Langtang Trekking 8 days

The mountain flight into Lukla is spectacular and the landing an exciting beginning to the trek – one end of the runway is 60m higher than the other. The flight is on a small Dornier / Twin Otter flight and flight duration is generally around 25 – 30 minutes. Once in Lukla, head through pine and cedar woods along the Dudh Kosi to Phakding. Spend the next three nights trekking in the area and acclimatizing in preparation for heading to base camp. This is a challenging trip and involves difficult trekking at high altitudes but the whole experience is simply awe-inspiring! Trek follow the Dudh Kosi, the river that flows down from the Himalayas, crossing hanging bridges along the way. Pass camps and keep an eye out for the mani stones, boulders carved with Buddhist inscriptions. The hike is approximately 4 hours, descending gradually to Thado Koshi for around 2 hours. Then begin the first ascent of the trek which is gradually uphill to Phakding which will take another 2 hours.

From Phakding you’ll cross the river and head up the valley, following in the footsteps of the porters loaded with supplies for Namche Bazaar. The trail, lined with blue pine forest, follows the river valley and is especially spectacular in spring when the rhododendron flowers are bright in bloom. Cross the Dudh Kosi River at Benkar, and look way up above 6,000 metres to see the peaks of snow-capped Kusum Kanguru (6369m) and Thamserku (6623m). Press on to Monjo (2835m), a good place to break for lunch. From here the walk starts to get a little tougher, with a steep ascent to Namche Bazaar. Enter into the national park, cross the river through the village of Jorsale (2805m) and then continue upstream. Cross another spectacular suspension bridge and begin the ascent to Namche Bazaar.

An acclimatisation day allows for an excursion to Thame and Khumjung, the green village. Spend a day in Namche Bazaar acclimatising to the altitude. There are also treks to the surrounding villages of Thame and Khumjung.These short day walks are designed to give us time to get used to high-altitude trekking. Keep your eyes open. This is the first opportunity to catch a glimpse of the peak of awesome Mt. Everest, the highest mountain in the world.

Set out on a 6–7 hr trek through woods and rhododendron forests before arriving in Tengboche.The route from Namche to Tengboche route is unbelievably beautiful – the Dudh Kosi is far below and Thamserku, Kantega, Ama Dablam, Lhotse, and Everest rise in front. Woods, rhododendron forests, mani walls, chorten (stupas), and suspension bridges across the river make this a lovely walk.

Trek to Dingboche, crossing bridges and rivers with sweeping views of the Himalayan region. Spend 2 nights here to acclimatize. Stone steps lead down through rhododendrons, birches, and conifers where, due to the hunting ban, almost tame pheasants are regularly seen. At the bottom lies the small village of Deboche and its nunnery. Rising above the tree line, the trail enters alpine meadows of scrub juniper and, in summer, a profusion of wild flowers. From Dingboche, the only place in the region where barley is grown, the mountain views are outstanding.

Today is an acclimatization day. Opt to hike to Chhukung or Nagarzhang Peak. An acclimatization day here can be used to hike up the Imja Khola to Chhukung or Nagarzhang Peak, a small summer settlement from where stunning views of Island Peak, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and the fluted ice walls flanking the Amphu Lapcha pass can be seen. These views are one of the highlights of the entire trek. Enjoy some time away from the trek to adjust to the higher altitude. Take it easy, enjoy the scenery, drink plenty of fluids, and prepare for the next day’s hiking. Enjoy an optional trek to Chhukung and take in the wonderful scenery as you hike.

Hike through alpine meadows and summer yak pastures towards the end of the moraine of the Khumbu Glacier to Lobuche, which has spectacular views of Nuptse.The ascent towards Everest Base Camp continues through Alpine meadows and summer yak pastures towards the end of the moraine of the Khumbu Glacier. At the moraine, there are stone monuments to six sherpas who died in avalanche, as well as monuments to other climbers. From here, it is a steep, tough climb towards the village of Gorak Shep. Continue on towards Lobuche, where the view is straight towards Nuptse and the sunset is truly magnificent.

Today includes a challenging climb past the Khumbu Glacier, arriving in Nuptse. Cross the Changri Glacier to Gorakshep, and then enjoy the highlight of reaching Everest Base Camp.The higher altitude makes this day’s trekking quite challenging. The Changri Glacier looms ahead as the trek heads for Gorakshep, a small, usually frozen, lake, by lunchtime. Relax and get adjusted to the altitude before the attempt to reach Everest Base Camp. After lunch, trek to Everest Base Camp. The route follows the Khumbu Glacier with its intriguing 15m (49ft)-high seraces of ice, a feature unique to Himalayan glaciers. Return to Gorakshep for an overnight stay.

Enjoy an early morning trek to Kala Pattar for stunning sunrise views of Everest and surrounding vistas. Later, descend to Pheriche.Try to see a different view of Everest today, with a trek up to Kala Pattar. Known to have the best views of Everest, this is a challenging trek, but worth it on a clear day. Begin the descent from Kala Pattar, heading for Pheriche. This is not the most challenging of hikes, but the altitude can make the many uphill sections below Gorakshep seem tough. Stop to look around; the views are quite spectacular.

Descend through Pangboche, with its great gompa, to Tengboche.Descend the Imja Khola past Pangboche, the highest permanent settlement in the region. Its gompa, the oldest in Khumbu, is built over the hermitage of Khumbu’s saint, Lama Sanga Dorje. The juniper trees on either side are said to have sprung from hair cut from his head, and a rock-like projection is said to be a piece of mountainside he pulled out for protection one day.

Continue the downhill descent from Thyāngboche, heading for Namche Bazaar. Follow the ascents and descents on the path and enjoy the view.

Breakfast and return downhill trek to Phakding. Stay night at Phadding.

The last day of trek takes us back to Lukla, where we have a chance to relax after the rigorous adventure.

Take the short flight back to Kathmandu, where the rest of the day is free for shopping, sightseeing, or relaxing in one of the many rooftop cafes.