An early morning departure takes you to the domestic airport for what will be one of the most stunning mountain flights of your life. During the 40-minute journey, you will gaze upon a panorama of Himalayan giants. The landing at the Tenzing-Hillary Airport in Lukla is an equally exciting experience. After meeting your full trekking crew, your adventure on foot begins. Today's walk is a gentle introduction, descending slightly which aids in acclimatization. The path gracefully follows the mesmerizing, milky waters of the Dudh Koshi River, passing through charming Sherpa settlements like Chheplung and Ghat before arriving in the peaceful village of Phakding.

Today is a challenging but visually spectacular day. Leaving Phakding, you will once again follow the cascading waters of the Dudh Koshi River northwards. The trail passes through beautiful oases of rhododendron and pine, with striking views of Thamserku (6,609m). After crossing several thrillingly high suspension bridges, you will reach Monjo, the entrance to the Sagarmatha National Park. After the rangers check your permits, the trail continues to Jorsalle before making the iconic crossing of the Hillary Suspension Bridge. A final, steep ascent of about two hours brings you to the vibrant amphitheater of Namche Bazaar, the capital of the Sherpa people.

Namche Bazaar is situated at a significant elevation, making today a crucial acclimatization day to allow your body to adjust. We will embark on an active rest day, hiking up to the traditional village of Khumjung, home to a fascinating mountaineering museum and a monastery that houses what is claimed to be a Yeti scalp. We will also visit the world-famous Everest View Hotel, a luxurious Japanese establishment offering your first clear, panoramic views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, and the stunning Ama Dablam. After this exploratory hike, we will descend back to Namche for the afternoon.

Today you will reach new heights, ascending above 4,000 meters. Leaving Namche, the trail climbs to Kyangjuma, offering striking profiles of Thamserku and Ama Dablam. At Sanasa, the trail splits; we take the left fork, leaving the main Everest trail behind. Prepare for a steep climb up a stone staircase carved into the cliff to reach the ridge of Mong La (3,973m), which offers a remarkable view of the Tengboche Monastery across the valley. From here, a descent through a rich forest brings you to Phortse Thanga, followed by a final, steady climb to the small settlement of Dole, your resting place for the night.

Today promises to be a shorter, simpler, and beautiful day of trekking, covering only 6km and gaining around 300m in altitude, which is perfect for acclimatization. As you advance, the dense forests give way to open, green grasslands. The trail is enjoyable as it offers wonderful glimpses of the white silhouettes of Cho Oyu, Thamserku, and Cho Latse. You will arrive in the high-altitude pasture of Machhermo in time for lunch, leaving the afternoon free for a short acclimatization walk around this small, remote village.

Today, you are set to reach one of Nepal's most enchanting treasures: the high alpine glacial lakes of Gokyo. After leaving Machhermo, the trail ascends a ridge and then continues on a rugged path across the rocky moraine of the Ngozumpa Glacier. One by one, the breathtaking lakes come into view: first, Longponga Tsho, then the second, Taujung Tsho, and finally, the third and largest, Dudh Pokhari. Nestled on its shore is the enthralling village of Gokyo, which treats you to outstanding visuals of Cho Oyu and the mighty glacier that feeds these sacred lakes.

Today is a major highlight for many, as you will ascend to the summit of Gokyo Ri. The climb, starting before dawn, is not technically complicated but is a true test of your resolve against the high altitude. After 2 to 4 hours, you will stand atop the summit, rewarded with a magnificent dawn panorama over Mount Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu. The view of the Ngozumpa Glacier snaking its way down the valley is equally impressive. After descending, you can spend the afternoon resting or exploring the 4th and 5th Gokyo Lakes further up the valley.

This is a short but crucial day as you position yourself for the Cho La Pass crossing. The trail takes you to the eastern side of the valley, where you will embark on the challenging crossing of the vast, rubble-covered Ngozumpa Glacier. You will need to navigate carefully across the moving ice and rock for about 45 minutes, a truly unique Himalayan experience. After scrambling up the moraine wall on the other side, a short walk leads down into the small valley where the hamlet of Thagnak awaits your arrival.

Following the rule of an 'alpine start,' you will begin today's trek very early in the dark. You will be crossing the mighty Cho La Pass, a strenuous hike with steep inclines and biting cold. The final push to the prayer-flag-adorned summit is challenging, but the reward is a breathtaking view into the majestic kingdom of the high Himalayas, including Lobuche, Everest, and Makalu. After this memorable moment, you will begin the careful and gradual descent into the Khumbu Valley, arriving at the stunningly situated settlement of Dzongla for the night.

Today is a much shorter and easier day of trekking. From Dzongla, the trail contours along the side of the valley before descending for about two hours to Dughla. Here, you will rejoin the main Everest Base Camp trail. A short but challenging climb takes you up to the Dughla Pass (Thukla Pass), a solemn and moving place filled with symbolic memorials for climbers who lost their lives on Everest. From here, an easy, gentle walk alongside a small river takes you to the high-altitude outpost of Lobuche.

The next exciting phase of your trek takes you to the legendary Everest Base Camp. The trail follows the western side of the wide Khumbu Valley, climbing gently through meadows beside the glacial moraine. The terrain becomes steeper and more uneven as you approach Gorakshep, a sandy expanse that is the last settlement before EBC. After dropping off your belongings and refueling with a hot meal, you will follow the trail through the upper Khumbu moraine to finally stand at the base camp, in front of the enormous and chaotic Khumbu Icefall.

Another very early alpine start is required as you head straight for the summit of Kala Patthar. The path is not technically difficult, but the hike is strenuous due to the high elevation and frigid cold. The final meters to the summit will be a battle, but your reward is seeing the very first rays of sun touch the black tip of Mount Everest. After soaking in the panoramic views, you will descend to Gorakshep, pack your belongings, and begin the long journey down through Lobuche and Pheriche to the culturally rich village of Pangboche, home to the oldest monastery in the Khumbu.

Today you will re-enter the vast green zone of the Khumbu Valley. After leaving Pangboche, the trail descends to the Imja Khola, which you will cross before climbing back up to the monastic grounds of Tengboche. After an opportunity to visit the significant monastery, you will begin a sharp descent of about 600m to Phunki Thenga. From here, a familiar, undulating trail takes you through Sanasa and Kyangjuma. After one final glance at the beautiful Ama Dablam, you will arrive back in the bustling town of Namche, ready for the comforts of a warm lodge.

Today is your final day of trekking. You will say goodbye to the high snowy giants and continue along the familiar path, descending steeply out of Namche Bazaar. You will pass through Jorsalle, leave the Sagarmatha National Park at Monjo, and continue through the villages of Phakding and Ghat. The final section involves a short climb back up to the airstrip at Lukla, where you will spend the evening celebrating the successful completion of your epic journey with your crew.

An early morning flight is scheduled to avoid potential weather disruptions. The 35-minute flight back to Kathmandu offers one last awe-inspiring view of the Himalayas. Upon landing, our private vehicle will transfer you to your hotel, where you can enjoy a well-deserved rest. The remainder of the day is yours to explore the city or shop for souvenirs. In the evening, we will host a special farewell dinner to celebrate your journey and present you with a certificate of completion as a memento of your adventure.

Today marks the final chapter of your incredible Nepal adventure. After breakfast, please be ready in the hotel lobby for your transfer. To avoid any issues, we will ensure you arrive at the airport 2 to 3 hours before your scheduled departure. We are grateful you chose to share this daring 17-day adventure with us and hope you arrive home safely, filled with treasured memories. We look forward to welcoming you back to Nepal in the future.