Everest Tengboche Monastery Trek

This day is for Kathmandu’s spiritual landmarks that will prepare your mind for the high places to come. Visit Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), watch river rites at Pashupatinath, and spin the giant prayer wheels at Bouddhanath Stupa. Wander the carved courtyards of Kathmandu Durbar Square and re-live centuries of history. In the afternoon finalise your trekking kit boots, layers and sleeping bag. And sleep early for the early flight to Lukla.

A short, dramatic flight to Lukla (2,860 m) marks the real beginning of the trek: the plane threads between snow-rimmed ridgelines and lands on a mountain shelf. From Lukla the trail descends and then follows the rushing Dudh Koshi River, passing mani walls, chortens and small forested hamlets. Cross your first suspension bridge and let the rhythm of walking sink in as you reach Phakding, a friendly riverside village where the first mountain air tastes of pine and wood smoke.

Today’s trail is a steady introduction to Sherpa country. You’ll cross several suspension bridges and walk through pine and rhododendron forests before the final, exhilarating climb to Namche Bazaar. As you gain the ridge the panorama opens for many this is their first true glimpse of the high Himalaya and the moment mountains feel powerfully near. Namche is the social heart of the Khumbu: bakeries, mountain gear shops and cafés where trekkers trade stories. Spend the night in a cosy teahouse and enjoy the lively market atmosphere.

Namche is perfect for acclimatisation. After breakfast take a short hike to the Everest View Hotel, where panoramic vistas of Everest, Lhotse and Ama Dablam unfold like a living painting — an ideal spot for sunrise or a lazy cup of tea. In the afternoon visit the Sherpa Museum, browse local handicrafts, or stroll to nearby Khumjung for a glimpse of village life. Gentle activity and good rest today ensure your body adapts to the thin air.

Leaving Namche the path follows a ridgeline framed with rhododendron and fir, then descends before climbing to the sacred hamlet of Tengboche. The monastery crowns a broad ridge with a commanding view of Ama Dablam and the high peaks beyond; its whitewashed walls, prayer flags and chortens give the site a reverent stillness. If your schedule allows, attend the evening prayer ceremony drums, chants and fluttering flags create a sort of Himalayan liturgy. Spend the night in a teahouse below the monastery, where the mountain air seems to carry the monks’ rhythm.

Today is for the monastery and for slow discovery. Attend a morning puja if you wish, wander the gompa courtyard and speak with caretakers about Tengboche’s history and its role in Sherpa spirituality. After a light lunch, take a short walk to viewpoints that frame Ama Dablam from different angles; the light here can sculpt the peak into countless moods. The afternoon is intentionally unhurried, tea with a local family, a quiet visit to mani walls, and time to listen to the wind move through prayer flags.

Today’s trail leads you through Deboche and down into greener valleys toward Khumjung, one of the Khumbu’s larger traditional villages. Along the way stop at small gompas and stone teahouses; the route offers intimate perspectives of daily Sherpa life terraced plots, yak herds and children playing. Khumjung’s monastery houses local relics and provides insight into the valley’s spiritual traditions. Spend the evening amid warm local hospitality and the gentle hum of mountain evenings.

After breakfast, explore Khumjung’s gompa and old stone houses, visit local classrooms or the small museum, and learn more about the region’s mountain culture. In the late morning, begin the easy walk back to Namche Bazaar, enjoying the valley’s changing light and the welcome familiarity of town life. The afternoon is yours – shop for local handicrafts, enjoy a hot shower, or relax in a café before descending toward Lukla.

Retrace the trail along the Dudh Koshi, crossing suspension bridges and passing the villages you first encountered. The walk down seems quicker but is no less beautiful; the light is softer and conversations more reflective. Arrive in Lukla in the late afternoon and relax over a farewell dinner with your trekking team, sharing stories from the trail.

Take a magnificent scenic flight from Lukla back to Kathmandu. If the skies are clear, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of Nepal’s towering mountains before making the thrilling landing.

Once in Thamel, you can spend your time as you wish — explore the vibrant streets, relax in the comfort of your hotel, or shop for souvenirs. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner, celebrating your spiritual journey across the heart of the Himalayas. Overnight stay will be at a comfortable 3-star hotel in Thamel, allowing you to rest comfortably.

It is the end day of your Nepal tour vacation. An Iconic Himalaya representative will pick you up from the hotel and take you to Kathmandu International Airport for your home flight.

Safe travels, and Namaste!