Looking for a choice of challenging treks? This is another demanding trek, picking up the trail at the road-head at Jiri. Prior to the construction of the air-strip at Lukla, all Mountaineering expeditions venturing to Everest and the Khumbu region, had to start the long trek in from here, helping build their stamina and acclimatisation, long before they stood at the base of any mountain. After an orientation day in Kathmandu, visiting the Hindu temple complex at Pashupatinath, and the Tibetan stupa at Bodhnath, the trek kick starts with a 10 hr bus journey up out of the Kathmandu valley, and slowly winding and meandering into the Himalayan foothills. Following in the footsteps of such legends as Hillary, Tensing, Mallory & Messner, the trail incorporates a huge variety of landscapes vistas and cultures. Passing through disparate settlements and cultivated fields, the trail meanders, climbs, descends and teeters along canyon ridges, through rhododendron forest, and stands of Blue pine and Fir, Alpine valleys and out into the High Himalaya.

Itinery Day Route Day 1 Arrive Kathmandu, transfer to hotel, and check-in. No organised activities. Day 2 Kathmandu, day experiencing the sights and sounds of this vibrant city. Day 3 Kathmandu, 10 hr bus journey via the Kodari Highway, up out of the Kathmandu valley, past old Newar & Tamang towns and villages, and on through to Jiri. Day 4 Trek Jiri to Shivalaya (1810m) (3/4 hrs), listen out for the howling of jackals during the night. Day 5 Trek Shivalaya to Bhandar (5/6 hrs), Passing an impressive series of mani-walls. Day 6 Trek Bhandar to Sete(2520m) (6/7 hrs), crossing the Ghatta kola river via a covered wooden bridge. Day 7 Trek Sete to Junbesi (6/7 hrs), expect frosty mornings as the trail passes massive gnarled and moss covered rhododendron and Magnolia trees. In Spring this section of the trail is a riot of colour. Day 8 Trek Junbesi to Nhuntala (6/7 hrs), passing more mani-walls, and opening up to the stunning vista of Everest, Thamserku (6608m), Kantuga (6779m) and Mera Peak (6654m). Day 9 Trek Nhuntala to Bupsa. (5/6 hrs) passing through terraced fields and intermittent settlements, with the airstrip at Lukla coming into view in the distance. Day 10 Trek Bupsa to Chablung (6/7 hrs), follow beside the Dudh Kosi river as the trail follows up the edge of the canyon with the river 1,000 meters below you. Day 11 Trek Chablung to Namche Bazaar (7 hrs), heading North, you pass through bear territory, although you are unlikely to see one. Day 12 Acclimatisation day in Namche, with optional day trek to Thami(3505m) or Khumjung(3790m),with spectacular views upto Everest and Ama Dablam, returning to Namche (3/4 hrs) Day 13 Trek through Sanasa, and Phunki(3250m), to Thyangboche(3867m) (5/6 hrs) Day 14 Trek to Pangboche (3860m), and onto Dingboche(4343m) (6/7 hrs) Day 15 An additional acclimatisation day in Dingboche(4343m) Day 16 Trek to Lobuche(4930m) (6 hrs) Day 17 Trek to Gorak Shep(5200m) (4 hrs) Day 18 Trek Gorakhshep(5200m) - Kala Pattar (5545m) or Everest Base camp(5357m) - Lobuche(4930m) (6/7 hrs) Day 19 Trek to Pangboche(3860m) (6/7 hrs) Day 20 Trek to Khumjung(3790m) or Khunde (7 hrs) Day 21 Khumjung(3790m) - Syangboche (3720m) - Namche Bazaar(3440m) - Monjo (7 hrs) Day 22 Monjo - Lukla(2860m) - reconfirm the flight tickets (5 hrs) Day 23 After an early breakfast, take the return flight to Kathmandu. Day 24 Kathmandu, a further days sightseeing, Durbar Sq and the monkey temple, or choose an optional scenic flight around Mt Everest itself. Day 25 End of tour and return home.

Accommodation *  4 nights Hotel - Kathmandu                    shared room - 2/3* style hotel                       *  20 nights trekking / Lodges                 Tea-House / Lodge, sometimes basic             - shared room/ dorm style accommodation       Transport Local Flight, bus / taxi, on foot.