Phaplu to Dingboche Heli

Welcome to Kathmandu, Nepal!
Our representative will meet you at the airport upon your arrival, and transfer you to your hotel.
Begin your journey with a welcome sunset rooftop dinner overlooking Nepal’s largest stupa, the Boudhanath Stupa. This UNESCO world heritage site, which was once a central trade route, now protects Tibetan Buddhist culture and traditions. Explore the area, and walk around the stupa to get good luck. Offer butter lamps and make a prayer, before retiring to your hotel.

Kathmandu Valley encompasses three old kingdoms: Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur. Kathmandu valley is ornate with palaces, intricate pagodas and monumental stupas which are a testament to the artistic talent of the Newars (natives of the valley). The Newari craft was held in high regard by the kings of Malla and the Mongol rulers of 18th-century China. The Gopala and Kirati dynasties were the first rulers, followed by Licchavi (300-879 AD), who flourished in trade and crafts.

An immersive full-day sightseeing tour of Kathmandu Valley.

Visit Pashupatinath, one of the most important holy sites for the Hindu religion. The temple is situated on the bank of the sacred Bagmati River and is believed to date back to 400 BC. The area encompasses 518 temples, buildings, and holy structures. The main temple is designed as a pagoda structure dedicated to Lord Shiva and is open only to Hindus; non-Hindus may only observe from the terraces across the Bagmati River to the east.
The area also includes a temple, dedicated to Guhyeshwari, a goddess in the form of a silver-plated waterhole, covered by a silver Kalash (auspicious water jar). Legend has it that a part of Sati Devi’s dead corpse fell, and Shakti Peeths came to life. The temple is also considered a sacred place for performing cremation ceremonies, as Hindus believe that a cremation from here will be secure a reborn as a human in their next life.

Visit Patan Durbar Square, also known as the city of artisans. The area is home to some of the finest artisans of Kathmandu Valley, who have preserved the cultural and ancient techniques of art and craft, such as wood, wax, painting and metal work. The former Royal Palace of Patan has been converted into a museum to display the unique crafts. Apart from the museum, Patan includes Hiranya Varna Mahavihar (Golden Temple), Golden Window, and Mahabouddha Temple and many other unique cultural attractions.

Visit Kathmandu Durbar Square, an old royal courtyard with over fifty temples, including the temple of the titular deity, Taleju Bhawani.
The Durbar has two courtyards; an inner section consisting of Hanuman Dhoka and the main palace. Some floors of the main palace have been converted into a museum dedicated to display the three generations of Shah kings of Nepal and also showcases some ornaments from the medieval periods. Thus, the palace is also known as “the Museum of Temples”.
The outer courtyards have a Kasthamandap (was a three-storied public shelter), Kumari Ghar (which houses the Goddess Kumari), and a Shiva-Parvati Temple. The outer courtyards also have an abundance of handicraft shops, and a nearby Bazar and locals markets.

A 30 minutes flight from Kathmandu will take you to Phaplu, an iconic Sherpa mountain village perched on a hillside. Spend the day strolling around visiting monasteries and experiencing the mountain culture for the first time.
Overnight at Phaplu.

After a hearty breakfast, drive to Bubsa, where you will begin your trek to the small settlement of Paiya. The trail is steep for two hours as you ascend towards Khari La Pass (2880m), passing scattered Sherpa settlements and rhododendron forests with breathtaking views of the soaring Himalayan panoramic vistas. Slowly, you will descend towards Chaubar (2730m) passing through bamboo forests, until you reach Paiya.

Recapture the romance of a bygone era, as you trek through remote mountain villages in the beautiful Khumbu Valley. The trek begins with a gentle ascent to Chipling (2700m) for two hours. This is a junction between Jiri and Lukla. You will then pass through the larger settlement of Mush (2650m), with Kogde and Khumbiyula mountain towering the horizon. The path remains generally flat with few gentle descents and ascents until you reach Phakding.

Embark for Namche Bazaar, the main high-altitude mountain village for trekkers in the Everest region. The trail is steep at times as it takes you along deep gorges and valleys. Follow the winding Dudh Koshi River, crossing several high suspension bridges, until entering the exceptional Sagarmatha National Park – a protected region aimed to preserve the fragile mountain environment. Take in the majestic views as you journey along, passing Buddhist temples and sherpa museums.
Arrive at Namche and after a rest, explore this vibrant village inhabited mostly by the Sherpa community with monasteries, bakeries, trendy restaurants, and coffee spots.

An optional day to set out for the one-and-a-half-hour hike to The Everest View Hotel, where you can enjoy grand views of Mt. Everest, Mt. Ama Dablam, Mt. Nuptse, and Mt. Lhotse. Enjoy breakfast at this beautiful view point at the top of the world, surrounded by the Himalayan range. Stroll around the plateau village of Kunde, and the Sherpa Culture Museum. Return to Namche Bazaar for the evening.

Today is the most scenic trail in the Everest region, with superb views of Mt. Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam and Thamserku. While hiking along the ridge line, take in the breathtaking scenery and stunning Himalayan peaks. Have lunch at Phunki Thenga, a small village amidst the alpine forests. In this area, you may be lucky enough to encounter the beautifully coloured dhampe pheasant, Nepal’s national bird, the elusive musk deer, and the occasional herd of elk deer and himalayan tahr (mountain goat). The trail climbs until it reaches the mountain village of Tengboche. Tengboche offers close-up views of Ama Dablam, Nuptse, and Everest and has the largest Buddhist Monastery in the Khumbu region.

The trail descends through birch, fir, juniper and rhododendron forests to the beautiful site of Deboche. From Deboche, the road is gentle until you pass a long prayer wall and reach a small bridge over the narrow gorge of the Imja-Tse River. Coming to the large Mani Wall Gate, the trek continues gradually uphill until the trail splits in two directions. The upper trail leads to the village of Pangboche, where an old monastery is located. The lower trail leads directly to Dingboche, a Himalayan village nestled beneath Mt. Ama Dablam and surrounding mountains.

A day to rest and acclimatize to the high altitude. An optional day trip to Nagarjuna hill (5,050m) to have a closer view of Mt. Ama Dablam.

Return to Kathmandu and unwind with a special spa treatment. Spend the remaining afternoon at your leisure. Celebrate your achieved journey over a farewell dinner.

Enjoy the day at your leisure. Relax with a 45-minute complimentary foot massage in Kathmandu.
This additional day in Kathmandu is recommended to avoid missing your international flight, due to the unpredictable weather in the mountain region and the domestic flight might be cancelled due to bad weather.

Optional add-on: Full Day sightseeing tour of Kathmandu and Patan Durbar Square, the ancient city inside the Kathmandu Valley.
Optional add-on: Day trip to visit Monastery in Pharping.
Optional add-on: Rock climbing in Pharping.
Optional add-on: Day trip to Changu Narayan temple.
Optional add-on: Day trip to Kritipur (a Newari styled area in Kathmandu)

Transfer to the airport for your departure flight.