Classic Lukla to Tengboche Monastery

It’s time to get up, zip up your suitcase and fly from your chosen UK airport into the capital of Nepal, Kathmandu. The holiday starts straight away with a special welcome from our concierge at the airport and an inclusive transfer directly to your 4 star hotel. Flights usually arrive in the late morning (although schedules can change) which gives you plenty of time to make yourself comfortable in your hotel room, enjoy some refreshments and explore part of Kathmandu.

Kathmandu is spectacular so we always like to include a full day for you to explore the capital and its surrounding areas. This breathtaking city has boomed in recent years becoming a busy modern city with a rich medieval heart. There is so much to see and do from exploring the bustling streets, doing a bit of shopping, tasting incredible food all before relaxing in your hotel garden with a cup of Nepalise tea in one hand and a tasty cake in the other.

While you’re in Kathmandu, make the most of the day and visit Thamel, one of the commercial neighborhoods in the city famous for its shops. Thamel is an easy walk from almost anywhere in Kathmandu and is the best place to pick up some souvenirs to take home!

Say goodbye to Kathmandu – for now! – and take a 30 minute flight from Kathmandu to classic Lukla. This small town has become a huge hit for trekkers thanks to the new airport and its great accommodation options close to the hiking trails. As soon as you arrive you’ll feel instantly ready for tomorrow’s trekking adventure, with mountains filling your eye line everywhere you look.

The first day of your Everest Base Camp Trek starts easy setting off from Lukla. Trekking for around 3 hours you will pass through the north end of classic Lukla into the village of Cheplung where you will get to witness your first sights of earthquake damage. As you continue north from Cheplung you’ll catch views of the Dudh Kosi roaring along the bottom of the valley before crossing a swaying metal suspension bridge that leads to the village of Thadokoshi. After a short rest and a quick explore of the area you will then head into the village of Pakding where you will stay for 1 night.

This 5 and a half hour trek shows you following the trail north across Dudh Kosi Valley, meandering through the pines about 100 metres above the west bank of the river. Crossing the Ghatte Khola by a small hydroelectric project, the trail climbs up over the ridge to the tiny village of Toktok. From here it’s a short climb to a fine view of Thamserku, the 6608m peak that rises to the east of Namche Bazaar. You will then follow the trail into Benkar where you can see stunning waterfalls and rock paintings on the cliffs above.

Heading north from Benkar you’ll pass through the villages of Chumoa and Monjo before heading through the Sagarmatha National Park and crossing a suspension bridge into the village of Jorsale. From here you’ll climb another drooping suspension bridge which floats above the Dudh Kosi before enduring a zigzagging ascent through dense pine forests where you will witness your first glimpse of Everest. Once you reach the stone steps of upper Namche Bazaar you can set down your pack for a night of rest.

You can spend day 5 resting your feet or exploring the area a little further, but it is important to ensure you give your body chance to climatize to the altitude. There are numerous short walks through the hills around Namche that are great at getting a feel for the area. One side trip you can take is a 6 hour walk from Namche to Thame while another is a 4-hour trek through the Sherpa villages of Khumbu.

You will leave Namche Bazaar and make your way towards Tengboche. There are several routes to choose from but a particular favourite is to climb to Shyangboche and Khumjung which helps avoid the repetition on the journey back.

Take a day to enjoy your destination at Tengboche and make sure to give the famous Tengboche Gompa a visit. This is the largest and most active monastery in the Kumbu and is currently being restored after taking some damage in the earthquake. You can also climb the prayer-flag-strewn hill above the Hotel Himalayan or take a hike to the nunnery at Debuche.

From Tengboche, retrace your steps down to Phunki Thenga then climb the ridge towards Namche Bazaar. You can follow the level trail along the ridge to Chhorkung or take the path that climbs steeply up the ridge above Sanasa to Khumjung.

Your last day of the trek back to classic Lukla. You will start the journey heading downhill from Mache to the Dudh Kosi before crossing the high suspension bridge and following the path level to Jorsale. From here, it’s an easy run through Benkar and Phakding to Lukla.

Fly back from classic Lukla and celebrate your achievement with a few drinks at one of the bars in Kathmandu after boarding your flight.

Day trip to Bhaktapur

Lst night before flight home free day for some shopping before home