Your expedition begins the moment you touch down at Tribhuvan International Airport. Kathmandu is a sensory explosion—the scent of incense, the chime of temple bells, and the vibrant colors of prayer flags. You are met by our expedition staff and transferred to a 3-star sanctuary in Thamel.

• Atmosphere: Transitioning from the modern world to the ancient portal of the Himalayas.
• Activity: Evening briefing where you meet your lead climbing sirdar and fellow teammates.

Before we fly to the mountains, we pay our respects to the culture. We visit Pashupatinath, the holiest Hindu shrine in Nepal, and Boudhanath, the massive Buddhist stupa.

• The Prep: This afternoon is critical. We perform a “Floor Check” of all your gear. Is your down suit rated for -20°C? Are your crampons compatible with your boots? We ensure no technical detail is left to chance.

The flight to Tenzing-Hillary Airport in Lukla is a legendary experience. As the Twin Otter aircraft weaves through emerald green hills, you catch your first glimpses of white-capped peaks. After landing on the dramatic uphill runway, we begin a gentle trek to Phakding.

• Landscape: Lush forests, mani stones (prayer-carved rocks), and the roar of the Dudh Koshi River.
• Elevation Gain: Minimal, focusing on easing the lungs into the mountain air.

Today we enter the Sagarmatha National Park. The trail winds through pine forests and crosses the iconic Hillary Suspension Bridge, draped in thousands of prayer flags. The final two-hour zig-zag climb to Namche is the first real test of your lungs.

• The Reward: Namche is a horseshoe-shaped amphitheater of stone houses and bakeries. It is the last place for “luxury” before the high wilderness.

We don’t stay idle. We hike to the Everest View Hotel. Here, Ama Dablam rises like a jagged tooth to the east, while the Lhotse-Everest massif dominates the northern horizon.

• Education: We visit the Sherpa Culture Museum to understand the history of the “Tigers of the Snow.”

Moving off the standard EBC highway, we head west toward Thame. This valley is the ancestral home of many Everest record-holders.

• Experience: The trail is quiet, the views of Thamserku are staggering, and the monasteries feel more authentic and less visited.

We follow the Bhote Koshi river, an ancient salt-trading route between Nepal and Tibet. The vegetation thins, replaced by alpine scrub and yaks with thick, shaggy coats.

• Insight: You are now entering the “High Zone,” where every breath counts.

Our first of the Three High Passes. The climb to Renjo La is steep and steady. As you crest the pass, the view of the Gokyo Lakes below and Everest in the background is often cited as the most beautiful view in the world.

• Descent: A technical descent on stone steps leads to the lakeside village of Gokyo.

We climb Gokyo Ri (5,360m) for sunrise. The 360-degree panorama is unparalleled. Later, we trek toward the 5th and 6th lakes to see the massive “Scoundrel’s View” of the Everest North Face.

• Geology: We walk along the edge of the Ngozumpa Glacier, hearing the groans of shifting ice.

A short but tactical day crossing the debris-strewn glacier. We position ourselves at the base of the next great hurdle: the Cho La Pass.

The Cho La Pass is a true alpine crossing. It often involves scrambling over boulders and walking across a flat, non-technical glacier at the top.

• Challenge: It is a long, 8–9 hour day. The descent into Dzongla offers spectacular views of Mt. Cholatse.

We rejoin the main Everest trail. The path skirts the base of the peaks, overlooking the Khumbu Glacier.

• Emotion: We pass the Climbers’ Memorial, where stone cairns commemorate those who lost their lives on Everest. It is a sobering reminder of the mountain’s power.

The culmination of the trekking portion. We walk through the rocky moraine to Everest Base Camp. You are standing at the foot of the Khumbu Icefall.

• Atmosphere: In the spring, the “Yellow City” of expedition tents is humming with energy.

A pre-dawn hike to the highest point of the trek. Kala Patthar offers the “National Geographic” view of Everest. We then descend back to Lobuche for a night of rest.

The hardest and highest of the three passes. Kongma La is rugged and remote. Reaching the top feels like entering a private sanctuary of the peaks. We descend into the Chhukung Valley, our staging ground for the climb.

We move into our tented camp. This afternoon is the “Skills Lab.” You will practice:

1. Jumaring: Using a mechanical ascender on a fixed rope.
2. Rappelling: Controlling your descent on a figure-eight or ATC.
3. Roping Up: Learning the distance and pace for glacier travel.

1:00 AM: Wake up for “Alpine Breakfast.” 2:00 AM: Start the climb. We scramble through the “High Camp” rock gully. 5:00 AM: Reach Crampon Point. We put on our harnesses and rope up for the glacier. 7:00 AM: The Headwall. You face a 100m vertical challenge. Focus on your breathing—kick, kick, slide the jumar. 8:30 AM: The Summit. A narrow ridge leads to the top. The world drops away. You are surrounded by the Lhotse face, Makalu, and Baruntse. 12:00 PM: Back at Base Camp for hot soup, then descend to Chhukung.

A celebratory descent. The air feels thick and rich with oxygen as we drop below 4,000m.

Retracing our steps through Tengboche. We often stop for a “victory brownie” at the Namche bakeries.

The final walk. We celebrate with our porters and Sherpa team—the unsung heroes of the expedition.

A final flight over the mountains. Back in Kathmandu, a hot shower and a farewell dinner await.