International flight to Kathmandu.

Day enjoying the ‘bombardment of the senses’ that is Kathmandu. Sightseeing tours can be arranged and would include visiting the temples of Bodnath, Swayambhunath (The Monkey Temple), Pashupatinath and Durbar Square. Simply wandering around the huge array of shops, markets, cafes, bars and restaurants in Thamel is a fascinating experience.

Fly to Lukla (2800m) Trek to Phakding (2610m). A spectacular short internal flight takes us to this tiny airstrip town and the gateway to the Sherpa Kingdom. After lunch we start our short trek along the typically stony path that descends from the forested terraces of Lukla right into the Dudh Kosi valley and the brightly painted lodges of Phakding. There are good views of Kusum Kanguru’s North Face (6367m)

Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3440m). Into the Sherpa capital and the heart of the Khumbu. You will now be becoming familiar with local protocol for passing chortens, mani stones, yaks, spinning prayer wheels etc. and enjoying the hustle and bustle of trekking and everyday life that exists on the ‘Everest Trail’. At Monjo we enter Sagarmartha National Park and can visit the small visitor centre there. Four hours.

Rest Day in Namche Bazaar. It is important to have a couple of nights and a rest day in Namche before proceeding any higher. You can spend the day taking short walks up to Thami or Khumjung, visiting the Everest and Ama Dablam viewpoints or just relaxing and exploring the narrow streets of the busy Sherpa capital.

Namche Bazaar to Pangboche (3930m). We climb steeply out of Namche, turn the corner, and are immediately presented with superb views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse and our destination, Ama Dablam. Crossing the Dudh Kosi involves a steep descent to Phunki Thanghka and its fine water driven prayer wheels before re-ascending to Thyangboche. The famous Sherpa monastery can be visited here, and the surrounding panorama is rightly deemed to be one of the most magnificent mountain viewpoints in the world. The going is easy now and Pangboche, the highest year-round settlement in the valley, is soon reached. Six hours.

Pangboche to Ama Dablam Base Camp (4750m). We leave the busy Everest trail and cross the Imja Khola. Climbing steeply out of the valley and above the tree line we enter the alpine meadows that provide such a fine location for a base camp, no cold and scrappy glacier moraine sites here!

Rest Day at Base Camp. Another acclimatisation day spent exploring the alpine meadows and views around camp, packing gear for higher on the mountain and relaxing in this very pleasant spot.

Ascent of Ama Dablam, South West Ridge. See section entitled ‘The Climbing Day’.

Base Camp to Thyangboche (3860m). On the return trek folk have the option of staying in places not visited on the way up or returning to the more western style luxuries available in Namche.

Thyangboche to Monjo (2840m). You will now really feel the warmth and rich air of the forest zone.

Monjo to Lukla. The Alpine mountain hut atmosphere of Paradise Lodge in Lukla is the ideal place to relax and celebrate your journeys end.

Fly Lukla to Kathmandu. Back to the comforts of our hotel in Thamel and the enjoyable hustle and bustle. This is a good time to buy souvenirs and try your hand at haggling with the local shopkeepers. We will dine in one of Kathmandu’s finest restaurants and experience some local dancing styles!

Return flight from Kathmandu. The flight usually departs late afternoon so you will have a final morning free in Kathmandu.