Day 01Arrival in Kathmandu (1,345m/4,429ft) - Welcome to Nepal!
Welcome to the Himalayan kingdom of Nepal! Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, our friendly team from Everest Sherpa Expedition will warmly greet you and transfer you to your designated hotel. After checking into the comfortable and charming Hotel Manaslu-a deluxe heritage property-you’ll have time to rest and recover from your journey.
In the evening, we’ll gather for a special welcome dinner featuring authentic Nepali cuisine. This is also when we conduct a comprehensive trip briefing where our trek leaders will walk you through the expedition plan, answer any last-minute questions, and provide insights on safety protocols, altitude awareness, and gear preparation. For late-night arrivals, the trip briefing will be held the next morning during breakfast.
- Accommodation: Hotel Manaslu, Deluxe Heritage & Boutique Hotel (4-star)
- Meals: Welcome Dinner
- Transportation: Private Airport Transfer
Day 02 Fly to Lukla (2,850m) & Trek to Phakding (2,650m / 8,690ft)
Your adventure begins with a thrilling flight to Lukla-one of the world’s most iconic mountain airstrips. Depending on the season and air traffic, this short but spectacular flight departs either from Kathmandu or from Manthali (a 4–5-hour drive from the capital). As you soar over the Himalayas, marvel at aerial views of verdant hills, deep valleys, and snow-capped peaks.
Landing at Lukla introduces you to the vibrant energy of the Khumbu region. After meeting the rest of your Sherpa support team and porters, the trek begins. Today’s walk is a relatively gentle introduction to Himalayan trekking, descending slightly to the village of Phakding along the Dudh Koshi River. En route, you'll cross several small suspension bridges, pass chortens and mani walls, and encounter cheerful locals. Phakding is a serene riverside settlement with views of sacred Mount Khumbila.
- Trek Distance: 6.2km / 3.8 miles
- Flight Duration: 40/20 minutes
- Trek Duration: 3 hours
- Accommodation: Local Lodge
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 03 Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440m / 11,285ft)
Today’s trek brings both challenge and beauty as you journey deeper into the heart of the Khumbu. Crossing several high suspensions bridges-most notably the Hillary Suspension Bridge-you’ll hike alongside the roaring Dudh Koshi River.
As you pass through charming villages like Monjo and Jorsalle, you officially enter Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The trail ascends steeply in the final stretch to Namche Bazaar, offering your first distant glimpses of Mount Everest if the skies are clear. Namche, a vibrant trading town nestled in a natural amphitheater, is the cultural and economic hub of the Sherpa people. It’s also where you’ll begin to feel the effects of altitude.
- Trek Distance: 7.4km / 4.6 miles
- Trek Duration: 6 hours
- Accommodation: Local Lodge
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 04Acclimatization Day in Namche Bazaar (3,440m)
To aid proper acclimatization, we spend a full day in Namche with an active rest plan. In the morning, take a scenic hike to the Syangboche Airstrip and the renowned Everest View Hotel, perched at 3,880m. From here, enjoy sweeping views of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, and Thamserku.
After returning to Namche, explore the Sherpa Culture Museum and the local market. This is also an excellent day to grab last-minute supplies or simply unwind in a café with Himalayan views. Proper acclimatization is key to your summit success, and today’s light activity helps your body adapt to the higher elevations ahead.
- Accommodation: Local Lodge
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 05 Trek from Namche to Pangboche (3,985m / 13,074ft)
Today’s trek gradually ascends out of Namche, offering continuous views of Mount Everest, Ama Dablam, and Lhotse as the trail traverses high ridges. You’ll pass by the charming village of Sanasa before descending to the Imja Khola river and crossing a suspension bridge at Phunki Tenga. From here, the trail climbs through rhododendron forests toward Tengboche, where you can pause for a short visit to the famed Tengboche Monastery.
Afterward, the trail continues downhill through Debuche, passing beneath tall pines and across another bridge over the Imja River before a final push to the spiritual village of Pangboche. Known for having the oldest monastery in the Khumbu region, Pangboche also offers clear views of Ama Dablam’s elegant summit.
- Trek Distance: 10.5 km / 6.5 miles
- Trek Duration: 6 hours
- Accommodation: Local Lodge
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 06Trek from Pangboche to Dingboche (4,360m / 14,290ft)
The trail climbs steadily through alpine terrain today, leaving the tree line behind. After crossing past yak pastures and seasonal stone huts, you’ll ascend toward Shomare and Orsho villages. From here, the path splits-one heading to Pheriche and the other (yours) toward Dingboche.
Dingboche is a scenic high-altitude settlement known for its vast views, stone-walled fields, and sheltered valley environment. Surrounded by dramatic peaks like Island Peak, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam, it offers one of the best panoramic landscapes in the region.
- Trek Distance: 6.5 km / 4 miles
- Trek Duration: 4 hours
- Accommodation: Local Lodge
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 07Trek from Dingboche to Chhukung (4,735m / 15,535ft)
You’ll continue into the Imja Valley today, walking beneath looming cliffs and ice fields. The trek is relatively easy but gains altitude steadily. With fewer trekkers on this trail, the journey feels more remote and peaceful.
On arrival at Chhukung-a staging point for Island Peak climbers-you’ll check into the lodge and rest. After lunch, meet your climbing guide for a detailed briefing, gear check, and preparation for the summit climb ahead.
- Trek Distance: 4.7 km / 2.9 miles
- Trek Duration: 3 hours
- Accommodation: Lodge in Chhukung
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 08Acclimatization Hike to Chhukung Ri (5,546m / 18,195ft) & Preparation
A vital day for acclimatization and skill reinforcement. After breakfast, you’ll hike up Chhukung Ri, a non-technical but steep ascent offering spectacular views of Ama Dablam, Makalu, Baruntse, and the Island Peak itself.
This acclimatization hike not only strengthens your body for summit day but also builds confidence at higher altitudes. In the afternoon, return to the lodge for a final climbing gear check and rope practice session led by your certified climbing guide.
- Hiking Duration: 4-5 hours round trip
- Elevation Gain: 800m / 2,625ft
- Accommodation: Lodge in Chhukung
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 09Trek to Island Peak Base Camp (5,200m / 17,050ft)
Leave the comfort of the lodges behind as you venture into the high alpine wilderness en route to Island Peak Base Camp. The trail follows rocky moraines, glacial streams, and desolate ridges, gradually rising in altitude and immersing you in the dramatic glaciated landscape.
Upon arrival at base camp, your support team will set up tents and prepare meals in our expedition-style camp. The remainder of the day will be spent resting and reviewing rope techniques and summit logistics with your guide.
- Trek Distance: 5km / 3.1 miles
- Trek Duration: 4 hours
- Accommodation: Tented Camp
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10Summit Island Peak (6,189m / 20,305ft) & Return to Base Camp
Summit day begins early-usually between 1:00 to 2:00 AM. With headlamps lighting the trail, you’ll cross rock slabs and glacier fields before reaching the steep ice wall and summit ridge. Your guide will secure fixed ropes and assist with roped climbing, jumaring, and glacier travel techniques.
Reaching the top of Island Peak is an unforgettable moment. From the summit, gaze upon a sweeping Himalayan panorama: Lhotse, Makalu, Baruntse, and more. After celebrating briefly, descend carefully to base camp where a warm meal and rest await.
- Trek Distance: 10.5km / 6.5 miles
- Trek Duration: 10-11 hours
- Accommodation: Tented Camp
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11Contingency Day for Summit Attempt
This additional day is built into the itinerary to account for potential delays due to weather, health, or trail conditions. If summit day was successful on Day 10, this becomes a well-earned rest day or an opportunity to explore side ridges around Chhukung with more spectacular views.
- Accommodation: Tented Camp
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12Island Peak Base Camp to Dingboche (4,360m)
Retrace your path back to Dingboche, descending past rocky hills and glacial moraines. The drop in altitude brings physical relief, and the greenery begins to return. Use this day to rest, hydrate well, and reflect on your summit accomplishment.
- Trek Distance: 7.5 km / 4.6 miles
- Trek Duration: 4-5 hours
- Accommodation: Local Lodge
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 13Trek from Dingboche to Namche Bazaar (3,440m)
Today’s trek is long but scenic as you pass Pangboche and Debuche, descending to the Dudh Koshi River and climbing briefly to Tengboche. After a final look at the monastery, continue downhill through forests and suspension bridges to Namche.
It’s a perfect day to reflect on your journey and reconnect with modern comforts.
- Trek Distance: 18 km / 11.2 miles
- Trek Duration: 6-7 hours
- Accommodation: Local Lodge
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 14Trek from Namche to Lukla (2,850m)
Today is your final day on the trail, descending through Jorsalle, Monjo, and Phakding to reach Lukla. The trek is long but nostalgic, offering time for reflection and appreciation for what you’ve achieved.
Celebrate your accomplishment with your guides and porters, and enjoy one last evening together in the Himalayas.
- Trek Distance: 13.5km / 8.3 miles
- Trek Duration: 6-7 hours
- Accommodation: Local Lodge
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 15 Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu/Manthali - Trip Concludes
Take an early morning flight back to Kathmandu (or Manthali, with onward transfer) and return to your hotel. The remainder of the day is free for relaxation, souvenir shopping, or optional guided tours of Kathmandu’s cultural sites. A farewell dinner can be arranged upon request.
- Flight Duration: 40/20 minutes
- Meals: Breakfast
- Transportation: Private Transfer to Hotel
Important Note:
The itinerary presented above is a suggested plan and can be customized according to your preferences. At Everest Sherpa Expedition, we understand that every adventurer is unique. If you have specific needs or wants, or if you wish to modify the number of days and explore different destinations, our team is here to help. We are committed to creating the best possible experience for you. Contact us to discuss your ideas and embark on a personalized adventure.
