This 13 days trek passes through the Sherpa villages following the direct route via Thyangboche to Kala Patthar and onto Everest Base Camp. Return is via Pangboche and Phortse villages, which lie high above the junction of the Dudh Koshi and Imja Khola (rivers).

DETAILED ITINERARY
DAY 01 : Fly to Lukla, trek to Phakding
Pick up from your hotel for an early take off from Kathmandu Domestic Airport for a 45 minute flight that takes you to Lukla. You start your trek, setting off for a gentle walk to Phakding (2800m), a further 3 hours to the north. The trail leads through Lukla, past hotels, shops and airline offices to the edge of the Lukla plateau where the trail drops to meet the intersection of the Jiri trail at Chablung. From here the trail follows the Dudh Kosi north through the village of Ghat and then finally to Phakding where you spend the nigh in lodge.

DAY 02 : Phakding to Namche Bazaar
From Phakding the trail continues north up the Dudh Kosi valley, staying 100m above the river on it's west bank. The trail leads to Jorsale (2810m) where you enter the Sagarmatha National Park, and submit your trekking permits for checking. The trail then continues on an ever-steepening trail to Namche Bazaar (3440m). En route we cross the spectacular suspension bridge high above the confluence of the Bhote Kosi and the Dudh Kosi, and shortly after glimpse our first view of Everest, way off to the north-east. The trail to Namche is steep and long, but eventually we reach the remarkable Sherpa capital perched high on the hillside and dominated to the east by the immense bulk of Kwangde (6187m). Overnight in lodge.

DAY 03 : Acclimatisation day in Namche
Acclimatisation is important before trekking higher, and this is the first of two scheduled stops that we recommend as this allows you to gradually become used to the effects of altitude - the lower pressure and the thinner air. You can spend the day by taking side trips to Thami or Khumjung, or by simply strolling around and taking it easy. Overnight in lodge.

DAY 04 : Namche to Tengboche
From Namche the trail heads north-east on a direct line to Everest, starting up the hill and continuing on a reasonably flat easy trail high above the Dudh Kosi. We pass through the settlement of Sanasa before making our descent to the Dudh Kosi and the village of Phunki Thanga. From here it is a steep long climb up the side of the hill to the saddle on which Tengpoche monastery is located at 3870m. The long climb seems well worth It upon reaching Tengboche as it offers a panorama of Himalayan giants, including Everest as it peeks above the Lhotse-Nuptse ridge. Overnight in lodge.

DAY 05 : Tengboche to Dingboche
The trail initially descends through beautiful rhododendron forests and reaches a bridge across the Imja river, after which it is a short walk to the settlement of Pangboche (3860m). After this point the trail is relatively easy, with a gentle climb towards Dingboche at 4410m. Overnight in lodge.

DAY 06: Acclimatisation day in Dingboche
This is the second of our recommended acclimatisation. Whilst by no means compulsory, a recommended aid to acclimatisation is a side trip to Chhukung at 4730m. This is a short hike eastwards up the Imja Khola valley and is rewarded with fantastic views of Lhotse, Ama Dablam and Island Peak. Alternatives are to climb the ridge above Dingboche, walk across to Pheriche, or walk ahead to Duglha (4620m), tomorrow's lunch spot. Overnight in lodge.

DAY 07: Dingboche to Lobuche
The trail today ascends to the ridge above Dingboche and continue northwards on a gentle sloping trail to the settlement of Duglha. After some rest you continue higher on the moraine up a steep slope to a small flat area where we see a collection of memorials to mountaineers who have died in the Khumbu. Moving on, you trek into the Khumbu valley proper, and as you turn to the north-east to be greeted by the incredible sight that is the head of the Khumbu valley. The trail follows the western side of the valley and eventually reaches the bleak settlement of Lobuche at 4930m. Overnight in lodge.

DAY 08-09: Lobuche- Gorak Shep- Kala Pattar- Everest Base Camp- Lobuche
The trek starts out early this morning and will prove to be physically demanding. The trail heads on over rough ground to reach Gorak Shep. A walk for a further hour and a half reaches Kala Pattar, a small, rocky peak on the southwest ridge of Pumori. Avoid rushing and do not strain yourself. It is a hard climb, but the view from the top surpasses the wildest imagination. Huge creaking glaciers surround us and classic views of Everest are available. The views from the summit of Kala Pattar (5630m) are truly outstanding. The surroundings have an awesome and unnatural brilliance with Mt Everest rising above them all. Overnights are spent in lodges at Gorkashep and Lobuche.

DAY 10: Lobuche to Tengboche
You can now look forward to a reduction in altitude and easier going, as you descend back down the trail that you trekked up only a few days ago. The walking now seems easier due to the fact that your bodies are acclimatised, but this only makes up for tired legs and creaking knees! Overnight in lodge.

DAY 11: Tengboche to Namche Bazaar
This is a short walk back to Namche and you can take your time and relax and enjoy the views across to Kwangde, Thamserku (6808m) and Kantega (6685m). From Tengboche the trail drops steeply to the river at Phunki Thanga, and then rises again to traverse high above the river on the winding trail that leads to Sanasa. From here you have an easy walk back to Namche.

DAY 12: Namche Bazaar to Lukla
The final day of your trek, as you retrace your steps along the trail above the Dudh Kosi. You start by descending steeply out of Namche and shortly before you cross the suspension bridge below Namche you get a last chance to see Everest before it is out of sight. You lunch at Phakding and then continue down the trail, before turning off the main Jiri route and rising up to Lukla to arrive by mid-afternoon. Overnight in lodge.

DAY 13: Fly to Kathmandu from Lukla
Fly back to Kathmandu. Meet assistance at the airport and transfer to your hotel.