Self guided - Everest Base Camp & Kala Pattar

You will be met by a representative of World Expeditions and transferred to the Hotel Le Himalaya. The remainder of the afternoon will be at your 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. A representative from World Expeditions will run through the route notes, answer any questions you have regarding the trek and help you settle in and assist with purchasing a local sim. If there are other self guided trekkers arriving today, you'll also meet them at the briefing. The rest of the evening is at your leisure and presents a perfect opportunity to be acquainted with any other fellow travellers. Overnight: Hotel Le Himalaya or similar

Meals:  Nil

Depending on the season, you will either have a free day to explore Kathmandu's bustling streets and significant landmarks or embark on a bus ride to Ramechap, a small town that operates flights to Lukla, the gate way trekking in the Everest region. Overnight: Hotel Le Himalaya Hotel or Private eco-camp *NB: Please note that during the spring and autumn trekking seasons (March to May and October to December) that domestic flights to/from Lukla may operate from Manthali Airport, Ramechap (approx. 4-5 hrs drive from Kathmandu). 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.

Meals:  B

We transfer to the airport for the short flight to Lukla. This iconic airstrip was built by Sir Edmund Hillary and friends to service the Everest Region by building schools and hospitals for the Sherpa people. It is a memorable flight, with marvellous views of the Eastern Himalaya. At Lukla we are immediately impressed by the scale of the huge peaks that surround the village but this is only a foretaste of what is to come. You will be greeted by with a sign of your name by your porter, who will assist you throughout the trek. After leaving Lukla, head downhill towards the Dudh Kosi, a raging river that flows from the highest peaks. The broad and well-marked trail meanders around fields of potatoes and buck-wheat and passes through small villages, as we pass rows of tree dahlia to make our way to our first overnight eco campsite at Ghat, where you will sign in on arrival. Whilst you may feel like continuing and indeed, the days world is short, the night here is imperative to ensure proper acclimatisation for the trek ahead. Overnight: Private eco-campsite

Meals:  B

Following a hot cup of tea to wake you up in your tent, breakfast will be served in our comfortable dining room and after you’ll set out on the days walk, using the map and route notes provided. Per our safety protocols, it is important that you ‘sign out’ of campsite prior to leaving. Sections of today's walk are through pine forest and cleared areas reveal terraced fields and a variety of crops. We pass small groups of donkeys and yaks carrying trading goods and trek-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. Shortly after leaving camp we cross the Kusum Khola, a tributary stream to the Dudh Kosi, and the peak of Kusum Kangru (6369 m) can be seen to the East, at the head of the valley. Further along the trail, across the valley to the North-West, Nupla (5885 m) and Kongde Ri (6093 m) rise above the forested ridges. At a turn of the trail, Thamserku (6808 m) rises majestically, seemingly from the river floor. 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. Buddhists will walk to the left of these Mani Walls and chortens, but you may notice that people of the lowlands who have no knowledge of Buddhism do not follow this practice. The camp for the night will be located above Monjo. After signing in, the night is at leisure. Overnight: Private eco-campsite

Meals:  B

Your morning routine is becoming more familiar, with a warm drink in the tent easing you into the day. After signing out, we cross the milky waters of Dudh Koshi and pass through the gates of the Sagamartha National Park. The establishment of this national park is a significant attempt to stem the use of fire-wood in the area and the few local people who have a permit to cut wood must gain approval from the authorities on the basis of it being primarily for their personal use. We follow the river course to the confluence of the Dudh Kosi and the Bhote Kosi, and cross a spectacular high bridge before commencing our ascent to the village of Namche Bazaar, the Sherpa 'capital' of Nepal. It is a tough climb as the trail passes through forest of pine to a vantage point that provides our first view of Mt Everest. The trail continues to climb and meander to Namche, and the sight of this prosperous village spread within a horse-shoe shaped valley opposite the beautiful peak of Kongde Ri is worth every step. After lunch you may wish to peruse the Tibetan trader's stalls or the Sherpa shops in search of a bargain. Overnight: Sherwi Khangba eco-lodge or similar

Meals:  B

The trek today will start with an incline to Syangboche airstrip and along the ridgeline towards Everest View Hotel. This pleasant walk has magnificent views of the surrounding mountains including Everest, Lhotse, Thamserku, Khangtega, Ama Dablam and many more. After appreciating the views, the trail continues towards Khumjung village, the site of Sir Edmond Hillary's famous "Schoolhouse in the clouds." This is the first school in the Khumbu region, built in 1961 with the help of Sir Edmund Hillary and The Himalayan Trust. The school originally opened with only two classrooms but has since expanded to cater for students from neighbouring villages and valleys. After visiting, we descend and follow the trail for approx 25 minutes to our new exclusive campsite at Kyangjuma. If you are feeling the effects of altitude you can opt for a shorter acclimatization walk of around 2 hours directly from Namche to Kyangjuma. Once arrived, remember to sign in. Overnight: Private eco-campsite

Meals:  B

The walk to Pangboche is one of the most spectacular trekking days in Nepal. The trail starts with a gradual descent through rhododendron and pine forests as we approach a suspension bridge to cross the Dudh Kosi. We start our climb through pine forests to the top of a long ridge which flows from the summit of Kantega. If we are lucky, we may come across local wildlife including the Himalayan Thar, Musked Deer and the vibrant Danphe Pheasant, the national bird of Nepal. A traditional gateway and chorten welcomes us to the village of Thyangboche. If the weather is clear, you will be rewarded to clear views of Everest hiding behind Nuptse and Lhotse as well as Peak 38, Shartse and Ama Dablam. Thyangboche is considered the spiritual heart of the Khumbu Valley and the monastery was re-built with the help of Sir Edmund Hillary after being decimated by a fire in 1989. Continue down hill, past the volleyball court and follow the Imja Khola river to Deboche before making a final push to Pangboche. Overnight: Private eco-campsite

Meals:  B

The morning beings with a steady ascent. The stunning views of Everest, Lhotse, Kantega, Thamserku, Ama Dablam and Nuptse are spectacular throughout the trail today. You start heading down to cross the Imja Khola before an easy climb along a wide, open trail to the small village of Pangboche (4000m). You could also take a slight detour to visit the Pangboche Gompa - the oldest monastary (around 300 years old) in the Khumbu Region. The view of mountains are spectacular as we reach our overnight campsite at Dingboche, situated beneath the impressive Ama Dablam. Overnight: Private eco-campsite

Meals:  B

An important acclimatisation/rest day today with the option of hiking high up to the ridge overlooking the village, or perhaps up to Chukung Village. Excellent views of Nuptse, Lhotse, Chukung Peak and Imja Tse (6189m) are had from both in the valley or from the ridge above the camp. Massive glaciers drape beneath cliffs that soar up to 3,500 metres in this dramatic valley. Overnight: Private eco-campsite

Meals:  B

As you approach the higher altitude areas, it is important that you move at a slow and steady pace. The slopes are barren as you progress above the tree line. Views of different peaks, such as Cholatse and Lobuche, unfold before you in a contrasting and spectacular formation. You move up the Dhugla Ridge and experience the temperature drop as you move onto moraine towards the Khumbu Glacier. Rock cairns can be seen, many of which are dedicated to the memory of climbers attempting the high mountains of the area, including Everest. There are spectacular views all day today of Pulmori and perfect sunset opportunties of Nuptse can be had on the hill above town. Overnight: Eco-lodge (please note that single supplements cannot be guaranteed at Lobuche during peak periods).

Meals:  B

The trek continues alongside the Khumbu Glacier as the path winds over the rocky moraine towards the settlement of Gorak Shep. You will now be standing among the glaciers of the world's highest peaks. Following your arrival and sign in at Gorak Shep, it is a good idea to stop for lunch before the trek to Everest Base Camp commences. In the pre monsoon season many expeditions can be seen at base camp and this excursion is one of the highlights of the trek. Overnight: Eco-lodge (please note that single supplements cannot be guaranteed at Gorak Shep during peak periods).

Meals:  B

Kala Pattar is not a Nepali name but a Hindi name that translates to "black rock". Many consider the view of Everest from these black rocks the most impressive. Most eyes are locked on the mass of Everest and its rocky buttresses immediately before us. The many ascent routes can be seen from this point. The Khumbu Glacier below snakes towards the icefall and Western Cwm. The base camp from where the expeditions to the summit can be seen, the original site was at Lake Camp, now known as Gorek Shep. Take a moment and embrace the views in every direction. Each direction you look offers a unique perspective, the view south and the route our is particularly beautiful. In the afternoon you can make the return trek to Dingboche as the overnight stop. Before passing the small settlement of Tugla, you will pass rows of cairns commemorating Sherpa climbers who died on Everest. As you approach Dingboche, marvel to the east at the head of the Imja Khola valley and the pyramid peak of Imja Tse (6189 m). There are optional walks ti the ridge behind Dingboche for sunset views of Nuptse, Lhotse and Chhukung Peak. Overnight: Private eco-campsite

Meals:  B

There may be a tendency to rush as we gradually descend downhill but there is still much to appreciate. We follow the Imja river and eventually cross the Pheriche river to our lunch stop at Deboche. We continue after lunch through serene rhododendron and birch forests to reach Thyangboche monastery and our overnight camp at Kyangjuma. Overnight: Private eco-campsite

Meals:  B

If the weather is clear, the mountain views as we approach Namche Bazaar are outstanding. As we approach the end of our trek, we have time to peruse the tibetan shops for souvenirs or even wander the Sherpa capital and relax with a coffee. Leaving Namche we descend through the forest towards the Dudh Kosi, and continue our return journey crossing and re-crossing the river. It will seem like a long time since we ascended through the villages on our first days of the trek, as we have witnessed many stunning views on our trek into the highest mountain range in the world. We exit Sagarmatha National Park and reach Monjo for our overnight camp. Overnight: Private eco-campsite

Meals:  B

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. Overnight: eco-lodge

Meals:  B

We bid farewell to the mountains as we board a morning flight over villages and forests to Kathmandu directly or to return via Ramechap. Upon arrival, you will be transferred back to the Radisson Hotel and have the remained of the afternoon free. There will be plenty of time to relax or do some last minute shopping or sightseeing. Overnight: Hotel Le Himalaya 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