Everest Monasteries Trek

The Everest region in Nepal is not only famous for its towering peaks, but it is also home to several ancient and culturally significant Monasteries. Trekking in the Everest region provides a unique opportunity to explore these Monasteries and experience the rich Buddhist culture and traditions of the Sherpa people.

The Monasteries in the Everest region are deeply rooted in Tibetan Buddhism and serve as spiritual centers for the local Sherpa community. By trekking to these Monasteries, you can immerse yourself in their religious rituals, observe monks chanting prayers, and gain insights into their way of life. Monasteries are peaceful sanctuaries where you can find solace and tranquility. The serene surroundings and the meditative atmosphere of the Monasteries offer an ideal environment for self-reflection and spiritual retreat. You can participate in meditation sessions or simply sit in silence, allowing the serenity of the place to rejuvenate your mind and soul.

The trekking routes to the Monasteries are set amidst the breathtaking landscapes of the Everest region. As you hike through valleys, cross suspension bridges, and ascend to higher altitudes, you'll be treated to stunning views of snow-capped peaks, lush forests, and picturesque villages. And also there is historical significance of the Monasteries in the Everest region have a rich history dating back several centuries. They have served as centers for Buddhist teachings, learning, and pilgrimage for generations. Visiting these Monasteries provides a glimpse into the region's past and allows you to appreciate its cultural heritage.

Day 01 Arrival day in Kathmandu 
Altitude: 1350m/4428ft 
Accommodation: Hotel in Kathmandu
Meals Plan: Welcome Dinner

On arrival at Kathmandu; we will greet you at the airport and transfer you to our trip hotel. Later we meet and brief about your upcoming Trek and introduce our trekking guide. Evening, we host welcome dinner at one of the finest local restaurant with music and ethnic dance. Stay overnight at Hotel.

Day 02 Fly to Lukla and Trek to Phakding 
Altitude: Lukla 2800m/9184ft & Phakding 2652m/8698ft 
Activities: 35 mins flight to Lukla and 3 to 4 hours of walk 
Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

As per flight time, our Guide will meet you in to your hotel and takes you to the airport to fly into Lukla. It is a scenic flight about 35 minutes, once you get into the Lukla, breakfast at the lodge. After breakfast, we explore the Lukla Monastery. This small Nyingma-pa Gompa is accessed down a lane on the left, off the main streets. Inside are five cons, from left to right being Buddha, the red Guru Takpa, Guru Rinpoche center, the white Sanayduma, and Chenresig. Apparently, 15-35 monks and students are active here. Adjacent to the monastery is the Thangka painting school, offering some works for sale. After your short visit to the Lukla Monastery we start our trek through the stone-paved trails towards Phakding. It is few up-downs to get into Phakding passing through plenty of prayer Rocks (Mani in local language). After getting into the lodge at Phakding, fresh up and after lunch we hike up to the Phakding Monastery. This monastery is Nyingma-pa and is quite active. There are around 20 monks and nuns in residence and offering puja, usually in the mornings. The main building houses a fearsome vision of Guru Rinpoche holding his usual Vajra/Dorje, the mace of skulls and vase-like objects. Stay overnight at the lodge in Phakding.

Day 03 Trek to Namche 
Altitude: 3440m/11283ft 
Acvities: 5 to 6 hours of walk 
Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After hot breakfast at your lodge, the trail leads towards the suspension bridge and easy uphill to the Monju from where Sagarmatha National Park begins. After short National Park formalities, drop down to the river, cross another suspension bridge and continue to walk to the high Hilary Bridge at the bottom of the hill. After the bridge, the trail leads uphill to the Namche Bazaar. On the way, you will have a great view of Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Kusum Khangru and more with the beautiful valley. Stay overnight at the Lodge.

Day 04 Namche Bazaar Acclimatization Day 
Altitude: 3440m/11283ft
Activities: Rest & Explore Day 
Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Today after breakfast we visit Namche Monastery. The small monastery (Gompa) high on the north side of the Namche bowl is worth a visit. This Nyingma-pa monastery houses a fine new golden image of Chenresig, the Tibetan bodhisattva (Buddha disciple or great teacher) knows as Avalokiteshvara in Nepal. The large image of Guru Rinpoche with an image of the Sakyamuni Buddha the earthly Buddha born in Nepal – and two Taras, the female deities linked to the Buddha. Two very large prayer wheel chambers here are of interest. The first house Guru Rinpoche and eight of his other manifestations plus the 21 Taras. The eight images are Lodan Choged, Shakya Sengge, Padma Sambhava, Sengge Dragtog, Dorje Drolod (Droll) the fiery one, Tsoke Dorje in Yab-yum, Padma Gyalpo, and Nima Odzer. The second chamber has hundreds of Buddha images. After visiting the Gompa we explore the Museum, visit Everest View Hotel, from where you can enjoy the views of Mt. Everest and surroundings peaks. Remaining of the day you can explore Namche Bazaar.  Stay overnight at Namche.

Day 05 Trek to Thame 
Altitude: 3800m/12464ft
Activities: 3 to 4 hours of walk 
Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After breakfast at Namche, the trail leads to the old village called Thamo which is easy to walk through the valley. Thamo is a small Sherpa village. Here we explore Thamo Monastery. For years this formerly small Gompa was always locked and decrepit-looking. Now a super building with a large courtyard has been built here, called Kari Garden Tenpheling. It is rare to find a Gelukpa sect institution in the Sherpa region and it is also a nunnery. The Dalai Lama holds a central Buddha and a Gelukpa Lama with his yellow hat. The eight symbols of Tibetan Buddhism are displayed. After exploring the village and Monastery, the trail leads continue to Thame. After lunch, rest a little while and explore the Sherpa village and its culture. In the Evening, we visit Thame Monastery. This Monastery is at the little uphill and takes another 30-45 minutes to reach. This monastery is over 300 years old and was established by Lama Sangwa Dorje. Rebuilt after the earthquake, the Nyingma-pa monastery has a large courtyard area with a sun kettle dish. The four guardians are present, of course, with a graphic wheel of life illustration and the harmonious friends standing on the elephant. A big wheel is on hand to pass the prayers skywards, along with the two fearsome protectors –the red Tamdrin (Hayagriva) and a dark Channa Dorje (Varjapani). Inside it is surprisingly bare, but with a vast collection of books.  Around 35 monks are in residence here. The Thame Mani Rimbu festival is held in May. After exploring the village and Monastery, the trail leads continue to your lodge for overnight.

Day 06 Trek to Khumjung 
Altitude: 3790m/12,400ft
Activities: 5-6 hrs trek
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After breakfast, we start our trek to Khumjung Village. Today we explore Khumjung Village & Khumjung Monastery. Khumjung monastery is well worth a visit and houses the only remaining yeti scalp, now that the more famous version has absconded from Pangboche Monastery. The man with the keys can usually be found and donations are welcomed. Inside the main chamber are various deities. Guru Rinpoche again takes center stage with his consorts. Here they are according to the guardian, Re Pa-Meh, the small red vision on the right, and Chowo Yeshe Norbu on the left. Further to the right is Jawa Changba in gold and to the left is the White Chenresig. The Yeti Sclap is in the metal box under wraps. You can also visit the Khumjung School established by Sir Hillary. Likewise, you can also explore Sherpa Culture Museum built in traditional Sherpa architecture. It has a collection of photographs of Sherpa climbers who climbed Mt. Everest, including the legendary Tenzing Norgay Sherpa. Overnight in Lodge.

Day 07 Trek from Khumjung to Phortse 
Altitude: 3,840m/12,598ft
Activities: 5-6 hrs trek
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

On this day of our trek, we will start walking down for half an hour and take a separate trail from the busy trail of Everest towards Phortse village which leads us to Gokyo Lake and Gokyo Ri. Phortse is considered a quiet touristic area. Despite being a tourist area, we can find some lodges beneath the towering majestic beautiful peak Ama Dablam, Mt. Lhotse and Lhotse Shar towards the northeast, and more peaks all around you. Machharmo & Kyajo Ri peaks can be seen beautifully from this village. The place will offer the best Himalayan wildlife like Pheasant, Musk deer, and Thar that can be seen from your hotel windows. 

Day 08 Trek from Phortse to Pangboche 
Altitude: 3,985m/13,070ft
Activities: 4-5 hrs trek
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Our walk will start with the pleasant forested hills side, enjoying the wonderful mountain on the right side of us.  We get to enjoy the magical view of the mighty peaks of Ama Dablam, Nuptse, and Lhotse with a view of the eastern snow-capped mountains including the Island peak (Imjatse 6,189m), which is one of the most popular peaks among all trekking peaks in Nepal. At late afternoon, we visit Pangboche Monastery. The monastery is the oldest in the Khumbu region and up to 20 monks perform ceremonies here. Inside we again find Guru Rinpoche and his consorts. Outside are paintings of the four main guardian deities and the eight auspicious signs on each side of the doors. Overnight at Lodge in Pangboche.

Day 09 Trek to Tyangboche (3,860m/12,664ft) 4-5 hrs walk
Altitude: 3,860m/12,664ft
Activities: 4-5 hrs trek
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After breakfast, we will continue the descent, admiring the magnificent Himalayan range. We take the last trail to reach Tyangboche, which climbs steeply through a forest for 30 minutes. The enormous Tyangboche Monastery stands out for its stunning backdrop of Ama Dablam, Mt. Everest, and other mountains, making it one of the most scenic destinations in the Himalayas. The first monastery here was established in 1916, taking three years to construct. The monastery was destroyed during the 1934 earthquake. Subsequently, Lama Gulu who had built it died. His successor, took up the task of rebuilding, with strong support from the monks and the local community, with support from a skilled carpenter from Lhasa, re-established the monastery. A devastating fire occurred in1989; the monastery was gutted and some of its treasures were lost. The new monastery has slowly been rebuilt and is now complete. The current Rinpoche, Ngawang Tenzin Jangpo, was born in 1935 on the same day as the Dalai Lama. After a visit by his family to the Rongbuk Monastery, he was recognized as the incarnate of Lama Gulu. His initial training took place in Tibet and he returned to Tengboche in 1956. He is now very active in promoting all aspects of Buddhism and conservation. You'll have plenty of time to explore the area around the monastery before spending the night here in Lodge.

Day 10 Trek from Tyangboche to Monjo 
Altitude:2835m/9298ft
Activities: 5-6 hrs trek
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After breakfast, you will make the short trek to Phunkethanga, a quaint settlement with a few teahouses. After passing over the Dudh Koshi River suspension bridge, the trail begins a steep ascent to Sanasa, which continues to Namche Bazaar.  We stop for lunch at Namche Bazaar and the trail continues to drop until it reaches to Monjo, where we can stay the night.

Day 11 Trek from Monjo to Lukla 
Altitude: 2,800m/9,186ft
Activities: 4-5 hrs trek
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

The journey on this day is relatively simple as there are just a few uphill and downhill sections which is a repeat of our first day's trek to Lukla. It will take us just around 4 to 5 hours to get back to Lukla. Your guide will confirm your flight for the morning once you've had a chance to rest. If you wish to, you can go for a walk. Spend the night at a hotel after having one more celebratory dinner with the trekkers.

Day 12 Fly back to Kathmandu
Altitude: 1350m/4428ft 
Activities: 35-minute flight
Meals Plan: Breakfast & Farewell Dinner

After your spectacular ascent of Everest, the day to leave Everest behind arrives. You'll return to Kathmandu by an early-morning flight, where our guide will transport you to your hotel. After a long journey, you might have some time to relax, catch your breath, and rest in your hotel. 

Day 13 Departure from Kathmandu
Altitude: 1350m/4428ft 
Activities: Departure to airport
Meals Plan: Breakfast

You will be free for any leisure activities or last-minute shopping for presents for your family, friends, or relatives on this day. You can also start any further tours or activities you may have scheduled with us before your departure. If you are departing back from Nepal, you will be driven to the airport. Here, our adventure comes to an end.
“End of our services”

Cost Includes:

• All ground transportation in Kathmandu by private vehicle (Including airport pick and drop) 
• 02 Nights three-star standard twin sharing accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast
• Welcome & Farewell dinner at one of the finest restaurant in town    
• Everest Trekking Permit (Officially Known as Sagarmatha National Park Permit), Khumbu Village Ruralcipality Permit & TIMs Card (From TAAN)
• Kathmandu- Lukla- Kathmandu flight, airport tax and transfer
• Everest Monastery Trek on full board of meals plan (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, tea or coffee in a cups only) & seasonal fruits
• Trekking accommodation at comfortable & clean Mt. Lodge & Guest Houses on twin share
• One Advanced Adventures Nepal Trekking Leader (Experienced, English Speaking, Gov. Licensed, first aid and eco trained), required assistance Leader/s as per the group size, their entire expenses, equipment and insurance
• One trek Sherpa porter for every two trekkers for carrying their trek luggage (2 Trekkers: 1 Porter), all the payment, trek equipment and insurance
• AA Trek Duffle Bag, Trekking Map, Adventure Certificate
• Down Jacket and Sleeping Bags while on trekking (To be returned after trek use)- rated to -15 Degree Celsius
• Group medicine Kit Box (First Aid Medicine)
• All the Gov. and Local taxes as per applicable
• Final departure transfer from Kathmandu

Cost not Includes:

• Nepal Visa Fee (US$- 30 for 15 days)
• International flight in/out Nepal 
• Your meals at Kathmandu (Except provided welcome/Farewell dinner and breakfast)
• Cost of beverages (Such as mineral water, beer etc.), Battery recharge, Phone Calls, WIFI use, extra porter etc. while on trek
• Travel Insurance (Must include Medical expenses, Helicopter evacuation and Trip Cancellation)
• Personal nature expenses
• Tips to Guide and Sherpa Porters
• Any extending trips

Lukla Flight Information

Flying to Lukla (Tenzing-Hillary Airport) has its own challenges and the chief among them is the weather. Lukla is surrounded by the peaks, the weather here is unpredictable and changes frequently. Flights operate only when the weather is stable and clear visibility. The chances of your Lukla flight getting canceled cannot be ruled out. If this happens, your EBC Trek may get extended by a day or two. So, we recommend you to keep buffer days so that you may not miss your international flight.

If there is a long delay due to bad weather for Lukla flight, it is better to use helicopter flight. We will secure a space for you on a helicopter flight but the cost for the helicopter flight is not included in the trip price so, you have to pay separately for the flight.

Due to overcrowding at the Kathmandu airport during the high season (Spring- March, April, May & Autumn - October, November), flights to and from Lukla now operate from Manthali Airport in Ramechhap. The airport lies 132km (4hrs drive) from Kathmandu.

Best Time to Travel

We do have two best seasons to attempt this trek to Everest. As this trip is a big trip for you, we always suggest you come at the right time of the year as far as possible.
Spring: (March, April, May) - Best warmest time to trek. Rhododendron flowers in bloom- excellent trails and clear skies, best visibility. Good Temperature, warmest weather of the year.
Autumn: (Mid-September, October, November and Mid-December) - Excellent trails, clear blue skies, best visibility. Best Time to Trek
Winter: (Mid December, January, and February) are also good, but it’s obviously colder. You have to be prepared for this. It is up to you to plan this trek at this cold time or not.
Summer: Monsoon, so rain and visibility can be a big issue (From Mid-June, July, and August). We do not suggest you this time for the trek.
You can opt for a monsoon or winter trek if you want to avoid the crowds. You can enjoy some off-season discounts at teahouses which remain mostly empty during these times. But you should be ready to face some discomforts (rain, snow, and extreme cold) if you take to the trail at these times. The flights also get frequently canceled.

Altitude Sickness & Acclimatization Information

Altitude is related to air pressure. In fact, as altitude rises, air pressure drops. The human body reacts to high altitudes. Decreased air pressure means that less oxygen is available for breathing. One normal effect of altitude is shortness of breath, since the lungs have to work harder to deliver oxygen to the bloodstream.

Remember, you will be trekking to the world’s highest trekking destination, which lies well above 5000 meters beyond sea level. To let your body, get used to the thin air, you need to walk slowly keep your body hydrated. If you try to walk fast to reach your destination in less time, more chances to may suffer from AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness).
The symptoms of AMS is like dizziness, headache, nausea, shortness of breath, fatigue, etc., are seen at elevations above 3000 meters. Usually, these symptoms occur once you reach Namche.
Drinking plenty of fluids (water, tea, soup, etc.) and keeping your body hydrated will also help keep the sickness away. One should take the necessary precautions to ensure that the condition does not worsen. But if the symptoms worsen, one may have to return to a lower elevation and get medical help.

There are few clinics in during your trek period which offer basic care for minor sicknesses. In the worst-case scenario, an air evacuation will be arranged, where the patient will be flown to Kathmandu to receive medical treatment. AMS, if untreated or ignored, can take your life.

On a high-altitude trek, acclimatization is very important. Your body needs time to get used to thin air which can be done by resting at a lower altitude before reaching a higher elevation level. Our itinerary provides you two days for acclimatization. During your trek, you will be spending extra day at Namche (3440m) to acclimatize successfully before trekking further.

Drinking-Water Information

During your trek, it is important to keep your body hydrated if in case you are dehydrate also causes altitude mountain sickness. So, you should drink at least 3-4 liters of fluids daily.

We highly recommend you to carry a re-usable water bottle with you, one that can hold hot water. You can use water purification tablets or an inbuilt filtration system to treat the water. While the water in the mountains tends to be pure and without impurities, it’s better not to take chances and filter or treat the water before drinking.

If you use chlorine or iodine tablets to treat the water may alter its taste so, you can add flavored electrolyte powder (available at pharmacies in Kathmandu) to mask the bitter taste. Adding electrolyte to your drinking water may also be beneficial as the minerals (sodium, potassium, magnesium, etc.) you lose while walking gets replenished.

If you want to use boiled water, teahouses offer at an additional cost. It can cost anywhere between US$ 1to US$ 4. The price increases gradually as you climb higher. You pay the highest for water at Gorak Shep, is around US$ 4. While cold water is provided free of charge, it is not advisable to drink untreated tap water.

Phone & Internet Connectivity on Everest Monasteries Trek

You are in the world’s highest trekking trail but internet connection (though erratic and irregular at some places) is available in the Everest Region. You can connect with your families and friends while trekking, post updates, and upload pictures on social media. Wi-fi is available at all teahouses up to Gorak Shep. But most of the teahouses will charge you extra for using their Wi-Fi.

It will be cheaper and easier to get sim card in Kathmandu and purchase internet data that could last you for your entire trip. Ncell (a private telecom company) sim card is advisable to use for this trek. The company offers 3G connectivity up to Everest Base Camp (5364m).



Packing Checklist for Everest Monasteries Trek

It is important to have correct clothing and equipment for safe trekking in Everest Region. Here below, you will find our recommended list for packing to this trek.

Head: Sun hat or scarf, Light balaclava or warm fleece hat, Sunglasses with UV protection, and Lip balm

Upper Body: T- Shirts (2), Light and expedition weight thermal tops, Fleece jacket or pullover, Fleece Wind-Stopper jacket (optional), Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell jacket

Hands: Lightweight gloves

Lower Body: Underwear (3), Hiking shorts (2), Lightweight cotton long pants, Light and expedition weight thermal bottoms, Fleece or wool pants, Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric)

Feet: Thin, lightweight inner socks (3), Thick, warm wool hiking socks (2), Hiking boots with spare laces
Camp shoes (sneakers and/ or sandals)
Accessories: Sleeping bag rated to zero degrees F, Headlamp with spare bulbs and batteries, Small padlock or combination lock, Basic First Aid Kit, Large plastic bags- for keeping items dry inside trek bag
Daypack (you will carry your own small daypack), Water bottles (2), Hiking poles/ walking sticks

Toiletries: Soap, shampoo, toothbrush, toothbrush etc., Earplugs, Small wash towel

Extras: Camera with extra batteries and cards/ film, Binoculars, Reading book |Trail Map/ Guide book
Journal & Pen, iPod & Travel games (i.e. cards, chess, and backgammon) 

Most of the trekking equipment are available in Kathmandu. You can keep your baggage light by only packing the essential items and buying the rest in Kathmandu. Shops in Thamel offer branded as well locally made gear and equipment.

Guide(S) & Staff Arrangements

You are going for the highest trekking trail in the world so, having an experienced local guide accompanying you will enrich your trip in so many ways. Trekking with a person who has in-depth knowledge of the mountain will also keep you safe and secure. Our guides have experience of more than 10 years and have a vast knowledge of the area you are visiting. Our guides have completed the trekking guide course and have all the required government license to work as mountain trekking guides. They can communicate in English and have received wilderness first aid and crisis management training.

Our trek leader will lead the trek and for every 5 trekkers, there will be an assistant trek guide assisting them personally. One porter will carry the luggage of 2 clients. Ensure that your luggage does not exceed 15 kg, as the porter can only carry a weight of 30 kg.

All our Guides and Porters are provided with weather-appropriate gear and clothing to battle the harsh weather in the mountains. Before the start of a trek, we ensure that our mountain guides are fully insured. They are given fair wages and treated with respect.

Trip Safety information

Our Everest Monasteries Trek itinerary has been designed to ensure the safety of our clients by following all safety protocols during the trip. To prevent AMS, the required number of rest days has been added to the itinerary. Our guides always carry a first-aid medication kit and pulse oximeter (to measure the oxygen level in your blood) with them. The guides assigned to you have more than 10 years of experience and know what steps to take during an emergency. If a client shows symptoms of AMS and needs to descend to a lower elevation, an assistant guide will escort him/her and follow the safety protocol. He will closely monitor the client’s condition and take the required steps needed for the client's well-being.

If the client feels alright after a night’s rest, the guide will escort the him/her back to join the group. But if the condition worsens, the client will be escorted down to Lukla or get airlifted by helicopter to Kathmandu for further medical aid.

Entry Permits & Requirements

We will arrange permits for this Everest Monasteries Trek. The permits are 1) Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit, and 2) Khumbu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit. You needs a TIMS (Tourist Information Management System) card for this trek.

Travel Insurance & Vaccination

You must obtain personal travel insurance to join us for this Everest Monasteries Trek. You must be having a travel insurance which must cover helicopter evacuation, trip cancellation and medical expenses. And it is suggested that you buy your insurance policy from your homeland country before traveling as it is difficult buying local travel insurance policy for foreigners in Nepal. It would be advantageous for you also to choose a company that offers insurance cover on domestic and international flight cancellations and lost or stolen baggage

Vaccination is required to plan to your trip to Nepal but it is not a must to have thing to come, but highly suggested. Your doctor will have the information of vaccination you would require to the country you will be traveling.

Hepatitis A, Japanese Encephalitis, Polio, Rabies, Tetanus, Typhoid and Malaria etc. are the recommended vaccination for traveling to Nepal.