Trekking in the heart of Nepal: from Kathmandu to Tengboche Monastery
In summary
-
Sports
-
Duration8 days
-
LevelIntermediate
-
DestinationAsia / Nepal
-
AgeFrom 18 - 90 years
-
CO₂-Emissions150.39 kg CO2
-
Type of stayIndependent traveler
In a few words
In the heart of the Kathmandu Valley , discover a vibrant and sacred city, nestled between Hindu temples , Buddhist stupas , and bustling, colorful alleyways . This journey begins in the cultural effervescence of the Nepalese capital, before a radical change of scenery : a short flight to Lukla , the starting point for the Everest trek, takes you to the high Himalayan valleys . Very quickly, the air thins and the atmosphere transforms: you enter Sherpa country , where the mountains reign supreme. In Namche Bazaar , a true crossroads for trekkers, acclimatization begins amidst an already breathtaking panorama. The trail then leads you to Tengboche Monastery , perched at 3,867 meters, an iconic spiritual site set against a backdrop of mythical peaks. Here, the presence of Mount Everest (8,849 meters) becomes more tangible, majestic, and captivating. It is a unique immersion into a world where nature, spirituality and self-transcendence come together at every step.
The highlights
-
Trekking in the high Himalayan valleys to the foot of the mythical Mount Everest
-
A cultural immersion in the heart of Kathmandu, among temples, stupas and colorful alleyways
-
Meeting the Sherpa people and discovering their way of life at altitude
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
In figures
Trekking
- Average duration/day: 5h30
- Average daily elevation gain: 477 m
- Average daily descent: 406 m
Management
Program
-
Flight Kathmandu - Lukla (2800 m) or Ramechap - Lukla. Trek on Phakding (2600 m)
- Transportation Car - 04h - 135km
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Positive elevation gain 50 m
- Negative elevation 250 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
The early morning flight from Kathmandu to Lukla* offers a panoramic view of the eastern Himalayas; Langtang, Gauri, Shanker, Numbur, Manglungtse, and finally Everest appear during this 45-minute flight. In Lukla (2,700 m), the Sherpas await us with our equipment. The trek begins with a short descent into the Dudh Koshi valley. From the village of Chaunrikarka (2,621 m), the trail heads north through Sherpa villages where wheat, potatoes, corn, and vegetables are cultivated. We cross the Dudh Koshi on a wooden suspension bridge.
*Note: The flight between Kathmandu and Lukla only takes place in good weather conditions.
Also due to congestion at Kathmandu airport (the same runway for international and domestic flights), the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) is considering operating all flights to Lukla from Ramechhap airport. The decision has not yet been officially confirmed.
So for the moment, here are the two possibilities:
* Domestic flights:
Kathmandu – Lukla outbound (45 minutes) and Lukla – Kathmandu return (45 minutes)
OR
Road transfer to Ramechhap (4-5 hours drive) then flight Ramechhap – Lukla (20 minutes)
Flight from Ramechap to Kathmandu on the return (20 minutes), then road transfer to Kathmandu (4 to 5 hours)
Day 1 -
Phakding - Namche Bazar (3440 m)
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Positive elevation gain 900 m
- Negative elevation 50 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
The day begins with a walk along the Dudh Kosi River. The path climbs gently. We cross the river several times, pass the village of Jorsale (2805 m), and then begin a steep ascent to Namche Bazaar. Half an hour later, we can see Everest. We arrive in Namche early enough to explore this famous Sherpa village and its inhabitants. A few shops and Tibetan merchants sell jewelry and handicrafts from Tibet. Every week, a large market is held in Namche where farmers from the surrounding area sell their harvests of wheat, corn, millet, and other grains.
Day 2 -
Namche Bazaar: Acclimatization Day
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
A free day in Namche Bazaar, the largest town in the region. It's the perfect place to rest and acclimatize to the high altitude before embarking on this trek. Depending on your preference, you can opt for a half-day hike in the hills above Namche Bazaar. We'll ascend towards the villages of Khunde and Khumjung (3780 m), where you'll find yourself surrounded by alpine meadows and neat little fields. You can also admire the sunset over Ama Dablam, Nuptse, and Everest towering above Namche!
Day 3 -
Namche - Tengboche (3860m)
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 7h
- Positive elevation gain 760 m
- Negative elevation 450 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
This is a fairly short stage, both in distance and elevation gain, and crucial for acclimatization. We leave Namche Bazaar and take a beautiful trail that follows the contours of the land as it climbs into the valley. A few stupas dot our route. We pass Sanasa at 3610 meters before descending to 335 meters to cross the Dudh Koshi River at Phunki Thanga. From there, we begin a beautiful, gradual but steady climb through the forest. Upon reaching the summit, we are at 3860 meters, where the famous Tengboche Monastery is located. We can visit it and perhaps even witness some prayers!
Day 4 -
Tengboche: rest, relaxation, and discovery amidst the grandeur of the Himalayas
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Tengboche is a picturesque village perched at an altitude of 3,860 meters in the Khumbu region of Nepal. Dominated by the majestic Tengboche Monastery, this sacred place is an important spiritual center for Sherpa Buddhists, offering breathtaking views of Everest, Ama Dablam, and other Himalayan peaks. Surrounded by rhododendron forests, the village is a haven of peace where pilgrims and trekkers find moments of serenity. Traditional Buddhist rituals are typically performed in the mornings and evenings. Tengboche is an essential stop on any exploration of the Everest region, blending culture and nature in a truly stunning setting.
Day 5 -
Tengboche - Monjo (2835m)
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 6h30
- Positive elevation gain 450 m
- Negative elevation 1030 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Another breakfast with a view of the Himalayas! You start with a steep descent through a rhododendron and pine forest to Phunki Tenga, then there's a steep climb to Namche Bazaar. From Namche Bazaar, the trail gradually descends to Monjo.
Day 6 -
Monjo - Lukla (2860m)
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Positive elevation gain 225 m
- Negative elevation 250 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
You are on the final part of the trek and the scenery is still beautiful, continuing along the Dudh Kosi River valley. You descend slightly to Phakding. After Phakding, the trail undulates with several small ascents and descents until you reach Lukla.
Day 7 -
Flight Lukla - Kathmandu, or via Ramechap and road to Kathmandu
- Transportation Car - 04h - 135km
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
In the morning, flight to Kathmandu or to Ramechhap airport, then drive to Kathmandu. Arrival in Kathmandu.
Day 8
Accommodation
Access
Go to the starting point
Price details
The price includes
All private transfers
- The domestic flight between Lukla and Kathmandu (or via Ramechhap)
- Accommodation in a lodge with full board during the trek (7 nights)
- The French-speaking management
- Luggage carrying up to a maximum of 12kg per person during the trek
- The trekking team: guide and porter
- Trekking permits
- Staff insurance
- All local taxes
The price does not include
- International flights
- Nepalese visa ($30) :: obtainable at Kathmandu airport :: passport validity: minimum 6 months
- Meals in Kathmandu
- Site visits & entrance fees in Kathmandu
- Repatriation insurance, helicopter, medical, hospital...
- Tips, all personal expenses and equipment, drinks, sleeping bag and anything not listed under “THE PRICE INCLUDES”
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment provided on site
- Trekking bag
Equipment to bring
- Toiletries (preferably biodegradable products)
- Biodegradable cleaning wipes
- Sunglasses with a high protection rating
- High protection sunscreen
- Hand sanitizer
- Tissues
- Books, card games... to keep busy at the end of the day
- Telescopic hiking poles
- Headlamp and spare batteries
- Water bottle or hydration pack (ideally 2 liters)
Clothing to bring
- Cap or hat
- Cap
- Neck warmer or scarf to protect yourself from the sun
- Warm fleece jacket
- Waterproof and breathable windproof jacket with hood
- Lightweight down jacket for breaks or evenings
- Long shorts
- Comfortable walking pants
- Waterproof and sturdy walking shoes with a grippy sole
- Lightweight shoes for evenings and travel days
