Sherpa Heartland 50th Anniversary Trek with Margie Thomas

Welcome to Kathmandu with it's incredibly rich tapestry of history, culture, and vibrant street life. You will be met by a representative of World Expeditions and transferred to the Radisson Hotel. A pre-trek briefing will be given around 5pm where arrangements will be made for the distribution of your kit bag, sleeping bag and down/fibrefill jacket. Following the briefing, we will head out for dinner and this is a great opportunity to get acquainted with your fellow group members. Overnight: Radisson Hotel or similar

Meals:  Nil

This morning we leave the bustle of Kathmandu city behind as we set off for our time in the Everest region & Sherpa heartland of Nepal. At this time of year, flights depart from Manthali Airport. Our drive will be around five hours, passing first the suburban areas and small towns on the outskirts of Kathmandu, and then to more rural, agricultural land. Overnight: Private eco-camp *NB: Domestic flights are determined by the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal and are subject to change.

Meals:  B,L,D

We have an early start with a short flight to the frontier town of Lukla. The Tenzing-Hillary Airport in Lukla was established by Sir Edmund Hillary to help access the Everest region and the Sherpa people. It is a picturesque flight with marvellous views of the Eastern Himalaya. Once at Lukla we are immediately presented with views of huge peaks surrounding the village, offering a glimpse of what is to come. Our crew assembles and we head downhill towards the Dudh Kosi, a river that flows from the highest peaks. The broad and well-marked trail meanders around fields of potatoes and buck-wheat, passing through small villages and rows of dahlia trees to our first overnight exclusive eco-comfort camp at Ghat. Overnight: Exclusive eco-comfort camp

Meals:  B,L,D

Today we cross a glacial river, named 'Dudh' (milk) Kosi (river) because of its colour. Sections of today's walk are through pine forest and cleared areas revealing terraced fields and a variety of crops. We pass small groups of donkeys, yaks and dzopko carrying trading goods and trekking gear along the trail. A dzopko is a yak-cow crossbreed while a yak is a full-blood long haired male, more commonly found at higher altitudes. Spectacular mountain peaks unfold above us and seem to hover above the tree-line as they rise above the deep river valley. We will see our first Mani walls today. These stone structures are a compilation of many stone tablets, each with the inscription 'Om Mani Padme Hum' which translates to 'Hail to the jewel in the lotus', and is mantra (chant) venerated by Buddhists and Brahmans alike. Overnight: Exclusive eco-comfort camp

Meals:  B,L,D

We start the day by passing through the gateway to the Sherpa Heartland of Sagamartha National Park. This national park was established to address the rising problem of deforestation and to stem the use of firewood in the surrounding areas. Only local villagers are permitted to collect the dead wood for personal use but must first gain approval from authorities. We follow the trail to the confluence of the Dudh Kosi (river) and the Bhote Kosi, crossing mountain streams and a spectacular suspension bridge adorned with fluttering prayer flags. We start our ascent to Namche Bazaar, the Sherpa capital of Nepal. It's a challenging steady climb, but serene pine forest landscapes and the first glimpse of Mt Everest (8848m) provide a massive motivational boost. The trail continues to meander up to Namche, a popular acclimatisation town nestled around a naturally horse-shoe shaped amphitheatre. Today’s trek is so worthwhile, as we see the beautiful peaks of Kongde Ri our destination on day 12 of our trek, directly opposite the valley. Overnight: Eco Lodge

Meals:  B,L,D

Today is a day out of the boots and to enjoy Namche. Historically, Namche Bazaar has been a major trading hub for local goods, with traders bringing in supplies from Tibet and other regions. Today you can shop for local handicrafts from intricate woodwork to handmade scarves. Together we will visit the The Sherpa Museum to gain an insight into the rich culture and history of the Sherpa people. The museum includes exhibits of traditional clothing, tools, along with art, crafts, and religious artifacts related to Tibetan Buddhism, which is an integral part of Sherpa culture. Overnight: Eco Lodge

Meals:  B,L,D

The walk to Thyangboche is one of the most spectacular trekking days in Nepal. The trail meanders around ridges and Everest can be seen on the horizon ahead before descending through rhododendron forests for lunch. After lunch we cross the Dudh Kosi and begin ascending to the top of a long ridge which flows from the summit of Kantega. Our trail takes us through pine and rhododendron forest into a devout Buddhist region where the wildlife is protected and unharmed. There is a possibility that we may see Himalayan Thar, Musked Deer or Danphe pheasants in the forests and around our campsite. As we approach the ridge line, we pass through a traditional gateway and around a chorten before cresting the ridge onto the wide grassy meadow of Thyangboche Monastery. The monastery was re-built with the assistance of Sir Edmund Hillary after being destroyed by fire in 1989. Overnight: Eco lodge

Meals:  B,L,D

Today will be a full rest day where you can explore the serene village of Thyangboche, or kick back, relax and enjoy the unobstructed 360 degree panoramic views. Ask your leader to point out the peaks. Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse will be at the head of the valley, Tawache and Ama Dablam supporting its sides and with Khumbila and Kongde Ri completing a complete and perfect picture of snow capped Himalayan Mountains. We will converge with other trekkers to celebrate World Expeditions' 50th Anniversary with a black tie banquet dinner hosted by World Expeditions legends including Tim Macartney-Snape, Garry Weare and Soren Kruse Ledet. Overnight: Eco lodge

Meals:  B,L,D

It’s a pleasant walk down to Namche, and as we near the village we pass through terraced fields that are home to the brightly colored Danphe pheasant, national bird of Nepal. Overnight: Eco Lodge

Meals:  B,L,D

The trek to Thame offers a more tranquil experience compared to the busier trails to Everest Base Camp. We will follow a trail passing through the pine forest, rhododendron groves and typical Sherpa villages. This route is considered to be the historical trade route between Nepal and Tibet. As we ascend gradually, we will pass by a monastery and then from Samden village, we descend to the bridge and cross the Bhote Koshi river before a final, short climb up to the picturesque village of Thame. Overnight: Lodge

Meals:  B,L,D

Thame is a traditional Sherpa village with a rich cultural heritage. Today we explore the village's monasteries and chortens that reflect their spiritual and cultural life. Thame is also historically important in the context of mountaineering as the birthplace of Tenzing Norgay, one of the first two climbers to reach the summit of Mount Everest alongside Sir Edmund Hillary in 1953. Overnight: Lodge

Meals:  B,L,D

The trail from Thame to Kongde (the original route that Khumbu Sherpas used before 1950) is a pristine alpine trail with beautiful forest of silver birch and different types of rhododendron forest . We will take a packed lunch as there are no lodges or tea shops on our path. We take in exceptional views of Ama Dablam and Everest and arrive at our lodge where we will spend two nights sleeping 'on top of the world'. From our comfortable base we are surrounded by panoramic views of Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse and Ama Dablam. Overnight: Kongde Lodge

Meals:  B,L,D

We soak up our stunning mountain surroundings with a free day at our lodge on top of the world. From here you’ll enjoy mesmerising panoramic views of Tengbouche monastery, Namche and Khumjung village. You can relax, eat, drink tea, take photos or enjoy an optional once in a lifetime scenic helicopter flight directly from the lodge (paid locally and requires four people) over Everest and the Khumbu icefall and back to the lodge. The more energetic amongst us can take an optional walk to Farak Ri north of Kongde at 4,680k metres to one of the very best locations to view Mt. Everest. Overnight: Kongde Lodge

Meals:  B,L,D

Descend steeply to Phakding village following the view of the Dudh koshi river valley along with the view of Thamserku, Khangteka and Kusum Kangaroo. Overnight: Lodge

Meals:  B,L,D

After breakfast, retracing our steps along the valley, we pass through a variety of settlements and forests before a gentle climb to Lukla. We savour our final mountain sunsets of the trek as we complete this exhilarating journey. Our last evening of the trek is a perfect time to celebrate a successful journey and say thanks to the team, 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. Upon arrival, you be will be transferred back to the Radisson Hotel and have the remainder of the afternoon free. Overnight: Radisson Hotel or similar

Meals:  B

Today is a free day in Kathmandu and our intentional contingency day in case we have any delays leaving Lukla. Enjoy the city and it's many temples, shops and cafes. Overnight: Radisson Hotel or similar

Meals:  B

We hope this trip has left you with a greater understanding of the Sherpa people and the richness of Nepalese culture, as well as unforgettable memories of your special trek in the Himalaya. Thank you also for celebrating the World Expeditions 50th Anniversary with us.

Meals:  B