Book this Nepal trek and get a complimentary one hour Trekker’s’ massage after the trek is over. The masseuses will be from a marginalized community. This is part of our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
Note: You can pre-book a seat on a direct helicopter flight from Kathmandu to Lukla and return for an additional US$500 per person each way. You will avoid the 4-5 hours drive to or from Manthali. For example – if you decide to book a helicopter seat for both ways – US$1000 extra needs to be added.
The Namche Bazaar trek presents an excellent option for trekkers seeking a taste of the Khumbu region and a deep dive into the remarkable culture in the Himalayas. This condensed journey allows you to savour the beautiful elements of the area without committing to the entire trek to Everest Base Camp.
Your adventure commences with a mesmerizing flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, a quaint town in the Khumbu region. The flight is a breathtaking spectacle, treating you to awe-inspiring views of the majestic Himalayas. From Lukla, you embark on a trek towards Namche Bazaar.
As you traverse the trail, meandering through picturesque villages, verdant forests, and suspension bridges ornamented with fluttering prayer flags, you gradually approach Namche Bazaar – the acclaimed Sherpa capital and a remarkable trading hub where Nepalese and Tibetan merchants come together to showcase their goods.
Take a moment to soak in the unique ambience of Namche Bazaar, with its buzzing markets, ornate monasteries, and the warm hospitality of the Sherpa people. Allow extra time to acclimate and relish the opportunity to explore further.
Continuing your journey, you set course for Khumjung village – a captivating enclave boasting its cultural significance and panoramic views that undoubtedly take your breath away. Explore the revered Khumjung Monastery, reputed to house the mythical Yeti scalp, while simultaneously immersing yourself in the vibrancy of Sherpa culture against the backdrop of the awe-inspiring Himalayan panoramas, including the incomparable Mount Everest.
The trek then leads you to the serene village of Kunde, nestled amidst the mountains and offering yet another perspective of the captivating Himalayan landscape. Gaze upon the majestic Everest and its neighbouring peaks, embracing the tranquillity of the surroundings while gaining insight into the Sherpa’s cherished way of life.
After an enriching experience in Khumjung and Kunde, you retrace your steps, trekking back to Lukla to conclude this remarkable journey. A final uplifting flight takes you from Lukla back to Kathmandu, allowing you to reflect on the unforgettable memories and the incredible encounters you’ve witnessed amidst the Khumbu region.
The Instant Everest Trek to Namche artfully combines the convenience of a flight to Lukla with a few days of trekking, artfully crafting an itinerary that encapsulates the beauty of the Khumbu region, provides a brief glimpse of Mount Everest, and weaves together the rich tapestry of Himalayan culture. Remembering the significance of acclimatization and physical preparedness, even on this shorter trek, ensuring your safety and enjoyment throughout the journey is vital.
Why Choose Us?
Note – Flight to Lukla and back can be delayed or cancelled due to poor visibility. We ask you to have buffer days of a few days in case your flight to Lukla is affected.
Upon arrival in Nepal’s capital, Kathmandu, our representative will warmly greet you. They will meet you at the airport and make the necessary arrangements. From Kathmandu, you will embark on a scenic drive to Manthali near the airport. It is recommended to book an international flight that arrives in the early afternoon in Kathmandu to allow ample time for the drive.
Note: You can pre-book a seat on a direct helicopter flight at an additional $500 per person to avoid the 4-5 hours of drive to Manthali.
Day 02: Flight to Lukla and Trek to Monjo (or Phakding if the flight arrives later) – After an early morning flight from Kathmandu, we will arrive in Lukla, the gateway to the Everest region. This scenic flight offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas. Upon landing in Lukla (2,800m), we will start our trek towards Monjo, which is approximately a 5-hour trek. If our flight arrives in the morning, we will continue our walk towards Monjo. However, if the flight arrives later, we will stay at the charming village of Phakding, which is around a 3-hour trek from Lukla. Monjo and Phakding offer cosy accommodations and an opportunity to experience the local culture and hospitality.
Trek to Namche Bazaar – Today, we will embark on a scenic trek along the Dudh Koshi River, immersing ourselves in the region’s stunning natural beauty. Our route will lead us across a suspension bridge on the Kyashar Khola and through Jorsalle, which marks the entrance to Sagarmatha National Park.
During the trek, we will encounter a variety of terrain, including some flat sections and short, steep ascents and descents. After approximately one hour of trekking, we will reach a high-suspension bridge. From here, we will begin a steep climb that will take around 2 hours to reach our destination: Namche Bazaar.
Namche Bazaar, located at approximately 3,440m, is a vibrant Sherpa town and a significant regional trading hub. Surrounded by towering Himalayan peaks, Namche Bazaar offers stunning panoramic views. We will stay in a lodge at the top of Namche Bazaar, providing a comfortable resting place and the opportunity to explore the local market and immerse ourselves in the rich Sherpa culture.
Acclimatisation and Exploration in Namche Bazaar – Today is an acclimatisation day in Namche Bazaar, which is essential to ensure our bodies adjust to the increasing altitude. In the morning, we will rise early and climb to a viewpoint that offers magnificent views of the region’s Mt. Everest and other towering peaks. This awe-inspiring sight is a highlight of the trek and provides a glimpse into the majesty of the Himalayas.
After enjoying the breathtaking views, we can visit the Sherpa Museum and Cultural Centre. Located within the compound of our lodging, this private museum showcases the rich cultural heritage of the Sherpa community. We can immerse ourselves in the exhibits that depict the traditional way of life, mountaineering history, and the Sherpa people’s close connection with the mountains.
Additionally, the lodge owner, a conservationist and photographer, offers scenic posters and postcards for sale, providing a chance to support local initiatives and bring back unique souvenirs.
For further exploration, we can hike past the Syangboche airstrip and to Khumjung village. Here, we can visit the school built by Sir Edmund Hillary, a renowned mountaineer and philanthropist. The school has played a significant role in educating the local Sherpa children.
On our return, we will take a different route that descends to Kyangjuma, following the main trail to Everest Base Camp. This alternate path allows us to make a small circuit and witness different views, adding further diversity to our trekking experience.
By the end of the day, we will return to our accommodation in Namche Bazaar, where we can relax, reflect on the day’s adventures, and continue acclimatising to the altitude.
Trek from Namche Bazaar to Phakding via Monjo and Jorsalle – Today, we will retrace our steps and begin our journey back towards Phakding. Starting from Namche Bazaar, we will descend towards Monjo, passing through the steep hill and crossing the high suspension bridge. The trail will lead us through the charming village of Monjo, where we can take in the peaceful surroundings and enjoy the traditional mountain atmosphere.
From Monjo, we will continue our trek, descending further towards Jorsalle, the entrance to Sagarmatha National Park. This is an excellent opportunity to explore the park, learn about its unique flora and fauna, and appreciate the importance of conservation efforts in the region.
After visiting the National Park, we will have a well-deserved lunch in one of the local villages, immersing ourselves in the warm hospitality and savouring the local cuisine. Afterwards, we will continue our trek towards Phakding, where we will stay for the night. The walk from Namche Bazaar to Phakding usually takes 5-6 hours, allowing us to enjoy the region’s scenic beauty while retracing our steps along the Dudh Koshi River.
Flight to Manthali and Drive to Kathmandu – Today, we will conclude our trekking adventure in the Everest region and embark on the journey back to Kathmandu.
Firstly, we will take a scenic flight from Lukla to Manthali, the nearest airport to the Everest region. This short flight will provide us with one last opportunity to soak in the breathtaking aerial views of the Himalayan peaks before bidding farewell to the mountains.
Upon landing in Manthali, we will continue our journey by road, driving for approximately 4 hours to reach Kathmandu. The drive will take us through picturesque landscapes and charming villages, allowing us to witness the diverse beauty of Nepal.
Once we arrive in Kathmandu, the afternoon will be free for you to relax and unwind after the trek. You can take this time to explore the vibrant streets of Kathmandu, go souvenir hunting in the bustling markets, or enjoy some downtime at your leisure.
You may want to savour a delicious farewell dinner in the evening, reflecting on the incredible experiences and memories from the Everest trek. This will provide a fitting end to our Himalayan adventure.
Please note that flight timings and road conditions may vary, so keeping some flexibility in your schedule is advisable to accommodate any unforeseen circumstances.
Note: You pre-book a seat on a direct helicopter flight to Kathmandu for an additional $500 and avoid a 4-5 hour drive from Manthali.
This morning is free for further exploration or shopping depending on flight times. International departure.
Despite the exceptional circumstances in which we find ourselves at the moment, we don’t want you to give up your holiday – and we want you to be able to book your trip without any worries.
To provide additional security for your booking, we have introduced a new rebooking and cancellation policy so that you can easily rebook or cancel your trip free of charge if the worst comes to the worst.
For new bookings made between May 10th 2021, and December 31st 2022, you may cancel your complete package (activities, hotels, tours, excl. flight) free of charge up to 30 days before your departure and get 100% of your money back. However, to stay flexible, we recommend that you choose a flexible fare when booking your flight.
Stay flexible with our new rebooking service until shortly before your departure. For new bookings made between May 10th and December 31st, 2021, you may rebook your package (activities, hotels, tours) free of charge up to 30 days before your departure (subject to availability). Rebooking is only allowed once, and you must inform us 30 days before your planned departure. Any additional costs incurred due to changes in your schedule or upgrades, such as additional fees in high season or upgrades to your accommodation, will still apply. To remain flexible, we recommend that you choose a flexible fare when booking your flight.
Trek FAQ
Most of our clients have completed their treks from 3 years old to some in their 70s with almost no exercise or training.
Do you offer hotel/airport pick-up?
We offer hotel and airport pick-up. As you continue with your booking, there will be an option to input flight details or hotel names.
Do I need a Visa?
A visa for Nepal can be acquired on arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, and at border entry points in Kakadvitta, Birgunj, Bhairahawa, Nepalgunj, Gaddachowki on the Nepal-India border, and Kerung on the Nepal-China border.
A visa can also be obtained outside of Nepal at the nearest Nepal Embassy or Diplomatic Mission.
For more information, visit the Department of Immigration, Kalikasthan, Kathmandu.
What should I bring on a Trek?
Being adequately equipped is one of the keys to a successful trek. For information to help you select the best type of clothing and equipment for your trip, please see our Clothing and Equipment Guide.
Also, see our Links page for details of specialist retailers who will offer further advice and assistance with purchasing new clothing or equipment.
If you have more questions, please check this article to reference equipment to pack or contact us.
Is this trip safe for solo/female/LGBT+/minority/POC travellers?
You are safe if you respect the culture, do not show affection in public, and dress decently (this won’t pose too much of a problem as you will be covered up in layers to stay warm).
Here are some helpful articles:
Am I too old to go trekking?
Arriving at Kathmandu airport.
Should I bring cash or ATM cards?
What to pack for a trek?
Do I need to train for a hike?
What is a typical day on a hike like?
What is the food like on the tour?
The Benefits of Using Trekking Poles.
What do I need to know about high altitudes?
High altitude myths.
How to trek safely?
For more articles, you can go to our blogs.