- 8 Days
- 45 km
- 6-8 hrs
- March to May, Sept to Nov
- Private Vehicle and Plane
- Hotel and Teahouses
- Moderate to Challenging
- Tengboche
- 3,860 m
Overview
A visit to the Tengboche Trek presents viewers with magnificent sights of Mount Everest as well as Lhotse and Ama Dablam and Thamserku during a compact adventure in Nepal’s Everest region. The trek spans from seven days to nine days beginning with an enchanting flight that leads from Kathmandu to Lukla.
Onward from Dudh Koshi River the pathway leads through the picturesque Sherpa settlements starting with Phakding and continuing to Namche Bazaar. The primary attraction of the trek occurs at Tengboche Monastery which stands at 3,860 meters as the largest religious landmark in the Khumbu region where trekkers get to watch spiritual Buddhist rituals while immersed in Sherpa heritage.
The trek route goes through the UNESCO World Heritage Site Sagarmatha National Park where trekkers find equal wealth of rhododendron forests along with wild animals and icy rivers during their visit. Those doing trekking explore Namche Bazaar because the town serves as the main access point to Everest Base Camp while also functioning as a rest spot for continuing the trek.
The Tengboche Trek demands good physical condition as well as average fitness levels without demanding specific experience in trekking. All lodging facilities operate as tea houses that provide warm food and fundamental lodging services.
The ideal times to hike the route fall during spring months from March to May alongside autumn season from September to November since the climate remains clear with pleasant conditions. The climate during monsoon season brings wet conditions with dangerous trails but winter remains the coldest part of the year.
The Tengboche Trek provides Nepal’s most famous Buddhist monastery experience as well as cultural attractions and spectacular mountain vistas to people seeking a brief Himalayan adventure. to November is a perfect time for this trek.
Highlights on the trek
- Stunning flight from Kathmandu to Lukla to see magnificent Himalayan mountain ranges.
- Witness UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Sagarmatha National Park with excellent opportunities to explore its rich biodiversity.
- Enjoy Namche Bazaar, which stands out as the Sherpa town and functions as the main entrance to visit Mount Everest.
- Visit the Tengboche Monastery as it is the largest and most important Buddhist monastery.
- See the stunning wide views of Everest, Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Thamserku throughout the trek.
- Trek along rhododendron forests as well as alpine meadows and several Sherpa settlements.
- Witness the Mani Rimdu Festival at Tengboche Monastery during the months of October or November.
- Cross several suspension bridges that span over the Dudh Koshi River with the iconic Hillary Bridge as one of them.
- Interact with Sherpas with their friendly hospitality along with fascinating encounters of their cultural customs and the ancient Tibetan Buddhist traditions.
- Acclimate at Namche Bazaar, from which the famous Everest View Hotel can be visited.
Tengboche Trek Itinerary
Our representative will escort you from Tribhuvan International Airport to the hotel in Thamel, which is located in Kathmandu, upon your arrival. Once you check in, you will find relaxation time as a suitable alternative while exploring Thamel through its establishments containing shops along with cafes and trekking gear stores.
The guide will share details about the upcoming Tengboche Trek during the evening pre-trek briefing. The evening brings a traditional Nepali dinner at the hotel followed by rest for the night.
A cultural tour encompassing Kathmandu Valley will be our first sightseeing destination before starting the actual trek. We will be checking out Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) which stands as an old Buddhist stupa that shows wide views over the entire city.
Tourists should experience Pashupatinath Temple and its holy location beside the Bagmati River. The third destination on your itinerary should be Boudhanath Stupa which stands as one of the largest stupas worldwide and houses thriving Tibetan Buddhist culture. Kathmandu Durbar Square allows visitors to experience historical temples and palaces while walking through its streets.
You complete all necessary trekking day arrangements for the upcoming trip following sightseeing activities, then return to the hotel.
The first flight direction you will travel occurs during the early morning hours from the domestic airport to Lukla at 2,840 meters above sea level. The airplane ride provides exceptional mountain views of the Himalayan range. The initial stop meets the crew before starting the hike to Phakding situated at 2,651 meters.
As the trail guides visitors down from pine forests, it crosses multiple suspension bridges before following the Dudh Koshi River. The adventure includes stopping at the Sherpa settlements of Chheplung and Ghat. Reaching the destination of Phakding after 3 to 4 hours of hiking will allow for an overnight stay at a teahouse surrounded by welcoming hosts who will provide delicious meals.
We consume an early breakfast then resume hiking through Dudh Koshi River territory while jumping between different suspension bridges with Hillary Bridge being among them. Upon Ascending we reach Sagarmatha National Park at Monjo for permit inspection.
Our morale stays high because the trail inclines steeply and we see amazing views of Thamserku, Everest and Lhotse. The travel from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m) takes approximately 5 to 6 hours and leads us to the energetic commercial center of the Everest region. A typical teahouse in this area welcomes you where you can savor hot meals while gazing at majestic mountains peaks before getting ready for night rest.
We spend our time in Namche Bazar because the altitude requires adjustment. We begin morning hiking to Everest View Hotel located at 3,880m altitude to see spectacular views of Everest alongside Ama Dablam and adjacent peaks.
Visitors at the museum can view the ‘Yeti scalp’ along with exploring the monastery in nearby Khumjung village. Afternoon activities in Namche Bazaar include relaxing at its bakeries or shopping for gifts. Similar to acclimatizing correctly we choose relaxation over sickness prevention while we enjoy Namche Bazaar’s lively atmosphere.
We traverse through a stunning path today towards the Tengboche settlement positioned at 3,860 meters elevation. The hiking path starts with smooth terrain on the ridge which delivers stunning vistas of the mountains. Our route follows Dudh Koshi River after a descent then we climb steeply through rhododendron forests until we reach Tengboche.
Our visit to Tengboche Monastery is our first stop upon arrival since it stands as the largest monastery in the Everest region and allows us to observe Buddhist prayer ceremonies. The breathtaking panorama that includes Everest along with Ama Dablam and Lhotse forms an exceptional scene for all visitors to witness. The day ends with a nighttime stay at a teahouse accompanied by a comforting meal.
We spend our morning in peace before starting our mountain descent that leads us through Namche Bazaar back to Monjo. The trip proceeds forward from Namche Bazaar to Monjo as we cross many suspension bridges while walking through pine tree forests.
Namche serves as our stopover point before we descend to Monjo (2,835m) which resides just outside Sagarmatha National Park as a small peaceful village. We spend the night in a convenient teahouse located near the end of our 6-hour trek. The rest and dinner totally reflect our hard work.
Our final trekking adventure takes us through Phakding before moving through multiple Sherpa villages while connecting with Dudh Koshi River. The pathway toward Lukla (2,860m) turns out to be mainly smooth apart from moderate inclines here and there.
The day marks our final trekking adventure that takes us through Phakding before moving through multiple Sherpa villages while connecting with Dudh Koshi River. The pathway toward Lukla (2,860m) turns out to be mainly smooth apart from moderate inclines here and there.
The day marks our Tengboche trek completion with a warm celebratory meal that our guides and porters join. The end of our Everest experience brings an overnight stay in the region before we return to Kathmandu.
Includes/Excludes
Cost Includes
- Accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast
- Tea house lodging during the trek
- All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trek
- Trekking permits (Sagarmatha National Park permit & TIMS card)
- Kathmandu–Lukla flights
- Airport transfers and ground transportation
- Experienced English-speaking guide and porter (1 porter for 2 trekkers)
- Staff wages, meals, insurance, and accommodations
- First aid kit with high-altitude medicines
Cost Excludes
- International airfare and Nepal visa fees
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
- Personal expenses (laundry, internet, drinks, etc.)
- Hot showers, battery charging, and Wi-Fi at tea houses
- Personal trekking gear and clothing
- Travel insurance covering trekking and emergency evacuation
- Costs due to unforeseen circumstances (flight delays, weather, etc.)
- Tips for guides, porters, and staff
More Info
Early spring March through May together with late autumn September through November represent the most suitable times for Tengboche trekking. It is the perfect moment for trekking during stable weather conditions when the views of Everest together with Ama Dablam and Lhotse provide breathtaking scenery.
Both springtime features rhododendron blooms across the landscape along with lush greenery while autumn delivers refreshingly cold conditions and optics that are almost perfect. The temperatures remain mild because of which this trek becomes more convenient especially during its steep sections.
Many trekkers activate the trails at this time so you can easily build friendships and learn about Sherpa culture while visiting their villages. Visitors can expect chilly temperatures during nighttime at mountain heights since the teahouses stay active to provide lodging and hot food.
The spring and autumn seasons provide lower probabilities for flight delays from Lukla due to weather conditions during the trek. The Tengboche Monastery trek is most chosen because winter and spring provide safe and pleasant conditions that reduce the risk of intense weather conditions.
One can trek to Tengboche during winter months between December and February yet these trips include extra difficulties for the traveler. Proper winter gear becomes necessary because night temperatures descend to as low as -10°C to -20°C in Tengboche. Clear skies along the route showcase beautiful mountain views during normal weather but snow-covered paths become dangerous for walkers.
There are significantly fewer trekkers during this season so hikers can enjoy isolation during their adventure. Snow conditions force some local tea houses to shut down, so trekking visitors need to organize their sleeping arrangements in advance. The combination of fog and heavy snowfall creates frequent disruption of airline service between Lukla which ultimately affects the planned timing of the trek.
Travelers who choose winter trekking must wear adequate winter apparel and appropriate trekking boots while using crampons to increase their foothold. Everest Tengboche Trek offers trekkers stunning natural scenes and Himalayan adventure during the difficult winter season.
Visitors can undertake Tengboche trekking tours during June to August which is monsoon season but we don’t recommend it because of rainfall combined with landslide hazards and hazardous trail conditions. This region collects substantial rainfall throughout the months so the trek experience becomes tougher resulting in frequent flight disruptions to and from Lukla airport.
During this season the hiking trails transform into muddy paths and lower altitudes bring leeches as well as limited sight because of the clouds blocking the view. Visitors who trek through monsoon seasons discover picturesque green scenery as well as reduced crowd levels together with an unhurried experience.
Since trekking frequencies remain low there is sufficient availability of lodging in the village tea shops. Travelers should invest in waterproof clothing and quick-drying attire and exercise additional trekking caution because these items prove vital in this season. Visitors can find peace during monsoon trekking adventures through the trail to Tengboche instead of seeking mountain views because there are limited travelers on the paths.
The required documents for Tengboche Everest Trek include both the Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit and the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit.
Visitors need the Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit to access the Everest region because its price for foreigners amounts to NPR 3,000 that converts to approximately $25. Two checkpoints where you can obtain this permit exist in Kathmandu and Monjo located at the national park gate.
Every traveler must obtain the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit which now serves as the modern version of the TIMS card at a price of NPR 2,000 or $15. You must obtain this permit which supports local infrastructure and you can acquire it in Lukla and Monjo.
Permits must always be carried during the trek since authorities will check them at multiple checkpoints throughout the trail. Tourists do not need to worry about permit acquisition if you take our package because Radiant Treks handles the entire process. Before beginning their trek, independent trekkers must acquire necessary permits since lack of permits can introduce delays and fine payments.
Trekkers with average physical abilities can complete the Tengboche Monastery Trek because its difficulty level is classified as average. Geological features on the trail demand physical endurance from trekkers during their ascent from Phakding to Namche Bazaar and after from Namche Bazaar to Tengboche.
Reaching a maximum elevation point of 3,860m (12,664ft) on the trek can trigger light symptoms of altitude sickness for some hikers. The trail maintains its overall condition typically however it turns into an uneven rocky path during winter and monsoon season. Wandering during the Tengboche Trek requires approximately five to six walking hours daily together with needed rest stops.
Namche Bazaar stands as the vital location to enable bodily adjustment to altitude because acclimatization forms a critical practice there. The rewarding experience of the trek includes breathtaking mountain views together with important cultural sites and a path to the important Tengboche Monastery. The Tengboche Trek becomes a possible and enriching adventure once you prepare appropriately.
Tengboche Trek does not need expert experience yet physical fitness moderation serves as a necessary requirement. Trekkers must handle daily walks that span 5 to 6 hours across several terrains which combine steep inclines and declines. Barriers in heart fitness along with strong legs and sufficient endurance provide the basis to manage sustained rises in elevation.
Hikers should prepare for Tengboche Trek by conducting exercise combinations that include trail walks and running as well as bicycling and stairs repetition to develop their stamina. The combination of stretches and flexibility exercises protects against muscle soreness which people commonly experience on hiking trips.
Acclimatization must be performed because it functions as protection against altitude sickness. A smooth trekking experience results from an effective combination between hydration and rhythmical pacing as well as strategic rest sessions.
Before starting the Tengboche trek novice walkers must get medical approval but the journey remains within reach for new hikers. Tengboche can be visited by trekkers of all ages through adequate training combined with proper preparation.
The Tengboche trek provides visitors with an adventure that traverses all areas of Sagarmatha National Park where you can find various plants and wildlife species.
During your trip, you encounter Himalayan musk deer besides Himalayan tahr while red panda and langurs are spotted along lower altitudes and snow leopards stay in upper elevations.
Birdwatchers have the opportunity to see Himalayan monal (Nepal’s national bird) along with blood pheasants and griffon vultures during their observation.
The Tengboche trek moves through an array of forest areas having rhododendron and pine with juniper before entering the alpine zone. The path through dense vegetation eventually leads to high altitude grasslands during your upward journey. Locals harvest both wildflowers and medicinal herbs like yarsagumba and sunpati from the upper altitude regions.
The preservation of exclusive biodiversity in the national park depends on ongoing conservation activities. Trekking across this Nepalese area gives travelers the chance to witness unmatched natural scenery while traversing untouched forests surrounded by numerous plant varieties together with interesting fauna species throughout the path.
Teahouses constitute most lodgings on the Tengboche trek because these establishments are basic mountain facilities owned and managed by members of local families. These provide basic twin-sharing rooms with beds, blankets, and pillows. Further up the mountainside several teahouses use shared bathrooms instead of private ones. The heating system is basic but diners can find shelter from the cold inside the dining areas.
The food selection at Tengboche trek includes dal bhat (rice with lentils and vegetables), noodles, soups, momos, porridge, pancakes and eggs. At lower altitudes, restaurants such as teahouses serve pizza and pasta and Tibetan bread together with other dining options. Before the night, the main meal consists of toast alongside porridge and omelets followed by the large dinner that builds energy levels.
Tourists can find hot beverages consisting of coffee, milk tea along with ginger tea in the various stands. Transport issues in higher altitudes create price rises throughout the area.
Eating vegetarian foods serves as the best dietary choice for minimizing digestive problems in high elevation conditions. Food options are sufficient on the trek although small packs of energy bars together with nuts would provide instant energy throughout your trip.
Drinking water is freely accessible throughout the Tengboche trek although bottled water costs high prices and generates plastic waste pollution. Pilgrims following the trail normally collect their water from tea-house sources and mountain streams together with tap water. The consumption of untreated water remains dangerous for drinking so it needs either water purification tablets or filters or a UV sterilizer for making it safe to drink.
The safer boiled water option offered by teahouses involves an additional cost to customers. Different regions along the Tengboche trek raise the cost of bottled water to a maximum of $3 for each liter in Tengboche town.
The trek requires at least two bottles or a hydration pack as water carriers to sustain hydration during the entire adventure. The process of altitude adjustment requires that trekkers consume at least 3 to 4 liters of water every day. Successful hydration prevents altitude sickness together with fatigue so trekkers stay protected during their trip.
During the Tengboche trek visitors get a profound understanding of Sherpa culture and Tibetan Buddhist ways of life. While trekking visitors encounter two major Sherpa villages Namche and Khumjung where residents preserve their pastoral-yak herder and mountaineering traditions.
The Tengboche Monastery, the most significant Buddhist monastery in the Everest region, plays a vital role in the spiritual lives of Sherpas. The Mani Rimdu Festival dominates the month of October or November at Tengboche when locals perform Buddhist ceremonies and mask dances before conducting prayers for all to witness.
During this celebration of Buddhist victory Buddhism defeats negative forces both local people and trekkers unite to witness the event. The Losar Festival serving as the Tibetan New Year becomes one of the primary celebrations which takes place in February. Cultural heritage of Buddhist traditions becomes visible through the prayer flags together with chortens and spinning prayer wheels which appear along the entire trekking path.
Travelers who attempt the Tengboche Trek have a unique opportunity to experience firsthand both the genuine Himalayan lifestyle and both religious Buddhist practices and the traditional Sherpa household hospitality.
Everyone spending time on the Tengboche Monastery Trek needs to account for their chosen duration of stay and accommodations and the selection of additional services. A guided trek in this region has an average cost between $800 and $1,200 per person which includes all necessary permits together with domestic flights and accommodations and food as well as guide and porter fees.
The total expenses for independent trekkers range between $500 and $700 according to their chosen options. Each round trip flight between Lukla costs $200 while permits as a whole amount to $40.
The prices of teahouse accommodation will differ between $5 and $30 each night based on the room type you choose. The total daily food budget ranges between $25 and $40 yet extra expenses add up to WiFi service and power charging followed by hot shower fees. The fees paid to porters vary between $15 to $25 for each day of the trip.
Travel insurance fees together with equipment rentals and personal spending should be factored into budget planning. A group trek reduces the overall expenses. Advanced planning makes both the trip easier to manage and less expensive.
The proper way to pack for Tengboche Trek brings together comfort along with warmth and safety in one package.
A trekker must cloth in layers by bringing down jackets along with fleece layers and base layers that wick moisture while also needing waterproof pants and gloves. Proper trekking boots together with wool socks and gaiters provide essential protection during difficult trail walks.
Carrying personal items requires a backpack sized between 40 and 50 liters which serves as an optimal choice. Travelers need to pack a –10° rated sleeping bag together with trekking poles for sunglasses and sunscreen and a reliable headlamp during the Tengboche Trek.
Personal sanitary equipment that includes biodegradable soap and hand sanitizer together with wet wipes remains essential. Water purification tablets together with filter bottles ensure accessing clean drinking water during outdoor trips. Performing quick boosts requires the consumption of energy bars together with nuts and chocolates along with other high-energy snacks.
The essential need for a first-aid kit that contains altitude sickness treatment medications. To achieve mobile efficiency while hiking, travelers should select their items carefully. Wearing different layers is vital since daytime temperatures strongly differ from nighttime temperatures. An appropriate preparation of gear boosts trekking security and creates a better overall trek experience.
Travelers entering the dangerous altitude region above 3,000 meters need to prepare their bodies due to the Tengboche Trek’s peak elevation reaching 3,860 meters. High-altitude sickness generates health problems through nausea along with dizziness and headache and shortness of breath among its symptoms. Although the risk level remains lower than longer treks it will cause symptoms in a few trekking participants.
One should spend at least one day in Namche Bazaar at an elevation of 3,440 meters to prevent altitude sickness during trekking. Going for an extra day in Namche Bazaar at 3,440 meters lets the body adapt to changes in elevation.
The combination of drinking sufficient water with high-energy feeding and refraining from alcohol consumption decreases the chances of experiencing health issues. A method to prevent excessive effort during the trek includes slow-paced walking alongside regular pauses.
Moving to a lower altitude represents the most effective remedy when symptoms of altitude sickness do not subside. The effective treatment of altitude sickness requires trekkers to bring Diamox medication with them.
Doing a planned route with ascending at a controlled pace leads to less danger and a more pleasant trekking experience. Knowledge and awareness of altitude dangers makes the trekking expedition safer and creates a more satisfactory experience for all participants.
- What level of difficulty exists on Tengboche Trek?
The Everest Tengboche Trek shows moderate demanding traits because it contains steep elevations together with descending paths. Trekkers require a good level of fitness, although they need not have previous experience with trekking.
- When is the most suitable period to complete the Tengboche Trek?
The autumn (September to November) and spring (March to May) are the most suitable period for Tengboche Monastery Trek. Autumn delivers the most ideal climate conditions for colorful mountain views during clear canvas while spring brings colorful sprouting rhododendrons.
- Does the route require any necessary permits for exploration?
Both Sagarmatha National Park Permit and Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit are necessary to access the region. Before starting the trek, visitors need to purchase permits either by arranging with trekking agencies or buying them directly from Kathmandu.
- What type of accommodation will I find during the Tengboche Trek?
The tea houses furnish visitors with simple twin rooms and furnish each bed along with blankets and pillows. The tea houses provide washing facilities which are shared between guests and only some bathrooms have private access. Both hot showers and WiFi service are accessible but require extra payments to the tea house operators.
- What items must I bring when participating in the Tengboche Trek?
The necessary trekking equipment includes layers of clothing paired with trekking boots along with gloves and sunglasses together with a warm jacket and necessary medical supplies for a first-aid kit. A sleeping bag should be combined with trekking poles and a refillable water bottle using purification tablets.
- Does altitude sickness present a risk on the path of this trek?
Cases of altitude sickness become possible when hiking above 3,000 meters. Proper acclimatization at Namche, adequate hydration while climbing gradually minimize the risk of experiencing headaches along with dizziness and nausea during Tengboche trek.
- What choices of food together with drinking water do the trek offer?
Teahouses during the Tengboche Monastery Trek serve dal bhat along with soup, noodles and momos. Those trekking should purchase water from bottles but such water proves costly so alternative methods such as purification tablets and filtration bottles excel at transforming tap water or stream sources safe for drinking.