Explore Kathmandu

• After breakfast, enjoy visit of Kathmandu including following:
• Kathmandu Durbar Square: Here you will visit the temple of the Living Goddess, who acknowledges the greetings of the devotees from the balcony of her temple residence. Kasthamandap – the source of the name Kathmandu and supposed to be made from the timber of a single tree and Durbar Square are with its array of temples overlooked by the Hanuman Dhoka Palace, the ancient residence of the Nepalese Royalty. We continue to the Kumari Bhal, or the Temple of the Living Goddess.
• Swayambhunath: Located approximately 3km from the center of Kathmandu, this Buddhist stupa is said to be 2000 years old. The stupa which forms the main structure is composed of a solid hemisphere of brick and earth which supports a lofty conical spire capped by a pinnacle of gilt copper. Painted on the four-sided base below the spire are the all-seeing eyes of Lord Buddha. The whole area around the Stupa contains an array of small stupas and temples. This is one of the best places from which to view the Kathmandu valley, as it is situated on a small hillock.
• Patan: Patan as it is known today is located on the southern banks of the Bagmati River and is one of the three main cities in Kathmandu Valley. The city is believed to be the first settlement in the Valley and was established by the Kirat dynasty who ruled for more than 1200 years from the 3rd century BC. Patan is famous for its amazing collection of fantastically carved temples, palace courtyards, water spouts, public baths and houses with their equally elaborate wood, stone and metal carvings under the patronages of the Kirat, Lichivi and Malla kings. Patan has more than a 1000 temples and monuments dedicated to the uniquely Nepali mix of Buddhist and Hindu gods, chief among which are the mounds erected by the great Indian Emperor Asoka in the four corners of the city when he visited Nepal in 250 BC. Patan Durbar square is one of the seven Monument Zones that make up the Kathmandu Valley UNESCO World Heritage Site.After sightseeing, drive to Mulkot (4.5 hour drive)

  On arrival in Mulkot, transfer to the hotel.

  Accommodation: Akshit Resort

  Meals: Breakfast

Flight to Lukla

• After breakfast transfer to Ramecchap airport (1 hours drive). On arrival, connect flight to Lukla.
• Flight from Kathmandu to Lukla airport & trek to Phakding (8563 ft / 2610m) 3-4hrs walk approx.
• After breakfast, transfer to airport to fly to Lukla.
• The flight from Kathmandu to Lukla is an amazing experience in itself. As the plane banks right and enters the Khumbu region you are rewarded with fantastic view of the Himalayan giants. The airhead at Lukla serves as the gateway to this region. Here you will meet the Sherpa crew.
• After spending some time organizing our packs we are embark on our adventure. It is an easy gradual 3-4 hours descent to Phakding where we will stop for lunch and for the night.Overnight at the lodge.Accommodation: Sunrise Lodge/Namaste Lodge

  Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Namche Bazaar

• Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (11,317 ft / 3,440 m) 5-6 hrs. walk approx.
• After breakfast, we trek through cluster of stone houses, past caravans of Dzos until we reach the settlement of Monjo. From here the trail climbs quite dramatically today.
• As the path snakes upwards the vistas open up revealing the imposing Himalayan giants. The next village Jorsale is the gateway to Sagarmatha National Park where the entrance ticket to the park is checked. The trail follows the river until the last suspension bridge over the Dudh Koshi River is reached where the trail crosses the river at a dizzying height.
• From here the trails wind uphill all the way to Namche Bazaar against the backdrop of the beautiful Kwangde, kusum Kangru, Mt. Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Tawache and a host of lesser known peaks. Namche Bazaar situated on a horse shoe amphitheatre is the capital of Sherpa country.
• You can spend the afternoon exploring the stone paved alleys or rummage through the cyber cafes, souvenir and rental shops that line the streets.Accommodation: Himalaya Lodge/Hilton Lodge

  Meals: Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner

Explore Namche Bazaar

• Acclimatization Day Namche Bazaar (11,317 ft / 3,440 m)
• Suggested activities include a short walk uphill to the Sagarmatha National Park headquarters, a magnificent spot perched on top of Namche Bazaar with spectacular views of the surrounding snow-capped giants and the valleys way down below. There is also an interesting museum with all kinds of information regarding the history of the Himalayas, its geography, culture, mountaineering history and informationAccommodation: Himalaya Lodge/Hilton Lodge

  Meals: Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner

Arrive Tengboche Monastery

• Trek to Tengboche (12,687ft /3867m). (6 hrs walk approx)
• While Namche can be deemed the Sherpa capital, Tengboche is the religious center of this region. The murmur of the monks chanting prayers, the blowing of conchs and the chance to sit with them for afternoon prayers amidst the serene and amazing environment is an experience that will linger on. The views of Everest and Amadablam from Tengboche is one that you will cherish for yearsAccommodation: Himalaya Lodge/Tashi Delek Lodge

  Meals: Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner

Tengboche Monastery – Mani Rimdu

• Enjoy the day at Tengboche and spend time at Tengboche Monastery.
• Tengboche Monastery is one of the most famous monasteries of Nepal, probably because of its unrivalled backdrop of Mount Ama Dablam. Tengboche Monastery is the leading Buddhist centre in the Khumbu with a residing Rinpoche who blesses pilgrims and travelers to the area. Every October, Tengboche Monastery hosts the colorful Mani Rimdu festival, which is a culmination of Buddhist celebrations with religious gathering, songs, dances, enactments of legends. Visitors are also welcomed to partake in the festivities. Tours of the monastery are conducted every afternoon.
• Mani Rimdu: The dances performed during the festival convey Buddhist teachings on many levels – from the simplest to the most profound. They are perfect for those interested in learning about Buddhism who does not have the opportunity to study and meditate extensively. It is performed on the day of the full moon of the tenth month in the Tibetan lunar calendar. The Dances take place of the 2nd day of Mani Rimdu. The day after the dances, the fire puja is performed in the courtyard. The fire puja is an offering to the Agni (the god of fire), and to the Gods of the mandala – to allay all harm in the world.
• (Mani Rimdu festival dates are always subject to the discretion of the Head Lama in Tengboche and may change at any time)Accommodation: Himalaya Lodge/Tashi Delek Lodge

  Meals: Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner

Return to Namche Bazaar

• Trek back to Namche (6 hrs walk approx)
• Today after breakfast, you will back trek to Namche for overnight stay.Accommodation: Himalaya Lodge/Hilton Lodge

  Meals: Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner

Return to Lukla

• Namche / Lukla (7-8 hrs walk)
• Today you will walk down all the way to Lukla.

Accommodation: Tea House Lodges

Meals: Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner

Return to Kathmandu

• After breakfast, transfer to the airport to connect with flight to Ramechhap in the morning.
• On arrival in Ramechhap drive to Kathmandu, check-in at hotel. (6 hour drive appx.)

  Rest of the day is at leisure.

  Accommodation: Kantipur Temple House

  Meals: Breakfast

Kathmandu Departure

• After breakfast, drive to airport to board flight for onward journey / back home.
  (Rooms will be available till 1200 hrs)
  End of Services

  Meals: Breakfast

  End of services or Continue to Bhutan Extension – Optional