We fly to Lukla (2,800m) and start our trek. We aim to trek towards Monjo (5 hours trek) if our flight lands in the morning; otherwise, we stay at the village of Phakding (3 hours trek).

We follow the Dudh Koshi River, crossing a suspension bridge on the Kyashar Khola, and pass through Jorsalle, the entrance to Sagarmatha National Park. We have about one hour of trekking in a combination of flat, some short steep ascents, and descends to a high suspension bridge. There is a steep ascent of 2 hours after the bridge to Namche Bazaar. We stay in a lodge that is at the top of Namche Bazaar.

 We rise early and climb for views of Mt. Everest and other peaks, with time to look through the Sherpa museum and cultural centre. The private museum and cultural centre are within the compound where we stay. This lodge owner is a conservationist and a photographer. You can buy scenic posters and postcards made by him 

We trek to the village of Thame (3,700m). You will encounter very few trekkers on the trail as this is away from the main route to Everest base camp (EBC). Instead, the course takes you through some small villages, forested areas, with Mount Kongde towering on the opposite side of the valley. We will stay in a lodge owned by Apa Sherpa, who holds the world record of 22 successful ascents of Everest.

We retrace our steps to the ‘fork’ on the trail and begin climbing towards the Shyangboche airstrip, where we stop for lunch. Then, we trek to the village of Khumjung (3,790m) via Khunde village. We will visit the hospital in Khunde village and the school at Khumjung, built by Sir Edmund Hillary. The villages of Khunde and Khumjung lie below the protector deity mountain Khumbila 

We start our trek by descending towards Kyangjuma, where we are back on the main trail to EBC. We might be able to see our national birds – Impeyan Pheasants feeding on the fields on our downhill hike. Next, we start descending to Phunki Tenga. We have a steep climb for the next two hours to the ridge where the famous Tengboche Monastery is located. We spend time here visiting the monastery, admiring the surrounding peaks (if the weather allows). This is a popular and bustling place. Finally, we trek downhill to Deboche at 3790 meters, which is less busy.  

We have an excursion trek to the village of Pangboche (3,860m). We cross the Imja Khola on a suspension bridge, walk through rhododendron and pine forests, and passing many stone carved walls. Finally, we get very close to Mount Ama Dablam at 6812 meters.

We will either have early lunch at Pangboche, or our staff will arrange for a picnic lunch to be had on the trail to Phortse village. This village is off the busy Everest trail. We can go spotting Musk Deers and Impeyan Pheshants – our national birds.

Your trek leader will have interesting stories to tell while the Chef will prepare another one of his healthy and nourishing meals.

We head down to the Dudh Koshi river and climb up a steep hill to Tengboche Monastery. Then, we retrace our steps back towards Kyangjuma (3,700m). It is a tiny settlement of just three lodges. We will be staying in an inn owned by a two-time Everest summiteer. This place is busy in the mornings, with trekkers on the way to EBC. They stop for hot drinks to enjoy the stunning mountain views and do some souvenir shopping. Only a handful of other trekking companies book this lodge