Nepal: The Road to Everest

Day 1 · Kathmandu

We arrive in Nepal and meet in noisy, warm Kathmandu — a city where antiquity lives next to chaos. We check into the hotel, get to know each other and tune in for what lies ahead. We check the gear and buy anything missing in the tourist district of Thamel. If time allows — a walk through the streets past stupas and workshops. A shared dinner in the evening. Overnight at 1,400 m.

Day 2 · Flight to Lukla, Phakding (2,640 m)

Early in the morning we drive to the airport and fly a small plane along the snow-capped ridges straight to Lukla (2,860 m), the gateway to Everest. After coffee we gather our spirits and hit the trail. The first walk is to the village of Phakding: the path winds between hills and villages, up and down, as it should in the Himalayas. The flight may depart from Ramechhap instead of Kathmandu — in that case we leave in the middle of the night; we will let you know the format in advance and act in the group’s interest and according to the weather. Overnight at 2,640 m.

Day 3 · Namche Bazaar (3,440 m)

A full day — a long but incredibly beautiful walk into the heart of the Khumbu region: a winding trail among cedars and rhododendrons, villages with prayer wheels and colourful flags. Here we see the snow-capped peaks for the first time — and maybe Everest itself on the horizon. We cross the famous Hillary suspension bridge, named after Everest’s first summiteer. The second half of the day is the climb to Namche Bazaar, the Sherpa capital. The reward is a cosy town with cafés, bakeries, hot showers and views of snowy ridges. Overnight at 3,440 m.

Day 4 · Thamo (3,450 m)

A short walk — designed for gentle, careful acclimatization. We leave the busy streets of Namche and step off the “popular” trail to where it is quieter and more spacious. The path follows the slope through scattered villages and prayer stupas. Altitude is gained gradually, without sudden jumps — an important day for the body to adjust. We sleep in the tiny village of Thamo with a true Himalayan atmosphere and calm. Overnight at 3,450 m.

Day 5 · Thame (3,820 m)

An unhurried gain of altitude to Thame, an ancient settlement on the old trading route to Tibet. A short but important day for acclimatization and immersion in Khumbu culture. Along the way: pine and rhododendron forests, mountain streams, village life scattered across the slopes. Thame is one of the oldest Sherpa settlements — many famous mountaineers were born here, and a working monastery stands above the village. We sleep in a simple but cosy lodge with views of the ridges. Overnight at 3,820 m.

Day 6 · Lungden (4,380 m)

An important stage — we cross the 4,000-metre mark, moving towards the passes. The trail passes prayer flags and stupas, goes through forests and comes out into the alpine zone with views of the watersheds and ridges. The higher we go, the less greenery and the wider the horizons. Lungden is the first contact with thin air and harsher weather. Overnight at 4,380 m.

Day 7 · Acclimatization in Lungden (4,380 m)

We stay in place — before a big day we need to recover and adapt to the altitude. During the day we make a side trip to a viewpoint above 5,000 metres: we walk slowly, at a calm pace, with incredible views of the massifs and the valley we came through. In the evening we return to the village: rest, warm tea, thermoses, getting ready for the morning. Tomorrow is the first big pass.

Day 8 · Renjo-La pass (5,360 m)

One of the most impressive days of the route. We leave Lungden in the dark, the climb takes several hours — and from the pass one of the finest Himalayan panoramas opens up: the Gokyo lakes, the Ngozumpa glacier, the eight-thousanders Everest, Lhotse and Cho Oyu. Then a tricky descent over scree, partly over snow and stone steps. Below, Gokyo awaits — a high-altitude settlement by a turquoise lake and a comfortable lodge.

Day 9 · Gokyo (4,750 m)

We stay in Gokyo to rest between two passes. An easy walk to the upper Gokyo lakes with a view of Cho Oyu.

Day 10 · Dragnag (4,700 m)

A short but impressive crossing of the Ngozumpa glacier — the largest glacier in Nepal. We cross stone moraines and ice ridges. Early night: another pass tomorrow.

Day 11 · Cho-La pass (5,420 m)

Another early start. The climb is gentle at first, up to the point where the impressive view of the pass opens. The final ascent is not easy, and neither is the descent. Then we walk along the valley with views of Cholatse — arguably the most striking sight of the day. Overnight in Dzongla (4,800 m).

Day 12 · Gorak Shep (5,134 m)

In the morning we leave the village and approach the main trail to Everest Base Camp. A lunch stop in Lobuche, then on to Gorak Shep — the last settlement before the camp. The trail runs along the Khumbu glacier. In the evening we watch the sunset from the nearest hill.

Day 13 · Everest Base Camp (5,360 m)

Early in the morning we walk to Base Camp — to the ice seracs of the Khumbu glacier, the best spectacle of all! Then we return to Gorak Shep and move on to Lobuche (4,950 m). Preparing for the next pass.

Day 14 · Kongma-La pass (5,535 m)

The least popular pass and the wildest in feel. From Lobuche we first walk along a wide valley, then climb rocky slopes, pass the glacier and begin the steep ascent. The descent is technically easier but long. We finish in Chukhung (4,800 m) and take a well-earned rest — all the hard parts of the route are behind us!

Day 15 · Pangboche (3,930 m)

Now only down, towards greenery and oxygen! Views of Ama Dablam accompany us most of the way. In Dingboche we drink great coffee in a real coffee house, then descend to Pangboche, where we visit an ancient monastery.

Day 16 · Namche Bazaar (3,440 m)

The trail goes down through dense forests — we enjoy the warmth and the oxygen! In Namche all the comforts of civilization await. We sleep in the same cosy hotel.

Day 17 · Lukla (2,820 m)

The final day of the trek. We walk unhurriedly, admiring the views, and stop at a stylish coffee house on the way. In the afternoon we arrive in Lukla.

Day 18 · Reserve day

A buffer in case of bad weather, flight rescheduling or other circumstances.

Day 19 · Kathmandu

Early in the morning we fly from Lukla to Kathmandu and dive back into its rhythm. Time for delicious food and to celebrate the end of the trek! The flight may land in Ramechhap — in that case we drive from Ramechhap by transfer.

Day 20 · Flight home

The day has come when we have to head home. We say goodbye neither to each other nor to the Himalayas. Until we meet again — may the spirit of adventure always be with you.