Mountain & Monasteries Trekking

A scenic cultural walks exploring high traditional villages and monasteries .

No-shopping | Group Tour

Overview

Mountain & Monasteries Trekking is quite different from other popular adventures around the Himalayas, more of an exploration than normal treks. The itinerary is designed for people to enjoy and explore the local cultures of the highlanders the famed Sherpa of Everest. Well known for friendly gestures with cheerful smiles along with their warm traditional hospitality as part of their age-old culture. Mountain & Monasteries Trekking, is an adventure for all types of travelers and age-group, as the walk leads to a gradual pace. On this trip, trekkers will have ample time for acclimatization, spending overnights at certain heights from one village to another.Truly a moderate adventure with a touch of high altitude, but taking slow and steady will make this whole trip enjoyable. Walking through lovely villages in the close shade of towering snow mountain range with a grand view of Mt. Everest. Apart from walking into nice farm villages, our route leads to enchanting woodland of tall rhododendron and pine trees.Adventure from the scenic trail and off the main path for a few days, being away from the main flow of trekkers. Where walk takes you to beautiful villages of high Khumjung and Khunde, on least visited areas by most travelers. Make the trek more interesting and worth choosing the Mountain & Monasteries Trekking with Eco Himalaya Treks & Travels.
A wonderful journey around high ridges and valleys of scenic Khumbu for a week’s adventure, amidst the world’s highest peaks. Mountain & Monasteries Trekking starts from the town of Lukla after taking a short sweeping flight from Kathmandu. The walk follows through nice farm villages adorned with Buddhist monuments of prayer walls and spinning wheels.An exciting walk, witness the prayer carved on huge boulders of rocky cliff walls as the trail leads to Namche Bazaar. But first entering the Sagarmatha National Park, designated in World Heritage Sites in 1979, and then on a high trail.As the scenic winding climb leads to the famous Namche Bazaar, the Sherpa capital of Khumbu villagers. At Namche Bazaar have a rest day for acclimatization and walk to its viewpoint, and explore the main streets. Lined with shops, stores, and fancy restaurants with nice lodges and hotels including banks and post-office.
From Namche Bazaar, the adventure continues on the high scenic trail to Thyangboche and the monastery. Located in a beautiful setting lined by dense tree lines and with high snow peaks facing Mt. Everest.

Thyangboche is the highest point and most picturesque place of this wonderful journey, facing amazing views of Snow Mountains.The beautiful and impressive monastery stands majestically above the Thyangboche small settlement with a close backdrop of Mt. Ama Dablam. One of the most striking peaks in the whole Himalayas which means Mother with a Jewel Box.At Thyangboche interesting tour of the monastery interior and complex, and witness the young monks in religious activities. The main prayer hall is adorned with colorful Buddhist arts and paintings which makes the monastery bright and lively. After a memorable and wonderful time at Thyangboche on the return journey back to Lukla, taking a short alternative route. Towards a sleepy village of Khumjung, located on a glacial valley enriched with an immense culture of ancient custom. At Khumjung tour an old monastery, and witness the scalp believed of a Yeti, preserved in a glass box.Walk then finally ends heading down to Dudh Kosi River gorge and valley through Monjo and Phakding villages. Enjoy the last climb of the adventure to Lukla for the last overnight stop around the high Khumbu and Everest region.Next morning a smooth scenic flight brings you to hustle and bustle of city life in Kathmandu, to complete our marvelous experience on Mountain & Monasteries Trekking.

Itinerary

Day 1Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to hotel.

On first arrival at Kathmandu and Nepal International Airport received by our guide and staff with traditional greetings. Taking care of your baggage, and then a short drive to the hotel, located in the heart of a city near the exciting areas at Thamel. Check into your lovely rooms, after getting refreshed from the Jet-Lag, join in with other members for group briefing. Provided by your guide or Group Leader, offering information regarding the trek, hotels, local lodge.As well of local culture with do’s and don’ts, evening a group welcome dinner in a nice authentic Nepali Restaurants. Entertains the environment with folk cultural program as introduction to Nepalese heritage and culture.

Day 2Tour of Kathmandu heritage sites of great interest.

Morning after breakfast, at given time our city and cultural guide will receives you at the hotel. A short drive to the hub of Kathmandu city, for exciting tour of old Durbar Square / Palace Courtyard. The area is teemed with life and activities, a great way to soak into Nepalese cultures. Visiting historical and religious monuments listed in UNESCO World Heritage Sites most of the ancient buildings.After an interesting time at Durbar Square, a short drive to Nepal’s most important landmark, the Swayambhunath Stupa of more than 2,600 years old history. A Buddhist monument tucked on a hill top west of the city, from here visit the Hindu holy temple of Pashupatinath. The tour continues to large dome Stupa of Bouddhanath, as well known as ‘Little Tibet’. A great place to enjoy the tour of the world’s largest Stupa with all seeing eyes of Lord Buddha.Enjoying the day tour, transfer back to hotel rest of the afternoon preparation for the trekking and packing the right gear.

Day 3Fly to Lukla 2, 846 m and trek to Phakding 2,645 m - 04 hrs.

Morning transfer to Kathmandu domestic air-terminal for early flight to Lukla, as time to board in a small aircraft. The plane heads east facing superb panorama of Himalaya range of peaks with Mt. Everest, then landing at Lukla airport.A moderate town, where walk starts heading down to Dudh Koshi River valley through several Sherpa villages. Festooned with prayer flags, Buddhist monument and prayer wall then reaching our first overnight stop at Phakding village.

Day 4Trek to Namche Bazaar 3,440 m / 11, 350 feet - 06 hrs.

Today’s walk to Namche Bazaar, morning having nice breakfast the trail leads up and down to Benkar village. Cross over a long bridge to Monjo village to enter Sagarmatha National Park, as walk leads to cross another bridge. Then reaching Jorsalle for lunch stop, the last village before Namche Bazaar, afternoon walk following a river bed. As climb starts on crossing the last high bridge, an exciting long winding uphill within forested path to Namche Bazaar.On reaching Namche transfer to a nice lovely lodge for overnight stops, facing views of Kwangde and Tharmasarku peaks.

Day 5At Namche for acclimatization and a short scenic hike.

A perfect place and right altitude for rest day as well for acclimatization, morning take a short hike. The top of Namche high ridge offers grand views of Mt. Everest, Lhotse and Nuptse with Ama Dablam. Includes series of peaks, visit the park museum nearby, an interesting place to get information of the Khumbu areas.For energetic people, enjoy few hours steep climb up to Everest View Hotel for glorious view of Mt. Everest. The first deluxe and luxury hotel of Khumbu and Everest region at 3,880 m high. Afternoon relax or take a stroll around the streets of Namche Bazaar lined with shops and many nice restaurants.

Day 6Trek to Thyangboche Monastery 3,867 m - 05 hrs.

Adventure continues on leaving Namche Bazaar towards our destinations, morning walk on scenic wide path. Overlooking views of giant snow peaks as walk leads into lovely forest and down to Phunki Tenga near Imjatse River.A small place popular for lunch and refreshing stops, afternoon few hours climb up to Thyangboche and the monastery. One of the best beautiful spot for a short moderate trek, where one can enjoy panorama of Everest. Includes view of towering snow-clad peaks at close distance in the harmony of beautiful forest surroundings.At Thyangboche after checking into a nice rooms facing views of peaks, with time for short tour of the monastery. Observe the monastery interior and main prayer large hall adorned with tall statues of Buddha with various saints and Gurus.

Day 7Trek to Khumjung village 3,790 m - 05 hrs.

Walk continues downhill to cross another bridge with short climb up to Sanasa village. Which is close to the junction of Namche, Khumjung and Gokyo route. From this point a short uphill walk through birch and juniper trees to Khumjung, quite a large village. On arrival transfer to a nice homely lodge on this quiet village, within beautiful location. Here visit the Khumjung monastery above the village which is more than 500 years old history. The main prayer hall with ancient relics and tall statues of Lord Buddha and other saints and gurus.The monastery also treasures a scalp believed to be of a Yeti, kept in a glass box for visitors to witness. On paying a donation for having the pleasure to get glimpse of a Yeti scalp.

Day 8Trek to Monjo 2,880 m via Namche Bazaar- 05 hrs.

After a pleasant overnight at Khumjung, enjoy the morning glory view of Snow Mountains. Walk leads on gradual path with short ups to Khunde village, and visit the small hospital, built by late Edmund Hillary and Himalayan Trust. From here walk down to Namche Bazaar for possible lunch stop, after lunch a long descent to Dudh-Koshi River. Walk to Jorsalle village and then short up to Sagarmatha National Park and then at lovely village in Monjo for overnight halt.

Day 9Trek to Lukla 2, 846 m - 04 hours.

Last day of the adventure, enjoy the morning walk with short down and ups to Phakding. From Phakding on the same trail with hour climb to Lukla for final overnight halt around Khumbu and Everest region. At Lukla for lunch and overnight stop, with time to browse the town of Lukla.

Day 10Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu with afternoon free at leisure.

An early breakfast, with short walk to Tenzing & Hillary airport terminal in Lukla, as plane arrive from Kathmandu. Board on the small aircraft for swift short flight back to Kathmandu, and then transfer to the hotels.Rest of the day at leisure and for individual activities and shopping souvenirs of Nepal.

Day 11Free day as contingency and for individual activities.

Reserved as contingency day, in case of flight delay or cancelation in Lukla due to unfavorable weather condition. Might occurs sometime, if all goes well as per the itinerary enjoy the full day in Kathmandu relaxing and recalling the memories of wonderful time in Mountain & Monasteries trekking. As well join in for another tour to Patan and Bhaktapur, worth a visit.

Day 12International departure for homeward bound.

Your last day in Kathmandu and Nepal, as per your international flight time our staff transfer you to the airport. Then bid farewell to guide and staff as you enter the airport terminal for homeward bound flight, after a marvelous time on Mountain & Monasteries Trekking.

Whats Included

Whats Excluded

Important News

The flight to Lukla and back to Kathmandu, where flight can be delayed or might get postponed for next morning. Due to unfavorable weather conditions around mountainous region of Himalayas, can happen sometimes even in best time of the season. If the situation arise please bear with us, the company will try its best within our limit and control.At Thyangboche Monastery a colorful and lively religious festival is held called Mani-Rimdu. The event takes place in the last month of October or first week of November as per Buddhist Lunar Calendar. For interested people who want to coincide this trek with Mani Rimdu festival of Thyangboche Monastery.Please contact us for the right departure dates to be in the Mani-Rimdu Festival and to observe the lively event where monks are clad in mask and colorful robes.Dances to the tune of prayer music and chanting and wading the evil spirits from its pristine surroundings.

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Booking

Place Location

Booking

Major Highlights

Adventure in the harmony of lovely villages enriched with immense cultures .
Explore the colorful old monasteries of high Everest region around Khumbu valley.
Within Sagarmatha National Park treasures exotic flora to old heritage customs.
Following the village trail lined with impressive prayer walls of Mani and Chaitiya.
Beautiful Thyangboche Monastery with views of Mt. Everest and array of peaks.

Short Trek Profile

Trekking Mode

Tourist standard to *** Hotels in Kathmandu and in best available lodges on treks.

Trekking Grade

Moderate walks with touch of high altitude.

Highest Spot

At Thyangboche Monastery 3,867 m / 12,687 feet high.

Activities

Sightseeing tour in Kathmandu, exciting flights, scenic and cultural walks.

Trek duration

07 Nights & 08 Days from Lukla to Lukla.

Starting Point

At Lukla after landing after a short flight.

Trekking Routes

Lukla-Phakding-Namche-Khumjung-Thyangboche.

Total Trip

11 Nights & 12 Days from arrival to departure.

Best Seasons

The best seasons for Mountain & Monasteries Trekking are in spring and autumn/fall however one can visit nearly all year round, except for the wet monsoon time of July and August.The main flow and high season are spring starting from March to May, where days are longer with enough sun-light hours. The right season when wildflowers are in seasonal bloom, especially the rhododendron of various species from tall trees to shorter bushes.Morning and late afternoon till night time is cold from 3,000 m above, chances of light rain and snow-fall sometimes.

The next best season is autumn/fall, the high time for trekking around the Himalayas. Most days are crystal clear for scenic walks and best views, but short days due to sun-light hours. Can be much colder from late afternoon till the next morning before sun hits. Chances of snow-fall from 3,000 m high sometimes.

What to Expect

Nepal is a country of the world’s highest mountain range known as the Himalayas, where 80 % of landscapes are covered by hills. As well as greater ridges and mountains, where one can expect walking ups and downhill.The only flat land of the country is located south, which extends from the Far East to the Far West of Nepal. The low land is known as the Terai belt, of sub-tropical climate, the country with most mid and high hills.The people around the hills, especially around the high Khumbu and Everest region populated by the highlanders of the Himalayas. The Sherpa of Everest, interwoven with Buddhism religions and heritage culture, is similar to their Tibetan predecessors. Every house is adorned with prayer flags and villages have religious monuments and prayer walls.

The hills are lined with beautiful forests lined with rhododendron, oaks, hemlocks, pines, and fir trees. Higher up with Juniper and Birch trees, but soon gives away for short bushes and shrubs within rocky and windswept terrains.Explore the lovely Sherpa villages up to Thyangboche Monastery on route Everest Base Camp. Catching grandeur panorama of Everest with an array of Snow Mountain range the surrounds the beautiful Thyangboche Monastery.Nepal has more than 60 ethnic groups and 70 native spoken languages, with a blend of Hindu and Buddhism religions.On this trek expect more uphill climbs with downhill walks, but with constant views of snow-capped peaks. Overlooking Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Ama Dablam with an array of snow peak ranges.

Extension trips

People with enough time in Nepal, can join in for various adventure sports activities. Paragliding, Ultra-Light Flight, Bungee Jumping, Zip Flyer,White water or scenic float Rafting. Other extension program is Mountain Biking for few days, and trip to Chitwan National Park for Wild-Life Safari.