Everest Base Camp Trek, Himalaya

Short Flight to the mountain airstrip of Lukla (2,800m), and set off on the first short leg of the trek, heading northwards up the valley of the Dudh Kosi (or 'milk river'). You'll descend from the small plateau, down into the forested valley. The trail offers some tantalising views before reaching the small settlement of Phakding (2 652m), where you'll spend your first night.

Heading out of Phakding you will follow the Dudh Kosi northwards. This day's walk takes you through magnificent forests of rhododendron, giant fir and magnolia trees, and both in spring and autumn the ground is bright with flowers. After Jorsale (2 805m) you'll cross the west fork of the river, the Bhote Kosi, and start the steep climb to Namche Bazaar. About 300 m up this ascent you should have your first glimpse, cloud-permitting, of the summit of Everest appearing majestically behind the great ridge of Nuptse-Lhotse. Another 300 m of climbing brings you to Namche Bazaar, administrative centre of the Khumbu region. Namche is a prosperous Sherpa village and an important trading centre with a weekly market selling fresh foodstuffs brought up from lower villages.

You will climb steeply out of Namche to the Everest View Hotel (or can take similar altitude trek). Built by the Japanese this spectacularly situated hotel with wonderful views of Everest and Ama Dablam is an ideal place for a tea break. Descending back to the main trail you'll have time to visit sights in Namche Bazaar, including the local marketplace.

You'll continue on and climb to the village of Tengboche (12 683 ft./ 3 865m), the cultural and religious center of the Khumbu. Vistas from Tengboche are spectacular. The jagged peaks of Thamserku and Kangtega stand to our south as Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse and Ama Dablam are visible to the north. The Monastery at Tengboche is one of the most well known in the world. Views from this locale (one of the finest on earth), include Kwangde (20 293 ft./ 6 185m), Tawachee (21 457 ft./ 6 540m), Nuptse (25 843 ft./ 7 876m), Lhotse (27 883 ft/ 8 498m), Everest (29 035 ft./ 8 848m), Ama Dablam (22 487 ft./ 6 854m), Kantega (22 235 ft./ 6 777m), and Thamserku (21 674 ft./ 6 606m). You can have an overnight here or descend slightly to lodge in the village of Deboche.

After descending through the forest you'll cross the rushing Imja Khola, whose valley you'll be following. Climbing steadily the trail enters Pangboche, at 3 900m, the highest permanent settlement in this valley. After Pangboche you'll leave the trees behind and cross a wooden bridge at the confluence of the Khumbu and Imja Kholas. A short steep climb brings you to Dingboche, at 4 530m, a summer settlement where great peaks surround you.

You'll spend a day at Dingboche to continue your acclimatisation. Those adapting well to the altitude can climb Nangkartshang Peak at 5 100m for great views of Makalu, Lhotse, Chalotse, Tawoche and Ama Dablam.

The trail climbs steeply out of Dingboche past a chorten and ascends the valley gradually to Dugla at the end of the terminal moraine of the Khumbu Glacier. From here you'll have a short, steep climb up to Chukpo Lari, a beautiful, yet poignant place where there is a line of memorials in tribute to the climbers who have died on Everest and from where you'll have a beautiful panorama of the peaks lying on the Nepal-Tibet border. The trail then eases off as we follow the valley to Lobuche (4 930m) a tiny hamlet with a few teahouses. The sunset on Nuptse is not to be missed.

The trail winds past the Italian Research Center through the high tundra and glacial moraine to Gorak Shep (16 924ft/ 5 158m), the last inhabited area before Everest Base Camp. Gorak Shep presents a rougher environment and gives the trekker the true flavor of the nighttime rigors of mountaineering. In the afternoon, you'll take a short walk up the moraine to look down on the chaotic Khumbu glacier and take in the closeness of these renowned Himalayan peaks.

You'll leave Gorak Shep and cross the moraine of the great Khumbu glacier to reach Base Camp, which lies beneath the sweeping ridges of Everest and Nuptse. Everest Base Camp at 17 598 ft./ 5 364m, is a sprawling tent city set among glacial debris. There, the climbers will begin final preparations for their ascent of Mt. Everest. You can spend a few hours at Base Camp, getting a sense of the community and meeting climbers. You can also take a small venture to the edge of the notorious Khumbu Ice Fall to see climbers en route as they negotiate this complex maze of ice. So after all you'll return to the Lobuche or Periche.

Descending back to the valley you'll cross a small bridge and have a short climb before descending to join the main Imja Khola Valley. You'll follow the valley down to Pangboche through an alpine meadow landscape.

You'll drop down to the rushing river then walk through the peaceful rhododendron forests to the village of Devoche from where you'll climb back up to Thyangboche on the ridge. After all you'll descend off the ridge and walk back to Namche Bazar, where you'll spend one night.

Descending through Namche Bazaar, you'll pick up your outward trail again to Phakding or Lukla, where you'll stay for a night.

Take an early morning flight back from Lukla to Kathmandu.

Extra Day in case of bad weather.