International:
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19 Days
Prepare yourself for the ultimate adventure – into the heart of the majestic Himalayan mountains, to the foot of the world’s greatest peak – Everest. Your journey begins in Kathmandu, a legendary city filled with mystical temples and ancient religious sites.
After a breathtaking flight to the mountain village of Lukla, your trekking adventure through the Khumbu Valley begins, taking you through ancient Sherpa villages and towards the base of the towering Mount Everest. Be prepared to face the ultimate challenge and experience the unforgettable thrill of standing at the foot of one of the world’s greatest natural wonders.
“Our guides Mingma, Shabane and Kombe were AMAZING! Mingma with his vast knowledge and know-how, and Shabane and Kombe who we had complete trust in with our health and well-being. Also, great personalities! This is our 2nd Tusker trip and we look forward to doing more Tusker trips. Higher end, safe and great attention to details!”
– 5-Star Review by “Tim & Sherrie”
Day 1-2 Kathmandu
4,390-ft/1,388-m
You’ll be picked up at the airport and transferred to the 5-star heritage Yak & Yeti hotel, in the center of Kathmandu, a city renowned for its cultural wonders and fascinating markets. You meet your seasoned guides for an invigorating orientation and gear check.
On your guided city tour, lose yourself in the magnificence of Patan, steeped in the history of skilled craftsmen and their artistry. Marvel at the stunning pagodas, Hindu temples, and majestic palaces on display. Take a stroll through the bustling narrow streets of Thamel, and pick up some unique handicrafts.
• Meals: Dinner • Lodging at the Yak & Yeti Hotel
Day 3 Ramechhap
4,700-ft/1,433-m
The drive from Kathmandu to Ramechhap is a vibrant tapestry of sights and sensations. The road twists through emerald mountains dotted with terraced farms. Villages brim with life—children wave, vendors sell ripe oranges, and prayer flags flutter and whisper at the heavens.
Rivers rush alongside, their roar mingling with the hum of engines. As the peaks rise in the distance, the journey is a prelude to the wild trek that lays ahead.
• Meals: Breakfast in Kathmandu, Lunch on the drive, Dinner at lodge • Lodging at the Freedom Resort
Day 4 Fly to Lukla
Trek to Phakding
8,702-ft/2,652-m • 6-miles/9.5 km • 5 hours
A rush of adrenaline surges through your veins as you prepare to embark on an exciting helicopter flight to Lukla, with breathtaking views of the magnificent Himalayan range. We arrive at Lukla to be greeted by our team of skilled cooks and porters. The trek starts with a hike to Phakding, tracing the tranquil DudhKosi River. Brace yourself for a heart-stopping moment as you cross one of the famous hanging bridges, high over the rushing waters.
Don’t be misled by the initial downhill descent that may make you believe that the trek to Everest Base Camp is a mere walk in the park. The path ahead holds within itself the thrill of a lifetime, ready to unfold its secrets.
• All Meals – Prepared by Tusker’s Cooking Team • Lodging at the Sunrise Lodge
11,306-ft / 3,446-m • 10-miles / 16-km • 7.5 hours
Nestled in the Himalayas, Namche is a centuries-old trading center between Tibet and Nepal. Quaint with cobblestone streets and little shops, it is the last town on the trek before reaching base camp. After a long day, we reach our lodge, and settle in for the night, surrounded by the tallest mountains on earth. We are here for two nights. These two-night stops are designed to allow you to adjust to the thinning air and have proven very successful in helping Tusker bodies acclimatize.
• All Meals – Prepared by Tusker’s Cooking Team • Lodging at the Himalayan Culture Home
Day 6 Namche Bazaar
11,306-ft / 3,446-m
Namche Bazaar is a centuries-old trading center between Tibet and Nepal, where the clanging of yak bells fills the air, and the spirits of the Himalayas permeate everything. We spend two nights here, for acclimatization to the altitude.
Namche is a hive of activity, pulsing with the heartbeat of adventure and the thrill of discovery. With every turn, there’s something new to behold, a fresh wonder to uncover. It’s a place where dreams are made and stories are born, a true gateway to the majestic Himalayas.
• All Meals – Prepared by Tusker’s Cooking Team • Lodging at the Himalayan Culture Home
Day 7 Khum Jung
12,300-ft/3,750-m • 3-miles/5-km • 3 hours
The hike to Khum Jung – one of the most fascinating and captivating hikes of the trail. Spring is the season when the majority of climbers attempt their climbs of Mt. Everest, making this journey all the more exhilarating. You never know who you might chance upon while wandering the trails, each person with their own story to tell, each one having undergone their own set of challenges and triumphs.
As you traverse the trail, the views of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Kangtega, Thamserku, and Ama Dablam are more magnificent than ever.
• All Meals – Prepared by Tusker’s Cooking Team • Lodging at the Sherpa Altitude Lodge
Day 8 Tengboche
Tengboche Monastery – a sacred sanctuary nestled atop a towering hill, where the DudhKosi and ImjaKhola rivers merge. The journey up to this spiritual center is not for the faint-hearted, but one that will test you and leave you with a profound sense of accomplishment.
Here, at this holy site, we have the privilege of visiting the temple, a place of immense significance for the Sherpa people. We witness a mesmerizing ceremony, where the monks chant hypnotic hymns, enveloping you in a world of transcendence and peace. It’s a moment that stays with you, long after you have left this sacred haven.
• All Meals – Prepared by Tusker’s Cooking Team • Lodging at the Himalayan Lodge
Day 9 Dingboche
Dingboche – a critical way-point on our journey, perched at an altitude where the thin air and biting cold can begin to wear on the body. The altitude can take a toll, which is why we spend not one, but two days here, acclimatizing ourselves to the altitude, a process that is necessary.
At the lodge owned by the family of Mingma, our Sherpa guide, you’ll find a warm, cozy environment that is perfect for relaxation and recuperation. It’s a place where you can leave behind the trials of the journey and recharge your spirit for the adventures that lie ahead.
• All Meals – Prepared by Tusker’s Cooking Team • Lodging at the Chomolungma Lodge
Day 10 Dingboche
Today, we venture higher. The views are nothing short of extraordinary, but more importantly, this is a crucial day that prepares our bodies and minds for the challenges that lie ahead.
The air thins and the cold bites harder, forcing us to adapt and acclimate to this new environment. But you’ll begin to notice the subtle changes in your body, a growing ease in your breathing and a newfound resilience in your spirit, the result of your persistence and grit.
Back at the lodge, you’ll find a comfort that is all the sweeter after a day of pushing yourself to the limits. As you lay in bed, you’ll feel the difference in your body and mind, stronger and more capable than before, ready for the trials that lie ahead.
• All Meals – Prepared by Tusker’s Cooking Team • Lodging at the Chomolungma Lodge
Day 11 Lobuche
After a fine sleep and hearty breakfast to fuel our limbs, we hike up the broad valley from Dingboche. As we approach Dhukla, our eyes fixate upon the hills of jagged boulders that mark the Khumbu Glacier’s terminal moraine.
Continuing our trek, we arrive at a hushed sanctuary, a place of commemoration for those brave souls who have lost their lives in pursuit of the summit of Everest. These stone memorials, known as “chortens” in the Tibetan language, stand as a solemn testament to the perils of the mountain and the steadfast determination of those who dare to conquer it.
• All Meals – Prepared by Tusker’s Cooking Team • Lodging at the National Park Lodge
Day 12 Everest Base Camp – Gorak Shep
Today we journey to the fabled Everest Base Camp, but not before stopping to refuel at the lively Gorak Shep for lunch. We navigate the terrain along the Khumbu Glacier moraine and the sheer thrill of being so close to the towering summit of Everest spurs us on.
At last, we reach our destination. We revel in the majesty of the world’s highest peak, its icy crown piercing the heavens.as we bask in the glory of our achievement. Then we make our way back down to Gorak Shep, weary but elated from our incredible journey. This is a day that will be etched in our memories forever.
• All Meals – Prepared by Tusker’s Cooking Team • Lodging at the Budda Lodge
Day 13 Kala Patar – Pheriche
Kala Patar
18,513-ft / 5,643-m • 3-miles/5-km • 4 hours
Pheriche
14,200-ft / 4,328-m • 7-miles/11-km • 5 hours
Early today you can join the hearty trek members on a thrill like no other: a heart-pumping, 4-hour climb up to the highest point of our trek – the towering Mt. Kala Patar, at 18,513-ft/5,643-m.
Up there, at the summit, the world is at our feet, and the views are simply breathtaking. We feast our eyes on the majestic peaks of Everest, Lhotse and Nuptse, standing tall and proud in the clear mountain air. From there, we set out on our descent through the rugged Khumbu Valley down to Pheriche.
• All Meals – Prepared by Tusker’s Cooking Team • Lodging at the Himalayan Lodge
Day 14 Tengboche
Our lungs heave a sigh of relief as we inhale the oxygen-laden air, and our legs feel lighter and more sprightly with every step. We break up the long downhill trek to Namche by spending the night at Tengboche.
Our cozy lodge sit just across from the Monastery, where the chanting of the monks reverberates through the crisp mountain air. The mystique of the place is captivating, enveloping us like a cloak. It is humbling, once again, to be in the presence of such ancient and sacred traditions.
• All Meals – Prepared by Tusker’s Cooking Team • Lodging at the Himalayan Lodge
With each step down the winding trail, the anticipation builds. Finally, after a full day’s hike, the vibrant town of Namche comes into view.
As you explore the labyrinthine streets, you can’t help but be captivated by the colorful shops teeming with authentic Nepali handicrafts. The intricate weaving and bold textiles catch your eye, beckoning you closer to examine their intricate details.
• All Meals – Prepared by Tusker’s Cooking Team • Lodging at the Himalayan Culture Home
Day 16 Monjo
9,301-ft/2,835-m • 4.5-mi/7-km • 4 hours
As we settle in for our final night in the Khumbu Valley, the air is thick with a mixture of triumph and sorrow. We’ve traversed some of the most demanding terrain, and the challenges we’ve faced have left us stronger and more resilient than ever before.
Tomorrow we have a final push up the massive hill, making our way back to Lukla.
• All Meals – Prepared by Tusker’s Cooking Team • Lodging at the Mt. Kailash Lodge
Day 17 Lukla
It’s our last day of trekking, and with excitement we start our hike uphill. Arriving at Lukla, we enjoy a much-needed break, where we rest and rejuvenate. Tomorrow, we say a bittersweet farewell to our amazing crew who have been our support throughout the journey, then fly back to Kathmandu.
• All Meals – Prepared by Tusker’s Cooking Team • Lodging at the Namaste Lodge
Day 18 Kathmandu
After our epic trek through the Himalayas, we arrive in Kathmandu and make our way to the oasis that is the Yak & Yeti Hotel.
With the rest of the day free, we’re free to explore the vibrant streets of Kathmandu, discovering the hidden treasures that lie around every corner. And just when we thought the day couldn’t get any better, we head out for a special celebration dinner at our favorite restaurant in town.
• All Meals • Lodging at the Yak & Yeti Hotel
Day 19 Fly Home
Trek Dates And Prices
EVACUATION MEMBERSHIP
The cost of your trek includes Helicopter Evacuation to the Kathmandu CIWEC clinic with Ripcord Evacuation Company.
“My favorite parts of the trip were the spectacular views, the unparalleled knowledge and humor from our guides Mingma, Shabane & Kombe, and making it to Everest base camp. They absolutely made the trip. We felt safe the whole time, thanks to their attention to detail and knowledge. We learned from them, and enjoyed their personalities immensely. Thanks for an amazing trip!”
– 5-Star Review by “Elizabeth”
Meet Mingma, our head Sherpa guide, whose mastery of the mountains and knowledge of the Himalayas and Sherpa culture is matched only by his warm hospitality.
Alongside him stands Kombe and a second Tusker Kilimanjaro HIGH ALTITUDE FIRST RESPONDER safety guide, seasoned veterans of countless climbs, keeping a watchful eye on your safety with regular altitude checkups twice a day and with every step.
With a legacy of guiding thousands to the pinnacle of extreme altitude, our HAFR guides are not just trained, they’re trailblazers in keeping adventurers like you safe and secure amidst the towering peaks.
At the heart of this adventure are your guides and the Nepali crew, whose unwavering commitment ensures your journey is nothing short of spectacular. Tusker’s cadre of porters and yaks stand ready to shoulder the weight of your provisions, leaving you free to revel in the breathtaking vistas that unfold before you.
And let’s not forget our culinary maestro, Sheri, and his team, who transform each meal into a feast fit for champions, ensuring you’re fueled and energized for the challenges that lie ahead.
With every element meticulously orchestrated, your Everest expedition promises not just excitement, but an unforgettable journey into the heart of the Himalayas.