Everest Base Camp Trek

An early-morning scenic flight from Kathmandu to the tiny mountain airstrip at Lukla (2,860 m) — one of the most dramatic landings in the world. After meeting your trekking crew, set off gently downhill along the Dudh Koshi valley, passing Mani walls, spinning prayer wheels and Sherpa farms to the riverside village of Phakding.

Follow the milky Dudh Koshi upstream, criss-crossing the river on high suspension bridges strung with prayer flags. Enter Sagarmatha National Park at Monjo, then make the long, steady climb to Namche — pausing at the viewpoint for your first glimpse of Everest. Namche Bazaar, the bustling Sherpa capital, sits in a natural amphitheatre of peaks.

A vital rest day to let your body adjust to the altitude. Stay active with an acclimatisation hike up to the Everest View Hotel for a panorama of Everest, Lhotse and Ama Dablam, and visit the Sherpa villages of Khumjung and Khunde with Sir Edmund Hillary's schoolhouse. Spend the afternoon exploring Namche's markets, bakeries and the Sherpa Culture Museum.

Trek along a scenic ridge with constant Himalayan views before descending to the Dudh Koshi and climbing through rhododendron forest to Tengboche. Its famous monastery — the spiritual heart of the Khumbu — sits framed by Ama Dablam, Everest and Lhotse. Time permitting, attend the atmospheric late-afternoon prayer ceremony.

Descend to Deboche and cross the Imja Khola beneath towering peaks, then climb steadily above the treeline into rugged, open alpine country. Pass through Pangboche, one of the oldest Sherpa settlements in the region, and follow the valley to Dingboche on its windswept plateau under the south face of Ama Dablam.

A second important acclimatisation day at altitude. Take an optional climb up the ridge above the village or walk toward Chukung for sweeping views of Island Peak, Lhotse and the Imja glaciers. Otherwise, rest, hydrate and prepare for the higher, thinner-air stages ahead.

Climb gradually across barren high-altitude terrain to Dughla, then up the steep moraine to a poignant ridge of memorial cairns honouring climbers lost on Everest and its neighbouring peaks. Continue beside the Khumbu Glacier with views of Pumori, Nuptse and Cholatse to the cluster of lodges at Lobuche.

The big day. Trek along the lateral moraine of the Khumbu Glacier to Gorak Shep, then push on across rock and ice to Everest Base Camp at the foot of the Khumbu Icefall — in spring, a colourful tent city of expeditions bound for the summit. Soak in the achievement before retracing your steps to Gorak Shep for the night.

Rise in the dark for the climb to Kala Patthar (5,545 m), the trek's highest point and the finest viewpoint of all — a close-range, golden-sunrise panorama of Everest, Nuptse and Pumori. Return to Gorak Shep for breakfast, then descend the valley past Lobuche and Dughla to the village of Pheriche.

A long but rewarding descent with the worst of the altitude now behind you. Drop back through Pangboche and Tengboche, re-entering the rhododendron and pine forests, then traverse the ridge back to Namche Bazaar — a welcome place for a hot shower, a bakery treat and a celebratory drink.

Make the steep descent back to the Dudh Koshi and retrace the trail through familiar villages, suspension bridges and Mani walls, exiting Sagarmatha National Park. A final gentle climb brings you back to Lukla, where an evening celebration with your guides and porters marks the end of the trek.

Catch the morning mountain flight back to Kathmandu (weather permitting). The rest of the day is free to rest, shop in Thamel, or enjoy a well-earned massage and a farewell dinner in the city.

A built-in spare day to safeguard against the Lukla flight delays that are common in the mountains. If all has gone to plan, use it for sightseeing among the Kathmandu Valley's UNESCO World Heritage temples and durbar squares, or for last-minute souvenir shopping.

After breakfast, your trip concludes. Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward flight — unless you've arranged to extend your stay with further adventures in Nepal.