge before reaching Namche. You also get to feast on your first view of Mount Everest.

Namche Bazaar is known as the capital of the Khumbu region. It is a busy town filled with shops, teahouses, cafes, bakeries, etc. There's also a bank and an ATM booth. On reaching Namche, you make your way to the picturesque Yeti Mountain Lodge, your overnight stop.

Overnight in Namche Bazaar.

The mountains look incredible from Namche. To capture more fabulous views, you hike up to Namche and reach the deserted airstrip of Shyangboche. No aircraft have landed here for a long time, and the airstrip is just a large grazing field. Climb further up and reach the Everest View Hotel. You can enjoy a panorama of the Himalayan mountains (Ama Dablam, Mount Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse) and the Dudh Koshi Valley. Later descend and take the trail to Khumjung Village, the largest Sherpa village in the Khumbu region.

Filled with traditional stone houses with green roofs, Khumjung has the oldest school in the region. Established by Sir Edmund Hillary in 1961, the school imparts education to Sherpa children of surrounding areas. Another place worth a visit is the Khumjung Gompa, where a scalp, said to be of a Yeti (the abominable snowman), is displayed. If you are not too tired, you can visit the neighboring village of Kunde too. Afterward, hike back to Namche.

Overnight in Namche Bazaar.

Set off from Namche to Thame, leaving the crowded EBC trail. You hike up, enjoying mesmerizing views of the mountains. You can enjoy walking in solitude. Soon you walk past the traditional Sherpa villages of Phurte,  Samde, and Thamo en route. Thamo is the native village of mountaineering giant Ang Rita Sherpa who broke the world record by climbing Mount Everest without supplementary oxygen ten times.

The trail meanders high above the Bhote Koshi River, which flows down from Tibet. After crossing a bridge across the Thesyo River, you arrive in Thame, one of the ancient villages in the Khumbu Region. The old trade route to Tibet went through this village.

Thame is the native village of legendary mountaineers Tenzing Norgay (the first Everest summiteer) and Apa Sherpa (world record holder with most ascents to Mount Everest).

Overnight in Thame.

Explore the village and hike up to Thame Monastery overlooking the village. The magnificent monastery set on the base of a rocky cliff is one of the oldest in the region. Your guide can show you the homes of local heroes Tenzing Norgay and Apa Sherpa. 

You can enjoy panoramic views of Cho Oyu, Mount Everest, Kusum Kangaru, Kantega, and many other peaks. You can also ascend the rocky Sumdur Ridge, which lies close to the village. Renjo La Pass, Tashi Lapcha Pass, and Nangpa La pass are also visible from the top of the ridge.

Overnight in Thame.

You start early and leave Thame for Monjo. You retrace your steps to Namche, savoring the picturesque views of the mountains and green hillsides. With their stone houses and low stone walls, the Sherpa villages look pretty. As you descend, the vegetation becomes lush and green. You head to Yeti Mountain Home as your trek ends for the day. Take advantage of the luxurious amenities provided by the lodge and relax.

Overnight in Monjo.

Take a leisurely descent back to Lukla. You reach the busy settlement after an easy hike. Spend your final day in Khumbu, sharing stories with other trekkers, updating your journal, or taking a tour of the busy village. Get together with the local crew in the evening and celebrate the completion of your Everest journey.

Overnight in Lukla.

Leave the inspiring mountains behind and head to Kathmandu. The flight is anything but boring. As the plane taxis down the steep runway, your heartbeat increases. As the tiny plane gets airborne, you catch a glimpse of the Khumbu mountains one last time. Kathmandu Valley looks impressive from the sky. After landing, head to your hotel and enjoy a relaxing day. You can visit a spa and pamper yourself, hunt for souvenirs or explore the local market. The rest of the day is yours, and you can spend the day as you wish.

Overnight in Kathmandu.

Today is a contingency day for emergencies such as flight cancellation, bad weather, or other instances that may delay your trip. If everything goes as planned, you can utilize this day to explore Kathmandu independently.

Overnight in Kathmandu.

You will be transferred to the airport on time to catch your flight. If you want to explore more of Nepal, then let us know. We at Third Rock Adventures are always ready to help you plan your itinerary.