The Balcony of Everest

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1350 m).

 Arrival in Kathmandu, depending on your flight times. Welcome by your local guide at the airport exit with a sign from the agency and transfer to your hotel.

Briefing and presentation of the course of the stay. In case of arrival in the morning, day of rest or possibility of visiting the tourist district of the Thamel, for those who wish, your hotel is in the heart of the tourist city.

Day 2: Flight to Lukla (2850 m) and Trek to Phakding (2610 m)

Very early departure (around 2-3am) to reach Ramechhap airport. Flight to Lukla, the starting point of the trek, and meeting with the team of porters. Here you are in Sherpa country and reach Phakding, with about 3 hours of walking. You will also have the pleasure of crossing the villages of Cheplung, Thado koshi and Ghat.

Note/During the high season all flights to and from Lukla are operated from Ramechhap airport
located 130 km from Kathmandu.

Day 3: Phakding (2610 m) to Namche Bazar (3440 m)

Departure for Namche Bazar. A very Gradual climb to the village of Jorsale. A stop is required to check the trekking permit; then, a short descent to the Bhotekoshi River. You will cross a suspension bridge, then follow a stream. After the second suspension bridge, the walk is quite steep to Namche Bazar.

This large town is the capital of the Sherpa. It has several shops, a market, post office, bank, Sherpa museum and monastery.

Day 4: Namche Bazar (3440 m) to Kyangzuma (3700 m)

Early wake-up to admire the sunrise over the Himalayan massif. A climb to the army camp and you enjoy the sunrise, return to the lodge then a quiet departure towards Sanasa. This day is truly magnificent, an easy path, on your left, the peaks of Kusumkhangkaru (6,367 m), Thamserku (6,608 m), Kangtega (6,685 m), Malangphulang (6,464 m), Ama Dablam (6,856 m), in front of you Everest (8,848.86 m), Lhotse (8,414 m), Nuptse (7,861 m), Island peak (6,189 m) and many other peaks.
On the way, you can sometimes observe the Lophophorus “impejanus”, the emblematic bird of Nepal and the wild mountain goats.
After lunch, possibility of climbing to the village of Mong Danda then return to the lodge.

Day 5: Khyangjuma (3700 m) to Khunde (3840 m) to Syangboche (3720 m)

Breakfast taken in an exceptional setting, facing Everest, at the Tengboche monastery and in the shadow of Ama Dablam culminating at 6,856 m. Then departure for the visit of the Sherpa village of Khumjung, a little further you discover Khunde at 3,840 m surrounded by the massif of Khumbi Yul Lha, sacred mountain of the Nepalese. You visit the monastery and the hospital whose construction was initiated by the New Zealander Edmund Hillary, first climber of Everest; then descent towards Syangbuche and on the way you will have plenty of time to observe the many herds of Yaks. Arrival and installation at the guest house; the place is superb; you end the day with the sunset on the peaks.

Day 6: Syangboche (3720 m) to Thame (3820 m)

Today, departure to the village of the famous heroes of Everest: Ang Rita SHERPA known as "The Snow Leopard" who climbed Everest 10 times without oxygen and Apa SHERPA, 21 times this same summit. This day remains remarkable for the beauty of its landscapes, and you are on the trail leading to the Tibetan border. After leaving Tengboche, you descend on the path then gradually climb towards Thame. You cross the villages of Phurte and Thamo where the great mountaineers mentioned lived. Arrival in Thame one of the most beautiful villages of Khumbu which offers a superb view of the surrounding mountains. After the meal, a small excursion to the village of Hilajun is offered to you.

Day 7: Thame (3820 m) to Namche Bazar (3440 m)

This morning, visit the great monastery of Thame, ideally perched on a hill. Then return to the guest house and you go back down towards the magnificent Namche Bazar.

Day 8: Namche Bazar (3440 m) to Lukla (2840 m)

Last day of walking. We leave the mountain, its villages and its populations to reach Lukla. Descent to the village of Phakding; after the lunch break, continuation of the walk to the airport of Lukla. End of trek.

Day 9: Lukla (2840 m) to Ramechhap to Kathmandu (1350 m)

According to the flight schedule, flight to Ramechhap then drive to Kathmandu. The flight is subject to weather conditions, a delay in the rotation day is possible.

Day 10: Kathmandu Reserve Day

The flight between Lukla/Ramechhap or Kathmandu is subject to the vagaries of the weather, a delay or cancellation is possible… This is why we always plan a reserve day. Free day.

What to do around your hotel if your day is free?

1: If the weather permits, the possibility of visiting the stupa of Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) located about 45 minutes’ walk from your hotel. The stupa of Swayambhunath is one of the most beautiful treasures of Kathmandu. Located at the top of a hill, with a staircase of 365 steps, will reward you with a breathtaking view of Kathmandu and its valley.

2: Durbar Square, located south of Thamel. A perfect place to make interesting visits. The square is filled with old buildings and temples very characteristic of Nepalese architecture. The approximately 50 temples, palaces, pagodas, courtyards and streets date from the 12th to the 18th century.

3: Pashupatinath Temple. Located near your hotel, 5 km west of Kathmandu, Pashupatinath Temple is one of the holiest Hindu temples in Nepal. The temple and its surroundings are part of the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Day 11: Departure for Home

As per schedule, return flight to your destination. Your guide will take you to Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu for your departure.

Additional information about the circuit: 

• The walking time is given as an indication, it is an estimated average. Good physical condition is essential for this trekking. Depending on the weather conditions and the physical condition of the group, the guide may have to modify the program, if necessary,
• This Everest Balcony trek is level three and takes place in the mid-mountains and then gradually in the high mountains. With + 860 meters of positive elevation gain and - 900 meters of elevation gain, approximately 5 to 10 kilometers of walking per day and passages at high altitude. Excellent physical condition is necessary to undertake this trek 9 consecutive days of walking with a maximum altitude of Khunde village which peaks at 3840 m. You start your trek at 2840 m altitude with many climbs and descents in steps, sometimes steep but acclimatization to the altitude remains very gradual. To carry out this trek in the best conditions, we recommend that you practice a sporting activity at least 1 to 2 times a week 1/2 month before your departure,
• If you wish to extend your stay in Kathmandu at the end of the trek or before the trek, we will be happy to help you plan the rest of your program,
• The accommodation listed is subject to availability.