Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, travelers are warmly welcomed by their guide and driver. After clearing immigration and collecting luggage, you’ll be transferred to your hotel in the city, where you can rest, refresh, and recover from your international flight. Depending on your arrival time, you may have the opportunity to explore the vibrant streets of Thamel, the main tourist hub, or enjoy a traditional Nepali meal at a local restaurant.

Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, is a fascinating city that blends ancient culture with modern life. You’ll notice the bustling markets, colorful temples, prayer flags fluttering in the wind, and historic architecture as you walk through its streets. This day is primarily for adjusting to the city’s rhythm, resting, and preparing for your upcoming trekking adventure or sightseeing tour. Your guide will also provide a briefing on the trek ahead, including tips on packing, acclimatization, and local customs. Overnight stay is at a comfortable hotel in Kathmandu, offering a convenient base to begin your Nepal journey.

After arriving in Kathmandu and settling in, the next two days are crucial for preparing your Everest Expedition. You’ll start by completing all necessary permits and paperwork, including the Sagarmatha National Park Permit and the TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) card. These permits are mandatory for all climbers and trekkers entering the Everest region, and Nepal Voyage Treks staff will assist you to ensure everything is in order smoothly.

Once permits are secured, you’ll attend a detailed expedition briefing with your guides, Sherpa support team, and fellow climbers. The briefing covers route details, safety protocols, altitude sickness awareness, weather patterns, and acclimatization schedules. Next comes gear checks, where you’ll inspect and organize your technical climbing equipment, including ropes, crampons, harnesses, ice axes, and oxygen systems, making sure everything is in perfect condition for high-altitude conditions.

In addition, you’ll have time for shopping any last-minute essentials, such as energy snacks, trekking poles, warm layers, gloves, and high-altitude boots, available in Kathmandu’s specialized outdoor stores. This period is also an excellent opportunity to get familiar with your team, ask questions, and mentally prepare for the challenges ahead. By the end of these two days, you will be fully ready, confident, and equipped to begin your journey toward the world’s highest peak.

The adventure begins with a short but thrilling 30–35 minute flight from Kathmandu to Lukla (2,840 m). On clear mornings, the flight offers spectacular views of Langtang Himal, Gauri Shankar, and even Everest in the distance. Landing at the famous Tenzing-Hillary Airport is unforgettable, with its short sloping runway perched on the mountainside.

After a quick tea or breakfast stop in Lukla, the trek starts with a gentle descent through pine forests and terraced fields, leading into the Khumbu Valley. The trail follows the Dudh Koshi River, crossing several suspension bridges covered in prayer flags. Along the way, you’ll pass Chheplung village, with its first good view of Kusum Kanguru (6,367 m), and Thado Koshi, another riverside village.

Lunch is usually taken at Ghat (2,530 m), a small settlement decorated with mani walls, chortens, and prayer wheels. From here, it’s an easy walk of about an hour and a half to Phakding (2,610 m), a peaceful riverside village surrounded by pine trees. On clear days, you may spot Thamserku (6,608 m) above the valley.

The evening is spent in a cozy lodge, enjoying a warm meal and the sound of the Dudh Koshi rushing by.

After breakfast in Phakding, the trail follows the Dudh Koshi River, passing small Sherpa villages like Tok Tok and Benkar, where you’ll enjoy views of Thamserku (6,608m) and Kusum Kanguru. Soon after, you’ll reach Monjo (2,835m), the gateway to Sagarmatha National Park, where permits are checked. From here, a short descent leads to Jorsalle (2,740m), the last settlement before Namche and the usual lunch stop, surrounded by pine and rhododendron forest.

After lunch, the path continues along the river until you reach the thrilling Hillary Suspension Bridge, one of the highest and longest bridges on the trek, decorated with colorful prayer flags. Crossing it marks the start of a steady uphill climb toward Namche. The ascent is challenging but rewarding, as midway up you may glimpse Mount Everest for the first time behind the ridge of Lhotse and Nuptse. Eventually, the trail opens into the natural amphitheater of Namche Bazaar (3,440m) — the vibrant Sherpa capital filled with tea houses, shops, and bakeries. Here, you’ll spend the night in a cozy lodge, resting for the acclimatization day ahead.

Namche Bazaar is the Sherpa capital and a crucial stop for altitude acclimatization. The town is lively, built in a natural amphitheater with colorful houses, shops, bakeries, and internet cafés. After breakfast, trekkers often take a short walk to the Sherpa Culture Museum, where you can learn about local traditions, mountaineering history, and the famous Everest expeditions. For those wanting moderate exercise to aid acclimatization, a popular option is hiking to the Everest View Hotel (3,880m) or Syangboche Airport area (3,810m). Both spots offer breathtaking views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, and Thamserku, making it a perfect opportunity for photos and mountain observation without a strenuous climb.

Lunch is typically enjoyed at a local tea house in Namche, with options like dal bhat, noodles, or fried rice, giving you energy for the afternoon. In the afternoon, you can stroll around Namche Bazaar’s main streets, visit small monasteries, mani walls, and prayer wheels, or simply relax and enjoy the Himalayan panorama from the town’s viewpoints. Staying in a cozy tea house overnight allows your body to adjust to the altitude, preparing you for the more challenging climbs ahead toward Tengboche and Dingboche.

Leaving Namche Bazaar after breakfast, the trail follows a gentle uphill path through pine and rhododendron forests, offering immediate views of Ama Dablam, Thamserku, and Kangtega. The path initially descends slightly toward the Dudh Koshi tributaries, crossing a few small wooden suspension bridges, which provide excellent photo opportunities of the rushing rivers and surrounding cliffs. Along the way, trekkers pass Khumjung village, famous for its ancient monastery and Hillary School, showcasing traditional Sherpa architecture and culture.

After Khumjung, the trail gradually climbs uphill toward Tengboche (3,860m), one of the most important spiritual centers in the Khumbu region. The Tengboche Monastery, perched on a ridge with panoramic views, dominates the village and is a highlight of the trek. From here, you can see Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, and Thamserku in a single breathtaking vista. Lunch is usually enjoyed at a local tea house in Tengboche, where you can rest and soak in the mountain panorama. In the evening, you’ll stay in a cozy tea house in Tengboche, surrounded by prayer flags and the serene ambiance of the monastery, preparing for the next day’s trek to Dingboche.

After breakfast in Tengboche, the trail descends gently through mixed pine and birch forests, offering close-up views of Ama Dablam, Lhotse, and Nuptse. You’ll cross several small streams and pass through charming villages like Pangboche (3,985m), home to the famous Pangboche Monastery, one of the oldest in the Khumbu region. This village provides excellent photo opportunities of Ama Dablam rising sharply behind the settlement.

Beyond Pangboche, the trail gradually climbs through alpine terrain, moving above the treeline into open landscapes dotted with mani walls and prayer flags. The path offers panoramic views of Cholatse, Tawache, and Ama Dablam as you approach Dingboche (4,410m), a picturesque valley settlement. Here, trekkers can enjoy lunch at a local tea house, which usually serves dal bhat, noodles, or soups to fuel up for acclimatization. You’ll spend the night in a cozy tea house in Dingboche, resting and preparing for the next day’s optional acclimatization hike to Nangkartshang Peak or the surrounding ridges.

Dingboche is a key acclimatization stop on the Everest Base Camp trek, allowing your body to adjust to higher altitude before the longer climbs ahead. After breakfast, trekkers often take an optional hike to the ridge near Nangkartshang Peak (approx. 4,600m). This short uphill trek provides spectacular panoramic views of Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Island Peak (Imja Tse), and Cholatse, giving a clear sense of the high Himalayan landscape. Even a short walk around Dingboche village offers amazing vistas of terraced fields, prayer flags, and mani walls.

Lunch is enjoyed at one of the local tea houses in Dingboche, fueling you for the afternoon. The rest of the day can be spent exploring the village, visiting small gompas, or simply relaxing while taking in the surrounding mountain panorama. Staying overnight in Dingboche allows your body to adapt to the altitude, preparing for the next trek toward Lobuche and higher elevations, ensuring you reduce the risk of altitude sickness.

Leaving Dingboche after breakfast, the trail ascends gradually through rocky alpine terrain and moraine paths, offering stunning views of Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Island Peak (Imja Tse), and Cholatse. You’ll pass small shrines, mani walls, and prayer flags, which are scattered along the trail and add a spiritual charm to the hike. The path is mostly open, providing panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and glaciated peaks. Lunch is typically taken at a tea house along the way, often near Thukla, giving trekkers a chance to rest and enjoy the mountain scenery.

The final stretch climbs steadily into Lobuche (4,910m), a small settlement at the foot of the Khumbu Glacier. The village is quiet, with tea houses perched on rocky ridges, and offers breathtaking views of the Khumbu Glacier and the surrounding 6,000–7,000m peaks. Staying overnight here allows your body to begin adjusting to higher altitude, preparing you for the next day’s trek to Gorak Shep and Everest Base Camp.

Today is one of the most epic days of your Everest Expedition—you will finally reach the legendary Everest Base Camp. The trek begins early from Lobuche (4,910 m / 16,108 ft), heading along a rocky, high-altitude trail through moraine fields, glacial rivers, and scattered ice formations. The terrain is rugged, requiring careful footing, but the breathtaking mountain views make every step worth it.

As you progress, you’ll witness towering peaks like Nuptse, Lhotse, and Pumori, glaciers flowing beside the trail, and prayer flags fluttering in the wind, marking this sacred Himalayan region. Along the way, climbers’ camps and tents appear, giving you a glimpse of the intense preparations for summiting Everest. Suspension bridges, small mani walls, and prayer wheels add cultural depth to this extreme environment.

Upon reaching Everest Base Camp (5,364 m / 17,598 ft), you’ll experience an unforgettable atmosphere—a mix of awe, achievement, and anticipation. You can explore the camp, see climbers’ tents and signboards, and stand in the shadow of the world’s tallest mountain. Today’s trek is physically challenging but immensely rewarding, and you will spend the night at Base Camp or nearby high-altitude lodges, fully immersed in the Himalayan environment.

The period from Day 12 to Day 57 marks the core of the Everest Expedition, encompassing acclimatization rotations, camp climbs, summit attempts, and returns. This phase is a test of physical endurance, mental resilience, and teamwork, designed to prepare climbers for the world’s highest peak while carefully managing the risks of high-altitude mountaineering.

The journey begins with trekking from Lobuche to Everest Base Camp (5,364 m / 17,598 ft), where climbers are welcomed by the vibrant energy of fellow mountaineers, the fluttering Buddhist prayer flags, and the majestic backdrop of Everest, Lhotse, and Nuptse. Base Camp serves as the operational hub, with tents set up for accommodation, meals prepared by experienced cooks, and Sherpa guides coordinating logistics. Here, climbers undergo equipment checks, orientation, and light training on glacier travel and safety protocols, acclimatizing to the altitude gradually.

From Base Camp, climbers begin rotational climbs to higher camps, a crucial process to allow the body to adapt to progressively thinner air. The first rotation leads to Camp I (6,000 m / 19,685 ft) on the Khumbu Icefall’s edge, where careful navigation of ladders, crevasses, and seracs is required. Climbers return to Base Camp after a few hours at Camp I to sleep at lower altitude, consolidating acclimatization.

Subsequent rotations involve ascents to Camp II (6,400 m / 20,997 ft) and Camp III (7,200 m / 23,622 ft) along the Lhotse Face, each day focusing on slow, deliberate movement, hydration, and monitoring for altitude sickness. The terrain becomes increasingly technical, with steep snow slopes, icy ridges, and fixed rope sections demanding full concentration. Every step is methodical, as the air is thin and the margin for error small.

Once acclimatized, climbers advance to Camp IV (7,900 m / South Col), often considered the gateway to the summit, where temperatures are extreme and oxygen levels are less than a third of sea level. From here, the summit push begins, generally timed with optimal weather windows. The ascent to the summit involves crossing the Balcony, the South Summit, the Hillary Step, and finally reaching the Everest Peak (8,848 m / 29,029 ft). Climbers experience jaw-dropping panoramic views of the Himalayas, seeing peaks like Cho Oyu, Makalu, Lhotse, and Nuptse stretching into the horizon. This moment is the culmination of weeks of effort, careful acclimatization, and teamwork, a life-changing achievement.

After summiting, climbers descend back through the same camps, retracing their path to Camp IV, Camp III, Camp II, and Base Camp, ensuring a gradual and safe descent. During this period, climbers may also perform prayer ceremonies, engage in team debriefs, and maintain equipment, all while managing fatigue and weather changes. Each night at the camps is spent resting, eating high-calorie meals, hydrating, and monitoring oxygen use, essential for maintaining energy for the next stage.

Throughout this period, climbers experience the full range of Everest’s environment: glacial formations, towering ice walls, crevassed valleys, and serac fields, while being surrounded by the staggering beauty of the Himalayas. The journey is both physically taxing and mentally inspiring, fostering resilience, self-awareness, and a profound connection with nature. Safety is always the priority, with Sherpa support, medical checks, and constant weather monitoring guiding the expedition.

By the end of Day 57, climbers descend to Base Camp or continue to Lobuche and further down to Lukla, completing the expedition with a deep sense of achievement, unforgettable memories, and a lifetime of stories. The climbing period is a testament to human endurance, preparation, and the spirit of adventure, encapsulating everything that makes an Everest Expedition an unparalleled experience.

Expedition Facts

• Climbing Period Duration: Day 12–57

• Base Camp: 5,364 m / 17,598 ft

• Camp I: 6,000 m / 19,685 ft

• Camp II: 6,400 m / 20,997 ft

• Camp III: 7,200 m / 23,622 ft

• Camp IV / South Col: 7,900 m / 25,918 ft

• Everest Summit: 8,848 m / 29,029 ft

• Approx. Total Distance Covered (Climb & Acclimatization Rotations): ~60–70 km

• Elevation Gain (Approx. Base Camp → Summit): +3,484 m

• Elevation Loss (Descent Base Camp): -3,484 m

• Terrain: Glacial, rocky, icy slopes, fixed rope sections, crevasses, seracs

• Accommodation: Expedition tents at Base Camp and higher camps

• Key Highlights: Khumbu Icefall, Lhotse Face, Balcony, South Summit, Hillary Step, Everest Summit, panoramic Himalayan views, prayer ceremonies, glacial landscapes

• Difficulty: Extremely high; requires prior high-altitude mountaineering experience, fitness, and technical climbing skills

• Support: Sherpa guides, high-altitude porters, oxygen support, medical and safety monitoring

The day begins with the important and responsible task of cleaning up Base Camp, a practice that ensures the preservation of the Everest environment. Climbers and Sherpa teams spend the morning collecting waste, packing tents, and organizing gear, contributing to the ongoing efforts to maintain a sustainable and clean trekking environment. This activity also allows climbers a final reflection on the journey, appreciating the challenges overcome and the majestic views surrounding Base Camp—the towering presence of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Ama Dablam creates an awe-inspiring backdrop.

Once the cleanup is completed, the descent begins. The trek from Everest Base Camp (5,364 m / 17,598 ft) to Lobuche (4,910 m / 16,108 ft) is a gradual but careful descent, retracing steps past the Khumbu Glacier, scattered prayer flags, and towering ice formations. Along the trail, climbers can observe the impressive glaciers, moraines, and the occasional Himalayan wildlife, while the descending pace gives the body a chance to adjust after the extreme altitudes of the summit attempt. The trek to Lobuche usually takes 3–4 hours, depending on weather conditions, physical fatigue, and the pace of the team. Overnight accommodation is in expedition tents or lodges, providing rest and recovery after the intense climbing period.

The day starts with an early breakfast at Lobuche, preparing for the descent through the Khumbu Valley. The trail gradually descends from Lobuche (4,910 m / 16,108 ft) to Tengboche (3,867 m / 12,687 ft), offering climbers panoramic views of Ama Dablam, Lhotse, and Nuptse along the way. The descent is gentle in sections but includes rocky and uneven paths, so careful footing is essential, especially with tired legs after the long climbing period.

Along the route, trekkers pass through Thukla, a small settlement that marks the transition from high-altitude zones to more forested areas. The trail also crosses suspension bridges over the Dudh Koshi River and its tributaries, providing picturesque views of the river winding through the valley. Prayer flags and mani walls add cultural beauty, reflecting the strong Sherpa and Buddhist heritage of the region. Lunch can be enjoyed at tea houses along the way, which offer traditional Nepali meals and refreshments. Arrival at Tengboche is usually in the early afternoon, allowing time to visit the famous Tengboche Monastery, renowned for its panoramic Himalayan backdrop and spiritual atmosphere. Overnight stay is in local lodges or expedition tents, giving much-needed rest after the high-altitude trekking.

After a hearty breakfast at Tengboche, the trek continues down the Khumbu Valley toward Namche Bazaar. The trail gently descends through rhododendron forests and alpine scrub, offering trekkers spectacular views of Ama Dablam, Thamserku, and the surrounding peaks. The descent is more gradual than the high-altitude sections, but some rocky and uneven paths require careful footing, especially for tired legs after the Everest climb.

The route crosses several suspension bridges over the Dudh Koshi River and its tributaries, providing excellent photo opportunities of the rushing waters below. Along the way, trekkers pass through Tengboche’s lower ridges, Pangboche village, and small tea houses where they can enjoy a warm meal or refreshments. Upon arrival in Namche Bazaar, the vibrant Sherpa trading town offers a chance to explore local shops, monasteries, and cafes, providing both cultural enrichment and relaxation. Overnight stay is in lodges or expedition tents, giving climbers a chance to rest, rejuvenate, and soak in the views of the Khumbu mountains.

The final trekking day begins with an early breakfast in Namche Bazaar, followed by the descent along the Dudh Koshi River trail toward Lukla. The trail passes through Sherpa villages like Phakding, where trekkers can witness traditional stone houses, mani walls, and prayer flags fluttering in the wind. The terrain alternates between forested paths, suspension bridges, and open viewpoints, offering final glimpses of the majestic Everest region peaks, including Ama Dablam, Thamserku, and Nuptse.

Along the way, trekkers can stop at tea houses or local cafes for lunch, enjoying traditional Nepali meals or snacks. Crossing several suspension bridges over the Dudh Koshi and Bhote Koshi Rivers provides both scenic views and a thrilling experience. The trail gradually descends into Lukla, where the journey concludes with the arrival at Lukla Airport or nearby lodges. Overnight stay is in lodges, marking the successful end of the long and challenging expedition trekking phase, with memories of high Himalayan trails, Sherpa culture, and iconic mountain vistas.

The final day of the Everest Expedition begins with a morning flight from Lukla to Kathmandu, offering trekkers one last chance to enjoy breathtaking aerial views of the Himalayas, including Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, and other towering peaks. The flight typically lasts 30–40 minutes, depending on weather, and provides a spectacular perspective of the trails, villages, and deep river valleys trekked over the past weeks. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, trekkers are transferred to their hotel or lodge, with time to rest, freshen up, and reflect on the monumental journey they have completed.

In the evening, Nepal Voyage Treks organizes a farewell dinner and group celebration, a perfect opportunity for sharing stories, photos, and experiences with fellow expedition members and guides. The dinner features traditional Nepali cuisine, music, and cultural performances, celebrating the success, endurance, and achievements of the Everest Expedition team. This evening marks the end of a transformative high-altitude adventure, leaving participants with lifelong memories of the Khumbu region, Sherpa culture, and the majesty of the Himalayas.

After an intense and rewarding Everest Expedition, trekkers have the option to spend a rest day in Kathmandu or proceed directly to their international flights for departure. For those choosing to stay, this day provides a chance to relax, recover, and explore the cultural heritage of Kathmandu, including short visits to local markets, temples, or souvenir shops. It’s an ideal opportunity to reflect on the expedition, organize photographs, and enjoy the comforts of a hotel after weeks in the high Himalayas.

For travelers departing, airport transfers are arranged by Nepal Voyage Treks, ensuring a smooth journey to Tribhuvan International Airport. Guides and support staff are available to assist with baggage, check-in, and final travel arrangements, making the departure hassle-free. Whether staying a day longer or leaving, this final segment of the trip offers closure to an unforgettable Himalayan adventure, leaving trekkers with lasting memories of Everest, the Khumbu region, and Sherpa culture.