Day 01: Arrive Kathmandu International Airport- T I A (1300m) and transfer to hotel.

Day 02: After breakfast we set out for an extensive guided sightseeing tour of Kathmandu valleys cultural, historical, religious (world heritage) sites. During the course, we visit the famous Pashupatinath temple of Lord Shiva situated at the holy bank of River Bagmati where we will also observe the Hindu cremation ritual. We then proceed to the Boudhanath stupa, a major pilgrimage centre for the Buddhist faith which also is the largest of its kind in the world. We then have a short break for lunch followed by a visit to Swoyambhunath stupa also known as the Monkey Temple from where we can have a bird’s eye view of whole of Kathmandu valley. Following this we then proceed for a visit to Kathmandu Durbar Square, the oldest royal palace of Kathmandu and a UNESCO world heritage site.  The whole area of Kathmandu Durbar Square is dotted with numerous fascinating Nepalese architect dating back many centuries. The site is also the home to Nepal’s living Goddess – Kumari, where we will also have the opportunity to experience firsthand this unique Nepali tradition.  In the evening we will attend the welcome dinner hosted by Makalu Adventure with live Nepalese culture shows.

Day 03: Kathmandu ( 1310m) - Lukla (2827m) - Phakding (2652m) 5 hours
After a very early start, and an early take off from Kathmandu Domestic Airport, a 45 minute flight is all it takes to propel us into the Everest region of Nepal. The landing at Lukla (2800m) is spectacular and on arrival we are greeted by our sirdar and trekking crew who organise the luggage and hustle us off for tea. After a leisurely lunch we start the trek in earnest, setting off for a gentle walk to Phakding (2800m), a further 3 hours to the north. The trail leads through Lukla, past hotels, shops and airline offices to the edge of the Lukla plateauwhere the trail drops to meet the intersection of the Jiri trail at Chablung. From here the trail follows the Dudh Kosi north through the village of Ghat and then finally to Phakding where we spend the night.

Day 04: Phakding - Namche Bazar (3440m) 7 hours
From Phakding, the trail continues north up the Dudh Kosi valley to Jorsale, where the trail officially enters the Sagarmatha National Park.  There is an entrance station just beyond the village where trekking permits are checked and National Park fees collected.  Continue along the trail, crossing the Bhote Kosi River to begin the steep climb up to Namche Bazaar 3,440m the administrative centre of the Sagarmatha National Park and the hub of Sherpa society.  Remember to look out for glimpses of Mt. Everest from the trail on the way to Everest! Overnight at Camp or Lodge.

Day 05: leisure (acclimatization) in Namche Bazaar:  We will rest a full day at Namche Bazar allowing our bodies to acclimatize to the altitude of 3440m. In the morning there is an option of walking up to the Everest View Hotel (3450m) or alternatively to Khumjung - a good outing and takes us up to 3840 meters (12,600 feet). Here we get our first open views of Everest and Ama Dablam. We return to Namche for lunch in the afternoon and spending the whole day completely at rest. Overnight at Camp or Lodge.

Day 06: Namche Bazaar- Phortse Tenga (3600m):
From Namche Bazar we start out on the normal "Everest Base Camp" trek but soon leave it, heading instead towards Gokyo. We will likely camp in Phortse Tenga at about 3600m (11,800').

Day 07: Phortse Tenga – Machermo (4410m):
Trek to Machermo at 4410 meters (14,460 feet). Machermo lies at the foot of the east face of Kyajo Ri.

Day 08: Machermo – Gokyo (4790m):
Continue our trek up to Gokyo at 4790 meters (15,700 feet). Gokyo is known for its beautiful lake and also for a nearby summit called Gokyo Ri.

Day 09: Gokyo - Gokyo Ri (5360 m):
Trek up Gokyo Ri 5360 meters (17580 feet) and return to Gokyo.

Day 10: Gokyo - Lungden (4500m):
From Gokyo, we head west crossing the high pass of the Renjo La at 5411m (17,750'). We continue down the west side of the pass, descending all the way down to Lungden at 4500m (14,760').

Day 11: Lungden - Thame (3800m)
We continue to trek down-valley to Thame at 3800m (12,500').

Day 12: Thame – Mende (3740m):
From Thame we turn east, heading back in the direction of Namche Bazar and almost completing an entire circumnavigation of Kyajo Ri. We will camp in Mende, 3740m (12,270') a small town at the entrance of the Kyajo Drangka.

Day 13: Mende – Kyajo BC (4550m)
Above Mende we leave the main trails and follow a faint yak trail up over a couple passes to enter the Kyajo Drangka; the isolated broad valley south of our peak. It is a longish day to Base Camp, which we place at about 4550m (14,900').

Day 14: Rest and reorganize in Base Camp.

Day 15: BC –BC1 (5350) - BC
Carry to Camp I at the base of the Kyajo Glacier at about 5350 (17,550'). This is a great location for high camp, on level ground, with good views and within easy reach of water flowing out from the frozen lake at the foot of the Glacier. Return to Base Camp.

Day 16: Rest in Base Camp.

Day 17: Second rest day in Base Camp if needed.

Day 18: Move up to Camp 1.

Day 19: Move up to Camp 2 at about 5700 meters (18,700 feet).

Day 20: From Camp 2 climb up to the broad saddle at the base of the Southwest Ridge. Here the ground steepens, and we climb snow and ice on the Southwest Ridge. There is one short rock section but primarily the climbing is on snow and ice. The sharp summit is a narrow wedge of snow. Return to Camp 2.

Day 21: Descend to Base Camp.

Day 22: Trek from Base Camp to Namche Bazar.

Day 23: Trek from Namche Bazar to Lukla.

Day 24: Fly Lukla to Kathmandu. Rest of the day is at leisure or self exploration.

Day 25: Full day leisure at Kathmandu or self exploration if you would like. In the late afternoon you could go for last minute shopping while gathering at late afternoon for a rather jubilant farewell dinner – cocktail party hosted by Makalu Adventure in honor of all the crew that made the trip successful.

Day 26: Final departure


Should you prefer a different route or itinerary for this program, just let us know your interests and we will be more than happy to craft a tailor made trip for you in line with your specific preference.