Today is dedicated to finalizing all necessary arrangements for your expedition. Your guide will handle the official paperwork, including your special trekking permits for this restricted route. This is also your last chance to rent or purchase any remaining specialized gear you might need, such as climbing harnesses or plastic boots, from the numerous shops in Thamel. You can spend the afternoon exploring the city's cultural sights or simply relaxing and conserving energy for the trek.

The true journey begins with a scenic one-hour flight from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar, offering breathtaking aerial views of the Himalayan range. Upon landing in the warm, semi-tropical Arun valley, you will board a jeep for an adventurous off-road drive to the small hilltop village of Num. The bumpy ride takes you through lush green hills, terraced farmlands, and dense forests, offering a true taste of rural eastern Nepal and its dramatic landscapes.

Your trek on foot begins with a challenging but classic Nepali 'downhill then uphill' day. The trail descends steeply from the ridge-top village of Num through a dense forest filled with bamboo and tropical vegetation, all the way down to the Arun River. After crossing a suspension bridge, you face a long and demanding ascent up the other side of the valley. The steady climb through lush forests and terraced farmlands eventually brings you to the beautiful hillside village of Seduwa, the official entry point to the Makalu Barun National Park.

Today is a shorter and more moderate day of trekking, allowing you to find your rhythm. The trail gradually climbs through dense forests and small rural settlements inhabited by the Rai and Sherpa people. You will enjoy stunning views of the lush valleys as you ascend through fields of rice, millet, and cardamom. You will eventually reach Tashi Gaon, the last permanent settlement in the region. This peaceful village, surrounded by terraced fields, is a perfect resting spot before the more challenging high-altitude days ahead.

Prepare for one of the most physically demanding days of the initial trek. The trail from Tashi Gaon is a steep and continuous ascent through dense rhododendron and oak forests, gaining over 1,400 meters in elevation. As you climb higher, the lush greenery begins to thin, giving way to more rugged, alpine vegetation. The path becomes steeper, involving several sections of stone staircases, but the increasingly panoramic views from the high ridge of Khongma make the strenuous effort worthwhile.

This rest day at Khongma is crucial for proper acclimatization before ascending to even higher altitudes. To aid the process, a short acclimatization hike to a nearby viewpoint is highly recommended. This offers your first truly breathtaking views of Makalu, Chamlang, and Baruntse. The rest of the day can be spent relaxing, rehydrating, and preparing mentally for the upcoming high pass crossings. Proper acclimatization here is key to a successful journey.

Today is a long and challenging day as you cross two high passes. The trail ascends steeply from Khongma to the Shipton La Pass, named after the legendary mountaineer Eric Shipton. After a slight descent past a beautiful high-altitude lake, you will climb again to cross the Keke La Pass. Both passes offer stunning panoramic views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks. A final, long descent through rocky slopes and meadows brings you to the small settlement of Dobate, located in a peaceful alpine valley.

Today's trek involves a welcome steep descent from the high ridges into the beautiful and remote Barun River valley. The trail leads through a dense and enchanting rhododendron and pine forest. After reaching the valley floor, the path follows the pristine river, with stunning waterfalls and moss-covered rocks along the way. The landscape gradually opens up to reveal the lush meadows of Yangla Kharka, a popular grazing ground for local herders and a wonderfully serene place to spend the night.

The trek today is a gradual yet steady ascent further up the breathtaking Barun Valley. The trail follows the Barun River, offering stunning views of towering cliffs, glaciers, and snow-capped peaks. The vegetation begins to change dramatically, with fewer trees and more alpine shrubs and rocky terrain as you gain altitude. Upon reaching the wide, grassy meadow of Langmale Kharka, you will be surrounded by towering peaks, making it a perfect place to rest before the final push toward Makalu Base Camp.

Today is a challenging but rewarding journey to the foot of the world's fifth-highest peak. The trail ascends through a barren and rocky landscape, with glacial moraines and ice-covered ridges coming into view. The final section before Makalu Base Camp requires careful footing over rocky terrain. Upon reaching the base camp, you'll be greeted by a breathtaking amphitheater of Himalayan giants, with the massive and awe-inspiring south face of Mount Makalu dominating the view. This is the ultimate high-altitude adventure.

Today's trek is a short but challenging ascent that marks the true beginning of the expedition phase of your journey. The trail enters a high-altitude alpine zone, where the terrain becomes rockier, colder, and more glaciated. The path gradually ascends through moraine-covered paths and glacial ridges, offering breathtaking views. The final push to Swiss Camp involves crossing sections of rocky glacier, requiring careful navigation. Upon arrival, you will be surrounded by a dramatic panorama of snow-covered peaks and glacial formations.

A rest day at Swiss Camp is absolutely essential for proper acclimatization before attempting the extreme altitudes of the three high passes. At this elevation, the air is significantly thinner, and taking this break helps your body adjust. You can take a short acclimatization hike, and your guides will use the time to conduct important skills practice, reviewing the use of crampons, ice axes, and rope travel techniques to ensure everyone is prepared for the technical sections ahead.

The trek to East Col Base Camp is a challenging high-altitude ascent, taking you deep into a world of rock and ice. This section involves navigating through rocky glacial terrain, icy ridges, and steep moraines, making it one of the most demanding yet spectacular days of the trek. As you move higher, the terrain becomes steeper and more technical. Upon arrival at the remote and windswept glacial basin of East Col Base Camp, you'll be surrounded by a breathtaking amphitheater of ice walls and towering peaks.

This is one of the most challenging and technical days of the entire expedition. Leaving camp in the pre-dawn darkness, the trail ascends steep icy slopes, requiring the use of fixed ropes to reach the summit of East Col. After a steep descent and another demanding climb to West Col, the final descent into the remote and pristine Honku Basin is long and technical, passing through a glaciated section with large crevasses. This day is a true alpine expedition experience that requires endurance and technical skill.

Today's trek is relatively short but remains challenging due to the high altitude and rough terrain. The trail ascends gradually over rocky moraines and ice-covered paths through the remote Honku Valley, surrounded by towering Himalayan peaks and vast glaciers. As you approach Amphu Labsta High Camp, the terrain becomes steeper. The camp is set on a rugged, ice-covered plateau, offering an incredible vantage point of the Amphu Labsta Pass, which you will cross tomorrow.

Today is another highly technical and challenging day. The trek begins with a steep and icy climb from high camp, requiring the use of fixed ropes on near-vertical ice walls. At the top of Amphu Labsta Pass, you are rewarded with breathtaking views as you officially enter the Everest region. The descent is even more technical, requiring rappelling down steep icy slopes. Once past the technical section, the trail leads onto the Imja Glacier before opening up into the valley leading to Chhukhung, the first Sherpa village after days of extreme wilderness.

After the strenuous and technical climb over Amphu Labsta Pass, today is a well-deserved rest and recovery day in the picturesque Sherpa village of Chhukhung. For those with energy, a popular short hike is to Chhukhung Ri (5,550m), a spectacular viewpoint offering panoramic views of Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and Island Peak. The teahouses in Chhukhung offer a comfortable place to rest, serving warm meals and traditional Sherpa tea.

Today's trek is a relatively short and easy descent through the beautiful Imja Valley. This provides a welcome break from the previous days of high-altitude and technical climbing, allowing you to fully enjoy the stunning landscapes. Leaving Chhukhung, the trail follows the Imja Khola River, with stunning views of Ama Dablam and Lhotse. Upon reaching Dingboche, you are greeted by a charming Sherpa village known for its stone-walled fields that protect crops from harsh winds and grazing yaks.

Today's trek involves a long descent from the high-altitude village of Dingboche to the bustling Namche Bazaar. The journey takes you through scenic Sherpa settlements, including Pangboche, home to one of the oldest monasteries in the Khumbu. You will also pass through Tengboche, with its famous monastery set against a backdrop of Everest and Ama Dablam. The final stretch to Namche Bazaar is a relatively easy, winding path along the mountainside with breathtaking views.

The final day of trekking takes you from Namche Bazaar back to Lukla. This long descent retraces the familiar trail through forests, across high suspension bridges, and through Sherpa villages, marking the end of your incredible journey. The trek begins with a steep downhill descent from Namche Bazaar. After passing through Phakding, the final stretch to Lukla involves a gradual uphill climb. Upon arrival, you can celebrate your epic journey with your fellow travelers and guides.

Early in the morning, you'll take a scenic flight from Lukla back to Kathmandu. This short but thrilling flight offers stunning final aerial views of the Himalayas. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel. After days of trekking, you can relax, take a hot shower, and explore the lively streets of Thamel for souvenirs. In the evening, the company will host a special cultural farewell dinner to celebrate the completion of your incredible trek.

On your final day in Nepal, a representative will transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight. As you head to the airport, you'll have a chance to reflect on the unforgettable trekking experience, the breathtaking landscapes, and the warm hospitality of the Nepalese people. We hope you had an amazing adventure and look forward to welcoming you again for your next journey in Nepal.