Khumbu Valley Explorer 50th Anniversary Trek with Tim Macartney-Snape

You will be met by a representative of World Expeditions and transferred to the Radisson hotel. Remainder of the afternoon at leisure. A pre-trek briefing will be given around 4.30-5pm where arrangements will be made for the distribution of your kit bag, sleeping bag and down/fibrefill jacket. Following the briefing, there is an option to head out for dinner as a group to be acquainted with your fellow travellers. Overnight: Radisson Hotel or similar

Meals:  Nil

Today you have a full day to explore Kathmandu’s bustling streets and significant landmarks. You may wish to start by exploring the city’s two most important World Heritage Listed spiritual sites: Pashupatinath, Nepal’s most sacred Hindu temple and an important cremation site; and Boudhanath, the largest Buddhist stupa in Nepal and the most sacred Tibetan Buddhist shrine outside of Tibet. Alternatively you could wander through the markets and shops of the busy Thamel precinct.

Meals:  B

After a stunning morning flight into Phaplu, our journey begins by ascending through the lower foothills of the Solukhumbu district and past many Sherpa, Tamang and Bahun communities. The path we take, though somewhat planned, is exploratory in nature and offers an insight into the conditions and terrain that Tenzing Norgay and Sir Edmund Hillary once traversed on their historical summit of Everest in 1953. After two days of following the Dudhkund river, we cross Taksindu La (3870m) for expansive views of the Lumding Valley and countless Himalayan giants looming in the background. Shortly after reaching Luza (4100m), we divert off the main path and onto the rugged and raw trails used by generations of Sherpas accessing different parts of the valley. We journey through the secluded Lumding valley and traverse the high ridge lines, gorges and cross valleys. During our explorations, our support team of porters and crew will be on hand to keep things running smoothly, with our wilderness campsites set up, equipment carried and hearty meals provided. Our path eventually runs adjacent to the standard trekking trail from Lukla and we briefly join to reach our campsite at Monjo. Overnight: Wilderness camping

Meals:  B,L,D

After a hearty breakfast, we bid farewell to our campsite and venture back into the wilderness towards Monjo Kharka (3800m), Phunke Tenga and eventually Thyangboche. We leave the main trails and traverse the high ridges east of the Dudh Kosi river into the sub-alpine terrain. The valley slowly opens up revealing the towering mountains ahead including the impressive Ama Dablam directly to the north. Certain sections may be steep and challenging, so remember to take your time and watch your step. As we enter the dense rhododendron and pine forests, keep your eye peeled for local wildlife including the brightly coloured Daphne Pheasant, the national bird of Nepal. We emerge beneath Thyangboche, the spiritual heart of the Khumbu region and home to the largest and most active Monastery in the region. Take the time to appreciate the surroundings and if the weather is clear, you will be rewarded with truly astounding views of some of the world's highest mountains including Lhotse, Nuptse and Everest. Overnight: Wilderness camping

Meals:  B,L,D

You will have a full day to explore the village or kick your feet up and take a well earned break with one of the best views in the region. We will have a tour of the famous Monastery and learn of its significance for the surrounding villagers. We will celebrate World Expeditions' 50th Anniversary with a banquet dinner hosted by some of the people who helped shape World Expeditions into the pioneering adventure travel company it has become today, including your leader Tim Macartney-Snape, Soren Kruse Ledet and Garry Weare. Overnight: Wilderness Camp

Meals:  B,L,D

It's a pleasant walk down the valley to Namche Bazaar, the Sherpa capital of Nepal, where we will spend the night. This prosperous village spread within a horse-shoe shaped valley opposite the beautiful peak of Kongde Ri is a highlight of the Khumbu. Overnight: Eco-lodge

Meals:  B,L,D

Leaving Namche we descend through forests and continue following the Dudh Kosi, and continue our return journey crossing and re-crossing the river. We pass through a variety of settlements and forests before the final climb to Lukla. We savour our final sunset of the trek as we complete this exhilarating journey. Our last evening of the trek is a good time to celebrate a successful journey and have a small celebration with the entire crew, especially the porters who will return to their villages from here. Overnight: Eco-lodge

Meals:  B,L,D

We start the day with a stunning morning flight over forests and villages to Kathmandu directly or to return via Ramechap. Domestic flights to/from Lukla during Spring and Autumn trekking seasons may operate from Manthali Airport, Ramechap. This is determined by the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal and dates are subject to change. Your leader will brief you on flight arrangements locally. The drive from Ramechap to Kathmandu takes approx 5 hours. Upon arrival, you be will be transferred back to the Radisson Hotel and have the remainder of the afternoon free. There will be plenty of time to relax or do some last minute shopping/sightseeing. Overnight: Radisson Hotel or similar

Meals:  B

After breakfast arrangements cease unless further ones have been made. Those people departing by aircraft will be transferred to the airport.

Meals:  B