Kyajo Ri Peak Climbing

Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, complete your visa formalities and collect your luggage. After exiting the arrival hall, you will be greeted by our representative, who will be waiting just outside with a signboard.

You will then be transferred to your designated hotel in Kathmandu. Our staff will assist you with check-in and ensure you are comfortably settled. The remainder of the day is free for rest and recovery after your journey, allowing you to prepare for the adventure ahead.

After your first night in Kathmandu, you will be informed of the schedule for your guided sightseeing tour. The tour includes visits to the sacred Pashupatinath Temple and the iconic Boudhanath Stupa, offering a meaningful introduction to Nepal’s cultural and spiritual heritage.

Depending on your flight arrival time, the tour will take place either in the morning or afternoon. If you arrived late the previous night, the tour will be scheduled later in the day to allow sufficient rest and recovery from jet lag.

In the evening, you will attend a detailed briefing with your trek and climbing leader, who will explain the trekking and climbing program, safety procedures, and logistics. This time can also be used to check and arrange any missing trekking or climbing equipment in Kathmandu.

Early in the morning, you will be transferred to Tribhuvan International Airport for a scenic 30-minute flight to Tenzing–Hillary Airport, Lukla. The flight offers spectacular views of the Himalayan landscape, including snow-capped peaks and deep valleys.

Upon arrival in Lukla, you will meet the trekking crew and enjoy breakfast at a local lodge. Once the porters organize and load the luggage, the trek officially begins. The trail follows a stone-paved path, passing Mani walls and traditional villages, with pleasant views of Lukla and the surrounding countryside.

Today, the trek continues along the Dudh Koshi River, winding through beautiful pine forests and crossing several suspension bridges along the way. The trail passes through small Sherpa settlements, including Zapute, Toktok, Benkar, and Chumoa, offering glimpses of local life in the Khumbu region.

You will reach Monjo, the official entrance to Sagarmatha National Park, where permits are checked. After descending briefly from the park entrance, the trail crosses the river once more before continuing toward the impressive Hillary Suspension Bridge, located at the base of a steep hill.

After crossing the bridge, a challenging uphill climb leads to Namche Bazaar, the bustling heart of the Khumbu region. Along the ascent, enjoy views of Thamserku Mountain, and if the weather is clear, you may catch your first glimpse of Mount Everest, along with Lhotse, Nuptse, and Kusum Kanguru. Arrive in Namche Bazaar by late afternoon and settle into your lodge.

Overnight stay at a lodge in Namche Bazaar.

Namche Bazaar is known as the gateway to the high Himalayas and serves as the main trading hub and cultural center of the Sherpa community. A rest day here is essential for proper acclimatization before ascending to higher altitudes.

To aid acclimatization, a short hike will be arranged to explore nearby Sherpa villages such as Thame, one of the oldest Sherpa settlements, where you can observe traditional lifestyle and rich local culture. Depending on time and interest, visits to Khumjung, Khunde, or Khongde villages may also be possible.

Namche Bazaar offers several attractions, including the Sagarmatha National Park Headquarters, local museums, and monasteries. You may also enjoy browsing the lively marketplace, visiting cafés, bakeries, and restaurants, or simply relaxing in town.

Namche is well equipped with modern facilities such as a post office, hospital, government health post, and internet access, allowing you to stay in touch with family and friends.

Overnight stay at a lodge in Namche Bazaar.

After leaving Namche Bazaar, the trek continues toward Dole, taking approximately 4–5 hours. The trail initially follows the classic Everest Base Camp route until reaching Sanasa, where the path diverges toward the Gokyo Valley and Renjo La Pass.

From Sanasa, the trail climbs steadily uphill to Mong La (4,000m), offering breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks. The route then descends to Phortse Tenga, crossing the river before beginning a gradual ascent through scenic rhododendron forests.

Continuing uphill, you will arrive at the small settlement of Dole, situated high above the valley with impressive mountain scenery.

Overnight stay at a lodge in Dole.

Leaving Dole early in the morning, the trek follows a gradual ascent along the valley, passing through juniper forests and open alpine terrain. Along the way, you will pass seasonal grazing areas where yaks can often be seen feeding on lush high-altitude pastures.

As the trail climbs higher, enjoy panoramic views of Cho Oyu, Kangtega, and Thamserku mountains, adding to the scenic beauty of the day’s walk.

After a steady trek, you will arrive at Machhermo, a small settlement known for its dramatic mountain surroundings and peaceful atmosphere.

Overnight stay at a lodge in Machhermo.

Departing from Machhermo, the trail follows a scenic route toward Pangka, gradually ascending through open alpine landscapes. After a short descent from Pangka, the path follows a river flowing west of the vast Ngozumpa Glacier, the largest glacial system in Nepal.

The trail then climbs through rocky terrain before reaching the sacred Gokyo Lakes area. Continuing along the edge of the glacier toward Cho La (5,420m), you will pass the second Gokyo Lake. A brief walk from there leads to the third lake, Dudh Pokhari, the largest and most beautiful of the Gokyo Lakes.

The village of Gokyo is situated on the eastern shore of Dudh Pokhari, offering stunning views of the surrounding peaks and glacier.

Overnight stay at a lodge in Gokyo.

Today is an important acclimatization and rest day, allowing your body to adapt to the increasing altitude while keeping active with a rewarding hike. The main highlight of the day is an early morning ascent of Gokyo Ri, one of the finest viewpoints in the Everest region.

From the summit of Gokyo Ri, enjoy spectacular panoramic views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, and the vast Ngozumpa Glacier below. For those with extra energy and time, a visit to the Fifth Gokyo Lake may also be arranged.

After the hike, descend back to Gokyo village to relax and recover. Lodges in Gokyo provide a comfortable place to rest and enjoy the serene surroundings.

Overnight stay at a lodge in Gokyo.

Departing Gokyo early in the morning, the trail leads into a high valley before beginning a steady climb over rock and ice spurs toward the base of Renjo La Pass. The ascent of Renjo La is challenging, taking approximately 3–4 hours, but the effort is richly rewarded.

At the summit of Renjo La (5,435m), enjoy one of the most spectacular panoramic viewpoints in the Solukhumbu region. From here, you can see Cho Oyu, Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Makalu, Cholatse, Tabuche, and many other majestic Himalayan peaks.

The descent from the pass follows stone steps down to a serene glacial lake, after which the trail continues along its edge toward the small settlement of Lungden, nestled in the high alpine landscape.

Overnight stay at a lodge in Lungden.

After an early breakfast in Lungden (4,500m), the trek follows a scenic path through ancient, walled Sherpa villages, offering insight into traditional Himalayan life. The region is home to diverse wildlife, including yaks and Himalayan deer, making the journey both cultural and natural.

The trail follows a historic trade route connecting Nepal and Tibet, once used by Tibetan traders crossing Nagpa La Pass to reach Namche Bazaar. This route provides a glimpse into the region’s rich history and enduring cultural traditions.

By late afternoon, you will arrive in Thame, a picturesque Sherpa village surrounded by towering peaks.

Overnight stay at a lodge in Thame.

After a hearty breakfast in Thame, the trek continues toward the charming village of Mende. This section passes through diverse alpine landscapes, including patches of rhododendron forest, and involves gentle rolling climbs and descents along the valley trails. Along the way, enjoy spectacular views of Thamserku, Kangtega, and surrounding peaks. Keep an eye out for wildlife, including yaks and dzos grazing in the meadows.

Mende is a small, cozy village, offering a more intimate experience compared to the larger settlements on the Everest Base Camp trek. Upon arrival, settle into your teahouse to rest and acclimatize in preparation for the climb to Kyajo Ri Base Camp the next morning. The afternoon can be spent exploring the village, interacting with locals, and enjoying the peaceful Himalayan surroundings. Dinner will be served at the teahouse as you prepare for the next day’s adventure.

Overnight stay at a teahouse in Mende.

Today’s trek is relatively easy and scenic as we leave Mende and follow a narrow yak trail toward a high pass. After crossing the pass, the trail descends into the Kyajo Drangka Valley, located to the south of Kyajo Ri.

The route offers spectacular views of surrounding Himalayan peaks, including Thamserku, Kusum Kanguru, Pacharmo, and several other towering mountains. Upon reaching a flat area near the river, we will set up Kyajo Ri Base Camp and prepare for the upcoming climb.

Overnight stay at Kyajo Ri Base Camp (camping).

Today is a rest and preparation day at Kyajo Ri Base Camp, allowing your body to acclimatize and recover before the climb. You will receive detailed instructions on peak climbing techniques and guidance on the safe and proper use of essential climbing gear, including ice axes, crampons, harnesses, and ascenders. Additionally, you will be briefed on safety protocols and emergency procedures, ensuring you are prepared to handle any challenging situations on the mountain. This day is also an opportunity to organize your equipment, review the summit plan, and mentally prepare for the ascent.

Overnight stay at Kyajo Ri Base Camp (camping).

After a day of rest and practice at Base Camp, we begin our ascent to Camp 1. The trek starts along a grassy spur, gradually leading to a rocky section strewn with boulders and pebbles. Upon reaching a suitable flat area, we will set up Camp 1, offering a comfortable and secure spot to rest. The campsite provides breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding peaks, making it an inspiring location to spend the night.

Overnight stay at Camp 1 (camping).

Today is a rest and acclimatization day at Camp 1, allowing your body to adjust to the higher altitude and reduce the risk of altitude sickness. The day is focused on light activities, such as short, gentle walks around the campsite, while maintaining proper hydration and nutrition. Strenuous exertion is avoided to support your body’s acclimatization process, ensuring you are well-prepared for the next stage of the climb.

Overnight stay at Camp 1 (camping).

Today’s ascent involves technical climbing on mixed slopes of up to 55°, including glacier crossings. The trail requires careful navigation over snow, ice, and rocky sections. Camp 2 is situated near a large glacier, offering ample space to set up tents. From this vantage point, you can observe the summit route planned for the following day. If the weather is favorable, the camp receives plentiful sunlight, which not only boosts morale but also helps dry any damp gear. After a demanding day of climbing and acclimatization, you will rest overnight at Camp 2, preparing your body and mind for the final summit push.

Overnight stay at Camp 2 (camping).

Today is the highlight of the expedition—the summit push to Kyajo Ri. It will be a long and physically demanding day, but the breathtaking views and sense of achievement make it immensely rewarding.

We will begin before sunrise, enjoying a quick breakfast before setting out. The climb starts over boulders and glacier terrain, leading to the southwestern ridge. From there, we tackle a mix of snow, ice, and small rock sections en route to the summit.

At the 6,186m summit, take time to soak in the panoramic Himalayan views and capture memorable photos. After celebrating your achievement, we will carefully descend back to Camp 2 for rest and recovery.

Overnight stay at Camp 2 (camping).

Today is a free contingency day, included in the itinerary to accommodate any unforeseen delays during the climb. Factors such as weather conditions, altitude adjustments, or the fitness of team members can affect the schedule, and this day ensures we stay on track without compromising safety.

It also provides an opportunity to rest, recover, and enjoy the surrounding scenery, helping the team maintain energy and readiness for the descent or any remaining summit attempts.

Overnight stay at Camp 2 (camping) or Base Camp, depending on the previous day’s progress.

Today we descend back to Kyajo Ri Base Camp, marking the successful completion of the climb. The trek down is generally easier, as the route is familiar and the terrain well known.

Upon arrival at Base Camp, take time to relax, reflect, and celebrate the achievements of the expedition. You may choose to explore the surrounding area or hike a short distance to a nearby viewpoint for a final perspective of the stunning Himalayan scenery.

This is also a moment to share stories, reminisce about challenges overcome, and enjoy the camaraderie of the team after an incredible journey. Whether resting or taking in the views, the day offers a well-earned sense of accomplishment.

Overnight stay at Base Camp (camping).

Today, we begin the descent from Kyajo Ri Base Camp back toward Namche Bazaar. The trail is mostly downhill, making for an easier and more relaxed trek compared to the ascent. Along the way, we pass through rhododendron forests and small Sherpa settlements, enjoying the sights of traditional village life and the surrounding alpine scenery. By late afternoon, we arrive in Namche Bazaar, where you can rest, explore the town, and enjoy the lively atmosphere of this Himalayan hub.

Overnight stay at a lodge in Namche Bazaar.

Today, we continue our descent from Namche Bazaar toward Lukla. The trail gently winds downhill, crossing the Dudh Koshi River via suspension bridges and passing through Monjo, where we complete the official formalities at the Sagarmatha National Park check post.

From Monjo, we retrace the trail to Phakding for lunch before continuing to Lukla. The route is scenic and colorful, adorned with prayer stones, mani walls, and prayer flags, creating a serene and spiritual atmosphere.

Upon arrival in Lukla, we stay overnight at a lodge. In the evening, we celebrate the successful completion of our trek with our Sherpa guides and porters, honoring the teamwork and friendships formed during this unforgettable journey.

Overnight stay at a lodge in Lukla.

We rise early this morning for breakfast and prepare for our flight back to Kathmandu. The short flight offers stunning aerial views of the Himalayas as we leave the high mountains behind. Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be greeted by our representatives and transferred to your hotel in Kathmandu. The rest of the day is free to relax, explore the city, shop, or enjoy a final taste of Kathmandu at your own pace.

Overnight stay at a hotel in Kathmandu.

Today is a free day in Kathmandu to relax and enjoy the city at your own pace. You may choose to take a day tour of Kathmandu’s cultural and historical highlights, or explore Thamel, the vibrant tourist hub, where you can shop for souvenirs, handicrafts, and local artwork for family and friends.

In the evening, we will gather for a farewell dinner to celebrate the successful completion of our climb. Enjoy a delightful meal accompanied by a traditional cultural dance performance by local artists, creating a memorable finale to your Himalayan adventure.

If you wish to extend your stay in Nepal, please let us know. You can email us for details on customized extensions or additional activities.

Overnight stay at a hotel in Kathmandu.

The day of departure has arrived. We sincerely thank you for joining us on this incredible journey, and it has been a pleasure sharing this adventure with you. We hope your climb has been a rewarding experience, leaving you with lasting memories of the Himalayas and the people you met along the way.

Our team will assist you with final preparations and ensure all arrangements are in place. You will then be transferred to Tribhuvan International Airport at least three hours before your scheduled flight for your onward journey.

We wish you a safe and pleasant journey home, and we hope to hear from you again for future adventures.