The trek begins with a hike to Phakding which is partly downhill. The village of Cheplung is reached in about 40 minutes. There are also short excursions which one can take to help acclimatize. Phakding (2610m) has plenty of lodges as well as several bars

Phakding to Namche Bazaar is 5 ½ hr if long stops are avoided. The trail goes along the Dudh Kosi valley towards the north and rewards you with a great view of Thamserku. A checkpoint is reached at Chumoa and a trail through rhododendron and magnolia forest leads on to Monjo (2840m). After Monjo, you enter the Sagarmatha National Park where park fees need to be paid. After Monjo comes Jorsale from where it’s a steep climb through a pine forest to reach Namche Bazaar, which feels like a small town with cyber cafes and everything from batteries to trekking gear available.

It is important to halt an extra day at Namche for acclimatization.

The route via Syangboche and Khumjung is suggested and a visit to the famous Tengboche Monastery is worthwhile. There are great views of Ama Dablam from Tenboche (3870m).

Another day to be spent acclimatizing in and around Tengboche.

Walk past Debuche and Pangboche (3860m) is reached. Soon after Pangboche, you encounter arid landscape. Cross the Khumbu Khola to reach Pheriche (4240 m) in the wide valley of this river. The health center of the Himalayan Rescue Association is here helping trekkers and climbers.

One more day in Pheriche for acclimatization with side trips to Chhukung or Island Peak Base camp.

To Dughla (4620m) in just (2 hr) along the valley floor. Early bird gets the bed as accommodation is limited.

The trail climbs up the moraine of the Khumbu glacier. The Pumori peak looms large and you come across memorials for famous mountaineers. A halt here is a must because of altitude as Lobuche is 4930m.

From here the climb is difficult as one strongly feels the effects of high altitude and altitude sickness is a possibility. After traversing a moraine Gorak Shep (5160m) is reached at the foot of Kala Pathar.

It’s a tough hike to Everest Base Camp (5340m) over the Khumbu Glacier which is a moving surface and ever changing path. During climbing season the base camp is full of colorful tents but otherwise, there is nothing to see here and even Everest is not visible. For a fascinating, panoramic view of Everest and other prominent peaks, go to Kala Pathar (5545m) as a side trip.

Head back from Gorak Shep the same way you climbed up but going downhill is a breeze and you can easily reach Lobuche in 2 hours, so start early after lunch.

You might want a change of scene and stay at Dingboche.

Descend along the Imja Valley and drop down to the Imja Khola to reach Tengboche.

On to Namche Bazaar: Climb down to Phunki Thenga and climb a ridge to reach Namche Bazaar.

At the end of your trek, it’s a hard descent to Dudh Kosi. Be at Lukla by 3pm to confirm your flight back to Kathmandu. Then it’s party time late into the night.