Welcome to Nepal! Our friendly team will meet you at Tribhuvan International Airport and take you to your hotel in Kathmandu. After you've had time to freshen up, we'll gather for a short briefing about your trekking adventure. We will give you a rundown of essential documents and all gears you will need throughout.

In the evening, join us for a wholesome Nepali welcome dinner where you can meet your fellow trekkers. Get a good night's rest, your Himalayan journey begins tomorrow!

Today we'll take a full-day (approximately 8 hours) scenic drive from Kathmandu to Salleri. You'll enjoy beautiful views of Nepal's countryside as we travel through rolling hills and traditional villages.

The road winds through changing landscapes, giving you a good look into rural Nepal. We'll spend the night at a comfortable tea house in Salleri, where you can relax after our journey.

We begin with a 6-hour drive from Salleri to Surke on adventurous mountain roads. After reaching Surke, we'll start our first trekking section: a pleasant 3.5 hour walk to Phakding.

This gentle introduction to Himalayan trekking takes us through peaceful pine forests, past small villages, and across classic Nepali suspension bridges.

We'll spend our first night on the trail at a cozy tea house in Phakding, where you can rest and prepare for the days ahead.

Highlights of Phakding:

• Peaceful Phakding Monastery where visitors can observe Buddhist rituals
• Iconic Hillary Suspension Bridge decorated with colorful prayer flags
• Scenic Dudh Koshi River with its striking turquoise waters
• Vibrant rhododendron forests that bloom beautifully in spring
• Charming Sherpa tea houses offering warm hospitality
• Starting point for treks to Namche Bazaar and Everest region

Today's trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar will take about 6-7 hours with rest breaks along the way. The trail leads through beautiful rhododendron forests and crosses several suspension bridges, including the famous Hillary Bridge.

After entering Sagarmatha National Park at Monjo, we'll complete the final steep climb up to Namche. This vibrant Sherpa town is the perfect place to rest, with comfortable lodges, shops and cafes. If the weather is clear, you might get your first views of Everest!

Highlights of Sagarmatha National Park:

• Spot the elusive snow leopard prowling the high-altitude terrain.
• Look for the endangered red panda in the dense rhododendron forests.
• Watch Himalayan tahrs grazing on steep cliffs and rocky slopes.
• Observe musk deer darting through subalpine woodlands.
• Catch glimpses of Himalayan black bears in the lower forested areas.
• See langurs swinging through trees in the park’s lower elevations.
• Listen for the call of the Impeyan pheasant, Nepal’s national bird.
• Identify colorful Himalayan monals flashing iridescent feathers.
• Notice blood pheasants and snowcocks among alpine shrublands.
• Spot bearded vultures (lammergeiers) and golden eagles soaring overhead.
• Watch for weasels, martens, and pikas scurrying among rocks.
• Observe over 200 bird species thriving across the park’s varied zones.
• Marvel at biodiversity that thrives even above 5,000 meters altitude.
• Explore habitats ranging from pine forests to alpine tundra supporting rare species.

We'll spend today helping our bodies adjust to the altitude with a short four hour hike to Hotel Everest View. This gentle walk offers spectacular mountain vistas, including your first proper view of Mount Everest if conditions allow.

The rest of the day is free to explore Namche's markets, visit a bakery, or simply relax at our lodge while acclimatizing.

Our trek continues to the famous Tengboche village, home to the region's most important monastery. The 5-6 hour long trail offers breathtaking views of Ama Dablam, Everest and other Himalayan giants.

We'll arrive in time to visit the peaceful monastery, where you might hear monks chanting or see prayer flags fluttering against the mountain backdrop. The serene atmosphere here makes it a perfect place to rest before continuing our journey.

Attractions at Tengboche:

• Attend prayer ceremonies at the iconic Tengboche Monastery for a peaceful spiritual experience.
• Witness the Mani Rimdu festival in autumn with vibrant masked dances and Buddhist rituals.
• Enjoy breathtaking views of Everest, Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Thamserku from the monastery ridge.
• Walk the Sacred Sites Trail connecting Tengboche with other ancient monasteries in the Khumbu region.
• Spin prayer wheels and explore mani stones, chortens, and fluttering prayer flags around the village.
• Trek through rhododendron and pine forests filled with fresh mountain air and natural beauty.
• Join yoga or meditation sessions near the monastery in a tranquil Himalayan setting.
• Stay in cozy teahouses with stunning mountain views and warm Sherpa hospitality.
• Visit the nearby Debuche nunnery to learn about Buddhist nun traditions in the Everest region.

Today's journey continues upward through the beautiful Imja Valley. We'll cross small bridges over crystal-clear streams and pass through traditional stone-walled fields where local farmers grow barley and potatoes. 

Dingboche welcomes us with its peaceful atmosphere and stone houses nestled against the towering peaks. This is where we'll spend two nights to properly acclimatize.

Attractions at Dingboche:

• Use Dingboche as a vital acclimatization stop at 4,410 m to help prevent altitude sickness.
• Hike short acclimatization trails higher in the day and return to sleep lower in the village.
• Visit the serene Dingboche Monastery and observe morning prayer rituals.
• Take the Imja River walk past mani‑walls and prayer flags for stunning mountain views.
• Trek to Nangkartshang Peak (5,083 m) for a rewarding 360° panorama of Everest, Lhotse, Island Peak, Makalu.

This important rest day includes a short but rewarding hike up to Nangkartshang Peak (5,080m). The steady climb helps our bodies adjust while offering 360-degree views of Makalu, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam. We'll return to Dingboche by lunchtime, giving you the afternoon to explore the village. 

You might visit the local bakery, watch yaks grazing in nearby fields, or simply relax with a book while enjoying views of the surrounding peaks. Remember to drink plenty of water and take it easy, this day is crucial for preparing your body for the higher altitudes ahead.

Our trail today leads through the memorials honoring climbers who have died on Everest. The path then follows the lateral moraine of the Khumbu Glacier, with spectacular views of Pumori and other Himalayan giants.

You'll feel the altitude more noticeably today as we climb above 4,900m. The landscape becomes more rugged and dramatic, with boulder-strewn trails and icy winds reminding us we're entering the high mountain zone. 

Lobuche is a small cluster of teahouses where we'll rest before our big day to Base Camp tomorrow. A warm dinner and early night will help prepare us for the adventure ahead.

Things to do at Lobuche:

• Visit the Italian Pyramid Laboratory-Observatory, a high-altitude research station studying climate and glaciers.
• Stop by the World’s Highest Bakery Café for fresh bread, pastries, and hot drinks at 4,940 meters.
• Capture stunning astrophotography shots of the Milky Way in the clear, high-altitude night skies.
• Pay respects at the moving memorials dedicated to climbers who lost their lives on Everest.

The big day is here! We start early, following the rocky trail alongside the Khumbu Glacier. After reaching Gorak Shep (the last settlement before Base Camp), we'll have lunch before making the final push. The walk to Base Camp takes us across the glacier's moraine, watch your step on the uneven terrain.

When we finally reach our destination, you'll stand amidst the colorful tents of climbing expeditions, with the mighty Khumbu Icefall towering above.

Take time to absorb this incredible achievement, snap photos, and celebrate with your fellow trekkers. We'll return to Gorak Shep for the night, exhausted but exhilarated by our accomplishment.

We'll wake before dawn for our hike to Kala Patthar, the best viewpoint for Everest. The early start is worth it, we'll watch the sunrise paint the mountains in golden light. Seeing this for yourself really makes the whole trip worth it.

After taking in the incredible views, we'll return to Gorak Shep for breakfast before continuing our descent to Pheriche. The lower altitude will feel easier on your body, and you'll enjoy seeing green vegetation return as we walk through peaceful valleys.

Today we continue descending through familiar trails back to Namche Bazaar. You'll appreciate how much stronger you feel at this lower altitude. The trail takes us back through rhododendron forests and across swinging bridges.

Arriving in Namche will feel like returning to civilization: enjoy hot showers, good food, and celebrating your achievements with your fellow trekkers.

Things to do at Namche Bazaar:

• Take a short trek to the Everest View Hotel to enjoy tea or breakfast with a mountain backdrop.
• Walk to the Namche Monastery area for a quiet spot overlooking the village and the valley below.
• Visit the Sherpa Culture Museum to learn about traditional Sherpa life, local customs, and mountaineering history.
• Explore the Sagarmatha National Park Visitor Center and Museum to understand local wildlife, geography, and the legacy of Everest expeditions.
• Wander through the weekly Saturday market to see locals trading produce, yak cheese, and traditional goods.
• Shop for trekking gear, souvenirs, or warm clothing at Namche’s many equipment and gift shops.
• Have a drink at the world’s highest Irish Pub and meet fellow trekkers sharing trail stories.

Descend from Namche Bazaar along picturesque trails that pass through pine forests, quaint villages, and terraced fields. As you journey back, enjoy the changing landscapes and reflect on the incredible adventure so far.

Arrive in Surke, where you’ll stay overnight in a tea house, experiencing the simplicity and warmth of the rural lifestyle.

After breakfast, we'll board our vehicles for the scenic drive back to Salleri. The bumpy mountain roads wind through valleys and past rural villages, giving us final glimpses of Nepali countryside life.

Upon arrival, you'll have time to relax and process your amazing experiences over the past two weeks.

Our full-day drive returns us to Kathmandu, where you can look forward to a comfortable hotel bed and perhaps a celebratory dinner in the city.

The journey passes through changing landscapes as we leave the mountains behind, giving you time to reflect on your accomplishment.

Things to do in Kathmandu:

• Visit Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple), where you can climb the steps to enjoy panoramic views of Kathmandu and observe the playful monkeys that live around the ancient stupa.
• Explore Pashupatinath Temple, one of Nepal's most sacred Hindu sites, where you can witness traditional rituals along the banks of the Bagmati River.
• Walk around Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world, where locals and monks circle the dome with prayer wheels and chant mantras.
• Wander through Kathmandu Durbar Square to admire the historic palaces, temples, and intricate woodcarvings that showcase Newari architecture.
• Stroll through Thamel, Kathmandu's vibrant tourist hub, filled with shops selling trekking gear, handicrafts, and souvenirs, along with cozy cafes and restaurants.
• Discover Patan Durbar Square, another UNESCO site known for its beautiful courtyards, golden temples, and skilled metalworkers crafting traditional statues.
• Explore the local markets like Asan Bazaar, where you can experience the lively atmosphere and shop for spices, textiles, and everyday Nepali goods.
• Stop by the Narayanhiti Palace Museum, the former royal palace, to learn about Nepal's monarchy and see historical artifacts.
• Take a short trip to Bhaktapur, a well-preserved medieval city with stunning temples, pottery squares, and famous yogurt ‘Ju Ju Dhau.’

Depending on your flight time, we'll transfer you to the airport for your journey home. As you board your plane, you'll carry with you incredible memories of the Himalayas, new friendships, and perhaps dreams of returning someday to explore more of Nepal's beautiful mountains.