After exploring Kathmandu, we take a short flight to the hillside village of Lukla (2800m). Through the diverse and eye-catching vegetation of Sagarmatha National Park, we trek to the Sherpa 'capital' Namche Bazaar. A colorful, bustling and friendly town, Namche was formerly a trading post between Nepal and Tibet.

We allow a day's acclimatization here, and then move on to the beautiful Thyangboche Monastery. Here amongst the mani walls, prayer flags and chortens we are in the shadow of the magnificent Everest massif and Ama Dablam, and the views are breathtaking.

From Thyangboche we ascend slowly but steadily to Dingboche, Lobuche and finally Gorek Shep, advancing above the treeline into more rugged and moonscape-like surrounds. Gorek Shep at 5100m is in fact the highest point at which we will lodge, and we take our time to reach this altitude properly acclimatized. Typically, we leave our packs at Gorek Shep to make an afternoon foray to Everest Base Camp, passing spectacular glacial forms and enjoying the triumph of having made it all the way!

The following morning, we ascend Kala Patar (5545m), a short but steep and challenging climb, which leads to a viewpoint acknowledged as one of the best from which to see Mount Everest. The climbing route from Base Camp through the Khumbu Icefall is apparent from here.

Our trek back to Lukla takes about 3 days, where we farewell our trekking crew before flying back to Kathmandu for more celebrations, exploring, shopping, relaxing and enjoying the vibrant and exotic atmosphere.