Everest Explorer

Day 1
We transfer to The Royal Singi Hotel in the early evening. There will be a full trek briefing this evening

Day 2
We take the short but spectacular mountain flight to Lukla (2800m.), and set off on the first leg of our trek, heading northwards up the valley of the Dudh Kosi (or 'milk river'). We descend from the small plateau down into the forested valley. The trail crosses several tributary streams and we have some tantalising views before reaching the small settlement of Phakding (2652m.).

Day 3 - 4
We spend two days exploring the area around Phakding. We'll explore the hill behind the lodge to Rimijung Monastery offering great views of Thamserku. For the energetic a full day walk will take you high enough to see Everest. The villages of Sano and Thulo (little and large) Gumila are worth a visit. Red Panda and deer have been spotted in the forests around the lodge, so keep a look out.

Day 5
From Phakding we cross the Dudh Kosi by the first of several suspension bridges. The trail undulates through magnificent forests of rhododendron, giant fir and magnolia trees past the villages of Benkar and Chumoa before reaching Monzo. From here we enter the Everest National Park and descend to cross another suspension bridge to Jorsale (2805m). The trail then climbs to cross the Bhote Kosi River , followed by a steep climb to Namche Bazaar,administrative centre of the Khumbu region and headquarters for the Mount Sagarmatha (Everest) National Park. It is a prosperous Sherpa village and an important trading centre with a weekly market at which fresh foodstuffs brought up from lower villages are exchanged for the money which many Sherpa families earn from their work with trekking groups. The narrow streets are a mix of souvenir shops, some of the highest cyber cafes in the world and places where trekking equipment can be hired or purchased. Approx 5.5-6 hours walking

Day 6 - 7
We spend two days exploring the villages around Namche Bazaar. High above Namche past the small airstrip at Shyangboche is the spectacularly situated Everest View Hotel. It's an ideal place to stop as the views of Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse and Ama Dablam are magnificent. Just beyond are the twin villages of Kunde and Khumjung, home to the Edmund Hillary hospital and school. Khumjung Monastery is well worth a visit too and for a small donation you can view the world's only yeti skull! The walk along the main trail to Kyanjuma is magnificent with views of both Everest and Ama Dablam. In Namche itself the Sherpa Culture Centre is worth checking out.

Day 8
We will have some free time in the morning before we retrace our steps to Phakding.

Day 9
From Phakding we leave the main trail and have a beautiful two hour walk through forest and villages following the Dudh Kosi. We cross the river by bridge and rejoin the main trail at Ghat for the final walk back to Lukla.

Day 10
We fly back to Kathmandu and transfer to our hotel

Day 11
Today is free for sightseeing in Kathmandu. You may wish to visit Durbar Square in the heart of the old city where the old Royal Palace, with its intricate woodcarving is located. Outside is Kumari Chowk, home of the Kumari, the young girl who is revered as a living goddess. The whole area is a maze of temples and images. Leading away from the square in all directions are narrow alleys, full of the most amazing variety of shops and stalls. Alternatively you may wish to visit the monkey temple at Swayambunath, one of the largest Buddhist Stupas in the world at Bodnath, or the most important Hindu temple in the valley at Pashupatinath. We off er a full range of sightseeing tours, which can be booked and paid for locally. Please see the Optional Excursions section or the Exodus notice board in the hotel in Kathmandu

Day 12
Thje trip ends after breakfast. Those on the group flight will leave for the airport after breakfast