Today, you will rise early and have a scrumptious breakfast in Kathmandu. Thereafter, you will get on your flight to fly to Lukla for about 45 minutes. As you reach the gateway of the Everest region, you can further continue your journey with about 3 hours of trekking to Phakding. The trail is well-maintained and easy to follow and follows the upstream Dudh Koshi River. Passing on to the Sherpa villages, you can spend your night at Phakding in teahouses or lodges after covering a distance of 7.5 km.
 

On the following day, you will be heading towards Namche Bazaar. Today, you will gain moderate elevation while ascending through rhododendron forests and lush green alpine land. You will also be treated to a panoramic view of Mt. Kusum Kanguru and other surrounding mountains. As you move ahead through the trail, you will start to approach Sagarmatha National Park. Here, you will find a checkpoint where you will show your trekking permits and pay Sagarmtha’s entry fee to further move to Namche Bazaar. 

With such an exhilarating journey, you will today take a spare day to adjust to the increasing altitude. Through the lively streets of Namche Bazaar, you can take time to explore the surrounding area and wander around to learn more about the Sherpa culture. 

To make this day more productive, you can opt to take a short hike to the Everest View Hotel to watch the sunrise or sunset. You will complete your day with some of the breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks
 

You will start trekking to Tengboche after gathering yourself in Namche Bazar for 5 to 6 hours. You will witness the panorama of Ama Dablam. Crossing the famous Hillary Suspension Bridge, you will finally reach Tengboche Monastery, which is the spiritual gem of the Himalayas. There are colorful prayer flags and monasteries where you can stroll around. Moreover, you will spend your night in Tengboche. You will have a view of Mt. Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Khangtega, Thamserku, Kwangde, and Amadablam. 

This morning, you will follow the Imjatse River and head uphill unless you reach Pangboche Village. This is the last permanent village before Dingboche. The overall trek duration today is around 4 to 5 hours. You will stop at Samara village for lunch. You will have some great panoramic mountain views from Dingboche. Dingboche is a quiet village with yak pastures. You will rest here for the night.

This is another rest day for you to acclimate. Today, you will explore the charming village of Dingboche. Alternatively, you can take a day hike to Chhukung Ri or Nangkar Tshang Peak for further acclimatization and views of the surrounding snow-capped mountains. In the evening, you will rest and prepare yourself for the upcoming climb to Island Peak Base Camp. 

On this day, you will have a short trek to Chuukung, from where you will have some of the most fascinating views of snow-capped Mt. Makalu in the eastern part. You will pass through the Imja Valley, which is surrounded by towering peaks such as Lhotse and Ama Dablam. If you have free time for the rest of the day, you can consider hiking Chhukung Ri, which has an alluring vista of mountains and will help you acclimate.

This is a short yet exciting trek on this journey. Today, you will be heading towards Island Peak Base Camp for the next 3 to 4 hours. Follow the mountain path to the Island Peak Base Camp, which is like a rocky campsite with panoramic views. You can set up your camp once you reach there, and then prepare for the summit climb in the upcoming days. 
 

Before embarking on this journey of summiting the majestic and mighty Island Peak, you will require the necessary training in the techniques. With an early morning breakfast, you will today have a climb to a nearby peak for acclimatization and practice with climbing techniques. It is recommended that you be attentive to the instructions from your guide on rope work, glacier travel, and the use of climbing equipment.

Even before sunrise, you will pre-dawn start for the summit climb of Island Peak. Although it won’t be easy, it will turn out to be one of the most rewarding experiences. Navigating through crevasses and ice walls, using crampons and ice axes, you will eventually reach the summit and enjoy the breathtaking views of the Himalayas, including Mount Everest and Mt. Lhotse. After this mesmerizing experience, you will gradually descend back to the Island Peak Base Camp and then return to Chhukung. The overall trekking journey today will last 10 to 12 hours.

After you spend your night at Chhukung, you will have an early morning breakfast and head towards Lobuche for the next 8 to 9 hours. Crossing the challenging Kongma La, you will gradually descend to Lobuche. Kongma La is a high pass with a spectacular view of the surrounding mountains. The trail will offer you diverse landscapes and lush green forest views. You will finally reach Lobuche, which is a village situated at the base of the Khumbu Glacier.

Leaving Lobuche behind, you will trek alongside the trail of the Everest Base Camp.  Furthermore, you will pass through the dramatic Khumbu Glacier. You will arrive at Gorak Shep after 3 to 4 hours trek. Gorak Shep is the starting point of the Everest Marathon and the Everest Base Camp, and now you will join the Marathon. You can use the time to meet the marathon groups, introduce them, and explore the majestic Everest Mountain, which can be seen from the base camp. 
 

Before you start the Everest Marathon, you will take time to acclimatize in Gorak Shep. You can take short walks around Gorakshep or visit the nearby viewpoints as well. You can further enjoy the unique high-altitude atmosphere while attending a pre-race briefing from the marathon organizers, covering logistics, route details, and safety guidelines. Likewise, fuel yourself with nutritious meals and rest for your big day tomorrow. 
 

Get up early today because you will have a pre-dawn breakfast and do the final preparation for the race. The official start of the Everest Marathon from the Everest Base Camp will start around 7 a.m. You will follow the well-marked trail downhill to Gorakshep and continue your journey to Namche Bazar. The overall marathon is around 42 km, while the half marathon is 21 km. It will generally take 6 to 10 hours to complete the marathon. Upon reaching Namche Bazar, you can enjoy a well-deserved celebration with the support staff and fellow runners.

With an overnight stay at Namche Bazar, you will head towards Phakding today. You will retrace your way back for the next 5 to 6 hours. The terrain trails are easier today, so you can enjoy the descent and soak yourself in the beauty of the Dudh Koshi River Valley. Upon your arrival at Phakding, you can spend your night resting in a local teahouse.

As you start your early morning trek to Lukla for your final trekking day, you will have an easy trek to Lukla. The spare time left will help you stroll around the village and the countryside. You can also bid farewell to your fellow guides and adventurers. This is the time to pat yourself on the back as you complete the journey. 
 

Taking an early morning scenic 30-minute flight from Lukla Airport to Kathmandu will give you the final stunning view of the Himalayas. As you enjoy a farewell meal with your trekking companions, you can share your challenges. Also, you can enjoy a celebratory dinner in the evening. P.S. Don’t forget to take a window seat.           

It's time to say goodbye. As you do your packing early in the morning, you will have a fulfilling breakfast. You will be transferred to Tribhuwan International Airport. Bid farewell to the Land of the Himalayas, carrying with you a heart full of adventure and stories that will continue to inspire you forever.