This is an unforgettable expedition into the most mountainous corner of the world. First summitted by Tenzing Norgay and Sir Edmund Hillary in 1953, Everest has traditionally been the ultimate goal for mountaineers. Trekkers with some experience of mountains will enjoy the challenge of reaching the mountaineer's Base Camp, and Kallar Patthar ridge that rises above it. We fly from Kathmandu to Lukla and begin the trek from here. This is a "Teahouse Trek" which means that nights are spent sleeping in Nepalese teahouses rather than camping. Teahouses are privatelky ownd and give you the wonderful opportunity of living with Sherpa families as you go along. A great chance to learn about the traditions and culture of the Sherpa people - the world's ultimate mountain culture.
Day 1 Kathmandu
Rich in artistic and cultural heritage and full of fascination, vibrant and eclectic Kathmandu is an excellent launch pad for the adventure ahead. An early morning stroll to Durbar Square is a great place to watch the world go by and home to the Kumari Devi - a living goddess. Sit in a cafe with a cup of spicy hot chai, wander the markets or tuck into some Nepali cuisine. In the afternoon, learn about minimum impact trekking on a visit to the Kathmandu Environmental Education Project (KEEP), a project that aims to promote sustainable tourism and provide environmental and cultural education to travellers who visit this special part of the world.
Days 2-13 Everest Base Camp
Catch an early morning flight to Lukla, ready to embark on an adventure of a lifetime - trekking to Everest Base Camp. Surrounded by remote and breathtaking scenery, rest overnight in local teahouses and explore the diversity of Himalayan traditions and religion. Follow remote mountain paths, cross glaciers, traverse valleys and climb high passes to ascend to the foot of magnificent Mt Everest, acclimatising to the high altitudes on the way. From Everest Base Camp, head back down to Gorak Shep then make the tough trek to Kala Pattar (5,545 m) for exceptional views of Everest, Lhotse and the other jagged peaks of this awe-inspiring region. Take it easy on the descent, calling in at Tengboche Monastery and the Sherpa Heritage Foundation to learn about Sherpa culture. Return to Lukla for the flight back to Kathmandu.
Days 14-15 Kathmandu
The flight from Lukla to the capital is short and "stimulating" with impressive views back across the Himalayan slopes anad a landing strip to remember. Soak up more of Kathmandu's unique atmosphere with a spot of shopping among the many street markets and shops. Clothing, embroidery, carpets and ceramics are all on offer here. Alternatively, take a trip over the Bagmati River to the adjacent city of Patan, a maze of temples and monasteries. Enjoy a final night in Kathmandu with a celebratory group dinner - a chance to reminisce and reflect on this epic journey, and say "namaste" to new friends.