Everest Panorama View Trek

What is the Standard Cost for the Everest Panorama Trek?

The standard cost of a 10-day Everest Panorama Trek is USD 1090. This cost includes Lukla’s airfare, necessary permits, a guide and porter. It also includes 3-star accommodation in Kathmandu, 7-night accommodation in local teahouses, and so on.

However, the cost of the trek depends on several factors, such as the group size, accommodation, service standards, and season. Hence, you can customize this trip to suit your needs and budget.

If you opt for luxury without worrying about the budget, we can arrange high-standard rooms throughout the trek. The room with heated blankets, full bedding, and ensuite bathrooms. Moreover, we can arrange a chartered helicopter flight from Kathmandu to Lukla to avoid the hassles and possible delays.

However, you can reduce the price by removing a few extra services for a budget-friendly option. You can choose a porter-guide option instead of a separate guide and porter. Please write to us your with plans and preferences, and we will make the adjustments to the trip accordingly.

Note: You must carry extra money (besides the package cost) for additional expenses during the trek.

Detailed Information on Lukla’s Flight

Kathmandu to Lukla Flight

Flying directly from Kathmandu is hands down the most convenient way to reach Lukla on a commercial flight. It takes around 30 minutes to get to Lukla from the capital city of Nepal.

However, the flight between Kathmandu and Lukla does not operate routinely during the trekking season. In recent years, all the commercial flights to and from Lukla have been diverted to Manthali Airport in Ramechhap.

The airline companies occasionally require aircraft flown to Kathmandu for maintenance or crew rotation. Additionally, most of the first flights to Lukla operate from Kathmandu Airport. Hence, you can get to Lukla directly from Kathmandu if you book a flight during these exceptions.

Note: During the off-seasons (winter and monsoon), commercial flights to Lukla are operated directly from Kathmandu.

Manthali to Lukla Flight

As mentioned, all commercial flights to and from Lukla have been operated via Manthali Airport in recent years. Hence, the Manthali Airport in Ramechhap has become one of the busiest domestic airports during the peak seasons.

It takes approximately four to five hours drive from Kathmandu to Ramechhap. Although the drive is an uninvited hassle, it is a more reliable option to fly to Lukla. Considering the distance between Manthali and Lukla (18 to 20 minutes on a flight), there’s a possibility of operating more flights in a short span. 

If your adventure holiday is scheduled in the peak seasons (autumn and spring), Nepal Gateway Trekking will arrange private transportation to drive you from Kathmandu to Ramechhap. For this, your trekking guide will receive you at your hotel lobby at 2 AM. Upon reaching Manthali, we’ll ensure you catch the earliest flight to Lukla.

Helicopter Option

Another alternative to reach Lukla is to charter a helicopter directly from Kathmandu. If money is not your concern, this is the best way to avoid the five-hour drive to Manthali. Unlike the previous two options, this 45-minute ride on a chartered helicopter is the most luxurious way to reach Lukla.

Compared to commercial flights, helicopters are more reliable, comfortable, and safe. Moreover, they can fly even in bad weather, making delays less frequent.

If you decide to take the helicopter option, inform us in advance. So we can make the booking before you arrive in Nepal.

Flight Delays and Cancellations

Due to the airstrip’s location, weather, elevation, and air traffic, flights to and from Tenzing-Hillary Airport in Lukla are prone to delays and cancellations. Although the mornings are often clear, Lukla’s weather and visibility change rapidly with thick cloud covers and strong tailwinds. 

The sudden change in weather makes it difficult for airline companies to maintain their flight schedules on time. Compared to other seasons, delays and cancellations are more frequent in the monsoon and winter seasons due to the rain clouds, strong winds, and dense fog.

Besides that, Lukla flights were often delayed and canceled due to runway congestion at Kathmandu Airport. Hence, in the last few years, flights to and from Lukla have been operated from Manthali Airport during the trekking seasons. Although it is inconvenient to drive from Kathmandu to Manthali, it is a more reliable option to avoid delays and cancellations in Lukla.

Despite that, delays and cancellations in Lukla are inevitable. So, we strongly suggest all our clients add at least one buffer day to your itinerary.

Everest Panorama View Trek Permit

You only need to acquire two permits for the Everest Panorama View Trek. 

1. Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit

The first permit you need for the Everest Panorama View Trek is the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit. This trekking permit is imposed by the local government of Khumbu, replacing the TIMS Card in the region.

You can get this trekking permit from the checkpoints at Lukla or Monjo. Unlike other trekking permits, you can not obtain Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit from Kathmandu. The cost of this permit is Rs. 3000 for all foreign travelers.

2. Sagarmatha National Park Permit

Another permit you need to acquire for the Everest Panorama View Trek is the Sagarmatha National Park Permit. You need this permit to enter the protected areas of Khumbu.

You can obtain this permit from the entrance gate of Sagarmatha National Park in Monjo or the Nepal Tourism Board office in Kathmandu. The park entry permit costs Rs. 3000 for foreign travelers and Rs. 1500 for SAARC nationals.

How difficult is the Everest Panorama View Trek Route?

The Everest Panorama View Trek Route is moderately difficult. Unlike the Everest Three High Passes Trek, it does not require climbing high mountain passes or walking through technical sections. 

Hence, the Everest Panorama View Trek suits all ages and experience levels. However, there are a few steep ascents on the way to Namche Bazaar and Tengboche, which might be exhausting for beginners.

The route is relatively easy for experienced trekkers. The trails are well-maintained and marked with sign boards and route markers. 

The highest elevation point of the Everest Panorama View Trek is 3,860 meters at Tengboche. Although it does not seem that high, it is high enough to cause altitude sickness. So, drink as much water as possible and walk at the most comfortable pace to avoid it.

Since this is a multi-day trek in the Himalayas of Nepal, you need to be fit enough to walk at least 5 to 6 hours daily on rough terrain. Hence, we recommend you train at least 6 to 8 weeks before the trek to build physical endurance and mental resilience.

Training for Everest Panorama View Trekking

Although the Everest Panorama View Trekking is a short and moderate walk, it requires decent physical fitness, stamina, and mental strength. If you’re planning to sign up for this adventure holiday, starting a basic training program to prepare your body to walk on rough terrains while carrying a backpack is a good idea.

Although you do not require extreme training, here are a few simple ways to train for the Everest Panorama View Trek:

Go For A Hike

One of the best ways to train for the Everest Panorama View Trek is to go on short hikes in the hills near your town. Find a similar trail and walk 5 to 6 hours weekly with brief breaks to build endurance and stability.

We suggest you wear hiking boots and carry a loaded backpack during these hikes to get used to the extra weight in the mountains. If there aren’t any hills around your hometown for hiking, you can go for a long walk around the city or climb up and down the stairs regularly.

Cardio Workout

Building cardiovascular fitness is arguably the most critical aspect of Everest Panorama View Trek training. Given the long hours of walking and high altitude, a great mix of cardio workouts helps improve breathing and prepare the body to function better with less oxygen.

To build cardiovascular fitness, you can combine exercises like jogging, cycling, running, swimming, and jumping ropes. We suggest you start slow and gradually improve your workouts’ duration, frequency, and intensity (at least four days a week).

Gym Workout

Join a gym and start working out on your strength! As mentioned, a few exhaustingly steep ascents on the trek require a strong body — the core, leg muscles, and back muscles, in particular.

Here are a few gym workouts to include in your training regimen:

• Jump Squats - 15 to 20 repetitions
• Glute Bridge & Hamstring Curl - 10 to 15 repetitions
• Step-Ups - 15 to 20 repetitions on each leg
• Kettlebell Deadlifts - 5 to 6 repetitions
• Stairmaster for 20 minutes
• Downhill Lunges - 15 to 20 repetitions on each leg
• Side Plank with Leg Raise - 10 to 15 repetitions on each side

Remember, you must maintain the correct posture and form during these gym exercises to prevent injuries. If you do not have prior experience, we suggest you start training under a professional trainer.

Stretching Exercises

Stretching exercises and yoga practices help improve joint flexibility and reduce the risk of cramps and injuries. They can also help you warm up before trekking and relieve muscle soreness after trekking.

Some of the best stretching exercises before trekking are

• Shoulder Rolls
• Calf Stretch
• Standing Quad Stretch
• Wrist Stretch
• Hamstring Stretch

Some of the best stretching exercises after trekking are

• Ankle Stretch
• Standing Saddle Stretch
• Runner’s Lunge
• Rag Doll Pose

When is the Best Time for the Everest Panorama View Trek?

While most people recommend the autumn and spring seasons, the Everest Panorama View Trek is accessible year-round. Each season brings unique elements to this part of the world.

Autumn (September to November)

Autumn is hands down the best time for the Everest Panorama View Trek. During this time of the year, the weather is dry, and the skies remain bright and clear. This is the best time to relish the mountain panorama from Tengboche.

If you schedule your holiday around October, you can witness the grand celebration of the Mani Rimdu festival in the monastery of Tengboche. Besides that, the chances of flight delays and cancellations are also significantly lower in autumn.

Since this is the most popular trekking season, the only downside is the crowded trails and packed lodges.

Spring (March to May)

Another popular time for the Everest Panorama View Trek is the spring season. During this season, the rhododendrons and primroses surround the entire route, adding more colors and vibrance.

Spring seasons offer warm mornings, sunny afternoons, and extended daylights. Hence, you’ll likely get mountain views from morning to early afternoon. The late afternoons usually bring thick cloud cover, blocking the entire sky and the view.

Like autumn, the route and teahouses will be flooded with trekkers and climbers.

Winter (December to February)

Unlike other high-altitude treks, the Everest Panorama View Trek is accessible in winter. Although the temperature may be too extreme, clear skies and empty trails accompany it. 

The beautiful town of Namche Bazaar, covered in thick snow, is a rare sight most trekkers do not get to relish. The early and late hours of the winter season are cold, while the midday temperature is tolerable. Since the days are relatively short, we recommend you keep your walks shorter and reach your overnight destination before sundown.

Remember, the risk of altitude sickness, hypothermia, and sunburn is relatively high in winter. So, pack your gear meticulously before starting the trek.

Monsoon (June to August)

Monsoon is the least favorable time for Everest Panorama View Trek. During this season, the mornings are often bright and clear. However, the weather changes dramatically in the afternoon with thick cloud covers and rain showers.

You must be extra cautious during the monsoon season. The steep slopes to Namche Bazaar and Tengboche can get extremely slippery. Also, you might have to pack and be prepared for constant rainfall throughout the day.

Regardless, monsoons bring colorful flowers and greenery. Different flowers surround the trekking route, including white edelweisses, rhododendrons, yellow cinquefoils, and blue poppies. Besides, you’ll have the empty trails all for yourself during this time of the year.

Acclimatization and Safety

On Everest Panorama View Trek, you will walk up to 3,860 meters at Tengboche, starting at 2,860 meters at Lukla. Unlike Everest Base Camp Trek or Gokyo Valley Trek, which deals with an elevation of over 5,000 meters, the risk of high-altitude sickness in this trek is significantly less.

The 10-day Everest Panorama View Trek itinerary also ensures slow-paced trekking with an acclimatization day at Namche Bazaar.

Having said that, you should not neglect this aspect whatsoever. Altitude sickness can occur at elevations as low as 3,000 meters if you’re not careful enough. So, letting your body acclimatize to the thin air is essential to prevent high-altitude sickness on Everest Panorama View Trek.

Things You Should Do for Acclimatization

• Walk gradually at a comfortable pace to let your body adjust to altitude naturally.
• Once you’re above 3,000 meters, limit your daily altitude gain to less than 500 meters.
• Drink at least 3 to 4 liters of fluid regularly. Try meeting this goal with water only. If you still need to, you can drink hot drinks and soups to add up.
• Keep your body warm and protected from the harsh wind. Carry a windstopper or fleece jacket to protect yourself from the afternoon winds, especially after you reach Namche Bazaar.
• Losing appetite at such elevations is common due to the decrease in oxygen level. However, you must consume enough nutrients and calories each day to fuel your body.
• Packaging acetazolamide (or Diamox) in your backpack is advisable for preventive use.

Things You Should Not Do for Acclimatization

• Stay away from alcohol or other stimulants throughout the trek.
• We advise you not to sleep during the day. You will likely feel tired and sleepy, but stay active with afternoon walks or board games.
•  Never take sleeping tablets to fall asleep in the mountains. If you have pre-existing conditions, consult a doctor before taking any medications.
• If you feel any symptoms of high-altitude sickness, do not hide it from your trekking guide. Communicate the problem so they can take necessary action immediately.

How Do We Help Our Clients Acclimatize?

The safety and security of all our clients have been the number one priority for Nepal Gateway Trekking. Hence, we consider several factors to ensure proper acclimatization during the Everest Panorama View Trek, even though the risk is minimal.

The 10-day itinerary of the Everest Panorama View Trek includes an acclimatization day at 3,440 meters at Namche Bazaar. On this day, you’ll take a short hike to the Sagarmatha National Park Visitor Centre to help your body adapt to a higher altitude before heading to Tengboche.

After reaching Namche Bazaar, your daily altitude gain will be under 500 meters. Besides that, our trekking guides and leaders have over a decade of experience in high-altitude expeditions. They are professionally trained for Wilderness First Aid (WFA). They will monitor your health condition regularly and take necessary actions to help you avoid high-altitude sickness.

Accommodation during the Trip to Everest Panorama

You’ll stay at Woodapple Hotel and Spa (or a similar hotel) in Kathmandu. Located in the heart of Thamel, this 3-star hotel offers several first-class amenities, such as luxurious rooms, a rooftop restaurant, and a spa center.

During the trek, you will stay in a typical Sherpa teahouse on a twin-sharing basis (paired up with someone of the same gender). Unlike other remote treks, Everest Panorama View Trek has well-maintained teahouses throughout the route. Out of them, Nepal Gateway Trekking handpicks the best option possible to ensure our clients get the best rooms after a long day of trekking.

The bedrooms are cozy and comfortable, with a small wooden bed, pillows, foam mattresses, and warm blankets. Most teahouses in this region do not offer attached toilets unless you go for more luxurious options. Although you’ll have to share the toilet, they are kept clean in all teahouses.

The dining area is usually the busiest, as most trekkers use it for meals and relaxation. A small fireplace in the middle, fueled by dried yak dung, keeps the dining area warm. 

Meals in Everest Panorama View Trekking

The teahouses and restaurants of Everest Panorama View Trekking provide multiple food choices, from local dishes to continental cuisines. However, Dal Bhat (rice, lentils, and vegetables) is the staple meal among the trekkers. Other popular options include momo, thukpa, chowmein, yak steak, spaghetti, and hot soup.

Nepal Gateway Trekking will provide all three meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trek. We recommend that you avoid meat and opt for vegetarian options.

The teahouse and restaurants offer a variety of beverages. Some familiar names on the menu are milk tea, ginger tea, black tea, black coffee, hot lemon, hot chocolate, and hot juice. Moreover, a few cafes and hotels in Lukla, Phakding, and Namche Bazaar also serve machine-brewed coffee, including Espresso, Americano, Cappuccino, and Cafe Latte.

Drinking Water Supplies on the Everest Panorama Trek

The local teahouses offer tap, boiled, and bottled water throughout the trail. You can fill the tap water from the kitchen or find local taps along the route. But you should never drink untreated tap water directly from their sources. Carry purifying tablets or filters to treat tap water before drinking.

Boiled water is the safest option for keeping your body hydrated without risk of water-borne diseases. Moreover, boiled water helps with sore throat, blood circulation, and digestion. So, carry a water bottle or a hydration pack and refill it in the teahouses.

Also, we do not recommend buying bottled water due to the environmental concerns and cost.

Hot Shower facilities 

Everest Panorama View Trek is perfect for those who prefer to treat themselves with a hot shower daily. Unlike remote treks, hot showers are available in every hotel and teahouse from Lukla to Tengboche. However, you’ll have to pay an extra few dollars for a hot shower. 

Almost every teahouse we sleep in provides gas, electric, or solar-powered hot showers, so most offer running hot water. Depending on the location, a hot shower may cost around $2 to $8.

Mobile Network and Internet Connectivity

Mobile networks are exceptional in every section of the Everest Panorama View Trek. Unless there are technical issues, both NTC and Ncell services work fantastic up to Tengboche. However, mobile data is extremely slow and unreliable in the mountains.  

Most local teahouses in this trek provide WiFi services for a small fee of $4 to $7 per user. The internet connection is fast and reliable most of the time. However, it might get a bit slow on a busy day with many users.

Electricity

Electricity is available throughout the Everest Panorama View Trek. Every teahouse from Lukla to Tengboche is powered by a mini-hydroelectric station. So, charging your phones and other electrical devices will not be a problem on this trek.

Most teahouses, except for a few high-end hotels, do not have charging sockets in the rooms. They often have a common charging station at the counter of the dining area with a huge multi-plug.

The most common types of charging sockets in Nepal are two-round or three-round prongs. If your charger has a different plug, it is advisable to buy an adapter in Kathmandu before the trek.

Note that you’ll have to pay extra to charge your devices. As you go higher, the charging cost will likely be more expensive. Also, the price may vary on the device you’re charging. Although charging is not an issue in this trek, we suggest you bring a high-capacity power bank to charge your mobile devices and carry spare camera batteries just in case.

ATMs and Money Exchange

While in the mountains, most teahouses and shops only accept local currency, i.e., Nepalese rupees. It is a good idea to exchange your foreign currency for local rupees before the trek.

The most reliable place to exchange currency is in Kathmandu. There are plenty of money exchange centers in Thamel. We recommend you exchange a few smaller bills to avoid the hassle during smaller transactions.

Likewise, if you wish to withdraw some cash for the trek, do so in one of the ATM booths in Kathmandu. Although there are a few ATMs in Lukla and Namche Bazaar, they are not as reliable.

Travel Insurance

Although the Everest Panorama View Trek is moderately challenging, it involves the risk of altitude sickness and physical injuries. On rare occasions, you might even require helicopter evacuation from the trail directly to the hospital in Kathmandu.

So, it is mandatory to have a valid travel insurance policy to join this adventure holiday with Nepal Gateway Trekking. When buying the insurance policy, make sure it covers the cost of medical treatment, trip cancellation, and helicopter evacuation in 4,000 meters.

Guide and Porter Information

Guides, porters, and other crew are crucial members of any trek. Therefore, Nepal Gateway Trekking will provide a professional and qualified trekking guide to lead your Everest Panorama View Trek.

With over a decade of experience in the mountains, our guide will ensure safety and proper navigation throughout the trek. Moreover, they are certified by Wilderness First Aid (WFA), which means they are fully trained to provide first aid assistance in high altitudes.

Our trekking guide will be assisted by an experienced team of Sherpas and porters.

Gratitude for the Trekking Crew

Tipping is a common way to express gratitude for your trekking crew. Although it is not mandatory, it is a courteous act to support the income of the crew. Typically, the guides, porters, and other staff are offered tips on the farewell party in Lukla.

We recommend that you collect the tip money as a group and hand it over to the trekking guide. Later, the guide will divide the amount equally among all the members at the final day ceremony.

Another way to support the crew is by donating used trekking gear. In Nepal, porters and other staff will happily receive any gear you offer them—hiking boots, hats, shirts, poles, jackets, etc. If there’s someone specific you think deserves the gear, you can give it to him/her directly or collect it and ask the guide to distribute it fairly.

Packing List for Everest Panorama View Trek

Clothing

• Breathable Trekking Shirt x 5
• Trekking Trousers/Leggings x 2
• Warm Trousers (for Evenings) x 1
• Trekking Shorts x 1
• Thermal Baselayer x 1
• Fleece Jacket x 1
• Down Jacket x1
• Waterproof Shell Jacket x 1
• Waterproof Trouser x 1
• Breathable Underwear x 3
• Sports Bra (For Women) x 3

Footwears

• Hiking Boots x 1
• Sandals/Trainers x 1
• Hiking Socks x 5
• Thermal Socks x 2

Head Gear

• Sun Protection Hat/Cap x 1
• Beanie x 1
• Buff/Neck Gaiter x 1
• UV Protection Sunglass x 1
• Headlamp (with Spare Batteries) x 1

Hand Wear

• Woollen Gloves x 1
• Hard-Shell Outer Gloves x 1

Bags

• Duffel Bag x 1
• Day Pack x 1

Other Essentials

• Trekking Poles x 1
• Microfibre Towels x1
• Water Bottle x 1
• Water Purification Tablets
• Toiletries
• Sunscreen
• Lip Balm
• Hand Sanitizers
• Passport
• Copies of Passport-Sized Photos
• Power Bank
• Personal Medications and First Aid Kit
• Camera or Go Pro
• High Protein Snacks and Bars