Kongma Tse Peak Climbing

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu

As soon as you land at Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport, the lively energy of Nepal’s capital city greets you. The moment you exit, the city’s noises surround you — from car horns to local sellers chatting and the distant buzz of city life.

A trekking company’s rep will often be there to pick you up and take you to your hotel. You then have the rest of your day free. You can relax after your flight, get comfortable in your new place.

Kathmandu offers you quiet in its many temples or the buzz of its busy markets, marking the start of your journey.

Accommodation: The Everest Hotel
Meals: Not Included

Day 2: Kathmandu Sightseeing and Trek Preparation

On your second day, a tour guide takes you around Kathmandu to explore its historic gems, like the famous UNESCO World Heritage Sites. You will see critical religious spots such as the Swayambhunath or ‘Monkey Temple’ and the impressive Boudhanath Stupa.

Before you begin your trek to Kongma Tse, you will go through a vital briefing. You and your guides will talk about what to expect on the trek, go over the plan, and understand the safety rules and the particular challenges you might face.

It is also the time to check your gear to ensure everything you have is ready for the climb, including your clothes and any climbing tools.

Paying close attention now to getting everything right is vital for a safe and sound climb, and it’s a significant part of getting ready for your adventure.

Accommodation: The Everest Hotel
Meals: Breakfast

Day 3: Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla (2,800m, 35min flight), then Trek to Phakding (2,652m, 3-4 hours trek)

You fly from Kathmandu to Lukla, and this flight is exhilarating. The views of the Himalayas and the fields below are excellent. As you fly between the mountains, you’ll see the kind of wild land you’ll soon be walking on.

When you land at the airport in Lukla, which is very high and looks dramatic, you’ll feel thrilled to start your hike.

Your hike starts at Lukla, and you head to Phakding. The trail is beautiful, with Sherpa villages and lots of greenery. You will walk over bridges with colorful prayer flags that wave in the breeze, crossing rivers from the icy mountains.

Accommodation: Teahouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 4: Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440m, 5-6 hours trek)

Your journey takes you through thick forests where the sounds of nature fill the air. You will walk across several hanging bridges that move with the rivers they span.

These bridges, decorated with colorful prayer flags, bring life to the walk. The forest trail is calm, offering you moments of peace and chances to see wildlife along the way.

You will reach Namche Bazaar, the lively center of the Khumbu area. Surrounded by mountains, this busy village has shops and places to eat and sleep.

It is a popular spot where people going up or down the mountain meet. Namche is suitable for getting used to the high altitude and experiencing the local Sherpa culture’s warm welcome.

Accommodation: Teahouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 5: Acclimatization Day in Namche Bazaar (3,440m)

In Namche Bazaar, you can walk around the markets to see and buy handmade crafts, local clothes, and trekking equipment. You can also try different local foods and find lovely keepsakes.

A must-do is visiting the Everest View Hotel, well-known for its amazing views of Mount Everest and the mountains around it. Enjoying a hot drink on the hotel’s terrace and looking at the mountains is something you’ll always remember.

You will take short walks around Namche Bazaar to get used to the high altitude. These walks are essential for helping your body adapt to less oxygen. By hiking up high during the day and sleeping at a lower altitude at night, your body learns to handle the high elevation better.

These little hikes are not just good for acclimatization; they also let you see more of the beautiful scenery and get ready for the more demanding parts of your trek that are coming up.

Accommodation: Teahouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 6: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Tengboche (3,860m, 5-6 hours trek)

Your trek from Namche Bazaar to Tengboche will take you up and down hills and through thick forests full of rhododendrons and fir trees. When you reach Tengboche, you’ll find the famous monastery there, a peaceful place where monks chant and add to the calm feeling of the area.

The view from Tengboche is breathtaking, especially the sight of Ama Dablam, a mountain with a distinct pyramid shape that stands out among the other giant peaks. You can pause and take in the incredible scenery with the grand Khumbu mountains around you.

Accommodation: Teahouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 7: Trek from Tengboche to Dingboche (4,410m, 5-6 hours trek)

You head down from Tengboche to the Dudh Koshi River, walking through a green landscape with small villages and colorful prayer flags.

As you walk, you cross several swaying suspension bridges. These bridges excite your trek and let you see the river rushing below and the mountains rising above.

You climb up to Dingboche, a pretty village surrounded by fantastic mountain scenery. Many climbers and hikers stop here on their journeys. Dingboche is known for its stone walls that shield its barley and potato fields from the chilly winds.

Accommodation: Teahouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 8: Trek from Dingboche to Chhukung (4,730m, 3-4 hours trek)

You trek to Chhukung, a small, quiet village surrounded by huge mountains. As you walk, the scenery around you shifts, showing off the rugged beauty of the mountains.

Chhukung is calm and offers a nice break, especially for climbers who will attempt climbing Island Peak after this.

In Chhukung, you can enjoy fantastic sights, looking up at Lhotse, the world’s fourth tallest peak, and Island Peak, famous for its unique appearance.

These vast mountains encircle you, filling you with wonder and a peaceful feeling. This spot lets you truly take in the grandeur of the Himalayas.

Accommodation: Teahouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 9: Acclimatization Day in Chhukung

In Chhukung, you stop to let your body get used to the high mountain air. This rest helps you stay healthy and ready to walk more. You can take it easy, talk with other trekkers, and prepare for their next climbs.

You can also take short walks around Chhukung while getting used to the altitude. These walks are good for your health and let you see more of the area.

You can check out interesting places near the village and enjoy the fantastic views of the mountains. These easy walks are a vital part of preparing your body for going up to even higher places on your trek.

Accommodation: Teahouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 10: Trek from Chhukung to Kongma Tse Base Camp (5,400m, 4-5 hours trek)

You head out on a hike to Kongma Tse’s base camp, where fewer trekkers go. The way there can be challenging but also thrilling, as it’s part of the adventure that takes you deep into the Himalayas.

The path shows nature’s untamed side, letting you know you’re moving into a secluded part of the mountains.

Near the base camp, the surroundings get wilder, and the terrain rougher. It’s an adventure filled with the untouched beauty of the mountains.

The deeper into the mountains you travel, the more you can feel the solitude and impressive scale of the landscape around you, getting you ready for the exciting parts of your trek that are still to come.

Accommodation: Local Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11: Rest and Acclimatization at Base Camp

You rest at the base camp to help your body get used to the thin air at high altitudes. This break is fundamental to lower the chance of getting sick from the altitude and ensure you’re strong enough to climb to the summit.

It is time to relax, get used to the new height, and mentally prepare for the climb. At the same time, you get everything ready for the climb to the top.

You check your gear, review your path, and discuss the plan with your guides or group. Here’s the time to work out last-minute kinks, make backup plans, and confirm that you’re ready for the demanding yet thrilling journey to the top.

Accommodation: Local Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12: Summit Day - Kongma Tse (Mehara Peak) (5,849m, 8-10 hours for the round trip)

You start the climb up Kongma Tse while it’s still night. When the snow is firm and easier to walk on, you can get more done by starting early and taking advantage of the finest weather conditions.

As you go higher, the first light of sunrise begins to light up the mountains, giving you a boost as you push on.

A complete view of the vast Himalayan mountains surrounds you at the summit. You take your time at the top to enjoy the fantastic sight, feeling proud of what you’ve done.

It is a view you’ll always remember. Then, you return to base camp to relax after a long, tough day.

Accommodation: Local Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13: Descend from Kongma Tse Base Camp to Chhukung (4,730m, 3-4 hours trek)

You head down to Chhukung from the summit, feeling proud with every step. The village of Chhukung buzzes with happiness from the success.

Everyone who climbed shares stories, and the friendship built on the climb grows stronger. There’s a party atmosphere as climbers cheer for each other’s achievements.

Accommodation: Teahouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 14: Trek from Chhukung to Lobuche (4,940m, 5-6 hours trek)

You start walking back to Lobuche, a key spot for trekkers on their way home. The trail goes through the beautiful Khumbu area, which still amazes you as much as when you first saw it.

The walk down to Lobuche lets you enjoy the views one more time and think about all you’ve done on your climb.

In Lobuche, there are always lots of trekkers around. It has simple lodges and tents where you can rest and feel good after your climb.

People here share stories of their time in the mountains, making it a happy place where everyone gets ready to finish their trip in the Himalayas.

Accommodation: Teahouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 15: Trek from Lobuche to Gorak Shep (5,164m, 3-4 hours trek), then to Everest Base Camp (5,364m, 2-3 hours round trip from Gorak Shep)

You hike towards Gorak Shep, the last stop before Everest Base Camp. The path gets rough, filled with rocks and ice, making you feel excited as you get closer to your goal.

Gorak Shep is a simple place near a frozen lake, where a few lodges shelter people like you who are on their way to climb or see the mountains. The thrill grows as you leave Gorak Shep, with Everest Base Camp almost within reach.

When you get to Everest Base Camp, it’s a fantastic moment. You are right there among huge mountains, seeing where climbers start their journey to the top.

Colorful flags wave, and tents are everywhere, showing the hopes and hard work of climbers from all over. You can see the Khumbu Icefall, known for its challenges, and standing there, you feel like you are part of Everest’s long history of adventures.

Accommodation: Teahouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 16: Trek from Gorak Shep to Kala Patthar (5,545m, 2-3 hours) and Back to Lobuche (4,940m, 2-3 hours trek)

You hike up to Kala Patthar early, before the sun comes up, aiming for a stunning view of the sunrise over Mt. Everest.

It is an arduous climb, but it’s worth it when the sun’s first light brightens Everest’s peak, turning the snow golden. This fantastic view at the start of your day is unforgettable.

Then you walk back down to Lobuche, thinking about all the fantastic things you’ve seen. Once you get to Lobuche, you spend the night there, resting in a cozy, calm lodge in the mountains. Here, you relax fully, feeling happy and content with what you’ve done today.

Accommodation: Teahouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 17: Trek from Lobuche to Pangboche (3,985m, 5-6 hours trek)

You walk down to Pangboche, a village known for its beauty and culture. Here, you see traditional homes and fields and understand how the local Sherpa people live. It’s an excellent place to rest and learn about the community.

At the old Pangboche Monastery, you can feel the area’s spiritual history. Inside, it’s colorful with prayer flags and wall paintings that show Buddhist stories. It’s a peaceful and holy place that gives you a sense of calm.

Accommodation: Teahouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 18: Trek from Pangboche to Namche Bazaar (3,440m, 4-5 hours trek)

Retracing your steps through familiar terrain, you begin the journey back to Namche Bazaar. It allows you to see the landscapes you’ve already encountered from a different perspective.

The paths you’ve walked before now feel like old friends, and the once-new and exciting surroundings have become an integral part of your trekking experience.

As you approach Namche Bazaar, the lively heart of the Khumbu region, you can’t help but notice how your journey has come full circle. The town that was once a stopover for acclimatization now represents a sense of accomplishment and a connection to the Sherpa culture.

Here, you will have the opportunity to rest, reflect on your adventures, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of Namche before continuing your descent through the Himalayan landscapes.

Accommodation: Teahouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 19: Trek Back from Namche Bazaar to Lukla (2,800m, 6-7 hours trek)

As you descend, you return to Lukla, marking the end of your incredible trekking adventure. While descending through the familiar trails and beautiful landscapes, you can’t help but feel a sense of accomplishment and a touch of nostalgia for the journey you’ve experienced.

The stunning mountain views that were once ahead of you are now behind, a testament to your determination and resilience.

Upon your arrival in Lukla, a whirlwind of emotions envelops you – a feeling of achievement, the anticipation of returning to the bustling world beyond the Himalayas, and a bittersweet farewell to the rugged mountains that have been your companions.

Accommodation: Teahouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 20: Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu (1,400m, 35min flight)

Once you’ve said goodbye to Lukla, you’ll catch a flight back to Kathmandu. As the plane soars above the stunning Himalayan peaks, you’ll have a chance to reflect on the incredible journey you’ve just completed.

This flight offers a final opportunity to take in the breathtaking mountain views before returning to the bustling life of the capital.

Upon returning to Kathmandu, you will receive a warm welcome and enjoy a special farewell dinner. Here’s an opportunity to toast your successes, exchange hiking tales, and indulge in delectable Nepali fare.

Surrounded by fellow trekkers and immersed in the rich culture of Kathmandu, this dinner is the perfect way to conclude your Himalayan expedition.

Accommodation: The Everest Hotel
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 21: Departure from Kathmandu

As you say goodbye to Kathmandu, you take along treasured memories of your Kongma Tse adventure. The stunning Himalayan landscapes, the kind hospitality of the Sherpa communities, and the feeling of accomplishment from reaching the summit will always stay in your heart.

While boarding your departing flight, you think about how the mountains transformed you and the friendships you built on the trail. Kongma Tse was the pinnacle of your trek, but the whole experience was like reaching a summit.

Meals: Breakfast