A challenging trek encompassing all the very best that the region has to offer.

Following the exciting mountain flight into Lukla we trek to the sherpa market town of Namche Bazaar. Continuing up the Gokyo Valley there are excellent views of the Thamserku and Kang Taiga summits. From Gokyo Peak the 360-degree panorama is stunning – snow peaks, Nepal’s largest glacier, moraine and tranquil glacial lakes. From here descend to cross the glacier and moraine to the east and the pass of Cho La or Chhugyuma (5420). Between rocky walls the route leads to the Khumbu valley where Gorakshep provides the opportunity to ascend Kala Pattar for more spectacular views of the surrounding mountains including the black rocky ramparts of Everests southwest face. The return is via Tengboche Gompa, the most important Buddhist center of the region with the imposing peak of Thamserku looming over the trail.

Where are you going?
Days 1-2: Flying into Kathmandu is an unforgettable experience with the Himalaya spread out before you. You will be met at the airport on arrival and transferred to your hotel. In the morning of day 2 a half-day city tour will introduce you to some of the highlights of Kathmandu.
Days 3-5: The mountain flight into Lukla is spectacular and the landing an exciting beginning to the trek – one end of the runway is 60 meters higher than the other. Heading through pine and cedar woods along the Dudh Kosi to Pakding you will encounter your first yak caravans carrying trekking and equipment and supplies – including yours – towards base camp. These wonderful beasts creating mobile roadblocks, or virtual avalanches on downhill stretches, are a feature of all treks in the Everest region. It is also possible to see musk deer, Himalayan tahr and, if you sit quietly on the river banks, water rats.
Namche Bazaar is the administrative capital of the region, historically it was the staging point for trading expeditions to Tibet and its Saturday market remains an important event bringing traders from villages a week’s walk away. An acclimatization day allows for an excursion to Thame. Intricately carved mani stones mark the path to this large valley with a picturesque gompa on the hillside overlooking the valley.
Days 6-8: Leaving Namche Bazaar chorten mark the path and the twin peaks of Thamserku soar into the eastern sky. Here the legend of the yeti is alive and well and in Khumjung’s red-walled gompa a yeti-scalp is preserved. A large chorten marks the top of the ridge descending from Khumbila (5761), the abode of the patron god of the Khumbu region and the nearby settlement is said to be the birthplace of the lama who introduced Buddhism to the area.
Descending to Phortse Tenga on the banks of the Dudh Kosi the trail follows the river through rhododendron and birch forests and Cho Oyu becomes visible through the blooms before you reach the forest line. We take two short days to reach Machhermo to allow acclimatization, allowing plenty of time to enjoy the marvelous views as the trail passes through summer yak pastures and small settlements as it follows the valley side, far above the river. Machhermo is the site of the most credible yeti incident in Khumbu, in 1974 one attacked a Sherpa woman and killed 3 yaks.
Days 9-10: A steep climb leads up the moraine of the Ngojumba Glacier, the largest glacier in Nepal, past small lakes to the tiny kharka of Gokyo. The panoramic view from Gokyo Peak is the highlight of the trek and is every bit as impressive as that from Kala Pattar, near Base Camp. Cho Oyu, Gyachung Kang, Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cholatse and Tawachee are all visible, the tremendous ice ridge between Cho Oyu, Ngojumba I and II and Gyachung Kang is one of the most dramatic sights of the Khumbu region – resembling a folding screen of ice, snow and rock. Below is the Ngojumba Glacier and serene glacial lakes.
Days 11-12: The ascent to the Cho La (pass) is quite steep and although the crossing is not technically difficult it is necessary to take it slowly to avoid complications from altitude, there is also the possibility of snow. The top offers stunning high Himalayan scenery.
Day 13: From Lobuche the view is straight towards Nuptse and sunset is truly magnificent. Altitude makes the climb onto the Changri Glacier tough. From Gorakshep, near a small, usually frozen lake, climb to Kala Pattar, a 5545m peak that provides the best view of Everest. The descent back to Lobuche is not difficult, but altitude induced lethargy can make the many uphill sections below Gorakshep seem endless.
Days 14-15: Descend through summer pastures and alpine meadows of scrub juniper and, in summer, a profusion of wild flowers and to Dingboche, the only place in the region where barley is grown. The mountain views are outstanding. A rest day here provides the opportunity to hike up the Imja Khola to Chhukung, a small summer settlement from where the views of Island Peak (6189), Lhotse, Ama Dablam and the fluted ice walls flanking the Amphu Lapcha pass are one of the highlights of the entire trek.
Days 16-19: Re-enter the forests of rhododendron, birch and conifer where, due to the hunting ban, almost tame pheasants are regularly seen. At the bottom of the last stone stairway up to Tengboche lies the small village of Deboche and its nunnery. The morning view from Tengboche is justifiably considered one of the most magnificent in the world. Tengboche Gompa, the cultural and religious center of Khumbu. Founded in 1912, it has been destroyed and rebuilt twice as the result of earthquake and fire.
Descending to Namche Bazaar the route is unbelievably beautiful – the Dudh Kosi is far below and Thamserku, Kantega, Ama Dablam, Lhotse and Everest rise in front. Woods, rhododendron forests, mani walls, chorten and suspension bridges across the river combine to make this a lovely walk.
Day 20: Return flight from Lukla to Kathmandu
Day 21: Depart OR join your