Nepal 7-Day Hiking Adventure

Arrive in Nepal

Welcome to Kathmandu! Meet your trip leader or an MTS representative and transfer to your hotel. In the afternoon, receive a briefing including information on trekking, altitude acclimatization, areas you will visit, and culture within the region, and an orientation to Kathmandu.

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 majestic Everest (29,028')! 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 Mende

Visit the Sagarmatha National Park visitors' center and museum, and revel in the fine views of Everest and Ama Dablam (22,349'). Then head up the valley and admire Kwangde (20,293') and the waterfalls cascading off its flanks. Continue on a high, contouring trail through rhododendron forest, looking out for colorful Impeyan pheasant (the Nepalese national bird) and small deer. Climb steeply up to the hamlet of Mende and stunning views from the lodge — your effort was well worth it! In the afternoon, visit the Lawudo monastery, an internationally renowned meditation center.

Soar Above the Himalaya to Kathmandu

Board a helicopter for a scenic ride that takes you across the Rinjo-La pass, the spectacular Gokyo Valley, and face to face with majestic Everest and its surrounding peaks. The bird's-eye views are truly spectacular! On arrival in Kathmandu, transfer to your hotel. In the afternoon, simply relax — or explore Kathmandu's many 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. Meet the group for a farewell dinner.

Depart for Home

After breakfast, bid farewell to the group and Nepal as you transfer from the hotel to the airport, and depart Kathmandu on your homeward-bound flight. Please note that most flights require an overnight en route to your destination.