Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport (1,345m). Transfer to your hotel in Thamel by private vehicle. If time permits, visit our office for a trek briefing, permit processing, and final gear check. Thamel has dozens of rental shops for sleeping bags, down jackets, and trekking poles. Exchange currency and withdraw enough Nepali rupees for the full trek since the last reliable ATM is in Namche Bazaar. Overnight at hotel with breakfast included.
Early morning transfer to the airport for the 35-minute scenic flight to Lukla (2,860m). During peak season, flights operate from Ramechhap Airport, requiring a 3 to 4 hour pre-dawn drive. From Lukla, the trail descends gently through pine forest along the Dudh Koshi river to Phakding (2,610m). The walk is 3 to 4 hours, mostly downhill, and serves as a warm-up. First views of Kusum Kanguru (6,369m) through the trees. Overnight at guesthouse.
The toughest day of the first half. The trail follows the Dudh Koshi valley, crossing suspension bridges. Pass through Monjo, where you enter Sagarmatha National Park and show permits at the checkpoint. After Jorsale, the steep climb to Namche Bazaar (3,440m) gains roughly 900 vertical meters over 3 to 4 hours. Midway up, the trail rounds a bend and Everest appears for the first time, framed between Lhotse and Nuptse. Namche is a horseshoe-shaped Sherpa trading town with bakeries, ATMs, gear shops, and WiFi. Walking time: 5 to 6 hours. Overnight at guesthouse.
Mandatory acclimatization day. The standard morning hike goes to Everest View Hotel (3,880m), a 90-minute climb above Namche. From the terrace you see Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and Thamserku. This follows the "climb high, sleep low" principle: ascend 440 meters during the day, return to sleep at 3,440 meters. Alternative options include the Sherpa Culture Museum, the Saturday market, or the Sagarmatha National Park visitor center. Your guide checks pulse oximeter readings. Walking time: 2 to 3 hours (optional hike). Overnight at guesthouse.
The trail traverses high above the Dudh Koshi valley with continuous mountain views. Pass through Phungi Thanga (3,250m), then climb steeply through rhododendron and birch forest (blooming pink and red in March to April) to reach Tengboche (3,860m). Tengboche Monastery is the largest in the Khumbu with Ama Dablam as its backdrop. Afternoon prayers are open to visitors. On clear evenings, sunset lights up Everest, Nuptse, and Lhotse. Walking time: 5 to 6 hours. Overnight at guesthouse.
Descend from Tengboche through forest to Debuche, cross the Imja Khola, and climb through Pangboche (3,985m), the oldest Sherpa settlement in the Khumbu. Vegetation thins rapidly above Pangboche. The valley opens and Ama Dablam dominates the southern skyline at close range. Dingboche (4,410m) sits in a wide valley used for potato farming in summer. Most trekkers feel the altitude for the first time here: headaches, reduced appetite, and disturbed sleep are common. Your guide monitors symptoms. Walking time: 5 to 6 hours. Overnight at guesthouse.
Second acclimatization day. Hike from Dingboche up the Chhukung valley to approximately 4,710m along the lateral moraine of the Lhotse glacier with views of Island Peak (6,189m), Lhotse's south face, and the Amphu Lapcha pass. Return to sleep at Dingboche (4,410m), following the "climb high, sleep low" rule. This day is critical. Skipping it is the most common reason trekkers fail above Lobuche. Walking time: 3 to 4 hours round trip. Your guide rechecks SpO2 readings. Overnight at guesthouse.
Climb from Dingboche to Thukla (4,620m), then up the steep Thukla Pass (4,830m) marked by stone cairns and prayer flags memorializing climbers and Sherpas who died on Everest. The landscape above Thukla is barren: grey moraine, scattered boulders, wide glacial valleys. Lobuche (4,920m) is a small cluster of teahouses with basic facilities. Menus narrow to dal bhat, noodle soup, eggs, and Sherpa stew. Temperatures drop sharply after sunset. Walking time: 4 to 5 hours. Overnight at guesthouse.
Trek to Gorak Shep (5,164m) in approximately 3 hours across rocky terrain alongside the Khumbu Glacier. Drop bags at the teahouse and continue to Everest Base Camp (5,364m), a further 2 to 3 hours over glacial rubble. The trail is not steep but altitude makes every step deliberate. At base camp: the Khumbu Icefall up close, prayer flags, and during expedition season (April to May) the tented camps of summit teams. Return to Gorak Shep by late afternoon. Walking time: 6 to 7 hours total. Overnight at guesthouse.
The trek's highest point. Wake at 4:00 AM and climb Kala Patthar (5,545m) in darkness with headlamp. The ascent takes 1.5 to 2 hours on a steep, rocky trail. At the summit, sunrise illuminates the entire Everest massif: the south face, Western Cwm, summit pyramid in gold light, with Lhotse, Nuptse, Pumori, Changtse, and Makalu visible. Descend to Gorak Shep for breakfast, then continue the long descent to Pheriche (4,200m), losing 964 meters. Trekking poles are essential for the knees. Walking time: 7 to 8 hours. Overnight at guesthouse.
Long descent covering ground that took three days on the way up. From Pheriche, drop through Pangboche, cross the rhododendron forest below Tengboche, and descend to Namche Bazaar (3,440m). The return through forest feels different: you are fitter, acclimatized, and the mountain views are behind you. Namche feels luxurious after a week above 4,000 meters: hot showers, fresh baked goods, WiFi fast enough for a phone call. Walking time: 6 to 7 hours. Overnight at guesthouse.
Final trekking day. Descend the steep Namche hill back to the Dudh Koshi valley, cross suspension bridges, and retrace the route through Jorsale, Monjo, and Phakding to Lukla (2,860m). Mostly downhill, and the warmer oxygen-rich air makes breathing easy after days above 4,000 meters. Arrive by early afternoon. Farewell dinner with your guide and porter. Walking time: 5 to 6 hours. Overnight at guesthouse.
Early morning flight from Lukla to Kathmandu (or Ramechhap during peak season with a 3 to 4 hour transfer). If the flight runs on schedule, arrive Kathmandu by late morning. Transfer to hotel in Thamel. Afternoon free for sightseeing at Boudhanath Stupa, Swayambhunath, or Kathmandu Durbar Square. Overnight at hotel with breakfast.
Buffer day for Lukla flight delays, which affect approximately 15 to 20% of flights during peak season. If your flight arrived on schedule yesterday, this is a free day. Options: Bhaktapur Durbar Square (30-minute drive), Pashupatinath Temple, a cooking class, or recovery at the hotel. Overnight at hotel with breakfast.
Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport by private vehicle for your departure flight. Your Mountain Hawk Trek representative accompanies you to the airport. End of trek services.