Everest Abridged Trek - 7 days

Early morning we will catch up an early flight to Lukla (2,800m/9,186ft), the starting point of the trek. The flight will be an interesting one since we will be flying amidst the grand Himalayas in a Twin Otter airplane. Upon arrival at Lukla, we will have a short tea break and introduction to our trekking crew. We begin our trek by descending through peaceful forests and terraced fields to the raging Dudh Koshi River that is fed from the highest peaks. We pass through several villages which are well defined trail meandering around potato fields and buckwheat. You will have an opportunity to see first Mani walls along with the breathtaking views of Mountain Peaks. These structures are a compilation of individual stones each one inscribed with ‘Om Mani Pad me Hum’ – Hail to the Jewel in the Lotus.

On the second day of our trek, we let our body to get acclimatize. After breakfast, we hike up to Thachok Danda which offers superb views of Kongde Ri, Thamserku and Numbur Himal. Thachok Danda is located 98412 feet above sea level. After 6 hours hike, we return to Monjo and stay for overnight.

Today is probably going to be the hardest day of the trek since you have to pass through several ups and downs. Just walking a few steps from lodge, we can see an entrance of Everest National Park where our trekking permits will be checked. After completing the formalities, we gradually continue our trek and cross two suspension bridges. The trail up to Namche Bazaar is well marked and broad enough to walk comfortably.  Namche Bazaar is known as the heart of Khumbu Region where we will stop for lunch. After lunch, we continue our trek to Tashinga following the classical approach to Everest. We follow the almost level winding trail for about 2½ hours before leaving the main trail to arrive at the Everest Summit Lodge. We spend our overnight at Tashinga.

On the following day, we descend to the small hamlet of Phunki Tenga lying beside the Dudh Koshi. We can see Ama Dablam in the east whilst glimpses of Everest lure us onward. This part of the trail passes through fairly heavy forest of rhododendron and pine so it is well shaded and cool. Emerging from the forest the trail is relatively gentle and gradual for another 1½ to 2 hours. Across the valley from the lodge, one can see the trail sloping diagonally up towards the famous monastery of Tengboche. The setting of Tengboche is magical, positioned as it against a backdrop of some of the Himalayas most brilliant peaks. The monastery was accidentally burned down only a few years ago and re-built largely through the efforts of the Sir Edmund Hillary Trust. After exploring the surrounded area, we retrace our steps back to Tashinga for our overnight.

Early morning, after having breakfast at the lodge, we descend down to Monjo and visit the Laudo monastery which is just 15 minutes above Mende. The main temple is only 40 years old and was used until recently as a meditation school for western Buddhists students. It has a remarkable meditation room built underneath a huge rock, where people go on retreat for 3 years /3 months/3 days. Retracing the same route back to Phurte and from here take the lower trail to Namche. Crossing the Edmund Hillary Bridge, we shall soon be in the familiar surroundings of the lodge at Monjo. We spend our overnight at one of the lodge of Monjo.

On this day, we will be trekking to Lukla via Gumila monastery. The trail today brings us through the village of Phakding. Firstly, we will pass through Thada Koshi which is situated at the base of Kumsung Kanguru. It takes about 30-45 minutes to reach Gumila monastery accessible by a path leading off the main trail. This monastery is home to 12-15 monks of the Gelugpa sect and a centre of Buddhist learning. Upon arrival at Lukla, check in to the lodge and stay for overnight.

Flights to Kathmandu are usually scheduled for morning because wind can create problem to fly the aircraft in the afternoon. But sometime the flight time can be delayed due to bad weather and other unprecedented reasons that are beyond our control. We fly back to Kathmandu after our long mountain journey. After reaching Kathmandu we have the rest of the day off to rest or do some souvenir shopping. Overnight in Kathmandu