International flights depart and arrive in Kathmandu the following evening. Transfer to hotel close to the famous bustling, Thamel district of Kathmandu and within easy walking distance of the Monkey temple, with lovely gardens where one can relax.

Day enjoying Kathmandu. Sightseeing tours can be arranged and would include visiting the temples of Bodnath, Swayambhunath, Pashupatinath and Durbar Square. Simply wandering around the huge array of shops, markets, cafes, bars and restaurants in Thamel is a fascinating experience. Please note if the weather is good we may fly to Lukla on this day, and enjoy the sites on your return to Kathmandu.

A spectacular short internal flight takes us to the tiny airstrip town of Lukla and the gateway to the Sherpa Kingdom. After lunch we walk 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. Good views of Kusum Kanguru's North Face (6367m). 2 hours walking.

Into the Sherpa capital and 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. 5 to 6 hours walking.

An acclimatisation day and an opportunity for a short walk to a nearby viewpoint with fantastic views of Everest. Visit the bustling Sherpa market or sample a cake at the bakery. 2-3 hours walking.

This is a short walk in distance up to the scenic village of Khunde, but involves a height gain of 400m so it is important to do this slowly to aid acclimatisation. 2 to 3 hours walking.

Leaving the main trails behind, we head on smaller paths into some wilder mountain terrain, initially climbing a lovely ridge above the village before traversing below spectacular cliffs and waterfalls and then climbing up to the hidden valley of the Thesebu Khola. 6 to 7 hours walking.

Acclimatisation walk up to the Alpine lake and around 5000m. A great chance to take in the spectacular scenery. 3 to 4 hours walking.

Ascend to Lake camp in the upper valley. 2 to 3 hours walking.

Climb the back wall of the upper valley via a cunning route up some easy angled moraine and onto the remote Kyajo Glacier. We cross a frozen lake in a spectacular setting to gain access to Glacier camp near the foot of the col 4 to 5 hours walking.

Rest day.

Today we make the rocky ascent to the South Col. This involves weaving between large boulders and exciting scrambling on lovely rock – protected by a rope if necessary. 3 to 4 hours walking.

The majestic South Ridge. Leaving the col the route climbs (with the use of fixed ropes) an immaculate band of perfect granite at around UK ‘severe’ grade. Having gained the snow and ice above, we then follow a line of curving ridges to the summit climbed at around grade II. The views are breathtaking making all the effort of the climb well worth it. 5 or 8 hours climbing and descending.

Spare summit days.

Descend to basecamp

Descend to Namche Bazaar

Trek back to Lukla

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. Expedition celebrations.

Sightseeing and adventure activities options.

Flight home.

Arrive home.