Everest Base Camp Trek

Begin your adventure at the Royal Singi Hotel in Kathmandu, the start point for many Himalayan trekkers over the years. Around 6pm, bid namaste to your tour leader and fellow travellers, when we gather as a group for the first time to get to know each other and learn more about the adventures ahead during a full trek briefing. Your tour leader then ensures a big Nepalese welcome by arranging a group dinner. Rest up, we begin our trek to Everest Base Camp tomorrow. Want to explore Kathmandu further? Secure pre-tour hotel nights through your sales representative.

Start very early this morning to drive (approximately four hours) to Manthali Airport (RHP), where all Lukla flights now operate from. We leave our hotel at approximately 3am to arrive in Manthali Airport in time for the first morning flights to Lukla. The hotel provides a packed breakfast for the journey. Fly to the mountain airstrip of Lukla (9,190ft/2,800m), and set off on the first short leg of our trek, heading north up the valley of the Dudh Kosi (Milk River), then descend from the small plateau into the forested valley. The trail offers tantalising views of green, hilly terrain before reaching the settlement of Phakding, where we spend our first night.

Heading out of Phakding, follow the Dudh Kosi north. Today’s walk takes us through magnificent forests with glimpses of the mountains ahead. We cross the river several times by bridge as we pass through the villages of Benkar, Monzo and Jorsale. A final bridge brings us to the foot of the steep climb to Namche. Halfway up the ascent, we may get our first glimpse (cloud permitting) of the Everest summit behind the great ridge of Nuptse-Lhotse. A last 985ft (300m) climb brings us to Namche Bazaar, the Sherpa capital and the main town in the area, which get can explore properly on our return from Base Camp. Namche is a prosperous Sherpa town and an important trading centre. It has a weekly market on Friday afternoons and Saturday mornings, but the town always bustles with trekkers, coffee shops, bakeries and stores selling all kinds of trekking and climbing gear and Tibetan souvenirs.

Climb steeply out of Namche past the airstrip at Shyangboche to the Everest View Hotel, the highpoint of our day at 12,730ft (3,880m). Built by the Japanese, this spectacularly situated hotel with wonderful views of Everest and Ama Dablam is an ideal place for a tea break. En route to the Everest View Hotel, you have the option to stop at the Sagarmatha Next experience centre. Here we can learn about the work this local organisation is doing to tackle waste pollution on the mountain trails, while also seeing amazing art pieces created from waste. Descending through forest, arrive at Khumjung for lunch close to the Sir Edmund Hillary School. After, walk up to Kunde and visit the Edmund Hillary Hospital. The twin villages of Kunde and Khumjung are below Khumbila, the rocky peak sacred to all Sherpas. For much of the walk, enjoy great views of Ama Dablam and other Himalaya giants. Walk back down through Khumjumg to the monastery. Sadly, it was damaged in the earthquake but is now being repaired. Inside is a small box and, after paying the small entry fee (which goes towards repairs), see the only 'yeti' skull in the world. Descending to the main trail, spend the night at Kyanjuma.

Descend to the river this morning, crossing at the little settlement of Phunki Thangkha (10,665ft/3,250m), then climb steeply through the forest to Thyangboche (12,867ft/3,867m). Arrive by lunchtime and visit the famous monastery in the afternoon. The sunset and sunrise over the mountains are not to be missed – Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse and Ama Dablam provide a wonderful backdrop to our teahouse. Look out for Himalayan tahr, a native wild goat, in the forest surrounding the monastery.

Descend through the forest to Devoche and, a little further on, cross the rushing Imja Khola, whose valley we now follow. Climbing steadily, the trail enters Pangboche (12,795ft/3,900m), the highest permanent settlement in this valley. Ascending, we have lunch at Shomore, after which we leave the trees and cross a wooden bridge at the confluence of the Khumbu and Imja rivers. A short, steep climb brings us to Dingboche (14,270ft/4,350m), a summer settlement where great peaks surround us.

Spend the day at Dingboche to continue acclimatising. Those adapting well to the altitude can climb Nangkartshang Peak (16,730ft/5,100m) for great views of Makalu, Lhotse, Chalotse, Tawoche and Ama Dablam. There is the option to climb halfway up or, if you’re feeling energetic, it takes about 3hr 30min to the top. It’s a tough, steep climb but well worth the effort for the amazing views. Return to Dingboche for a late lunch. The rest of the afternoon is free to relax and acclimatise.