The world's most iconic trek. Follow the Sherpa trade routes through Namche Bazaar, Tengboche Monastery, and the Khumbu Glacier to the foot of the world's highest mountain.
The route climbs from Lukla (2,860m) through rhododendron and juniper forests, past yak pastures and Buddhist monasteries, into the stark high-alpine terrain of the Khumbu. Two acclimatisation days — Namche and Dingboche — give your body time to adapt before the final push to Base Camp at 5,364m and the sunrise summit of Kala Patthar (5,545m). Teahouse standards on the Khumbu trail are excellent; hot meals, reliable wifi below 4,000m, and guides who have made this journey dozens of times.
A 40-minute mountain flight to one of the world's most dramatic airstrips, then an easy first afternoon walk along the Dudh Koshi river.
The trail climbs through pine forests past Hillary's old school at Monjo and crosses the river on suspension bridges — the last big push to the 'gateway to the Khumbu'.
Rest day with purpose: hike up to the Everest View Hotel (3,880m) for your first glimpse of the summit. Back down to Namche for dal bhat and the Saturday market.
The trail leaves the treeline behind. Tengboche's monastery — the highest in Nepal — sits on a ridge with Ama Dablam on one side and Everest on the other.
Through Pangboche village and into the upper Imja valley. Dingboche is your high camp for the next two nights — acclimatise here.
Morning hike to Nangkartshang Peak (5,080m) for stunning 360° views. Pulse-ox check before dinner.
Along the edge of the Khumbu Glacier moraine. The Pyramid Research Station is visible across the valley. Lobuche is stark, cold, and magnificent.
The day everyone has been building toward. Drop your heavy pack at Gorak Shep and continue to Base Camp — a sea of coloured tents at the foot of the Icefall.
Alpine start at 04:30 to catch sunrise from Kala Patthar. The finest view of Everest on Earth. Then a long descent to Pheriche for rest.
The knees earn their keep today. A long descent through increasingly lush terrain. Hot shower and a cold Everest beer in Namche.
Last trail day. The route feels familiar now — say goodbye to the mountains.
Morning flight back over the Khumbu. Afternoon free in Kathmandu.
Optional Bhaktapur or Patan day tour. Team debrief dinner at Bhojan Griha.
Airport transfer. Until next time.