9 Day Himalayan Summit Experience

For those drawn to the call of the mountains, The Himalayan Summit Experience offers a rare opportunity to explore the legendary Everest region in both comfort and depth. This nine-day journey seamlessly blends exhilarating adventure with luxury, guiding you through the majestic landscapes of the Khumbu with premium lodges, personalised service, and exclusive access by helicopter.

Your journey begins in Kathmandu, where golden rooftops, ancient stupas and bustling marketplaces introduce you to Nepal’s rich spiritual and cultural heritage. From here, you’ll soar by private helicopter over the foothills of the Himalayas, watching as valleys narrow into ridgelines and prayer flags flutter from distant passes. Touching down in Lukla, the adventure begins on foot—following stone paths through rhododendron forests, past cascading rivers, and into the heart of the Khumbu.

This is not just a trek, it’s a thoughtfully paced expedition designed to honour both body and spirit. Along the way, you’ll spend your nights in some of the finest lodges in the region, offering warm meals, en-suite comforts, and unmatched mountain views. Discover the vibrant Sherpa capital of Namche Bazaar, visit ancient monasteries clinging to mountainsides, and breathe in the quiet majesty of the Gokyo Valley, where turquoise lakes reflect peaks that seem to touch the heavens.

One of the most memorable moments comes with an early ascent to Gokyo Ri, a summit that rewards with panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, Cho Oyu and the glacial valleys that cradle them. And rather than retracing your steps, you’ll enjoy an effortless descent by helicopter, a fitting finale that allows you to take in the scale and beauty of the Himalayas from the skies, before returning to Kathmandu.

With expert local guides, porter support, all permits arranged, and seamless attention to every detail, this is a Himalayan experience like no other… crafted for those who wish to encounter the mountains with reverence, adventure, and a true sense of ease. If you’ve ever dreamed of walking in the footsteps of legends, The Himalayan Summit Experience offers the chance to do so elevated, unforgettable, and entirely your own.

YOUR ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu
Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, you’ll be met by your private driver and transferred to a luxurious 5-star hotel in Kathmandu. Settle in and unwind before joining your travel guide for a welcome briefing in the evening. This is your first chance to experience the warmth of Nepali hospitality and prepare for the incredible journey ahead. Dinner is included tonight, allowing you to relax and savour the atmosphere of this vibrant city.

Day 2: Helicopter Flight to Lukla & Trek to Phakding
Your Himalayan adventure begins with a scenic helicopter flight to Lukla, the iconic mountain airstrip that marks the gateway to the Everest region. From here, you’ll begin a gentle trek through the lush Dudh Koshi Valley, passing small Sherpa villages, suspension bridges, and forests of pine and rhododendron. After 3–4 hours of walking, you’ll reach Phakding, where a premium lodge awaits with warm hospitality and breathtaking valley views.

Day 3: Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar
Today’s trail leads you deeper into the Khumbu, with a steady ascent through a series of river crossings, wooded trails, and terraced hillsides. As you enter Sagarmatha National Park, the landscape opens to reveal snow-dusted peaks in the distance. After a 5–6 hour trek, you’ll arrive in Namche Bazaar, the colourful heart of the Sherpa world, nestled at 3,440 metres. Check into a premium mountain lodge and enjoy a restful evening surrounded by panoramic views.

Day 4: Acclimatisation in Namche Bazaar
To help your body adjust to the altitude, today is set aside for acclimatisation. After breakfast, take a short hike up to Syangboche, where a stunning panoramic view of Everest, Ama Dablam, and Thamserku awaits. Later, explore Namche’s markets, cafés, and the Sherpa Culture Museum. This pause allows you to gain altitude gradually.

Day 5: Trek from Namche to Dole
Leaving Namche behind, you’ll continue the ascent towards the Gokyo Valley. Today’s 5–6 hour trek winds through rhododendron and pine forests as well as high ridges, offering magnificent views of Cho Oyu, Everest, and the surrounding peaks.

Day 6: Trek to Gokyo Lakes
Today’s trek is one of the most scenic of the journey. Over 6–7 hours, you’ll climb gently through open glacial terrain to reach the stunning Gokyo Lakes, a cluster of vivid turquoise waters set against towering mountain backdrops. The atmosphere here is peaceful and otherworldly. You’ll spend the night at a premium lodge near the lake’s edge…an unforgettable setting surrounded by silence, snow, and sky.

Day 7: Gokyo Ri Sunrise & Helicopter Return to Kathmandu
Rise early for a hike to Gokyo Ri (5,357m), a panoramic summit offering one of the best sunrise views in the Himalayas. Watch as golden light illuminates Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, and the glacial valleys below. After descending, a helicopter will whisk you away, soaring once more over the dramatic landscapes you’ve just traversed. Arrive back in Kathmandu and check into your luxury 5-star hotel for a well earned evening of rest and celebration.

Day 8: Cultural Discovery in Kathmandu
With the mountains behind you, today is devoted to Nepal’s rich cultural heritage. Your private guide will lead you through UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the sacred temple complex of Pashupatinath, the towering white dome of Boudhanath Stupa, and the artisan-filled streets of Patan Durbar Square. Return to your hotel with time to shop, relax, or enjoy a spa treatment before dinner.

Day 9: Departure Day
After breakfast, a private transfer will take you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward journey. You’ll leave with not only memories of summits and skies but a deeper connection to Nepal’s landscapes, people, and spirit.