After breakfast, we will visit Bouddhanath Stupa. We will visit around Pashupati Nath Temple before visiting Bhaktapur Durbar Square. Today we will enjoy a local lunch at Bhaktapur Durbar Square before returning to the hotel for some free time.  This evening, we will meet for the official Trip Briefing and Welcome Reception followed by dinner. (B, L, D)

Today will present the optional opportunity to experience the Himalayas from the air (extra cost). For those interested, an early wake up call will get you to the airport for a flight to see Mount Everest, and potential views of the other 8000 meter mountain peaks. You will be back in time for breakfast before heading out to Soyambhunath (monkey temple). We will visit Kathmandu Durbar Square where we will have lunch at a local restaurant.  The balance of the day at your leisure. Dinner on your own. (B,L)

If you didn't do the optional Everest flight (extra cost) yesterday, you have an opportunity to do so this morning. (optional). After breakfast today we will make our way to Patan. Here we will visit Krishna temple and Golden Temple. We will have lunch in Patan today before making our way to The Terraces Resort & Spa, our home for the next three nights. You will have the day to explore the property, book a spa treatment, and just relax. Tonight, we will gather for our pre-race dinner and race briefing. (B,L,D)

After an early breakfast (starting at 4:30AM), make your way outside the front door to the start line. With an 8:00AM start time for the half marathon and an 8:30AM start for the 10KM race and a six hour (6 hours) time limit, you should be back to the hotel in time for lunch. The course is a mix of inclines and declines that will challenge you. The terrain is on local dirt roads and can best be described as a trail race. Shower up and enjoy a massage, soak in the jacuzzi or a swim the pool. Tonight, you enjoy a sumptuous buffet dinner. (B, L, D)

There is a 6 hour time limit for the half marathon and a 5 1/2 hour time limit for 10K race.

Today is a free day to relax and savor the finish. Be sure to secure your massage time.  Enjoy one of the many activities in the area, such a spa treatment, explore the area on a mountain bike, or book a ride on the local zipline. 

Prior to dinner, we will have our guest speaker, Pemba Sherpa, provide a presentation about his life, accomplishments and his book. Those attending will receive a signed copy of his book. 

Tonight, you will enjoy an al a carte dinner at the restaurant. (B,L,D)

After breakfast, we will make our way to the airport for our 25 minute flight to Pokhara. A city famous for its natural beauty and views of stunning mountains, such as the revered peak,  Machapuchare (Fish Tail). We will check in today at the Fish Tail Lodge. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. Dinner is on your own. (B,L)

This morning we will have an early morning visit to Sarangkot for a sunrise and mountain view.  We will experience a sightseeing tour that includes Davi's Fall, Gupteshower Cave, and a Tibetan Camp. We will enjoy a local lunch followed by a boat ride on Phewa Lake, the second largest lake in Nepal. Dinner is on your own.  (B,L)

Accommodations at: Fish Tail Lodge

 After breakfast  we will depart for a visit to the White Peace Stupa, followed by visits to Pumdi Ghuumdi to see the Shiva Statue. We will enjoy lunch lakeside, with an allowance to enjoy the lakeside area. Dinner is on your own this evening. (B,L)

After breakfast today we will fly back into the city of Kathmandu. We will check back into the Hotel Yak & Yeti. Lunch is on your own today. Perhaps a visit to Thamel for lunch and last minute shopping for trekking gear.

Tonight, we gather in the lobby for our Farewell Dinner in Patan. We will depart the hotel as a group. Enjoy a cultural show and entertainment. 

Reconfirm your flights today if you are departing for home. 

For those that have chosen to extend their stay, we will depart early tomorrow for the start of our trekking extension to Namche Bazar and onward to Tyangboche. You may consider leaving some of your luggage behind that you will not need during the trek. We will return to the Hotel Yak & Yeti at the end of the trekking. (B,D)

*For those interested in trekking to Everest Base Camp, additional arrangements will need to be discussed and confirmed.  

Today we bid you safe travels and send you off with memories of a lifetime OR we start creating new memories with an optional trek to Namche Bazar and Tyangboche.

For those not on the Himalayan Trek Extension, you will be picked up at hotel and transported to the airport (expect 3 hours prior to departure). 

This morning we will take helicopter from Kathmandu to Lukla. Flights from Kathmandu are often delayed, sometimes for several hours. Traveling to Lukla via helicopter ensures a timely arrival into Lukla. We will hit the ground running upon arrival into Lukla. We will be met by the local sherpas and porters. The sherpas will lead the way along the trail as we make our way to Phakding. The porters will meet us in Phakding with your gear. You need only your daily supplies in a day pack (chocolate, mittens, water bottle, hat, extra pair of socks, etc).  

Accommodations: The Himalayan - Phakding
Trekking time: 3 hours Trekking distance: 4.7 miles (7.5 km)   

After breakfast in Phakding, you'll start a steady and steep incline towards Namche. This is a challenging day as you'll start to feel the altitude. The route also consists of a number of high suspension bridges over the Dudh Kosi River that you need to cross.   Just beyond the village of Monjo is the entrance to the Sagarmatha National Park, which was set-up in order to protect and preserve the fragile mountain environment (your guide will cover your permit fees here). The trail gets steep along the way, and if the weather is clear, you will get the first glimpses of Mount Everest. When you arrive at Namche, settle into your accommodations and explore the town. Namche is a great place to stock up on supplies, such as chocolate, as there are numerous small shops selling snacks and trekking gear, as well as restaurants and bars. If here on a weekend, check out the Saturday market—a meeting place for the Hindu traders from the lowlands and the Tibetan yak caravans that have crossed the glaciated Nangpa La. (B,L,D)

Overnight: Panorama Hotel Namche

Trekking time: 6-7 hours Trekking distance: 4.7 miles (7.6 km) 

Acclimatization day to allow our bodies to adjust to the high altitude.  Day hike to Everest View Hotel and back. Today's trek will take around three hours.

 It's the best way to acclimatize and still stay active. You can also visit the Khunde Hospital set up by Sir Edmund Hillary.

This is what you came for. Today, you will have views of some of the most famous mountains in the Himalayas including Ama Dablam, Nuptse, Lhotse, and when clear, Everest.. (B,L,D)  

Kwangde (6,011m), Thamserku (6,623m), Kangtega (6,782m), Nuptse (7,861m), Lhotse (8,516m), Ama Dablam (6,812m) and, of course, Mount Everest (8,848m).  

Accommodations: Panorama Hotel

After breakfast in Namche, you'll follow the trail along the side of the valley high above the Dudh Kosi River. You'll get your first views of the Khumbu region's giant peaks: Mount Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Ama Dablam. Pass by several villages and numerous tea shops, and descend steeply to a bridge over the river at Phunki Tenga. The village is an ideal stopover for lunch and you can rest before making the steep climb to Tyangboche.

Although this next zigzag path is tiring, your views will include beautiful rhododendron forests, colorful birds, and superb mountain scenery. Tyangboche is famous for its legendary monastery, the largest in Khumbu, and a spectacular panorama of the aforementioned peaks can be seen from where you'll stop for the night. (B,L,D)

Accommodations: The Himalayan - Tyangboche
Trekking time: 4-5 hours (5.7 miles / 9.2 km)

After breakfast, we begin our trek back to Namche Bazaar We pass through the forest, small settlement villages and make small ups and down to Namche Bazar.  (B,L,D) 

Accommodations: Panorama Hotel

5 hours (5.7 km/9.2km)

This morning we will enjoy an early breakfast at the Panorama before we make the final trek back to Lukla.  We will stop for lunch in Phakding.

With a late afternoon arrival back into Lukla, we will have dinner onsite at the Hikers Inn. (B,L,D)

Accommodations: Hikers Inn Lukla

After breakfast in Lukla, you'll take an early morning helicopter back to Kathmandu.

 
Upon arrival, you'll be transferred to your hotel and will be able to enjoy the rest of the afternoon and evening at your leisure. Explore Kathmandu's streets on foot, bicycle, or rickshaw, perhaps shopping for souvenirs or seeing anything you may have missed at the beginning of your trip. Dinner will be on your own. (B)

Accommodations: Yak & Yeti Hotel

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast. You have the entire day to explore Kathmandu on your own. Perhaps relax by the pool? (B)

Accommodations: Yak & Yeti 

Enjoy your last Nepalese breakfast before being picked up for your ride back to the airport. Grab your last minute gifts. Be sure you collected your passport. (B)

Safe travels! Namaste!