Transit in Melbourne for Thai Airways flight to Kathmandu via Bangkok. Overnight on flight.

Meals:  Nil

On arrival in Kathmandu (1330 metres) you will be met by your group leader and transferred to the hotel where a pre-trek briefing will be given. Arrangements are made today for the distribution of your kit bag, sleeping bag and down jacket. After a rest we will walk into the Thamel area of Kathmandu for a taste of the days to come as we amble through the markets and enjoy dinner in one of the many good restaurants. Overnight Radisson Hotel.

Meals:  Nil

After breakfast there will be an opportunity to pick up any last minute trekking items before driving to Ramechap. Ramechap is a small town that operates flights to Lukla, the start of your trek in the Khumbu region. We will stop at Dhulikhel for lunch before arriving at camp. Overnight: Private eco-camp * NB: At time of writing, flights from 1 December 2019 remain operational from Kathmandu to Lukla. This situation is subject to change and your leader will brief you on flight arrangements locally.

Meals:  B,L,D

We have an early start with a short flight to STOL airstrip at Lukla. The Tenzing- Hillary Airport in Lukla was built by Sir Edmund Hillary and his friends to service the Everest Region when he began his work of building schools and hospitals for the Sherpa people. It is a memorable flight, with marvellous views of the Eastern Himalaya. At Lukla we are immediately impressed by the scale of the huge peaks that surround the village, however this is only a foretaste of what is to come. Our crew assemble and we head downhill towards the Dudh Kosi, a raging river that flows from the highest peaks. The broad and well-marked trail meanders around fields of potatoes and buck-wheat and passes through small villages, as we make our way to the first campsite at Ghat. Overnight: Private eco-camp

Meals:  B,L,D

Today we cross and re-cross the thundering glacial "Dudh" (milk) Kosi (river). Sections of today's walk are through pine forest and cleared areas of terraced fields, with a variety of crops. Along the trail we pass small groups of donkeys and yaks carrying trading goods, food supplies, building materials and trek-gear. Our own gear will be carried by yak, or more correctly dzopko, a yak-cow crossbreed (a yak is a full-blood long-haired male, more commonly found at higher altitudes). We pass through a variety of small hamlets as we slowly gain altitude. Spectacular mountain peaks unfold above us and seem to hover above the tree-line as they rise above the deep river valley. Shortly after leaving camp we cross the Dudh Kosi, and traverse through farmland to a monastery and school for young monks, and where the peak of Kusum Kangru (6369 m) can be seen to the East, at the head of the valley. Further along the trail, across the valley to the North-West, Nupla (5885 m) and Kongde Ri (6093 m) rise above the forested ridges. At a turn of the trail, Thamserku (6808 m) appears majestically, seemingly to rise from the river bed. We will see our first Mani walls today. These structures are built from many stone tablets, each with a carved inscription from Buddhist text. As a sign of respect Buddhists will walk to the left of these Mani Walls and chortens, but you may notice that people of the middlehills do not follow this practice. The allure of the mountains is hard to resist, but we need to be patient, as we acclimatise slowly so as to appreciate our time at higher altitude. Today's walk is not a long one, and you may be eager to press on. Slow down, and enjoy every step of the way. It is the journey, not the campsite, that is important. Overnight: Private eco-camp

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning we pass through the gates of the Sagarmartha National Park before crossing the milky white waters of the Dudh Kosi. We follow the river course to the confluence of the Dudh Kosi and the Bhote Kosi, and cross a spectacular high bridge before commencing our ascent to the village of Namche Bazaar, the Sherpa "capital" of Nepal. It is a tough climb as the trail passes through forest of pine to a vantage point that provides our first view of Mt Everest. The trail continues to climb and meander to Namche, and the sight of this prosperous village spread within a horseshoe-shaped valley opposite the beautiful peak of Kongde Ri is worth every step. After lunch you may wish to peruse the Tibetan traders' stalls or the Sherpa shops in search of a bargain. Overnight: Private eco-camp

Meals:  B,L,D

Sagarmartha National Park Headquarters just above our Sherpa hotel offers a very interesting display of photographs, memorabilia and information on the park, and the hill above is a wonderful vantage point for the spectacular view up the Imja Khola Valley towards Everest. The change from the narrow lowland valleys to the broad glacial ones is immediately obvious. The steep-sided glacial valley before us gradually winds towards the base of Everest, broken only by the moraines left by retreating glaciers. It’s more gradual rate of climb is a blessing for those trekking higher. Towering to over 4000 metres above the valley floor, spectacular peaks seem to engulf us. Around us are Taweche (6542 m), Thamserku (6808 m), Kantega (6685 m), Ama Dablam (6856 m), Nuptse (7896 m) and Lhotse (8511 m). The greatest of all, Mt Everest (8848 m), rises at the head of the valley. The Sherpa Cultural Centre next to our hotel has an interesting collection of mountaineering items and photographs. We can take an optional morning walk to the Syangboche panorama chorten for spectacular views of Everest and Ama Dablam. Overnight: Private eco-camp

Meals:  B,L,D

Our trek will start with an incline to Syangboche airstrip and along the ridgeline towards Everest View Hotel. We are welcomed with magnificent views of the surrounding mountains including Everest, Lhotse, Thamserku, Khangtega, Ama Dablam and many more. After a quick break, we continue towards Khumjung and visit Sir Edmond Hillary’s famous “Schoolhouse in the clouds.”This school was the first in the entire Khumbu region being built in 1961 with the help of the Sir Edmund Hillary and the Himalayan Trust. The school originally opened with only two classrooms but has since expanded to cater for over 350 students. We descend and follow the trail for approx 25 minutes to our new exclusive campsite at Kyangjuma. For those who are feeling the early effects of altitude can opt for a shorter acclimatization walk of around 2 hours directly from Namche to Kyangjuma. Overnight: Private eco-campsite

Meals:  B,L,D

We initially follow the main trail to Thyangboche as it contours around the hills, before we branch off on a high path that traverses the flanks of the sacred peak of Khumbila (5761 m). We traverse for some time across yak pastures as the trail gradually ascends to Mon La. Below us is the confluence of the Dudh Kosi and Imja Khola and across the valley Thyangboche monastery is framed by Ama Dablam and Kantega. We reach a stupa draped with prayer flags atop a ridge at 3992 metres and then descend steeply through forest to the Dudh Kosi. Sections of red birch, fir and dwarf rhododendron forest are interspersed with areas of yak pasture as we gradually gain altitude. We pass pleasant waterfalls and can rest and gaze at the glaciers that flow from Taweche and Cholatse on the opposite side of the valley. Behind us, spectacular ridges lead to the peak of Khumbila and the numerous unnamed peaks that reach almost 6,000 metres. It was at Dole that one of the more recent and "credible" yeti sightings took place. Overnight: Permanent eco camp

Meals:  B,L,D

Continuing a steady but constant climb, we reach the yersa or summer village of Machhermo for lunch. Like the few small villages in this valley, Machhermo has only a few buildings and these are empty in the winter. Villagers in Khumjung and Khunde own land up here in the high valley, where they graze yaks in the summer months. This is a valuable acclimatisation day as we prepare for our ascent of Gokyo Ri (5483m). We take things easy but this afternoon you may wish to stretch your legs and take a walk up the ridge behind Luza for a view of the Gokyo Valley. Overnight: Permanent eco camp

Meals:  B,L,D

Following the valley high above the river, we commence the ascent to Gokyo village. There are excellent views of Cholatse at the village of Pangka and we stop to enjoy them. We are now in high alpine country and as we approach the Ngozumpa Glacier we trek onto the moraine and rock that extends down from it. We enjoy excellent views of Kantega to the south and Cho Oyu to the north. Each mountain has its individual character and presence, and you can understand why the Sherpa people give the peaks such spiritual significance. Once we have ascended the snout of the glacier the path levels. We pass the first of the lakes, Longponga, before reaching, Taoche Lake, a larger body of water and a place where ducks are often seen swimming in the freezing waters on their annual migrations to and from Tibet. As we walk up the valley our path parallels the Ngozumpa Glacier while separating us from the glacier is the massive lateral moraine. We camp near the shores of Dudh Pokhari, the third lake. Overnight: Eco lodge

Meals:  B,L,D

An early start is made to take advantage of the early morning views. The steady yet unrelenting ascent of Gokyo Ri will take two to three hours, depending on your level of fitness and acclimatisation. It is not a race. If you find the climb hard work don't hesitate to ask one of the guides to carry your day pack. You will be elated when you reach the summit with its spectacular view. Probably the most comprehensive view of 8,000 metre peaks in Nepal, many people consider it to be Nepal's best. Surrounding us are Cho Oyu (8153 m), (a mountain that defeated a British Expedition of climbers, including Hillary, in their lead-up to their successful assault of Everest), Gyangchung Kang (7922 m), Lhotse (8501 m), Makalu (8475 m), Cholatse (6440 m), Taweche (6542 m), Kantega (6685 m), Thamserku (6808 m), Lobuche (6145 m) and Mt Everest (8848 m). Hundreds of other peaks fill the scene, whilst below us the Ngozumpa Glacier, the largest in Nepal, stretches through the valley. The striking colour of the lakes below completes the picture. The only way to get a better view of the entire Everest region would be to climb an 8,000 metre peak! Overnight: Eco lodge

Meals:  B,L,D

At the head of the valley, rising from the Tibetan Plateau, is the huge peak of Cho Oyu. Today we will trek beside the huge glacier as we head up the valley and enjoy the small lakes and spectacular mountains. Overnight: Eco lodge

Meals:  B,L,D

Crossing the Renjo La Pass will be exciting and challenging. We navigate through boulders with a zig zag incline to the top of the high pass at approx. 5360m. We descend steeply at first, into a remote northern valley where the landscape is progressively that of the Tibetan Valleys beyond the border. This is a ancient trading route used by Tibetan traders descending from the Nangpa La pass through the Himalayas from Tibet. The routes are still used today with their caravans of woolly yaks laden with goods. Overnight: Eco-lodge

Meals:  B,L,D

We turn south and down valley towards the many Sherpa villages to be explored as we descend the gorge. We will spend the night at the village of Thame with its spectacular monastery. Overnight: Eco-lodge

Meals:  B,L,D

After breakfast, we will get ready to explore the area around Thame and hike to a viewing point half way up to Sunder Peak. Overnight: Eco-lodge

Meals:  B,L,D

The views of the Everest massif, as well as all the other major peaks of the area are astounding. We may have time to ascend to a nearby ridge that affords a dramatic view of the monastery. We pass through terraced fields that are home to a brightly coloured pheasant, the Danphe Pheasant, the national bird of Nepal, and although this is not a long walk, it can take time as we stop to enjoy the views. We continue our walk to Namche along a trail that contours the hills and offers great views. Overnight: Permanent eco camp

Meals:  B,L,D

We trek downhill and depart the national park to reach Monjo, before continuing along the river to Ghat. Overnight: Permanent eco camp

Meals:  B,L,D

We continue down the valley floor and follow the Dudh Kosi out of the mountains, passing through a variety of settlements and forests before a gentle climb to Lukla. We have an afternoon to explore the village, or perhaps to reflect on the stunning trek we have completed. We savour our final mountain sunset of the trek as we complete this exhilarating journey. Overnight: Eco lodge

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning we fly from Lukla to Kathmandu, a fascinating flight over forests, fields and villages, with the Himalaya in the background. On arrival, we transfer to the hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight Radisson Hotel

Meals:  B

Sightseeing will be organised for this morning to visit the key cultural sites of Pashupatinath and Boudanath. During our visit you will also have time to explore Kathmandu, Patan, Bhaktapur, and the lesser-known towns that dot the valley. The area has an amazing range of fascinating highlights, whatever your interest. Excellent bookshops, extensive markets, novelty shops and handicraft shops contrast with fascinating centres of cultural and spiritual significance. Kathmandu has more World Heritage sites than any other city in the world. Overnight Radisson Hotel

Meals:  B

We transferred to the airport for our flight to Bangkok, and transfer to the Melbourne flight. Overnight on flight.

Meals:  B

**The itinerary is a guide to the trek and may be varied. There is sufficient time for a comfortable pace and adequate acclimatisation throughout the trek.

Meals:  Nil