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. 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. Lobuchei 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 Bazaar – Tengboche (3867m), 5 hrs:
We leave the village for a climb to the top of a ridge and level mountain path that offers an excellent panorama of Thamserku, Kantega, and Kusum Kangri. To the right there is a steep cliff that drops down to the Dudh Kosi, faintly visible on the valley floor below. As we make our way around a branch ridge, Ama Dablam (6812m) Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse (7855m) and Tawoche (6501m) suddenly appear. After a gentle descent, the mountain path ends; we will then come to the fork leading to Gokyo. Now we descend past two tea houses and through the village of Trashinga. Though we cannot see it, we can hear the thundering Dudh Koshi flowing and soon we descend to the river and arrive at Phunki Tenga. It is a long climb to Tengboche; the first half is especially steep. As we climb through the forested zone, the incline eases and a splendid view appear. We continue climbing the mountainside diagonally until we come to the stone gate built by local laboring lamas which marks our entry into Tyangboche (3867m). Here we may use the large plateau in front of the splendid monastery as our campsite or stay in the hotel according to the arrangements. Tyangboche is an important lookout point on this course, and the sunset on Everest and Ama Dablam is especially beautiful during the clear skies.

Day 07: Tengboche – Dingboche (4300m) 5 hrs:
We leave Tengboche with the Khumbu mountains as a backdrop-and descend a rhododendron covered area to emerge to a pleasant level area. Pass a long Mani stone wall to enter the village of Deboche. Go on to Minlinggo and leave the mountain path to cross over a suspension bridge to the left bank of the Imja Khola. Climb the mountain path while looking up at Ama Dablam and Kantega  (6779m) as they appear on the opposite bank. Ascend the chorten-lined route, come to a fork, the upper path passes Pangboche and a monastery, take the lower path to Pangboche Olin and its stone wall-enclosed potato field. Pass through the village and cross a stream to a path skirting a rocky area to terraced hills along the riverbank. The trails climb slowly, winding above the Imjatse River, to a big Mani Stupa.

From here, the walk is fairly moderate as we enter the Imjatse Valley beneath the mighty peaks of Ama Dablam, Nuptse and Lhotse with views of the eastern snow capped mountains including the Island Peak or Imjatse (6,189m).  Dingbuche is a beautiful patchwork of fields enclosed by stone walls protecting the crops of barley, buckwheat and potatoes from the cold winds and grazing animals.

Day 08: Dingboche – Rest and acclimatization:
This is an interesting day for acclimatization as well as some rest. There are usually breathtaking views of the North face of Ama Dablam and the Lhotse-Nuptse ridge as we  explore this beautiful valley that leads up to Island Peak. The walk is short with a good chance to relax in the afternoon. We have another option as we can hike up to Chhukum. From here we can enjoy the panoramic view of Island peak, Ama Dablaml, Makalu, Tawoche peak and others.

Day 09: Dingboche - Lobuche (4930 m) 5- 6 hrs:
The onward journey leads north for up to 50-minutes until we come to a mani-prayer Stupa. The trail is gentle looking down to Pheriche village below. Today's walk offers views of the Mt. Tawache, Ama Dablam and to the north-Pokalde (5741m), Kongma-tse (5820m) and the great wall of Nuptse. After two hours walk, the trail from Pheriche joins near Dugla (4595m) before a small wooden bridge over the river of Khumbu glacier. We usually stop at Dugla, for lunch, before continuing for an hour up - a steep hill to the top, where there are views of Mt. Pumori and other peaks west of Everest. After a short break, we continue trekking up to Lobuche, hidden and sheltered from the wind. Overnight at hotel or camp.

Day 10: Trek from Lobuche to Lobuche base camp.

Day 11: Rest and acclimatization day at Lobuche base camp.

Day 12: Lobuche Base camp to Lobuche high camp.

Day 13: Climb the Lobuche peak and trek down to High Camp.

Day 14: Trek back from Lobuche High camp to Pheriche.

Day 15: Trek from Pheriche to Tengboche (3867m):
It takes approximately four hours. You can enjoy a morning visit to the research center. Then, trek back to Tyangboche, an easier descent passing through rhododendron forest. It is a small village with a famous monastery offering you the splendid view of Ama Dablam, green hills and river views.

Day 16: Trek from Tyangboche to Namche Bazaar:
It takes about four and half hours. The walk from Tengboche is mostly downhill on the main busy trail with a few steep climbs for an hour from the bridge at Phungitenga, near to Shanasha. The walk to Namche is very scenic on a long winding path. En route we will visit traditional villages of Khumjung and Khunde. There is also an opportunity to visit one of its monasteries, the only monastery that is said to have a Yeti Scalp. From Khumjung village another 30 minutes walk brings us to the village of Khunde, where we can visit the Khunde Hospital funded by Sir Edmund Hillary Trust. After Khunde, a scenic and pleasant walk brings us to Namche for the overnight.

Day 17: 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 our overnight stay where we bid farewell to the guides and porters.

Day 18: Fly to Kathmandu
The hair-raising take-off is followed by a 45 minute flight back to Kathmandu, where we arrive in the late morning. Here we will be taken to the Hotel and the afternoon is free to get cleaned up and take a trip into Kathmandu, before the rather cheerful farewell dinner in the evening hosted by Makalu Adventure in honor of the conquering crew.  

Day 21:  At leisure in Kathmandu, last minute shopping etc followed by a farewell dinner in the evening hosted by the Makalu Adventure.

Day 22: 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.