Days 01 : Arrive in Kathmandu (1330m). You will be met by your group leader and transferred to the hotel where the pre-trek briefing will be given. Arrangements are made today for the distribution of your kit bag. Remainder of the afternoon at leisure.

Days 02 : Day at leisure in Kathmandu. On foot or by bicycle or trishaw, you have time to explore Kathmandu, Patan, Bhaktapur and the lesser-known towns that dot the valley. The area has an amazing range of fascinating highlights, wherever your interest. Excellent bookshops, extensive markets, novelty shops and handicraft shops contrast with fantastic centres of cultural and spiritual significance. Kathamndu has more World Heritage sites than any other city in the world. Sightseeing with a guide can be arranged by our staff here.

Days 03 : Fly to Lukla (2800m). Trek to Choplung (2600m). Walk approx 1 hour. 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 marvelous 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 assembles and we head downhill towards the Dudh Kosi, a raging river that flows from the highest peaks. The broad and well-marked trail meanders around fields of potatoes and buck wheat and passes through small villages, as we pass rows of tree dahlia to make our way to our first overnight stop in the village of Choplung.

Days 04 : To Monjo (285m). Walk approx 4-5 hours. Today we cross and re-cross the thundering glacial river, named "Dudh" (milk) Kosi (river) because of it's colour. 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 be carried by yak, or more correctly dzopko, a yak-cow crossbreed, a yak as full-blood long-haired male, more commonly found at higher altitudes. We pass through a variety of small hamlets as we slowly gain altitude. Spectacular mountain peaks unfold above us and leaving camp we cross the Kusum Khola, a tributary stream to the Dudh Kosi, and the peak of Kusum Kangru (6369m) can be seen to the East, at the head of the valley. Further along the trail, across the valley to the North-west, Nupla (5885m) and Kongde Ri (6093m) rise above the forested ridges. At a turn of the trail, Thamserku (6808m) 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 bard 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 step of the way. It is the journey, not the final destination that is important.

Days 05 : To Namche Bazar (3440m). Walk approx 3-4 hours. This morning we cross the green/aqua waters of the Dudh Kosi and 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. When we are in lodges, only kerosene will be used for cooking and heating washing water, and lodge owners will be well paid for allowing us to utilize their facilities. This puts money into the local economy and by carrying a majority of our supplies, we do not tax local resources further.
We follow the river course to the confluence of the Dudh Kosi and theBhote Kosi, and cross a spectacular high bridge before commencing our ascent to the village of Namche Bazar, 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 Mr. Everest. The trail continues to climb and mender 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 in a centrally located lodge owned by one of our many Sherpa friends.

Days 06 : Rest Day in Namche. This rest day in Namche Bazar is very important for safe acclimatization. Sagarmatha National Park Headquarters on the hill above the village offers a very interesting display of photographs, memorabilia and information on the park, and 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 meters above the valley floor, spectacular peaks seem to engulf us. Around us are Tawetse (6542m), Tahmserku (6808m), Kantega (6685m), Ama Dablam (6856m), Nuptse (7896m) and Lhotse (8511m) The greatest of all, Mt. Everest (8848m), rises at the head of the valley. The Sherpa Cultural centre has an interesting collection of mountaineering items and photographs.
Those who are fit and well acclimatized may wish to walk to the village of Thami and visit its interesting monastery.

Days 07 : To Thyangboche (3870m). Walk approx 5-6 hours. The walk to Thyangboche is one of the most pleasant in Nepal. The trail meanders easily around the ridges and Everest can be clearly seen on the borazon ahead before we descend through splendid rhododendron forest for lunch. After lunch we cross the Dudh Kosi and begin the ascent the top of a long ridge which flows from the summit of Kantega. Our trail takes us through one and rhododendron forest and as this is a devout Buddhist region, the wildlife if unharmed and not too shy. As a result there is a possibility that we may see musk Deer and other animals in the forest and around our campsite.
As we approach the top we pass through a traditional gateway and pass around a Chorten before resting the ridge onto a grassy meadow at the monastery village of Thyangboche.
The monastery was recently re-built with the assistance of Sir-Edmund Hillary after it was destroyed by fire. Your leader will arrange for you to be shown around the monastery and will explain the relevance of the many ceremonies the take place and discuss the life of the monks in residence. The views of the Everest massif, as well as all the other major peaks of the area are astounding and if we are lucky, we will see the glowing color of the sunset and perhaps even the mood light on the mountains around us. Our lodge will be situated near the gompa giving us flexibility in how we wish to spend our spare time in the afternoon. There are a limited number of lodges in this area and it may be necessary to be in multi-share accommodation ie rooms with more than two beds.

Days 08 : Rest day at Thyangboche. The early morning mountain views from the monastery are outsatanding. Everes, Lhotse and Nuptse are at the head of the valley, their line of sight flanked by Tawetse 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 Khumblia and Kongde Ri which encircle us from across the valley.

Days 09 : To Dingboche (4360m) form Thyangboche we head down to cross the Imja Khola before an easy climb along a wide, open trail to the small village of Pangboche (3901m). We may take a slight detour to visit the Pangboche Gompa the oldest monastery in the Khumbu, said to be over 300 years old. The views today of Ama Dablam, one of the Himalay's most stunning peaks, are spectaculat. Continuing on, we cross the river again and trek up to Dingboche, situated just beneath the impressive Ama Dablam.

Days 10 : Rest day in Dingboche. An important acclimatization/rest day today with the option of hiking high up to the ridge overlooking the village, or perhaps up to Chhukung Village. You spend the day exploring or relaxing and taking in the mountain scenery. Excellent virews of Nuptse, Lhotse, Chhukung Peak and Imja Tse (6189m) are had from both in the valley or from the ridge above the camp. Massive glaciers drape beneath cliffs that soar up to 3,500 meters in this dramatic valley.

Days 11 : To Lobuche (4930m), Walk approx 6 hours. We are gaining altitude and it is important that we move at a slow, steady pace. The slopes are quite barren now as we have moved above the tree line. Views of different peaks, such as Cholatse and Lobuche, unfold before us in this contrasting and spectacular landscape. We move up the Dhugla Ridge and onto moraine towards Khumbu Glacier. Rock cairns can be seen, many of which are dedicated to the memory of climbers attempting the high mountains of the area, including Everest. The temperatures drop here as we are more exposed with our camp situated amongst this glacial moraine. We enjoy spectacular views all day today of Pumori and Nuptse. The hill above the town affords fine sunset view of Nuptse.

Days 12 : To Gorak Shep (5288m). Wal approx 2 hours. 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 of the world's highest peaks. At the junction of two large glaciers and nestled in an amphitheatre of peaks, this campsite is spectacular. Pumori (7145m), Lingtren (6697m), Nuptse (7745m) and of course Everest (8848m) 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. The afternoon can be spent exploring, or gazing at the peaks.

Days 13 : To Kala Pattar (5545m) and to Lobucge (4930m). Walk approx 5 hors. By camping at Gork Shep we can get an early start to avoid the "crowda" that can converge on Kala Pattar at some times of the year, and to get the clearest views. The extra day of acclimatization we have had by staying at Gorak Shep is invaluable today on the ascent of Kala Pattar. Although it has undoubtedly been a cold night we have time to comfortably ascend to the viewing point and enjoy it to the fullest. It is feasible for the very fit both ascend Kala Pattar and visit Base Camp this day provided the weather is good. This is, however, a tough day.
Kala Pattar is not a Nepali name but a Hindi name and translates to "black rock". From these black rocks stop the hill the views are spectacular. Most wyes are locked on the mass of Everest, 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 modern Everest expeditions set their base camp but the original site was at Lake Camp, now known as Gorek Shep. Take a look in every direction and soak it in. The view south and our route out is particularly beautiful. We descend to Gorak Shep for lunch. Snow Cocks gather around for scraps as we pack for the walk downhill to Lobuche.

Days 14 : To Pangboche (3867) Walk approx 9 hours. Descending alongside the glacier we reach the snout and drop steeply onto the old moraine. We reach the site of a row of cairns to climbers who died in the mountains, before we continue to the small settlement at Tugla. Our path is along the old valley floor through the village of Periche. 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 it's historic old monastery, thought to be the oldest tin the Khumu.

Days 15 : To Khumjung (3780m). Walk Approx 4 hours. There are excellent mountain views as we follow the trail as it traverses high above the river and drops to the fields at the village of Portse and then descends to cross the Dudh Kosi at Portse Tenga. A short but steep climb is taken in our stride as we are now very fit and acelimatisation is not an issue. We crest ridge at a chorten draped in prayer flags and traverse towards 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 colored 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 is close b, world Expeditions supports both of these famous community facilities, as well as the many other projects operated b the Himalayan Trust. 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".

Days 16 : To Benkar (2600m). Walk approx 4 hours. Nearby on a hilltop, with views of the mountains, is the Everest View Hotel, a joint Nepali – Japanese project, 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 Benkar.

Days 17 : To Lukla (2800m). Walk approx 5 hours. 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 sunsets of the trek as we complete this exhilarating journey. Our last evening of the trek is a good time to have a small party for all the team, especially the porteres who will return to their villages from here. There is usually lots of music, dancing and singing and if we are lucky, one of the superb cakes that our Nepali chefs are renowned for.

Days 18 : To Kathmandu by air (1330m). 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.

Days 19 : Day at leisure in Kathmandu. There are a million things to see in Kathmandu and we recommend you spend this day wandering the town and exploring the valley on bicycle of 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 W.E. 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.

Days 20 : Departure transfer to the airport for onward destination.