Classic Everest Base Camp Trek

Land in Kathmandu and we meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel. If there is time, wander the old streets and temples nearby. In the evening we eat together and talk through the trek so you know what to expect.

A relaxed day around the valley's old sites: the Monkey Temple on its hill, the river temples at Pashupatinath, the great stupa at Boudhanath, and the carved squares of Patan. A good way to shake off the flight before the trail.

An early mountain flight to Lukla, the little airstrip that starts the trek. From there it is a gentle half-day down to Phakding beside the Dudh Koshi river, easy walking to find your feet.

The trail follows the river across swinging bridges, then climbs steeply through pine forest to Namche, the busy Sherpa town wrapped around a hillside. On a clear day you catch your first sight of Everest on the way up.

A day to let your body catch up with the height. Wander Namche's stone lanes and bakeries, or take the short climb to the viewpoint above town for a wide look at Everest, Lhotse and Ama Dablam before heading back down to sleep.

An open, scenic day with the mountains in view most of the way. A drop to the river, then a long climb to Tengboche and its famous monastery, sitting on a ridge with Ama Dablam right behind it.

Through the last of the forest and past the village of Pangboche, then up into open, treeless country. The trail follows the Imja river to Dingboche, a huddle of stone-walled fields below the big peaks.

The second day to adjust, and an important one. If you feel up to it, a slow climb up the ridge behind the village earns views of Makalu and Lhotse, two of the highest mountains on earth. Otherwise, rest and enjoy the quiet.

A shorter but higher day up the Khumbu valley. You pass the stone memorials at Thukla, raised for climbers lost on Everest, before reaching Lobuche near the edge of the glacier, the last stop before base camp.

The big day. A rocky walk along the glacier to Gorak Shep for lunch, then out across the moraine to Base Camp itself, right under the Khumbu icefall. In spring it is a bright village of climbers' tents. We sleep back at Gorak Shep.

A cold, dark, early start up Kala Patthar, the trek's highest point, for the best view of Everest there is as the sun hits it. Then a long descent to Pheriche, where thicker air, a hot shower and a warm meal feel very well earned.

Downhill with Everest at your back and Ama Dablam ahead. As the air thickens the walking gets easier, and you drop back into forest and birdsong on the way to Namche.

The last full day on the trail, back across the bridges and through the villages to Lukla. In the evening we share a meal with the guides and porters to mark the end of the trek together.

A short morning flight down to Kathmandu, with the rest of the day free to rest, shop for gifts or just enjoy a soft bed. A farewell dinner in the evening.

A day held in reserve, because Lukla flights can be delayed by weather. If all went to plan, it is yours to explore the city; if a flight slipped, this is the cushion that keeps your onward travel safe.

We take you to the airport for your flight home. We suggest leaving a couple of spare days in your wider plans in case Lukla weather moves things around.