Challenging trekking for fit mountain walker the route to Everest Base Camp and the stunning viewpoint at Kala Patar has become something of a pilgrimage. This is difficult walking but follows a route that has become famous for its mountain views and the ultimate goal of Base Camp.

The route involves either flying to Lukla and trekking via Namche Bazaar and Tengboche to Lobuche from where the walk to Gorak Shep, Base Camp and / or Kala Patar can be made, or travelling to Jiri south of Lukla and walking into the region from there; this adds around 6 days to what is a standard 11 to 15-day trek (depending upon acclimatisation). The route to Base Camp has many lodges along it, so camping is not necessary, though getting a space in some of the best in peak season can be a challenge.

The views along the way are as you would expect, out of this world with peaks such as Ama Dablam, Kang Tengri and Lhotse all visible. Ironically once at Base Camp some people find the experience an anti-climax; not so with a climb up to Kala Patar which quickly brings back the sense of wonder – Everest’s south face is visible in its entirety as is Nuptse, Changtse and Pumori.