Overview

 Highlights


  • Trek through breathtaking Himalayan landscapes to Ama Dablam Base Camp, staying in exclusive eco-campsites under the stars
  • Walk alongside expert local guides through Himalayan communities, with panoramic views and rich cultural insight at every turn.
  • Connect with Sherpa culture through village visits, traditional foods, Namche Bazaar markets and the iconic monastery at Thyangboche.
  • Learn about Sir Edmund Hillary’s enduring legacy with a visit to Khumjung School, the first school built in the Khumbu region
  • Discover the vibrant streets, sacred temples and colourful markets of Kathmandu, a city steeped in history and spirituality
  • Choose to extend your journey with a meaningful community project or hands-on service-learning experience.

This immersive program in the Everest region offers students a rare opportunity to explore remote Himalayan landscapes while connecting deeply with Sherpa culture. The journey begins in Kathmandu, where the group visits sacred temples and bustling markets before heading into the mountains. Trekking beyond the main trails, the route winds through traditional villages, across suspension bridges and beneath towering peaks, with stays in exclusive eco-camps and lodges. Students visit the colourful trading hub of Namche Bazaar, Khumjung’s historic school founded by Sir Edmund Hillary, and the spiritual heart of the Khumbu – Thyangboche Monastery. A highlight is the challenging yet rewarding ascent to Ama Dablam Base Camp, set beneath one of the most beautiful peaks in the Himalaya. Along the way, students engage with local guides, develop resilience, and gain insight into daily life in the Khumbu. This is a memorable adventure that blends cultural exchange with physical challenge in one of the world’s most spectacular trekking regions.

Countries:

Start and Finishing Point:

Kathmandu

Activities:

Grading:Moderate   

Addressing:


After all the planning and preparation the wait is finally over! On arrival in Kathmandu you will be met by your group leader and transferred to your well located hotel. You will have a full trip and safety briefing with your Nepalese guides. Arrangements will be made for the distribution of your kit bag, sleeping bag and down/fibrefill jacket before heading out to dinner as a group.

Meals:  D

Depending on the season, today the group will either enjoy a cultural exploration of Kathmandu or transfer east to the town of Ramechap for their flight to Lukla. If remaining in Kathmandu, explore local sites with your guide such as the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupatinath, the giant Buddhist stupa at Boudhanath, or Swayambhunath - the Monkey Temple. If flights are operating from Ramechap, embark on a scenic five-hour drive through Nepal’s rural heartlands to a private eco-camp, nestled among the forested foothills. Driving time: approximately 5 hours *NB: Domestic flights to/from Lukla are determined by the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal. Location and dates are subject to change.

Meals:  B,L,D

Today begins with a spectacular mountain flight to Lukla, one of the world’s most scenic airstrips. Once in Lukla, you'll meet your crew of porters and support staff before beginning the trek. The trail descends gradually through farming villages and terraced hillsides, following the Dudh Kosi river. Small Sherpa communities and waving prayer flags offer your first taste of mountain culture. Arriving in Ghat by early afternoon, there’s time to rest and take in the peaceful surrounds of your private campsite. Overnight in exclusive eco-camp at Ghat (2530m / 8300ft). Walking time: Approximately 2 hours

Meals:  B,L,D

The trail winds along the Dudh Kosi river, crossing several swinging suspension bridges that link the region’s villages. You’ll pass through patches of dense pine forest and open terraces where locals grow maize, millet and vegetables. Along the way, glimpses of towering peaks like Kusum Kanguru and Kongde Ri rise above the valley, giving a thrilling sense of what lies ahead. Today is also your first encounter with mani walls, sacred stone carvings inscribed with Buddhist prayers. We reach Monjo in time to relax before dinner at camp. Overnight in exclusive eco-camp at Monjo (2850m / 9350ft). Walking time: Approximately 4-5 hours

Meals:  B,L,D

After breakfast, we pass through the gates into Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO-listed site protecting the Everest region's rich biodiversity. The trail follows the river to the dramatic confluence of the Bhote and Dudh Kosi rivers where the group will cross a spectacular high suspension bridge. The forest gives way to open slopes, and on clear days, you’ll catch your first view of Everest. Arriving in Namche, the bustling heart of Sherpa culture, you'll notice colourful lodges, bakeries and shops nestled into the horseshoe-shaped valley. After settling in to camp, enjoy some time exploring the stalls! Overnight in exclusive eco-camp at Namche Bazaar (3440m / 11,290ft). Walking time: Approximately 4-5 hours

Meals:  B,L,D

We begin the day with a climb up to Syangboche and follow a high ridge to the famed Everest View Hotel for a morning tea break with unforgettable panoramas of the surrounding mountains including Everest, Lhotse, Thamserku, Khangtega, Ama Dablam and many more. The trail then winds down to the village of Khumjung, where we’ll visit the first school of the Khumbu region, founded by Sir Edmund Hillary in 1961. After soaking in the strong community spirit of this remote school village, we continue a short distance to Kyangjuma and settle into our private eco-camp, tucked beneath the watchful gaze of Ama Dablam. Overnight in exclusive eco-camp at Kyangjuma (3550m / 11,650ft). Walking time: Approximately 3-4 hours

Meals:  B,L,D

Today’s route takes us through some of the region’s most inspiring landscapes. We descend through rhododendron forests, cross a suspension bridge over the Dudh Kosi, then climb steadily to the traditional gateway that welcomes us to the village of Thyangboche, the spiritual heart of the Khumbu Valley. If the monks are in residence at the Monastery, we may hear the haunting chants echo from the walls. The mountain views here are jaw-dropping: Everest, Lhotse and Ama Dablam dominate the skyline. After a peaceful pause at the monastery, we continue downhill to Deboche for lunch, then gradually ascend to Pangboche, the highest year-round Sherpa settlement. Overnight in exclusive eco-camp at Pangboche (3930m / 12,890ft). Walking time: Approximately 6-7 hours

Meals:  B,L,D

Leaving the busy trail behind, we venture into tranquil conifer forests, gradually rising above the tree line toward summer yak pastures. This is a quieter, less-trekked part of the Khumbu where you’ll walk alongside mountain streams and beneath dramatic rock spires. The crisp mountain air and growing sense of remoteness offer a profound shift in perspective. Passing the small seasonal settlement of Omoga, we continue along high ridgelines and undulating trails to reach Mingbo, a hidden cluster of yak shelters perched above the valley floor. Overnight in eco-lodge at Mingbo (4530m / 14,860ft). Walking time: Approximately 5 hours

Meals:  B,L,D

Today is a highlight for many - walking to the base camp of Ama Dablam, considered one of the world’s most beautiful peaks. The trail climbs steadily through yak pasture and rock-strewn hillsides before reaching base camp, often buzzing with climbing expedition teams. We'll have lunch here and admire the view before returning to Pangboche via a steel suspension bridge that crosses over the Imja Khola. The group will arrive at camp to relax after a challenging and deeply rewarding day. Overnight in exclusive eco-camp at Pangboche (3930m / 12,890ft). Walking time: Approximately 6 hours

Meals:  B,L,D

Retracing our steps to Thyangboche, we enjoy final views of Everest framed between towering ridgelines. The trail then follows a gentle descent through pine forest, with opportunities to spot grazing Himalayan Thar or the colourful Danphe pheasant, Nepal's national bird. Passing small settlements and terraced hillsides, we descend to Phortse Tenga, a quiet village nestled in a lush river valley. Overnight in eco-lodge at Phortse Tenga (3600m / 11,810ft). Walking time: Approximately 5 hours

Meals:  B,L,D

Today we return to Namche Bazaar with a new sense of confidence and connection to the landscape. With mountain views behind us, this is a good day to reflect on how far you’ve come. Back in Namche, enjoy some free time to visit bakeries, local markets or chat with new friends over hot chocolate at camp. Overnight in exclusive eco-camp at Namche Bazaar (3440m / 11,290ft). Walking time: Approximately 4-5 hours

Meals:  B,L,D

Our final trekking day takes us back down the valley along the Dudh Kosi, crossing many familiar bridges and passing welcoming smiles. There’s a sense of joy and accomplishment as we retrace our steps from the early days of our trek into the highest mountain range in the world. Arriving in Lukla by late afternoon, we celebrate with our crew and give thanks to the porters and staff who’ve supported us every step of the way. We savour one final mountain sunset on the last day of trek. Overnight in eco-lodge at Lukla (2800m / 9186ft). Walking time: Approximately 7-8 hours

Meals:  B,L,D

Today the group will return to Kathmandu either flying directly, or via Ramechap with a connecting ground transfer. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, there's time to relax and spend the afternoon at your leisure to relax, explore the markets or visit nearby temples. After freshening up at the hotel, we come together one last time for a celebratory group dinner. It’s a fitting way to reflect on the past two weeks – the challenges faced, the friendships forged, and the unforgettable moments shared in the heart of the Himalaya.

Meals:  B,L,D

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your homeward flight. You leave with unforgettable memories, new friendships and a deeper connection to the Himalayan people and mountains.

Meals:  B


Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.


Addressing the UN Sustainable Development Goals

Good Health And Well-being:  Ensuring healthy lives and promoting the well-being for all at all ages is essential to sustainable development.

Decent Work And Economic Growth:  Sustainable economic growth will require societies to create the conditions that allow people to have quality jobs.

Responsible Production and Consumption:  Responsible Production and Consumption

Life On Land:  Sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, halt and reverse land degradation, halt biodiversity loss

Peace Justice And Strong Institutions:  Access to justice for all, and building effective, accountable institutions at all levels.

Partnerships For The Goals:  Revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development


Learning outcomes for students

World Expeditions Schools journeys are designed to encourage positive personal development and the learning of life skills, while leaving the communities and environments we travel to, in a better condition than when we arrived.
The programs are designed to align with the United Nations SDG's and to:
• build strong friendships and bonds with their peers, their teachers, and the local people they meet.
• increase the confidence to engage with new people, and collaboratively make informed decisions.
• discover the benefits of working cooperatively together as a cohesive team, to achieve a common objective.
• Increase the ability to face, and cope with, mental and physical challenges and therefore increase resilience.
• give students a chance to appreciate and care for the natural world. The environments we travel through are beautiful and often pristine, invariably the students will gain a deeper appreciation and understanding about how their individual actions impact on the environment.
• Learn personal skills i.e., time management, personal hygiene, responsibility for personal gear, patience, tolerance, and public speaking.
We help encourage students to learn what it means to be a true global citizen.


Inclusions

  • International and domestic flights as required
  • All meals as per itinerary
  • All accommodation as per itinerary, including our comfortable eco lodges and exclusive eco-comfort camps
  • All transfers and local transport
  • All entrance fees and permits as per itinerary, inclusive of trekking permits
  • Tips for guides and trekking crew
  • Use of a World Expeditions trek pack which includes a quality sleeping bag, down or fibre fill jacket and insulated mat (valued at over US$500)
  • Souvenir World Expeditions Schools kit bag - yours to keep!
  • Medically trained bilingual guide and group medical kit
  • Porters to carry all overnight personal and group equipment
  • Porter's insurance
  • Teachers accompanying the program

  • Items of a personal nature such as phone calls, laundry, etc.
  • Visa
  • Travel Insurance

Grading

Moderate

On a moderate trek physical activity will generally not exceed eight hours in a day, and altitudes generally not exceeding 5,500 metres. On a moderate adventure the physical activity is sustained and travelers should be comfortable with occasional rough terrain. At any stage of a moderate trek you can expect long steep climbs and descents and a wide range of weather conditions. An example of an average day on moderate trek could include several ascents and descents of 500 metres or more, level ground is rare in the mountains. To prepare for a moderate trek you should begin training at least three months before your departure. As a benchmark, an hour of aerobic exercise three times per week would be considered a minimum requirement. The best preparation is bushwalking involving relatively steep ascents and descents. If you can manage a couple of valley floor to ridgeline ascents per bushwalk, albeit with stops along the way, you know you can cope with a moderately graded trek. Speed is not important, stamina, confidence and rhythm are.


Why travel with us

Why travel with us

Assisted over
14,000 Students Worldwide

Since the 1980's, we have helped students from around the globe to experience the world's most exciting destinations, allowing them to travel, give, grow.

400+ Service Learning
Programs

Together with students, we have completed over 400 Service Learning programs in developing countries. We will always continue to support causes including social justice, animal welfare, the environment and more.

Fully Customised
School Travel Programs

Want to include service learning, your school curriculum and a physical challenge, or any of the above? Contact us and we can design a program fully catered for your students and budget.

Safety and
Support - Our #1 Priority

Every school receives a detailed risk management plan that is guided by government advisories and the local partners we work with. We never compromise on the safety of your students to reduce the price of the program.

Testimonials


Want to find out more?

Our educational travel experts are ready to help you tailor an itinerary or service learning project to suit your school’s needs and budget. Contact us today to receive a free consultation.


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