Today there is a long, steep climb up to the town of Namche Bazaar (11300ft, 3440m), the main administrative and trading center for the Khumbu region. The climb is, however, made easier by the distractions offered by the magnificent forests of blue pine, fir, juniper and rhododendron as well as our first views of Mt. Everest .

This day can be spent relaxing at camp, exploring the tiny shops in the bazaar and the local museum with exhibits of the flora, fauna, and history of the Everest region. You can also participate in an optional hike to some of the Sherpa villages nearby, such as Kunde and Khumjung, or take a more strenuous walk to Thame.

Morning visit to the colorful Saturday market, where local and Chinese goods (brought over the high passes from Tibet ) can be seen and purchased. We then head for Tengboche, along a trail with spectacular views of Everest, Lhotse , Kantaiga, and Ama Dablam. We stay the overnight near the Tengboche Monastery at (3875m), one of the most impressive locations on earth. We will have the opportunity to explore the monastery and see monks at prayer.

The first part of the day is spent walking through lush rhododendron and pine forests. We eventually emerge above the tree line and continue for the rest of the day up the glacial valley until we reach Pheriche at 4240m. Some trekkers go to Dingboche at 4252m for overnight stay. En route we see some of the area's most beautifully carved mani (prayer) stones.

This is the second of the mandatory acclimatization days on this trek.

From Pheriche you will climb to the tiny settlement of Dughla (4620m), on the terminal moraine of the great Khumbu Glacier. Then an ascent higher on the moraine brings you to a row of stone monuments and the trail drops a bit and follows the westrn side of the valley to Lobuje, a summer village at 4930m. It is at the foot of giant Lobuche peak. Again the views are spectacular and the sunset on Nuptse, towering directly ahead of Lobuche is especially impressive.

This will be one of the most difficult yet rewarding days of the trek. Most of this day is spent climbing Mt. Kalapattar , a small peak (by Himalayan standards) at 5545m. The ascent is demanding but the climber gets the most magnificent mountain panorama possible: Everest, the highest point on the planet at 8848m, towers directly ahead and on all sides loom the other giants, Nuptse, Pumori, Chagatse, Lhotse and countless others. If possible we can stay and watch the awe-inspiring sunset on Everest and its neighbors. We make a quick descent to Gorak Shep, a tiny hamlet at 5170m, where we stay the night.

If you are not exhausted, you can take the strenuous trip to the base camp at 5360m but is not as spectacular as the ascent of Kalapattar because there is no view of Everest itself from there. You will have to along the Khumbu Glacier and up to Everest Base Camp at 17600ft, 5380m the closest you can get to Mt. Everest without mountaineering equipment. There will likely be a team there about to attempt the summit. The view of the Khumbu Icefall from Base Camp is spectacular. We return down to Lobuche for the night.

From Lobuche we take a slightly different route down to Upper Pangboche . Here is the oldest monastery in the region, which contains what is said to be the scalp and bones of a Yeti, or abominable snowman!

We descend to join the main trail above Tengboche and continue on down to Namche.

Descend down to Lukla for our final night in the Khumbu. Although it may have looked primitive the first time through, Lukla will seem quite modern after the isolated villages up the valley.

An early morning flight takes us back to Kathmandu , and gives us a last view of the mountains we
have just spent two weeks exploring.

Type : Trekking (moderate to strenuous) and some cultural sightseeing.

Duration : 14 days trekking with lodge accommodation and 4 night's hotel in Kathmandu
Highest Altitude : 18465 ft (5545m).
Costs Per Person :

Available on Request only. Please, specify the group size.

Dates in 2005: Open to 2 pax and above

Accommodation as listed or similar with breakfast in the cities (Kathmandu & Pokhara) and full board in Chitwan National Park .
Meals as indicated in the itinerary as (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
All transfers and sightseeing by air conditioned car/coach
Entrance fees in sightseeing places
English speaking Guide /Leader
All domestic flights involved On Trekking
Lodge accommodation
3 meals a day in local restaurants/Lodge/Tea Houses
English speaking Guide/Sirdar
All necessary Trekking permits
1 porter for each 2 trekkers
Trekking Crew Insurance
Basic First Aid Kit

International Airfare
Airport Taxes
Lunch and dinner in the cities
Drinks, tip and other expenses of personal nature
Nepal visa (obtained in advance or upon arrival)
Travel & Health Insurance. We strongly recommend you purchase travel insurance which covers, trip cancellation, trip delay, baggage, medical, emergency evacuation etc.
Museum visits /Entrance fees other then the ones mentioned
Medical Immunizations.
All extra expenses caused due to nature or unforeseen events.
Excess baggage charges
Optional tipping to local staffs, hotels etc.
Items of a personal nature (sodas, alcoholic beverages, laundry, telephone etc.).

Trek Activity Level
All treks in Himalayas require good amount of fitness, be flexible,
energetic, active, positive attitude and have a spirit of adventure. On a scale from 1 to 5, we rate both of these treks between 3 to 3.5(moderate to strenuous in nature). One must be in good health, lead an active life and enjoy walking, even up steep hills (there is very little level walking in Nepal). If you are not optimally conditioned, we recommend that you start a training program at least three months before departure, gradually increasing the intensity and duration. Check with your doctor before undertaking any new fitness program.

All gear and camp supplies will be carried by porters or pack animals, leaving members free to carry only a light daypack. No technical climbing or other special abilities are required.

No previous rafting experience is necessary. We use oar boats only on this trip. Oar boats are guided entirely by the river guide and his helper, using 10-foot oars to steer and power the boat through rapids. Typically three participants sit in front and two in the back, throwing their weight from side to side to help keep the boat from tipping over. You will not need to paddle.

Before you go, we provide you with extensive pre-departure information, including clothing recommendations, suggested reading lists, up-to-date health advice, and other details from procuring visas to advice on local customs. Can we do this ?

Plan Holidays is the pioneer in active adventure travel. We set the standard for adventure travel and have a strong reputation for excellence that we do everything we can to maintain. Since we are the leading adventure company, we have a lot to live up to, so we make sure we provide safe, quality trips and the best customer service to our passengers.

On trek you'll be accompanied by an expert, knowledgeable guide who will share and explain all the details of what you see every day on the trail and make the whole experience come alive for you. An expert crew takes care of all the trek details, prep Plan Holidays has its share in our ground operator companies,you can also be assured of a good support system-a crew who makes sure your trip goes smoothly by handling all logistics in country.