Trip Overview
On our 17-day adventure, we'll explore the Himalayas on one of the world’s most legendary treks to Everest Base Camp (18,372 ft), gateway for those seeking to reach the highest point on the planet. It’s a place unlike any other on Earth. Despite the sore feet and tired muscles, the experience is more rewarding than you thought possible.
Our adventure begins in Kathmandu, where we'll have two nights to rest and relax in our luxurious boutique hotel. On Day 3 we catch an early morning flight to Lukla, gather our gear and head out! We'll spend the next 12 days above 10,000 feet, up and over dazzling peaks and mountain passes—each day, each hour, pushing ourselves higher, farther, deeper. On Day 11 we'll evaluate the weather conditions and push on to Everest Base Camp itself, an incredible, unforgettable experience. We'll spend the next few days losing altitude on our return to Namche Bazaar, where we'll catch a private helicopter directly to our final, luxurious two nights in Kathmandu. Truly, the journey of a lifetime.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
DAY 1: KATHMANDU
Day One! We'll meet you at Kathmandu's airport and transfer you to our hotel
Evening on own to explore Kathmandu
Lodging: Dwarika's Hotel in Kathmandu
DAY 2: KATHMANDU
Private tour of Kathmandu and Patan sites: Swayambhunath, Boudhanath Stupa, Patan Durbar Square
Visit Asan market and bazaar
Dinner at hotel
Gear check & trekking orientation
Lodging: Dwarika's Hotel in Kathmandu
DAY 3: LUKLA > PHAKDING
Early morning flight to Lukla (9,200 ft)
Meet porters and mountain guides
Our trek begins! Hike through Dudh Kosi river valley to UNESCO Heritage village of Phakding (8,562 ft)
Set-up camp and pitch tents
Camp: Near Phakding village
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DAY 3 TREKKING SUMMARY
Distance: 5 miles
Approx. time: 4 - 5 hours
Elevation Loss: 650’
DAY 4: NAMCHE BAZAAR
Break camp, ascend slowly to entrance of Sagarmatha National Park, with views of Thamserku (21,729 ft)
After lunch, steep 1,800-foot climb to Namche Bazaar (11,286 ft)
Lodging: Panorama Lodge in Namche Bazaar
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DAY 4 TREKKING SUMMARY
Distance: 6 - 7 miles
Approx. time: 7 hours
Elevation gain: 2,700’
DAY 5: NAMCHE & AROUND
Acclimatization day to 'hike high, sleep low'
Views of Nuptse (25,790 ft), Lhotse (27,940 ft), Ama Dablam (22,943 ft) and even Everest (29,035 ft)
Lodging: Panorama Lodge in Namche Bazaar
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DAY 5 TREKKING SUMMARY
Distance: 3 - 4 miles
Approx. time: 5 hours
Elevation Loss: 1,100’
DAY 6: PHORTSE
Ascend through forest along southern slope of Khumbila
Lunch stop with views of Thamserku (21,729 ft)
Descend to Phortse Tenga (12,598 ft), traditional Sherpa village just off main trekking route
Lodging: Mountain lodge in Phortse
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DAY 6 TREKKING SUMMARY
Distance: 6 miles
Approx. time: 6 - 7 hours
Elevation gain/loss: 2,100'/700'
DAY 7: PANGBOCHE
Half-day ascent from Phortse to Pangboche (13,074 ft)
Set up camp among traditional homes and fields
Afternoon visit to Pangboche Monastery
Camp: Outside Pangboche village
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DAY 7 TREKKING SUMMARY
Distance: 3 miles
Approx. time: 3 - 4 hours
Elevation Loss: 300’
DAY 8: DINGBOCHE
Ascend to Dingboche village (14,469 ft), highest permanent Sherpa settlement in region
Views of Ama Dablam (22,349 ft)
Late lunch, with afternoon to rest and relax
Lodging: Mountain lodge in Dingboche
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DAY 8 TREKKING SUMMARY
Distance: 4 miles
Approx. time: 4 - 5 hours
Elevation gain: 1,300’
DAY 9: DINGBOCHE
Acclimatization day
Day hike to base of Nangkartshang (16,676 ft), with some of best views in region including Makalu (27,762 ft), world’s fifth-highest peak
Lodging: Mountain lodge in Dingboche
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DAY 9 TREKKING SUMMARY
Distance: 3 miles
Approx. time: 3 - 4 hours
Elevation Loss: 2,000’
DAY 10: LOBUCHE
Follow upper route into Pheriche (14,340 ft)
Views of Taboche (21,463 ft) and Chola Tse (21,129 ft)
Ascend to Thugla Pass (15,748 ft), memorials dedicated to Everest summiteers
From Thugla, crest pass with views of Nuptse (25,791 ft), Lhotse (27,940 ft), Lhotse Shar (27,536 ft)
Arrive in Lobuche, low-key trekkers’ outpost
Lodging: Mountain lodge in Lobuche
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DAY 10 TREKKING SUMMARY
Distance: 5 miles
Approx. time: 5 hours
Elevation gain: 2,100'
DAY 11: EVEREST BASE CAMP
Hike from Lobuche to tiny outpost of Gorakshep (17,100 ft)
Evaluate weather conditions
If safe, head out on 4.5-mile roundtrip to Everest Base Camp (18,372 ft), with a return after dark
In low-visibility and/or unstable weather, our alternate destination is 4-mile roundtrip hike to Kala Patthar (18,190 ft)
Lodging: Mountain lodge in Gorakshep
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DAY 11 TREKKING SUMMARY
Distance: 9 - 11 miles
Approx. time: 6 - 8 hours
Elevation gain/loss: 1,200'/800’
DAY 12: LOBUCHE
Sunrise hike to Kala Patthar (18,190 ft) for views of Mt Everest (29,035 ft), weather permitting
Long, slow descent to Lobuche; potential to overnight in Thokla depending on group pace and progress
Lodging: Mountain lodge in Lobuche
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DAY 12 TREKKING SUMMARY
Distance: 6 - 8 miles
Approx. time: 5 - 7 hours
Elevation gain/loss: 1,300’/800'
DAY 13: DEBOUCHE
Cross Pheriche pass (14,378 ft) to old Pheriche village
Visit medical rescue association (if open)
Continue descent through forests and small Sherpa villages to Debouche (12,464 ft)
Lodging: Mountain lodge in Debouche
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DAY 13 TREKKING SUMMARY
Distance: 9 miles
Approx. time: 6 hours
Elevation loss: 1,900’
DAY 14: NAMCHE
Visit Tengboche Monastery
Descend to Dudh Koshi river and village of Kyangjuma (11,811 ft)
Evening in Namche Bazaar (hot showers!)
We say farewell to trek support crew and porters
Lodging: Panorama Lodge in Namche
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DAY 14 TREKKING SUMMARY
Distance: 6 miles
Approx. time: 5 - 6 hours
Elevation loss: 900'
DAY 15: KATHMANDU
Private helicopter transfer from Namche Bazaar to Kathmandu
Check in to hotel, afternoon to relax and enjoy hotel facilities
Lodging: Dwarika Dhulikhel Hotel in Kathmandu
DAY 16: KATHMANDU
Optional early morning yoga class
Visit Bhaktapur, UNESCO World Heritage Site in Kathmandu Valley
Momo (dumpling) making & farewell celebration dinner
Lodging: Dwarika Dhulikhel Hotel in Kathmandu
DAY 17: DEPARTURES
Final breakfast
Group airport transfer to Kathmandu Tribhuvan International (KTM)
Where We Sleep
Dwarika's Hotel
Battisputali Rd, Kathmandu 44604, Nepal
Tel. +977 1-4479488
dwarikas.com
Our first two nights we stay at this palatial Kathmandu property. It beautifully captures the craftsmanship and architectural heritage of traditional Nepal, with every detail—from the handwoven linens to the pottery and brass work adorning the walls—made by local artisans. This is one of the finest hotels in Nepal, with all the comforts you'd expect including a swimming pool and a spa perfect for preparing minds and bodies for our adventures to come. We're just a stone’s throw from Pashupathinath temple and the Buddhist stupa at Bouddhanath.
Panorama Lodge
Namche Bazaar, Nepal
This family-run lodge is located in the heart of Namche, on a hill with sweeping views of towering Himalaya peaks. You can easily spend hours on the outdoor deck watching the clouds and ever-changing colors of the sky. Rooms are newly built and comfortable, with private bathrooms and showers—an uncommon luxury on the trail—with solar-powered hot water. We'll sleep well here.
Mountain Lodges & Camping
We camp for two nights (on Days 3 and 7) in expedition-quality mountaineering tents, fully supported by our guides, camp cook and trekking crew. Other nights on the trail we stay in family-run mountain lodges ('tea houses'), a centuries-old Nepalese tradition. Most have simple facilities (the higher the elevation, the simpler the facilities) typically with open fireplaces and communal dining areas, and shared bathrooms. These are classic, humble way stations, places to break bread and reflect on the day’s adventures and replenish ourselves for the day to come.
Dwarika's Resort
Dhulikhel, Kavre, Nepal
Tel. +977 11-490612
dwarikas-dhulikhel.com
Nestled in serene hills just outside Kathmandu, this resort’s philosophy draws upon a winning combination of Vedic astrology, Buddhist philosophy, and ancient Himalayan herbal remedies. Breathe in the purified air of the Himalayan Rock Salt House (built from 22 tons of Himalayan salt); take a barefoot sunrise stroll through meditation maze; rebalance your chakras and consult with a master astrologer; or climb to the highest point and enjoy a hilltop sunset from the comfort of a divan-sized outdoor swing. This is true luxury and an idyllic spot to end our time together in Nepal.
Inclusions & Exclusions
INCLUSIONS
On a Modern Adventure, we’ve worked out all the details for you. Included in your experience are all the gear, delicious food, private air transport, expert local guides, and much more. Here’s what’s included:
Four nights at boutique luxury accommodations in Kathmandu
Two nights of fully supported camping, plus 10 nights in mountain lodges
Porters, camp crew, and expert local trekking guides
Internal flight on Day 3 from Kathmandu to Lukla
Internal helicopter transfer on Day 15 from Namche Bazaar to Dhulikhel
Exclusive guided activities and monastery visits
Kathmandu airport arrival and departure transfers
National Park fees, TIMS permit & Local Authority fees
All breakfasts, lunches and dinners
Local beverages with meals
Gratuities for local staff
Ground transportation
EXCLUSIONS
Roundtrip airfare to/from Kathmandu, Nepal
Travel insurance (see Get Ready)
Activities not included in the trip itinerary
Hotel and lodge incidentals
Personal camping such as sleeping bags & mats (see Gear & Packing for full list of items you'll need to bring)
Gratuity for trekking guides and Modern Adventure trip leader