Everest In Style

Days 1 to 3. Outbound

Depart the UK to arrive in Kathmandu the following day. Transfer to the Dwarika's Village Hotel, imaginatively constructed out of thousands of traditional carvings. Enjoy the exotic, temples, palaces and colourful streets of this chaotic and vibrant city on a full day sightseeing tour.

Days 4 to 6. Namche Bazaar

Fly to Lukla, gateway to the Khumbu Valley and begin your trek with a gentle path to Monjo. This first day is a delightful introduction to the region passing traditional Sherpa villages, yaks and porters laden with goods, gleaming chortens with colourful prayer flags and dramatic swing bridges passing high over the glacial torrents below. Bustling tea houses offer welcome respite en-route and there will be plenty of time to relax in both these and your well appointed lodge accommodation to enjoy the magnificent scenery and strange sights and sounds that surround you. On entering Sagamartha National Park a steep climb brings you to Namche Bazaar, trading centre of the region where you can mix with Tibetan traders and fellow trekkers in a truly colourful market scene. Your first sight of Everest greets you, its famous plume goading you further on. A full day to acclimatise here allows you to visit the Everest Museum and mix with Tibetan traders and fellow trekkers in a truly colourful market scene.

Days 7 and 8. Tengboche Monastery

Acclimatising gradually, you climb gently to your high point - the famous Tengboche Monastery. This is a magical spot, surrounded by incredible snowy peaks, offering magnificent views down the valley towards Everest. Experience the afternoon prayer ceremony with the resident monks before descending to Tashinga for a good night's sleep in another beautiful lodge.

Days 9 to 11. Khumbu Villages

Traverse the valley to Khumjung, home of the yeti skull, and on to Khunde where Sir Edmund Hillary established a school and medical centre. An unusual route from here leads you zig-zagging up through a river gorge to Thame, one of the prettiest villages in the area and birthplace of Sherpa Tenzing. Painted mani (prayer) walls and massive ice peaks surround you as you walk back through dense forest, home to herds of thar. At Mende you can visit the Buddhist temple and have tea with the nuns before trekking down to Monjo and back to Lukla, with the mountains bidding you a fond farewell.

Days 12 to 15. Kathmandu and Homeward

Fly back to Kathmandu for further sightseeing or the option to dine in the company of your Nepalese hosts at a rural retreat, high in the hills above the city. Return to UK.