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Views of Ama Dablam from Thyangboche Monastery - Everest Trek - Self Guided Trek, Nepal
Views of Ama Dablam from Thyangboche Monastery  | Peter Walton
A perfect day for trekking - Everest Trek - Self Guided Trek, Nepal
A perfect day for trekking  | Mark Tipple
The trail from Namche Bazaar to Monjo - Everest Trek - Self Guided Trek, Nepal
The trail from Namche Bazaar to Monjo  | Mark Tipple

Everest Trek - Self Guided Trek

Trek at your own pace with the freedom of self guided trekking

Nepal
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 4 reviews

12 Days from

$1980 USD

Trip Code: EVS
View dates to Book
Essential Information

Extra trip options & supplements

*Prices listed are per person

Upgrade to Radisson Hotel with Breakfast & airport transfer - Single
$150 USD
Upgrade to Radisson Hotel with Breakfast & airport transfer - Twin Share
$180 USD
Single Supplement
$190 USD
Duration
  • 12 Days
Activities
  • 8 day trek
Style
  • In Comfort Adventures  
Accommodation
  • 3 nights hotels
  • 5 nights private eco campsites
  • 3 nights eco lodge
Meals
  • 11 Breakfasts
Flights

Valued at USD$510

Difficulty Grading  
3 / 10

Introductory

Carbon Footprint  

26kg of CO2-e PP per day

(290kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)

Trip highlights

  • Trek the Everest region your own way with complete flexibility
  • Explore the heartland of the Sherpa culture as you ascend the scenic trails to Thyangboche Monastery
  • Feel the exhilaration of witnessing Everest for the first time
  • Relax in comfort with our stand high tents, raised camp bed, mattress and pillows
  • Experience a spectacular Himalayan mountain flight to Lukla

Overview

This superb new style of trekking is ideal for friends, couples or families who are keen for the flexibility that a self guided trek offers with all the World Expeditions supports and responsible tourism practices working in the background. In Kathmandu, you'll be met by our local staff who'll provide you with maps, route descriptions, accommodation voucher and luggage tags for the trek. A short flight to Lukla will see you on your way, ascending the trails toward Thyangboche staying at our eco campsites and lodges with porters to carry your luggage to the next nights camp. The trek route is a fantastic introduction to trekking in the Everest region offering great mountain scenery, immersion with the Sherpa culture and an adventure where you set the pace and the choice of starting your trek any day of the week in season.

Itinerary

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You will be met by a representative of World Expeditions and transferred to the hotel. Remainder of the afternoon at leisure. A pre-trek briefing will take place around 4.30pm where arrangements will be made for the distribution of your kit bag, sleeping bag and down/fibrefill jacket. A representative from World Expeditions will run through the route notes, answer any questions you have regarding the trek and help you settle in with a welcome drink on offer. If there are other self guided trekkers arriving today, you'll also meet them at the briefing. There are a million things to see in Kathmandu and you will be free to wander the town and explore the valley in the afternoon. The old Royal Palace, Durbar Square and the tourist quarter of Thamel are all worth a visit. The evening is free for you to enjoy this bustling, vibrant city.

Meals: Nil

Depending on the season, you will either have a free day to explore Kathmandu's bustling streets and significant landmarks or embark on a bus ride to Ramechap, a small town that operates flights to Lukla, the gate way trekking in the Everest region. Overnight: Radisson Hotel or Private eco-camp *NB: Domestic flights to/from Lukla may operate from Manthali Airport, Ramechap during spring and autumn trekking seasons (March to May and October to December). This is determined by the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal and dates are subject to change. You will be briefed on flight arrangements locally.

Meals: B

You will be transferred to the airport for the 45 minute flight to the STOL airstrip at Lukla. This was the airstrip built by Sir Edmund Hillary and his friends to service the Everest Region when he began his work of building schools and hospitals for the Sherpa people. It is a memorable flight, with marvellous views of the Eastern Himalaya. At Lukla you will be immediately impressed by the scale of the huge peaks that surround the village, but this is only a foretaste of what is to come. Your porter will meet you to take your kitbags and, after consulting your route notes, you'll head downhill towards the Dudh Kosi, named "Dudh" (milk) Kosi (river) because of its colour, a raging river that flows from the highest peaks. The broad and well-marked trail meanders around fields of potatoes and buck-wheat, and passes through small villages, as you pass rows of tree dahlia to make your way to the first campsite at Ghat, where you will sign in on arrival. Whilst you may feel like continuing and indeed, the days walk is short, the night here is imperative to ensure good acclimatisation for the trek ahead.

Meals: B

Following tea or coffee in your tent to welcome the day and breakfast in our comfortable dining room, you'll set out on the days walk, using the map and route notes provided. Per our safety protocols, it is important that you 'sign out' of the campsite prior to leaving. Sections of today's walk are through pine forest, and cleared areas reveal terraced fields and a variety of crops. Expect to pass small groups of donkeys, yaks and dzopko carrying trading goods and trekking gear along the trail. A dzopko is a yak-cow crossbreed while a yak is a full-blood long haired male, more commonly found at higher altitudes. You will pass through a variety of small hamlets as we slowly gain altitude. Spectacular mountain peaks unfold above us, and seem to hover above the tree-line as they rise above the deep river valley. Shortly after leaving camp you will cross the Kusum Khola, a tributary stream to the Dudh Kosi, and the peak of Kusum Kangru (6369 m) can be seen to the East at the head of the valley. Further along the trail, across the valley to the North-West, Nupla (5885 m) and Kongde Ri (6093 m) rise above the forested ridges. At a turn of the trail, Thamserku (6808 m) rises majestically, seemingly from the river floor and you will see your first Mani walls today. These stone structures are a compilation of many stone tablets, each with the inscription "Om Mani Padme Hum" which translates to "Hail to the jewel in the lotus", and is mantra (chant) venerated by Buddhists and Brahmans alike. Buddhists will walk to the left of these Mani Walls and chortens, but you may notice that people of the lowlands who have no knowledge of Buddhism do not follow this ceremony. The camp for the night is our private eco camp site located above Monjo. After signing in, the night is at leisure.

Meals: B

This morning we cross the green/aqua waters of the Dudh Kosi and pass through the gates of the Sagamartha National Park. The establishment of this national park is a significant attempt to stem the use of fire-wood in the area. Self-contained trek groups must use only kerosene fuels for cooking, a philosophy we follow everywhere in Nepal, whether we are in a national park or not. Tea-houses and lodges are encouraged to use kerosene, yak dung or electricity but unfortunately continue to use mostly fire-wood for cooking, heating and for hot water for trekker's showers. This practice continues to deplete the forests. We follow the river course to the confluence of the Dudh Kosi and the Bhote Kosi and cross a spectacular high bridge before commencing our ascent to the village of Namche Bazaar, the Sherpa "capital" of Nepal. It is a tough climb as the trail passes through forest of pine to a vantage point that provides our first view of Mt Everest. The trail continues to climb and meander to Namche and the sight of this prosperous village spread within a horse-shoe shaped valley opposite the beautiful peak of Kongde Ri is worth every step. After lunch you may wish to peruse the Tibetan trader's stalls or the Sherpa shops in search of a bargain. Overnight: eco-lodge

Meals: B

Our trek will start with an incline to Syangboche airstrip and along the ridgeline towards Everest View Hotel. We are welcomed with magnificent views of the surrounding mountains including Everest, Lhotse, Thamserku, Khangtega, Ama Dablam and many more. After a quick break, we continue towards Khumjung and visit Sir Edmond Hillary’s famous “Schoolhouse in the clouds.”This school was the first in the entire Khumbu region being built in 1961 with the help of the Sir Edmund Hillary and the Himalayan Trust. The school originally opened with only two classrooms but has since expanded to cater for over 350 students. We descend and follow the trail for approx 25 minutes to our new exclusive campsite at Kyangjuma. For those who are feeling the early effects of altitude can opt for a shorter acclimatization walk of around 2 hours directly from Namche to Kyangjuma. Overnight: Private eco-campsite

Meals: B

The walk to Pangboche is one of the most spectacular trekking days in Nepal. The trail meanders easily around the ridges and Everest can be clearly seen on the horizon ahead before we descend through splendid rhododendron forests for lunch. After lunch we cross the Dudh Kosi and begin the ascent to the top of a long ridge which flows from the summit of Kantega. Our trail takes us through pine and rhododendron forest, and, as this is a devout Buddhist region, the wildlife is unharmed and not too shy. As a result there is a possibility that we may see Himalayan Thar, Musked Deer or pheasants in the forest and around our campsite. As we approach the ridgeline we pass through a traditional gateway and around a chorten before cresting the ridge onto a wide grassy meadow at the monastery village of Thyangboche. The monastery was re-built with the assistance of Sir Edmund Hillary after it was destroyed by fire in 1989. The views of the Everest massif, as well as all the other major peaks of the area are astounding. After a rest and visit to the monastery we head downhill to our private eco campsite at Pangboche.

Meals: B

If the weather is clear, the mountain views from Thyangboche monastery as you pass through are outstanding - Everest, Lhotse and Nuptse are at the head of the valley, their line of sight flanked by Taweche on one side and Ama Dablam on the other. Almost directly above are Kantega and Thamserku. Completing a 360 degree panorama of mountains are Khumblia and Kongde Ri which encircle you from across the valley. It is a comfortable day’s walk, with time to explore some unique and more traditional villages. As you near the villages, you will pass through terraced fields that are home to a brightly colored pheasant, the Danphe Pheasant, the national bird of Nepal. Khumjung is where Sir Edmund Hillary built his “Schoolhouse In the Clouds” and the famed Khunde hospital is close by. World Expeditions supports both of these famous community facilities, as well as the many other projects operated by the Himalayan Trust. There will generally be the opportunity for you to visit the hospital and school. You will also be able to see the monastery at Khumjung where you may have the opportunity to see the “scalp of a yeti”. Nearby on a hilltop, with views of the mountains, is the Everest View Hotel, a joint Nepali - Japanese project, where you can stop for refreshments before passing through the yak breeding farm and descending to Namche where you'll stop for the night. Overnight: eco-lodge

Meals: B

This morning you will farewell the 'Sherpa Capital' and begin your return journey. The trail meanders through the forest to the valley floor to follow the Dudh Kosi downhill, and out of the national park to the camp at the small settlement of Monjo. Overnight at our private eco campsite.

Meals: B

Retracing your steps along the valley, you'll pass through a variety of settlements and forests before an undulating climb to Lukla. Here you can savour your final mountain sunset of the trek as you complete this exhilarating journey. The last evening of the trek is a good time to farewell your porters who will return to their villages from here and to reflect on your trek in this magnificent place.

Meals: B

Today you will fly to Kathmandu, a thrilling takeoff followed by a patch work quilt of terraced fields, forest and villages, with the Himalaya chain to the north. On arrival, you'll be transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is your own to do some last minute shopping or sightseeing.

Meals: B

After breakfast arrangements cease unless further arrangements have been made. If you are travelling by aircraft to further destinations you will be transferred to the airport.

Meals: B

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.
On self guided trips, actual route information provided before departure will be more detailed.

Ready to start your adventure?

12 scheduled departures between 4 Sep 2026 and 25 Dec 2026.

  • Departs 4 Sep 2026 – ends 15 Sep 2026 (12 days)
  • Departs 10 Sep 2026 – ends 21 Sep 2026 (12 days)
  • Departs 25 Sep 2026 – ends 6 Oct 2026 (12 days)
  • Departs 10 Oct 2026 – ends 21 Oct 2026 (12 days)
  • Departs 16 Oct 2026 – ends 27 Oct 2026 (12 days)
  • Departs 25 Oct 2026 – ends 5 Nov 2026 (12 days)
  • … and 6 more departures.
View dates to Book

What's included?

Included

  • 11 breakfasts
  • good quality accommodation in Kathmandu
  • Use of a World Expeditions trek pack including a quality sleeping bag, sleeping bag liner, and down or fibre-fill jacket (valued at US$500)
  • accommodation in a combination of our comfortable eco lodges and private eco campsites with off the ground camp beds, mattresses and pillows
  • self guided trek, information pack including route notes and map provided per room booked
  • airport transfers if arriving on day 1 and 12
  • private transportation
  • Return Flights Kathmandu/Lukla/Kathmandu
  • 15kgs luggage allowance on Kathmandu/Lukla flights
  • souvenir World Expeditions kit bag
  • all park entrance fees and trekking permits
  • porter to carry all personal equipment (1 bag of 15kg max pp)
  • insurance, protective clothing, food and shelter for porter
  • emergency hotline and support from our office in Kathmandu
  • Beverages including 4 litres of boiled drinking water a day, tea, coffee and hot chocolate with breakfast

Not included

  • International flights
  • Lunch & dinner
  • Bottled water, aerated & alcoholic drinks
  • Items of a personal nature such as phone calls, laundry, etc
  • Tips
  • Airport and departure taxes
  • Visa
  • Travel Insurance
  • A guide - this is a self guided itinerary

Reviews (4)

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Absolutely amazing. Thank you so much to our guide Bim and our porter Asha for helping us through our first Himalayan experience and to all the staff at world expeditions who helped get us there and back.

Thank you

Peter|VIC Australia
9 May 2025
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Was extremely happy with our first experience using World Expeditions and our first trip to Nepal. We did the 11 day self guided Everest Trek and it ended up exceeding all our expectations. The mountains and scenery are beyond superlatives, but it was the World Expeditions Trek staff that really made the trip, our porters and guides were exceptional in their professional approach, care and attitude in wanting to make our journey and experience of Nepal and the Himalayas the best it could be. Thank you in particular to Dinesh who looked after us from start to finish and went above and beyond. The food and mix of camps and tea houses were a perfect compliment to the trek and experiencing the local villages and communities.

Thanks WE

Robert Gibbs|Jindabyne, NSW Australia
23 Dec 2023
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My 15 year old son and I enjoyed the self guided Everest trip immensely. The trail was easy to navigate. Food was great, and the tents were comfortable. We would definitely use World Expeditions again.

Susan Stikkelorum|Turramurra, NSW Australia
25 Apr 2023
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The self-guided Everest Trek is a great way to see the Everest region at your own pace,while taking advantage of the World Expeditions experience and infrastructure. Each day is challenging yet achievable as you are guided from campsite to campsite through the spectacular Himalayas. I highly recommend opting to have lunch and dinner included in your walk as the food provided by World Expeditions is delicious.

J. Sapir|Double Bay, NSW
18 May 2018

Responsible Travel

Breathtaking views as we trek down towards Thame | Monika Molenda
Restoring Learning in Thame Project
 
Restoring access to digital education through the installation of a computer lab and smart classroom technology, helping rebuild learning opportunities for students affected by climate-related disasters.
 
In Nepal's Solukhumbu region, the remote mountain village of Thame is recovering from a devastating Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) that destroyed homes, infrastructure, and critical community services — including the local school and its computer lab. With students displaced and relocated to temporary learning facilities, access to quality education has been severely disrupted, particularly in digital learning.
 
The Rebuilding Digital Education in Thame project aims to address this gap by equipping the newly relocated Thame Basic School with a computer lab, smart boards, and essential digital infrastructure. This will enable students and teachers to access modern, technology-enabled education in one of the most remote regions in the world.
 
With support from the World Expeditions Foundation, this project will fund the installation of computers, smart boards, printers, and classroom infrastructure to support both students and teachers. The outcome? Improved digital literacy, more engaging and interactive teaching, and equitable access to education for a community rebuilding after disaster.
 
The project is led by Himalayan Trust Nepal, a long-standing organisation working closely with local communities, schools, and government partners to deliver sustainable education and development outcomes across the Khumbu region.
 
Support our work
Our Commitment to Porters in Nepal
 
Porters are central to every trek we run in Nepal, and we are committed to their safety, wellbeing, and fair treatment.
 
We ensure fair pay, enforce strict load limits (max 30kg), and provide proper clothing, equipment, meals, and safe accommodation.
 
Porters have equal access to medical care, insurance, and emergency support as our travellers.
 
You can trek knowing your journey supports responsible and ethical practices.
Help us keep the places that inspire us clean by taking part in our 10 Pieces litter initiative | Lachlan Gardiner
Cleaning Up Wilderness Trails
 
Our 10 Pieces initiative is a simple, voluntary way to give back while you trek.
 
Travellers are encouraged to collect 10 pieces of litter each day along the trail, helping protect these fragile environments.
 
You'll find more details in your client portal once you book, and your tour leader will introduce the initiative at your first group meeting in Kathmandu.

Extra trip info

Meals are fully included on our Nepal treks so you stay properly fuelled for the journey. Trekking, particularly at altitude, burns a huge number of calories each day, and we believe good food is essential to maintaining energy and enjoyment on the trail.

On a typical two-week tea-house trek, buying meals along the way can cost well over US$800 per person. Some companies appear cheaper by not including meals. By including all meals, you actually save both money and time while also knowing every day’s food is taken care of by your own trek cook.

Your groups trekking cook and kitchen crew will prepare fresh, hearty meals with careful attention to hygiene and nutrition, and there is always plenty available - seconds are always welcome. At our Eco-Comfort Camps, many meals also feature vegetables grown in the camp gardens, bringing fresh produce to some of the most remote trekking routes in the Himalaya.

We can cater for most dietary requirements - talk to our team to learn more.

Use of essential equipment is included in your trip cost | Tim Charody

If you don’t trek regularly, investing in specialised gear for a single adventure can be expensive. Quality equipment designed for high altitude and cold conditions is essential, yet we see many trekkers in Nepal with gear that might look suitable, but will not be effective in many Himalayan conditions.

To save you hassle, and money, we provide the use of a World Expeditions Trek Pack including a quality sleeping bag, down or fibre-fill jacket and a cosy fleece sleeping bag liner. At our Eco-Comfort Camps we even supply an extra blanket. You receive your Trek Pack at the start of your trip, use it throughout your trek, and can pack it into your World Expeditions souvenir kit bag when travelling on the trail.

Just as importantly, it supports your safety and comfort. Staying warm at night and getting proper rest (along with good food) are critical to maintaining energy and enjoying your trek in the Himalaya.

Flight to Lukla | Lachlan Gardiner

Flights to Lukla are included on our Everest region treks and are arranged by our team so the group travels together. We work with the most reliable airlines operating this route, selecting those with the strongest safety records.

Demand for Lukla flights is extremely high during peak trekking seasons and seats can sell out quickly. Booking early allows us to secure the flights and services required for your trek, and your ticket includes an extra 5kg baggage allowance for a total of 20kg.

Flights now operate via Ramechhap rather than Kathmandu, where accommodation is limited and the airport area becomes very busy during trekking season. To make the experience smoother, we stay at our private airport camp just a five minute walk from the terminal, allowing a relaxed drive the day before and avoiding the 1am start many trekkers face when travelling from Kathmandu to reach the early morning flights.

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A self guided trek gives you the independence of travelling at your own pace, while we take care of the logistics. We provide you with detailed route notes, maps, and pre-booked accommodation. Your main luggage is transferred for you between lodges, so you only carry a light daypack with essentials. Although you trek independently, our local team is available 24/7 should you need assistance. This option is ideal if you enjoy the freedom of walking without a group, but still want the security of our support behind the scenes.

The season typically runs from late September (Autumn) to early May (Spring). This is when there is no monsoon and the weather is stable and clear enough for views of the 8000m giants. In some parts of the Himalaya, Spring brings with it a riot of colour thanks to the famous rhododendrons.

Yes – you need to be a confident and experienced trekker. This trip is not guided, so you should be comfortable following route notes and maps, and managing your own pace without daily support from a guide.

You’ll only carry your daypack (approx. 6–8kg / 13–18lb) with daily items like water, camera, rain jacket, and snacks. Your main luggage is transferred between lodges for you

Your trek duffel (provided) should not exceed 15kg (33lb). On Lukla flights, you’re allowed 10kg checked and 5kg carry-on (total 15kg / 33lb). We provide this allowance specifically for trekking gear.

Yes - any extra items not needed on the trek can be safely stored at the group hotel in Kathmandu.

Yes - all accommodation is twin-share in lodges. If you'd prefer your own space, a single supplement is available at an additional cost (subject to availability).

At higher altitudes, especially at night and above 3,000m (9,840ft), temperatures can drop below freezing. Expect mild to cool days and colder nights. Lodges provide basic bedding but we supply you with a warm sleeping bag, liner and down/fibre jacket for added comfort.

Lodge toilet styles can vary. Some provide Western-style sit-down toilets, while others may have more basic squat-style facilities.

Yes, there are opportunities to see Everest on clear days from Namche and Tengboche. You’ll also enjoy excellent views of Ama Dablam, Thamserku, and other peaks in the Khumbu. This trek does not reach Everest Base Camp, making it a gentler alternative to the full EBC route.

You'll stay at the Radisson, a 4-star hotel, in Kathmandu. On trek, you’ll overnight in carefully selected lodges. These are basic but comfortable, and your accommodation is pre-booked by our team to ensure availability.

Yes, in most villages there are opportunities to charge your devices for a small fee. Carry fully charged spare batteries and a solar charging pack as backup.

Breakfast is included at your Kathmandu hotel, and breakfasts are included at lodges on trek. Other meals are at your own expense, allowing you flexibility to choose from lodge menus along the way.

Our trek is graded Introductory to Moderate (3). Days can involve up to 6 hours of trekking, with some ascents/descents and altitudes up to 3,867m (12,687ft). You should be reasonably fit and comfortable trekking independently in varied mountain terrain.

The trek reaches Tengboche at 3,867m (12,687ft), where the famous monastery is located.

Yes - return flights to and from Lukla are included. Each trekker is allowed a total luggage weight of 15kg (33lb) on these flights.

No - we provide one. A warm sleeping bag, liner and down/fibre fill jacket are included as part of your trek package.

You won’t need to invest in expensive gear you might only use once - we include essentials like a quality sleeping bag, down or fibre fill jacket and sleeping bag liner. Once you’ve booked, we’ll provide a detailed gear list outlining what you need to bring.

Because this trek is self guided, you are responsible for monitoring your own health. Our itinerary is paced with acclimatisation days, and we provide information on recognising and responding to altitude sickness. We do not use oxygen on our treks. If symptoms persist, the only effective treatment is descent. Our Kathmandu office provides 24/7 support should evacuation be required.

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