length
15 Days
difficulty
Challenging - Strenuous
trip cost
from $3885 pp
Nature Immersion
Cultural Interest
Overview
The Group Trek
The Everest region has drawn many thousands of intrepid travellers from all over the globe, all eager to lay eyes on the captivating Mount Everest. Soaring 8,848m into the thin, pristine Himalayan air, Mount Everest is a sight many aspire to witness in their lifetime. Everest Monasteries Trek is a great itinerary for those wanting to explore this region and set eyes on the worlds most iconic peak, but without the additional challenge of hiking to Everest Base Camp.
This trek combines magical trails through the beautiful Everest region with opportunities to explore ancient Tibetan Buddhist monasteries. These unique gompas provide an insight into the Buddhist way of prayer, learning and living. Your journey is coloured with spinning prayer wheels, vibrant mountain villages, wind blown prayer flags and a warm welcome from the locals.
Highlights
Get Ready For
- Join a small group of travellers for an inspiring trek
- Be hypnotised by the chaotic buzz of Kathmandu
- Tibetan Buddhist gompas from Boudhanath in Kathmandu
- Experience the unique Sherpa culture and a spiritual perspective
- Stay in villages with some of the world’s most breathtaking scenery
- The famous Tengboche Monastery at the base of Ama Dablam
- Witness the extraordinary panorama of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse and Ama Dablam
Itinerary
The Group Trek
* Trip guaranteed to depart with 6 clients
ARRIVE KATHMANDU
It is a panoramic thrill flying into Kathmandu on a clear day. The emotions conjured up by the views of snow-capped mountain peaks sprawling down below you are almost ecstatic, beginning a whole chain of memorable experiences that stay with you for a long, long time. Our local RAW Travel support team will be waiting to greet you after your plane lands at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. You will be escorted to your hotel where a welcome drink can be enjoyed before settling into your room. Join your fellow travellers and tour leader this evening for a Welcome briefing.
Meals: None
KATHMANDU EXPLORATION
Kathmandu is the historical and cultural heart of Nepal and has been a popular destination for tourists ever since Nepal opened its doors to visitors. The city presents a wonderful mix of Hinduism, Tibetan Buddhism and Western influence. There will be a guided tour to the largest Buddhist stupa in Nepal Boudhanath and after that to the most popular Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva- Pashupatinath. We take a tour to Patan or Lalitpur (the City of Artisans), which is 5km away from Kathmandu. We walk through Patan Durbar Square, and delight in the architectural wonders of Malla era. Mahaboudha Temple, Kumbeshwor Temple, Krishna Temple and Golden Temple are the major attractions at the square.
Meals: B
FLY TO LUKLA (2850M) AND TREK TO PHAKDING (2656M; 3-4 HOURS)
A scenic 30-minute flight from Kathmandu takes us through valleys and alongside the Everest massif to Lukla airport. The airport is set spectacularly on top of a mountain making for a thrilling landing; have your camera ready! This is the gateway to the Everest region and after meeting your trekking team, we head up the Dudh Kosi Valley on a well-marked trail to Phakding.
Meals: B, L, D
TREK TO NAMCHE (3450M; 4-5 HOURS)
From Phakding, we criss-cross the river on high suspension bridges. Beyond Monjo is the entrance to the Sagarmatha National Park, which was set-up in order to protect and preserve the fragile mountain environment. Continuing on we take a steep ascent to Namche. If the weather is clear, we get our first glimpse of Mount Everest. Namche is the main trading village in the Khumbu region and has a busy Saturday market – a meeting place for the Hindu traders from the lowlands and the Tibetan yak caravans that have crossed the glaciated Nangpa La.
Meals: B, L, D
REST DAY IN NAMCHE
Namche is tucked away between two ridges amidst the giant peaks of the Khumbu and has an abundance of lodges, tea and souvenir shops. It is an ideal place to spend a day acclimatising to the new altitude before heading off towards Tengboche. To help you acclimatise, we suggest you visit Khunde Hospital, set-up by Sir Edmund Hillary, or take a 1 hour walk at sunset up to the Everest View Hotel above Namche, for a view of Ama Dablam, Nuptse, Lhotse and Everest. There are also good views from the National Park Centre and Museum located just above the town.
Meals: B, L, D
TREK TO THAME (3739M; 3-4 HOURS)
From Namche the route turns west and the trail is almost level as we head up the Bhote Kosi Valley, once a popular trading route into Tibet. Along the way we pass many prayer flags and mani stones, all indicative of the Tibetan Buddhist culture of this area. After descending to the Bhote Kosi, the trail climbs steeply to Thame. From here there are good views of the peaks of Teng Kangpoche and Kwangde. To the north is the Nangpa La, the pass leading to Tibet. Thame Gompa is situated above the village overlooking the valley and is the site for the spring celebrations of the Mani Rimdu festival.
Meals: B, L, D
TREK TO KHUMJUNG (3786M; 4-5 HOURS)
We retrace our route down the Bhote Kosi Valley towards Namche and branch off to follow a quiet trail to Khumjung. It is a picturesque village which also has its own gompa at the top end of town. From our accommodation we have excellent views of Thamserku, Kantega and Ama Dablam.
Meals: B, L, D
TREK TO PHORTSE (3542M; 5-6 HOURS)
Today we descend back along the valley to Phortse, a village which seems unaffected by the advent of trekkers. The quiet rhythm of life continues as it has always done in the villages.
Meals: B, L, D
TREK TO PANGBOCHE (3985M; 3-4 HOURS)
From Phortse, we take a trail through fields, past streams and white Chortens, to descend into Pangboche. Our journey takes a couple of hours and our highest trekking point will be Pangboche (3985m). The highlight is the charming and unspoiled monastery. The monastery is believed to have been founded around 1667 which makes it the oldest Sherpa gompa in the Khumbu.
Meals: B, L, D
TREK TO TENGBOCHE (3864M; 2-3 HOURS)
Our trek to Tengboche is through rhododendron forests, with beautiful birds and superb mountain scenery. Tengboche is famous for its legendary monastery, the largest in the Khumbu. A spectacular panorama of Everest, Lhotse and Ama Dablam rising in the horizon can be seen from this village.
Meals: B, L, D
TREK TO NAMCHE (3450M; 5-6 HOURS)
Meals: B, L, D
TREK TO LUKLA (2832M; 7-8 HOURS)
Our final day’s trekking follows the Dudh Kosi back down to Lukla. This last evening in the mountains is the ideal opportunity for a farewell party with the Sherpa guides and porters, where we can sample some chang (local beer – a favourite drink on the mountains), do a jig to some Sherpa dancing and reflect back on a memorable trekking experience.
Meals: B, L, D
FLY TO KATHMANDU
We pack up early today and head for the airport for our flight back to Kathmandu. On arrival you will be transferred to your hotel and the rest of the afternoon is at your leisure.
Meals: B
KATHMANDU
Today is a rest day for you to explore, relax or recover with a well earned massage. This day has been scheduled in as a contingency day in the possible event that bad weather prevents you from flying from Lukla the day prior. Tonight you will be treated to a special farewell dinner and entertainment.
Meals: B, D
Inclusions
What you get
- Private tour with your own private guide
- Flexibility to select your own departure date* and travel with your own group of friends or family
- Trip cost is based on 2 people travelling together (enquire for cheaper group pricing with more people)
- Accommodation on trek in traditional lodges/teahouses (twin share basis, with non-attached bathroom)
- Experienced, English-speaking local guide and porters (1 porter for every 2 guests; luggage 12kg only per member)
- All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) during teahouse trek only
- Airfare Kathmandu/Lukla/Kathmandu
- National park fees and trekking permit
- 4 nights in a well located hotel accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast
- Sightseeing tour in Kathmandu with English-speaking local guide and entry fees as per itinerary
- Farewell dinner and cultural show in Kathmandu
- Airport transfers and tour transfers in private vehicle as per the itinerary
- Insurance for all guides and porters
* Subject to availability
- Nepal visa fees
- Personal insurance
- International flights and any airport tax
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu (except 1 x farewell dinner)
- Personal gear and clothing. Please note that we can help you arrange the rental of some important gear (sleeping bag, soft sided bag). Please contact the RAW Travel Nepal Destination Specialist for more information.
- Any applicable extra baggage charge above allowance (Lukla flight 12kg main luggage plus 3kg hand luggage)
- Tips for local staff, guides & porters
- Personal expenses (including hot water/shower on the trek)
- Single supplement $610
- Solo Traveller surcharge – Please enquire with our Destination Specialist if you are travelling solo
Exclusive Guide
get inspired
Find out all you need to know about trekking in Nepal in our comprehensive free destination guide. It’s bursting with inspiration, travel essentials and practical tips to help you prepare for the ultimate walking adventure!
Nepal
Everest Base Camp: The Luxury Trek – Nepal
- Be hypnotised by the chaotic buzz of Kathmandu
- Luxury lodges with some of the world’s most breathtaking scenery
- Experience the unique Sherpa culture and their spiritual perspective
- Panorama of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse and peaks from Kala Pattar
- Tibetan Buddhist Thyangboche Monastery
$6,190.00
Nepal
Everest Base Camp Trek – Nepal
- Be hypnotised by the chaotic buzz of Kathmandu
- Stay in villages with some of the world’s most breathtaking scenery
- Experience the unique Sherpa culture and their spiritual perspective
- Panorama of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse and peaks from Kala Pattar
- Tibetan Buddhist Thyangboche Monastery
$4,350.00
Nepal
Everest Monastery: The Private Trek – Nepal
- Be hypnotised by the chaotic buzz of Kathmandu
- Tibetan Buddhist gompas from Boudhanath in Kathmandu
- Experience the unique Sherpa culture and a spiritual perspective
- The famous Tengboche Monastery at the base of Ama Dablam
- Panorama of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse and Ama Dablam
$3,990.00
Nepal
The Annapurna Region – Nepal
- Discover Ghandruk, the most famous Gurung village
- Terraced rice fields, rhododendron forests, tranquil rivers
- Witness Annapurna from the popular viewpoint of Poon Hill
- Explore the energetic and intoxicating sites, sounds and smells of Kathmandu
$3,750.00
Yoga, Meditation and Hiking
Nepal – Yoga and Hiking
- Enjoy daily rejuvenating yoga/meditation on your trek
- Relax, unwind, de-stress and revitalise at a tranquil yoga retreat
- Sacred tradition of yoga and meditation in nature
- Trek in the spectacular Annapurna region
- Qualified yoga instructors and trekking guides
$4,375.00
TRIP date selection
when would you like to travel?
Please select your preferred dates for on-demand trips or select a scheduled date for group departures. If you have booked a self-guided trip please understand that because your trip date is on demand and we must check availability of all properties on your chosen dates before it can be fully confirmed