Kathmandu is the historical and cultural heart of Nepal and has been a popular destination for tourists ever since Nepal opened its doors to visitors. The city presents a wonderful mix of Hinduism, Tibetan Buddhism and Western influence. There will be a guided tour to the largest Buddhist stupa in Nepal Boudhanath and after that to the most popular Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva- Pashupatinath. We take a tour to Patan or Lalitpur (the City of Artisans), which is 5km away from Kathmandu. We walk through Patan Durbar Square, and delight in the architectural wonders of the Malla era. Mahaboudha Temple, Kumbeshwor Temple, Krishna Temple and Golden Temple are the major attractions at the square.

From Phakding, we cross and re-cross the river on high suspension bridges. Beyond Monjo is the entrance to the Sagarmatha National Park which was set-up in order to protect and preserve the fragile mountain environment. We then take a steep hike to Namche. If the weather is clear, we get the first glimpse of Mt Everest. Namche is the main trading village in the Khumbu and has a busy Saturday market - a meeting place for the Hindu traders from the lowlands and the Tibetan yak caravans that have crossed the glaciated Nangpa La.

From Phakding, we cross and re-cross the river on high suspension bridges. Beyond Monjo is the entrance to the Sagarmatha National Park which was set-up in order to protect and preserve the fragile mountain environment. We then take a steep hike to Namche. If the weather is clear, we get the first glimpse of Mt Everest. Namche is the main trading village in the Khumbu and has a busy Saturday market - a meeting place for the Hindu traders from the lowlands and the Tibetan yak caravans that have crossed the glaciated Nangpa La.

We will spend an extra day in Namche before trekking higher to allow our bodies to adjust to the lower levels of oxygen in the air. In the morning, we will walk up to the Everest View Hotel to enjoy a panoramic view of Everest, Ama Dablam, Thamserku and may other majestic mountain peaks.

We will walk via Pangboche (3930m), take a moment to look back and enjoy the classic view of Tengboche. It is also the last village before heading right to Ama Dablam base camp, which dominates the scenery from now to Lobuche. We again gradually traverse up the valley, cross the Imja river and briefly walk upwards to Dingboche. The mountains appear distinctly more reachable and glorious.

Trek to Dingboche 4337m.

Tea House Hotel -  Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner.We will walk via Pangboche (3930m), take a moment to look back and enjoy the classic view of Tengboche. It is also the last village before heading right to Ama Dablam base camp, which dominates the scenery from now to Lobuche. We again gradually traverse up the valley, cross the Imja river and briefly walk upwards to Dingboche. The mountains appear distinctly more reachable and glorious.

Walking out of Dingboche to Lobuche, we can feel that you can almost touch the mountains and sense that Everest must be close. The trail gradually leads upwards to a small river crossing at the foot of Thukla. The rocky path passes the trekking peak of Lobuche on the left before we reach Lobuche.

Gorakshep is the last settlement before reaching Everest base camp. From Lobuche, it’s a short walk. We will walk further along the rocky terrain alongside the Khumbu glacier to reach Everest Base Camp (EBC). We set up our camp at EBC, which is going to be our base for the expedition. Overnight in tent in EBC.

Apart from its height, Everest’s other most recognized feature is from pictures of climbers teetering across ladders perched between giant blocks of ice in the ‘Khumbu Ice fall’. Each year there is one route fixed through the famous ‘Khumbu Ice fall’. Many companies claim to know the best way through when in fact there is no real choice and thanks should be given to the dedicated Icefall Doctors a team of Sherpa who do this dangerous job and make life easier and safer for all those who follow. The danger comes because the ice is constantly moving and the giant blocks can collapse without warning, so speed of movement and timing is the best deterrent. We set off early before the sun rises and gradually make progress over successive sorties in which we gain vital acclimatization and speed until the full journey can be made in the cool of the day to Camp I and our entry to the Western Cwm. Camp I should be seen as a staging post used to reach camp 2.

Once a final decision is made to move (based on the weather forecast) we head back up to Camp IV.
A short traverse towards Lhotse brings us to the start of the infamous Yellow Band, a Limestone rock band at 7500m. Ascending over the Yellow band will then bring us to the start of the Geneva Spur, a rocky scramble that eventually leads to the South Col and Camp IV. Few days will provide more adrenalin and spectacular views than this; you will now have the sense of being unbelievably high, on the edge of the “death zone”, looking down on the great peaks of Pumori and Lingtren framed by Nuptse and Everest. 
 
It’s now time to rest, relax, eat and re-hydrate before our final summit push starts at around 10.00pm. Head torches breaking the darkness we climb to the Balcony (8500m/27,900ft) gain the South Summit and the first glimpses of the Hillary Step will appear in the early dawn light. The Hillary Step, a near vertical climb of 12m is ascended on fixed lines and is the last obstacle to negotiate before the final summit slopes and the roof of the world. We hope to be on the summit early in the morning giving an ample safety margin for the descent to the South Col. A further night is spent at Camp II before we finally reach base camp.
 

Descending down from EBC, we retrace our way back to Gorakh Shep and then Lobuche. We take rest at Lobuche. After Lobuche, we descend down to Pheriche. Overnight in Pheriche. 

Today we head down to Namche after having breakfast at Pheriche. From Pheriche, we will descend down to Pangboche. The descent is pretty easy and interesting. As you walk downhill from the Base Camp, you will head down retracing your steps into the settlement of Pheriche. Walking downhill from Pheriche, you will slowly start to notice the dense forests of rhododendron and birch. Continuing the trail will lead you to Tengboche. Retracing our steps, we shallow head downhill to the popular Namche Bazaar. Overnight in Namche.

From Namche, we continue to follow the river and, after crossing it, climb back up through birch and rhododendron forest. From there we descend to Monjo. After Monjo, we will climb up a small hill to reach Lukla. You will probably reach Lukla soon so explore and look around the place and the famous airport in Lukla.

We pack up early and head for the airstrip to hop a flight back to Kathmandu On touchdown, the rest of your day is free to do your own things. You could do some last-minute shopping and packing, or send a few postcards home or even go down for a stroll to Thamel, an internationally known hub for tourists in Asia.

Fly to Kathmandu and Drive to Hotel.

Hotel - Bed / Breakfast.

Just relax at your hotel room and travel around the beautiful cultural city of Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur. You have the day to your own, so enjoy your last day in Nepal. 

It’s time to leave Nepal, of course with smiles and many memories to cherish. Depending on your flight time we will drop you at Tribhuwan International airport for your final departure to your destination.