Today you arrive in Kathmandu and transfer from Tribhuwan International Airport by private vehicle to your hotel. After a short pre-tour briefing before dinner the evening is free for you to relax in this wonderful medieval capital.

We kick off with a day of guided sightseeing in the city, an introduction to the religion, culture and architecture of the Kathmandu Valley with visits to three major UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

The first site is astounding Swayambhunath, the Kingdom’s oldest Buddhist monastery, also known as the Monkey Temple. Built 2800 years ago and perched on the top of a hill to the west of town it allows a bird’s eye view of the entire Kathmandu Valley.
Next we head to Kathmandu’s Durbar Square, site of the old Royal Palace built in the 16th and 17th centuries. You will get opportunities to observe the city’s famous pagoda architecture with its intricate carvings, wooden frame, doors, windows and struts.

Our tour ends with a visit to the holiest of Nepal’s Hindu temples, Pashupatinath, an atmospheric site by the Bagmati River. This is where many of the Kingdom’s Hindus are cremated and is both a place of sadness and yet spiritual joy.

Flying east from Kathmandu, we have our first glimpse of the mountains as we fly to Tumlingtar (515m), the starting point of our trek. This small community lies on the green plains of Tumlingtar and has a distinct Indian feel as it lays a mere 70kms from the border.

Feeling as though we have stepped back in time, we land on the grass covered runway and pass through this peaceful trading post as we set off across the plains and warm up with a gentle uphill hike through rice paddies and mango groves, past pretty settlements with elevated split bamboo houses draped with bougainvillea and honeysuckle shrubs.

Crossing the Arun River on a long and low suspension bridge we arrive at the little village of Katike Ghat (950m) situated on the banks of the Arun river.
Trekking: 4hrs.

The day begins with a strenuous uphill hike away from the Arun towards Chalise where we will break for lunch. After the meal we will start the gradual climb to Gothe Bazaar where we will camp for the night. In the village, we can sample the local chhang, a beer made from rice.
Trekking: 7hrs.

Crossing the Irkhu River via rickety but safe bamboo bridges, we head up to Dhobane-Danphe where the villagers specialise in making Nepalese hand-made paper.

After lunch, we will continue on our way to Phedi where we will camp for the night (a teahouse available).
Trekking: 7hrs.

We ascend to Jaubari and, after a hard climb, we pause there to enjoy a revitalizing cup of local Nepali Sherpa tea (salt, flour, boiled water and butter mixed with tea), something of an acquired taste.

Proceeding through rhododendron forest, we stop to enjoy our packed lunch and a well-deserved rest before heading up to Guranse, our campsite. There is also an optional hike to a nearby mountain pass, 40 mins.
Trekking: 7hrs.

A 40-minute hike through the forest takes us to the Salpa Pass, 3,349m, from where we descend the slippery mountain ridge. Back in the rhododendron forest, we will continue onto the Sherpa village of Sonam, our second shopping centre for fresh vegetables and where we break for lunch. There is a choice of camping sites, either at Tiuwa (1 hour away), or at Guidel (3 hours).
Trekking: 8hrs.

Heading steeply downhill through jungle and villages along the ridge and past the Hinku (‘Hunga’- local name) River, we halt for lunch at Bung before carrying on towards camp at Khirangle, on the edge of the jungle. (Note that we should be able to visit the village school – a treat for the local kids and where donations are always gratefully received.
Trekking: 8hrs.

Heading into the jungle, we trek uphill to visit a nearby Buddhist gompa or monastery before we break for lunch. Later, we advance towards the second pass, Surky La (3,084m) where we will get to enjoy spectacular views of Mt. Numbur.

From here, we descend onto the Sherpa summer camp of Najing. Once there, we can try the local delicacies – dry meat, Sherpa tea and yak yoghurt!
Trekking: 5hrs.

Today’s trek will take you along a downhill trail across the Inkhu River which, in turn, leads to a steep ascent…a real endurance test!

We take our lunch at Gaikharka (where it is possible to buy chocolate bars); after which we head towards the third pass of Pangum (3,137m), and then into Pangum village to camp.
Trekking: 5hrs.

We gradually trek downhill to our lunch spot at the Makalu Hotel, a local teashop. After lunch, we continue towards the ridge before the steep downhill path merges with the Jiri trail (note: there is another, lower and gentler route, but if the weather permits, we should have beautiful mountain views from our high route).

At Puyan, we can relax and enjoy a drink or two and take shower (a welcome relief).
Trekking: 7hrs.

This morning we share the trail with villagers, porters, trekkers, mules and of course yaks as we make our way towards the edge of the Lukla plateau and then down to the valley floor. 

Continuing back down into the Dudh Kosi valley until we reach our camp at Phakding.
Trekking: 7hrs.

Following the Dudh Kosi, we gently climb through fields and rhododendron forests to reach Jorsalle, where we break for lunch. After our meal we head on towards camp at Namche Bazaar. This bustling village offers such luxuries as bank and hot showers. Tonight we bid adieu to the porters – who’ll be replaced by yaks from here on.
Trekking: 6hrs.

Today we stay put in Namche Bazaar to get acclimatised to the altitude. The day can be spent mingling with the locals and a visit to the museum can also be made. After packing our lunch, we can visit the Khunde Hospital, the Sir Edmund Hillary School, or Everest View Hotel – the world’s highest hotel. Here at Namche, it is possible to arrange any extra supplies needed for the ascent to Base Camp.

Weather permitting our first glance at Everest, Thamsherku, Kangtega, Lhotse, Nuptse and Ama Dablam is a distinct possibility.

Today we walk on towards Tengboche, stopping in Phunki Tanga for lunch and where we will find both water-mills and prayer wheels. 

Once at the Tengboche camp it is possible to visit the local gompa and the Sherpa Heritage Foundation, or to hike up to see close-up views of the Thamsherku.
Trekking: 6hrs.

From Tengboche you’ll continue the trek past Pangboche, where a gompa holds the famous 'Yeti scalp'. This region lies in high altitude and therefore agriculture is only barely possible, and the lives of the local Sherpas are spartan by any standard. Much of the walking in this area is of a comparatively gentle gradient, although a leisurely pace is recommended due to the high altitude.
Trekking: 6hrs.

It is time for another acclimatisation day. From Dingboche there are day hikes available:
Up the Chuking Valley, 1-8 hours
Nuptse Glacier, 3-4 hours (5,000m)
Imjatse Peak, 3-4 hours (5,200m)
Ama Dablam Lake (where you can have an exhilarating swim) 4-6 hours(4800m)

Leaving Dingboche, the trail ascends gently but still at easy pace. Walking past frozen rivers, we reach Lobuche where stone houses sit amongst icy wilderness of stunning beauty. Once in Lobuche, sense of being close to the ultimate goal overwhelms you.
Trekking: 5hrs

Wake up early in the morning and after a light breakfast, we hike for 2/3 hours up the valley at Gorakshep. We will have a tea-break and a short rest before heading up the steep trail to our ultimate destination - the summit of Kala Patar (5,545m) - the closest one can get to Mt. Everest without the aid of mountaineering equipment. Exhilarated and fortified with the stunning views we make our way back down to our camp at Lobuche.

An alternative today is to make the hike to Base Camp itself, an opportinity to stand where countless famous explorers have themselves stood before setting off on a summit attempt.
Trekking: 10hrs

Trekking down the valley we pass through Pheriche (and have the chance for an optional visit to Pheriche Hospital) and stop for lunch at Sumbare. We head towards the Dudh Kosi and Pangboche and Dingboche gompas. We will set up camp at Tengboche, looking towards the mountains that we have just passed through.

Today we continue descending the valley and reach Namche Bazaar by lunchtime. Tired trekkers will appreciate the free afternoon.
Trekking: 4 hrs

We can either wake up late and have lunch at Namche bazaar before leaving for Phakding, or trek in the morning and arrive in Phakding for lunch. Here you can enjoy a relaxing and leisurely afternoon.
Trekking: 5hrs.

We maintain our unhurried returning to Lukla along the Dudh Kosi, stopping for lunch in Kusum Khola. At Lukla, we can either camp or stay in a dormitory (around US$3/bed).

Trekking: 3hrs.

The weather in Lukla is notoriously fickle and with planes only able to fly during clear weather windows a day is needed in case there is bad weather and our flight is delayed a day.

Trekking: 3hrs.

We will have an early breakfast before going to the airport to catch a morning flight back to Kathmandu (between 7:00am and 12:00pm). After debriefing at the Himalayan Encounters office, the trip ends.