The 16 days long journey begins with a short, adventurous flight to Lukla and again with a 3-hour flight to Phakding. The trekkers embark on with a 40-minute hike to Phakding, which is partly downhill, to the village of Cheplung. Phakding (2610m) is well accommodated with restaurants, lounge, and bars. A few of the famous lounges in Phakding are Buddha lodge, reggae bar, etc. There are also short excursions that help acclimatize.
The day starts with a 5,1/2 hour trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar, the trail goes along the Dudh Kosi valley towards the north and rewards you with a great view of Thamserku. After the checkpoint at Chumoa is reached, you will need to follow a trail through rhododendron and magnolia forest, which will lead you to Monjo. After Monjo, you enter the Sagarmatha National Park where park fees need to be paid and from where you need to reach Jorsale. Jorsale is a steep climb through a pine forest to reach Namche Bazaar, Namche bazaar feels like a small town with cyber cafes and everything from batteries to trekking gear available.
Extremely necessary to halt an extra day at Namche for acclimatization.
Start the day with a 4 hour trek to Tengboche. The route via Syangboche and Khumjung is suggested and a visit to the famous Tengboche Monastery is worthwhile with great views of Ama Dablam from Tenboche (3870m).
Another day to be spent acclimatizing in and around Tengboche.
Set off to a 3 ½ hr trek to Pheriche, where you will walk past Debuche and reach Pangboche amidst arid landscape. Cross the Khumbu Khola to reach Pheriche (4240 m) in the wide valley of this river where the health center of the Himalayan Rescue Association is there to help trekkers and climbers.
One more day in Pheriche for acclimatization with side trips to Chhukung or Island Peak Base camp.
From Pheriche as you walk along the valley floors , you’ll reach Dugha(4620m) in just 2hrs. Only early birds to reach get beds since accommodation is limited.
the trail climbs up the moraine of the Khumbu glacier. As the large Pumaori peak looms, you come across memorials for famous mountaineers. A halt here is a must because of altitude as Lobuche is 4930m.
It will take 2 ½ hr to reach Gorak shep from Lobuche. The climb is difficult as one strongly feels the effects of high altitude and one may experience altitude sickness. After traversing a moraine Gorak Shep (5160m) is reached at the foot of Kala Pathar.
It’s a tough hike to Everest Base Camp (5340m) over the Khumbu Glacier which is a moving surface and ever changing path. During climbing season the base camp is full of colorful tents but otherwise, there is nothing to see here and even Everest is not visible. For a fascinating, panoramic view of Everest and other prominent peaks, go to Kala Pathar (5545m) as a side trip.
Head back from Gorak Shep the same way you climbed up but going downhill is a breeze and you can easily reach Lobuche in 2 hours, so start early after lunch.
You might want a change of scene and stay at Dingboche.
Descend along the Imja Valley and drop down to the Imja Khola to reach Tengboche.
Climb down to Phunki Thenga and climb a ridge to reach Namche Bazaar.
At the end of your trek, it’s a hard descend to Dudh Kosi. Be at Lukla by 3pm to confirm your flight back to Kathmandu.