The Sherpa’s Trail – 12 Days

Starting with arriving at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu, the lively capital of Nepal, you are now stepping into your adventure. Following that, you will be met by the local trekking team or guide and taken to the hotel in the city center to the place you have booked in your routine, which is often Thamel, a polychromatic neighborhood with trekking shops, restaurants, and cultural features. Once you have checked into the hotel and eased up, you can be at the heart of sightseeing tours. When you get there, you may plan to visit the nearby UNESCO World Heritage Sites which are:
<br. Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) – Another of those great stupas that additionally reward you with an exceptional view of the Kathmandu Valley.
Pashupatinath Temple – Furthermore, a holy Hindu temple by the Bagmati River where the native people perform the traditional rituals.
Kathmandu Durbar Square – it is a historic square in the capital with the remains of some of the ancient temples, palaces, and courtyards.
You'll get an opportunity to meet with your guide to go over the policy, safety, and finalize any items during the pre-trek briefing that will take place in the early evening. Then, you can treat yourself to a traditional Nepali welcome dinner with attractions such as dal bhat (lentils and rice), momos (dumplings), and other Newari cuisine.

You'll spend the night at your hotel, emotionally high for the upcoming journey, and get ready for your trip to the Everest region the following day.

Set off on the trek early in the morning after a thrilling journey to Lukla in a small plane from Kathmandu and enjoy a panoramic 30-minute view of Mount Everest and other peaks in the Himalayas. The Tenzing-Hillary Airport landing, located on a hillside in the Everest region, is one of the world's most iconic airfields of the mountain.

The trek officially commences after a smooth descent through Lukla village where you pass colorful prayer flags, small stupas, and bustling teahouses. The trail along the Dudh Koshi river is followed and it darts through the pine forest, terrace plow lands, and Sherpa villages.

By the time you reach the first suspension bridge (adorned with fluttering prayer flags), and Chheplung, Thado Koshi is halfway and it's rabbit you passed. So, the trek is not that hard, so you can get acquainted with the altitude and the spot very comfortably. The next way around the route has your first bridge, no less popular than the first one, maybe a little bit less famous as well. The bridge is splendidly adorned with seasonal prayer flags which get flown away by the strong winds. Finally, we have been to charming settlements like Chheplung and Thado Koshi. Basically, the trek is relatively easy which means that besides enjoying beautiful landscapes you will be able to adjust to the altitude more efficiently.
By the time it is early afternoon, you will have made it to Phakding (2,610m / 8,563ft), a peaceful village that is settled on the riverbank. Once in, you can take a stroll to the surrounding area, take a tour of the Rimishung Monastery or simply just kick back and enjoy the ambiance of the Himalayas. Of course, a full belly and a good night's rest will get you moving once more so by next light, you're on your way with your trek into the Everest region.

From Phakding breakfast You start the day along the Dudh Koshi River, the hills and woods covered with pine, and the small but pretty Sherpa villages such as Toktok, Benkar, and Monjo. Mount Thamserku (6,608m) stands on top of the mountain, and it gets a glimpse of the snow-capped mountains that are far off along the way.

At Monjo (2,835m), We will enter Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, they checked whether your trekking permits are fine. After that, we went down to the river and crossed a hanging bridge to Jorsalle, which was the last village before Namche.

The path takes you parallel to the river up to where the well Climb of Hillary Suspension Bridge, highest and the most known bridge of the trek, takes you across. Ahead stands the challenging part where you will have to deal with a steep climb of around 600m through pine trees to reach Namche Bazaar.

On the way up, the whole mission is going to be grueling and breathtaking but when you see the first glimpse of Mount Everest (8,849 m), you are going to have the additional motivation for the final climb. Finally, after a very demanding but exciting trip, you arrive in Namche Bazaar (3,440cdm/11,286ft), the bustling center of the Everest region.
After you have settled in at your teahouse, then, you can wander the town, enjoy a warm meal, and rest, preparing for the next day’s acclimatization hike.

Today is a sitting and acclimatization day in Namche Bazaar (3,440m / 11,286ft). The altitude here is now higher and we will allow our bodies to get used to it. Although it's a break from the long trek, doing the bare minimum and staying active are keys to proper acclimatization, so a short hike is recommended as well.

A gradual uphill climb takes you to one of the highest-altitude hotels in the world.Possibly the least tiring trek with probably the best view of Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and Thamserku. Also, a wonderful viewpoint with a warm cup of tea and a fabulous background.

Go to the renowned Hillary School in Khumjung and the monastery that houses a Yeti scalp. This is a unique opportunity not to be missed, as you will get to really live amongst Sherpas and experience the way they do. It’s awesome to see the rustic stone houses and watch the people live so far away from the typical buzz of a city.
The Sherpa Culture Museum offers their practices, cultures and the great legends of Everest. A viewpoint close to the place offers yet another splendid view of Everest.

After a light acclimatization hike, next to your teahouse, you will be served a warm meal and rest which lets your body recover properly, getting it ready for the subsequent part of the trek onward to Tengboche.

The hike to the summit of Kala Patthar—located in the Khumbu region—is an exhilarating experience, featuring a montage of dramatic mountain views, including that of the world’s highest peak, Mount Everest (8,849 m). During the drive, you will pass through pine forests and small settlements such as Kyangjuma, winding down to the Dudh Koshi River, crossing the river at Phunki Tenga (3,250 m). This tiny hamlet offers a great place to rest and eat lunch before the difficult climb that follows.

The next part is a high elevation ascent through dense rhododendron and pine forests, walking to Tengboche - a picturesque monastery village situated on top of a mountain hill at 3,860 m / 12,664 ft. Once you are there, you will be amazed by the sight of Ama Dablam as well as Mount Everest and other peaks around.

After the monastery visit and your meditation amidst the spiritual tranquility, you check up in a teahouse for the night, mentally preparing for the next day’s expedition to Dingboche.

The journey from Thame (3820m) to Khumjung (3810m) is yet another marvelous expedition through the Khumbu region, where one gradually gets to the higher altitudes while in between climbs at the Sherpa villages, deep in forests of pine, and glacial valleys.

The day commences with a trip down through the rhododendron and pine forests to Deboche (3820m), a small, quiet village where the road is so curvy that it is hard to tell which direction you are going. The track, later on, veers the Imja River, which you will criss-cross by the help of a suspended bridge while altitude is looming over you with Ama Dablam (6812m) on the horizon.

Walking past Pangboche (3985m), the highest inhabited village of the area, trekkers can have the choice to go to see Pangboche Monastery, the oldest monastery in the region. The scenery changes gradually as you go to the top making it more barren and wind-swept, as the trees become less and the rocky terrain grows.

The walk up through the steadily inclining valleys results in reaching the Shomare (4,010m) village that is located exactly inside the boundaries of Gurung. You may take a rest here or continue hiking to Dingboche after your energy has been restored. The rest of the way goes along beside the Imja Valley, from where one can practically see all of the Lhotse, Island Peak, and Ama Dablam.

Having checked in your teahouse accommodation, you can now take a stroll around the village, have a warm meal, and get ready for the acclimatization day that follows.

Today is a vital acclimatization day in Dingboche after the church. It would help if you let your body adjust to the altitude before continuing uphill. As it's a rest day, it is essential for the right acclimatization to take some exercise as well. For instance, we recommend taking a short hike. A steep and at the same time fascinating pathway is leading to the unbelievable bird's eye view of the high mountain peak of Makalu (8485 meters) Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Island Peak, and Imja Valley. The right place is definitely great for photographs and a high-altitude experience. A gentle stride along the route of Chukhung is the last bigger stop before Island Peak. After an acclimatization day, you can return to your teahouse in Dingboche to relax and get ready for the next day with Lobuche.

Embarking on today's expedition, you'll abandon Dingboche (4,410m) to the high mountainous, glacial environment—of the legendary Mount Everest area. The road goes up and turns into a desolate place, where you’ll meet Tavoche, Cholatse, Lobuche Peak, and the grandiose Lhotse face in full display.

The hike elevates gently to the Dughla (4,620m), a small village that many trekking parties take a short stop for a while before the hard climb. Starting from this point, the path becomes steep, and you’ll then reach the Thukla Pass (Dughla Pass, 4,830m) where you will find the memorial site dedicated to the Climbers and the Sherpas who lost their lives during the Everest expedition. This is a very significant and poignant place that makes trekkers understand the perils of such a high peak.

Has the weather passed? Yes, the trek is quite parallel and moves back only a bit at the start. It follows the Khumbu Glacier moraine which is the place where you can find the world record glacier. After walking along some rocks to Lobuche (4,910 m / 16,109 ft) last piece, I saw the sunset of Nuptse, Pumori, and Lingtren. The breathtaking views of them occupied my mind.

You are finally done with the trek, and now you can enjoy a warm meal and prepare yourself for the next amazing journey that is climbing Day 9 on foot to the Everest Base Camp. After you have checked into your teahouse, you should enjoy a stress-free time, eat a hot meal and make a preview of the upcoming day.

Today is a long-awaited day for all of us because you finally get to base camp—and it's the highest one in the world. Everest Base Camp (EBC, 5,364m / 17,598ft) - the starting point for climbers attempting to summit Mount Everest is located at 5363 meters.

Although the journey is extremely strenuous and incredibly engaging, it ultimately turns out to be very uplifting and worth it. Trek to Gorak Shep in the morning (5164m) - 3-4 hrs The day starts off with a gentle rise following a rocky and raw path next to the Khumbu Glacier. Although the path is quite steep and changeable, the rise in the height leads to more strenuous steps. The last stop before EBC is at Gorak Shep (5,164m). After a few hours of walking, you get there. First, you need to check in at a guest house and then you can rest a little bit after that you will have lunch, and later, you will walk the final distance to the Base Camp. Trek from Gorak Shep to Everest Base Camp (5,364m) - 2-3 hrs The trail continues to the right of the Khumbu Glacier, it climbs on the rocks and crosses the moraine of the glacier. Before getting to the camp, the view is spectacular where you can see lots of colorful prayer flags and expedition tents. These symbols indicate that you are approaching a place where climbers are getting ready for their choice of the Everest summit.
Everest Base Camp Experience: 1)Stand at the base of the world’s highest peak and relish in its company, as you stand way up high, surrounded by icy structures and the powerful Khumbu Icefall.
2) Get strikingly memorable photos with the "Everest Base Camp" sign and also feel like you own the world having completed such a fantastic journey.
3) Mingle with your comrades in the trip playground acknowledging that you have arrived at one of the most iconic places on Earth.

Afterward, you take some time off to eat, snap some pics, and have a good time with the other guys and in the end, you retrace the steps back to Gorak Shep (5,164m) to spend the night there. The route back is not that difficult to handle as the journey is on slopes but it is still difficult because of the height and also you may be a bit tired.One night, after you’ve had an incredible experience, your reward will be a good dinner in your teahouse in Gorak Shep, rest, and get prepared for the climb to Kala Patthar the next morning with an even greater view of Everest.

Throughout the Everest region today, one more of the many promising days arrives, with you taking a sunrise hike to some of the Kala Patthar (5,545m / 18,192ft) as your first activity, followed by walking down to Pheriche (4,210m), in this way, you have a double win of beautiful mountain views and the josephine valley back down.

Hike to Kala Patthar (5,545m) – 2-3 hrs First, you must get ready very early in the morning, most of the time it's dark, to go up to Kala Patthar, which is the ideal spot to start your day without seeing Mount Everest and the rest of the peaks. The walk is a demanding yet fast track from Gorak Shep to the top which takes about 2-3 hours. Indeed, the final ascent is very steep and has a lot of rocks but the pleasure of it at the summit is incomparable.

Kala Patthar delivers the heart-stopping-image of the Himalayan monster Everest, with its peak, casting a shadow over the oceans of snow. Of course, Lhotse, Nuptse, Pumori, and Ama Dablam are indisputable viewing objects from here. Make sure to take your time up there for photographs and meditation. The best views are at dawn at which point wonderful lighting seems to paint the peaks mostly in orange and pink colors. Trek from Kala Patthar to Pheriche (4,210m) – 4-5 hrs.

After the sun rises, you will want to go back down from Kala Patthar. There is much less effort involved in the descent, and you can just retrace your footsteps to the stopping spot in Gorak Shep. Then the road continually goes down for a very short time towards Pheriche. As you go down through the Khumbu Valley, the air starts to fill with the sense of relaxation and you gradually find that you are still up there.
The trail is a meandering one that leads us through the gorgeous valley, from where we’ll have the pleasure of seeing the majestic snow-capped mountains and tranquil lakes. Once you reach Pheriche, you will experience a marked decrease in altitude, which has a positive effect on your acclimatization. A quiet corner of the world provides an extremely peaceful habitat to those who have completed their difficult journey.
Pheriche (4,210m) – A Peaceful Village 1) With fewer trekkers, the Sherpa village is blessed with the benefit of being peaceful as well as tranquil. 2) This is a great place where one will get a really comfortable night's sleep and be ready for the next day's descent down the valley.

After finishing the trek, you'll have a fulfilling meal in your tea house located in Pheriche, take a break in the tranquil atmosphere and relax for the night.

Today, as you leave Pheriche, the first half of the day will be climbing down through the Khumbu Valley which is less difficult than climbing up and still gives you a chance to steep at the spectacular scenery and reflect on the incredible adventure you have had so far. The weekly return trip to Lukla you made during the way back is finally about to end today.

The path to Namche Bazaar will be sweeping you down to the Imja Valley which is sandwiched in between mountains the first few hours of the day after leaving Pheriche (4,210m). The rest of the walk is over gentle terrain with stunning views of Ama Dablam, Lhotse, and Nuptse. One part of the path passes through the picturesque areas, namely, the rhododendron forests, and the open spaces. Another part runs through the tiny Sherpa villages in the valleys.

You take it simple as you walk with trepidation through the afternoon thundershowers, but you must be watching out for snow again off-and-on during your visit to Tengboche, a lower point of 3,900m. The descent may be rather steep, but with the altitude gain in the air, the tension is becoming serious one by one.
Nice-turned-around while sipping a cup of warm tea before walking into the village and paying the monastery a quick visit. From Tengboche you will hike down to Namche Bazaar (3,440m). The descent can be quite challenging, but given the fact of the altitude change, you’ll note the air is relatively thicker. On the steep trail down from Tengboche, one can feel the air, heavy with the sonic of the wind.
Soon after rounding Namche Bazaar, it gets quite cozy and relieving in the way between the monsoon forests of the Khumbu to the Dudh Koshi River, weltering the river and the adjacent valleys with a gleam of sunlight now and then. Throughout the main trail (Phakding, a common valley), you will never remain alone since the recognizable and possibly sweet memories may draw you more uphill to Lukla.
The road starts off with a smooth walk along the healthy tree line and then you get across many bridges over the Dudh Koshi River. This most scenic and vibrant first stretch of the day takes you through the rich woods of Lukla and across dozens of bridges while the sun flashes and showers the secluded river and the valleys on both sides. That said, you’ll return to Phakding and then to Lukla, which is one last time before leaving this lovely valley.

Since you have to climb the first few meters of the trek, you may experience slight altitude sickness on the last day of the trek which starts in a completely different way starting from Namche Bazaar to Lukla. From the Dudh Koshi River you walk through the thick trees, and the ups and downs of the hills make the walk interesting. Gradually take corrective measures to the sound and gradually start recognizing the voice. When you reach Lukla, you can expect to see familiar landmarks and hear familiar sounds. On the way to Lukla (2,860m), you will not only feel a sense of triumph on your journey but also feel proud of what you have experienced in the last days.

Celebration in Lukla 1) Let’s wind down and celebrate the completion of your trek together with the Jokola trek team. Dine and revel in your glee, by engaging in a tribute dinner, while the tales of your glorious Everest journey are shared.You can spend the evening in one of the teahouses in Lukla, and just relax, and enjoy some peace, preparing for a very early morning flight to Kathmandu on the next day.

The last day of your awesome trek will see a morning plane ride home from Lukla to Kathmandu, where you will officially end your Everest Base Camp adventure. The early morning flight is a great way to bring your journey to an end, with the airplane the last spot you will have a chance to see all the incredible mountains before getting back to the big city melee. Flight from Lukla to Kathmandu (30-40 minutes). The airstrip at Lukla is just below the airport in Nepal at 2,860 meters altitude, and the flight to Kathmandu at 1,400 meters is brief but awesome, where you will see the incredible Himalayas from the aerial point of view.

When you look around, you may notice familiar scenes from the plane, such as Namche Bazaar, Phakding and the Dudh Koshi River, however, you will stand face to face with Mount Everest, Lhotse, and the other peaks for likely the first time from the bird's eye view.

The one-time plane ticket, known for its heart-stopping views of the mountains and the rush of excitement you feel when landing at the Tenzing-Hillary Airport in Lukla, a high-altitude airport with a short, steep runway, is the journey that you are looking for. Arrival in Kathmandu You would be driven to your hotel after the plane has landed in Kathmandu where you could relax and freshen yourself up with a hot water shower and let the accomplishment of finishing the astonishing journey soak in.
If you have a short break during your trip to Kathmandu, visit the local markets, temples, or do some last-minute shopping to get a souvenir before you go. In Thamel it is possible to find handcrafted Nepali items, handcrafted jewelry, and buy trekking gear.

This day as well offers a wonderful way to express your gratitude to your guide and the porters for all their hard work and support during your trek. You are likely to join for a final dinner celebration with everyone else for a bit of storytelling of the adventure.If your Nepal adventure is coming to an end, the crew, upon your departure, will help you with the transfer to the airport for your return flight.
Take time to think about all the friends and fun, all the adventures, and the thrill of having scaled Everest Base Camp, as you can now boast of having walked along one of the most sought-after trekking routes in the world. Also be happy that your biggest adventure is over.

Although it might sound like the greatest exaggeration to a friend or even a family member, this is what happened on some May day. It all began off with an extraordinary review of the Himalayas that left the viewer speechless.