Pumori Expedition (7,145m)

Your Himalayan expedition begins upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM). You will be greeted by our expedition representative in the arrivals hall and transferred via private vehicle to your 3-star hotel in the vibrant Thamel district. After checking in, you have the remainder of the day to rest and recover from your flight. In the evening, you will meet your climbing guide and expedition leader for a formal welcome and a preliminary briefing about the ascent of Mount Pumori. Overnight in Kathmandu.

This day is dedicated to essential logistical preparations. We conduct a comprehensive equipment check to ensure all technical climbing gear, ice axes, crampons, harnesses, and high-altitude clothing, is in perfect condition. Our team will finalize the processing of climbing permits, including the Pumori Peak climbing permit and Sagarmatha National Park entry fees. This is also your final opportunity to rent or purchase any missing gear from the renowned mountaineering shops of Kathmandu. A detailed briefing will cover safety protocols and the expedition route. Overnight in Kathmandu.

We take an early morning flight to Lukla, one of the most thrilling airport landings in the world due to its short, mountain-side runway. The flight offers spectacular aerial views of the eastern Himalayas. Upon landing in the Sherpa village of Lukla, we meet our porters and begin the trek. We descend towards the Dudh Koshi River, passing through beautiful pine forests and mani walls. We cross several suspension bridges to reach the village of Phakding, our first stop in the Everest region. Overnight in Phakding.

Today involves a significant ascent as we head towards the heart of the Khumbu region. The trail follows the banks of the Dudh Koshi River, entering Sagarmatha National Park at Monjo where our permits are checked. We begin the steep, winding climb towards Namche Bazaar, crossing the famous Hillary Suspension Bridge which offers thrilling views of the gorge. As we approach Namche, the trees part to reveal the first glimpse of Mt. Everest and Lhotse. Namche is the bustling Sherpa capital and a vital trading hub. Overnight in Namche Bazaar.

Acclimatization is essential for preventing Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). We spend the day actively resting in Namche. A popular option is a hike to the Everest View Hotel (3,880 m), which offers panoramic views of Everest, Ama Dablam, and Thamserku. This "climb high, sleep low" strategy helps our bodies adjust to the thinning air. In the afternoon, you can explore the local market, visit the Sherpa Culture Museum, or simply relax in a cafe watching the yaks pass through town. Overnight in Namche Bazaar.

Leaving Namche, the trail contours around the hillside, offering continuous views of the Himalayan giants. We descend steeply into the Dudh Koshi Valley at Phunki Tenga and cross the river. From there, it is a long, steady climb through a dense forest of rhododendrons, fir, and juniper. We emerge at the village of Tengboche, home to the famous Tengboche Monastery, the spiritual center of the Khumbu region. The view of Ama Dablam from here is arguably the best on the trek. Overnight in Tengboche.

We begin the day with a visit to the monastery to observe the morning prayers. The trail descends to a bridge over the Imja Khola and then climbs gradually through scenic alpine meadows. We pass the walled village of Pangboche, the highest permanent settlement in the valley, known for its ancient monastery. As we approach Dingboche, the landscape becomes more arid, offering stunning views of Island Peak and the Lhotse ridge. Dingboche is often called the "Summer Valley" due to its favorable climate. Overnight in Dingboche.

The trek today takes us deeper into the high alpine zone. We ascend to the ridge above Dingboche, offering views of the Khumbu Valley's lateral moraines. The trail winds through the grazing pastures of Yaks at Dughla. We then climb a steep terminal moraine of the Khumbu Glacier to reach a row of memorials dedicated to climbers and Sherpas who lost their lives on Everest. After paying our respects, the trail levels out as we trek alongside the glacier to the small settlement of Lobuche. The air is thin and the temperature drops significantly here. Overnight in Lobuche.

We trek alongside the Khumbu Glacier, navigating through icy pinnacles and rocky terrain. The trail is relatively short but physically demanding due to the altitude. We arrive in Gorakshep, the last settlement before the barren expanse of the icefall. Gorakshep serves as the base for trekking peaks and offers stunning views of Mount Pumori, which looms directly above the village. After lunch, we can hike to the edge of Everest Base Camp or simply rest and acclimatize for the climb ahead. Overnight in Gorakshep.

Today we leave the main trekking trail and establish our Pumori Base Camp. We hike up the grassy slopes above Gorakshep towards the base of the mountain. The route offers a closer look at the Khumbu Glacier and the western shoulder of Mount Everest. Our Sherpa team will set up the expedition kitchen and dining tents. This marks the transition from trekking to full-scale mountaineering. We will conduct a final gear check and review climbing techniques before beginning our rotation. Overnight at Pumori Base Camp.

This 18-day window is reserved for the technical ascent of Mount Pumori. As a challenging 7,000-meter peak, the climb requires establishing multiple high camps (typically Camp I at ~5,700 m, Camp II at ~6,200 m, and Camp III at ~6,500 m). The team will conduct "load ferries", carrying supplies up and sleeping lower, to aid acclimatization. The climbing involves steep snow and ice slopes, mixed rock sections, and ridge traverses. When the weather window is optimal, we will attempt the summit push. The summit offers a legendary 360-degree view of the Everest massif, including a close-up look at the Southwest Face of Everest. After the summit, we spend necessary days descending and cleaning the mountain. Flexibility is key during this period. Overnight at Base Camp.

Having successfully summited and descended, we dismantle Base Camp and begin our return journey. We trek back to Gorakshep and continue down the valley past Lobuche and Dughla. It is a long descent day as we drop significant altitude. We retrace our steps through the alpine meadows to the village of Pangboche. This is the oldest village in the Khumbu region, famous for its monastery which is said to contain the Yeti scalp. The thicker air at this altitude feels refreshing. Overnight in Pangboche.

We continue our descent towards civilization. From Pangboche, we trek down to the river and climb back up to the spiritual center of Tengboche. After enjoying the views of Ama Dablam one last time, we descend through the lush rhododendron forests to Phunki Tenga. We then climb the long, winding hill back to Namche Bazaar. Reaching Namche feels like a return to luxury, with hot showers, bakeries, and internet cafes available. The atmosphere in Namche is celebratory as we near the end of the expedition. Overnight in Namche Bazaar.

Our final day of trekking takes us down the long descent from Namche to the Dudh Koshi River. We cross the suspension bridges one last time and enjoy the lush scenery of the lower valley. The trail is relatively flat as we pass through Benkar, Monjo, and Phakding. Upon reaching Lukla, we bid farewell to our porters who have supported us throughout the journey. The evening is a time for celebration with the climbing and trekking crew, sharing stories and memories of the expedition. Overnight in Lukla.

We board our morning flight from Lukla back to Kathmandu. This scenic flight offers one last look at the mountains we have traversed, including a distant view of Everest if the weather is clear. Upon landing in Kathmandu, you will be transferred to your hotel. The afternoon is free for shopping in Thamel for souvenirs or simply relaxing after the physical exertion of the past month. A farewell dinner is often organized in the evening to mark the end of a successful adventure. Overnight in Kathmandu.

This is a buffer day to accommodate potential flight delays from Lukla or rest days. It is also a perfect opportunity to explore the cultural heritage of the Kathmandu Valley. You can visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Swayambhunath (the Monkey Temple), Boudhanath Stupa, or Pashupatinath Temple. It is also a great time for souvenir shopping—picking up pashminas, handicrafts, or thangkas to take home. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Your incredible Pumori Expedition concludes today. Approximately 3 hours before your scheduled international flight, our representative will arrive at your hotel to transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport. We hope you depart with unforgettable memories of the Khumbu region, the thrill of the 7,000m summit, and the warmth of the Nepalese people. Safe travels and Namaste.