Himalayan Five Peaks Climbing Expedition – 28 Days

Upon landing at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you’ll complete your arrival and customs procedures, then meet our friendly representative. You’ll then be transferred in a private vehicle to your 4-star hotel in the heart of the city.

After you’ve had time to rest and freshen up, there will be a detailed expedition briefing covering the itinerary, safety measures, and gear check. You’ll also get to meet your climbing crew and fellow team members joining the Himalayan Five Peaks Expedition. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner featuring delicious traditional Nepali cuisine while getting to know your guides and group better. Stay overnight at a comfortable 4-star hotel in Kathmandu before beginning your Himalayan adventure.

In the morning, you will finish packing and get ready for the trek. If you need to do any last-minute shopping, you will have time for that, after lunch in kathmandu. Then we start our drive to Ramechhap for about 5 hours, covering 132km. The drive takes place on Arniko and BP Koirala Highways. The journey offers stunning countryside views of terraced hills, lush forests, and winding river valleys.

Along the way, we will pass through charming towns and landmarks such as Bhaktapur, Banepa, Dhulikhel, Namobuddha, Nepalthok, Selfi Danda, and Mulkot. The road follows the beautiful Sun Koshi and Tama Koshi Rivers. We can also see traditional farming villages. While most of the route is paved, there can be a few bumpy sections as we near Ramechhap. Once we arrive at Ramechhap, we will check into the hotel. In Ramechhap, we will stay overnight in Freedom Resort or in a similar standard resort near the Manthali/Ramechhap airport, and all meals will be provided.

Early in the morning, depending on our flight time, we will head to the Manthali airport, complete the check-in, and fly to Lukla. We will follow one of the most scenic air routes in the world, offering views of glistening mountains, before landing at Tenzing Hillary Airport in Lukla. Once at Lukla, we will assemble the crew, enjoy breakfast, and then start trekking. This is the first trek day of the Himalayan Five Peaks Expedition.

Initially, the trek begins along the stone paths through Ghat village and Chheplung. Along the way, you’ll pass thrilling suspension bridges, and mani stone walls engraved with prayers. Crossing suspension bridges can be thrilling for those who are afraid of heights and the swinging of bridges as you walk. The first suspension bridge appears near Chheplung village, and the second bridge is just after Phakding. There are several other small suspension bridges as well. Further, at this trail, you can admire Kongde Peak near Lukla and Kusum Kanguru from Thado Koshi village. Soon we will reach Phakding village. Overnight stay will be at a cozy teahouse in Phakding.

After breakfast in the peaceful Phakding, we will leave and begin trekking along the Dudh Koshi River. We will enter dense pine forest, cross suspension bridges, and walk through dispersed houses of Zapute, Benkar, and Chumoa. The trail leads to Monjo village, the entrance to Sagarmatha National Park. At the park gate, we will complete the necessary permit formalities and enter the protected conservation areas.

From Monjo, the trail gradually ascends toward Namche Bazaar. We will cross the famous Hillary Suspension Bridge, named after Sir Edmund Hillary, on this route. The bridge spans the roaring Dudh Koshi River and offers incredible views of the valley and mountains along the way. After crossing the bridge, we will follow the escalating path towards Namche Bazaar.

As we approach Namche, the first real Himalayan panoramas appear. The sharp peak of Thamserku (6,623 meters) towers above the valley, and on clear days, Kusum Kanguru (6,367 meters) can also be seen. Upon arrival in Namche Bazaar, the vibrant Sherpa town at 3,440 meters, we’ll stay overnight in a cozy teahouse, preparing for the higher altitudes ahead.

Today is a rest and acclimatization day in Namche Bazaar. Namche Bazaar serves as the major trade centre for local and neighbouring Tibetan trade. Namche is also popular as the capital of Sherpa land. It is wise to take a rest at Namche on this day. For proper acclimatization with the changing altitude, we will take a day hike to the small Khumjung village and the Everest View Hotel.

During the hike, you’ll visit a local monastery, explore the villages, and observe traditional Sherpa lifestyles. The trail also leads to the Everest View Hotel, which offers one of the best vantage points to see Mount Everest, Ama Dablam, and other surrounding peaks. Nearby attractions include the Sagarmatha National Park head office, small museums, and other local monasteries. Namche Bazaar itself has modern facilities, including hospitals and a post office. After the day hike, we will return to Namche for an overnight stay in the teahouse.

Leaving Namche, we will follow the trail towards Phortse Tenga. The 1st-hour walk is very gentle, with a nice path, leaving behind a few small Buddhist Stupas and offering superb views of Amadablam, Thamserku, Tengkangpouche, and a distant view of Everest, Lhotse, and Nuptse. Before we take downward steps, we take upwards and a bit of a gentle climb until we reach at Mongla.

We will enter the birch forest and move further through the grassy slopes to Mongla. At Mongla, we will have lunch. Then from Mongla, the path descends for about an hour to reach Phortse Tenga. Since most trekkers take the route to Tengboche from Namche Bazaar, this path feels less crowded, with only a few trekkers or none at all. Overnight stay will be at a teahouse in Phortse Tenga, surrounded by the natural beauty of the Khumbu region.

From Phortse village, the trail crosses the river on a bridge and begins ascending high above the valley toward a ridge offering fantastic views of Kantega, Thamserku, and Ama Dablam. The path continues along the tree line, passing yak pastures at Tongba (4,015 meters) and Gyele (4,050 meters), before reaching Dole (4,200 meters) for lunch.

After lunch, the trek follows a steep, narrow trail uphill, passing Lhabarma (4,220 meters) and Luza (4,360 meters), before moving through scrubland along the valley side to reach Machhermo (4,470 meters). This village is known in local folklore as the place where the mythical Yeti was reportedly first seen in 1974. Machhermo has a few teahouses for overnight stay. Stay overnight in Machhermo.

This is a rest day. It is essential to take a break and let our bodies adjust to the higher altitude before heading toward Gokyo. In the morning, you can take a short hike up to a nearby ridge, which offers magnificent views of Cho Oyu (8,188 meters), the world’s sixth-highest mountain, along with Kantega and Thamserku. From the ridge, you’ll also see the deep valley carved by the Dudh Koshi River below.

After the hike, you can spend the rest of the day relaxing in the village, exploring its quiet lanes, or chatting with fellow trekkers. Machhermo is the last permanent settlement that we will find before Gokyo. Stay overnight in Machhermo.

After breakfast in Machhermo, we begin our gradual ascent along the Dudh Koshi Valley towards Gokyo. The trail climbs gently up to Pangka (4,480 meters), where we are greeted with stunning views of Everest, Thamserku, Nuptse, and Cho Oyu. From here, the path becomes steeper as we approach the Ngozumpa Glacier, Nepal’s largest glacier, filled with shimmering ice and rugged moraine.

As we walk across the rocky trail, we’ll start to see the series of turquoise Gokyo Lakes, Longponga Tsho, Taboche Tsho, and finally Dudh Pokhari (the third lake), beside which lies the charming Gokyo village. The view of Cho Oyu towering in the background and the peaceful blue lakes reflecting the snow peaks make this one of the most beautiful spots in the Everest region. Tonight, we stay in Gokyo, surrounded by the serene alpine beauty of the Himalayas.

On day 10 following the Himalayan Five Peaks Climbing Expedition itinerary, early in the morning, we’ll hike up to Gokyo Ri (5,360 meters). Gokyo Ri is one of the best viewpoints in the Everest region and is the first peak we will ascend. The steep but rewarding climb takes about two hours and offers a 360° panorama of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu, all standing above 8,000 meters. From the summit, you’ll also enjoy an unforgettable view of Gokyo village nestled beside the turquoise third lake, glowing in the morning sun.

After spending some peaceful time on the top, we descend back to Gokyo for breakfast, then continue our trek toward Dragnag (also called Thaknak). The trail again leads across the Ngozumpa Glacier. The path can be uneven, but the surrounding alpine scenery is stunning. Dragnag, a small settlement beneath the Renjo La Pass, is where we’ll rest for the night and prepare for the next day’s challenging climb.

Cho La is one of the famous three high passes in the Everest region. Climbing Cho La Pass is a challenging task that requires crossing a steep, narrow slope. The steep glaciated path adds the difficulty. We’ll start early in the morning before sunrise to ensure safe passage across the icy terrain. The trail climbs steeply through rocky ridges and a glacier field, leading to Cho La Phedi. From there, the ascent becomes tougher with loose rocks and snow-covered sections. It demands careful footing and the use of trekking poles or crampons if needed.

Once at the top, a field of fluttering prayer flags and cairns marks the pass. The view is simply surreal. Ama Dablam gleams in the south, Cholatse dominates the west, and Lobuche East and Baruntse rise ahead. After spending some time soaking in the scenery, we begin the descent toward Dzongla. The descent trail can be slippery due to snow or ice. Dzongla is a small village that greets us with views of Cholatse, Lobuche, and other peaks. Stay overnight in Dzongla.

From Dzongla, we will begin our trek towards Lobuche, which is a comparatively short day trek. The path is relatively easy for the first couple of hours, then becomes steeper as it ascends through rocky terrain. Walking through the Lobuche glacier, we will enjoy the spectacular views of Ama Dablam Mountain, Cholatse Peak, Pokalde Peak, Thamserku Peak, Kantega Peak, and other surrounding peaks and mountains.

As we ascend slightly through rocky paths, the views grow wider and more dramatic. The final stretch to Lobuche is steeper but manageable. Upon reaching Lobuche, we will rest and enjoy lunch while soaking in the serene mountain ambiance. The afternoon is free for rest or exploration before preparing for the next day’s adventure toward Everest Base Camp.

From Lobuche, we start early in the morning after breakfast. The trail stretches through a levelled path from Gorakshep to the Indian army mountaineers’ memorials, a tribute to those who lost their lives climbing Everest. Although levelled, the path is tricky because it becomes slippery due to the glaciers. Also, the challenges are compounded by the increased altitude and the thin air. Walking past the rocky dunes and moraines, we will reach Everest Base Camp.

We will enjoy the views of Nuptse, Khumbutse, and other peaks and mountains from Everest Base Camp. We need to wait till we reach Kalapattar for a close-up view of Everest. Since it is difficult to spend the night at Everest Base Camp due to altitude, we will return to Gorakshep for an overnight stay. Tonight, enjoy a well-earned rest at Gorakshep, surrounded by the majestic peaks of the Khumbu region.

We begin very early, at around 4:30 a.m., to climb Kala Patthar, aiming to catch the sunrise over Everest. Kala Patthar is the second peak we will summit among the five. The climb is challenging due to low temperatures and cold Himalayan winds, but the experience is unforgettable. The ascent to Kala Patthar takes about 3–3.5 hours. From the summit of Kala Patthar, we will have 360° views of Everest, Khumbutse, Changtse, and other surrounding peaks. It is one of the best vantage points in the Everest region for photography and appreciating the scale of the Himalayas.

After spending time at the summit and capturing the views, we descend back to Gorakshep for breakfast. Then we continue the trek back to Lobuche for an overnight stay, where we will rest and prepare for the next stage of the Himalayan Five Peaks Climbing Expedition. The return trail passes through rocky moraines and glacial landscapes.

In the morning after breakfast, the guide will share essential Peak climbing techniques and strategy that Dream Himalaya Adventures follow for the successful ascend. You will learn to use climbing gears like crampons, boot, harness as well as ascender and descender with ropes.

After lunch at Lobuche we will leave for high camp and follow the levelled path for brief period before the trail begins to contour up through steep boulders. Walking along the Lobuche glacier, we will enjoy the spectacular views of Amadablam Mountain, Cholatse Peak, Pokalde Peak, Thamserku Mountain, Kantega Peak and other peaks and mountains. The journey continues through moraine to High Camp. We need to walk through ice section and crevasses. So, we may need to use fixed rope as well as man rope. Stay overnight at Lobuche High Camp in a camping tents.

We will wake up very early at around 1:00 a.m., and prepare for the climb of Lobuche. This is because we aim to reach the summit before noon to avoid high winds and changing weather. After a light breakfast, we will follow the Southeast Ridge to the summit. We will proceed through snow and ice with the help of a fixed rope that our Sherpas will place earlier. After a gradual climb to a plateau at around 6000 meters, we will walk along the exposed ridge summit. This is where we will reach the summit of Lobuche. As we gain elevation, the air becomes thinner. We will push to the summit on a steep rocky ridge with steady pacing and careful breathing.

Upon finally reaching the top of Lobuche East Summit, we will be greeted by views of Khumbu Valley, Mount Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Cholatse Peak, Pumori, Cho Oyu, and many more peaks. We will take pictures and then begin our descent to High Camp. Climbing downhill equally requires careful navigating, careful footing, and the use of fixed ropes. From High Camp, we will continue to retrace our steps back to Lobuche. We will stay at the teahouse in Lobuche for the night.

Today, we will take on one of the high mountain passes of the Everest Region. We will cross the Kongma La Pass at an altitude of 5,535 meters. Leaving Lobuche after breakfast, the trail follows glacial moraines. The trail continues on a levelled path for a brief period before climbing uphill to Kongma La Base. It ascends moderately on the rocky moraine ridges. As we climb uphill, we can get unobstructed views of Mount Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, and the Khumbu Glacier. The landscape also transitions to a high-alpine plateau.

For the final stretch, we must climb steadily over rocky terrain. If we do this trip in the winter, we have to check the snow level on the Kongma La pass. Sometimes we can’t cross the pass because of heavy snow blocking the trail. The Kongma La High Camp sits on a flat area offering panoramic views of Mount Everest, Makalu, Lhotse, and the Imja Valley. We will spend the night at the base of Kongma La.

From Kongma La Camp, our Himalayan Five Peaks Climbing Expedition journey continues to Pokalde. We will again start our journey early in the morning. The trail begins gently on snow-covered slopes and rocky terrain, heading towards the base of Pokalde Peak. It gradually becomes steeper as we reach the midsection. As the trail narrows, we need to be cautious with our footing and rope spacing. There are also small ridges along the way to the top. The final 100 meters to the peak’s summit requires us to trek on steep and rocky ridges. Additionally, the loose stone terrain makes it more challenging.

Reaching the summit of the Poklade peak is another rewarding accomplishment. It offers us majestic panoramic views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Ama Dablam. Similarly, we can see the Imja Valley and Khumbu Glacier spread below. We will celebrate the successful ascent of Pokalde Peak and retrace the route along the ridge. The trail goes downhill along moraine slopes and boulder fields. It gradually flattens as we approach Chhukung village. Along the way, we will trek through alpine meadows and pass small streams. We will stay overnight at Chhukung.

After crossing Kongma La Pass and summiting Pokalde, we take a rest day at Chhukung. We will restore our energy before our climb to Island Peak. If you wish, we can hike to Chhukung Ri (5,550 meters). The trail to Chhukung is steep and challenging. We will climb uphill on rocky terrain.

The viewpoint is popular for offering the best views of Mount Makalu, Baruntse, and other surrounding peaks. Then, we will retrace our steps back to the Chhukung. In the evening, we can explore around the village. Stay overnight in Chhukung in a teahouse.

A short trek from Chukung will take us to Island Peak Base Camp today. We will head south from Chukung, along Imja Khola. The route takes us past small settlements with terrace fields. We will walk along the Lhotse glacier, following the moraines of the Imja and Lhotse glaciers. The trail ascends through alpine meadows on rocky paths and glacial debris.

It becomes steeper and rockier as we get closer to the Island Peak Base Camp. We will pass through moraines and scattered boulders along the way. Then we will reach the southwest edge of Island Peak, where we will set up camp. The base camp sits at the foothill of Island Peak. Enjoy the spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and Moraine Valley. We will spend the night at the Base Camp of Island Peak in a tented camp.

After packing our essentials, we will begin our climb to the High Camp of Island Peak very early. The slope continues to narrow, and the trail enters a sloped rock channel. You will need to use crampons on this day. Follow your guide’s instructions properly for safety. The trail continues to climb out of the rock gully. We need to climb a series of short rock steps to reach the right side of the drain. Then we will follow a ridgeline to the exposed traverse onto the snout of the summit glacier. We will need rope on this day.

Moving through crevasses, we will climb 40 40-degree slope with the help of a rope and follow the ridge up to the summit. We will spend some time at the summit enjoying the successful ascent of Island Peak. Similarly, we will get grand views of the towering Himalayas. After enjoying the view, we will climb downhill to the Base Camp. From here, we will retrace the route back to Chukung. We will stay here for the night.

It’s an emergency or extra reserve day in case of bad weather or any other sudden issues. Otherwise, it can be used anywhere on the way back to Lukla.

We will leave Chukung after breakfast and move towards Pangboche village. The trail initially descends through alpine meadows and boulder fields. Similarly, we will cross small streams over wooden or stone bridges. We will continue descending on the main Imja Valley trail. Along the way, we can get a clear view of Mount Ama Dablam, Imja Glacier, and ridges.

The trail also passes through small settlements, mani walls, chortens, and stupas. It takes us to villages like Bibre, Orsho, and Somare. We will continue descending and cross a wooden bridge over the Imja Khola. Then, after a short uphill trek, we will reach the Upper Pangboche village. The village is home to the famous 350-year-old Pangboche Monastery. We will stay overnight at Pangboche.

After breakfast at Pangboche, we will continue with our downhill climb. First, we will descend to Deboche. Along the way, we will pass by prayer walls, mani walls, and chortens. From Deboche, the trail continues towards Tengboche Monastery. It is the largest monastery and spiritual hub of the Everest region. Similarly, it is one of the region’s famous monasteries. We can visit the monastery and see Buddhist Lamas performing rituals.

From Tengboche, our trail continues along Dudh Koshi Valley to the small village of Phuki Tenga. The trekking trail enters a dense forest of pine and rhododendrons. Likewise, we will cross several suspension bridges over the Dudh Koshi River. We will continue descending until we reach Namche Bazaar. The entire path is scenic, offering spectacular views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and other mountains. Stay overnight in Namche.

We will have breakfast while enjoying the beautiful views surrounding Namche. Then, we will begin our descent through a lush rhododendron forest. The trail takes us through familiar scenery. We will cross the Hillary Suspension Bridge and villages like Jorsalle and Monjo. We will also exit from Sagarmatha National Park from Monjo.

The trail goes along the Dudhkoshi River to Phakding. It climbs gradually as we walk past Chheplung and Ghat. Again, the route passes by several mani walls, prayer wheels, and chortens before we reach Lukla. It is also our final overnight stop in the Everest region.

We will catch an early morning flight from Lukla to Ramechhap. As soon as we get off the plane, we will start our drive to Kathmandu. The winding road takes us past beautiful settlements, rivers, green hills, and terrace farms. We might take a break in the middle for breakfast or lunch, depending on the time.

Once you arrive in Kathmandu, check into your hotel and freshen up. Get ready to enjoy the celebration meal in the evening. You can share your experience and recall the most memorable events during the expedition. After dinner, you can spend your time as you please. Stay overnight in a hotel in Kathmandu.

In the morning, after breakfast, get ready for the guided city tours. The tour lasts about 3 hours. We will explore around the city and visit the heritage sites of the Kathmandu valley. Afternoon and evening will be free time for you. So, you can go shopping for your loved ones, family members, friends, etc.

Today can also be considered an emergency or an extra day. Flight delays from Lukla are common, as the weather here changes rapidly regardless of the season. Also, we might lag behind schedule due to unforeseen circumstances. Under such conditions, we will catch a flight from Lukla to Ramehhap/Kathmandu on this day. Then, you will be transferred to the hotel, and the farewell dinner will be hosted in the evening.

We will transfer you to the airport, two hours before your scheduled flight for your onward destination. Thank you for choosing Dream Himalaya for the Himalayan Five Peaks Climbing Expeditions. Have a safe journey, and we hope to see you soon!