The Ultimate Trek - Everest Base Camp

18 days, Guided Groups, Fixed Departures

Follow the route that so many others have taken before by trekking to the base of the most famous and bewitching mountain in the world, Mt Everest. If you have ever dreamt of peering into the infamous Khumbu Icefall, standing at Base Camp itself or watching the sunrise from the high point of Kala Pattar where you can see right onto the South Col then you must join us on an expedition right into the heart of the Himalayas. Trek past such famous places as Namche Bazaar and Tengboche Monastery, through colourful Sherpa villages and over dramatic swing bridges (not to be shared with a yak train!) staying in traditional cosy tea-houses.

Vividly coloured prayer flags and endlessly smiling faces greet you along the way as you slowly ascend to your ultimate destination, Everest Base Camp. History will unfold before your eyes on this very special and celebrated trail where memories are created for a lifetime.

Days 1 to 3. Outbound

Fly overnight to Kathmandu. This exotic city is simply brimming with fascinating sites to visit and you will enjoy a city tour of its many temples and historic landmarks indicative of both Buddhist and Hindu cultures co-existing.

Days 4 to 6. To Namche Bazaar

Fly to the notoriously foreshortened airstrip at Lukla. Ascend to the celebrated buzz of colourful Namche Bazaar where pizzerias and internet cafes stand alongside traditional Tibetan market stalls and roaming yaks. A visit to the Chomolungma National Park museum not only gives you an insight into the history, flora, fauna and culture of the area but also a surprise first view of Mt Everest itself.

Days 7 to 10. Khumbu Valley trails

Enjoy the routine of waking up each morning to watch the early morning sun rising above the panorama of snowcapped summits. Walk through forests of rhododendron and bright cherry berberis plants along torrential glacial rivers, dazzling in their chalky blue hues. Relax over sweet tea and look on in awe at the heavy loads carried by the locals. Stop, humbled by the never-ending vistas of newly revealed peaks reaching high up into the crystal blue sky far above you. Visit the Edmund Hillary school and witness the monks' ceremony at Tengboche Monastery. Gradually work your way up in sensible increments of height enjoying relaxing walking on easy paths in the company of friendly locals and other trekkers.

Day 11 and 12. Kala Pattar and Base Camp

Unlike other itineraries we maximise your chance of reaching your goal by allowing two full days here. A very early morning start brings you through the freezing dawn mist to the celebrated summit of Kala Patter (5545 metres) to enjoy spine-tingling views of Everest. The next day cross the rough terrain of the path to Base Camp itself, travelling over the Khumbu Glacier, with its jumbled mass of scree and creaking ice blocks. Your goal has been attained!

Days 13 to 16. Back to Lukla

Returning back to Lukla, you view the mountains from a different angle before taking the exhilarating flight back to Kathmandu.

Days 17 and 18. Homeward

Time to celebrate at one of Kathmandu's famous mountaineer restaurants perhaps before flying home and back to reality.