Arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport, Kathmandu. A traditional warm welcome by our airport representative. Short briefing about the package in the hotel. Typical welcome dinner in the evening.

After breakfast at your hotel, you will embark on a sightseeing tour of the Kathmandu Valley to explore this vibrant city. Your first stop will be the famous Buddhist Stupa Swayambhunath, also known as the Monkey Temple, perched on a hill in the Kathmandu Valley. From here, you can enjoy stunning views of the mountains and the valley below. This ancient and enigmatic stupa, with its lofty white dome and glittering golden spire, attracts Buddhists and tourists from around the world.

Next, you will visit Pashupatinath, the revered temple of Lord Shiva, renowned as the most famous Hindu temple in the Indian subcontinent. Adjacent to the temple is a crematorium where bodies are ritually burned to ashes.

After exploring Pashupatinath, you will head to Patan Durbar Square, a magnificent showcase of traditional Nepalese architecture, filled with centuries-old temples and palaces.

After an early breakfast, fly to Pokhara (3,300 ft / 1,000 m), a journey that takes about 30 minutes. Upon arrival, you will meet your crew and transfer to the trek’s starting point, approximately a 40-minute scenic drive. If the weather is clear, both the flight and the drive offer stunning panoramas of the Himalayas. Any extra luggage can be dropped off at the hotel in Pokhara, where you will stay after the trek.

Today’s trail follows a ridgeline in the lower foothills of the Annapurnas, offering sweeping views of the Pokhara Valley. The route then descends to the Modi River Valley, where the Sanctuary Lodge is located. The lodge boasts magnificent views of the sacred and unclimbed Fishtail Mountain, or Machhapuchhre, as it is locally known. A picnic lunch is provided, with a late afternoon arrival at the lodge.

Experience the sunrise and savor a leisurely breakfast amidst a garden where flowers and butterflies dance around you. After breakfast, depart from the lodge and walk through outlying farms, following the Modi River Valley. As you ascend towards the mountains, you’ll pass through small hamlets, terraced rice fields, and forests, all offering spectacular views of the valley below. Snacks will be provided along the trail, and a hot lunch awaits upon arrival at the lodge in the early afternoon. Prepare to be rewarded with magnificent, up-close views of the surrounding mountains throughout the day.

This morning, awaken to tea and coffee served in the garden while witnessing the sunrise over Annapurna South, Annapurna I, Hiunchuli, Gangapurna, and the iconic Fishtail Mountain. After a leisurely breakfast accompanied by these breathtaking views, our guide will lead you on an exploration of the mountain village of Ghandruk and its surrounding countryside.

Ghandruk, once a significant recruitment center for Gurkha soldiers, now stands as a picturesque village with a museum and the Annapurna Conservation Area project to explore. The women of Ghandruk are known for their traditional Nepalese rug weaving, adding to the cultural richness of the area. Today promises to be a fascinating immersion into local culture and natural beauty.

After a leisurely breakfast and taking in the breathtaking views, you’ll embark on your trek towards Lhandruk. Departing from Ghandruk village, the trail descends sharply alongside the Modi River, featuring numerous stone steps. Here, you’ll encounter the cliffs where Nepal’s renowned honey hunters scale ropes to harvest honey. Crossing a sturdy suspension bridge to the opposite bank of the Modi River, you’ll begin an hour-long ascent through switchbacks and steps leading to Lhandruk village. Lhandruk offers stunning vistas of the Annapurna range. Later in the evening, your guide will lead you on an exploratory hike around this mountainous village.

After breakfast, you will leave the Bee Lodge & trek to Ker & Downey’s Gurung Lodge. Today’s trek contours the side of the hill, with small ups and downs, passing through villages and farmland. Trek time to the Lodge is about 4 hours. You’ll reach the Gurung Lodge in time for lunch with optional afternoon hikes to the surrounding villages.
Overnight Ker & Downey Gurung Lodge

After breakfast, you’ll trek for approximately 2 hours until reaching the road, where our car will be ready to transfer you to Pokhara. The trail meanders through wooded hillsides and terraced farmland, eventually descending to the valley floor. On the way back to Pokhara, the vehicle can make a stop upon request at the Tibetan refugee camp, allowing time to explore the temple complex.

You’ll arrive at a centrally located hotel in time for lunch. The afternoon is yours to explore Lakeside, indulge in local dining and drinks, visit a spa, or simply relax at the hotel pool.

After enjoying breakfast and the morning in Pokhara, you’ll fly to Kathmandu in the afternoon. During the 30-minute flight, you can take in breathtaking views of the mountains. Please note that domestic flights in Nepal often experience delays, so some waiting time may be expected. In the late afternoon, you’ll have free time in Kathmandu to explore at your leisure.

You’ll take a stunning flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. Upon arrival, you’ll meet your trekking crew. After a short tea break, you’ll trek northwards up the valley of the Dudh Kosi. Descending from a small plateau into the forested valley, today’s trek is relatively easy and short, although the altitude difference from Kathmandu can be challenging for some. After lunch, continue north towards Phakding, crossing several tributary streams and enjoying captivating views before reaching the small settlement of Phakding (2650m), where you’ll spend your first night.

Note: If direct flights to Lukla are unavailable, you may need to drive to Ramechhap and catch a flight from there, adding approximately 5 hours of travel time.

You’ll start an easy trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar, passing through fields and villages. Leaving Phakding, you’ll follow the Dudh Kosi River northwards. This scenic route winds through beautiful forests of rhododendron, towering fir, and magnolia trees. Crossing the west fork of the river, the Bhote Kosi, you’ll begin a steep ascent towards Namche Bazaar. As the largest Sherpa village, Namche has historically served as a key base for Himalayan expeditions. It’s a thriving Sherpa community and an important trading hub, hosting a weekly market where fresh produce from lower villages is sold.

You will take a rest day in Namcha and explore the village Thamo or Synboche. Make fit yourself for the further journey. This day is for acclimatization. Physiologically prepare yourself for adaptation to changes in climate or environment. We recommend you to stay active even in a rest day as it is better than being idle while on a trekking journey.

After a delightful breakfast overlooking the stunning scenery, your journey to Thame begins. This Sherpa village holds a special place in mountaineering history, being the birthplace of renowned climbers and adventurers. Thame stands out as the largest settlement in the valley and is famously associated with Tenzing Norgay, the first Sherpa to conquer Mount Everest alongside Sir Edmund Hillary in 1953. It’s also the birthplace of Apa Sherpa, who holds the remarkable record of summiting Everest 21 times. During your time here, immerse yourself in Sherpa culture, interact with locals, and visit the village’s impressive monastery to enrich your experience.

After an early morning breakfast, your trek to Kongde Base Camp begins, which is likely the most challenging part of this journey. The trek typically takes around 7-8 hours from Thame to reach Kongde. As you ascend high above the Khumbu region to the crest of Kongde, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the Himalayan ranges and panoramic vistas, including the majestic peaks of Mt. Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, and Kusum Kanguru. You’ll spend the night at a hotel, soaking in the awe-inspiring surroundings.

Today is dedicated to exploring Kongde. Following breakfast, you’ll embark on a hike to the nearby peak, offering panoramic views of the Himalayas, including Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, and other peaks of the Khumbu Valley. You’ll also enjoy magnificent vistas of Tangboche and the entire Solukhumbu range from this vantage point. It’s a day filled with stunning scenery and the grandeur of Nepal’s mountainous landscapes.

Descend along a steep path through lush gardens and along a serene riverside. The Phakding lodge is situated in a peaceful location beside the Dudh Koshi River, with dramatic pine forested cliffs on the opposite bank. Take in the picturesque views from the charming sunroom, and later, unwind by the warmth of the fire, soaking in the tranquil atmosphere.

Descend via a steep trail to the Dudh Kosi River and continue trekking towards Lukla. It’s a leisurely and scenic journey back, where you can reflect on your trekking adventure amidst the majestic mountains. Celebrate your journey at a local tea house, taking in one last view of the rugged peaks you’ve conquered. Bid farewell to your trekking crew as you wrap up your memorable trekking experience.

Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu, soaking in the panoramic mountain views along the way. Once in Kathmandu, spend the rest of the day sightseeing, exploring, shopping, or simply relaxing in one of the city’s many cafés or rooftop restaurants.

It’s a leisure time in Kathmandu, where the rest of the day is free for shopping, sightseeing or relaxing. This is an extra day in case of bad weather. Free time to explore Kathmandu before setting for the airport.

Your final day in Kathmandu is a free day. You do as you like. Many people take the time for shopping others enjoy exploring the cultural sites of the city. Our local guide can advise you on the best shops in the area. Farewells! Our airport representative will travel with you to the airport.