Welcome to the Himalayan country of Nepal. It’s a panoramic thrill flying into Kathmandu on a clear day. The views of snow-capped mountain peaks sprawling down below you are almost ecstatic, beginning a whole chain of memorable experiences that stay with you for a long, long time. And as your plane hits the tarmac, our waiting support team will meet and greet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel. Welcome drinks will be served and after time in getting refreshed, that evening you will be invited to a welcome dinner in a typical Nepalese restaurant in the heart of Kathmandu. You will also receive a trip briefing before retiring for the night at the hotel.

Today after breakfast we start a guided tour to several of the most historical and spiritual attractions in Kathmandu which are also listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites. We visit the historic Durbar Square, the famous ‘Monkey Temple’ (Swayambhunath) the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupatinath’ and Buddhist shrine (Bouddhanath), which is also one of the largest stupas in the world. At noon, there will be a pre-trip discussion as well as provides opportunity to ask any questions you may have regarding our upcoming adventure.

Our beautiful adventure in Nepal starts with an early morning flight from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar. Tumlingtar is our trekking starting point, 50 minutes of adventurous flight away from Kathmandu. We drive to Num from Tumlingtar for overnight stay which takes around 3 hours.

We continue along the trail descending steeply from Num through the corn fields of Lumbang. Below the village the trail drops very steeply through a jungle to a suspension bridge over the Arun River (660m). From the bridge we climb steeply to a primitive tea shop, then through corn and buckwheat field. Moving along the rocky path and tiny terraces planted with corn and barley, we make a long, steep, rough climb to Sedua (1,460m).

Leaving Sedua, we make a gradual climb high above the Kasuwa Khola to Gyang (1,770m). Climbing past the school at Gyang, it is a gentle walk through terraced fields and forested areas to Hindrungma village, and on to Rupisa. En route, we cross meadows and several streams, and then climb to the Sherpa village of Tashi Gaon, the last permanent settlement in the valley.

We climb over the ridge and ascend through forests to a stream and onto a ridge where there is a small campsite. The trail levels out, and then climb to a shepherd’s hut called Chipla atop another ridge. We climb past two small streams, then switchback up the ridge in forests to a Kharka at (2,900m) and up to a saddle and Unshisha, a tiny meadow at approx. (330m). Here the trail joins the ridge that separates the Iswa and Kasuwa drainages. The slope gets steeper and becomes a series of moss-covered stone stairs to Dhara Kharka, a meadow atop the ridge. We then move over a hillock and descend a bit to reach Kauma (3,470m).

After a rapid ascent of (1,400m) yesterday it is essential to take a rest day to help your acclimatization before crossing Shipton La (4,216m) tomorrow. We will organize an optional morning walk along Khongma Danda (ridge) towards Shipton La, this is useful to help the acclimatization process by “climbing high and sleeping low”. There is a superb view from Khongma looking eastwards towards Kanchenjunga.

From Khongma the trail climbs steeply along switchbacks with superb views of Makalu and Chamlang and also over to Kanchenjunga in the east. We continue walking along a stone staircase through rhododendrons before reaching Shipton La (4,216m) followed by a descent to Kalo Pokhari lake. We make a climb to Keke La (4,150m) after this final pass we walk down through a beautiful valley Debotay where there is a basic lodge cleared among the rhododendron forest.

After leaving Debotay the trail traverses along the steep sides of the Barun Valley and crosses a number of landslide areas. On either side of the river there are huge rock walls towering overhead and views of Peak 6 and 7 down the valley. Further along the valley widens and near Yangle Kharka there is a large flat grassy area with a basic teahouse where we camp for the night.

Today we pass a number of yak pastures (Kharkas) and herder huts with a number of different names and varying altitudes depending on which map or guidebook you read. As we are now approaching high altitude we limit our rate of ascent to ensure your body has necessary time to acclimatize. We camp at the grazing area called Langmale Kharka where there is a new lodge and terraces cleared for camping.

Today we have a shorter day to help our acclimatization before walking up to Makalu Base Camp tomorrow. There are superb views of the Himalayan mountains throughout the day so take your time and enjoy the walk you will see Peak 3, 4, and 5 as well as Chamlang.

On approaching Sherson the south east ridge of Mount Makalu comes into view and as one approaches Base Camp the stunning view of its south face is revealed. We set up camp at Makalu Base Camp where we intend to stay for two nights.

We will arrange an optional walk on the slopes on east side of Makalu Base Camp, this is well worth doing not only to help your acclimatization but also for the good views of Everest, Lhotse and of course Makalu. The walk will take about 5 hours return and reaches an altitude of (5,300m).

Today your western leader and Sherpas will organize a mountaineering skills session to show the techniques for ascending and descending a fixed rope, these are essential skills for safe crossing of the passes.

From Makalu Base Camp the trail follows the ablation valley on the west side of Barun Glacier and then continues on lateral moraine however avoids descending onto the glacier like the trail to Makalu Advanced Base Camp. Further along the trail is rocky and traverse scree slopes marked by cairns. During the walk there are spectacular views of Makalu’s West ridge and foreshortened North West ridge as well as Everest and Lhotse at the head of the valley.

Today is an essential acclimatization day, for those feeling energetic we will organize a short morning walk (two to three hours) to explore the valley beyond the camp.

From Sherpani Low Camp we continue traversing on a rocky trail to the next side valley and then follow this to Sherpani High Camp located on a rocky area before the glacier. This is a tough day walking on loose moraine following another indistinct trail.

After an early start around 1am we walk up the glacier to Sherpani Pass with dawn arriving as the group starts the climb on fixed ropes. On the way up, we follow a snowy gulley then a short traverse on a rock step before reaching the top of the pass. There is a rapel/ abseil for 40m on the other side of the pass down to the West Barun glacier, from here there is an hour walk to reach the top of the West Col where there is a 200m rapel/ abseil down to Hunku Glacier followed by an hour or so walk to Upper Baruntse Base Camp. This is a very demanding day using fixed rope for ascent and descent as well as sections of rope travel on the glacier in a very remote glacial area, the exact daily schedule will be decided by your leader and Sherpas depending on conditions and weather as well as how the group and crew are faring with the expedition.

After the long day yesterday crossing Sherpani Pass and West Col the group and crew will need a rest day before continuing towards the Amphu Laptsa pass.

The trail descends on moraine to the lower Baruntse Base Camp then continues over moraine ridges with loose rock to the highest of the Panch Pokhari lakes in the Hongu valley. We put in a High Camp near to the start of the trail up to the Amphu Laptsa pass.

After a morning start around 4am we follow the rocky trail from camp towards Amphu Laptsa pass, after an hour or so we climb a 10m ice step to access the glacier and then follow this to the top of the pass. The view from Amphu Laptsa is superb dominated by Baruntse and the West Col is clearly visible. There are several rapels/ abseils from the pass until we get onto the rocky trail that leads towards our camp located next Imja lake.

After several challenging days crossing the remote passes from Makalu we are now in the Everest region with its well-constructed trails and other trekkers staying in the impressive network of teahouse lodges.

From Deboche we walk up to Tengboche monastery then make a decent to Phunki Tenga by the river, this is followed by a steep section uphill then a long traverse to Namche Bazaar.

Being on the main trail to Everest, the walk from Namche onwards will be an easier all the way to Lukla, the path leads downhill all the way to the confluence of Bhotekoshi and Imjatse which makes the Dudh Koshi. From here we cross the long suspension bridge with a short climb into the pine woods, reaching again back to the river bed, the gentle trail follows the river downstream passing through many farm fields and villages then coming at the entrance of Sagarmatha National Park in Monjo village. After Monjo another 2 hours of good walk leads to Phakding near the river Dudh Koshi. Final leg of this great trek will be another good walk to Lukla, you can walk at your own leisurely pace, enjoying the lush green scenery around. Apart from few short uphill the only long climb will be just before Lukla which will take approximately 45 minutes from a place called Cheplung or from the old big oak tree. On reaching Lukla, prepare for the last day great dinner and celebration with the fellow Sherpa crew, porters and trekking members.

Today, we fly back to Kathmandu after our long trek in the mountains. We can rest and relax throughout the day at our hotel or get in touch with our loved ones.

Today is your last day in Kathmandu and is an opportunity to do all the bits and pieces you thought of doing over the past few weeks including any last-minute shopping, returning to places that you enjoyed or didn’t get a chance to visit before your trek. Do let us know if would like help organising anything for today.

You are saying goodbye to the mountains as your journey in Nepal comes to an end today. You are free until it is time for us to transfer you to the airport in time for your flight home. We hope you enjoyed the tour with us, and are sure you`ll be back in your trip somewhere in the Himalaya again.