Everest Panorama Trek: 9 Days

Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu (1,400 m), followed by a pre-trek briefing covering permits, packing, and the trek's acclimatisation schedule. A licensed guide reviews the day-by-day route and checks personal gear against the recommended packing list. Overnight in Kathmandu.

The flight to Tenzing-Hillary Airport, Lukla (2,860 m), a 527 m sloped runway with a one-directional approach, takes roughly 25-30 minutes when operating from Kathmandu, or around 20 minutes plus a 4-5 hour pre-dawn drive when operating from Manthali/Ramechhap in peak season. From Lukla, the trail descends gently through Chaurikharka and along the Dudh Koshi river to Phakding (2,610 m), passing prayer wheels and the trek's first mani walls.

From Phakding (2,610 m) the trail follows the Dudh Koshi river, across several suspension bridges to the Sagarmatha National Park checkpoint at Monjo, then on past Jorsale to the high Hillary Suspension Bridge. A steep switchback climb through pine forest gains 830 m to reach Namche Bazaar (3,440 m), the Khumbu's main trading hub and this trip's two-night acclimatisation stop.

Acclimatisation day in Namche Bazaar (3,440 m) following the golden "climb high, sleep low" rule. The morning hike climbs to the Everest View Hotel (3,880 m) at Syangboche, the highest-placed hotel in the world according to Guinness World Records, designed by Japanese architect Yoshinobu Kumagaya and opened in 1971 after its materials arrived by helicopter or on a two-week porter relay from Lamusangu. From its terrace, Everest's summit pyramid is visible alongside Ama Dablam and Thamserku. The route then descends through Khumjung village, home to the Khumjung monastery. Return to Namche for the second acclimatisation night.

From Namche Bazaar (3,440 m) the trail climbs to Kyangjuma and Sanasa before dropping to cross the Dudh Koshi again, then climbs steadily through rhododendron forest to Tengboche (3,860 m), home to the largest and most significant monastery in the Khumbu. On clear afternoons, Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam are all visible from the monastery courtyard.

A relaxed day at Tengboche (3,860 m), the spiritual centre of the Khumbu. The resident monks hold a puja (prayer ceremony) in the morning and again in the afternoon, so ask for the day's times at the monastery. Visitors are welcome to sit quietly at the back of the hall to watch the chanting and drumming, provided shoulders and knees stay covered and hats come off at the door. After the afternoon puja, a short walk to a nearby viewpoint gives a closer look at Ama Dablam's distinctive summit ridge before returning to the lodge for the night.

Descend from Tengboche (3,860 m) back through Kyangjuma to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m), a gentler descent than the longer EBC itineraries face at this stage of their trip.

The final trekking day retraces the route from Namche Bazaar (3,440 m) down through Jorsale and Monjo, exiting Sagarmatha National Park, then climbs back up to Lukla (2,860 m) for the last night on the trail before the return flight to Kathmandu.

Morning flight from Lukla (2,860 m) back to Kathmandu (1,400 m), weather permitting, then international departure or onward travel in Nepal. This schedule has no Kathmandu night, and Lukla flights are often delayed by weather, so avoid booking an international flight for the same day.