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, whatever your interest. Excellent bookshops, extensive markets, novelty shops 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. Sightseeing with a guide can be arranged by our staff here.

Days 03 : Fly to Lukla (2800m). Trek to Phakding (2600 m). Walk approx 3 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 wui k 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 assemble 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 the first campsite at Phakding.
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.

Days 04 : To Monjo (2850m). Walk approx 3 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 is a 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 seem to hover above the tree line as they rise above the deep river valley. S 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.
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 campsite that is important.

Days 05 : To Narriche Bazaar (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 firewood in the area. Self contained trek groups must use only kerosene fuels for cooking, a philosophy we follow everywhere in Nepal, whether we are in a national park or not. Tea houses and lodges are encouraged to use kerosene, yak dung or electricity, but unfortunately continue to use mostly firewood for cooking, heating, and hot water for trekkers' showers. This practice continues to deplete the forests. 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 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 Mt. Everest. The trail continues to climb and meander to Namche, and the sight of this prosperous village spread within a horseshoe shaped valley opposite the beautiful peak of Kongde Ri is worth every step. After lunch you may wish to peruse the Tibetan traders' stalls or the Sherpa shops in search of a bargain.

Days 06 : Rest Day in Namche. This rest day in Namche Bazar is very important for safe acclimatisation. 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), Thamserku (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.

Days 07 : To Portse Tenga (3600m). Walk approx 6 hours. Heading North East we initially follow the main tail to Thyangboche as it contours around the hills, before we branch off on a short climb on the flanks of the sacred peak of Khumblia (5761m). 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 Dablarn and Kantega. We reach a stupa draped with prayer flags atop a ridge at 3992 meters and then descend steeply through forest to the Dudh Kosi. Crossing the river on a traditionally styled 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.

Days 08 : To Dole (4080in). Walk approx 3 hours. The early morning sun warms the campsite before 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 sit to gaze at the glaciers that flow from Tawetse and Cholatse on the opposite side of the valley. Behind us, spectacular ridges lead to the peak of Khumblia and the numerous unnamed peaks that reach almost 6,000 meters.
Lunch and 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 sitings took place. Ask your trek leader for details and draw your own conclusions.

Days 09 : Machhermo (4410m). Walk approx 3 4 hours. Continuing a steady but constant climb after lunch, we reach the "village" of Machhernio. Like the few small villages in this valley, Machhermo has only a few buildings and these are empty much of the year. Villagers in Khumjung and Khunde generally own land here high up the valley, where they graze yaks in the summer months.
Depending on the needs of the group, we may spend a night in Dole or Luza and travel to Machhermo the next day.

Days 10 : To Gokyo (4759m). Walk approx 5 6 hours. 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 the Nepalese give them such religious significance.
Once we have ascended the snout of the glacier the path levels. We pass the first of the lakes, Longpongo, before reaching the second, Taoche Lake, a larger body of water and a place where ducks are often seen swimming in the freezing waters. As we walk up the valley our path parallels the Ngozumba Glacier and separating us from the glacier is the massive lateral moraine. We camp near the shores of Dudh Pokhari, the third lake.

Days 11 : Ascent of Gokyo Ri (5483m). Walk approx 4 hours. An early start is best for the opportunities that the early morning views offer. The steady and 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 meters peaks in Nepal; many people consider it to be Nepal's best. Surrounding us are Cho Oyu (8153m), (a mountain that defeated a British Expedition of climbers, including Hillary, in their lead up to their successful assault of Everest), Gyangchung Kang (7922m), Lhotse (8501m), Makalu (8475m), Cholatse (6440m), Tawetse (6542m), Kantega (6685m), Thamserku (6808m), Lobuche (6145m) and Mt. Everest (8848m). Hundreds of other unnamed peaks fill the scene, whilst below us the Ngozum. 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 meters peak!
Although further from Everest than Kala Pattar, the traditional viewing point, here we see more of the mountain and enjoy a more relaxed environment of view the peak.

Days 12 : To Thangna (5,300m) Walk 3 hours. We take an easy day today to Thagna. After appreciate the morning views and retrace our steps back till after the second lake. We have a great views just before we reach the glacier. We cross the glacier and to our camp at Thangna.

Days 13 : To Yak Kharka (5,000m). Walk 4 5 hours. A slow climb as we cross deserted yak pastures and dawdle high into the mountains. Keep an eye open on the rocky slopes for Himalayan Thar. As they have not been hunted they are not too shy. Our camp site at the base of the pass is tight and we use the little level space available.

Days 14 :  Over Cho La (5,420) and on to Dzongla (4843m). Walk 5 7 hours. An early start this morning to cross the pass in the best weather conditions. Early mornings are usually when the weather is at its most stable, and depending on the snow conditions, it will take us approximately two hours to reach the saddle of the pass. We will spend half an hour or so on the pass and a few hours to descend to the valley and our camp on the other side. There is time for rest and photo stops so that the day can be appreciated to the fullest. 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 can't describe the beauty and the sense of achievement of this pass crossing. As we descend to our camp Ama Dablam comes into view and we camp beside the steep north face of Cholatse.

Days 15 : To Lobuche (4930m). Walk approx 3 hours. 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, Chola Glacier flows steeply from a saddle between the cliffs of Cholatse and Tawetse in a rugged and beautiful display. We crest a small rise and before us unfolds the stunning form of Nuptse (7745m), rising above the Khumbu Glacier. We continue our traverse until we join the busy trail from Thyangboche to Lobuche. The volume of people and yaks comes 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 town affords fine sunset views of Nuptse.

Days 16 : To Kalapatthar (5288m). Camp at Lobuche Walk approx 7 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 and peaks 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 (7145 m), Linigtren (6697m), Nuptse (7745m) 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. The afternoon can be spent exploring, or gazing at the peaks.
An early start is best 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 Pattar 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, 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 modem Everest expeditions set their base camp but the original site was at Lake Camp, now 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 before we pack up for the walk downhill to Lobuche.

Days 17 : To Dingboche (4330m). Walk approx 4 hours. Descending alongside the glacier we reach the snout of glacier 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 on an old lateral moraine takes us to the sheltered village of Dingboche. To the east at the head of the Inija Khola valley sits the pyramid peak of Imja Tse (6189 in). An option for this afternoon is to walk up the ridge behind Dingboche for sunset views of Nuptse, Lhotse and Chhukung Peak.

Days 18 : Rest Day. We can use this day for an optional walk up towards Island peak (Chukkum) on alpine meadow. The surrounding is great with snowcapped peaks all around us.

Days 19 : To Thangboche (3867 in). Walk approx 5 hours. 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 continuing through the monastery archway down to the Imia Khola The bridge across the river is spectacular and the rapids cause the river'to roar beneath us. We walk through pleasant foresf of rhododendron, fir, pine and birch that provides shelter for birds and Hog Deer, before we reach 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 will 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.

Days 20 : To Khunde (3780m). Walk approx 5 hours. 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 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. From Thyangboche we follow the main trail through the monastery gate and into the forest, continuing downhill to the liver. We head off on a small trail that ascends to the villages of Kharrijung 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 is close by. World Expeditions supports both of these famous community facilities, as well as the many other projects operated by 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 21 : To Phakding (2600m). Walk approx 6 7 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 phakding.

Days 22 : To Lukla (2800m). Walk approx 4 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.

Days 23 : 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 24 : 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 or by taxi. The old Royal Palace, Durbar Square, Swayarnbhunath (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 25 : Departure transfer to the airport for onward destination.