Everest Lodge-to-Lodge Trek

Arrive in Nepal

Arrive by 2pm to meet an MT Sobek representative and transfer to your hotel. Meet the group and your trip leader, get briefed on trek arrangements, receive a brief intro to Kathmandu, and then enjoy a Himalayan welcome dinner.

Tour the Kathmandu Valley

The Kathmandu Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is renowned for its rich cultural heritage. Take a morning tour of Bhaktapur, an enchanting medieval Nepalese town dripping with character. A highlight is Durbar Square, with its temples, ancient palace ruins, and exquisite Sun Dhoka — a gilded gate crafted in 1753. Come afternoon, explore Kathmandu's fascinating sights, shrines, and markets. Don't miss Asan Tole bazaar, Durbar Square, the Thamel district, Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple — try to catch the sunset here!), and King's Palace. The afternoon is free to rest or explore. Alternatively hire a driver and head for the ancient city of Patan.

Fly to the Khumbu

Transfer to the airport for the mountain flight to Lukla. The short but spectacular flight leaves the Kathmandu Valley and heads into the Himalaya, home to the world's highest mountains. Make an unforgettable landing on Lukla's 1,729-foot-long, 65-foot-wide runway, perched high on a mountainside above the Dudh Kosi (River of Milk). Collect your gear and walk to your lodge. If the flight is on time, fit in a warm-up hike to Kharka, on a trail that leads to Mera Peak, passing small hamlets and resident shepherds along the way.

Hike Lukla to Monjo

Begin trek from Lukla with a descent to the Dudh Kosi. Follow the trail to Phakding, passing mani walls (boulders inscribed with Buddhist prayers), small villages, and well-terraced hillsides. Meet Khumbu locals who, unlike the majority of Kathmandu residents, are Sherpas — people who migrated from Tibet over 500 years ago and still dress traditionally and practice evolved forms of Tibetan Buddhism. With Khumbila (18,800'), sacred peak of the Sherpas, looming above, arrive at the lodge in Monjo (9,317') in the early afternoon. Relax and enjoy free time while you acclimatize.

Experience Namche Bazaar

Head north into UNESCO-listed Sagarmatha (Mount Everest) National Park, established in 1976 to protect an area of great environmental, religious, and cultural importance. Cross the Dudh Kosi and begin the steep climb up "Namche Hill" amidst lovely rhododendron, fir, and magnolia forests. As you ascend, catch your first glimpse of Everest! Arrive in the vibrant Sherpa market town of Namche Bazaar, the unofficial Khumbu capital beautifully situated in a terraced amphitheater facing the hanging glacier below Kwangde (20,293'). Check into the lodge, then spend the afternoon exploring Namche Bazaar.

Trek to Tashinga

This morning stop at the Sagarmatha National Park visitors' center and museum, where there are terrific views of the Everest region and educational displays on the culture, geography, geology, climatology, and wildlife of the park and the Khumbu. Back on the trail, follow the classic route to Everest on a winding, almost level path. After about three hours, it's a slight detour and another 15 minutes to the lodge in Tashinga (11,800'). The rest of the afternoon is yours to enjoy — and there's nowhere more relaxing than the peaceful Himalaya!

Ascend to Tengboche and Pangboche

Descend into the deep Dudh Kosi Gorge — one of the most beautiful valley walks on Earth — and then climb steeply to the famous Tengboche Monastery (12,680'). Burned in 1989 and now completely rebuilt, Tengboche is the spiritual center of the Khumbu and a training center for new monks. After lunch, continue through this holy region to Pangboche. This incredibly scenic hike follows the Imja River, and Ama Dablam (22,349') and the great massif of Everest (29,028') hover majestically above. The tangible spirituality and stunning scenery of this place always impresses!

Day Excursion to Ama Dablam Base Camp

After crossing the Imja River and a gradual ascent to Lhabarma, you find yourself facing Ama Dablam, one of the Khumbu's most beloved and spectacular mountains. Ama Dablam Base Camp (15,013') sits on an open yak pasture beneath the west face, affording incredible views of Kan Tega (22,254'), Thamserku (21,729'), and Tawoche (21,463'). Here you'll likely meet climbing groups, either acclimatizing or fixing their route, as this trek coincides with climbing season. With binoculars you may even see climbers descending the steep ice slopes from the summit. Return to lodge.

Hike Back to Tashinga

This morning you cross the Mengbo and Imja rivers to reach a quiet trail offering an incredible panoramic vista complemented by charming old stone houses — and the blissful absence of other trekkers. Today is a shorter hike with time to stop at one of the tea houses along the way. When you arrive in Tashinga, check into the lodge and relish a free afternoon to rest and relax. Maybe it's siesta time — or, if you're feeling more energetic, explore the surrounding area on your own before reconvening for dinner.

Reach Monjo

Continue your push to Monjo. Leaving Tashinga Lodge, follow a small path to reach the main trail leading to the villages comprising Khumjung, approximately a one-hour hike. The path leads gently up the shallow valley to Khumjung, built into a mountain bowl and surrounded by patterned, terraced fields. Here in 1961 Sir Edmund Hillary's Himalaya Trust built its first school, which still operates today. And enter the Khumjung monastery for a peek at the infamous yeti scalp! Continue south to Monjo for the night.

Return to Lukla

Today you return to Lukla along the meandering Dudh Kosi, retracing your steps from Day 4. Pass Sherpa villages and soak in the stunning scenery until you arrive at the familiar lodge in Lukla.

Fly to Kathmandu

Bid a fond, if somewhat hesitant, farewell to the Khumbu as you fly from Lukla back to Kathmandu. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, transfer to hotel.

Hinduism & Buddhism in Kathmandu

If your flight from Lukla operates as scheduled, you'll enjoy a morning tour of the Pashupatinath Hindu temple complex on the Bagmati River and Bodhnath's enormous Buddhist stupa — the largest in Asia and the center of Tibetan Buddhist culture in the Kathmandu Valley. This afternoon you're free to roam, relax, or do some last-minute shopping or sightseeing on your own. In the evening, join the group for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.

Depart for Home

After breakfast, transfer from hotel to airport and depart Kathmandu on your homeward-bound flight.