Kathmandu and Everest Panorama Trekking

DAY 01
Arrival Kathmandu, reception at the airport by a representative of Encounters Nepal, transfer to a Hotel in Kathmandu. Welcome drink. Meet the Manager from Encounters Nepal for tour briefing.

DAY 02
After breakfast, guided city tour to the World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu such as Swoyambhunath (Oldest Buddhist Stupa in the World), Pashupatinath (Hindu’s Temple), Boudhanath (One of the biggest Monastery in the World), Patan Museum, Golden Temple (Buddhists’ Monastery), Tibetan Refugee Camp. Transfer to Hotel for overnight rest.

DAY 03
Kathmandu-Lukla-Phakding: This morning you will be transferred from your hotel to the Kathmandu airport for our domestic flight to Lukla. The flight itself is awe-inspiring as we fly parallel to the Himalayan giants bordering Nepal and Tibetan China. Flying time to Lukla is approximately 35 minutes. Upon arrival in Lukla, there will be time to explore the village whilst the Sherpa crew sort and load equipment. Lukla lies at an altitude of (2,850m.) (Luk-la= place of sheep). From Lukla we descend on a wide trail northwest to the village of Choblung in the Dudh Koshi valley. The valley is covered with beautiful pine and rhododendron forest. The walking is easy as we follow the river’s course passing through the village of Ghat. Our destination today is the small village of Phakding where accommodation is provided in the teahouse lodges. It is approximately three hours, walking distance from Lukla to Phakding. Stay overnight at Phakding.

DAY 04
Phakding-Namche Bazaar (3446 m): From Phakding we head up valley on a busy trail. Porters here from the lower Solu district in the south ferry supplies to Namche, while Sherpa with their Zopkio (half yak, half cow) take trekking or climbing expedition equipment to the higher valleys. We continue beside the Dudh Koshi amongst beautiful alpine scenery, through fragrant blue pine and fir forest, glimpsing spectacular views of Kusum Kangru (6,369m) and Thamserku (6,608m) along the way. We again cross the Dudh Koshi to the western bank at Jorsale prior to reaching the entrance to Sagarmatha National Park. Continuing upstream along the banks to the confluence of the Bhote Koshi and Dudh Koshi, we begin our first sustained ascent to Namche Bazaar after crossing the large suspension bridge. Walking at a slow pace, we have fantastic photographic opportunities as the peaks of Everest (8,848m), Lhotse (8,511m), Nuptse (7,879m), Ama Dablam (6,856m), and Taweche (6,542m) come into view for the first time. Climbing again, the path takes us through pine trees to reach the distinctive horse-shoe shaped bowl containing the town of Namche Bazaar. It is approximately four hours, walking distance from Phakding to Namche. Stay overnight at Namche Bazaar.

DAY 05
Namche Bazaar excursion / rest: Today is a full day of rest to acclimatize. As the name suggests, Namche is famous for its local market or Bazaar (held on Saturday). Each week Sherpas from the surrounding villages come to buy food and to socialize. Any food not grown locally, such as rice, corn and some vegetables, is brought in from the lowland villages, which can be up to a six to ten days walk from Namche Bazaar. Rising early, those who climb to the ridge above Namche will be rewarded with the stunning dawn and sunrise over the panorama of the Khumbu peaks. Spend the morning exploring this colorful and lovely spectacle. Perhaps walk along the Thame valley in the afternoon or visit the national park headquarters to see the interesting displays of Sherpa lifestyle and culture and photographic displays of famous mountaineering expeditions. Stay overnight in Namche Bazaar.

DAY 06
Namche Bazaar-Tengboche (3867 m): After breakfast, our trek leads to Fungi Thenga for lunch. After lunch we ascend another two hours to reach Tengboche where we pay a visit to the Monastery with our guide. It is approximately five hours, walking distance from Namche to Tengboche. Stay overnight in Tengboche.

DAY 07
Tengboche-Namche Bazaar: The route descends to Phunki Thangka, and then ascends the ridge towards Namche Bazaar. It is approximately three hours walking distance from Tengboche to Namche Bazaar. Stay overnight in Namche Bazaar.

DAY 08
Namche Bazaar-Phakding-Lukla: Trek all the way back to Lukla, an air step.

DAY 09
Lukla-Kathmandu: The flight from Lukla to Kathmandu takes 35 minutes. Transfer to Hotel and rest.

DAY 10
Rest day and shopping in the afternoon. Stay overnight at Hotel.

DAY 11
Farewell and transfer to international airport for onward flight.

Included:

• Tour/Trek pre-departure information, Guide
• Hotel accommodation as per mentioned in the itinerary on a twin share basis with breakfast at Standard Hotels
• All internal transport by private car
• All group airport transfers
• Gear package including sleeping bag, jacket and rain poncho
• All meals while trekking, tea or coffee
• Safe drinking water in a refilling bottle in order to avoid plastic bottles in the mountain
• Accommodation on a share basis in teahouse on trek
• An insured Porter to carry all personal and group equipment
• All entrance fees to the monuments and parks
• Emergency first aid kit box
• Welcome drinks in Kathmandu

Excluded:

• Bar and beverages
• Nature of personal expenses
• Personal cloths
• Insurance for accidental, medical and evacuation
• Tips to the staff
• Meals during journey and in Kathmandu