The best viewpoint onto Everest in the region — usually climbed as an add-on to the Base Camp trek.
Tell us about your mountain experience and current fitness so we can discuss the demands of this route and suitable preparation for your trip.
A twelve-day Khumbu outline focused on Kala Patthar, with acclimatisation before the high viewpoint. The programme starts with the Lukla flight; add time around mountain flight connections.
Times and elevations are approximate. + means ascent and − means descent. Values marked net compare the start and end of the walking stage; they exclude the extra ups and downs along the trail. Travel by flight, road or lift is excluded from walking elevation figures. Flexible days are set by the leader.
Fly to Lukla when conditions allow and begin the walk to Phakding. This stage establishes the pace and lodge routine.
Reach Phakding after the Lukla flight.
Stay lower in the valley before the climb towards Namche. Airport and road transfer arrangements are confirmed before travel.
Follow the valley trail and climb into Namche Bazaar, around 3,440m. The day gains significant height compared with the opening stage.
Climb into Namche and establish the next overnight base.
Stay for two nights before continuing into the upper Khumbu.
Walk above Namche and return to the same overnight base. The high point is selected around the group and the weather.
Walk towards the Everest View area and return to Namche.
Use the rest of the day to prepare clothing and equipment for the higher lodges.
Continue towards Tengboche, around 3,860m, on a varied trail with descents as well as climbs.
Reach the Tengboche monastery village.
Settle into the monastery village area, keeping time for rest after the day’s walking.
Walk into the higher valley towards Dingboche, around 4,410m. The surroundings open out as the route leaves the lower settlements.
Continue into the upper valley to Dingboche.
Dingboche provides the next acclimatisation base before the approach towards Lobuche.
Take a measured walk above the village and return to the lodge. The leader chooses the distance and turnaround point.
Take an acclimatisation walk and return to the same lodge.
The afternoon gives time to rest before the stages reaching the highest overnight stops.
Continue to Lobuche, around 4,940m, approaching rougher ground beside the Khumbu Glacier. Steady progress matters more than speed.
Reach Lobuche beside the Khumbu Glacier.
Arrive with time to settle into the lodge and organise equipment for the viewpoint.
Walk to Gorak Shep, around 5,164m, then attempt Kala Patthar if conditions permit. The timing depends on the weather and the group rather than a guaranteed sunset.
Continue via Gorak Shep to Kala Patthar and return to the lodge.
Return to Gorak Shep for the night. A separate Base Camp visit needs to be agreed when planning this viewpoint-focused trip.
Leave the highest lodges and descend towards Pheriche, starting the return down the valley.
Leave Gorak Shep for a lower overnight base.
Allow time for uneven ground and the effort of the preceding days, even though the overall direction is downhill.
Continue through the valley towards Namche Bazaar. The trail still involves climbing as well as descending.
Return along the Khumbu trail to Namche.
Spend the night in Namche before the final walk to Lukla.
Complete the final trekking stage and organise equipment for the return flight.
Complete the final stage to Lukla.
This ends the walking route, but flight availability and mountain weather still influence the travel programme.
Fly out of Lukla when conditions allow, completing any road transfer to Kathmandu. Treat the day as a travel stage rather than a guaranteed international connection.
Return to Kathmandu, subject to flight conditions.
Discuss extra nights and onward travel with us before booking.
Quality costs more. The programme is planned around the group, the route and the conditions. Summit attempts remain subject to the leader’s assessment, and the final arrangements are confirmed before booking.
Subject to weather, mountain conditions and route availability.
Price: on enquiry. Your quote will set out the route, group size, accommodation and inclusions.
Prices confirmed on enquiry. Published prices are indicative. Hut availability, routes, permits, transport and other associated costs can change after publication. Your written quote confirms the final price, itinerary, inclusions and exclusions for your dates and group.
The package outline below is tailored to this expedition. Your written SOOM quote confirms the inclusions, exclusions and accommodation for your departure.
Typical season: March–May & September–November, subject to conditions. Ask about availability and your confirmed quote.
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