Once you perch at Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by a team member of Kai Expedition and clear immigration formalities. After completing immigration formalities, you will transfer to your hotel where you can relax and recover from the journey. In the evening, there will be brief orientation session to introduce the team, review the itinerary, and ensure you are fully prepared for the adventure ahead.
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Day 1 Arrive in Kathmandu
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Day 2 Sightseeing and preparation for trekking
Today, you will complete all the paper work of permit and then start the day sightseeing in Kathmandu, immersing you in the city’s rich culture and historical heritage before starting Cho La Pass trek. You can explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), Pashupatinath Temple and the ancient Durbar Square. Strolling through the vibrant street of Thamel offers a glimpse of local life, colorful markets, and delicious Nepali cuisine. This day also provide time to make final preparations for the trek, ensuring you are well-equipped and acclimatized for the adventure ahead.
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Day 3 Kathmandu-Lukla (30-minute flight)-Phakding
Early in the morning, you will take a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, offering breathtaking views of the Himalayas. Once we landed at Lukla, you will walk with a gradual descent through beautiful Sherpa villages, lush forests, and along the Dudh Koshi River. After a few hours of easy walking, you will reach Phakding, where you will spend the night, allowing your body to begin acclimatizing for the days ahead on the Cho La Pass trek. -
Day 4 Phakding - Namche Bazaar
From Phakding, you will continue the journey with a challenging yet scenic trek to Namche Bazaar. As the path gradually ascends, you will pass through dense pine forest and small Sherpa village like Monjo and Jorsale before entering Sagarmatha National Park. The final stretch involves a steep climb that rewards with the first glimpse of Mount Everest. After about 6 to 7 hours of trekking, you reach the vibrant Namche Bazaar, the gateway to the Khumbu region, nestled in a natural amphitheater surrounded by towering peaks.
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Day 5 Acclimatization day at Namche Bazaar
Today, we will take a rest at Namche bazaar; it is because while trekking at high-altitude rest is necessary to adjust your body at the altitude and preparing for the higher elevations ahead. You can also go for a short hike towards Everest View Hotel, from where you will get a dramatic view of world’s highest peak “Mt Everest”. It is also a great opportunity to explore Namche’s markets, museum, and local bakeries while soaking in the unique culture and scenery of the Khumbu region.
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Day 6 Namche Bazaar - Dole
From Namche Bazaar, we will trek towards Dole. The trail climbs steadily through rhododendron and birch forests, passing through villages like Kyangjuma and the scenic Mong La with panoramic mountain views. After descending to the Dudh Koshi River, the path climbs again through pine forest to reach Dole, a small, quiet settlement. This day marks the transition into more remote and higher-altitude terrain, with fewer trekkers and a more tranquil atmosphere. -
Day 7 Dole - Machhermo
The journey from Dole to Machhermo takes you through a scenic trail filled with alpine landscapes and panoramic mountain views. The trail gradually ascends along the Dudh Koshi River, passing through small settlements like Luza and enjoying spectacular views of Cho Oyu and surrounding peaks. As altitude increases, vegetation thins, giving way to more rugged terrain. The trek takes around 4 to 5 hours, and upon reaching Machhermo, you will acclimatize and prepare for higher altitude ahead.
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Day 8 Machhermo - Gokyo
You start you your journey from Machhermo to Gokyo, a scenic route that offers stunning views of snow-capped peak like Cho Oyu. The trail gradually ascends along the suspension bridge, passing through alpine meadows and glacial moraines and finally cross Ngozumpa Glacier. After crossing the Ngozumpa Glacier, you will reach Gokyo Ri. The picturesque villages serve as an important acclimatization stop before heading toward the challenging Cho La Pass. -
Day 9 Gokyo - Thagnak
The journey continues from Gokyo to Thagnak, a short but essential hike that prepares you for the challenging Cho La Pass ahead. Although the distance is not long; the trek requires careful footing due to an uneven surface. From Ngozumpa glacier, the path ascends gently to Thagnak, and most of the trekkers typically rest here to acclimatize and prepare for the demanding crossing of Cho La Pass the following day. -
Day 10 Thagnak - Dzongla
Today, you will trek from Thagnak to Dzongla, where the journey ascent rocky trails and possibly icy sections, especially near the pass. The climb to the top is strenuous but offers stunning views of snow-capped peaks and glacial landscapes. After reaching the Cho La pass, you will descend towards Dzongla. The day ends in the scenic villages of Dzongla, where you will take a rest for a night.
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Day 11 Dzongla - Lobuche
The trek from Dzongla to Lobuche is a relatively short but scenic journey, taking about 3 to 4 hours. The trail begins with a gentle descent and gradually merges with the main Everest Base Camp route near Dughla. Along the way, you will pass memorials dedicated to climb who lost their lives on Everest, adding a somber yet inspiring touch to the route. Surrounded by towering peaks like Nuptse and Pumori, the path continues through rocky terrain and glacial moraine before reaching the small settlement of Lobuche, nestled at an altitude of around 4940 meters.
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Day 12 Lobuche - Gorakshep
Today, you will trek from Lobuche to Gorakshep takes about 3 to 4 hours and leads deeper into the heart of the Khumbu region. The trail follows a rocky moraine path alongside the Khumbu Glacier, with stunning views of towering peaks like Pumori and Nuptse. As the altitude increases, the terrain becomes more rugged and the air thinner, making the trek more challenging. Upon arriving at Gorakshep, you will rest briefly and prepare for the final push to the base camp.
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Day 13 Gorakshep - Pheriche
You will start early with a pre-dawn hike up Kala Patthar to catch breathtaking panoramic views of Mount Everest and the surrounding peaks bathed in golden sunrise light. After soaking in the unforgettable scenery, descend back to Gorakshep for breakfast. Then begin the trek downhill towards Pheriche, passing through rocky terrain and glacial valleys, with the altitude gradually decreasing and the air becoming easier to breathe. The day ends with a restful night in the quiet villages of Pheriche. -
Day 14 Pheriche to Namche Bazaar
From Pheriche, the trail passes through Pangboche and Tengboche, where you may pause to admire the famous monastery and panoramic mountain views and finally at Namche Bazaar. As you descend further, the air grows warmer and the greenery returns, offering a refreshing contrast to the high-altitude terrain. The final stretch to Namche includes some uphill sections, but the vibrant energy of the bustling Sherpa town makes for a welcoming end to the day’s journey.
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Day 15 Namche Bazaar - Lukla
Today is the final day of Cho La Pass trekking where you will walk from Namche Bazaar to Lukla. With the high passes behind, the walk offers a reflective and scenic return, blending fatigue with a sense of accomplishment. Arriving in Lukla, you will prepare for departure cherishing the memories of the Everest region’s rugged beauty and cultural richness.
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Day 16 Fly back to Kathmandu
You will take an early morning from Lukla back to Kathmandu, concluding your trek through the Himalayas. The short but scenic flight offers one last glimpse of the towering peak before you return to the bustling capital. Upon arrival at Kathmandu, there is time to relax, reflect on the journey, and enjoy the comforts of city life after several days in the mountains.
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Day 17 Departure day
After a final breakfast in the Kathmandu Valley, the team member of Kai Expedition will take you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward flights, carrying with you lasting memories of Nepal.