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20 days
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Everest
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Challenging
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5,545 m
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From 1 person
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Trekking
Highlights
- The historic walk-in route used by the early Everest expeditions
- Quiet Sherpa villages of lower Solukhumbu, such as Junbesi
- Namche Bazaar and Tengboche Monastery
- Everest Base Camp (5,364 m) at the foot of the Khumbu Icefall
- Sunrise over Everest from Kala Patthar (5,545 m)
- A gradual gain in altitude that makes acclimatization easier
Overview
This trek follows the historic walk-in route to Everest, used by the early expeditions before the airstrip at Lukla was built. From Bhandar, reached by road via Jiri and Shivalaya, the trail crosses the green hills of lower Solukhumbu over Lamjura La (3,530 m) and Taksindu La (3,071 m), through Sherpa villages such as Junbesi, and down to the Dudh Koshi.
Below Lukla you join the main trail to Namche Bazaar, Tengboche and Dingboche, and continue to Everest Base Camp (5,364 m) and Kala Patthar (5,545 m). The long approach means fewer crowds in the first week and a gradual gain in altitude, and you fly back from Lukla at the end.
Know before you go
Best time to go
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the best seasons, with stable weather and clear mountain views. In spring the rhododendron forests are in bloom, and autumn brings the clearest skies after the monsoon.
Winter (December to February) is possible but cold, especially at night. The monsoon (June to August) brings rain, cloud and slippery trails, so we do not recommend it for this trek.
Difficulty and fitness
At 20 days, this is one of our longest Everest treks. The first week from Bhandar to Phakding crosses the lower hills of Solukhumbu with many climbs and descents, which builds fitness and helps you acclimatize before you reach Namche Bazaar.
Above Namche the route joins the classic trail to Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar (5,545 m), with acclimatization days in Namche Bazaar and Dingboche. Days are five to seven hours. No technical skills are needed, but you should be in good health and used to several days of hiking in a row.
Permits
You need a Sagarmatha National Park entry permit and the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality permit.
We arrange all permits for you before the trip. See Includes/Excludes for what is covered in the price.
Itinerary
Welcome to Nepal. On arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, a Pikey Sherpa Adventure representative will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. Later in the day your guide gives a trek briefing, checks your equipment and answers any questions. Overnight in a hotel in Kathmandu (1,400 m).
A long drive east from Kathmandu via Jiri and Shivalaya, the start of the historic approach route to Everest, brings you to the Sherpa village of Bhandar. The road is winding and rough in places, and the journey takes around eight to nine hours. Overnight in a teahouse in Bhandar (2,200 m).
Today you descend to the Likhu Khola, cross the river, and then climb steadily through terraced farmland and forest to Sete. It is a day of steady effort that builds fitness for the higher sections ahead. Overnight in a teahouse in Sete (2,575 m).
A long climb through rhododendron forest leads to Lamjura La (3,530 m), the highest point of the lower route. A descent through forest then brings you to the Sherpa village of Junbesi. Overnight in a teahouse in Junbesi (2,700 m).
The trail climbs to Taksindu La (3,071 m), where you get your first views of Everest on this route. From the pass you descend through forest to Nunthala. Overnight in a teahouse in Nunthala (2,200 m).
You descend to the Dudh Koshi, cross it on a long suspension bridge and climb the far side of the valley to Khari Khola, a farming village spread across the hillside. Overnight in a teahouse in Khari Khola (1,985 m).
The trail climbs via Bupsa and through the forests around Puiyan, with views down the Dudh Koshi valley. You then descend to the small village of Surke. Overnight in a teahouse in Surke (2,290 m).
Today you join the main Everest trail below Lukla and follow the Dudh Koshi upstream to Phakding. From here on you will share the trail with more trekkers. Overnight in a teahouse in Phakding (2,610 m).
The trail follows the Dudh Koshi river across several high suspension bridges and enters Sagarmatha National Park. A long, steep climb then brings you to Namche Bazaar, the main Sherpa trading town of the Khumbu. Walk slowly and drink plenty of water. Overnight in a teahouse in Namche Bazaar (3,440 m).
A rest day to help your body adjust to the altitude. A morning hike climbs to the Everest View Hotel for views of Everest, Lhotse and Ama Dablam, returning via the Sherpa village of Khumjung. Overnight in a teahouse in Namche Bazaar (3,440 m).
The balcony trail high above the Dudh Koshi offers fine views of Ama Dablam and Everest. After descending to the river, a climb through pine and rhododendron forest leads to Tengboche and its famous monastery. Overnight in a teahouse in Tengboche (3,860 m).
Descending through forest, you pass through the village of Pangboche and continue into the Imja valley. The landscape opens up above the tree line, with Ama Dablam towering overhead on the way to Dingboche. Overnight in a teahouse in Dingboche (4,410 m).
A rest day to help your body adjust before going higher. Your guide leads an acclimatization hike on the hillside above the village, with views of Ama Dablam and the surrounding peaks, before you return to rest. Overnight in a teahouse in Dingboche (4,410 m).
The trail crosses open pastures to Thukla, then climbs steeply to the memorials built for climbers who lost their lives on Everest. From here the walk continues more gently up the valley to Lobuche. Overnight in a teahouse in Lobuche (4,910 m).
A rocky trail beside the Khumbu Glacier leads to Gorak Shep. After a rest you continue to Everest Base Camp (5,364 m) at the foot of the Khumbu Icefall, then return to Gorak Shep for the night. The day takes about seven to eight hours in total. This is the highest overnight of the trek. Overnight in a teahouse in Gorak Shep (5,164 m).
An early climb of Kala Patthar (5,545 m) rewards you with the classic sunrise view of Everest and the surrounding peaks. After breakfast at Gorak Shep, a long descent takes you down the valley to Pheriche, where the thicker air is welcome. Expect around seven to eight hours on the trail. Overnight in a teahouse in Pheriche (4,240 m).
Descending further, you pass Pangboche and Tengboche before following the trail back along the Dudh Koshi to Namche Bazaar. It is a long day of around seven hours, but each step down makes walking easier. Overnight in a teahouse in Namche Bazaar (3,440 m).
On your final trekking day you descend to the Dudh Koshi and retrace the trail back to Lukla, a walk of around seven hours. In the evening you can celebrate the end of the trek with your guide and porters. Overnight in a teahouse in Lukla (2,860 m).
A morning flight takes you back to Kathmandu. Flights from Lukla depend on the weather, so departure times can vary. The rest of the day is free to rest and enjoy a hot shower at your hotel. Please note: in the main seasons (March–May and October–November), the flight from Lukla usually lands at Manthali airport in Ramechhap, followed by a 4–5 hour drive to Kathmandu. Overnight in a hotel in Kathmandu (1,400 m).
Your trip ends today. Depending on your flight time, you may have a few free hours for last-minute shopping or a final stroll, before a Pikey Sherpa Adventure representative transfers you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward flight.
