Day 1 Arrive in Kathmandu [1300 m/4264 ft]

Upon your arrival in the Kathmandu airport (TIA), you will be greeted by a representative from the Good Karma Trekking team holding a sign with your name in the parking lot. After a brief introduction, you will be escorted to your hotel. After check in, and welcome drinks you will be free to explore around the backpacker haven of Thamel.

Day 2 Kathmandu [1300 m/4264 ft]:

Today after breakfast we will start a guided tour to several of the most historical and spiritual attractions in Kathmandu including Durbar Square, and Pashupati temple that are both Unesco World Heritage Sites. You will also visit the famous 'Monkey Temple' (Swayambunath) and Buddhists shrine (Buddha Nath) that is one of the large Stupas in the world. Afterwards, you will meet with your trek leader for a briefing and a short question and answer section about your trip. You will also have time to shop for any additional trekking equipment with staff assistance if necessary.

Day 3 Kathmandu - Lukla [2,800 m/9,184 ft]- Phakding (2,652 m/8,700 ft): 3-4 hrs

After an early breakfast will fly to Lukla. After an exciting 40-minute flight above breathtaking green and white mountains, we will arrive at Tenzing-Hillary Airport at Lukla. This is one of the most beautiful flights in the world culminating with scenic and memorable landing on a hillside surrounded by high mountains peaks. After arrival we will start our trek through Lukla before arriving in Phakding. As a precaution to promote proper climate acclimation, we only have a short hike today. However, if interested in additional activities we can arrange a short side trip to a nearby monastery.

Day 4 Phakding -Namche Bazaar [3,440 m/11,283 ft]: -5-6 hrs

Following breakfast we embark on a pleasant slightly uphill journey with multiple crossings over the Dudh Koshi River and magnificent views of Mt. Thamserku (6,608m/21,675ft) from the Benkar village. We will continue toward the entrance of Sagarmatha National Park at Monjo, where our trekking to register as official visitors to the region. Following a peaceful and serene descend and a gradual walk we will arrive in Lorsale. The enjoyable walk through the riverbed lead to the Hillary Suspension Bridge. As we continue our climb l towards Namche Bazzar, views of Kwangde Peak, its sister peaks, Kusum Kangaru, Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Tawache, are available and we will take a break at Chautara here to admire the view. Finally, we reach the bustling village of Namche Bazzar, the main gateway of the Khumbu region.

Day 5 Namche Bazaar: Acclimatization Day

This is first scheduled 'acclimatization' day for this trek. It is advisable to stay active and keep moving during the acclimation period to familiarize your lungs with the thing air. We either spend the day taking a day hike to Thame or visiting Khunde or carry out relaxed exploration of Namche Bazaar itself. Namche Bazzar is the main center of the Everest (Khumbu) region and has government offices, ATMs, Internet cafes, shops, restaurants, a bakery and a colorful market each Friday Saturday evening. We will travel to the Tourist Visitor Center near Sagarmatha National to learn about the first climbers in Everest, Sherpa culture and the various plant and animal life of the Everest region. We also take an interesting side trip up to Khumjung to climb up to the famous airstrip at Syangboche offering timeless views of the highest mountains on Earth. The Khumjung valley is surrounded by the snowy peaks of Kongde and Thamserku and the sacred peak Khumbila which hosts a well-known monastery that houses a yeti scalp. We will stay overnight in Namche Bazaar.

Day 6 Namche Bazzar - Dole-(4,110 m/ 13,152 ft): 5-6 hrs

We begin a steep climb from Namche Bazzar to Kyangjuma Village where, we can enjoy outstanding views of Thamserku, Katenga, and Ama Dablam. The most strenuous ascent of the day comes along the pass to Mong La, a very charming town perched on the base of Mt. Khumbila. An ancient historical Chorten stands at the centre of the settlement where we will stop to admire the views of the surrounding snow-capped mountains and valleys while we have our lunch. The trail offers an abundance of plant vegetation including wildflowers and Rhododendrons while some will spot wild pheasants, mountain goats, and musk deer along the way. As we continue we will pass through forests, water falls and bridges before reaching Dole for the night ;

Day 7 Dole - Machherma-(4,470 m/ 14,663 ft): 4-5 hrs

We begin by climbing through a scenic ridge above the Dole as the trail passes via Lhabarma at 4220m to Luza at 4360m. The path is steep in most places and surrounded bu thorny bushes on the way to Lhabarma. Offering good views of Cho Oyu, Kantega, and Thamserku the trail takes us through many summer settlements and the charming hamlet of Luza (4360 m). While we ascend from Luza we will see the Dudh Koshi valley, which is a deep canyon with ridged sides. Walking along the path above Dudkoshi while passing through some small hamlets, we reach Machhermo. Machhermo is the last major settlement on the way up to Gokyo. The beautiful stream flowing down from the Kyajo Ri and Phari Lapche mountains runs through the middle of village before draining into the Dudh Koshi. The town is famous as the site where the Khumbu people spotted a Yeti in 1974. We will have the chance to visit the Himalayan Rescue Hospital here for a lecture regarding the altitude sickness, its precautions, and primary treatment.

Day 8 Machharma - Gokyo (4800 m/15,744 ft): 4-5 hrs

Today, we climb through the Chorten ride offering views both down the valley and of Mt. Kangtega, Thamserku, as well as northern part of Cho-Oyu (8153m). Beyond the ridge the valley widens as the trail passes through Chorten and reaches Pangka (4480 m) after a gentle walk. Phangka is the site of a famous avalanche that tragically killed 40 people in 1995. We will descend along the riverbank before beginning to climb up to the terminal moraine of the Ngozamba Glacier. After a steep climb along the moraine, we cross an iron bridge over an stream that leads to the first lake, known as Longpongo at 4690m, where we get chance to observe ancient the Lama footprints timelessly captured in stone. At the sight of the second lake, Taboche Tsho you become mesmerized by the shimmering turquoise blue sheet of water sparkling in the sun. We will arrive at the third lake following surging stream before arriving at Gokyo village next to Gokyo lake. Cho-Oyu Mountain serves as an excellent backdrop offering spectacular sights combining the lakes with untouched mountains. After lunch, we will explore around Dudh Pokhari Lake before returning to Gokyo for the night.

Day 9 Gokyo Valley:Acclimatization Day

Today is full day rest or an acclimatization. If the weather is good, we may take the opportunity to climb Gokyo Ri today instead of tomorrow to enjoy the scene from the best viewpoint of Everest Region. This view is a famous vantage point offering views of a series of six lakes in the region. The then trail continues along another lake before reaching Scoundrel’s Viewpoint that offers astounding views of Cho-Oyu, Gyachung Kang, Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Makulu. We will continue until we reach Cho Oyu Base Camp and its breathtaking scenery surrounded by Cho Oyu and Gyachung Kang. The Northern part of the lake provides fabulous views of Cho-Oyu Base Camp and bNgazumpa, the largest glacier in the world. We will then return back to Gokyo village for the night.

Day 10 Hike - Gokyo Ri (5357 m/17,570 ft) - Thaknak (4750 m/15,580 ft): 4-5 hrs

If the weather was not appropriate for Gokyo Ri yesterday it will be completed today. Gokyo Ri is the highlight of this trip. Early morning, we will hike up the to Gokyo Ri (Gokyo Peak). Climbing to Gokyo Ri can be strenuous as the path is steep takes about 3 to 4 hours to reach the top. The hike includes vies of Gokyo village on the edge of lake beside Cholatse and the broad Nogzumpa Glacier. At Gokyo Ri we will be surrounded with panoramic views of mountains like Kusum Kanguru, Thamserku, K 43, Kangtega, Taboche, Cholatse, Makalu, Lhotse, Nuptse, Everest, Changtse, and Pumori. Our Gokyo Ri visit will provide unforgettable life time memories before we continue our trek down to Gokyo and continue to Thaknak for the night

Day 11 Thaknak - Cho-la Pass (5367 m/17,604 ft) - Lobuche (4940 m/16,207 ft): 8-10 hrs

Today is the most difficult day of hiking we will depart early around 5 AM. The pass itself isn’t idifficult but very steep and involves crossing a glacier on the eastern side. Caution is advised as the trail is vertical and the ice-covered rocks can make the trail very slippery. The trail climbs through a ravine and a rocky trail as we continue past the town of Phedi. As we gain height, the view gets increasingly captivating offering views of a frozen lake before arriving to the top of the pass decorated with prayer flags. We will see prominent mountains atop the pass including Kyajo Ri, Tengkangpoche, Numbur, Kangchung and more. The triangular Ama Dablam presides over a range of mountains on the south as Cholatse soars on the west along with Lobuche East and Baruntse. After passing a few crevasses we reach Dzongla, another beautiful are with a full-faced view of Mt. Cholatse, Mt. Ama Dablam, Lobuche peak and the Pheriche village located far below. Depending upon our own energy and interest, we will either stay overnight at Dzongla or simply go ahead to Lobuche.

It is advised to continue to Lobuche to ease following days ascent to Everest Base Camp. If you decide to continue, we climb down from Dzongla and after crossing a bridge and transverse through a grassy trail while enjoying the view of Lobuche Peak before continuing past a riverbed and onto Lobuche itself.

Day 12 Lobuche - Gorak Shep [5170 m/16,961ft] - Everest Base Camp [5364 m/17,594 ft] / Kala Patthar (5545 m/18,192 ft) - Gorak Shep: 8-9 hrs

The trail to Gorak Shep goes passes through the lateral moraine of the Khumbu Glacier. As we pass though the pyramid sign post we will see the crest of north ridge of Everest along with Mt. Pumori, Mahalangur, Lingtern, Khumbutse, and Nuptse. A small ascent takes us to Thangma Riju offering 360 degree showing of snowy mountains. After a steep climb to the top of Changri glacier, we catch our first glimpse of Kala Patthar, a grey-green knoll beneath the Mt. Pumori. As we reach Gorak Shep, snow-capped mountains including Everest will surround us. After a brief lunch and rest, we take the trail to Everest Base Camp through the once vast Gorak Shep Lake. Continuing straight ahead, we come through the Indian army mountaineers' memorials. As we reach Everest Base Camp we will stop to appreciate the Everest climbers passing through the Khumbu icefall apotting mountaineer tents that stand out in bright colors against all the dull gray surroundings. Nuptse, Khumbuste and Pumori are visable once we reach base camp completing our ascent.

Day 13 Gorak Shep - Kala Patthar / Everest Base Camp - Pheriche [4280 m/14,070 ft]: 8-9 hrs

Today is the climax of our trip. We start early in the morning to catch the dramatic views from Kala Patthar witnessing the first light of day shining on Mount Everest. Familiar peaks such as Lingtren, Khumbutse, Changtse tower to the east even as Everest begins to reveal itself emerging between the west shoulder crest and Nuptse. During the ascent to Kala Patthar we can pause to catch our breath at several outstanding vantage points to snap pictures and admire the power of the Himalayas. After several hours of an ascent, we reach Kala Patthar. From here we scramble to climb the rocky outcrop near to the summit marked by cairns and prayer flags. As we reach the top, we sit on the rocks of Kala Patthar while absorbing the breathtaking Himalayan panorama. Upon returning back to Gorak Shep, we have breakfast before descending to Pheriche for the evening

Day 14 Pheriche-Pangboche-Tengboche-Namche Bazzar (3,440 m/11,280 ft): 5-6 hrs

Today offers a much easier walk down to the lower altitudes following the same route back along the terminal moraines at Dughla. As we pass the wide valley of Khumbu Khola, we will see the beautiful Sherpa villages of Pheriche, Orsho, and Shomare. We might take a different trail to visit the Gompa in Upper Pangboche or take the regular trial to reach Pangboche. From Pangboche we retrace our footsteps down to the Imja Khola and up through the forest to Debuche. Before visiting nuns at the Debuche monastery. If we are trekking during the full moon of November or December, we might get and opportunity to witness the Mani Rimdu festival in the monastery at Tengboche. After having lunch at Tengboche, we continue through the hillside blanketed by rhododendron and juniper trees. After lunch, we will cross the prayer flag bridge over the Dudh Koshi River before passing the Dudh Koshi gorge descending rapidly through the pine forests. As the path approaches Sansa. We may spot mountain goats, snow leopards, colorful pheasants and other animals indigenous to Khumbu. After passing Chorten, we reach the army camp camp hill offering one last look at Lhotse, the tip of Everest and Tengboche. After a short walk well will arrive back at Namche

Day 15 Namche Bazaar-Lukla: 6-8 hrs

The trail descends steeply downward so we need to walk slowly and under control as our shaky legs continuously battle the rocky terrain. After crossing the suspension bridges over the fast flowing Dudh Koshi and its tributaries the trail becomes more level and natural. Although we are travelling the same route down, you will see completely different views offering looks at a mixture of open plains, rhododendron and pine forests surrounded by snow covered peaks. We pass through the Sherpa villages' noticing impressive faith in Buddhism and culture of prayer stones and flags along the way. On arrival in Lukla, we will relax before culminating our trek on a happy note with a small overnight celebration featuring local song and dance in Lukla.

Day 16 Fly back to Kathmandu

Flights to Kathmandu are usually scheduled for morning due to potential complications with afternoon wind patters. We fly back to Kathmandu after our long mountain journey where you can rest and relax throughout the day in your hotel or continue to familiarize yourself with Kathmandu. This is a great time to venture out in Thamel for typical Nepalese goods and souvenirs with staff assistance if desired. Take time to shop and explore before the celebration dinner in Kathmandu.

Day 17 Farewell Friend

Depending on your flight time you may be able to see a few more attractions in Kathmandu before departing approximately 3 hours before the scheduled flight time. You will be escorted to the airport with a representative from Good Karma trekking staff. After our farewells, you will have plenty of time to plan your next adventure in Nepal with Good Karma, as one time is never enough.