We arrive in Kathmandu and transfer to our hotel. A pre-trek briefing will be given by our local ground staff.

To help acclimatise, we take a sightseeing tour, including some of the most historical and spiritual landmarks in Kathmandu – including the historic Kathmandu Durbar Square and the famous ‘Monkey Temple’ (Swayambhunath).In the afternoon, we transfer to Mulkot ready for our flight to Lukla from Manthali Airport tomorrow.

Our challenge begins! Following breakfast, we fly from Kathmandu on a spectacular 40 minute internal flight to the mountain village of Lukla. In the afternoon, we start our trek and descend on a wide trail towards the Dudh Koshi River, arriving at our accommodation in Phakding.

Trekking distance – approx. 7.5km approx/3 – 4 hours

Today we head up the valley on quite a busy trail, used by many porters and Sherpas. We follow the Dudh Koshi River until we cross a large suspension bridge and begin the steep ascent to Namche Bazaar – the tough climb is well worth it as we see our first glimpse of Lhotse (8,511m), Nuptse (7,879m) and Everest (8,848m) on the way up!

Trekking distance – approx. 8.5km /7 hours

We head to the small settlement of Kyangjuma today, along a wide meandering trail with superb views of the majestic Ama Dablam and Thamserku. Keep your eyes open for local wildlife such as the beautiful Danphe pheasants and the Himalayan Thar often seen on high ground above the trail.

Trekking distance – 4.5km approx/3 hours

After breakfast we ascend to Mong at nearly 4,000m for morning tea. We then trek through ancient birch forests to a Stupa on the rocky ridge of Mong La (3,992m). Phortse can be seen across the valley, a picturesque village set in a patchwork of stone-walled fields. After lunch at Phortse Tenga, we head up the other side to Phortse. This is a tough day; you will be tired when you get there!

Trekking distance – 7.5km approx/6 hours

From Phortse the trail climbs a little, taking us onto a stunning trail to Upper Pangboche with fantastic views of Ama Dablam and Everest where we’ll witness stunning views of the mountains from a less-visited side of the valley. We can see right down to Tengboche from here! We spend the night in Upper Pangboche, and we’ll also have the opportunity to see the beautiful monastery that once housed the legendary Yeti scalp!

Trekking distance – 7km approx/6 hours

From Pangboche, our trek follows a trail high above the Imja Khola, passing the tea houses at Orsho before crossing the Imja Khola and the old glacial moraines to our lodge in Dingboche. We are now well above the tree line and in clear conditions, sunsets here are spectacular! For those that feel up to it, a walk above the village in the afternoon, up towards Nangkartshang Peak, is superb for increased acclimatisation.

Trekking distance – 6.5km approx/6 hours

Your leader will advise you on options for another day of acclimatisation and exploration. Options include a trip to Ama Dablam Base Camp or an excursion up Nangkartshang Peak. Fantastic views surround you wherever you choose to go!

Today begins with the ascent of a small ridge behind the village and then we continue to climb above the Pheriche valley. We have lunch at the foot of the huge terminal moraines of the Khumbu glacier which flows off Everest. In the afternoon we take a steep but short climb over rocky terrain to the top of the moraines. On the crest of the ridge we pass a line of cairns built in memory of Sherpas and climbers who have lost their lives on various Everest expeditions. We then follow a narrow trail all the way to the tea houses at Lobuche. Today will be tiring, but the magnificent views make it worthwhile!

Trekking distance – 7.5km approx/5 hours

Today we reach our goal! We follow the valley that runs parallel to the Khumbu Glacier – it’s a gradual ascent, enabling us to build the slow, steady rhythm required for walking at altitude. We soon reach the flat, sandy basin of Gorak Shep where we have lunch. Leaving Gorak Shep, we continue to Everest Base Camp, along the rough track beside a glacial lake, and then up onto the Khumbu Glacier itself. We will need to walk slowly and carefully over the uneven loose rocks as we finally reach the prayer flags of Everest Base Camp! Glowing in our success, we then descend back to Gorak Shep where we stay overnight.

Trekking distance – 12km approx/8 hours

Another early start to tackle the summit of Kala Patthar (5,545m), a mighty peak with views of Everest Base Camp. This is the highest point of our trek, and probably our hardest climb but the views from the top surpass everything we have witnessed so far! We then descend to Gorak Shep for a cup of tea before continuing to Lobuche where we stop for lunch.
After lunch we take a different trail and follow a wide alpine valley covered in scrub juniper to the temporary settlement of Phulung Karpa (4,343m). We then descend further to our accommodation in Pheriche.

Trekking distance – 10.5km approx/7 hours

We start the day by crossing the Khumbu Kholo River, and then ascend steeply to the top of a small ridge. From here we have great views of the Imja valley! We then descend through Orhso, Pangboche, Deboche and then to Thyangboche where we stop for lunch. Continuing our steep descent through a beautiful forest to Phunki Tenga, we trek on to Shanasa, where Tibetan traders with numerous ‘artefacts’ will bargain hard to try and make us part with a few rupees! We then contour high above the river valley back to our accommodation in Namche Bazaar.

Trekking distance – 17.5km approx/8 hours

We start the day by descending a steep trail to the Bhote Kosi River. We then continue trekking to Jorsale, from here the trekking gets easier as we pass through a beautiful blue pine and rhododendron forest. We have lunch in Phakding before we begin a gradual climb out of the river valley to Lukla.In the evening, we’ll have a farewell dinner with our porters, followed by a few celebratory drinks and dancing with our Sherpa companions!

Trekking distance – 16km approx/7 hours

We get up early in the morning to catch our flight back to Manthali Airport. We then transfer to Kathmandu, where we will have the afternoon and evening free for a well-deserved rest or time to explore the city.

Today we have a free day in Kathmandu followed by our celebratory dinner!

We transfer to Kathmandu Airport to catch our flight to the UK, arriving the same day.

Please note this is a complex itinerary and subject to change, including the timings and distances detailed. Weather conditions, the group’s ability and any other factors outside our control can impact on the schedule set out.