You will be met by your group leader and transferred to the Radisson hotel. Remainder of the afternoon at leisure. A pre-trek briefing will be
given around 5pm where arrangements will be made for the distribution of your kit bag, sleeping bag and down/fibrefill jacket. 

Evening drinks are held in the hotel for all clients arriving today. Drinks and snacks will generally be served from 6:30 pm until 7:15pm, and this is a great opportunity to get acquainted with your fellow group members before heading out to dinner.
 

This morning a sightseeing tour takes in the key attractions in and around Kathmandu. In the afternoon you have time to explore Patan, Bhaktapur, and the lesser-known towns that dot the valley on foot, by bicycle or trishaw. The area has an amazing range of fascinating highlights, whatever your interest. Excellent bookshops, extensive markets, and novelty and handicraft shops contrast with fantastic centres of cultural and spiritual significance - Kathmandu has more World Heritage sites than any other city in the world.

We transfer to the airport for the 45 minute flight to the STOL airstrip at Lukla. This was the airstrip built by Sir Edmund Hillary and his friends to service the Everest Region when he began his work of building schools and hospitals for the Sherpa people. It is a memorable flight, with
marvellous views of the Eastern Himalaya. 

At Lukla we are immediately impressed by the scale of the huge peaks that surround the village but this is only a foretaste of what is to come. Our crew assemble and we head downhill towards the Dudh Kosi, a raging river that flows from the highest peaks. The river earns its name "Dudh" (milk) Kosi (river) because of its colour. The broad and well-marked trail meanders around fields of potatoes and buck-wheat and passes through small villages, as we pass rows of treedahlia to make our way to our first camp at Ghat.

Sections of today's walk are through pine forest and cleared areas reveal terraced fields and a variety of crops. We pass small groups of donkeys and yaks carrying trading goods and trek-gear along the trail. Our own gear will most likely be carried by yak, or more correctly dzopko, a yak-cow crossbreed, A yak is a full-blood longhaired male, more commonly found at higher altitudes. 

Spectacular mountain peaks unfold above us and seem to hover above the tree –line as they rise above the deep river valley. Shortly after leaving camp we cross the Kusum Khola, a tributary stream to the Dudh Kosi, and the peak of Kusum Kangru (6369 m) can be seen to the East, at the head of the valley. Further along the trail, across the valley to the North-West, Nupla (5885 m) and Kongde Ri (6093 m) rise above the forested ridges. At a turn of the trail, Thamserku (6808 m) rises majestically, seemingly from the river floor.

We will see our first Mani walls today. These stone structures are a compilation of many stone tablets, each with the inscription "Om Mani Padme Hum" which translates to "Hail to the jewel in the lotus", and is mantra (chant) venerated by Buddhists and Brahmans alike. Buddhists will walk to the left of these Mani Walls and chortens, but you may notice that people of the lowlands who have no knowledge of Buddhism do not follow this practice.

The allure of the mountains is hard to resist, but we must be patient, as it is very important to acclimatise slowly and thereby fully appreciate our time at higher altitude. Today's walk is not a long one, and you will be eager to press on. Slow down, and enjoy every step of the way. It is the journey, not the final destination that is important.

This morning we pass through the gates of the Sagarmatha National Park. The establishment of this national park is a significant attempt to stem the use of fire-wood in the area and the few local people who have a permit to cut wood must gain approval from the authorities on the basis of it being primarily for their personal use. We follow the river course to the confluence of the Dudh Kosi and the Bhote Kosi, and cross a spectacular high bridge before commencing our ascent to the village of Namche Bazaar, the Sherpa "capital" of Nepal. It is a tough climb as the trail passes through forest of pine to a vantage point that provides our first view of Mt Everest. The trail continues to climb and meander to Namche, and the sight of this prosperous village spread within a horse-shoe shaped valley opposite the beautiful peak of Kongde Ri is worth every step. After lunch you may wish to peruse the Tibetan trader's stalls or the Sherpa shops in search of a bargain. Our accommodation will be at Sherwi Khangba, a delightful Sherpa Hotel above Namche village.

Sagarmatha National Park Headquarters just above our Sherpa hotel offers a very interesting display of photographs, memorabilia and
information on the park, and the hill above is a wonderful vantage point for the spectacular view up the Imja Khola Valley towards Everest. The
change from the narrow lowland valleys to the broad glacial ones is immediately obvious. The steep-sided glacial valley before us gradually
winds towards the base of Everest, broken only by the moraines left by retreating glaciers. Its more gradual rate of climb is a blessing for those trekking higher. 

Towering to over 4000 metres above the valley floor, spectacular peaks seem to engulf us. Around us are Taweche (6542 m), Thamserku (6808 m), Kantega (6685 m), Ama Dablam (6856 m), Nuptse (7896 m) and Lhotse (8511 m). The greatest of all, Mt Everest (8848 m), rises at the head of the valley. The Sherpa Cultural Centre next to our hotel has an photographs. Those who are fit and acclimatising well may wish to take the optional morning walk to the Everest View Hotel where spectacular views of Everest and Ama Dablam may be seen.

Heading North-East we initially follow the main trail to Thyangboche as it contours around the hills, before we branch off on a climb on the flanks of the sacred peak of Khumbila (5761 m). We traverse for some time across yak pastures as the trail gradually ascends to Mon La. Below us is the confluence of the Dudh Kosi and Imja Khola and across the valley Thyangboche monastery is framed by Ama Dablam and Kantega. We reach a stupa draped with prayer flags atop a ridge at 3992 metres and then descend steeply through forest to the Dudh Kosi. Crossing the river on a traditional log pole bridge, we pass a water-powered grain mill and camp in the potato fields beyond. After afternoon tea an optional walk up the ridge beyond camp will bring us to the village of Portse.

The early morning sun warms the camp site and we head north, still following the Dudh Kosi towards its source, the magnificent Ngozumpa
Glacier. An initial short climb gets us onto the trail for the steady climb towards Gokyo. 

Since leaving the main trail we have seen progressively fewer trekkers and locals and the relative isolation of the trail is a pleasure. Sections of red birch, fir and dwarf rhododendron forest are interspersed with areas of yak pasture as we gradually gain altitude. We pass pleasant waterfalls and can rest and gaze at the glaciers that flow from Taweche and Cholatse on the opposite side of the valley. Behind us, spectacular ridges lead to the peak of Khumbila and the numerous unnamed peaks that reach almost 6,000 metres.

Camp will be at Dole, in a field beside a pleasant stream. In the distance Kantega and Thamserku rise above the foothills. It was at Dole that one of the more recent and "credible" yeti sightings took place. Ask your trek leader for details and draw your own conclusions.

Continuing a steady but constant climb, we reach the yersa or summer village of Machhermo for lunch. Like the few small villages in this valley, Machhermo has only a few buildings and these are empty in the winter. Villagers in Khumjung and Khunde own land up here in the high valley, where they graze yaks in the summer months. 

This is a valuable acclimatisation day as we prepare for our ascent of Gokyo Ri (5483m). We take things easy but this afternoon you may wish to stretch your legs and take a walk up the ridge behind Luza for a view of the Gokyo Valley.
 

Following the valley high above the river, we commence the ascent to Gokyo village. There are excellent views of Cholatse at the village of
Pangka and we stop to enjoy them. We are now in high alpine country and as we approach the Ngozumpa Glacier we trek onto the moraine and rock that extends down from it. We enjoy excellent views of Kantega to the south and Cho Oyu to the north.

Each mountain has its individual character and presence, and you can understand why mountain people have such spiritual significance. Once we have ascended the snout of the glacier the path levels. We pass the first of the lakes, Longponga, before reaching, Taoche Lake, a larger body of water and a place where ducks are often seen swimming in the freezing waters on their annual migrations to and from Tibet. As we walk up the valley our path parallels the Ngozumpa Glacier while separating us from the glacier is the massive lateral moraine. We camp near the shores of Dudh Pokhari, the third lake.

An early start is made to take advantage of the early morning views. The steady yet unrelenting ascent of Gokyo Ri will take two to three hours,
depending on your level of fitness and acclimatisation. It is not a race and times of up to six hours are cherished by those who thought they would not make it at all. If you find the climb hard work don't hesitate to ask one of the guides to carry your day pack. You will be elated when you reach the summit with its spectacular view.

Probably the most comprehensive view of 8,000 metre peaks in Nepal, many people consider it to be Nepal's best. Surrounding us are Cho Oyu (8153 m), (a mountain that defeated a British Expedition of climbers, including Hillary, in their lead-up to their successful assault of Everest), Gyangchung Kang (7922 m), Lhotse (8501 m), Makalu (8475 m), Cholatse (6440 m), Taweche (6542 m), Kantega (6685 m), Thamserku (6808 m), Lobuche (6145 m) and Mt Everest (8848 m).

Hundreds of other peaks fill the scene, whilst below us the Ngozumpa Glacier, the largest in Nepal, stretches through the valley. The striking
colour of the lakes below completes the picture. The only way to get a better view of the entire Everest region would be to climb an 8,000 metre
peak! Although further from Everest than Kala Patar, the traditional viewing point, here we see more of the mountain and enjoy a more relaxed
environment to view the peak.

This rest day can be used as a spare day in case poor weather delays our ascent of Gokyo Ri. Those with the energy will enjoy the walk along
the rim of the glacier as it affords excellent views in every direction. We will now be well acclimatised for the pass crossing. 

At this stage your leader will make a decision based on the safety of the group and porters whether a pass crossing should be attempted. It is rare for us to not cross the pass on this trek. An excellent alternative route to Kala Pattar is available, but we understand that crossing the pass will be a audition for group members. All our staff and porters will have equipment to cross the pass, even in reasonably adverse conditions, and it is always our attention to do so, group safety will be the key consideration.

We weave our way across the glacier to our lunch stop at Thangna on a trail that meanders around the constantly changing obstacles. There are great views today of Cho Oyu and Cholat se. A slow climb after lunch as we cross deserted yak pastures and climb high into the mountains. Keep an eye open for Himalayan Thar on the rocky slopes. As they are not hunted and are not too shy. Our campsite at the base of the pass is tight and we use the little level space available.
 

We start early to take advantage of the stable early morning weather pattern that prevails in the Himalayas. Depending on the snow conditions, it will take us approximately two hours to reach the saddle of the pass. There will be time on the crown of the pass to drink in the experience before the descent into the valley and the camp on the other side. 

This is a special day and for some the highlight of the trip. The views of the peaks are excellent all day and once at the saddle of the pass, the glaciers and immediate peaks seem to hover over us. Words fail to describe the beauty and the sense of achievement of this pass crossing. Finally as we descend to our camp beside the steep north face of Cholatse, Ama Dablam comes into view.

The early morning sun is welcome after a cold night and reveals a dramatic panorama of spectacular peaks. We traverse high on the flanks of Awi Peak, above the village of Chola and continue past Cholatse Lake. Beyond the lake, the Chola Glacier flows steeply from a saddle between the cliffs of Cholatse and Taweche in a rugged and beautiful display. We crest a small rise and before us unfolds the stunning form of Nuptse (7745 m), rising above the Khumbu Glacier. 

We continue our traverse until we join the busy trail from Thyangboche to Lobuche, where the volume of people and yaks may come as quite a shock. Following this trail we stride along towards our lunch place and campsite at Lobuche. The successful 1953 British Expedition to Everest thought of this place as a warm and pleasant rest point. Sadly it has become an untidy and unattractive collection of tea houses and not the place where we wish to spend too much time. The hill above the settlement affords fine sunset views of Nuptse.

We trek alongside the Khumbu Glacier as the path winds over the rocky moraine towards the settlement of Gorak Shep. We are high, among the glaciers and peaks of the world's highest mountains. At the junction of two large glaciers and nestled in an amphitheatre of peaks, this campsite is spectacular. Pumori (7145 m), Lingtren (6697 m), Nuptse (7745 m) and of course Everest (8848 m) surround our camp. The air is clear and the sun is strong but as the sun sets it becomes very cold. Sunsets here can be stunning. 

In the afternoon there is the option to trek to Everest Base Camp or you may prefer to just sit back, relax and take in the mountain scenery.
 

An early start is made to avoid the "crowds" that can converge on Kala Pattar at some times of the year, and to get the clearest views. You will be surprised at how well acclimatised you are compared to those on shorter treks and should not have any difficulty ascending the peak. Kala Patar is not a Nepali name but a Hindi name and translates to "black rock". From these black rocks atop the hill the views are spectacular. Most eyes are locked on the mass of Everest and its rocky buttresses immediately before us. 

Many of the famous ascent routes are quite clear. Below us the Khumbu Glacier snakes towards the icefall and Western Cwm. We can see the area where expeditions set their base camp but the original site was at Lake Camp, now known as Gorakshep. Take a look in every direction and soak it in. The view south and our route out, is particularly beautiful. We descend to Gorakshep for lunch. Snow Cocks gather around for scraps before we pack up for the walk downhill to Lobuche.
 

Descending alongside the glacier we reach the snout of the glacier and drop steeply onto the old moraine. We reach the site of a row of cairns to Sherpa climbers who died on Everest, before we continue to the small settlement at Tugla. Our path on an old lateral moraine takes us to the sheltered village of Dingboche. To the east at the head of the Imja Khola valley sits the pyramid peak of Imja Tse (6189 m). This afternoon we can walk up the ridge behind Dingboche for sunset views of Nuptse, Lhotse and Chhukung Peak.
 

There can be a tendency now to rush, particularly as we are walking downhill but there is still much to see. We descend to Pangboche and visit its historic old monastery before leaving through the monastery archway down to the Imja Khola The bridge across the river is spectacular and the rapids cause the river to roar beneath us. We walk through pleasant forest of rhododendron, fir, pine and birch that provides shelter for birds and Hog Deer, before reaching a clearing at Thyangboche Monastery. The monastery was recently re-built with the assistance of Sir Edmund Hillary after it was destroyed by fire. 

Your leader can arrange for you to be shown around the monastery and will explain the relevance of the many ceremonies that take place and discuss the life of the monks in residence.
 

The early morning mountain views from the monastery are outstanding. Everest, Lhotse and Nuptse are at the head of the valley, their line of
sight flanked by Taweche on one side and Ama Dablam on the other. Almost directly above us are Kantega and Thamserku. Completing a 360 degree panorama of mountains are Khumbila and Kongde Ri which encircle us from across the valley. From Thyangboche we follow the main trail through the monastery gate and into the forest, continuing downhill to the river. 

We head off on a small trail that ascends to the villages of Khumjung and Khunde. It is a comfortable day's walk, with time to explore these unique and more traditional villages. As we near them we pass through terraced fields that are home to a brightly coloured pheasant, the Danphe Pheasant, the national bird of Nepal. Khumjung is where Sir Edmund Hillary built his "Schoolhouse In the Clouds", and the famed Khunde hospital close by. There will generally be an opportunity for you to visit the hospital and school, as well as the monastery at Khumjung where we may see the "scalp of a yeti".
 

Nearby on a hilltop, with views of the mountains, is the Everest View Hotel, where you can stop for refreshments before passing through the yak breeding farm and descending to Namche. After a break we continue down through the forest to the valley floor to follow the Dudh Kosi downhill and out of the national park to our camp at the small settlement of Monjo.
 

Retracing our steps along the valley, we pass through a variety of settlements and forests before a gentle climb to Lukla. We savour our
final mountain sunset of the trek as we contemplate this exhilarating journey.
 

This morning we fly to Kathmandu, a thrilling flight over forests, fields and villages, with the Himalaya in the background. On arrival, we transfer to the hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure.

There is a wide variety of things to see and do in Kathmandu and we recommend you spend this day wandering the town and exploring the valley on bicycle or by taxi. The old Royal Palace, Durbar Square, Swayambhunath (the Monkey Temple), Pashupatinath (a major Hindu shrine) and the giant Buddhist stupa at Bodhnath are absolute musts. Our staff can arrange a guide and/or transport should you wish, or you can head off armed with a map and let the day unfold.

After breakfast arrangements cease unless further ones have been made. Those people departing by aircraft will be transferred to the airport and assisted with check-in procedures.