Option 1:

Morning Sightseeing to Pashupatinath and  Boudhanath. Then Drive to Ramechhap: 4 hours drive at 2.00 AM in the morning of Day 3.

Today your Nepal adventure begins!  After breakfast, at around 9.30am, our tour guide and private vehicle will collect you from your hotel to take you to some of the most historical and interesting heritage sites in Kathmandu.  Kathmandu Valley has no less than seven world heritage sites; today we will cover two of them:

Pashupatinath: Pashupati Temple is the most holy and significant temple among worshipers of Lord Shiva.  Non-Hindus are not allowed into Pashupatinath Temple itself but by standing on the opposite banks of the Bagmati River visitors can view the ghats where worship and ritual bathing takes place.  A few metres downstream the burning ghats often present a horrific fascination. If that is too intimate, there are plenty of small shrines and trails to explore.

Boudhanath Stupa:  Boudhanath Stupa is one of the most revered Buddhist sites in Kathmandu.  Here in the early morning and late afternoon, hundreds of Tibetan and Nepali Buddhists come to circumnavigate the stupa in prayer with the sound of spinning prayer wheels and the ringing of bells filling the air. It is possible to eat in one of the many good restaurants around the stupa. 

Note: The rest of this afternoon is at your leisure.  We will leave from Kathmandu at 2am in the morning to reach Ramechhap for the flight to Lukla for the following reason:

The Government of Nepal has announced that until further notice most flights to and from Lukla will be from Ramechhap (Manthali Airport).  This will avoid heavy traffic congestion in Kathmandu airport.  The airport in Ramechhap is located 130km from Kathmandu (approximately 3-4 hours drive).  As Ramechhap is a very small town and off the usual tourist route, accommodation facilities are basic and limited.  It is likely that given this new situation, accommodation will be hard to find.  Thus driving direct from Kathmandu to Ramechhap in the early morning is the most realistic option.

Overnight (until 2am) at a hotel in Kathmandu. Included meals: breakfast.

Option 2:

Entire day sightseeing to Swayambhunath, Pashupatinath and Boudhanath. Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu and fly next day from Kathmandu directly to Lukla via helicopter.

Today your Nepal adventure begins!  After breakfast, at around 10.00 am, our tour guide and private vehicle will collect you from your hotel to take you to some of the most historical and interesting heritage sites in Kathmandu.  Kathmandu Valley has no less than seven world heritage sites; today we will cover three of them:

Swayambhunath: Swayambhunath Stupa (or Monkey Temple as it’s often known) has great importance to the Valley’s indigenous Newar population whose religion is a unique blend of Buddhism and Hinduism.  We reach the top by a long staircase from the east. In addition to devotees, visitors can see many monkeys on the climb up to the stupa (please do not feed or pet them), and have a wonderful view over Kathmandu.

Boudhanath Stupa:  Boudhanath Stupa is one of the most revered Buddhist sites in Kathmandu.  Here in the early morning and late afternoon, hundreds of Tibetan and Nepali Buddhists come to circumnavigate the stupa in prayer with the sound of spinning prayer wheels and the ringing of bells filling the air. It is possible to eat in one of the many good restaurants around the stupa. 

Pashupatinath: Pashupati Temple is the most holy and significant temple among worshipers of Lord Shiva.  Non-Hindus are not allowed into Pashupatinath Temple itself but by standing on the opposite banks of the Bagmati River, visitors can view the ghats where worship and ritual bathing takes place.  A few metres downstream the burning ghats often present a horrific fascination. If that is too intimate, there are plenty of small shrines and trails to explore.

There will be time for exploring the tourist hub of Thamel and doing last minute shopping for essential trekking snacks etc before dinner. 

Note: With this option you will avoid the middle of the night drive to Ramecchap and will fly directly by helicopter from Kathmandu to Lukla on the morning of Day 03.

Overnight at a hotel in Kathmandu. Included meals: breakfast.

Depending on your choice, today we fly from Ramechhap or from Kathmandu to Lukla. Estimated arrival time in Lukla is the same for either option. After your arrival in Lukla, your guide and porters will meet you and from here we trek to Phakding. The trail starts by descending to Cheplung village.  We may be able to catch sight of Mt Khumbila from here.  This is a sacred mountain which, as such, has never been climbed.  From here the trail descents till Phakding where you overnight.  This is where your climbing adventure begins!

Today the trail takes you upwards over steep inclines and across high suspension bridges. If you come in the springtime, your journey through the rhododendron forests will be filled with red and pink flowers. On the way you may be lucky to catch a glimpse of Mt Everest from the viewpoint on this part of the trail.  But don’t worry if Everest is playing hide and seek. You will have plenty more opportunities to see this and other stunning mountains, particularly as you have now entered Sagarmatha National Park.  Tonight sleep in the famous Namche Bazaar.

Today’s acclimatization day is designed to allow your body to get used to the altitude.  It also gives you a chance to explore the town or hike to Khumjung Village to visit the school and hospital set up by Sir Edmund Hillary as a thank you to the Sherpa people.  You can also visit Khumjung Monastery, where they have a Yeti scalp - if you can believe it!  Alternatively, soak up the atmosphere in Namche.  In the past this was the last stop for mountaineers to stock up on goods before setting off to scale Everest. It still is a good place to purchase any chocolate or snacks you forgot to bring with you. 

Leaving Namche, the trail takes you along the Nangpo Drangpo Valley, with mesmerizing views and cascading waterfalls. Today the walking is steady and not too strenuous.  At the village of Thame we take time to gaze at the high peaks that this village has as a back-drop. From here the trail ascends into Mende.

Today you leave the main trail out of Mende and follow a trail used by yak herders and their yaks. Going up and over passes to enter the Kyajo Drangka Valley there are breathtaking views of Thamserku, Khumbila, Kusum Kangaru, Kwangde and Pachharmo. The isolated valley of Kyajo Drangka lies to the south of Kyajo Ri. You are now at Kyajo Ri Base Camp and it is here we set up our own camp for the night. The next part of your adventure begins now!

This is an essential acclimatization day before summiting Kyajo Ri peak.  But that’s not to say it is a day of rest!  In order to fully acclimatize it is best to keep busy. With this in mind today you will hike to Camp I as well as check the climbing gear; along with the experts of course.

Today we will ascend to Camp I. The trail starts out over a grassy spur and boulders to climb up over more boulders and shifting pebbles.  The trail onwards to Camp I is steep but don’t worry, camp will be set up on level ground.  Base Camp greets you with clear views and the fresh water flowing from a frozen lake at the bottom of a glacier. Truly water of the Gods!

Once again our bodies require acclimatization and rest before pushing on.  And once again we will not be idle.  Hike to Camp II, returning to Camp I to overnight.

There is some technical climbing over mixed face slopes today.  The slopes are up to 55 degrees and care is required. Climbing through the glacier must be done carefully and steadily.  We will set up camp near the glacier; from where you can see the climbing route. Anticipation for tomorrow’s climb is growing! Overnight in Camp II.

This is the day you have been waiting for!  Today we rise at 2 or 3am to push towards the summit of Kyajo Ri Peak.  First there is a light breakfast to provide fuel for the day. Climbing through the boulders you reach the glacier.  This is a hard climb, with steep ground, and snow and ice on the Southwest Ridge.  From now on we are mainly climbing on snow and ice. Crampons are required, along with a good ice pick. Your guide will have a fixed line for your safety. The route to the summit is steep and can feel exposed at time.  This is when you are grateful for the time you spent in the gym before leaving home.  Dig deep into your reserves of stamina and determination! The summit itself is a narrow wedge of snow.  There is time to take some photographs of the surrounding beauty of the landscape and mountains.  A whole panoramic view of the Khumbu Region lies before you in all its pristine glory.  Don’t forget to take a few worth their weight in gold selfies! Head down to Camp II where we overnight.

After breakfast trek back to Base Camp full of elation for having made the climb!

Today our team will pack up the tents and climbing equipment, leaving the Base Camp areas as clean as we found it.  Then you begin your trek back to Namche Bazaar, leaving the snow and ice behind and entering more habitable areas. Passing small settlements is like a re-introduction to the world of smiling children, busy housewives, and farmers working their land.   Overnight in Namche Bazaar where you can enjoy a well deserved celebratory beer over dinner!

Enjoy your breakfast then wave goodbye to the friendly Sherpa people of Namche. Make your way slowly over the rocky paths and high suspension bridges over raging rivers to Lukla where you will stay before your early morning flight.

After breakfast fly out of Lukla. Take in your final views of the mountains from your plane window.  You can either fly to Ramechhap and drive (3-4 hours) to Kathmandu or take a helicopter from Ramechhap to Kathmandu.  Please ask us about the helicopter option. Also ask us if you would like us to arrange some sightseeing for you. Otherwise you are free to explore on your own.

Tonight a farewell dinner will give you the chance to relive your adventure! But first, perhaps you want to do a little souvenir shopping?

Depending on your flight time, you will be transferred to the airport three hours prior to the departure time. In case your flight is late evening please let us know if you require half day use of the hotel which will incur extra charges as the check out time is usually 12 pm. Your airport representative will pick you from your hotel accordingly and take you to the international airport for your onward flight.

Bon voyage and pheri bhetaula!