- Destination:Nepal
- Total Duration:17 Days
- Trekking Duration:16 Days
- Start Point:Kathmandu
- End Point:Salleri
- Trip Grade:Difficult
- Max Elevation:5,545 m at Kala Patthar
- Accommodation:Hotels and Lodges
- Best Time:Spring (March to May) autumn (September to early November)
Trip Overview
The Classic Trek to Everest is a less common route towards the Everest foothills that follows the trail followed by the earliest climbers: Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa. Starting your trek by the flight from Kathmandu to Lukla is something ordinary. However, the trek through Salleri will add an extra adventure in your trek.
Classic Everest Trek is a perfect combination of nature, culture, and adventure. The trek will take the trekkers through the alpine forests and Glacier Rivers without missing the large vistas of the majestic mountains. Although the trek involves some high and low, the rewards of the trek are worth all the nerve-shaking movements.
The Buddhist villages, prayer flags, and the monasteries make the surrounding air fresh by the Buddhist culture. The mountain lifestyle, heartwarming hospitality, and wildlife will make you feel that the mountains are your home while you are still away from home.
The Kala Patthar is the major attraction of the trek which will offer you with the jaw-dropping views of the Mount Everest, Mount Lhotse, and other mountains.
Outline Itinerary
- Day 1 – Arrive Kathmandu
- Day 2 – Tour around Kathmandu
- Day 3 – Kathmandu to Salleri (2390 m) about 8-9 hours drive
- Day 4 – Salleri to Nunthala (2200 m) 6-7 hours trek
- Day 5 – Nunthala to Bupsa (2360 m) 5-6 hours trek
- Day 6 – Bupsa to Phakding (2650 m) 6 hours trek
- Day 7 – Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3438 m) 3-4 hours trek
- Day 8 – Acclimatization day at Namche Bazaar
- Day 9 – Namche Bazaar to Tengboche (3870 m) 5-6 hours trek
- Day 10 – Tengboche to Dingboche (4360 m)
- Day 11 – Dingboche to Lobuche (4940 m)
- Day 12 – Lobuche – Gorak Shep (5160 m) – Everest Base Camp (5364 m) - Gorak Shep
- Day 13 – Gorak Shep to Kala Patthar (5545 m) to Pheriche (4240 m) total around 8 hours trek
- Day 14 – Periche to Namche Bazaar - 8 hours trek
- Day 15 – Namche to Lukla (2840 m) 7 hours trek
- Day 16 – Lukla to Kathmandu – about 35 minutes flight
- Day 17 – Departure
Detail Itinerary
You will be met at the airport and be taken to the hotel. You may relax or explore until the group meets at dinner.
After breakfast, you venture out for the full day sightseeing (6-7 hours) in a fascinating medieval city, its streets, bazaars, temples, shrines and Buddhist stupas are crowded with peoples of every creed, color, and race. Rickshaws, taxis, and hooting motorists add to the din and create that special atmosphere that Kathmandu is so famous for. You visit the Swayambhunath Temple (also known as the Monkey Temple) and the Durbar Square in the heart of the city. This is where the Kumari is. Many of Kathmandu’s most historic and important temples are located here. Next, you will drive to Patan, once a beautiful city in its own right which rivaled Kathmandu in terms of the splendor of its temples and squares. You cross a bridge over the Bagmati River that links Kathmandu with the city of Patan, it is neighbor to the south. Patan has more excellent architecture and has long been a center of Newari craftsmanship. There will also be time to purchase any last minute supplies for the mountains.
Hidden content. We will leave Kathmandu for our trek to Everest Region in the early morning. After breakfast, we will drive to Salleri. The drive will cross the Sun Koshi River and pass through the riverside, jungles, and villages. After we reach Okhaldhunga, we will feel the change in climate and also see the glimpse of the Numpur Himal and Everest. Higher up, the long drive of 8-9 hours, will take us to Salleri. Overnight at guesthouse, includes Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
After breakfast, we continue our trek. Firstly we will pass the Ringmo village and continue to ascend on a steep trail until we reach the Namche Bazaar. Trekkers will witness some ruins before they reach Nunthala. Nunthala lies on the lower elevation than Salleri. To reach Nunthala, we will ascend about 600 m and descend at about 800 m. Overnight at a lodge, includes Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
We will start our trek after breakfast. Today’s trek involves descending most of its part today. We will cross the bridge over the Dudh Koshi River and continue to climb up for more than an hour. The trail will lead us through the Khari Khola village. We will walk through the beautiful rhododendron forest and the beautiful scenario until we reach Bupsa. Overnight in Busca includes Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
We begin our trek after breakfast. The trek will continue for about six hours and is actually a decent trek. From Phakding, trekkers can have the sight of the Kusum Kangraru Mountain. The Phakding village lies in the bank of Dudh Koshi River valley and contains many guesthouses and lodges for the tourists. Overnight in Phakding includes Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Starting from Phakding, we will start our trek after breakfast. We will cross the Monjo village during the trek. After Monjo, we will enter the Sagarmatha National Park. Walking along the Dudh Koshi River, we will pass the Chorten on the way. After following the trail for about 4 hours, we will reach Namche Bazaar. Namche Bazaar is one of the busiest villages in the Khumbu region. Overnight in Namche Bazaar, includes Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Today will be an acclimatization day. Acclimatization will help you better adapt to the climate and be prepared for the further trek. Namche Bazaar is a very active area and thus offers you with lots of things to explore. It has cafes, restaurants, markets, and ATMs. The Sagarmatha National Park visitor center on the hillock offers the tourists with the Sherpa culture and informative facts about the Everest ascenders. Trekkers can trek to Khumjung: a beautiful Sherpa village with the views of the Thamserku, Ama Dablam, Mt Everest, and many other peaks. Back to Namche Bazaar in the Evening for night stay
The trail from Namche Bazaar turns out to be moderately flat. The wonderful views of the Mt Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and the occurrence of the musk deer, and colorful pheasant will make the trail interesting. The trail descends down the Dudh Koshi River and climbs through the pine and juniper forest. Further 2 hours walk will take you to Tengboche monastery. The Monastery is a famous monastery in the Everest region and holds the beautiful Ama Dablam, Mt Everest and Nuptse in the background. Mani Rimdu festival is a major festival with the characteristic masked dance and Tibetan opera celebrated in October/November. Overnight at Hotel in Tengboche, includes Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
The trail will descend to Dingboche village. The village reflects the image of Buddhism with Chortens, Mani walls, and monastery. After crossing the suspension bridges of Imja Khola, a gradual ascend will lead us to Pangboche. The beautiful Ama Dablam Mountain smiles from above. Following the upstream, the trail takes us to Imja valley and finally to the Dingboche. Dingboche is the last Sherpa settlement enclosed by the stone wall to protect the barley, buckwheat, and potatoes from the wind and animals. Overnight at Hotel in Dingboche, includes Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
From Dingboche, the trail continues climbing the ridge with the views of the Tawache and Cholatse. After passing the Yak grazing pasture, trekkers will reach Dhukla (4620 m). A steep climb awaits the trekkers leading to the initial point of the Khumbu Glacier. This place will offer the spectacular views of the Khumbutse (6623 m), Lingtren (6697 m), Pumori (7145 m) and Mahalangur Himal. The Mount Everest lays hiding behind the wall of Nuptse and Lhotse. Trekking further for about an hour will take you to Lobuche. Overnight at Guesthouse in Lobuche, includes Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
After a short climb through the meadows, you will see the Khumbu Glacier. The trail becomes windy and rocky and provides the view of the Everest, Mahalangur, Nuptse, Khumbutse and other peaks. After a few hours of trek, we will reach Gorak Shep. After lunch in Gorak Shep, trekkers will continue to trek towards the Everest Base Camp: the highest base camp in the world. Although, there is not a huge elevation gain, there are a lot of ups and downs in the trail. After 3 hours trek, you will step in the Everest Base Camp which offers the closer view of the magnificent Mount Everest and Khumbu Glacier and icefall. The Everest Base Camp from where the Everest expedition starts. After some time in the base camp, we will again return to the Gorak Shep for our stay.
Overnight at Guesthouse in Gorak Shep, includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Today can be a comparatively tough day as you will be struggling against the wind and climb the Kala Patthar. The trek starts by climbing uphill for about 2-3 hours. Once we reach the Kala Patthar, you will be standing on the highest point of the trek. You will be amazed to see the Mount Everest (8848 m) along with the other Khumbu Himalayas. The sunset from the Kala Patthar is more vibrant. After some peacetime in the Kala Patthar, we will now descend down to Gorak Shep. From Gorak Shep, we will descend to Periche. Overnight in Periche, includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner
After breakfast, we will walk back to the tree line and rest for a while in Pangboche. Downhill from Pangboche, there comes a short downhill ascend. After two hours climb, we reach the Tengboche. From here trekkers will continue to take a descending rail all the way to Namche. Overnight in Namche Bazaar, includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner
After breakfast at Namche Bazaar, trekkers will now head towards the Monjo. Descending down from Monjo to the Dudh Koshi valley, we will pass the Phakding, Ghat, and Cheplung. We will climb the final hill of the trek from Chaurikharka to reach Lukla. Overnight in Lukla includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner
We will fly back to Kathmandu after breakfast. You will be transferred to your hotel.
This will be your last day in Nepal. With gratitude and honor, we will drop you to the International Airport to catch your flight back to your country.
Cost Includes
- Government Trained License Holder English-speaking guide/leader
- All domestic and International airport transfers on arrival and departure
- Good standard hotel accommodation in Kathmandu/cities with twin sharing bed and breakfast basis
- All road transport by private vehicles
- All domestic airfares
- All meals and accommodation on trek including tea and coffee
- Morning bed-tea on trek
- A free high-quality Dolma Treks duffel bag/relative trekking map and Tee-shirt
- Trek staff and full porteragem
- All camping gears in our camping treks
- High altitude Sherpa/porters properly insured and equipped
- National Park fees + Permits
Cost Excludes
- Travel insurance
- Visa fees
- Lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara
- Tips
- Laundry and personal expenses
- Whatever is not mentioned in the included section
" Dolma Treks covered all aspects of my dream trip: hotels, logistics, food, permits.
Tsering Lama is a very seasoned trip organizer and guide that knows the way things work locally, which means a hassle-free, pure joy adventure. I have traveled to Nepal 5 times so far, always with Dolma Treks. Have done a bit of everything: culture, trekking, yoga retreat, educational visits, rescue visits (Earthquake 2015). I have been solo, with friends, and even with my young son since he was 7. Everything was perfect, every single time.
I loved every second of my trips to Nepal and I simply can't wait to be back"
I would just like to say that our trekking holiday in Langtang National Park & our Bridim homestay with Tsering Lama and his wonderful porters "Lale and Mingmar" was the most memorable, amazing holiday I have ever experienced. The guidance and support given were just so great. My wish is that my Aussie friends join a trek with Dolma Tours one day to experience this amazing country of Nepal. Thank you, Tsering. Your Aussie friends, Tania, Steve & Jesse Pitt
I recently went on Tsering's 17-day tour of Nepal, in Oct/Nov 2013.
Tsering is an exceptional tour leader, very organized and a welcoming host.
He paid much attention to detail both in the planning of the itinerary and throughout the course of the trip. Right from the beginning, the pre-departure information was excellent and I felt very well-prepared. Any questions I had about the trekking were answered promptly by email.
Tsering's itinerary has a lovely variety of places to visit: in Kathmandu, trekking in the Annapurna mountains, visiting the Chitwan National Park, and a stunning flight over Mount Everest. On our trek, the porters were very helpful, friendly and spoke a little English.
Tsering was always professional and timely. We were also given great insight into the generosity of the Nepali people by being invited into his family home.
Heartfelt thanks again from me for a wonderful trip!
We joined one of Tsering's trips to Annapurna and Chitwan in October 2013, where Tsering warmly welcomed us at the airport and confidently and efficiently organized everything for us from the moment we arrived until our departure 17 days later, making the entire trip extremely relaxing and enjoyable.
His guidance with local customs and his ability to communicate clearly in English was invaluable in ensuring we were completely informed at all times of our programme. His command of local languages meant we were afforded the best treatment at the local hotels, lodges, and restaurants throughout our trip.
The trip was a wonderful balanced mix of the frantic bustle of Kathmandu, the grandeur of the Annapurna mountains, and the thrill of the Chitwan jungle, all complemented by a style of travel that exposes you to, and allows you to immerse yourself in the local culture to the extent you are personally willing and comfortable with.
The local guides Tsering organized were very competent and knowledgeable, giving us a great opportunity to absorb, understand and appreciate the breadth and depth of Nepal's history and the many cultures that make up its friendly people. Tsering gave us a marvelous insight into the recent history and of current events that gave us a wonderful context and appreciation of what makes the nation of Nepal what it is today and influences its future.
For the trek, Tsering organized a friendly team of local porters and guides who worked so hard carrying our gear over the often steep terrain of the mountains. Special mention goes to our lead guide Lale, who ensured the trek was perfectly paced to match the abilities of our relatively senior group. The guides and porters always had a friendly and smiling disposition, and we had a marvelous party with them on our last night, sharing cultural song and dance.
Tsering is generous of both time and nature, we were privileged to meet his family, and we particularly enjoyed the company of his enchanting 11yo son Jigme on our trip, and of his young friend Amod.
I would unreservedly recommend Tsering as a guide to anyone travelling to Nepal who is wanting to get to know this intriguing and beautiful country and its friendly people, and who enjoys knowing everything is confidently organized for you in a relaxed and efficient manner by a knowledgeable local who is a marvelous ambassador for his people and his country.
Thank you, Tsering, I sincerely hope we have the opportunity to visit Nepal again someday and enjoy your friendly and proficient service.
Tsering and his trekking company were brought to my attention by my daughter who had trekked with friends in Nepal. That trip was led by Tsering who was already known to one of the group. This group so recommended Tsering, that my wife and I decided upon a trekking tour under his guidance.
We were not any stage disappointed. Tsering contacted us and after considering age, fitness and wishes, designed what he thought was an appropriate tour. He emailed a comprehensive programme with some beautiful pictures and suggested dates. We arranged the flights to and from Kathmandu and brought in a couple of friends.
From our arrival until our departure, every detail was arranged. All accommodation, transport guides, porters, and dining was minutely cared for leaving us the freedom to simply enjoy ourselves. The team he engaged were known to him and endlessly strived to assist. Friendliness and honesty were so obvious.
Westerners are usually apprehensive about local cooking and food hygiene. Tsering always stationed one of the porters in the kitchens of the tea houses to oversee the cleanliness of food preparation. Some of his team are also chefs. It is a matter of pride for him that virtually all his tourists complete their trips without gastric upset.
Tsering is very kind, caring and attentive to detail. He is great fun, has a keen political insight as well as concern for the education of his young countrymen. He is honest and generous to a fault - as are his lovely family whom we met. We also enjoyed their hospitality.
If we return to Nepal there is absolutely no doubt we would ask Tsering to undertake our planning and if possible accompany us. He was faultless and thus I have no hesitation in recommending his company to your favorable attention.
