Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu:

You will be picked up at the airport by one of the Tour and Trekking Nepal staff and driven to your Kathmandu host family or a hotel. Here you will be welcomed into the family, be given your own room and be provided with all your meals while in Kathmandu. This will be your home during your orientation and volunteering in Nepal. With easy bus routes into town and the surrounding countryside, this quiet and safe suburb is the perfect base for your time in Nepal. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Day 02: Kathmandu: Sightseeing and Trek Preparation:

We tour Durbar Square, Pashupatinath temple, Swayambhunath stupa and Bouddhanath stupa which are all world heritage sites. The Durbar Square sheds light on the life of the royals in ancient times. Pashupatinath temple is one of the most important places of pilgrimage for all Hindus. Swayambhunath is also known as the Monkey Temple and Baudhanath Stupa is one of the largest stupas in the world. At noon, we are introduced to our fellow participants and discuss our trip at the Tour and Trekking Nepal office. Overnight in Kathmandu. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Day 03: Fly to Lukla and Lukla to Phakding Trek:

All treks to Everest begin from Luka where we will be flying to early in the morning, right after breakfast. The flight will be an interesting one since we will be flying amidst the grand Himalayas in a Twin Otter aeroplane. We begin our short trek to Phakding immediately after landing. At one hour’s gradual descent, we will be at a Cheplung village from where we have a glimpse of Mt. Khumbila (18900ft), a sacred mountain which has never been climbed. From Cheplung, we continue descending to Phakding and spend the night.

Day 04: Phakding to Namche Bazaar Trek:

We begin our trek on uphill and downhill trails with multiple crossings over the Dudh Koshi River and a magnificent view of Mt. Thamserku (21,675ft) from the Benkar village. We cross more bridges and reach the entrance of Sagarmatha National Park at Monjo, where our trekking permits are checked. We walk further and pass through Jorsale village before reaching Namche Bazaar. From here, we get beautiful views of the Himalayas including Everest, Lhotse, Tawache and others. Overnight in Namche Bazaar.

Day 05: Namche Bazaar: Rest and Acclimatization Day:

This is the first of the three scheduled rest days which will help us acclimatize to the high altitude. Since experts believe that it is better to stay active even during rest days for a better trekking experience we are going to spend the day enjoying small hikes in and around Namche Bazaar. We hike up to Everest View Hotel to enjoy admirable views of the Himalayan vista. On our way back to Namche we also tour the Khumjung Monastery (houses a yeti scalp!) and Hillary School. Our guide can also take us to the Tourist Visitor Center near the headquarters of the Sagarmatha National Park where we can observe an assortment of things related to the first Everest ascenders, and Sherpa culture and learn about the various plant and animal life in the Everest region. Overnight in Namche Bazaar.

Day 06: Namche Bazaar to Tengboche Trek:

We begin today’s trek on an easy trail to Phunki Thanga. From here we ascend towards Tengboche village which is home to the largest monastery in the Everest region. The monastery is located within the Sagarmatha National Park and provides panoramic views of the highest mountains on earth including Everest, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Nuptse and Lhotse. We try to reach the monastery by 3:00 in the afternoon and may even be able to witness a religious Buddhist ceremony. Overnight in Tengboche.

Day 07: Tengboche to Dingboche Trek:

We begin today’s trek by walking downhill and passing through lush forests filled with birch, conifers and rhododendron trees. We continue our trek with views of Mt. Everest, Lhotse and Ama Dablam to keep us company. The picturesque trail dips down to Debuche, crosses the Imja River and takes us to Pangboche. While walking the upper Pangboche trails, we get a more pristine view of the Himalayas and Pangboche Monastery. We move ahead towards the Imja Valley, and Lobuche River and ultimately climb up to Dingboche. The village is a beautiful windy settlement overlooked by chortens and prayer flags. Overnight in Dingboche.

Day 08: Dingboche: Rest and Acclimatization Day:

Dingboche is a popular stop for trekkers and climbers headed to Mt. Everest, Ama Dablam or Imja Tse. The village is beautiful with an array of fields enclosed by stone walls to protect barley, buckwheat and potatoes from the cold wind and grazing animals. We spend a day at Dingboche for acclimatization. We take a day hike to Nagarjun Hill for great views of Makalu, Lhotse, Chalotse, Tawache, Ama Dablam and others.

Day 09: Dingboche to Lobuche Trek:

The trail moves north until you come across a stua. From here, descend to Pheriche village and cross a small wooden bridge over a river to reach Dugla. Further, ascend and reach Lobuche. You can see stunning views of Mt. Ama Dablam, Mt. Tawache, Mt. Pumori, and many other mountains.

Day 10: Lobuche to Everest Base Camp via Gorakshep and return to Gorekshep
Trek:

You are going to hike up to Everest Base Camp. Trekking on a rocky moraine, you descend to Gorakshep. On the way, you can see views of icy glacial ponds and icebergs. After a short lunch break at Gorakshep, you continue towards the Everest Base Camp. Spend some time and trek back to Gorak Shep for a night stay.

Day 11: Gorakshep to Kala Patthar and Trek Zongla Trek:

Wake up early in the morning and hike up to the very famous Kala Patthar. Upon reaching here, you get to witness a striking sunrise along with 360-degree views of Mt. Everest and other surrounding mountains. Later, you trek to Zongla.

Day 12: Zongla to Cho La Pass then Thannak Trek:

Leaving Zongla behind, you gradually ascend to Cho La Pass. The trail will be rocky and steep. Upon reaching the top, you can see wonderful views of many snow-capped mountains like Taboche, Cholatse, Baruntse, Thamserku, etc. From here, you will descend to Thangnak.

Day 13: Thannak to Gokyo Trek:

Crossing Ngozumpa Glacier on a sandy shifting trail and crossing the second lake. From here, you will trek and reach beautiful Gokyo village. Gokyo has become something of a Himalayan resort without the crowd – at least in terms of the comfortable lodges with sunrooms, unbeatable views, excellent food, and warm stoves.

Day 14: Gokyo Ri and back to Machhermo Trek:

You wake up early in the morning and hike to Gokyo Ri. Located just above the Gokyo village, you walk on a steep trail to reach Gokyo Ri. upon reaching here, you can see excellent views of the Himalayas. Later, in the day, you trek to Machhermo for a night stay.

Day 15: Machhermo to Namche Bazaar Trek:

You descend to Dole. Further, the trail drops down to Phortse Tenga through a lovely rhododendron forest. From here, you will ascend on the steep trail and descend to Kyanjoma. A short walk from here will take you to Namche Bazar.

Day 16: Namche Bazaar to Lukla Trek:

Following the same trail back, you trek to Lukla. Most parts of the trail will gradually descend through dense forests. From Phakding, you ascend through the forested trail to reach Lukla.

Day 17: Fly back from Lukla to Kathmandu and transfer to hotel:

The flights to Kathmandu are usually scheduled for the morning for safety purposes. After reaching the capital city, we have the rest of the day off to pass the time as we please. We could take a rest in our hotel room or shop for souvenirs for our loved ones. In the evening, there will be a farewell dinner to celebrate the successful completion of your journey to the mountains. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 18: Farewell Friend and Departure/Fly back Home:

Our journey in Nepal comes to an end today! A Tour and Trekking Nepal representative will drop us off at the airport approximately 3 hours before our scheduled flight. On our way to home, we have plenty of time to plan our next adventure in the wonderful country of Nepal

Note: The above-mentioned program itinerary is a sample. The period and cost of tour, trekking, volunteering or internship can be changed or extended as per travellers or volunteers' availability of duration.