Trip Facts

Duration

12 days

Trip Grade

Moderate

Group Size

2-7

Highlights

  • Walk through the spiritual heart of the Everest region, surrounded by Himalayan giants
  • Visit sacred and ancient Tengboche, Thame, and Pangboche monasteries
  • Explore deep-rooted Sherpa culture, Buddhist beliefs, and colorful prayer flags in mountain villages
  • Panoramic views of Everest, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, and Lhotse
  • A peaceful trekking route combining both nature and spirituality
  • Short yet meaningful cultural journey without the physical demands of high passes
  • Connect with monks and witness traditional Buddhist rituals and pujas
  • Ideal for those seeking cultural immersion, natural beauty, and moderate trekking

Overview

The Mountain & Monasteries Trekking – 12 Days is a peaceful, enriching journey into the spiritual and scenic core of the Khumbu region. Unlike traditional high-altitude Everest treks, this route follows a moderate trail that leads you to some of the oldest and most revered Buddhist monasteries in the Himalayas, including Tengboche, Pangboche, and Thame. You’ll walk beneath towering peaks like Everest, Ama Dablam, and Thamserku, all while learning about the Tibetan Buddhist culture that shapes life in these highland villages.

This trek is perfect for those who want a blend of cultural exploration and mountain adventure—without pushing to extreme elevations or passes. Along the way, you’ll visit quiet gompas (monasteries), spin prayer wheels, walk past mani walls, and meet monks performing daily rituals. From the vibrant markets of Namche Bazaar to the serene trails leading to Thame and back, this is a journey into the soul of the Himalayas—where mountains and monasteries exist in sacred harmony.

Itinerary

When you arrive at Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport, your trip starts. Our staff will greet you and take you to your Thamel hotel. After you check in, you'll meet your hiking guide for a short talk and a check of your gear. After your flight, you have the rest of the day to relax or check out the lively streets of the city.
Place to stay: Kathmandu hotel
Dinner: Welcome Nepali dinner included

A scenic mountain flight takes you to Lukla – the gateway to the Everest region. After a brief rest, we begin the trek with a gentle walk along the Dudh Koshi River. You'll pass through pine forests, prayer wheels, and small Sherpa settlements before reaching Phakding.
Accommodation: Teahouse in Phakding
Dinner: Traditional Sherpa-style meal

Today's trail winds through beautiful rhododendron forests and crosses several suspension bridges draped in prayer flags. After a steep ascent through Sagarmatha National Park, we arrive in Namche Bazaar – the bustling Sherpa capital. This is the main trading hub of the Khumbu region, with bakeries, gear shops, and amazing mountain views.
Accommodation: Lodge in Namche Bazaar
Dinner: Warm Sherpa cuisine

To help your body adjust to the altitude, we spend a rest day exploring Namche. Visit the Namche Monastery, one of the region's oldest spiritual centers, and hike to the Everest View Hotel for panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam. Learn about Buddhist rituals and Sherpa culture.
Accommodation: Same lodge in Namche
Dinner: Local meals and Tibetan tea

Leaving the busy trails, we head to the quiet town of Thame, which is in a part of the Khumbu that not many people hike to. There are prayer walls and chortens along the trail, which follows an old trade route to Tibet. In the evening, visit the peaceful Thame Monastery, which is on a hill above the village.
Teahouse in Thame for lodging
Dinner: Sherpa food made at home

Today is all about mental growth and soaking up other cultures. You can talk to monks doing their daily practices at the Thame Monastery, which is more than 300 years old. You will learn about Tibetan Buddhism, how to meditate, and what it's like to live as a monk. You can take a short, optional walk to the nearby ridges, which offer amazing views of the Himalayas.
Accommodation: Same teahouse in Thame
Dinner: Organic Sherpa meal

We trek back through alpine forest trails toward Khumjung – one of the largest Sherpa villages. Along the way, enjoy views of Ama Dablam and Kongde Ri. Visit the Khumjung Monastery, home to a mysterious "Yeti Scalp," and spend time observing monastic life in this peaceful village.
Accommodation: Teahouse in Khumjung
Dinner: Freshly prepared mountain meal

Today’s journey leads us through forested ridges and deep river valleys to the spiritual center of the Everest region – Tengboche. The famous Tengboche Monastery sits against a dramatic backdrop of snow-capped giants. In the evening, you may get to witness a prayer ceremony by the resident monks.
Accommodation: Lodge near Tengboche Monastery
Dinner: Tibetan-inspired cuisine

After attending the morning puja (prayer), explore the monastery further and stroll through the surrounding forest. Later, we descend gradually back to Namche, retracing our steps through rhododendron and juniper forests.
Accommodation: Lodge in Namche Bazaar
Dinner: Celebration meal

We make our final descent through charming Sherpa villages and along the Dudh Koshi River, back to Lukla. The trail feels familiar, but the sense of achievement is new. This is your final night in the Everest region.
Accommodation: Guesthouse in Lukla
Dinner: Farewell dinner with trekking crew

After breakfast, take a morning flight back to Kathmandu. Once back in the capital, you’ll be transferred to your hotel. Enjoy a hot shower and maybe some shopping or sightseeing in the afternoon.
Accommodation: Hotel in Kathmandu
Dinner: On your own (we can suggest great local restaurants)

Depending on your flight schedule, our team will drop you at the airport for your onward journey. You leave with blessings from the mountains and memories of Nepal’s sacred side.
Accommodation: None
Meals: Breakfast included

Cost Details

Included

  • Airport pick-up and drop-off in private vehicle
  • 3 nights hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast
  • Domestic flights (Kathmandu–Lukla–Kathmandu)
  • Government-licensed guide and porter
  • All required permits (Sagarmatha National Park, TIMS, Khumbu Permit)
  • Teahouse accommodation during the trek
  • All meals on trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
  • Kathmandu city tour with guide and transport
  • Welcome and farewell dinner in Kathmandu
  • First aid kit, duffle bag, and trek map

Excluded

  • Nepal visa fee upon arrival
  • International airfare
  • Travel and emergency evacuation insurance
  • Lunches and dinners in Kathmandu (except welcome/farewell dinner)
  • Personal trekking gear (sleeping bag, jacket, poles)
  • Tips for guide, porter, and staff
  • Extra expenses due to flight delays or unforeseen events

Useful Information

Trek Difficulty and Altitude

Mountain & Monasteries Trekking is a moderate trek suitable for beginners and experienced hikers alike. The highest point is Tengboche Monastery (3,867m), well below the altitude where altitude sickness becomes a major concern. Acclimatization is still included to ensure comfort and safety.

Best Time to Trek

  • Spring (March–May): Best time with blooming rhododendrons and stable weather.
  • Autumn (September–November): Crisp air, clear mountain views, and ideal trekking conditions.
  • Winter (December–February): Possible, but colder and some lodges may be closed.
  • Monsoon (June–August):  It is not recommended to travel in this time due to heavy rainfall and cloudy views.

Cultural Highlights

This trek gives you a look into the old Tibetan Buddhist practices by the Sherpa people. Monasteries in Pangboche, Tengboche, and Thame are important spiritual sites where monks chant, do rituals, and hold festivals like Mani Rimdu in the fall.

Accommodation & Food

Lodges are simple but comfortable, offering twin-sharing rooms and hearty meals. Food includes Nepali dal bhat, Tibetan bread, fried rice, pasta, and tea. Vegetarians will have many options. Teahouses may charge extra for Wi-Fi, charging, and hot showers.

Travel Insurance

All trekkers are required to have insurance that covers medical emergencies, altitude sickness, and helicopter evacuation. Even though this trek stays below 4,000m, emergencies may still require evacuation.

Permits

We arrange all necessary permits including:

  • Sagarmatha National Park Entry
  • Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Fee
  • TIMS Card (Trekkers’ Information Management System)

Responsible Travel

Please respect local customs, especially when visiting monasteries. Always ask before taking photos, remove shoes inside temples, and walk clockwise around religious monuments.

FAQs

Yes. People who want to learn more about culture and see beautiful scenery without having to go to very high altitudes or climb very steep hills should go on the Mountain & Monasteries Trekking.

You might be able to go to evening pujas (prayers) at temples like Tengboche or Thame, depending on the time. Your guide will help you understand these spiritual practices and do them with care.

Tengboche is the highest point, at about 3,867 meters. This height is safe for most hikers who are in good shape.

These are religious hubs where monks live, study, and do religious ceremonies. They are real spiritual places, not just places for tourists to visit.

This trek is less crowded, lower in altitude, more culturally immersive, and focuses on the spiritual aspects of the Khumbu region rather than just reaching Everest Base Camp.