Arrive in Kathmandu. Group dinner. Group introductions. Introduction with the guide followed by briefing about the trip. Depending on time of arrival, we will organize a cultural Nepali dinner where you will get to experience some of Nepal’s cuisine.

• Take the morning to visit the iconic Bodhanath. Also known as the Stupa of a million dew-drops. Witness monks and devotees circumambulate the largest stupa in the world if you are up for the adventure. Bodhnath is host to a large Tibetan community in Nepal.
• Visit the White Monastery to learn about “loving and mindfulness” meditation. Continue to Pashupatinath, Nepal’s most sacred Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva, with its two-tiered golden roof and silver door.
• Drive to Patan for lunch in the garden of the Patan Museum Café. After lunch, visit the well- maintained Patan Museum storing ancient Nepali artifacts, followed by a tour of Patan Durbar Square. The Durbar was built by the Malla dynasty who ruled the Kathmandu valley in the 18th Century. 
• Enjoy the evening at leisure. 

Leave for the airport early in the morning for an approximately 45-minute flight and dramatic landing at the Lukla airport. After a brief stop at Lukla, where the porters sort your bags, set off on your Everest trek. Past Lukla, descend to Chaurikharka and continue on a fairly level trail to Choplung. Continue on a descending trail to Ghat. There is a monastery, numerous prayer wheels, mani stones and a Chhorten at Ghat. Whenever possible, please remember to turn all prayer wheels in a clock- wise direction and to walk on the left side of shrines and manes

Trek to Namche. http://www.crystalmountaintreks.com keeping these sacred objects to your right. From Ghat, it is approximately 20 minutes to Phakding. We walk another 30 minutes further to Monjo. Namche Bazaar The day’s trail follows the Dudh Koshi until you begin your ascent to Namche. Just beyond Monju is the entrance to the Sagarmatha National Park where your park permit will be checked. Past Jorsalle, the trail follows the Dudh Koshi and crosses it only to re-cross it at the base of the hill which climbs up to Namche. The climb is long and steep. The switchback trail is well-worn and wide through a pleasant pine forest. Namche has now become the biggest settlement in the Khumbu region. At the bottom of the village, you will come across Khampa traders from Tibet who have made the long and arduous journey over the Nangpa La pass (19,050 ft.) to sell their wares in Nepal.

Begin the hike up the hill to the Park Headquarters and visit the very interesting Sagarmatha National Park Museum. From here there are the first really good views of Everest and Ama Dablam – a wonderful panorama. Continue hiking on the steep trail for another hour until the trail levels leading you the large Sherpa settlement of Khumjung. This is the site of the famous Hillary school and the clinic in Khunde. The picturesque little monastery in Khumjung is well worth a visit. If you pay a small donation to the caretaker you may be allowed to see the so-called head of the abominable snowman – the Yeti. The trail descends from Khumjung with chortens forming a dramatic frame to a view of Ama Dablam (6,696m), and Kangtaiga (6,779m), flanked by the towering heights of Everest, Lhotse and Nuptse. You descend from the village, first through walled fields and then through rhododendron and blue pine forest to the small settlement of Tashinga.

Begin your hike by descending to the Dudh Kosi river (the milk river). Cross a suspension bridge and ascend gently to a small hamlet, Phunki Tenga, where you could stop for a cup of tea. From here it is a steep ascent through pine forests to the Tengboche monastery. From Tengboche, descend through rhododendron trees to Debuche. There is a small nunnery here which is well worth a visit. The path continues along the river valley and after crossing a bridge, the path gradually climbs with stunning views of Ama Dablam ahead to reach Pangboche.

Cross the Imja Drangka river and ascend gradually to Lhabarma. From here, mountain ridge is “bam” in front of you. You can walk to the base of the massif and absorb the enormity of the mountain. Ama Dablam Base Camp is at an altitude of 15,013ft on an open yak pasture. From here, there are great views of Kantega (6,783m/22,254ft), Thamserku (6,618m/21,712ft) and Taboche (6,542m/21,463ft). If your trek coincides with the main climbing season it is more than likely that you will find climbing groups at Base Camp. Return to Pangboche.

Day 07, OCTOBER 24: Day hike to Amadablam Base Camp Amadablam Base Camp with Amadablam in the background Cross the Imja Drangka river and ascend gradually to Lhabarma. From here, mountain ridge is “bam” in front of you. You can walk to the base of the massif and absorb the enormity of the mountain. Ama Dablam Base Camp is at an altitude of 15,013ft on an open yak pasture. From here, there are great views of Kantega (6,783m/22,254ft), Thamserku (6,618m/21,712ft) and Taboche (6,542m/21,463ft). If your trek coincides with the main climbing season it is more than likely that you will find climbing groups at Base Camp. Return to Pangboche. Crystal Mountain Treks, PO Box 5437, Kathmandu, Nepal info@crystalmountaintreks.com http://www.crystalmountaintreks.com

Day 08, OCTOBER 25: Helicopter tour Helicopter at Kalapathar From Pangboche, a helicopter will fly you towards the Everest Base Camp for up- close views of Mt. Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse etc. The helicopter will circle the Khumbu Icefall and the Everest Base Camp before landing near Kalapathar at around 17,700 feet to give you 15 minutes to take photos of Everest and the surroundings. Continue on the helicopter back to Lukla.

Day 09, OCTOBER 26: Fly back to Kathmandu Early morning flight to Kathmandu. The afternoon is free for shopping, massage etc. Optional visit to the crowded spice market in the heart of Kathmandu to learn about the different spices used in the Nepali curries that you have been sampling all along the trek route. Crystal Mountain Treks, PO Box 5437, Kathmandu, Nepal info@crystalmountaintreks.com http://www.crystalmountaintreks.com

Day 10, OCTOBER 27: Activities in Kathmandu Nyatapola Temple Full day of sightseeing in Kathmandu of Bhaktapur Durbar Square and Swayambhunath Stupa. This is also a contingency day for possible weather delays for flights from Lukla. Around 6:00 pm, we will participate in a Nepali momo cooking class. Momos are Nepali pot-stickers. We will learn how to cook both Chicken and Vegetable momos. 

You will be chauffeured to the airport by 11 am.