Tengboche Monastary

Everest Foothills Trek

●●●●● 4.9 · 60+ TripAdvisor reviews

Trek to Tengboche Monastery through the heart of the Khumbu, guided by Sherpas who know every turn.

Duration 9 Days
Difficulty Challenging What does this mean?
Max Altitude 3,860m (Tengboche Monastery) 12,600ft
Best Season Sep-Dec | Mar-May
From USD $1,020 Check Dates & Price

On The Trail

What It Really Looks Like
9 photos
Stroll around kathmandu square
Tenzing Hillary Airport at Lukla Nepal with small Twin Otter aircraft on the runway and mountain backdrop
Namche bazar beautiful view during night
Everest view hotel everest trek
Mani Rimdu festival masked dancers at Tengboche Monastery during October on the Everest Base Camp trek route
Trekkes at Everest view Hotel on the way to everest base camp which is rated challenging
Lukla Airport
Tourist enjoying rickshaw ride in Kathmandu durbar square in Nepal tour
See off at TIA Kathmandu
Trip Overview

Everest Foothills Trek — What to Expect

9 days · 3,860m (Tengboche Monastery)

Tengboche Monastery Views

Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam from the oldest monastery in the Khumbu

Sherpa-Led the Whole Way

Guides born in these villages, not contractors brought in from Kathmandu

9 Days, No Shortcuts

Full Khumbu experience built into a schedule that actually fits

Teahouses, Not Tents

Sleep indoors every night, from Lukla up to Tengboche and back

The Everest Foothills Trek runs Lukla to Tengboche Monastery in 9 days. You walk through Sagarmatha National Park, spend two nights in Namche Bazaar, and top out at 3,860m with Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam filling the skyline. Daily walking is 4 to 6 hours on established trails with no technical terrain.

This is the right route if you want genuine Khumbu immersion without the 14-day EBC commitment. The altitude stays below 4,000m, the acclimatisation day is built in, and the trail is well-serviced the whole way. If reaching Everest Base Camp itself is the goal, the EBC Trek is the one to book.

Every group is led by a Sherpa guide from the Khumbu region. No outsourcing, no agency middlemen. For a full comparison of shorter Khumbu options, our EBC full guide covers how the routes differ.

Private Pricing 1 $1260 2-3 $1020 4-9 $925
See Available Dates
The Full Journey

Day-by-Day Itinerary

9 days · Guided by local Sherpa

Altitude Profile
3,860m 2,530m 1,200m
Summit
D1 D2 D3 D4 D5 D6 D7 D8 D9
Altitude profile
Summit — 3,860m (Tengboche Monastery)
Hover/tap for details

Arrive in Kathmandu

Lukla → Phakding 2,610m / 8,562ft

A MountainKick representative meets you at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfers you to your hotel. The afternoon is free to rest. That evening we run a pre-trip briefing covering the route, gear, permits, and the Lukla flight logistics for the next morning.

Day Stat Transfer day
Stay 3-star hotel, Thamel
Stroll around kathmandu square

The 30-minute flight to Lukla is one of the memorable parts of this trip. From the airstrip the trail drops gently alongside the Dudh Koshi River through pine forest to Phakding. Easy first day by design — 3 to 4 hours, mostly downhill. Note: during peak season (Mar–May, Oct–Nov) flights depart from Ramechhap, requiring a 2:30 AM hotel departure.

Meals Breakfast
Stay Teahouse, Phakding
Tenzing Hillary Airport at Lukla Nepal with small Twin Otter aircraft on the runway and mountain backdrop

The trail follows the Dudh Koshi River, crossing several suspension bridges before entering Sagarmatha National Park at Monjo. The final two hours are a sustained climb into Namche — steep and worth it. On a clear day you’ll catch your first view of Everest above the ridge before you reach town.

Day Stat 3,440m / 11,286ft
Meals None
Stay Teahouse, Namche Bazaar
Namche bazar beautiful view during night

Rest day built for altitude adjustment. We hike up to the Everest View Hotel at 3,880m, clear sight lines to Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam — then return to Namche to sleep lower. The rest of the day is yours: the Saturday market, Sherpa Culture Museum, or a teahouse with a view.

Day Stat 4km · 3–4 hrs · +440m gain, sleep low
Stay Teahouse, Namche Bazaar
Everest view hotel everest trek

The trail climbs out of Namche through forest, drops to the Dudh Koshi River at Phunki Tenga, then ascends through rhododendron forest to Tengboche. Ama Dablam dominates the skyline most of the way up. Tengboche Monastery sits on a ridge with a full panorama of Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam — the visual high point of this trek.

Day Stat 10km · 5–6 hrs · +420m net
Meals None
Stay Teahouse, Tengboche
Mani Rimdu festival masked dancers at Tengboche Monastery during October on the Everest Base Camp trek route
Ready to book? Check available dates and pricing for this trek.
Check Dates & Price →

The return trail feels different heading downhill faster, and with a new perspective on the landscape you climbed through. Drop back through rhododendron forest, cross the river at Phunki Tenga, and make the short climb into Namche. Last chance for shopping or a proper sit-down meal.

Day Stat 10km · 4–5 hrs · -420m descent
Meals None
Stay Teahouse, Namche Bazaar
Trekkes at Everest view Hotel on the way to everest base camp which is rated challenging

A long descent day back through Monjo and Phakding to Lukla. The trail is familiar by now and moves quickly. You’ll arrive in the late afternoon with time to settle in, sort your gear, and get an early night before the morning flight.

Day Stat 18km · 5–6 hrs · -600m descent
Stay Teahouse, Lukla
Lukla Airport

Morning flight back to Kathmandu. Clear days give you a long view of the Himalayan range from the plane. Flights are weather-dependent — MountainKick handles any rebooking at no extra cost. Afternoon free for Kathmandu sightseeing or rest.

Day Stat Flight day · -1,440m
Stay 3-star hotel, Thamel
Tourist enjoying rickshaw ride in Kathmandu durbar square in Nepal tour

Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport. Hotel checkout is at 12:00 PM. If your flight departs later, MountainKick can arrange luggage storage at the hotel.

Day Stat Departure day
Meals Breakfast
See off at TIA Kathmandu
See off at TIA Kathmandu
Visualise The Route

3D Route Map

Explore the full trek in 3D — drag to rotate, scroll to zoom, tap any marker for location details.

3D satellite terrain with interactive route
Loading terrain…
Summit / Key waypoint
Camp / Overnight stop
Trek route
Drag to rotate · Scroll to zoom · Tap markers for details
What's Covered

Includes & Excludes

Everything in your package — and what to budget for separately

What's Included 10
  • Airport and hotel transfers by private vehicle Both directions, all internal road transport included
  • 2 nights hotel in Kathmandu 3-star, twin-sharing, breakfast included
  • 6 nights teahouse accommodation on trek Twin-sharing throughout
  • Kathmandu–Lukla–Kathmandu flights Return tickets including Ramechhap transfers during peak season
  • Government-licensed Sherpa guide Full time, from arrival to departure
  • Porter service One porter per two trekkers, 15kg load limit strictly enforced
  • Sagarmatha National Park entry permit Arranged by MountainKick
  • TIMS card Trekkers' Information Management System card
  • Duffel bag Yours to keep
  • All government taxes and official charges Nothing hidden
Not Included 8
  • All meals during the trek Teahouse meals are open menu, budget $25–35 per day
  • Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu Wide range of restaurants available near your hotel
  • Travel insurance Must cover high-altitude trekking to 4,000m and helicopter evacuation
  • International flights to and from Kathmandu
  • Nepal visa fee 30-day on arrival currently $50 USD, bring cash and two passport photos
  • Personal trekking gear and equipment Can be bought or rented in Thamel before departure
  • Personal expenses Hot showers, WiFi, bottled water, alcohol, phone calls, laundry
  • Tips for guide and porter Customary but not mandatory, 10–15% of trip cost is the general range
Why we don't bundle trek meals Teahouse menus are open, fixed and fair — dal bhat costs the same whether you book with us or walk in alone. We'd rather you order what you want, when you want it, than pay upfront for meals you might skip at altitude. Budget $25–40 per day for food on trek.
Optional Upgrades

Enhance Your Trek

Hotel upgrade in Kathmandu Move to a 4 or 5-star property for pre and post trek nights On request
Kathmandu sightseeing We help arrange transport and entry to Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, Swayambhunath, and Durbar Square on your free days $85 per person
Complimentary Services

We Handle the Details — At No Extra Cost

Gear Shop Guidance Free
We take you to the right rental shops in Kathmandu. No tourist traps and no overpriced gear.
SIM Card Coordination Free
We help you get a local SIM in Kathmandu so you are connected from day one.
Luggage Storage Free
Leave your city bags with us while you trek and collect on return.
Airport Pickup and Drop Free
Private vehicle. We meet you at arrivals and see you off at departure.
Pre-Trek Briefing Free
In-person gear check and full route briefing the evening before your trek begins.
Questions about what's included? Our team replies within a few hours — happy to clarify anything before you book.
Ask Kumar a Question →
Accommodation & Food

Where You'll Sleep & What You'll Eat

Honest information about accommodation and food on this trip — so you know exactly what to expect and how much to budget.

Hotel Vistara for Langtang trek
Where you'll stay

In Kathmandu you stay at a 3-star hotel in Thamel on a twin-sharing basis with breakfast included. Rooms are clean and comfortable with hot water and WiFi. Single supplement available on request. Upgrades to 4 or 5-star properties can be arranged.

On the trek you stay in teahouses every night. Rooms are simple — a bed, blankets, and a window. Shared bathrooms at most stops. Hot showers are available at an extra charge of $3–5. WiFi exists at Lukla and Namche but gets patchy and slower higher up. Facilities are best at Namche and Lukla, more basic at Tengboche. In peak season (October–November and March–May) book ahead — rooms fill fast, especially in Namche.

Hotel Yak in Namche Bazar
Food & daily budget

Breakfast included in Kathmandu only. All trek meals are on your own account, ordered from teahouse menus. Dal bhat is the best option at every stop — filling, cheap, and free refills. Avoid meat above Namche. Budget $25–40 per day.

Breakfast $5–8
Lunch $8–12
Dinner $8–12
Hot shower $3–5
WiFi (where available) $2–4 per day
Hot drinks $1–3 each
Bottled water $1–2 (use a filter bottle to save cost and plastic)
Real Trekkers · Verified Reviews

What Our Trekkers Say

4.9
★★★★★ 50+ reviews on TripAdvisor Read all reviews →
These reviews are from verified trekkers who completed this trip with MountainKick. 50+ reviews · 4.9 average on TripAdvisor.
Leave a review →
Got Questions?

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything trekkers ask us before booking the Everest Foothills Trek — answered honestly.

Moderate. Daily walking runs 4 to 6 hours on established trails with no technical terrain. The steepest section is the climb into Namche Bazaar on Day 3 about two hours of sustained uphill. Maximum altitude is 3,860m at Tengboche. If you can hike for several hours carrying a daypack, you have enough base fitness. No mountaineering experience needed.

The Foothills Trek uses the same Lukla to Namche trail but stops at Tengboche (3,860m) instead of continuing to Everest Base Camp (5,364m) and Kala Patthar (5,545m). It is 9 days versus 14, roughly half the altitude, and significantly less physical demand. A good way to experience the Khumbu before committing to the full route. See the Everest Base Camp Trek.

You should be able to hike 4 to 6 hours carrying a small daypack. Six to eight weeks of basic cardio training before the trip helps — hiking, cycling, or stair climbing. You do not need to be an athlete, but the better your preparation, the more you will enjoy it.

This trek stays below 4,000m, well under the threshold where serious altitude sickness typically develops. Some people feel mild effects at Namche (3,440m) — headache, fatigue, poor sleep. The acclimatisation day on Day 4 is built in to give your body time to adjust. Drink 3 to 4 litres of water daily, avoid alcohol in the first few days at altitude, and tell your guide immediately if you feel unwell. For a full breakdown read our guide to altitude sickness on Nepal treks.

Thirty-minute flights, early morning, weather-dependent. Delays happen. During peak seasons (March to May and October to November) flights depart from Manthali Airport in Ramechhap, which is a 5 to 6 hour drive from Kathmandu requiring a 2:30 AM hotel departure. Do not book international departure flights for the same day you return to Kathmandu. One buffer day minimum is strongly recommended. MountainKick handles all rebooking at no extra cost. More detail in our Ramechhap flight guide.

Two: the Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit and a TIMS card. MountainKick arranges both. Bring your passport and two passport-sized photos. Costs are included in your trip price.

Budget $25 to $40 per day for three meals. Hot showers cost $3 to $5, WiFi $2 to $4 per day where available. The last reliable ATM is in Namche Bazaar carry enough rupees from Kathmandu to cover the full trek. Card payments are not accepted at teahouses.

Tourist visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport. Bring USD cash, two passport photos, and a passport valid for at least 6 months. Current fees: 15-day $30, 30-day $50, 90-day $125. Online application also available via Nepal’s Department of Immigration.

Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to December). October and November give the most stable weather and clearest skies. March and April are warmer with rhododendrons in bloom. Avoid monsoon (June to August) trails are muddy, views are rare, and Lukla flights get delayed regularly.

Yes. The most popular extension continues from Tengboche up through Dingboche, Lobuche, and Gorakshep to Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar, adding 5 days. That becomes the Everest Base Camp Trek. Let us know before you book and we can adjust the itinerary.

Still Have Questions? Kumar answers personally — usually within a few hours. No call centres, no scripts.
Book Your Spot

Departure Dates & Pricing

Fixed group departures run year-round. Can't find your date? Every trip runs privately on dates that work for you.

Year
Month
Trip Starts Trip Ends Status Price
SEPTEMBER 2026
4 Sep 2026 9 days 12 Sep 2026 available $1,020
11 Sep 2026 9 days 19 Sep 2026 available $1,020
18 Sep 2026 9 days 26 Sep 2026 available $1,020
25 Sep 2026 9 days 3 Oct 2026 available $1,020
OCTOBER 2026
2 Oct 2026 9 days 10 Oct 2026 available $1,020
9 Oct 2026 9 days 17 Oct 2026 available $1,020
16 Oct 2026 9 days 24 Oct 2026 available $1,020
23 Oct 2026 9 days 31 Oct 2026 available $1,020
30 Oct 2026 9 days 7 Nov 2026 available $1,020
NOVEMBER 2026
6 Nov 2026 9 days 14 Nov 2026 available $1,020
13 Nov 2026 9 days 21 Nov 2026 available $1,020
20 Nov 2026 9 days 28 Nov 2026 available $1,020
27 Nov 2026 9 days 5 Dec 2026 available $1,020
DECEMBER 2026
4 Dec 2026 9 days 12 Dec 2026 available $1,020
11 Dec 2026 9 days 19 Dec 2026 available $1,020
18 Dec 2026 9 days 26 Dec 2026 available $1,020
25 Dec 2026 9 days 2 Jan 2027 available $1,020
MARCH 2027
2 Mar 2027 9 days 10 Mar 2027 available $1,020
9 Mar 2027 9 days 17 Mar 2027 available $1,020
16 Mar 2027 9 days 24 Mar 2027 available $1,020
23 Mar 2027 9 days 31 Mar 2027 available $1,020
30 Mar 2027 9 days 7 Apr 2027 available $1,020
APRIL 2027
6 Apr 2027 9 days 14 Apr 2027 available $1,020
13 Apr 2027 9 days 21 Apr 2027 available $1,020
20 Apr 2027 9 days 28 Apr 2027 available $1,020
27 Apr 2027 9 days 5 May 2027 available $1,020
MAY 2027
4 May 2027 9 days 12 May 2027 available $1,020
11 May 2027 9 days 19 May 2027 available $1,020
18 May 2027 9 days 26 May 2027 available $1,020
25 May 2027 9 days 2 Jun 2027 available $1,020
No departures match your filter. Show all dates
Payment Schedule
  • 1
    20% Deposit — Due on booking Secures your place on the departure. Refundable within cancellation window.
  • 2
    80% Balance — Due on arrival Pay the remainder in Kathmandu before the trip begins. Bank transfer, card, or cash accepted.
  • 3
    Bhutan & Tibet — Full payment 20 days prior Full balance required at least 20 days before departure for Bhutan and Tibet tours.
Cancellation Policy
30+ days before departure Deposit forfeited, balance refunded in full
15–29 days before departure 50% of total trip cost charged
Under 15 days No refund
MountainKick cancels trip Full refund or reschedule
Full Terms & Conditions →
Book with Confidence
10+ yrs, licensed guides Every trek led by a government-licensed Himalayan professional. No outsourcing, ever.
Ethical porter welfare Strict 20 kg load limit and full medical insurance for every crew member. Your trek supports real people.
Community impact Every booking helps fund the Mountain Kick Library — books and education for remote schools on the trail.
100% local, no middlemen Founded and run by Kathmandu veterans. Direct expertise, transparent pricing — nothing hidden.

We give you the power to choose the departure date that suits your group best. A private trip is a perfect solution if you can’t find a published departure date that you and your companions agree on. You can set up a private departure for most of the trips we offer.

Travellers Price Per Person (USD)
1 $1260
2-3 $1020
4-9 $925

Ready to go? Request your preferred dates or message Kumar directly on WhatsApp — he'll confirm availability within a few hours.

We never force our customers to follow our set itinerary. You can customize your itinerary exactly the way you want. Please share with us your ideas.

"*" indicates required fields

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
MountainKick Expert-led Himalayan Treks · mountainkick.com Everest Foothills Trek — Packing List
Be Prepared

Packing List

This list is built for the Everest Foothills Trek — 9 days, max 3,860m, teahouse accommodation throughout. Travel light. Your porter carries the duffel, you carry the daypack.

Footwear 4 items
Item Qty Note
Waterproof trekking boots 1 pair Well broken-in, ankle support essential
Camp sandals or flip flops 1 pair For teahouse evenings
Liner socks 3 pairs Worn under trekking socks, reduces blisters
Trekking socks 3 pairs Wool or synthetic, not cotton
Break boots in before you arrive. Blisters on Day 3 will ruin the rest of the trek.
Item Qty Note
Moisture-wicking base layer tops 2 Synthetic or merino, not cotton
Trekking trousers 2 pairs Lightweight, quick-dry
Fleece jacket 1 Mid layer for cold mornings and evenings
Down jacket 1 Essential for Tengboche nights, rentable in Thamel
Waterproof shell jacket 1 Windproof doubles as rain layer
Waterproof shell trousers 1 pair For rain and wind above Namche
Thermal base layer bottoms 1 pair For cold nights at Tengboche
Underwear 4 Synthetic, quick-dry
T-shirts 2 Casual, for teahouse evenings
Layers are everything. You will be hot on the climb and cold at rest stops.
Item Qty Note
Warm hat or beanie 1 For mornings, evenings, and Tengboche
Sun hat or cap 1
Buff or neck gaiter 1 Dust on the trail, cold at altitude
Sunglasses with UV protection 1 Category 3 or 4 lens, not fashion glasses
Lightweight liner gloves 1 pair For cool mornings on the trail
Warm fleece or wool gloves 1 pair For Tengboche evenings
Sun is intense at altitude. UV protection matters as much as warmth.
Item Qty Note
Daypack 25–35 litres 1 Carried by you on trail every day
Duffel bag 1 Provided by MountainKick, carried by porter
Dry bags or pack liners 2 Keeps gear dry if it rains
Small padlock 1 For duffel bag at teahouses
MountainKick provides a duffel bag. Bring your own daypack for what you carry on trail.
Item Qty Note
Sleeping bag rated to -5°C 1 Essential for Tengboche, rentable in Thamel
Sleeping bag liner 1 Adds 3–5°C warmth, keeps bag clean
Earplugs 1 pair Teahouse walls are thin
Eye mask 1 Useful for early morning light
Teahouses provide blankets but quality varies. A sleeping bag liner adds warmth and hygiene.
Item Qty Note
Personal first aid kit 1 Plasters, blister treatment, antiseptic wipes
Diamox (acetazolamide) As prescribed Consult your doctor before the trip
Ibuprofen Cold and sun will wreck your lips General pain and inflammation
Imodium Cold and sun will wreck your lips Stomach issues are common, be prepared
Lip balm with SPF 2 Cold and sun will wreck your lips
Sunscreen SPF 50+ 1 Apply every morning, reapply on exposed sections
Hand sanitiser 1 Soap is not always available at teahouses
Water purification tablets or filter 1 Reduces plastic and saves money on trail
Personal prescription medicines Full supply Bring more than you need
Your guide carries a full first aid kit. This is your personal kit for day-to-day needs.
Item Qty Note
Headlamp 1 With spare batteries or USB rechargeable
Power bank 1 20,000mAh covers 4–5 phone charges
Universal travel adaptor 1 Nepal uses Type C, D, and M sockets
Passport 1 Plus 2 passport-sized photos for permits
Travel insurance documents 1 Printed copy, not just on your phone
Camera or phone 1 Keep batteries warm in your pocket at altitude
Power banks are your best friend. Charging at teahouses costs $2–5 and is not always available.
Rent or Buy in Kathmandu

Sleeping bags, down jackets, and trekking poles can all be rented in Thamel before your trek. MountainKick will point you to reliable shops during your pre-trip briefing. We provide a duffel bag for every trekker included in the package price.

Leave These at Home

What Not to Bring

Jeans and cotton clothing Cotton holds moisture, dries slowly, and gets dangerously cold at altitude
Heavy camera equipment Extra weight adds up fast over 18km descent days
Large suitcase No storage at teahouses, leave it with us in Kathmandu
Excessive toiletries Water is scarce at higher elevations, keep it minimal
Valuables and jewellery No need on trail, security at teahouses is basic
Hair dryer or electric styling tools Power is limited and expensive above Namche
Print / Download Checklist — to save as PDF, choose Save as PDF in the print dialog
Still deciding?

Everest Foothills Trek

Kumar and the team have guided this route for over a decade. Ask anything — gear, fitness, altitude, private groups — before you commit.

Replies within a few hours No scripts, no sales pitch Ready to book? Check dates →
From USD $1,020
Next departure Sep 4 Spaces available
Quick Enquiry

"*" indicates required fields

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Quick Enquiry