After a day taking in the sights, sounds and smells of Kathmandu, a city of sharp contrasts and different cultures we take the exciting flight to Lukla high in the mountains of the Khumbu. Below us can be seen the steep terraced hillsides, and some breathtaking views of Langtang and Rolwaling Himals, and our first glimpse of the great Dudh Kosi. Then it's down to a never to be forgotten landing at Lukla.

Arrival at Lukla (2804m) transports you from the hustle and bustle of Kathmandu to the more tranquil scene of the mountains and the relaxed pace of the mountain people. Here we meet our Sherpa trekking crew and our trek begins with an easy afternoon walk to Phakding (2652m).

The next eight days takes us along trails and through villages giving a good insight into the Sherpa culture. At Jorsale we enter the Mt Sagamartha (Everest) National Park and make our way to Namche Bazaar (3441m), weather permitting, we should have our first glimpse of Everest. Throughout the Khumbu the Sherpa Buddhist religion can be seen along the trails, mani stones and walls, prayer flags and chortens. Our journey to Pangboche and Dingboche has some fine examples. We have rest/acclimatisation days at Tengboche (3867m), Dingboche (4343m) and Loboche (4930m) giving time to visit the monastery at Tengboche and possibly explore the Imja Khola towards Chhukung from Dingboche.

After our acclimatisation day at Loboche we have an early start to Kala Pattar (5545m) and magnificent views of Everest, Lhotse, and Nuptse. Our return to Lukla may have a few diversions to visit Pheriche where the Himalayan Rescue Association have a hospital, and Khumjung and Khunde where there is a hospital and school funded by Sir Edmund Hilary's Himalayan Trust

We have three days in which to explore Kathmandu and the other ancient kingdoms of the valley, based at our excellent hotel in Thamel. These days are also built in to act as spare days if the weather delays our flight from Lukla, and they offer the opportunity for shopping and to savour the culture which is so different to our own. A visit to Nepal is richer for the experience