Everest View Trek
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Everest View Trek - Short Itinerary
Fly to Lukla (2,860m / 9,383ft) and Trek to Phakding (2,610m / 8,563ft)
Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m/11,286 ft)
Acclimatization Day in Namche Bazaar – Hike to Everest View Hotel (3,880 m) and Khumjung (3,780 m)
Trek from Namche Bazaar to Tengboche (3,860 m/12,665 ft)
Trek from Tengboche back to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m/11,286 ft)
Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla (2,860 m/9,383 ft)
Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu
Everest View Trek Itinerary
- Trekking Distance: ~8 km (5 miles)
- Trekking Duration: 3–4 hours
- Starting Elevation: 1,400 m (4,593 ft) in Kathmandu; 2,860 m (9,383 ft) at Lukla airstrip
- Ending Elevation: 2,610 m (8,563 ft) at Phakding
- Elevation Gain/Loss: Net ↓250 m (820 ft descent from Lukla to Phakding)
Your adventure begins with an early morning flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, a 30-minute journey offering jaw-dropping views of Himalayan peaks as you approach one of the world’s most thrilling airstrips.
After landing at Tenzing-Hillary Airport in Lukla (2,860 m), you’ll meet your trekking crew and prepare to hit the trail.
The trek starts with a gentle descent out of Lukla, passing by stone walls, spinning prayer wheels, and small Sherpa settlements.
The trail follows the Dudh Koshi River, the milky-white “river of milk” that flows from the glaciers high above.
As you hike, you’ll traverse several suspension bridges draped in prayer flags, fluttering in the breeze. These crossings provide the first adrenaline rush of the trek and stunning valley scenery.
After ~3 hours of easy walking through pine and rhododendron forests, you reach Phakding (2,610 m), a quaint riverside village.
Phakding welcomes you with cozy teahouse lodges and the gentle sound of the river nearby. Since this first day’s walk is relatively short, you’ll have time to rest, explore the village, or visit the nearby Rimishung Monastery above Phakding.
In the evening, enjoy a warm Sherpa dinner by the fire. Today’s lower elevation and gentle pace help your body acclimate for the journey ahead.
- Trekking Distance: ~11 km (7 miles)
- Trekking Duration: 5–6 hours
- Starting Elevation: 2,610 m (8,563 ft) at Phakding
- Ending Elevation: 3,440 m (11,286 ft) at Namche Bazaar
- Elevation Gain/Loss: Net ↑830 m (2,723 ft ascent)
Fuel up with an early breakfast, because Day 2 is a big push into the heart of the Khumbu. The trail from Phakding meanders north through rhododendron and blue pine forests, often running alongside the Dudh Koshi River.
You’ll pass through several small villages like Tok Tok and Benkar, where brightly painted lodges and cultivated fields line the way.
After 2–3 hours, you reach Monjo (2,835 m), the gateway to Sagarmatha National Park. Here, you’ll register your trekking permits at the park checkpoint.
Take a moment to appreciate the park entrance sign – from this point onward, you’re in a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its astounding mountain landscapes and rare wildlife (keep an eye out for the national bird, the colorful Danphe pheasant).
Beyond Monjo, the trail drops briefly to Jorsalle (2,740 m), the last village before Namche. You’ll cross the confluence of the Dudh Koshi and Bhote Koshi rivers on a high Hillary Suspension Bridge, one of the most famous crossings in the region.
Suspended high above the river canyon, this bridge, festooned with prayer flags, marks the start of a challenging ascent. From here, it’s a steep climb of ~600 m to Namche Bazaar.
The zigzagging switchbacks lead you through a dense pine forest. Midway up this climb, at a Top Danda clearing, you might catch your first view of Mount Everest in the distance, peeking above the Lhotse-Nuptse ridge. It’s a thrilling sight to motivate you for the rest of the ascent.
Continuing upward, you’ll notice the air getting thinner as you approach Namche Bazaar (3,440 m), the bustling Sherpa market town. At long last, the trail levels out, and you arrive at Namche’s entrance, which is marked by a large prayer wheel and a checkpoint.
Namche Bazaar is in a natural amphitheater, with multicolored lodges and shops stacked on terraced hillsides. Here you’ll find cafes, bakeries, gear shops, and Wi-Fi-enabled coffee shops – a delightful surprise at this altitude.
Upon arrival, you’ll check into a teahouse (or luxury lodge) for the night. This is a significant gain in elevation, so it’s normal to feel the altitude; rest well and stay hydrated.
In the evening, you can stroll through the marketplace or relax and enjoy the awe-inspiring view of Kongde Ri ridge looming over Namche.
- Trekking Distance: ~5–6 km (3–4 miles) round trip for side hikes
- Trekking Duration: 3–4 hours of hiking (side trips)
- Starting/Ending Elevation: 3,440 m (11,286 ft) at Namche (no change for overnight)
- Highest Elevation: ~3,880 m (12,730 ft) at Everest View Hotel during a day hike
- Elevation Gain/Loss: ↑440 m (1,444 ft) and ↓440 m on acclimatization hike (Namche round trip)
Day 3 is a scheduled rest day in Namche Bazaar to acclimatize to the high altitude. However, a rest day doesn’t mean you’ll be idle!
The best way to acclimate is by taking an active hike to a higher elevation and returning to sleep at a lower elevation.
After a leisurely breakfast (don’t miss trying the freshly baked goods at a local bakery), you’ll set out on a short hike to gain some altitude.
One highly recommended excursion is the hike up to the Everest View Hotel (3,880 m). The trail starts with a steep climb to the ridge above Namche. As you ascend, the panorama behind you expands – the village of Namche shrinks below, and prominent peaks come into sight.
After about an hour’s uphill walk, you’ll reach the Syangboche airstrip (3,780 m), a small gravel airfield that serves the higher Khumjung region. From here, a gradual trail leads to the famous Everest View Hotel, one of the highest luxury hotels in the world.
At the hotel’s terrace, you are rewarded with a stunning panoramic view of Mount Everest and its neighboring giants, including Ama Dablam (6,812 m), Lhotse (8,516 m), Nuptse (7,861 m), and others. It’s a perfect spot to relax with tea or coffee while gazing at the Mount Everest view you came for.
(Fun fact: the Everest View Hotel was built in the 1970s, and every room is designed to showcase a view of Everest, a testament to the allure of the world’s highest peak.)
After soaking in the views, you can continue the hike to Khumjung Village (3,780 m), a charming settlement just below the hotel. Khumjung is one of the largest Sherpa villages in the region, home to the Edmund Hillary School and a historic monastery that houses the supposed “Yeti scalp” relic.
Walking through Khumjung’s stone-walled lanes offers insight into traditional Sherpa life – you’ll see yak pastures and potato fields, and you might visit the Khumjung Monastery to glimpse its mysterious artifact.
From Khumjung, you’ll descend back to Namche Bazaar via a different route, completing a scenic loop. By early afternoon, you’re back in Namche, where you can enjoy lunch and spend the rest of the day at leisure
Take this opportunity to visit the Sherpa Culture Museum or the Sagarmatha National Park Visitor Center, perched on a hill above the town. These sites offer informative displays about Sherpa history, Everest expeditions, and local flora and fauna.
In the evening, Namche’s eateries and coffee shops are inviting – perhaps indulge in a slice of apple pie at the bakery or hang out with fellow trekkers, swapping stories.
This acclimatization day is crucial for your body to adjust to the thinning air, and by the end of Day 3, you’ll be well-prepared to gain more altitude on the trek ahead..
- Trekking Distance: ~9 km (5.5 miles)
- Trekking Duration: 5–6 hours
- Starting Elevation: 3,440 m (11,286 ft) at Namche Bazaar
- Ending Elevation: 3,860 m (12,665 ft) at Tengboche Monastery
- Elevation Gain/Loss: Net ↑420 m (1,380 ft ascent)
After breakfast in Namche, you hit the trail with excitement, as today you’ll reach the highest point of the Everest View Trek at Tengboche.
The path out of Namche Bazaar begins with a gentle, winding trail that contours around the hills, offering a spectacular panorama of Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam on clear mornings.
This relatively flat section (often called “Nepali flat,” meaning some ups and downs but overall level) lasts for the first two hours, making for an enjoyable walk as you traverse high above the Dudh Koshi River valley.
To your right across the valley, the sheer cliffs and pine forests descend steeply to the river far below, while ahead, the white summits of the Himalayas peek in and out of the clouds.
As you approach the small settlement of Kyangjuma, look for signboards about wildlife – the area is known for sightings of musk deer and Himalayan tahr (a type of mountain goat) grazing on the slopes. Soon after, the trail starts descending towards the river.
You’ll drop about 300 m over a series of switchbacks to reach the Dudh Koshi again at Phungi Thenga (approx. 3,250 m), a riverside spot with a few lodges and a Tibetan prayer-wheel water mill.
This is a convenient lunch stop before the big climb. Enjoy a hearty meal and perhaps a cup of ginger tea, as the next part is a challenging ascent.
Cross the wooden bridge over the Dudh Koshi at Phungi Thenga, and climb to Tengboche. The trail zigzags uphill through a beautiful forest of tall rhododendrons and firs.
During the autumn and spring trekking seasons, this forested climb is especially gorgeous – fiery red and pink rhododendron blossoms (Nepal’s national flower) add color to the landscape in spring, while in late autumn, the clear skies offer crisp mountain views through the canopy.
As you gain altitude, make sure to pace yourself and take breaks; there are a couple of rest points with prayer wheels where you can catch your breath and enjoy the view.
After about 2 hours of steady uphill trekking, the trees begin to thin, and prayer flags announce your arrival at Tengboche (3,860 m). Perched on a ridge with a jaw-dropping 360° backdrop of Himalayan peaks, Tengboche is one of the Everest region’s most serene and spiritual places.
The star attraction here is the Tengboche Monastery, the largest Buddhist monastery in Khumbu, surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery.
As you emerge onto the Tengboche plateau, you’ll be greeted by a commanding view of Ama Dablam, which stands so close it feels within reach, and on a clear day, Mt. Everest itself can be seen peering above the ridgeline, along with Lhotse and Nuptse. This unforgettable mountain panorama is what the Everest Panorama Trek is all about.
Take the afternoon to explore Tengboche. You can visit the Tengboche Monastery (around 4 pm typically there may be a prayer ceremony you can quietly observe.
The monastery’s interior is ornate with thangkas (scroll paintings) and a large Buddha statue, and the spiritual chanting of the monks in this high-altitude setting is a moving experience. Outside, there’s a bakery and cafe where many trekkers reward themselves with a sweet treat while gazing at Everest.
Keep your camera ready – sunset and sunrise at Tengboche offer magical lighting on Everest and Ama Dablam. For the night, you’ll stay at a local lodge in Tengboche (accommodations here are more basic due to the remote location, but the atmosphere is incredible).
Temperatures will drop here at nearly 3,900 m, so bundle up and enjoy the cozy dining room warmth. Falling asleep in Tengboche, you might hear the distant sound of monks’ horns or chants carried on the wind, adding to the sense of adventure and peace.
- Trekking Distance: ~9 km (5.5 miles)
- Trekking Duration: 4–5 hours
- Starting Elevation: 3,860 m (12,665 ft) at Tengboche
- Ending Elevation: 3,440 m (11,286 ft) at Namche Bazaar
- Elevation Gain/Loss: Net ↓420 m (1,380 ft descent)
After an early wake-up to catch the sunrise on Everest’s crown (if weather permits), it’s time to bid farewell to Tengboche and begin retracing your steps.
The trail on Day 5 leads you back down towards Namche Bazaar, but it’s far from just a repeat – descending offers new perspectives, and you’ll likely notice details you missed on the way up.
From Tengboche, you start with a steep descent through the lush forest to Phungi Thenga by the river. Watch your knees on the downhill; trekking poles can be helpful here.
In the quiet of the morning, the forest is alive with bird calls, and you might even spot musk deer darting between the trees.
Cross the Dudh Koshi again and take a breather at the riverbank – the hard part of the day lies ahead, as you must climb out of the valley you just descended. The day’s main challenge is the ascent back up to Kyangjuma (the ridge trail).
Climbing several hundred meters through switchbacks, you regain altitude until the familiar Everest panorama returns, signaling you’re near the top. Once you reach the ridge and the trail levels, it’s a more leisurely hike back towards Namche.
On the return, if you didn’t visit Khumjung on Day 3, you can take a short detour via the village (adding cultural flavor to your return route).
Otherwise, follow the same trail around the hillside, enjoying the final magnificent views of Ama Dablam and Everest behind you.
Take your time and savor these last high-altitude vistas – after Namche, the big mountains will gradually fade from view.
As you approach Namche Bazaar on the final stretch, you’ll descend the stone steps through the entrance arch and checkpoint, officially leaving the high country.
By early afternoon, you will have arrived once again at Namche Bazaar. After the quieter nights in higher elevations, Namche feels lively and bustling.
You can celebrate coming down safely with a hot shower or a well-deserved treat from a bakery. Many trekkers also use this opportunity to buy souvenirs or yak-wool clothing from the local shops.
You’ll overnight in Namche, enjoying the comforts of a warm dining hall, perhaps a slice of cake or a cold drink, and the company of your guides and new trekking friends. It’s been a rewarding few days in the mountains, and now only the downward journey remains.
- Trekking Distance: ~18 km (11 miles)
- Trekking Duration: 6–7 hours
- Starting Elevation: 3,440 m (11,286 ft) at Namche Bazaar
- Ending Elevation: 2,860 m (9,383 ft) at Lukla
- Elevation Gain/Loss: Net ↓580 m (1,903 ft descent), with some ascents on the way (approx. +200 m)
Today, you’ll tackle the longest trek distance as you return to Lukla. Many itineraries split this into two days, but it’s doable in one long day if you start early and maintain a steady pace.
After breakfast in Namche, you’ll begin the big descent. The initial segment is the steep downhill from Namche to the Dudh Koshi River valley floor: that same hill that tested you at the beginning of the trek now challenges your knees on the way down.
As you descend the Namche Hill (nearly 600 m down), enjoy the last glimpses of Everest in the background, and say goodbye to the high peaks as they eventually disappear behind ridges.
Once you cross the high suspension bridge again and pass Jorsalle, the trail levels out considerably.
You re-enter the dense pine forests and rhododendron groves, retracing your route through Monjo (where you officially check out from Sagarmatha National Park).
As you lose altitude, the air feels richer in oxygen, making walking easier. Continue passing familiar villages – from Monjo to Phakding, you’ll traverse the small hamlets and farms you saw on the way up.
Phakding is an excellent spot to break for lunch or tea and congratulate yourself on completing the core of the trek.
After Phakding, there’s one final stretch to Lukla. Although you may be tempted to relax, don’t underestimate this section – there are still some uphill portions as the trail undulates.
The last hour involves a gentle ascent back up to Lukla from the valley floor. With tired legs, you’ll climb the final segments of stone steps and arrive at Lukla (2,860 m) by late afternoon.
Take a moment to relish the accomplishment: you’ve just completed the Everest View Trek! Back in Lukla, you’ll check into your lodge (likely the same as on Day 1 if trekking with the same company).
The town will feel like a return to civilization – you might notice sounds of small planes and helicopters during the day, and the shops and eateries cater to celebrating trekkers.
In the evening, it’s common for the trekking crew and travelers to gather for a farewell dinner, enjoying Sherpa hospitality one last time.
You can share a toast (perhaps with the local brew, Chang, or a beer) to a successful trek. The guide and porters often perform a little dance or folk song to commemorate the completion of the journey, making your last night in the mountains memorable.
Tonight, breathing easily at Lukla’s lower elevation, you might feel an emotional mix of joy and a tinge of sadness – joy for having experienced the adventure and seen Everest with your own eyes, and sadness that this beautiful trek is ending. Be sure to get some rest for an early flight tomorrow.
- Flight Duration: 30–35 minutes to Kathmandu (weather permitting)
- Starting Elevation: 2,860 m (9,383 ft) at Lukla
- Ending Elevation: 1,400 m (4,593 ft) at Kathmandu
Morning in Lukla brings excitement to the small airport. You’ll have a hearty breakfast and then head to the tiny Lukla terminal to await your flight. The Lukla-Kathmandu flights usually operate early (sunrise to mid-morning) before wind and clouds pick up.
Bid farewell to your porters and Sherpa guides – giving tips and expressing gratitude to the team who made your trek possible is customary. With bags checked in, you’ll board the aircraft for one last exhilarating ride through the Himalayas.
As the plane takes off from Lukla’s short runway (which drops off a cliff!), you’ll get a final, fleeting view of the valleys and peaks you trekked through.
The flight back to Kathmandu is the culmination of your Everest View Trek. In about half an hour, you’ll travel from the serene mountains to the bustle of Nepal’s capital.
Try to grab a window seat to enjoy the aerial views of terraced hills and the snow-capped range receding into the distance.
Upon landing in Kathmandu, you’ll immediately feel the warmer air and lower altitude. A representative from Alpine Luxury Treks will likely be waiting to transfer you to your hotel.
Back in the city, relax and reflect on your journey. You’ve completed a short Everest trek that offered epic mountain views of Everest and its neighbors as well as a rich taste of Sherpa culture and Himalayan adventure.
Whether you explore more of Kathmandu’s sights or enjoy a hot shower and rest, the memories of Tengboche’s sunrise, the thrill of the Namche climb, and the warmth of Sherpa hospitality will stay with you. Congratulations on completing the Everest View Trek!
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