Upon arrival you will be met and assisted by a Ker & Downey representative and transferred to the Gokarna Forest Resort. Gokarna Forest Resort is located inside the serene temperate Gokarna Forest, the former Royal hunting grounds of the Kings of Nepal. A winding road climbs through the forest, up to the main complex, comprising a mix of subtly majestic Malla period architecture, Rana period lodges, and sanctuaries harmoniously blending with nature. A quiet peaceful haven set between ancient towering trees with glimpses of the second fairway in the valley below make the perfect getaway for golf, enchanting forest walks, relaxation and rejuvenation at the Spa, as well as time close to nature.

 Gokarna Forest Resort

After breakfast, we transfer to the domestic airport for your 25 minute flight to Pokhara. This spectacular flight offers views of the Langtang, Manaslu and Annapurna ranges. On arrival we are met by our guide and trekking crew and then drive to Nayapul, the road head. From here we have about half an hour's walk to Birethanti village and our lodge. Our walk will follow a ridgeline in the lower foothills of the Annapurnas with surrounding views of the Pokhara Valley. This route then drops to the Modi River Valley, where Ker & Downey's Sanctuary Lodge is located. The lodge has magnificent views of the sacred and unclimbed Fishtail Mountain, or Machhapuchhre as it is locally known. Lunch is at the lodge followed by an optional walk to the nearby village. You may choose to spend the afternoon exploring the surrounding river valley.

 Sanctuary Lodge

Following a leisurely breakfast, we leave the Sanctuary lodge and trek to Ker & Downey's Gurung Lodge at 1450 meters. We cross the bridge nearby the lodge and start heading up the Modi River. This is a little used trail that starts off on a rocky path along the river bank and then meanders though a forested area. We then reach a winding stone stair case which we start to trek up. After about a 1/2 hour, we reach the level ground at a small farming hamlet. We then trek along this ridge to the village of Waday. From Waday there are far reaching views of the whole valley. Our trek then descends a short distance to a small but sturdy suspension bridge. After crossing this bridge, we have another uphill push, passing though the small villages of Patlekhet and Majgaun before arriving at the Gurung Lodge in time for lunch. Trek time 3-4 hours.

After lunch, you may chose to hike with your guide to the nearby village of Tanchok, where there is a traditional house now made into a museum. The contents of the house illustrate how the local people live, together with the tools and implements of day to day traditional village life. You may also choose to visit the local school. Trek time 1-2 hours.

 Gurung Lodge

This morning we start out trekking through the unspoilt village of Patlekhet. Our walk then takes us through sub-tropical forests that include tree orchids, rhododendrons and magnolias. Along the way, we will stop at the village of Pothana where many Tibetan traders live and sell their souvenirs.

The trail from Pothana to the lodge offers spectacular views of the Annapurna range. After lunch at the lodge there will be an optional walk through the old village of Dhampus. From the lodge, there are sweeping views of the entire Annapurna Range.

 Basanta Lodge

After breakfast, we depart along the ridge and descend through the wooded hillside and terraced farmland to the valley floor (3300ft/1000m). We meet our vehicles here for the short drive to Pokhara airport and our flight back to Kathmandu. Transfer to the Gokarna Forest Resort for some rest and relaxation

 Gokarna Forest Resort

We make an early start to take a spectacular, short mountain flight to Lukla, the start point for our trek. Watch out for the Langtang and Jugal ranges then the Rolwaling Himal, Gaurisankar and Menlumtse before getting your first glimpse of Everest on the flight. Our trekking crew meets us at the Lukla airstrip and we'll spend a few minutes sorting out bags etc before setting off through this winding village to the trek start proper at the Khumbu 'gateway'. It's gently downhill on pitched stone trails through low rhododendron forest, small 'garden' farms and old and new hamlets to the banks of the foaming Dudh Koshi River. There will be plenty of short stops to meet the locals, take photographs and just soak up the scenery and the clear mountain air as we meander along, the undulating trail glimpsing views of 6000m snow-capped peaks high above. Passing the enormous mani stone at Thado Kosi we meander up through the many chortens and prayer wheels of Sano and along to our destination of YMH Phakding in time for a late lunch. The afternoon is free to rest in the riverside gardens or sun lounge. For those who wish to we'll make a short trip up to the higher village and delightful tiny gompa perched on the valley side. Gather again for pre-dinner drinks round the fire followed by evening meal.

 YMH Phakding

After breakfast we trek to the village of Monjo. The gently undulating trail follows the right bank of the Dudh Koshi through Phakding village before the first of several river crossings today on wire suspension bridges. Continuing through pine forest and small villages we come to a break in the trees to catch sight of the mighty Thamserku (6623m) towering way above. A couple more hours of woodland trails and swaying bridges brings us to the small village of Monjo. Our lodge for the night is located above the village with spectacular views of Thamserku and KusumKangri. After lunch at lodge there's an opportunity to explore the side valleys and villages with your guide.

 YMH Monjo

A short walk from our lodge brings us to the gateway to the Sagamartha National Park. We stop to have a look at the interesting 3D map and information boards whilst our guide sorts out our permits and entry. From here we've another 40 minutes or so along the sides of the Dudh Khosi before crossing the Bhote Khosi, raging in form a side valley, and beginning our climb to the Sherpa capital of Namche Bazaar. The trail zig-zags up away from the river, gradually ascending to the tree line opening out into a high mountain bowl and the vibrant village of Namche. We pass through the many tiny shops and colourful stalls picking our way slowly up hand cut stone steps to our wonderful Yeti Mountain Home Lodge. This is our first night above 3000m so it's important to take it easy and let your body adjust. Relax with a tea or coffee and maybe even take a massage in our spa.

YMH Namche

Today we'll take a gentle walk to gain a little height and then have the afternoon free to explore the shops and cafes of this delightful little town.

Your guide will take you to a couple of wonderful viewpoints to see the 'rockstars' of the mountain world spread out before you: Lhotse, Nuptse, Everest, Ama Dablam... they ring the deep valley sides in a magnificent arena. You should also be able to see the trails to Everest. If you're feeling energised we'll continue on to the delightful villages of Kumjung and Kunde with their health post and school both started by the Sir Edmund Hilary Fund.

After lunch you are free to head down to the Namche market to browse the shops, chat to the locals and maybe pick up a souvenir or two. You may also see the Tibetan traders who make a yearly journey over the high passes from the Tibetan plateau with their yaks laden with goods to sell at the markets. Late in the afternoonthere's an option to visit Namche Monastery. The monastery is about 80 years old and has beautiful Thanka paintings of Tibetan deities. You are most welcome to burn a butterlamp for your loved ones.

 YMH Namche

After Breakfast, we descend back to Monjo. We will reach Monjo at lunch time. After lunch at lodge, you are free to relax your day.

YMH Phakding

We retract back to Lukla after breakfast passing through Banker and Phakding and following the trail to Lukla. You spend your final night in the Everest region here. This is also a good time to give your gratitude to your porter and trekking crew for their wonderful support and to bid them farewell.

YMH Lukla

After breakfast we take a short but spectacular flight back to Kathmandu. When the weather is clear, this short flight will be one of the magnificent highlight of your tour with amazing views of the surrounding mountains. After landing, you will be transferred to your hotel. You will have your free time to relax and enjoy spa after trek.

Gokarna Forest Resort

After enjoying a leisurely breakfast at the hotel, we'll be met by our guide for our day trip to a few of the Kathmandu valley's most spectacular and important sights and some vibrant, colourful markets.

With a blend of three ancient capitals and their associated palaces, temples and markets of Kathmandu has a lot to offer culturally and historically. However, we're mindful not to overload you on your first day so will ensure the day has a good balance between sightseeing, exploring and relaxation time.

The exact itinerary may change depending on the local conditions but we shall most likely visit:

Pashupatinath, one of the most important temples in South Asia to the Hindu God, Lord Shiva;

One of the three Durbar (Palace) Squares , a complex of palaces and temples which was formally the social, religious and administrative focal point of the ancient city

Boudhnnanath Stupa, a wonderful Buddhist site centred on a huge Stupa topped with the all-seeing eyes. If possible we'll come here in the early evening to soak up the atmosphere of hundreds of Tibetan and Sherpa peoples walking their devotional khora

Gokarna Forest Resort

Final Depature