Overnight international flight to Kathmandu.

Upon arrival in Kathmandu and airport reception, transfer to the hotel. Depending on arrival time, spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Enjoy a guided tour of Kathmandu City beginning with Kumari Ghar – home to Nepal’s most important living goddess, and the Hanuman Dhoka Palace. Then, proceed to the Kal Brairab shrine, a colorful memorial to the Hindu God of destruction, followed by a visit to Taleju Temple, the city’s most magnificent temple.

Afterwards, embark on a sightseeing tour of the Swayambhunath Stupa. Celebrated as one of the oldest Buddhist stupas in the world, this majestic structure sits highly on a nearby hilltop overlooking Kathmandu Valley (The April 2015 earthquake caused major damage to this Heritage Site and reconstruction is currently taking place). In the afternoon, travel through Patan, the “City of Fine Arts”. Stroll through the famous Durbar Square, where Krishna Mandir, a temple built in honor of Lord Krishna that is considered to be the world’s finest example of stone architecture, can be seen. While walking around, enjoy the many traditional artists and sculptors throughout the streets (Due to the April 2015 earthquake, some of the temples here have been damaged and reconstruction is under process.)

Note: Yampu recommends an optional one hour mountain flight for unforgettable aerial views of the Himalayas. Experience the thrill of seeing Mount Everest up close, as the plane flies two aeronautical miles in front of the Natural Wonder. Please inquire with a Yampu travel consultant for more details.
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Morning visit to Pashupatinath, Nepal’s oldest and most holy Hindu temple. Situated upon the banks of the Bagmati River, this is an important ritual and cremation site, as the water flows into the Ganges. Proceed to Bouddhanath, one of Asia’s largest stupas that has earned the nickname of “Little Tibet”, as it has become a focal point of Tibetan Buddhism. Standing tall at thirty-six meters (118 ft), this white mandala-shaped structure is a symbol of the universe that facilitates meditation for the local Tibetan Buddhists (The top portion of the Stupa was slightly damaged by the April 2015 earthquake. Currently renovation is under process.)

In the afternoon, go on an excursion to the medieval city of Bhaktapur, located about an hour’s drive outside of Kathmandu. In this “City of Devotees”, wander through the winding lanes lined with old homes and temples that date back to the 13th century. Beginning in the city’s Durbar Square, marvel at the intricately carved deities and monsters of the richly molded Golden Gate before entering the Palace of 55 Windows that incorporates exquisite wood carvings into its medieval design. (Bhaktapur is one of the most affected areas of the April 2015 earthquake. Renovation is currently under process.)

Then, see the Lion’s Gate, with its huge guarding lion statues, before continuing to the Nyatpola Temple, a beautiful five-storied, 17th century pagoda. The last stop of the day will lead to the splendorous Bhairab Temple, which is dedicated to the Lord Buddha. Before returning to Kathmandu, take some time to watch the skill of the traditional potters as they work at the Pottery Centre and the Dattratraya Temple.
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Kathmandu – Lukla - Phakding (2652 m, total 3 hour walk)

Transfer to the airport from the hotel in Kathmandu to board a flight to Lukla (2880m), the most renowned mountain airstrip in the world. Originally conceived by Sir Edmund Hillary's Himalayan Trust as an emergency evacuation runaway for casualties brought to the Trust's hospital at nearby Khunde, Lukla is now one of the busiest runways in Nepal. Surprisingly, this high-altitude trek begins by descending to the river at Phakding 2652. Overnight at a village house.
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Phakding - Namche (3440 m, total 5 hour walk)

If the weather is clear the top of the south-west face of Mt Everest will be just visible behind the long Lhotse-Nuptse ridge. Namche is the most prosperous and the largest town in the Khumbu. A bazaar is held here every Saturday. The goods on display include meat, grains and vegetables, tennis shoes and trinkets as well as hand woven aprons and Tibetan boots. The Sherpas play host to trader from the foothills, as well as Tibetans from over the border. Thamserku 6648m, Kwangde Ri (6187m) and Khumbila (5707m) surround the natural bowl that Namche sits in. Overnight at a village house.
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Spend the day at leisure to get acclimatized to the altitude at Namche. Overnight at a village house.

Namche - Tengboche (3860 m, total 6 hour walk)

The trail goes up through rhododendron trees and there is always good chance of seeing pheasants in this area. The emerging trail contours across the slope offering magnificent views eastwards to Tengboche and its surrounding mountains. Ahead lies Ama Dablam (6856m) the most beautiful of all Himalayan peaks and a great expedition favorite. To the east above the classically located Tengboche are the flutings and razor sharp ridges of Thamserku (6808m). Overnight at a village house.
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Tengboche - Pangboche (3985 m, total 3.5 hour / 4 hour walk)

Today, continue on gradual upwards slope through alpine meadow and sherpa villages to Pangboche. Pangboche Monastery has the famed Yeti scalp that was the cause of so much interest and controversy in the past years. Overnight at a village house.

Pangboche - Dingboche (4530 m total 4.5 hour / 5 hour walk)

Get beautiful views of unclimbed Cholatse (6440m) across the valley. Continuing onward, the trail will be a steep uphill walk with several rough parts. Hiking upon ridge-lines offer the opportunity to get close up views of Ama Dablam. Overnight at a village house.

Dingboche - Lobuche (4930 m, total 6 hour walk)

Climb up to the nearby ridge and stay high, mesmerized by the views of Tawoche and Cholatse, until reaching the village houses at Lobuche. A steep ascent to the terminal moraine of the Khumbu glacier is now tackled. The top of the climb is marked by a series of stone monuments to commemorate some of the climbers that have not returned from expeditions to this region. The Lhotse ridge is simply awesome. Overnight at a village house.

Lobuche - Kala Pattar (5545 m) – Lobuche (total 3 hour / 4 hour walk)

Today will be a long day and will start early. Trek along the rough path along the side of the Khumbu glacier to the tea shacks at Gorak Shep (5160m). Behind rises the attractive 7000m peak of Pumori which dwarfs the trek's summit of Kala Pattar. The route up is straightforward and takes most people between 90 minutes and 2 hours. All the peaks - Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Changtse, Ama Dablam and scores of other lesser peaks can be seen from this wonderful vantage point. A trip to the actual Base Camp (BC) of Everest is usually omitted as the Khumbu Icefall blocks all view of the mountain and even when expeditions are on the mountain, a route to Base Camp is difficult to find. Return to Lobuch. Overnight at a village house.
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Lobuche-Pheriche (4243m, total 6 hour walk)

Today, scoot back across and down the moraine to Dughla, and then stay along the ridge, high above Periche. Then enjoy a gradual descent. There are great views here of Lhotse, Ama Dablam, the Amphu Laptsa and Cho Polu. Island Peak (6139 m) is a pretty pyramid peak and the most popular of the "Trekking Peaks'. It stands by itself at the east end of the valley. Overnight at a village house.

Pheriche (4243 m)

Spend the day at leisure at Pheriche. Overnight at a village house.

Pheriche-Tengboche (3860 m, total 6 hour walk)

After an early breakfast, head off down the valley to Tengboche. The walk is mostly through the rhododendron forest and sherpa villages. Overnight at a village house.

Tengboche – Namche (3445 m)

From Tengboche trek down some steps followed by an enjoyable climb that leads up the side of the valley and around to Namche Bazaar, the most well-known and written-about valley in the Khumbu. After the last few days, Namche appears to offer many of life's luxuries. Overnight at a village house.

Namche – Lukla (2880 m, total 6 hour walk)

Most people head towards Lukla with a heavy heart. There is something very special about the setting, the villages and the people of the high Khumbu hills and valleys. The campsite is well located and offers a good final resting spot for the one night stay before the early morning departure. Overnight at a village house.

Transfer to airport for flight back to Kathmandu.

Please note that flights into Lukla are sometimes delayed due to un-flyable conditions either in fog-bound Kathmandu or windy Lukla; be reassured that the staff in Lukla and in Kathmandu will be doing everything possible to minimize the inconvenience caused if this happens. Upon arrival, international flight home or continue with an optional Yampu Tours add-on.