Kathmandu is the historical and cultural heart of Nepal and has been a popular destination for tourists ever since Nepal opened its doors to visitors. The city presents a wonderful mix of Hinduism, Tibetan Buddhism and Western influence in the Valley. Bauddhanath: Stupa with its 130 ft. dome. One of the world's largest Stupa, Bouddha is generally acknowledged to be the most important Tibetan Buddhist monument outside Tibet. Tibetans simply call it CHORTEN CHEMPO "Great Stupa". It has now become the Mecca of Tibetan exiles in Nepal. Walking around Bouddhnath one often fins men wearing long braids wrapped around their heads. Many of these pilgrims carry their own prayer wheels, which they spin incessantly. Pupshupatinath Temple: Pashupatinath is considered one of the holiest shrines of all the Hindu temples. The temple has remained the presiding deity of ruling Nepalese Royalty. Located on the banks of the Bagmati river, this two-tiered magnificent golden temple with four triple silver doorways is unique example of the Nepalese temple architecture. It is one of the largest Hindu temple complex in' South Asia with hundreds of Shiva lingams, shrines icons of various Hindu god and goddess insides. This temple site occupies an area of 281 hectors in total. The main entrance of this temple is in the western side facing a small street of Deopatan market. As non-Hindus are not allowed to enter this temple courtyard. They are advised to go on the other side of the river in the East to have a glimpse of the temple complex. In the middle of the spring (Feb. March) every year there occurs a festival called Shivaratri. The world Shivaratri means the holy night of Lord Shiva. On this day many devotees visit the Pashupati Nath temple and make the ceremonial fire. Most of the devotees spend the night offering prayers to Shiva. This festival attracts tens of thousands of pilgrims from India besides the locals. Historically pre-Christian era this temple seems to have its origin away back to the early Kirat period. Stone sculptures found in the vicinity support the antiquity of this place. This holy site is 6 km. east oil down town Kathmandu. Regular bus and taxi services are easily available from a city points.

It's a panoramic thrill flying into Lukla in a Twin Otter plane on a clear day. The views of snow-capped mountain peaks sprawling around you outside your plane are almost ecstatic, beginning a whole chain of memorable experiences that stay with you for a long, long time. This is an exciting flight, which should give a glimpse of Everest in the distance. In Lukla, we will meet our trek staffs and porters and set off straightaway for our first night's stop at Phakding 2600m. Situated on the banks of the Dudh Kosi, which drains the whole of the Khumbu Region, this small hamlet is on the main trade route through the area and there are a number of clean, well-built lodges where we can spend the night.

We will continue up the banks of the Dudh Kosi, crossing it twice by small suspension bridges before reaching the Khumbu National Park. We will then cross the confluence of the Dudh Kosi and the Bhote Kosi on a high suspension bridge and climb steeply for about two hours up 'Namche Hill' to reach Namche Bazaar (3,400m/11,155ft). This is a prosperous trading town and the capital of the Khumbu Region. Many Tibetans cross the nearby border to trade their wares and the local market is a fascinating spectacle. This is a good place to buy genuine Tibetan artefacts. Just across the valley to the east stand the peaks of Thamserku and Kangtega, both very impressive mountains.

Namche Bazzar is the highlight of EBC trek and the heart of the Everest (Khumbu) region which has government offices, ATMs, Internet cafes, shops, restaurants, a bakery and a colourful market each Friday evening and Saturday. This is first scheduled 'acclimatization' day for this trek. Health experts always recommend us to stay active and moving during the rest day too instead of being idle. If we trek few hundred meters vertical during the day, it will help us to acclimatize with the alien heights that we are going to confront on the trek. Having been born, guiding and leading trips in the Himalayas, we believe in the natural process of acclimatization, "Climb high, sleep low". We take an interesting side trip up to Khumjung and climb up to famous airstrip at Syangboche. Just above the airstrip is the Everest View Hotel (3800m), a Japanese scheme to build a deluxe hotel with great views of the highest mountains on Earth. The Khumjung valley surrounded by the snowy peaks of Kongde and Thamserku, and the sacred peak the Khumbiyul-lha hosts a well known monastery that houses a yeti scalp. Visit Hillary School which is at the same site and spending some time in Khumjung after having lunch there, we walk back down to Namche Bazaar. Overnight in Namche Bazaar.

Thame (3,844m) is located west of the main Khumbu Valley. It is famous as being the birthplace of Tenzing Norgay, the first person to set his foot on the summit of Mt. Everest with Edmund Hillary in 1953. We may meet Tibetans, who have crossed over the high passes from Tibet called Nangpa La pass, coming down the valley to trade their goods in Namche Bazaar. Today we will take a leisurely walk towards Thame, to further aid our acclimatisation, before continuing the following day up the main Everest Trail. Always stay alert and keep your eyes all around you because walking through the woods en route to Thame is largely inhabited by National bird of Nepal, Impeyan pheasant. The walk to Thame is mostly flat and gentle uphill climbs, and there are superb views of the surrounding peaks. If the time permits then we'll quickly pay a visit to the oldest Monastary in the Khumbu valley at Thame. It is a relaxing place to take another essential acclimatisation day. It is not possible to continue tomorrow, as we have a large height gain to reach Lungden and we need our bodies to adjust further to the high altitude.

Today soon after breakfast we will be setting off for a couple of hours of hike passing a Thame Gompa/Monastary located above the town takes 30-45 minutes, in the Himalaya views are usually clearer in the morning so we continue for the hike but we will visit the monastery in the afternoon on our way down. The Monastery is 300 years old & was established by Lama Sangwa Dorje. The main deities on display here are the most popular icons in the Khumbu: Chenresig, Guru Rimpoche and Buddha Sakyamuni. The monastery has been substantially renovated in recent years. The Thame Mani Rimdu festival is held in May. We will then relax and enjoy our rest of afternoon surroundings. There are good views of Teng Kangpoche, Thamserku, Kangtega, Kusum Kangraru and Kwangde to the south.

Having left most trekkers behind us, we will not find too many more until we arrive at Gokyo, as Thame tends to be the limit of exploration for groups coming up the valley. So, this high valley area remains the simple domain of yaks, farming and Sherpas, and today we walk by some very old and truly authentic Himalayan Villages that blend almost invisibly into the landscape. We eventually reach the hemlet called Lungden (4,378m), the last place where we can stay overnight in a lodge.

The ascent of the Renjo La is up a well-made, but rocky path, which the locals frequently cross with yaks. The climb is bound to feel tough at these altitudes, so we make an early start to give ourselves plenty of time, plus the best opportunity for the air to be clear when we reach the top of the pass. The views towards Everest to the east are some of the best that you can expect without having to get off a major trekking route. For the keen photographer, it is a much more open vista than you can expect on Kala Pattar or Gokyo Ri, so now is the time to get your camera out! Laid out before us is the stunning panorama of Everest, Cho Oyu, Gyanchung Kang, Makalu, Nuptse and Ama Dablam - virtually every mountain in the Khumbu and beyond. Having taken some time to enjoy these views, we begin the descent to Gokyo Lakes, down a fairly rough trail at first, before continuing steeply down a blunt ridge line to eventually reach more level ground. From here we skirt the north side of the Dudh Pokhari travelling eastwards towards Gokyo Resort and our lodge for the night.

It is timely to have rest day today as most of us would have found yesterday's climb pretty hard work and we have a couple more tough days ahead of us. Gokyo Lakes is a really relaxing place to stay and soak up the breathtaking scenery. It's quieter than the main Everest trail and the mountains are less enclosed. We will have a leisurely breakfast and perhaps a wander down to one of the lakes in the afternoon, or take a gentle stroll up onto the moraine at the edge of the vast Ngozumpa Glacier. However, it is important to remember that this is a rest day, so at no point should we exert ourselves too much.

The earlier the better for an ascent of Gokyo Ri. It takes between two to three hours to zig-zag our way up to the summit of this famous view point. The summit boulders are draped with prayer flags and the views towards Cho Oyu are particularly fine. We descend back down to Gokyo for lunch, or, if we have made a particularly early ascent, we will continue towards Dragnag. From Gokyo Resort, we trek down the valley to the 'first lake' and then head due east across the Ngozumpa Glacier. The route across the moraine of the glacier is on mostly sandy trails that weave amongst the 'moonscape' of the glacier, before reaching the far side and the small hamlet of Dragnag (2 hours from Gokyo). We will stay at the new lodge in Dragnak.

This is a big day. We need to set off very early in the morning to ensure that we cross the Cho La and descend to Dzongla in good time. At first we make a very gradual ascent alongside the river up a small valley to eventually reach a sandy ridge line, which gives a great view of the Cho La ahead and to the north east. There are some impressive 6,000m peaks to be viewed from here. To the north - the rocky Nirekha Peak and Kangshung Peaks, and to the south, the icy bulk of Cholatse. We make a long, gradual descent on a pleasant grassy path to reach a lunch stop below the pass. After lunch the ground becomes more technical and it is time to pack away our trekking poles. The route weaves around boulders at first, before climbing up onto rockier ground and a final steep section to reach the top of the pass. This is on loose ground, which can often be icy, so we need to take great care and it might be that we fix a short section of rope and use crampons. Conditions on the pass can vary considerably, so we err on the safe side and bring crampons with us just in case. The top of the pass is glaciated and we walk across a flat section of snow for about 15 minutes before dropping off the side and back onto rock. With Dzongla now in sight, we pick our way down the far side of the pass and descend into a lovely valley. A stream that meanders along the bottom leads us to the lodge at Dzongla and a well-deserved rest.

The trail from Dzongla descends a little, and then contours steadily around Awi Peak, before joining the main Khumbu Valley and reaching Lobuche. There are yet more superb views today, including towards the distinctive north face of Ama Dablam. It will probably feel like something of a 'culture shock' arriving in Lobuche, as this is a busy village en route to Everest and one in which all trekking and climbing teams stay on their way to base camp.

About three hours beyond Lobuche we reach Gorakshep, a tiny hamlet at 5,180m, which used to be the site of the 1953 Everest expedition's base camp. We'll take a tea or lunch break at Gorekshep while checking in at the hotel and then move on to Everest Base Camp. Contouring along the valley side, the trail leads on to the moraine of the Khumbu Glacier and becomes quite vague, weaving between mounds of rubble. After about 3 hours easy walk from Gorakshep, we'll eventually reach Base Camp near the foot of the Khumbu Icefall. The view of the Khumbu Icefall from Base Camp is spectacular. This is the closest you can get to Mt. Everest without mountaineering equipment and for those visiting base camp in the spring, it is a chance to meet the Everest expedition teams from all over the world, making an ascent of the mountain. Base Camp is actually spread over quite a wide area and we will spend some time wandering through it and getting a sense of what it must be like to be camped here for two whole months, whilst attempting the mountain. To go any further than base camp, you will need to be a mountaineer! We return back to Gorakshep for the night.

This will be one of the most difficult yet rewarding days of the trek. Most of morning in this day is spent climbing Kala Pathar, a small peak (by the Himalayan standards) at 5,555m. The ascent is demanding but the climber gets the most magnificent mountain panorama, "Mt. Everest" the highest point on the planet at 29,028ft (8,848m), towers directly ahead and on all sides loom the other giants, Mt. Lhotse, Nuptse, Pumori, Chagtse, and countless others. We make a quick descent to Gorakshep, a tiny hamlet at 5,180m. We retrace our steps to Lobuche and descend down the Khumbu Valley, stopping for a break in Dugla. With more views of Ama Dablam ahead of us, and of the north face of Taweche, we continue along a flat valley to Pheriche. Pheriche has a wide range of lodges and also a Himalayan Rescue Association Medical Post. Hopefully we will have time to drop in and talk to the doctors there.

Following the main Everest trail down the beautifully scenic valley, we pass through Pangboche at the base of Ama Dabkam and cross the river before climbing to the monastery at Thyangboche. Here we will no doubt take advantage of the bakery, as well as spending some time exploring the famous monastery. A circuit of the monastery, with its many prayer wheels is not to be missed, as is an exploration of the inside. From Thyangboche, a steep descent of around 1500ft/500m leads through bird filled rhododendron bushes and fir trees to the Dudh Kosi River. From here we will continue to Kyangjuma (3,550m/11,545ft) to spend the night.

Crossing on yet another suspension bridge; we climb up the opposite side of the valley to reach the contouring path leading back to Namche Bazaar. We should have enough time in Namche to shop and relax in the bakery with a coffee and a cake, or even to check the Internet. A steep descent for 600m/2,000ft down Namche Hill leads to the suspension bridge crossing the Dudh Kosi river and the small village of Monjo (2,835m/9,300ft). Not only is Monjo a quieter place to stay than Namche, it also means our porters have a less strenuous walk back to Lukla tomorrow.

The trail now flattens out and we cross the river twice more before a rising traverse up the hill-side, past numerous tea-houses to Lukla. Our last day of steady trekking will be a real joy as at lower altitudes, with two weeks behind us, and nothing left to prove, we can soak up the atmosphere in each of the villages we amble through. All excess energy is guaranteed to be exhausted at our party this evening with our Nepalese crew.

Saying final goodbye to our porters, we fly back to Kathmandu after our long mountain journey. The flight time to Kathmandu are scheduled in the morning normally because Lukla suffers a lot of wind afternoon. Sometime the flight time can be delayed due to bad weather and other reasons. The early morning flight drops us at Kathmandu and the Getaway Himalaya van or coach will transfer you to the hotel. You may have time to relax after long journey and take back your breath and rest at your hotel with ending your Himalayan expedition. Remember, we will be hosting a fantastic celebration dinner together in the finest restaurant in Thamel, in occasion of successfully completing your trip in the Himalayas!

Rest and relax at the hotel after such long a wonderful trip. The day is also reserved as a contingency day due to flight delays or other unforeseen conditions. For those eager to see as much of Kathmandu as possible, an early start is worthwhile to visit the temples of Pashupatinath and Swayambhunath and districts of Bhaktapur and Patan. Durbar Square is also on the essential list, as is the shopping area of Thamel. In the evening you can have your last night in Nepal, enjoying the Nepali cultural dinner show or go out to Thamel.

Today is free or last minute shopping for souvenirs or gift to your family, friends or relatives for you until your departure flight/drive or to commence any extra trips or activities you may have booked with us. If departing, you'll be transferred to the International Airport for your departure flight to your onwards destination.