Sherpa Villages and Mount Everest

On this classic first-timer's trek through the legendary Khumbu (Everest region), your senses come fully alive, and all the views are magical. We'll take you to all the major Sherpa villages, plus famed Tengboche Monastery, from where you can get a good look at Everest (especially beautiful at sunrise or sunset!). And though Everest is undeniably the star of the show, you'll view a stunning panorama of other Himalayan monarchs as well- from Kangtega (22,340') to Thamserku (22,208') and the obelisk of Ama Dablam (22,494')-a veritable outdoor cathedral of soaring peaks.

As you walk with your companions-fellow travelers and our friendly crew of Sherpas-you'll enjoy unbeatable mountain scenery, lively Sherpa village life, and the quiet beauty of the Buddhist culture so prevalent in the Nepal Himalaya.But as any seasoned traveler to Nepal will tell you, there's more to this charming country than the mountain scenery (though that's a pretty darned good reason to trek here). The high mountain villages seem captured in time; ancient Tibetan Buddhist monasteries are alive with the sounds of worship by devoted monks; and several species of lovely rhododendron (magnificent in the spring!) grace the hillsides. But best of all, the friendly Sherpa people will captivate your heart in a second and make you a devotee of this part of the world forever.

Activities

9 days moderate to strenuous hiking at medium elevation (max. 14,088')

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

• Classic first-timer's trek through the legendary Khumbu (Everest Region)

• Sleep in comfortable new lodges-no camping!
• Get a glimpse of Everest, highest peak in the world, and enjoy magnificent views of Ama Dablam!
• Encounter the quiet beauty of the Buddhist culture so prevalent in the Nepal Himalaya, explore ancient Buddhist monasteries that seem captured in time

Duration: 14 days Start Location: Kathmandu End Location: Kathmandu

BRIEF Itinerary

• Day 1 : Kathmandu

  Arrive in Kathmandu

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  Day 2 : Touring the Kathmandu Valley

  Tour nearby Bhaktapur, with its well-preserved 17th-century architecture.

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  Day 3 : Mountain flight to Lukla (9,200')

  Fly to Lukla (9,200'), meet the Sherpa crew, and trek to Monjo (9,317'), passing mani walls (boulders with carved Buddhist prayer inscriptions), small villages, and terraced hillsides.

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  Day 4 : Monjo (9,317')

  Begin trek, hiking from Lukla to Monjo (9,317') where we'll relax and acclimatize.

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  Day 5 : Trek to Namche Bazaar (11,286')

  Steep climb to Namche Bazaar (11,270'). Afternoon free to explore the area or perhaps bargain for treasures at the market.

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  Day 6 : Tashinga (11,800')

  Trek from Namche to Tashinga (11,800')

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  Day 7 : Tengboche (12,680') - Pangboche (13,107')

  Trek to Tengboche Monastery (12,680'), with its eye-popping views of Ama Dablam (some consider it the most beautiful peak in the Himalaya). From here you can get a view of the great massif of Mount Everest.

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  Day 8 : Pangboche and day excursion to Highend Ama Dablam Base Camp (15,091')

  Day Excursion to Highend Ama Dablam Base Camp (15,091').

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  Day 9 : Trek to Tashinga (11,800')

  Trek to Tashinga (11,800').

• Day 10 : Monjo (9,317')

  We begin by retracing our trail to Namche Bazaar but detour after one hour to to Khumjung village (12,366'), with its superb mountain panoramas. Descend through a beautiful rugged valley to Mende (12,263').

• Day 11 : Return to Lukla (9,200')

  Return to Lukla along the Dudh Kosi. 

• Day 12 : Kathmandu

  Fly to Kathmandu (weather permitting). Upon arrival in Kathmandu, transfer to hotel.

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  Day 13 : Kathmandu

  Sightseeing in Kathmandu, including the Hindu shrines at Pashupatinath on the Bagmati River and the large Buddhist stupa at Bodhnath, center of the Tibetan Buddhist culture in Kathmandu.

• Day 14 : Fly home

  Depart Kathmandu, or join one of our extensions to India, Vietnam, or Cambodia.

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  Monjo Lodge

  Monjo, Nepal

  Located at an altitude of 2,850 meters in the quaintly picturesque valley of Monjo, this lodge overlooks the village and the narrow Dudh Koshi valley. Thamserku Himal rising high up behind the lodge serves as a dreamlike backdrop.

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  Sherpa Land Lodge

  Namche Bazaar, Nepal

  This local tea house lodge offers comfortable accommodations in the heart of Namche Bazaar. Surrounded by some of the highest mountains in the world, yet close to shopping and local culture in the village center, Sherpa Land offers guests a unique experience amidst the majestic grandeur of the Himalayas.

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  Tashinga Lodge

  Tashinga, Nepal

  Situated amidst pine forests overlooking the Dudh Koshi valley, this lodge offers breathtaking views of Ama Dablam, Thamserku, the Tabouche Peak and Khumbila. Comfortable rooms and local hospitality make for a wonderful stay at one of the most beautiful locations along your trek.

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  Pangboche Lodge

  Pangboche, Nepal

  Pangboche is located literally at the lap of Ama Dablam, often described as one of the most beautiful mountains on earth. With Everest to the north, Thamserku and Kangtaiga to the east, the Kongde range to the south, and the Imjatse River flowing through the wide fertile valley, this quaint lodge rests in the midst of abundant natural glory.

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  Lukla Lodge

  Lukla, Nepal

  This lodge lies at the very gateway to Mount Everest. Spacious, comfortably furnished rooms with en-suite facilities, a lovely sunny garden and traditional interiors make for a very warm welcome to arriving guests.

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  Yak & Yeti Hotel

  Kathmandu, Nepal

  A 5-star deluxe oasis in the heart of Kathmandu, the Yak & Yeti is the perfect blend of contemporary international standards and time-honored Nepali tradition. Guests will find refuge among antique fountains, gilded temples and emerald gardens, while enjoying a state-of-the-art gymnasium, spa, shopping arcade, atrium, tennis courts and swimming pools.

Properties shown are representative of the accommodations we use on this trip, may not be inclusive of all accommodations we use, and are subject to change.

Expert leadership is the key to an exciting, unforgettable experience. Our trips feature gifted leaders for whom leading trips is a true vocation. Besides showing you wonders you’d never find on your own, they make sure everything runs smoothly and safely without a hitch. They are knowledgeable about all aspects of your trip, and take great pleasure in sharing their insights with you. More than just guides, they positively elevate your experience by being teachers, companions, and the best of friends. You’ll be in good hands with them every step of the way.

• Pranoy Rai

  Pranoy Rai was born in Nepal, studied in Darjeeling, India, and is a travel enthusiast who has always been keen on adventure. Working as a trekking leader since 1999, he has an enormous experience in the field, having led numerous treks and tours to Nepal, Tibet and India. Pranoy successfully completed his basic mountaineering course from the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute of Darjeeling with grade 'A' certificate. He has been trained in wilderness medicine by Dr. Jim Duff, an expert in wilderness first aid and co-author of “First Aid and Survival in Mountain and Remote Areas.” In addition to being fluent in English, Nepali, and Hindi, he speaks basic Tibetan and Chinese. Pranoy is very keen on birds, plants, and flowers, and has acquired a very good knowledge in them that he looks forward to sharing with you on trek.

• Gyamcho Wangdi

  Gyamcho Wangdi has led treks for Mountain Travel Sobek since 1988. A Bhutanese, he grew up in the small hill town of Kalimpong in the Darjeeling District of India and received his schooling from a Scottish missionary school. He studied botany and zoology and was a naturalist at Tiger Tops Jungle Lodge in Nepal for eight years. While working at the park, he greeted VIPs and other celebrities such as Princess Anne, the late Rajiv Gandhi (former Prime Minister of India), King Gyanendra (present King of Nepal), Bjorn Borg (former #1 tennis player), Reinhold Messner (Everest summiteer), and actors James Coburn, Robert Redford, Goldie Hawn, and Carrie Fisher. Gyamcho’s passions are seeing new places, off-road driving, interior design, and drawing cartoons (he has published a cartoon book on the Yeti called "Mysterious Mystical Yeti," which became a hit among Nepal trekkers). His gentle, courteous manner, amusing anecdotes, and overall knowledge of Bhutan and Nepal are the key to the success of your trip. He is fluent in English, Hindi, Nepali, and Bhutanese.

• Sanjeev Chhetri

  Sanjeev Chhetri is a graduate of Delhi University, India, and has been leading treks in Nepal, Tibet, India and the Alps since 1990. He is an avid bird-watcher and very well traveled, with time spent in India, Tibet, China, England, Ireland, France, Thailand, USA and Switzerland. He lives with wife and son in Kathmandu. Sanjeev is very knowledgeable of the cultures, religions, and traditions of the countries he leads trek for and enjoys sharing his experiences with you.

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