- Trekking
- Nepal
- 14 days
This luxury Everest trek has been designed to take you to some of the most stunning Sherpa villages within a short distance of Namche Bazaar – the Sherpa capital.
Key Information
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$450 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$900 extra needs to be added.
Kondge Ridge trip
The Everest region has been a favourite destination for trekkers and climbers since the first expeditions to Everest’s Nepalese side in the 1950s. Trekking in the stunningly beautiful region now involves camping or staying at basic tea houses.
It is now possible to trek in the Khumbu, staying at comfortable lodges with all the modern conveniences of a proper hotel. The Yeti Mountain Home luxury lodges offer pleasantly decorated spacious rooms and have attached bathrooms with running hot and cold water. Each has been carefully sited to present a magnificent panorama of the Himalayas from the lodge.
During our nine days in the Sherpa’s homeland, we trek to Namche Bazaar and have a day to explore this flourishing settlement before heading to Thame. Here, we can hike to Sumdur Ridge (4,830m) for unforgettable views of prominent peaks, including Cho Oyu.
Our return to Lukla then follows a brand new trail, traversing rhododendron-covered slopes on the valley’s west side to Kongde, with Everest’s unique panorama Lhotse and Ama Dablam. A day hike to the excellent viewpoint of Pharak Ri is an option from Kongde.
Twin bedded and heated rooms, en-suite bathrooms, and pleasant dining areas can now be a part of your experience on your Everest ‘Luxury’ Trek.
Food and nutrition on the trek
We are pioneers in gourmet trekking in the Himalayas. We provide a varied, exciting menu on treks throughout the Himalayas. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free meals can be catered for upon request, and other special diets can be accommodated with advance notice.
Trekking is not only fun, but it is beneficial for you. It helps in detoxifying the body while also nourishing the soul. Although to provide a better experience, we also tailor our meals to include superfoods as part of the ingredients to keep you fit and healthy while assisting in acclimatization to high altitude. Combining hiking in the pristine mountain air and healthy food makes trekking with us a complete adventure. Read More on Food and nutrition on our treks.
Why Choose Us?
- Our expert trek leader will ensure your safety while enhancing your trekking experience.
- Your private social bubble by staying in less busy lodges and trekking away from the crowded trails where possible.
- Experience the Himalayas in style.
- Your food is prepared with superfood ingredients to give the best nourishment, recovery, and acclimatization to high altitude for our gourmet trekking adventures.
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.
Detailed Itinerary.
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Arrive in Nepal’s capital, Kathmandu. Our representative will meet you at the airport and bring you to your hotel. You will be given a briefing for the trek by your trek leader.
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In the morning, we have a walking tour of Ason (an old spice market) and walk through Kathmandu’s busy streets. Then, drive to Manthali in the afternoon, depending on the availability of a direct flight from Kathmandu to Lukla.
Note: You can pre-book a seat on a direct helicopter flight at an additional $450 per person to avoid the 4-5 hours of drive to Manthali.
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We fly to Lukla (2,800m) and start our trek. We aim to trek towards Monjo (5 hours trek) if our flight lands in the morning; otherwise, we stay at the village of Phakding (3 hours trek).
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We follow the Dudh Koshi River, crossing a suspension bridge on the Kyashar Khola, and pass through Jorsalle, the entrance to Sagarmatha National Park. We have about one hour of trekking in a combination of flat, some short steep ascents, and descends to a high suspension bridge. There is a steep ascent of 2 hours after the bridge to Namche Bazaar. We stay in a lodge that is at the top of Namche Bazaar.
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We rise early and climb for views of Mt. Everest and other peaks, with time to look through the Sherpa museum and cultural centre. The private museum and cultural centre are within the compound where we stay. This lodge owner is a conservationist and a photographer. You can buy scenic posters and postcards made by him.
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We trek to the village of Thame (3,700m). You will encounter very few trekkers on the trail as this is away from the main route to Everest base camp (EBC). The course takes you through some small villages, and forested areas, with Mount Kongde towering on the opposite side of the valley.
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Day hike around Thame village. There are several possibilities for our walk today. We can continue towards Nangpa-la, pass up the valley, which used to be a trading route to Tibet, hike up a small peak or visit the 14th-century Monastery. You can discuss these options with your trek leader and choose which hike you want to take.
Thame is in a lovely setting with its gentle pastures, rambling alleys, small artists’ community, and even a yak farm. The 14th-century Monastery, located 200 meters on a rocky ridge, overlooks this lovely village. You can hike to the Monastery to witness fragile Thankas (traditional Buddhist paintings) and murals.
The other option is to stay low, visit the yak farm or local homes, or head to the wide valley to the Tibet border to view the Nangpa La and Cho Oyu.
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Trek from Thame to Kongde (4,250m)
This will be the most challenging uphill climb of this trip. We will set off on a narrow trail picking out of the valley, gradually ascending towards the crest of Kongde. The Sherpas used this trail to move in and out of the Khumbu valley in the past. However, it was neglected in the 1950s when mountaineering expeditions forged a broader path from Lukla.It has been redeveloped into a delightful pathway through the forest, then picked a line onto the open shrub field at Mount Kongde.
It will probably just us, the wildlife, and the most incredible views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Ama Dablam. This seven-and-a-half-hour hike is the high point of this trip.
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Kongde day hike. We will take a short walk to the local peak of Farak Ri. We have a 400-meter gradual ascend across the wide slopes along the Kondge ridge. The expansive horizon offers vast panoramas of the entire Khumbu Valley and its renowned 8000m peaks; Everest, Lhotse Makalu, and Cho Oyu. Ama Dalam stands out majestically along with Mount Thamserku, Tawache, and numerous other peaks.
We might spot some Himalayan Thar, lammergeier, and Tibetan partridge on the open field. Then, we return for lunch at the lodge! Then, you have the afternoon to continue gazing at the vista or real.
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We have a big day of descent today and will be in the lower valley’s relative “warmth.” We will take it slow and steady down the winding trail to the central Khumbu valley. There are great views on this pathway of Mount Kangtega, Thamserku, and a few more peaks. We will rejoin the main trail at Toktok village. It is a short half an hour to our comfortable lodge at Phakding.
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This is our last day of trekking. The hike is mostly uphill to Lukla.
Our last day of trekking is a three-hour walk to Lukla. We will check in to our lodge for lunch and rest. The afternoon is free for you to explore. We will celebrate the completion of our trek with a final dinner.
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Fly from Lukla to Manthali, followed by a 4-5 hour drive to Kathmandu.
Note: You pre-book a seat on a direct helicopter flight to Kathmandu for an additional $450 and avoid a 4-5 hour drive from Manthali.
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Sightseeing of Bhaktapur, a world heritage site, in the morning.
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International departure. We will bring you to the airport 3 hours before your departure time.
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A Responsible promise
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.
Free Cancellation With the Responsible Promise 100% Money-Back Guarantee
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.
Full flexibility on your booking
Stay flexible with our new rebooking service until shortly before your departure. For new bookings made betweenMay 10thh andDecember 31stt, 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.
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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, go to 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 travelers?
You are safe as long as you are respectful of the culture, do not show affection in public, and dress decently (this won’t pose too much 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 are the differences between luxury and regular lodges?
What to pack for a trek?
Do I need to train for a trek?
What is a typical day on a trek like?
What is the food like on the trek?
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.