When I was preparing for trek, I came across many different itineraries. Some involved only one acclimatization day at either Namche Bazaar or at Dingboche. I was confused. The one with acclimatization day at Namche Bazaar seemed more popular. I wondered if we could accommodate both. However, with the number of days available at hand and this didn't seem possible.
I am very cautious with myself and the participants when it comes to high altitude. Going slow and sticking to the itinerary are two important factors.
Our Original itinerary looked as follows:
| Sr No. | Date | Starting Point | End Point | Notes |
| Day 1 | 15 May 2024 | Lukla | Phakding | 8 Kms - 4 Hours |
| Day 2 | 16 May 2024 | Phakding | Namche Bazaar | 12 Kms - 6 Hours |
| Day 3 | 17 May 2024 | Namche Bazaar | Namche Bazaar | Acclimatization Hike to Khunzum |
| Day 4 | 18 May 2024 | Namche Bazaar | Tengboche | 10 Kms - 6 Hours |
| Day 5 | 19 May 2024 | Tengboche | Dingboche | 10 Kms - 6 Hours |
| Day 6 | 20 May 2024 | Dingboche | Lobuche | 12 Kms - 6 Hours |
| Day 7 | 21 May 2024 | Lobuche | Gorakshep | 12 Kms - 9 Hours |
| Day 8 | 22 May 2024 | Gorakshep | Pheriche | 12 Kms - 9 Hours |
| Day 9 | 23 May 2024 | Pheriche | Namche Bazar | 16 Kms - 8 Hours |
| Day 10 | 24 May 2024 | Namche Bazar | Lukla | 18 Kms - 8 Hours |
This itinerary is not only fast but also involves quick altitude gains. It is extremely demanding physically and I was worried that I may not be able to enjoy the trek. I didn't want to be the one who would be dragging the team. This where the guide played very important role. He asked me to add two more days. Apart from this, he also arranged for tickets to fly from Kathmandu instead of travelling to Ramechhap. This saved one day for us and we added one more day. As per my understanding before the trek, that meant we got acclimitization day at Dingboche which is above 4000 meters. But the itinerary still looked very demanding for our return to Lukla.
Many phone calls later, I realised that we will have to stretch a lot on our way back and it would be easier considering we would be acclimited.
Ngima told me, that we would be staying at his B'nB at Ghat instead of going 2 kilo meters ahead to Phakding on our first day. That also meant it would add up 2 more kilo meters for second day. It wasn't really what I was looking forward to. Anyway, I decided to trust our guide, Ngima unconditionally. Afterall, he is the one who has better idea of his terrain.
Here's the itinerary that we actually followed:
| Sr No. | Date | Starting Point | End Point | Notes |
| Day 1 | 15 May 2024 | Lukla | Ghat | 6 Kms - 2.5 Hours |
| Day 2 | 16 May 2024 | Ghat | Namche Bazaar | 14 Kms - 9.5 Hours |
| Day 3 | 17 May 2024 | Namche Bazaar | Phungi Thenga | 8.5 Kms 4.5 Hours |
| Day 4 | 18 May 2024 | Phungi Thenga | Pangboche | 6.75 Kms - 6 Hours |
| Day 5 | 19 May 2024 | Pangboche | Dingboche | 7 Kms - 4.5 Hours |
| Day 6 | 20 May 2024 | Dingboche | Dingboche | Acclimization Hike of 1.5 Kms |
| Day 7 | 21 May 2024 | Dingboche | Pyramid | 10 Kms - 8 Hours |
| Day 8 | 22 May 2024 | Pyramid | Pyramid | 15.5 Kms - 12 Hours |
| We went to EBC via Gorakshep on this day!!! |
| Day 9 | 23 May 2024 | Pyramid | Pangboche | 15.5 Kms - 7 Hours |
| Day 10 | 24 May 2024 | Pangboche | Namche Bazar | 13.5 Kms - 7 Hours |
| Day 11 | 25 May 2024 | Namche Bazar | Ghat | 13 Kms - 6 Hours |
| Day 12 | 26 May 2024 | Ghat | Lukla | 6 Kms - 3 Hours |
The data of hikes is per my smart watch: Amazfit TRex Pro. The watch was paused during our breaks most of the times to record duration and distance accurately.
Social Plugin