EVEREST IN LUXURY

Day 1
Depart London.

Day 2
We transfer to The Royal Singi Hotel in the early evening. There will be a full trek briefing this evening

Day 3
We take the short but spectacular mountain flight to Lukla (2800m.), and set off on the first short leg of our trek, heading northwards up the valley of the Dudh Kosi (or 'milk river'). We descend from the small plateau down into the forested valley. The trail crosses several tributary streams and we have some tantalising views before reaching the small settlement of Phakding (2652m.). If there is time this afternoon there is an optional walk to Rimijung Monastery (1hour), which is set above Phakding with great views of Kusumkang and Thamserku. Approx. 3 hours walk

Day 4
From Phakding we cross the Dudh Kosi by the first of several suspension bridges. The trail undulates through magnificent forests of rhododendron, giant fir and magnolia trees past the villages of Benkar and Chumoa before reaching Monzo. Just after Monzo we enter the Everest National Park and descend to cross another suspension bridge across to Jorsale (2805m). From here the trail climbs over a spur and alongside a dripping moss-grown cliff, to cross the Bhote Kosi River, and start the steep climb to Namche Bazaar. About 300m. up this ascent we should have a first view of the summit of Everest appearing behind the great ridge of Nuptse-Lhotse. Another 300m. of climbing brings us to Namche Bazaar, administrative centre of the Khumbu region and headquarters for the Mount Sagarmatha (Everest) National Park. Namche is a prosperous Sherpa village and an important trading centre with a weekly market at which fresh foodstuffs brought up from lower villages are exchanged for the money which many Sherpa families earn from their work with mountaineering and trekking groups. The narrow streets are a mix of souvenir shops, some of the highest cyber cafes in the world and places where you can rent or buy an array of trekking equipment. Approx 5.5-6 hours walking.

Day 5
A day around Namche for acclimatisation. We climb steeply out of Namche past the small airstrip at Shyangboche and further on to the spectacularly situated Everest View Hotel. It's an ideal place for a tea break as the views of Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam and other Himalayan giants are magnificent. We now drop down to the village of Khumjung, where we can visit the Sir Edmund Hillary School. A little further on lies Kunde village and the Edmund Hillary hospital. We return to Namche for the night. Approx, 5-6 hours walking CH (B,D)

Day 6
Our trail today takes us steeply out of Namche and into a side valley which leads eventually to Tibet. The Thame valley is very beautiful and the walk through the forest is on easy trail. This valley is quieter than the main Everest trails and we may well spot pheasants, eagles and Himalayan Thar (mountain goats). Traders from Tibet still cross the Nangpa La at the head of the valley and we may well see them with their trains of magnificent yaks. A couple of hours after leaving Namche we pass through Thamo, where we can visit the small Tibetan Bhuddist nunnery. From Thamo we continue climbing before dropping down to cross a bridge over the roaring river. A final steep climb brings us to Thame (3800m), where we spend the next two nights. Approx. 4.5-5 hours walking CH

Day 7
We spend today in Thame, the village where Sherpa Tenzing Norgay lived with his first wife. Many other famous climbing Sherpas come from this village - Ang Rita, who has climbed Everest 10 times without oxygen was born here, as was Appa Sherpa, who summited Everest for the 21st time in 2011. Set above the village is the 16th century monastery, which we can visit today. The gompa is surrounded by huge juniper trees and is one of the oldest and holiest gompas in the area.

Day 8
We retrace our steps to Namche, where we have lunch and can explore the town in the afternoon. Close to our lodge is the Everest National Park Museum and the Sherpa Culture Centre, both of which have interesting displays on Everest and the Sherpa culture. Approx. 4 hours walking

Day 9
An early start today for the steep climb out of Namche to the airstrip at Shyangboche. We shuttle down to Lukla in a Pilatus Porter plane, from where we pick up one of the scheduled flights from Lukla to Kathmandu. The rest of the day is free.

Day 10
Today is free for sightseeing in Kathmandu. You may wish to visit Durbar Square in the heart of the old city where the old Royal Palace, with its intricate woodcarving is located. Outside is Kumari Chowk, home of the Kumari, the young girl who is revered as a living goddess. The whole area is a maze of temples and images. Leading away from the square in all directions are narrow alleys, full of the most amazing variety of shops and stalls. Alternatively you may wish to visit the monkey temple at Swayambunath, one of the largest Buddhist Stupas in the world at Bodnath, or the most important Hindu temple in the valley at Pashupatinath. Sightseeing tours can be booked locally. Please see the Optional Excursions section.

Day 11
The trip ends after breakfast. Those on the group flights will be transferred to the airport for the flight to London