About KONGDE TREK (12 DAYS)

Kongde is a lesser-visited destination that presents an opportunity to explore the Everest region from a different angle. The spectacular views of Khumbu and the Himalayas that you get from here have not been witnessed by many—including people who live in the Khumbu region. This is because the route to Kongde village is different from the ones that go to EBC trek and the surrounding regions. In addition, the village itself is extremely sparse in settlement and isolated from the rest of Khumbu. However, the sweeping views of the Himalayas that you get to observe from Kongde is equal to—if not better than—the views you get from the more popular treks of Khumbu.

Upon your arrival in Kathmandu, our staff will receive you at the Tribhuvan International Airport and take you to your hotel. The following day is set aside for sightseeing in and around Kathmandu. You will get to visit several World Heritage Sites: Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, and Swayambhunath (also known as Monkey Temple). Depending on the availability of time, we might also visit Durbar Square as well as surrounding areas like Bhaktapur and Patan.

Early next morning, you will fly to Lukla airport (the gateway to Mt. Everest) in a small aircraft. It is a short flight (30 minutes). Once you land at Lukla, your trek begins. You will hike through green and lush landscapes, covered with forests of pine and rhododendron. The path is gentle, allowing you to adjust to the pace of trekking in the mountains and giving you a first glimpse into the lives and culture of the Sherpa people as well as the stunning views of the Himalayas, beginning with a grand view of the sacred Khumbila (God of Khumbu).

Your first destination is Phakding, a quiet settlement by the Dudh Koshi River. The trail up to Phakding is relatively easy. You will pass through quiet jungles and villages along the Dukh Koshi river. From Phakding, the journey continues to Namche Bazaar, the central village of the Everest region. It is a short journey but the path is steep. The trail to Namche ascends steadily, crossing multiple high suspension bridges. As you climb, the views begin to shift, and the mountains become more imposing, offering the first hints of what’s to come. By the time you reach Namche, the altitude begins to make its presence felt, which will only get significantly higher from there on. Therefore, the next day is set aside for rest and acclimatization. While in Namche, you will take a short hike to the famous Everest View Hotel, from where you get a great view of Ama Dablam, Mount Everest, and several other mountains. You will also visit small villages around Namche, particularly Khumjung, a charming little village popular among the locals for its school.

After spending an extra day at Namche, you will trek to Thame. Thame is a beautiful village where the Himalayas stretch out in all directions, and the presence of the mountains is almost overwhelming. The place also has a sense of history that pervades the air. This village, with its monastery and old stone buildings, is known for being the birthplace of many famous Sherpas who have played pivotal roles in Everest expeditions. Here, you’ll have the chance to witness traditional Sherpa life in its most authentic form.

After Thame, you will start your journey toward your main destination. Since Kongde is located at a hilltop and is at a higher elevation than Thame, you will have to hike through steep paths to reach your destination. On your way, you will pass through extremely quiet and offbeat paths and places witnessed only by a few. Above 4000 metres, Kongde feels like a complete departure from the bustling towns like Namche. It feels extremely remote and serene. A key feature of this trek is the climb to Farak Ri, the hilltop near the village. From here, you can see not just Mount Everest, but also Lhotse, Makalu, and the dramatic ridge of Ama Dablam. The view from Farak Ri rivals those from the more popular viewpoints, like Gokyo Ri or Kalapatthar. The stillness of the mountain mornings and the absence of large crowds allow for introspective moments, perfect for those who want to connect deeply with the natural surroundings. After spending an extra day exploring the village and Farak Ri, you will descend to Phakding, after which you will trace your steps back to Kathmandu.

Note: You also have the option to do a luxury tour, which allows you to directly fly in and out of Kongde in a helicopter.