Everest Expedition

When you arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport (1,345m) in Kathmandu, representatives of Alpine Wonder Trel will greet you and help you get to your hotel. Once you’re settled in, you’ll have time to relax after your flight. In the evening, we’ll have a briefing session where the guides will explain the plan for the expedition, give you important safety tips, and go over the gear you’ll need.

You’ll also meet your Sherpa guides and other climbers. If you have time, you can explore the Thamel area, which has lots of shops and restaurants. We’ll end the day with a welcome dinner, where you can enjoy traditional Nepali food and talk about the journey ahead. After dinner, you’ll stay overnight at the hotel, getting ready for the adventure to come.

On Day 2, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the stunning Kathmandu Valley, a place full of rich history and culture. Our guide will take you to iconic landmarks such as Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with beautiful palaces and temples, and the Patan Durbar Square, known for its fine architecture and intricate carvings.

You’ll also visit the Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest in the world, and the peaceful Garden of Dreams, a serene spot perfect for unwinding. To finish your day, we’ll head to the Pashupatinath Temple, a sacred Hindu temple beside the Bagmati River, where you can witness traditional rituals. After a day full of exploration, you’ll head back to your hotel to rest and prepare for the next phase of your adventure.

On Day 3, the focus will be on getting all the official permits and paperwork in order for your Everest Expedition. This is a crucial part of the preparation, as the necessary documents allow us to proceed smoothly with the trek and comply with Nepalese regulations. You’ll visit the Trekking Permit Office in Kathmandu, where we’ll complete all the necessary paperwork required for the journey.

After the formalities, we will conduct a briefing session where our expert guides will provide you with detailed information about the trek ahead. This includes a review of the timetable, what to expect each day, the altitude you will be gaining, and an overview of the route. This is the perfect time to ask any last-minute questions you may have about the journey.

By the end of the day, you’ll be well-prepared and ready for the journey ahead, confident that you have all the information and gear necessary for a safe and successful expedition.

On Day 4, you will start your adventure with an early flight from Kathmandu to Lukla (2,804 meters). This flight is exciting because Lukla Airport is known as one of the most thrilling airports in the world due to its short runway and the surrounding mountain peaks. Once you land in Lukla, you’ll immediately feel the excitement of being in the heart of the Himalayas.

After we land, we’ll begin our trek to Phakding (2,610 meters). The trek will take about 3-4 hours and is mostly downhill, making it a good way to ease into the journey. As you walk, you’ll pass through small Sherpa villages, where you can see traditional houses and meet the friendly locals. The trail also goes through beautiful forests full of pine trees and rhododendrons, and you’ll cross the Dudh Koshi River on a few suspension bridges. The sound of the river rushing below adds to the peaceful atmosphere.

By the time you arrive in Phakding, you’ll have had a wonderful introduction to the trekking environment, with incredible views of the mountains around you. You’ll stay overnight at a local guesthouse in Phakding, where you can rest, enjoy some warm food, and prepare for the next day’s trek.

On Day 5, you will join on a 5-6 hour trek to Namche Bazaar (3,441 meters), which is the main trading hub of the Everest region. The trek begins with a steady climb, taking you through dense forests filled with towering trees and beautiful rhododendron flowers. As you walk, you’ll be surrounded by the beauty of the landscape, and the trail will start to open up, offering amazing views of the towering peaks around you, including Mount Everest in the distance.

As you get closer to Namche, the altitude will gradually increase, and you’ll notice the air getting thinner. This is why it’s important to take your time and walk at a steady pace to allow your body to adjust to the higher elevation. Along the way, you may pass by small villages where you can see the daily life of the local Sherpa people.

Once you arrive at Namche Bazaar, you’ll be greeted by the busy atmosphere of this important town. It is the spot where trekkers gather to prepare for the rest of the journey to Everest. After a long day of trekking, you’ll settle into a comfortable guesthouse in Namche, where you can rest, enjoy a warm meal, and prepare for your acclimatization day the next day.

On Day 6, you’ll spend a rest day in Namche Bazaar to help your body adjust to the higher altitude. This day is very important to prevent altitude sickness and make sure you are well-prepared for the rest of your trek. Your body needs time to adapt to the lower levels of oxygen at higher elevations, so it’s essential to take things slow.

Although it’s a rest day, you can still enjoy some short hikes around Namche. One popular hike is to the Everest Viewpoint, which is a short walk from Namche and offers stunning views of Mount Everest and other surrounding peaks like Lhotse and Ama Dablam. This is a great opportunity to take in the breathtaking scenery and capture some memorable photos. You can also explore Namche Bazaar itself, which is a lively town with shops, cafes, and a few small museums that showcase the local culture and history.

By the end of the day, your body will have had a chance to rest and adjust to the higher altitude, ensuring that you are ready for the next stages of your journey. You’ll spend the night in the guesthouse in Namche and get a good night’s sleep before continuing your trek.

On Day 7, you will set off on a 5-6 hour trek to Tengboche (3,867 meters), a village known for its famous Tengboche Monastery. The trek will take you through beautiful pine forests, where you’ll walk along winding trails shaded by tall trees. As you trek higher, you’ll begin to see more of the stunning Himalayan peaks, including Mount Everest, Ama Dablam, and several other snow-capped mountains. The views along the way are incredible, and the landscape becomes more dramatic the closer you get to Tengboche.

When you arrive in Tengboche, you’ll visit the Tengboche Monastery, a sacred Buddhist site that is not only a place of worship but also an important centre for Sherpa culture. The monastery is a highlight of the trek, and many trekkers find it to be a deeply moving experience.

After your visit to the monastery, you’ll settle into a guesthouse in Tengboche for the night. This gives you time to relax, enjoy the peaceful surroundings, and prepare for the next day’s journey.

On Day 8, you will continue your journey and trek to Dingboche (4,358 meters), which will take around 5-6 hours. As you start the trek, you’ll pass through beautiful landscapes, and the views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, and other towering peaks will become even more spectacular.

As you get closer to Dingboche, you’ll be surrounded by incredible mountain scenery. The peaks seem to rise even higher, and the views are breathtaking, making the trek well worth the effort. Dingboche is a quiet, peaceful village with a few guesthouses and stunning views of the mountains that surround it.

Once you reach Dingboche, you’ll settle into your guesthouse for the night. It’s a good opportunity to rest and allow your body to adjust to the higher altitude before continuing your trek to the next stage of your adventure.

On Day 9, you will embark on a challenging trek to Lobuche (4,928 meters), which will take about 5-6 hours. The trail to Lobuche is a bit more rugged, and you’ll walk through rocky terrain, which can be tough on your legs, but the views along the way will make the effort worthwhile.

During the trek, you’ll pass by a memorial site that honours climbers who have tragically lost their lives while attempting to reach the summit of Mount Everest. This site is a reminder of the dangers of climbing in such extreme conditions and serves as a tribute to the brave souls who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

As you continue, you’ll have stunning views of the Khumbu Glacier and the surrounding peaks, including Everest and other towering mountains. The sight of the glacier is especially striking as it stretches across the valley.

When you arrive in Lobuche, you’ll find a small, peaceful village with a few guesthouses where you can relax and catch your breath. You’ll stay the night in a guesthouse, preparing for the next big day as you get closer to your final destination, Everest Base Camp.

On Day 10, you will join on one of the most exciting and challenging parts of your journey. You’ll trek for about 7-8 hours to reach Gorakshep (5,160 meters), which is the last settlement before Everest Base Camp. The trail will be tough, but the anticipation of reaching Base Camp will keep you motivated. As you make your way to Gorakshep, you’ll pass through rocky paths and glacier moraines, with incredible Himalayan views surrounding you at every step.

Once you arrive in Gorakshep, you’ll take a short rest before heading to Everest Base Camp (5,316 meters). The final stretch to Base Camp will be a bit strenuous, but as you approach, your excitement will grow. When you finally reach Everest Base Camp, you will be standing at the foot of the world’s highest peak, and it will feel like an overwhelming accomplishment. The view from Base Camp is breathtaking, with the towering Mount Everest right in front of you and the surrounding peaks adding to the grandeur.

You will have some time at Base Camp to soak in the atmosphere, take photos, and enjoy the sense of achievement. Afterward, you’ll return to Gorakshep for the night, where you’ll stay in a guesthouse. It will be a long and tiring day, but the sense of having reached Base Camp will make it all worth it.

On Day 11, you will spend the entire day at Everest Base Camp to help your body acclimatize to the high altitude. This is an important part of your expedition because spending time at Base Camp allows your body to adjust to the high elevation.

During this day at Base Camp, you’ll rest, recover, and soak in the surroundings. The view of Mount Everest from Base Camp is simply breathtaking, and it’s a perfect opportunity to take a moment to appreciate the beauty and majesty of the world’s highest mountain. You can also take short walks around Base Camp to stretch your legs and explore, but the main goal of the day is to rest and let your body acclimate.

This day will give you the strength you need to tackle the more challenging parts of the climb in the days to come. You’ll spend the night at Base Camp or in a nearby guesthouse, preparing for the serious climbing that lies ahead.

On Day 12, the real climbing period begins as you start your journey to the summit of Everest. You will be climbing from 5,365 meters to the ultimate goal of 8,848 meters, the peak of the world’s highest mountain. This is a long and challenging process that can take several days because climbing at such a high altitude requires careful attention to acclimatization and safety. 

Your guide, who has a lot of experience in high-altitude climbing, will lead you step-by-step, making sure that each part of the climb is as safe as possible. This climb will involve crossing challenging terrain, such as icefalls, crevasses, and rocky areas. You will be moving slowly but steadily, as it’s crucial to listen to your body and not rush the climb.

Throughout this period, you’ll be closely monitored by your guides to ensure that your safety and well-being are prioritized. This phase of the journey is mentally and physically tough, but with each step, you’ll get closer to the summit of Everest, and the sense of achievement will keep you motivated.

During these weeks, you will follow a well-planned schedule to help your body adjust to the high altitude and extreme conditions. The journey from Everest Base Camp (5,316 meters) to the summit (8,848 meters) is not a direct climb.

Instead, it follows a climb high, sleep low approach, meaning you will ascend to higher camps and then return to lower camps for rest. This process, called acclimatization, is crucial to avoid altitude sickness and prepare for the final push to the summit.

Everest Base Camp (5,316 meters) – Acclimatization and Preparation (Days 13–20)

You will spend the first several days at Everest Base Camp (EBC), allowing your body to adapt to the high altitude. During this time, you will do short hikes to nearby peaks, train with your guides, and prepare your equipment. You will practice ice climbing, using ladders to cross crevasses, and safety techniques needed for the climb ahead.

Base Camp will also be your home for the next few weeks, so it is important to get comfortable. You will sleep in tents, eat meals prepared by the expedition team, and wait for the right weather conditions before heading higher. The first short rotation climb will take you to Camp 1 (6,065 meters) and back, helping your body get used to higher altitudes.

Camp 1 (6,065 meters) – Crossing the Khumbu Icefall (Days 21–25)

The first major climb takes you through the Khumbu Icefall, one of the most dangerous sections of the expedition. The icefall is made up of giant blocks of ice that can shift at any time. Climbers move through this section early in the morning when the ice is more stable. Using fixed ropes and ladders, you will carefully cross deep crevasses and navigate through the moving ice.

After reaching Camp 1, you will spend a night adjusting to the altitude. Since the air is thinner, breathing will feel harder, and you may experience mild headaches or fatigue. After resting, you will descend back to Base Camp to recover before your next climb.

Camp 2 (6,400 meters) – Advanced Base Camp (Days 26–30)

After recovering at Base Camp, you will begin your next rotation climb to Camp 2. The trail to Camp 2 is steep but more stable than the Icefall. Located at the base of the Lhotse Face, Camp 2 is an important resting point before moving higher.

Camp 3 (7,200 meters) – Climbing the Lhotse Face (Days 31–37)

Climbing to Camp 3 is physically demanding because it is located on the steep, icy Lhotse Face. You will use fixed ropes to climb up the ice wall, carefully making your way higher. At this stage, your body will struggle due to the extremely low oxygen levels.

Some climbers begin using supplemental oxygen at this point to help with breathing. You will only stay at Camp 3 for a short time before descending back to Base Camp to regain strength. This back-and-forth process is key to preparing for the final summit push.

Camp 4 (7,950 meters) – Entering the Death Zone (Days 38–45)

Camp 4 is the last camp before the summit and is located in the Death Zone—a place where oxygen levels are so low that the human body cannot survive for long. At this altitude, climbers experience extreme exhaustion, and even simple movements feel difficult.

You will only spend a few hours here to rest, check your gear, and prepare mentally for the final climb. The summit push must be timed perfectly with good weather, as strong winds and snowstorms can be life-threatening.

Summit Push (8,848 meters) – Reaching the Top of the World (Days 46–54)

The final climb to the Everest summit begins around midnight, when the weather is most stable. You will move slowly, using headlamps to guide the way through the darkness. The route passes through the Balcony (8,400 meters), where climbers change oxygen tanks, and the South Summit (8,750 meters), a false peak before the actual summit.

The last major challenge is the Hillary Step, a steep rock wall near the top. Once you pass this, you will make the final push to the summit of Mount Everest (8,848 meters). Standing at the highest point on Earth is an unforgettable moment, but you can only stay for a few minutes due to the freezing temperatures and thin air. After taking pictures and enjoying the view, you must start descending immediately to avoid exhaustion.

Descending to Base Camp and Recovery (Days 55–60)

After reaching the summit, your goal is to descend as quickly as possible to avoid prolonged exposure to the Death Zone. You will carefully climb down through Camp 4, Camp 3, Camp 2, and finally return to Base Camp for a well-earned rest.

On Day 55, after reaching the summit of Mount Everest, you will have the chance to hike to Kalapathar (5,550 meters). Kalapathar is known for offering one of the best views of Mount Everest, and it’s a fantastic spot to take photographs of the mountain in all its glory. The views from Kalapathar are truly breathtaking, and it’s one of the most popular places for trekkers to capture the beauty of Everest in their photos.

After spending some time at Kalapathar and soaking in the view, you will begin your descent to Pheriche (4,200 meters). The trek takes about 6-7 hours, and the trail is mostly downhill, which will be easier on your legs after the long climb. The descent through the rugged terrain will be less physically demanding, but it’s still important to move carefully to avoid any accidents.

Once you arrive in Pheriche, you’ll have a well-deserved rest. You’ll stay overnight in a guesthouse, allowing your body to recover from the challenging days.

On Day 56, you will begin your trek back to Namche Bazaar (3,500 meters), which will take around 5-6 hours. This part of the trek is much easier than the climb up because you’re now descending, and the trail will be less strenuous on your body.

As you make your way down, the path will take you through forests and villages, and you’ll be able to enjoy the beautiful scenery around you. The air will feel thicker as you descend, and you might feel more comfortable as the altitude lowers. Once you arrive in Namche Bazaar, the main hub of the Everest region, you’ll stay overnight in a guesthouse to rest. This night will be a chance to relax and recharge before continuing your journey down to Lukla the following day.

On Day 57, you will begin your trek back to Lukla (2,800 meters), which will take about 4-5 hours. This part of the journey is more relaxed compared to the earlier days of climbing. As you descend further, the air will feel thicker, making it easier to breathe and move along. You’ll walk through beautiful scenic trails, passing through villages and forests, and this will give you a chance to reflect on the adventure you’ve had.

The return journey is also a time to take in the surroundings one last time before leaving the Everest region. The peacefulness and beauty of the area will make the trek feel more leisurely, and you can enjoy the natural scenery without the pressure of a steep climb.

Once you arrive in Lukla, you’ll spend the night in a guesthouse. This will be a well-earned rest after your trek, and you’ll have time to relax and prepare for your flight back to Kathmandu the next day.

On Day 58, you will take an early morning flight from Lukla to Kathmandu. This flight gives you one last opportunity to enjoy the stunning views of the Himalayas from the air as you leave the Everest region. The mountains will look even more beautiful from the sky, and it’s a perfect way to say goodbye to the incredible landscape.

Once you arrive in Kathmandu, you’ll be transferred to your hotel where you can relax and rest after your trek. This will be a chance to unwind and reflect on the unforgettable adventure you’ve just experienced. You’ll spend the night in the hotel, enjoying the comfort of the city before your final departure.

On Day 59, you’ll have a leisure day in Kathmandu to relax and recover from your trek. This day is all about taking it easy after your long and challenging adventure. You can spend the day exploring the city at your own pace, perhaps visiting some of the cultural sites you didn’t get a chance to see earlier, or you can simply enjoy some time to rest.

If you’d like, you can shop for souvenirs to remember your Everest journey or buy some local handicrafts. If you’re feeling tired from the trek, you can enjoy a relaxing day at your hotel, maybe indulging in a nice meal or just unwinding after the excitement of the expedition.

This day also gives you the chance to reflect on the incredible adventure you’ve had, the challenges you overcame, and the amazing memories you made during your time in the Everest region. It’s a perfect way to wrap up your journey before your final departure the next day.

On Day 60, you’ll be transferred to the international airport for your final departure from Nepal. Depending on your flight time, you might have some free time to do a little last-minute shopping or enjoy some quick sightseeing around Kathmandu before you head to the airport.

This is your final opportunity to say goodbye to Nepal and the amazing adventure you’ve had. After that, you’ll catch your flight home, bringing back unforgettable memories from your Everest expedition.