Known in Tibetan as Chomolungma - "Mother Goddess of the Snows" - Everest is a mountain of superlatives, the star of the Himalayas and an irresistible lure to adventurers far and wide. The experience of gazing on its splendor is an indescribable thrill and, for many, the realization of a lifetime dream.

The Trail From Lukla
After flying into Lukla we trek along the banks of the Dudh Kosi river through pine and rhododendron forest, to Namche Bazaar. This is the main trading post of the Sherpa people and we hope to visit the National Park headquarters. Along the way we'll see the colourful fluttering prayer flags and Buddhist monasteries of traditional Sherpa villages and have a good chance of spotting the Himalayan Thar, a type of goat/antelope.

Kala Pattar & Everest Views
We visit Thame Monastery - Tenzing Norgay was born nearby - and ascend to Thyangboche, for superb vistas of Ama Dablam (6856m), Lhotse (8512m), and Everest (8848m). Continuing up to higher altitude, we make our ascent of Kala Pattar (5545m) overlooking Base Camp, for unobstructed close-up views of Everest that would not be possible from base camp itself.