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

Day 02: Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing:
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.

During the dinner we will also discuss and review our trip arrangements with the rest of the crew who will accompany us during the entire length of our Mt. Chhukung Ri trip.

Day 03: Kathmandu ( 1310m) - Lukla (2827m) - Phakding (2652m) 3 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) 6 hours
The trail starts through a level path along the right bank. Thamserku looms skyward on the opposite bank. We cross a stream and climb the terraced hill from the Dudh Koshi route, to arrive at Benkar. The trail now climbs from the riverbed on the left bank into the mountain, through a forest to Chumoa. We continue along a path with many ups and downs; cross a stream, and pass by the tiny village of Monjo. Now we descend the path of stone steps and return to the right bank. After a short climb we come to Jorsale’s tea house and hotel, also stop at the National Park entrance counter where National Park fee is collected. After Jorsale we enter a forested mountainside and follow a short walk along the riverbed of this V-shaped valley where the river forks - the right is the Dudh Koshi and the left is the Bhote Koshi that leads to Nampa La. After covering a short distance along the Bhote Koshi River we begin the steep ascent to Namche Bazaar. As the  mountain path zigzags uphill, we will emerge at a ridge atop a rest area that offers excellent views of Everest (8848m) and Lhotse (8516m.), The climb eases somewhat, and Namche Bazar appears ahead of us as we travel along the path surrounded by thick pine forest. We then pass the plateau where the Saturday bazaar is held and enter the ever thriving Sherpa town of Namche Bazaar - (3440m) surrounded on three sides by mountain ranges and opening out only where it faces the Bhote Koshi. The village is a central hub of the area and food, sundries and even quality mountain climbing equipment can be purchased here.  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. Namche is tucked between two ridges amidst the giant peaks of the Khumbu and has an abundance of lodges, tea shops and souvenir shops with state of the art internet cafes and bakeries. It is an ideal place to spend a rest day for acclimatization to the high altitude before heading off onwards. There are various options for short hikes within Namche during our acclimatization rest. We can have an hour’s walk up to Syangboche (3800m) where the Everest View Hotel is situated with outstanding view of Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku and Kusum Kangaru. Alternatively we could as well have a leisurely stroll up to the National Park Centre and Museum just above the town and enjoy the mesmerizing views of the Khumbu Himalayas

We return back to the hotel in the early afternoon for lunch and spend the rest of the day either just laying down or on self exploration.

Day 06: Namche – Thyangboche (3875m) 6 hours:
From Namche, we climb towards the park headquarters and follow a contouring trail high above the Dudh Kosi River. Above Namche the route to Thyangboche becomes visible with the monastery seen below the summit of Everest and surrounded by Himalayan peaks. On today's walk there are opportunities to spot the local wildlife, including the beautiful Danphe Pheasant often seen among the birch and silver fir forest between Shanasa and Trashinga, and Himalayan Thar on the high ground above the trail. After reaching the re-forestation nursery at Trashinga, the trail drops steeply to cross the Dudh Kosi at Phunkitenga (3250m), where we take lunch. In the afternoon we pass water-driven prayer wheels and ascend, initially steeply, through pine, fir, black juniper and rhododendron forest towards Thyangboche. The monastery and our lodge are located in a beautiful meadow surrounded by towering Himalayan peaks in a truly peaceful and tranquil setting. The most notable peaks seen from here are Kantega, Ama Dablam - perhaps the most beautiful peak in the region - and of course Mount Everest.


Day 07: Thyangboche -Pheriche (4250m) or Dingboche (4300m):5 hours:
After an early breakfast, we tour the largest and most important Thyangboche monastery. We then begin our hike following the Imja Khola (River) towards Pangboche from where a short hike takes us to the small village of Pheriche. It is advisable to spend two nights at Phriche or perhaps more comfortable at Dingboche to add acclimatization. On the next stage of the trek to Lobuche we will be less likely to suffer altitude sickness if we do so. Phiriche is a notoriously cold and windy place, but its outlook along the Khumbu valley is very impressive. The village consists of an expanding group of lodges, houses and an important health post manned in the main trekking season by western volunteer doctors, and supported by the Himalayan Rescue Association. Compare to Phiriche, Dingboche is a warmer place to stay in overnight but we have the options of choosing either as the distance between either is very short.

Day 08: Dingboche: Acclimization:
Today we spend an acclimatization day by climbing a spectacular point of rock above Dingbohe. For most people, this will be the highest they have been up to this point. There are close up views of Mt. Taweche and Amadablam. In the distance one can also see Island peak and Mt. Makalu – one of the fourteen 8000 meter peaks on earth of which Everest and Lhotse are the members


Day 09: Dingboche: Lobuche ( 4930m):
The trail to Lobuche remains on the east side of the Khumbu Khola, although there may well be several minor streams to cross as we approach the Kharka (summer pasture), form where Tabuche and Cholatse look impressive with an inspring view down valley towards Amadablam finally arriving at Lobuche backed by yet more moraines. It can be very cold in Lobuche and we will need a good down jacket and sleeping bag to get through a night in comfort. Once the sun has left the valley temperature plunge way below freezing. However, the lodges can be eye-wateringly warm though, speciall when a yak dung stove belches acrid smoke into the room we are sleeping in. The alpenglow on Nuptse can thrilling when viewed from Lobuche, but for a wider panorama, we should try climbing onto the ridge immediately behind the lodges.

Day 10: Trek from Dengboche to Chhukung Valley.

Day 11: Trek from Chhukung Valley to Chhukung Base Camp.

Day 12: Summit of the Chhukung Ri and back to Chhukung Valley.

Day 13: Trek back from Chhukung Valley to Tengboche.

Day 14: Trek back from Tenboche to Namche Bazaar.

Day 15: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla:
It takes about five hours. The last day of our trek leads from Namche Bazaar via Monjo to Lukla. The trek is pleasant, except for few short uphill climbs and then down to the Bhote-Koshi River crossing it three times. The last uphill climb of 45 minutes will bring us to Lukla for your overnight stay.

Day 16: Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu. Rest of the day at leisure followed by farewell dinner in the evening hosted by Makalu Adventure.

Day 17: 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.