Trip overview
The Lukla to Namche Trek is one of the most iconic short treks in Nepal, offering a perfect introduction to the Everest region. This classic route takes you from the dramatic mountain airstrip of Lukla (2,860m) to the vibrant Sherpa town of Namche Bazaar (3,440m), following ancient trading trails along the Dudh Koshi River.
Ideal for trekkers with limited time or those beginning their journey toward Everest Base Camp, the Lukla to Namche trek blends spectacular Himalayan scenery, rich Sherpa culture, and gradual altitude gain. Along the way, you pass through charming villages such as Phakding and Monjo, cross famous suspension bridges, and walk beneath towering peaks like Kusum Kanguru and Thamserku.
Namche Bazaar, the gateway to Everest, offers a unique mix of tradition and modern comfort, with bakeries, museums, viewpoints, and sweeping mountain views. Whether completed as a standalone trek or as the first stage of a longer Everest adventure, this journey delivers unforgettable mountain experiences in a short and rewarding timeframe.
Lukla to Namche Trek Highlights
Scenic flight to Lukla Airport, one of the world’s most thrilling mountain airstrips
Walk along the Dudh Koshi River through pine and rhododendron forests
Cross iconic Himalayan suspension bridges, including the Hillary Bridge
Experience authentic Sherpa villages and Buddhist prayer wheels, mani walls, and chortens
Enter Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
First clear views of Thamserku, Kongde Ri, and Kusum Kanguru
Explore Namche Bazaar (3,440m) – the cultural and commercial hub of the Khumbu region
Perfect short trek or ideal warm-up for Everest Base Camp and higher Everest treks
Lukla to Namche Trek Itinerary
Expand AllDay 01: Arrival in Kathmandu – Transfer to Hotel – Tour Briefing
Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, you will be warmly welcomed by our representative and transferred to your hotel.
After check-in and some rest, we will meet in the evening for a tour briefing, where you’ll receive detailed information about the trek, safety guidelines, and equipment check.
Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu
Meals: Welcome dinner (optional)
Full Day Kathmandu Sightseeing
After breakfast, enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of Kathmandu Valley’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including:
- Pashupatinath Temple – the holiest Hindu temple in Nepal
- Boudhanath Stupa – one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world
- Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) – panoramic views of the valley
- Kathmandu Durbar Square – historic royal palace and temples
This day helps you understand Nepal’s rich culture and spiritual heritage before heading into the mountains.
Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu
Meals: Breakfast
Fly Kathmandu to Lukla – Trek to Phakding (2,652 m)
Early morning transfer to the airport for a scenic mountain flight to Lukla (approx. 30–35 minutes).
After meeting the trekking crew and final preparations, begin your trek toward Phakding. The trail descends gently through Sherpa villages, prayer wheels, mani stones, and pine forests along the Dudh Koshi River.
Trekking Time: 3–4 hours
Overnight: Teahouse in Phakding
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,446 m)
Today’s trek follows the Dudh Koshi River, crossing several suspension bridges, including the famous Hillary Bridge.
You will enter Sagarmatha National Park at Monjo, where permits are checked. After a steady uphill climb, you’ll reach Namche Bazaar, the vibrant Sherpa capital and main trading hub of the Everest region.
Trekking Time: 5–6 hours
Overnight: Teahouse in Namche Bazaar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Trek to Khumjung valley, Everest Hotel (3880m)
This is a crucial day for acclimatization to help your body adjust to the altitude.
You can take a short hike to:
- Everest View Hotel for views of Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam
- Syngboche Airstrip
- Sherpa Culture Museum and Sagarmatha National Park Museum
- Khumjung and Khunde valley visit
The rest of the afternoon is free to explore cafés, bakeries, and local markets.
Overnight: Teahouse in Namche Bazaar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Trek to Thame and back to Khunde (3840m)
Today you trek towards Nepal, Tibet border the village call Thame and Thamo monastery and after lunch trek back via Khunde village for overnight stay.
Overnight: Teahouse in Khunde village
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Trek Khunde to Phakding
Today you descend back through Namche Bazaar and retrace the trail down to Phakding.
The walk is mostly downhill, passing forests, Crossing the long Hillary suspension bridge over the Dudh Koshi river, and walking riverside settlements like Jorsalle and Manjo
Trekking Time: 6–7 hours
Overnight: Teahouse in Phakding
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Phakding to Lukla (2,840 m)
A pleasant final trekking day back to Lukla.
This is a relaxed walk with time to reflect on the journey and celebrate the successful completion of the trek with your guide and porter team.
Trekking Time: 3–4 hours
Overnight: Teahouse in Lukla
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Fly Lukla to Kathmandu
Early morning flight back to Kathmandu, enjoying last views of the Himalayas.
After arrival, transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for shopping, massage, or rest.
Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu
Meals: Breakfast
Leisure Day in Kathmandu
A free day to relax or explore Kathmandu on your own.
Optional activities include:
- Souvenir shopping in Thamel
- Optional cultural tour
- Spa or traditional Nepali dinner show
Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu
Meals: Breakfast
Transfer to Airport – Departure
According to your flight schedule, you will be transferred to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward journey.
Meals: Breakfast (depending on flight time)
Not quite satisfied with this itinerary?
No worries – every traveler has unique preferences, and we’d be happy to adjust the plan to match your style, comfort, and interests. Let us know what you’d like to add or change, and we’ll create a journey that feels truly yours.
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