Everest Sherpa Village Trek

Early morning transfer to the airport to fly to Lukla (2880m).

This 45-minute flight brings a spectacular entry to the trek. It presents the snowline of the Himalayan Range to the north and the difficult landing at the Lukla airstrip, believed to be one of the most stunning flights in the world. Arrive and then the guide will arrange the porters at the adjacent lodge. During this stop, our tourists will be afforded time to go on a guide-assisted conducted tour of the bustling hilltop town with a line-up of houses, hotels, and shops on both sides of the old cobbled road. The trek follows the trail, going northwest up the slight street that soon descends at the edge of the village to the trail that continues across an open hillside. The path is well surfaced, and this route caters with several shops and lodgings, specifically targeted at trekkers. It’s a pleasant and relatively easy day’s walking that takes you down in a continuous downhill stretch towards the river to the Phakding 2,652 m.

Dinner and overnight at teahouse lodge.

Leave the main village and follow the trail on the left bank of the Dudh Kosi River. It is a lovely walk for the first part of the day as one goes through agricultural areas and small wayside communities. From here, just before noon, there is a strong ascent of around 20 minutes to get to Monjo for noon. After lunch, climb up to the check post to check the permits and entry into the Sagarmatha National Park. Descend for 10 minutes and then cross a suspension bridge to get to Jorsale (2,800m). Pass through various little villages and magnificent pine forest. This is a bustling trail with plenty of human appeal. Our first good views are of the west ridge of Kusum Kangru (6,339m). Follow the Dudh Kosi River, crossing a rickety suspension bridge, which is in a poor condition, and then gently walk up a very steep trail to Namche Bazaar. Near half waypoint, we enjoy our first views of Mt. Everest (8,848m), Nuptse (7,879m) and Lhotse (8,383m) — the big three.

The ascent is for about 3 hours as one gain in height making breathing difficult owing to rarified air. Arrive at a gate with a sign proclaiming, “Welcome to Namche Bazaar” but it is quite deceiving as it takes another 20 minutes to arrive at the main town. This affluent town is the largest in Khumbu. Mt. Thamserku (6,648 m) and Kwangde Ri (6,624 m) loom along the east and west of the settlement. The sacred peak Khumbila (5,707 m) dominates the skyline along the west.

Dinner and stay at teahouse lodge.

After a healthy breakfast, hike up to the airfield at Syangboche which used to be a Yak grazing site and head to the world famous Everest View Hotel for some hot tea / coffee. Keep your eyes open for the beautiful Danphe Pheasant, Nepal’s national bird, Himalayan Goat and even the endangered Musk Deer.

The view from Syangboche is extremely awe inspiring with views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Amadablam, Thamserku, Tawache, Kusum Kangaru, Kwangde, Khumbila, etc. After tea break at Everest View Hotel, drop down to the village of Khumjung, which is a very tranquil Sherpa settlement with a wonderful view of Mt. Amadablam. In the afternoon, visit the Monastery at Khumjung, where the Sherpas claim to be the scalp of a Yeti and Hillary School founded by Sir Edmund Hillary. From Khumjung (the largest village in Khumbu) travel on to Khunde village and visit the hospital there.

Dinner and overnight stay at teahouse lodge.

From Khumjung, the trail descends chortens framing a stunning view of Ama Dablam 6696 m and Kangtega 6779 m surrounded by the towering view of the Sagarmatha (Everest), Lhotse and Nuptse. Descend into the rhododendron forest, looking for the blood pheasant and Impeyan pheasant in the foliage. Down to Imja Khola (river) for lunch at Phunki (3200m) with numerous enormous water-mills.

Afternoon is the time to wind up on a steep trail to the monastery at Thyangboche, one of the most magnificent places on earth. Thyangboche stands at the base of Kang Taiga and is a spectacular position with great views backs up the valley to the Ama Dablam, and the Everest protruding it’s southwest face above the massive ridgeline joining Nuptse and Lhotse. At the back is the breathtaking west face of the Thamserku (6608m) and Kang Taiga (6685m).

Duration of hike: 5 hours.

Dinner and stay at teahouse lodge.

It was said to have been built by Lama Guru – a monk from Khumjung – on the instructions of the abbot of Rongbuk-or Rongphu-in Tibet. Thyangboche monastery is one of the largest monasteries in Nepal-built at 3870m. A clearing here is surrounded by dwarf firs and rhododendrons. The vista from this spot is indeed said to be fantastic – an awesome panorama of Kwangde, Tawachee, Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, etc. Whole day is free to explore the habitats and surroundings of Thyangboche and Thyangboche Monastery.

Dinner and stay at teahouse lodge.

The descent to the Imja Khola and the little town of Phunki (3250m) with its water powered Prayer Wheels takes around one and half hours. Original bridge by Sir Edmund Hillary was washed away when the flood created by the landside from the Ama Dablam caused flooding in this region. Cross the river over the smaller bridge and commence the ascent into Khumjung.

After gaining altitude and as the gradient slackens, there are numerous fantastic lunch spots. After lunch, begin the ascent to Namche following the contour around the eastern flanks of the mountain. Behind us lies the spectacular west face of Thamserku (6608m) and Kang Taiga (6685m). Trek duration -6 hours.

Dinner and stay at teahouse lodge.

A very hard day’s hike can also be made to Lukla but it is best to take an extra day to get there. From Namche, head to the end of the village and then immediately start to descend to the river. If getting up was arduous, then it is as hard to get down the hill. Head along the banks of the river and then further descend to Monjo or, Phakding for lunch. It is interesting to note the sight of people staring enthusiastically on the trek ahead as we start down at Phakding. From Phakding, there is a surprisingly steep uphill journey to Lukla that should take approximately 3 hours. A beautiful finale to the trek as one enters into this lively settlement of Lukla.

Overnight at a hotel in Kathmandu.

Early morning, fly from Lukla to Kathmandu. Upon arrival in the domestic airport, Kathmandu, meet Himalayan Holidays agent and transfer to the hotel. Rest of the day is free for most deserved rest and relaxation.

Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast, go on a sightseeing tour of Kathmandu City. The tour includes visit to the Hanuman Dhoka (Kathmandu Durbar Square) – an ancient durbar (palace) with its numerous old palaces, temples and pagodas, the Temple of Living Goddess “Kumari”, and the Kasthamandap Temple, which is believed to be constructed from the wood of a single tree from which Kathmandu derives its name.

Apart from this, a visit to Boudhanath Stupa, an ancient huge stupa and the hub of Tibetan Buddhism in the world, and Pashupatinath Temple, the Temple of Lord Shiva, located on the bank of the holy Bagmati River, will be organized.

After lunch, drive up to the Swayambhunath Stupa perched atop a hill from where you may have a bird’s eye view of Kathmandu Valley. The Swayambhunath Stupa is also known as the “Monkey Temple”!! Group farewell dinner at a nice restaurant in Thamel in the evening.

Overnight at a hotel in Kathmandu.

Check out from the hotel and meet Himalayan Holidays agent and transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu for final departure.