Day 01: Arrive Kathmandu International Airport- T I A (1300m) and transfer to hotel.

Day 02: After breakfast we set out for an extensive guided sightseeing tour of Kathmandu valleys cultural, historical, religious (world heritage) sites. During the course, we visit the famous Pashupatinath temple of Lord Shiva situated at the holy bank of River Bagmati where we will also observe the Hindu cremation ritual. We then proceed to the Boudhanath stupa, a major pilgrimage centre for the Buddhist faith which also is the largest of its kind in the world. We then have a short break for lunch followed by a visit to Swoyambhunath stupa also known as the Monkey Temple from where we can have a bird’s eye view of whole of Kathmandu valley. Following this we then proceed for a visit to Kathmandu Durbar Square, the oldest royal palace of Kathmandu and a UNESCO world heritage site.  The whole area of Kathmandu Durbar Square is dotted with numerous fascinating Nepalese architect dating back many centuries. The site is also the home to Nepal’s living Goddess – Kumari, where we will also have the opportunity to experience firsthand this unique Nepali tradition.  In the evening we will attend the welcome dinner hosted by Makalu Adventure with live Nepalese culture show.

Day 03: Kathmandu – Jiri (1900m):
By bus to Jiri in about 8 hours. Just outside Jiri, we set up camp for the first night.

Day 04: Jiri – Dhungye (2600m) 7 hours:

The first two days, some altimeters have to be bridged to reach the Chordung Danda. From Jiri the path ascends easily, sometimes through woods, sometimes through villages. Camp in Dhungye.

Day 05: Dhungye - Patibara La (3300m) 6 hours:
The same type of day as day 2. Today, however, the altitude difference is 800 meters. The villages are decreasing in size and number, forests are increasing! The whole day long we climb to the Patibara La, 3300 meters high. The camp site provides a spectacular view of the Jugal Himal in the west to the Rolwaling in the north.

Day 06: Patibara La – Yale Kharka (3800m) 7 hours:
The day begins with a fairly long climb to the Baramji La (3500m), through rhododendron forests interspersed with beautiful vistas. Overall, we climb to Yale, a Kharka (= open area or pasture).

Day 07: Yale Kharka - Panchen Pokhri (4100m) 5 hours:
A short day follows. Descending to the upper Khimti Khola and on the eastern side back up. The five lakes (= Panchen Pokhri) are reached and it seems that this name is rather random: a few lakes more or less.  Camp on a Kharka near one of the lakes.

Day 08: Panchen Pokhri - Jetha Pokhri (4000m) 6 hours:
Nepalese maps can mislead the user. Although the stage on the map seems very short it is not. Some ridges must be crossed, with a lot of climbing and descending. The landscape is fantastic with beautiful views of the mountains while walking through the rhododendron bushes: enjoy Nepal in optima forma! The camp site is again near a small lake, called Jetha Pokhri.

Day 09: Jetha Pokhri
Today is a spare day or a day to rest.

Day 10: Jetha Pokhri – South Ridge (4000m) 6 hours:
The tour continues over a ridge to the south. To both sides of the ridge are breathtaking views! Above the forests are snow white mountains against a deep blue sky. Camp site on the ridge

Day 11: South Ridge - Dubi Kharka (3600m) 5 hours:
A similar day follows. Without going too much up and down over the ridge to Dubi Kharka.  The camp is about 400 meters lower.

Day 12: Dubi Kharka – Thodung Monastery (2800m) 6 hours:
Along to the beautiful viewpoint Borjung (3700m), today is a long way down, a return to the inhabited world. Here and there the path leads through millet or rice fields. Thodung is known for its beautiful monastery where we camp.

Day 13: Thodung Monastery - Khimti Khola ((2000m) 5 hours:
Today we start with a descent to the Khimti Khola. Through villages, paddy fields, and some woods to Garjang. Near the river, we set up camp. After eight days, it is high time to take a refreshing dive.

Day 14: Khimti Khola – Jiri (1900m) 6 hours:
The last "walking” day leads back to Jiri. From the river we ascent to the west. Two medium-high (2400m) ridges are crossed and then followed by a descent to the end of the trail.

Day 15: Jiri – Kathmandu
Back by bus to Kathmandu, the same way as we drove through when we started, taking about 7- 8 hours.

Day 16: A day in Kathmandu, with a guided sightseeing tour of the city's main remaining attractions which were not covered during our initial sightseeing. This will include some of the city's colourful Buddhist shrines and Hindu temples followed by farewell dinner in the evening hosted by Makalu Adventure. Overnight at Thamel Eco Resort.

Day 17: Final Departure.

Should you prefer a different route or itinerary for this program, just let us know your interests and we will be more than happy to craft a tailor made trip for you in line with your specific preference.