Everest view trek: Lukla, Namche Bazaar and Tengboche

Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu

Kathmandu

• Boudhanath Stupa evening kora · 2 h. Join the clockwise kora at dusk when pilgrims light butter lamps; rooftop cafés overlook the dome. Foreigner entry about NPR 400.
• Thamel and Asan bazaar walk · 2 h. Walk from Thamel via Kathesimbhu Stupa to Asan and Indra Chowk; spice, bead and brass stalls. Bargain politely for souvenirs and trekking gear.

Local tip: Join the clockwise kora at dusk when pilgrims light butter lamps; rooftop cafés overlook the dome. Foreigner entry about NPR 400.

Open day 1 route in Google Maps

Day 2: Explore Kathmandu

Kathmandu

• Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) · 1.5 h. About 365 steps up the east side; the west car park is easier. Walk clockwise around the stupa and keep food out of sight of the monkeys.
• Pashupatinath Temple & evening aarti · 2.5 h. Only Hindus may enter the main temple; others watch from the east bank of the Bagmati. Open-air cremations take place on the ghats, so photograph discreetly if at all. The aarti starts around 6pm (earlier in winter). Foreigner ticket about NPR 1,000–1,500.
• Kathmandu Durbar Square & Kumari Ghar · 2 h. Foreigner ticket about NPR 1,000; ask at the office for a pass if you will come back. The Kumari sometimes appears at her window — photos of her are not allowed.
• Narayanhiti Palace Museum · 1.5 h. The former royal palace, including the site of the 2001 massacre. Phones and cameras go in lockers at the gate; check opening days locally.

Local tip: About 365 steps up the east side; the west car park is easier. Walk clockwise around the stupa and keep food out of sight of the monkeys.

Open day 2 route in Google Maps

Day 3: Kathmandu → Namche Bazaar

Namche Bazaar · Kathmandu to Namche Bazaar, Flight to Lukla ~35 min (from Manthali/Ramechhap in peak season, after a ~4–5h drive), then a 2-day trek via Phakding; weather delays are common

• Sherpa Culture Museum and park visitor centre · 1.5 h. Above town near the Sagarmatha National Park office; the viewpoint behind it shows Everest on clear afternoons.
• Namche Saturday market · 1.5 h. Traders walk up from lower valleys to sell produce; it winds down by late morning.

Local tip: Above town near the Sagarmatha National Park office; the viewpoint behind it shows Everest on clear afternoons.

Open day 3 route in Google Maps

Day 4: Explore Namche Bazaar

Namche Bazaar

• Everest View Hotel hike via Syangboche · 4 h. The standard acclimatisation hike: climb to about 3,880 m and sleep back in Namche. First full views of Everest, Lhotse and Ama Dablam; price is tea on the terrace.
• Acclimatisation rest day · 3 h. Above 3,000 m, add no more than 300–500 m of sleeping altitude per day and take a rest day every 3–4 days. Drink water, skip alcohol and descend if headache, nausea or breathlessness worsen.

Local tip: The standard acclimatisation hike: climb to about 3,880 m and sleep back in Namche. First full views of Everest, Lhotse and Ama Dablam; price is tea on the terrace.

Open day 4 route in Google Maps

Day 5: Explore Namche Bazaar

Namche Bazaar

• Khumjung & Khunde villages and monastery · 5 h. Combine with the Everest View Hotel as a loop. Khumjung has the Hillary School and a monastery that displays a 'yeti scalp' for a small donation.

Local tip: Combine with the Everest View Hotel as a loop. Khumjung has the Hillary School and a monastery that displays a 'yeti scalp' for a small donation.

Open day 5 route in Google Maps

Day 6: Tengboche Monastery hike

Namche Bazaar

• Tengboche Monastery hike · Full day. About 5–6h each way with a big descent and climb; most trekkers sleep at Tengboche (3,860 m) to catch the afternoon puja and sunrise on Ama Dablam.

Local tip: About 5–6h each way with a big descent and climb; most trekkers sleep at Tengboche (3,860 m) to catch the afternoon puja and sunrise on Ama Dablam.

Open day 6 route in Google Maps

Day 7: Thame valley day hike

Namche Bazaar

• Thame valley day hike · 8 h. A quieter valley west of Namche with a cliffside monastery; about 3–4h each way.

Local tip: A quieter valley west of Namche with a cliffside monastery; about 3–4h each way.

Open day 7 route in Google Maps

Day 8: Explore Namche Bazaar

Namche Bazaar

Free day in Namche Bazaar — wander, café-hop, or ask us to add something.

Day 9: Explore Namche Bazaar

Namche Bazaar

Free day in Namche Bazaar — wander, café-hop, or ask us to add something.

Day 10: Namche Bazaar → Nagarkot

Nagarkot · Namche Bazaar to Nagarkot, 2-day trek to Lukla, flight to Kathmandu ~35 min, then taxi ~1.5h; weather delays are common

• Sunrise from the Nagarkot view tower · 1.5 h. Leave around 5–5:30am with a torch; clear views of Langtang and, on good days, Everest are most likely Oct–Feb.
• Changu Narayan Temple · 1.5 h. The oldest temple in the valley and a UNESCO site; some carvings date to the 5th century. Small foreigner ticket.

Local tip: Leave around 5–5:30am with a torch; clear views of Langtang and, on good days, Everest are most likely Oct–Feb.

Open day 10 route in Google Maps

Day 11: Depart from Nagarkot

Nagarkot

Keep a buffer before your flight; check-out is usually noon.