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Our Everest Panorama trip offers travellers stunning views of the Himalayas with friendly Nepali hospitality. For those short on vacation time, the Everest Panorama trip will take you up close to the most stunning, picturesque sights in the Khumbu region in less than two weeks. From Kathmandu, we’ll fly to Lukla to begin our exploration of the valley beneath Mount Everest. Hike to the Sherpa settlement of Namche Bazaar, a tiered trading village perched high above the Dudh Koshi River. Resting one day to allow our bodies to adjust to higher elevations, we will plan side excursions to see ancient monasteries and local attractions. Venturing further into the mountains, we’ll see the white ridges of Everest from the Everest View Hotel and learn about farming practices in the bustling community of Khumjung. After trekking through Sherpa villages and rice fields, we’ll return to the country’s capital to explore cultural and religious destinations. With an action-packed itinerary, your time in Nepal will fly by.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival / Welcome Dinner Your trekking guide will be waiting for you at Kathmandu’s international airport to accompany you to your hotel. After arriving, you’ll have time to relax and unpack your belongings before we review our upcoming adventure with our team. If you arrive earlier in the day, you can explore the colourful markets of Thamel or enjoy a cup of coffee in one of Kathmandu’s trendy coffee shops. Over dinner, get to know your teammates while enjoying a traditional dance program. Day 2: Lukla (2840m / 9,186ft) / Phakding (2600m / 8530ft) Board a twin-otter plane and hold your breath as we descend onto Lukla’s short, steep runaway. Straight from the airport we’ll begin our walk through farming villages and over the Dudh Koshi River. A beautiful landscape greets us from Day 1: rice terraces crease the land and children fold their hands in “Namaste” greeting. We’ll spend an evening in Phakding village, sharing stories over a warm meal cooked fresh just for us. Day 3: Namche Bazaar (3450m / 11318ft) Today is what adventure stories are made of: dropping gorges, rocky cliffs, snow-capped mountains, crystal streams and turquoise skies. Our day will be spent crossing bridges and making our way towards the legendary settlement of Namche Bazaar, a Sherpa community providing supplies and wares to the Khumbu region. Along the way, Kusum Kangroo, Thamserku and the Holy Khumbiyela Mountains frame our trail. We’ll stop in Lorsale for lunch after a gentle walk through farming villages; our afternoon trail contains a few challenging climbs, as air becomes thin with elevation. Rewards are waiting for us! Hot showers and baked goods from one of Namche’s bakeries will soothe any tired muscles. Day 4: Rest Day To allow our bodies to adjust to higher altitudes, we will spend today exploring the nearby region. Your body may feel stiff, but it is important to keep moving! We have a few side excursions planned to take advantage of the picturesque scenery, and your afternoon can be filled with hot chocolate or a game of pool. Day 5: Khumjung (3780m/12401ft) Heading towards Khumjung, there’s plenty for us to see. We’ll visit the Khumjung Monastery to see the scalp of the Yeti and pass Syangboche’s airstrip. A local yak farm will teach us some of the local farming practices, and the school established by Sir Edmund Hillary continues to offer quality education to the region. The steps leading to Khumjung can be slick if it’s snowed, and views of the “Valley inside the clouds” will rise to greet us. Spend your afternoon taking in the sensational landscape, walk through the town’s stoned walls or perch under a statue erected for Buddhist worship. Day 6: Phortse Village (3810m / 12500ft) From Khumjung, we will take the less crowded trail to explore the lower section of Gokyo valley. We will walk to the ridge of Mong-La, a perfect setting to see the expansive mountain peaks. After dropping down into the Gokyo gorge region, we will rest for lunch. On our walk to Phortse, we may see musk deer. The terraced village of Phortse is a special community, and we’ll spend one night in a friendly teahouse. The Khumbu Climbing Center is also located here if you want to learn more about the climbing history that has decorated this region for decades. Day 7: Thyangboche (3860m / 12664ft) Our trail choice is a less populated path, allowing us to appreciate the serenity of the natural environment and breathtaking views. Departing Phortse, we head to Panbuche, the valley of mountain goats. We’ll have lunch in the shadow of Amadablam, one of the world’s most photographed mountains. After lunch, sit in a prayer ceremony at Thyangboche Monastery and let the chants of the monks wash over you. Our semi-circuit makes the most of your time, and we’ll rest at Thyangboche, another prominent Sherpa settlement where Buddhist prayer flags fly in the winds. Day 8: Monjo (2835 m / 9301ft) After breakfast, we’ll begin our decline through the dense valley of Phortse Tenga. Our route takes us back through Namche so we can enjoy a chocolate chip cookie or hot espresso before taking on the afternoon trek to Lukla. As we approach Kyangjuma, thick forests of pine envelop the trail. In the distance, the smoke from cooking stoves will rise from the small village of Monjo. Monjo houses the Everest View Hotel, and if we’re lucky, clear skies will reveal stunning views of the world’s highest mountain. Tonight’s teahouse is tucked away, a quiet refuge for a deep sleep. Day 9: Lukla From Monjo, we have about a six-hour walk to reach Lukla. After we reach Lukla, we’ll celebrate the success of our journey with drinks, good food and dancing. This will be our last time to spend with local staff, and our last evening together is always a festive one. Day 10: Fly to Kathmandu An early morning flight will bring us safely at Kathmandu’s domestic airport where our transportation will be waiting to take us to our hotel. The afternoon is yours to spend as you choose: head to the hidden Garden of Dreams or navigate your way through the colourful maze of Thamel. Day 11: Cultural tours to Buddhist Shrine and Pashupatinath temple After a leisure breakfast and hot shower, we’ll explore some of Kathmandu’s most historic and religious sites. Our guide will show you the white dome of the Boudhanath temple and explain the Hindu ceremonies performed on the banks of Pasupatinath. In the afternoon, you can buy souvenirs for friends and family at home or spend a few hours getting pampered at a spa. Day 12: Departure It’s not goodbye, it’s “Pheri Betaula” – see you soon! You’ll be leaving Nepal with new friends and unforgettable memories. Our guides will make sure you arrive at the airport with plenty of time to check your luggage and pass through security for your journey home. |
12 days
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