We spend 2 nights in Kathmandu and then fly out to Lukla where our trek starts. Heading up the Dudh Kosi valley we reach Namche Bazaar and from there proceed into the Gokyo Valley.

A series of shorter walking days sees us safely acclimatized by the time we reach our lodge at Gokyo, beside the Ngozumpa glacier. It is well worth a morning climb up Gokyo Peak, as all of the 8000+m peaks in the area (including Everest and Cho Oyu) can be seen spectacularly from here. The tranquil lakes can be dazzlingly blue and during a good freeze in winter, provide a novel opportunity for some skating!

From Gokyo we trek into the Khumbu Valley via Phortse, Pangboche and Dingboche. A more challenging option, weather conditions and group fitness permitting, is to cross the Ngozumpa glacier and take the Cho La pass to join the main Everest trail near Lobuche. We follow the trail up to Gorek Shep, our highest lodge. An afternoon is spent walking the rugged trail to Everest Base Camp. Our climb up nearby Kala Patar, at the base of Pumo Ri (7165m), is best done in the early morning. It is short but steep and tough, and our efforts are rewarded by a brilliant close-up view of mighty Everest from one of the best vantage points around.

Our return trek to Lukla takes in the famous Thyangboche Monastery. It is a beautiful and peaceful place to pause and absorb the immensity of the Himalayas, spread out in a magnificent 360-degree panorama around us. We farewell our trekking crew and the Khumbu region in Lukla, and fly back to Kathmandu where there is time to relax, shop, and sample more of the fascination of this exotic city.