By Laura from The Adventure Company

As an activity holidays specialists we think that trekking to Everest base camp is a great way for anyone to enjoy the magnificence of the Himalayas without needing mountaineering experience. Having done the trek myself I found it very rewarding and have certainly caught the trekking bug.

The most spectacular aspect of the trip was the sensation of being up so high yet still surrounded by giant mountains towering over me. Getting your pace correct is most important during the first few days. As you start up Namche Hill towards the Sherpa capital Namche Bazaar, you need to follow the experts and find your rhythm; this will enable you to ascend with relative ease.

Breath taking Views
Dramatic mountain views open up on the approach to Tengboche and visiting the fabulous monastery (where the lama re–incarnate resides) is a highlight. You will head on to Dingboche and ascend gently into High Altitude country at 4100 metres. The views here of the Himalayan “Matterhorn”, Ama Dablam are amazing.

You will reach Lobuche by walking past frozen rivers into a landscape of icy wilderness. This is stunningly beautiful where you enjoy views of the Khumbu Icefall, Pumori and smaller peaks. You reach Everest base camp at 5440 metres after a tough climb but it will be worth every step. The scenery was breath taking. The next day there is the option to climb to the summit of Kala Patar at 5545 metres. This is another way to take in spectacular views of Everest on a towering outcrop. Your last 3 days are spent descending to Lukla and home via Kathmandu.

Top tips and facts about trekking

• Wear your walking boots on the plane in case luggage goes missing, and pack plenty of layers, temperatures can change dramatically during the trek.
• AMS (acute mountain sickness) – has the potential to affect anybody trekking above 2500 m. It is the speed at which you reach higher altitude not the actual altitude that you have to watch if wish to avoid AMS.

Our Tour
Our 11 day trek to Everest base camp is tough but rewarding. Although you need a good level of fitness, walking from 4-8 hours a day, you do not need to be mountaineer.

• Day 1 -3 – you will fly into Kathmandu and explore this colourful city, do some last minute shopping for the trek, see some temples and sample delicious Nepalese cuisine.
• Day 4 – we take you on an awesome flight up to the Sherpa village of Lukla, up above the “River of Milk” (glacier melt water makes it appear white). You have now arrived at the gateway to Everest, and have an easy walk down to reach Phakding.
• Day 5 – 15 – The trek details and Highlights
  Your main trek begins as you follow a river to the entrance of the Sagarmatha National Park. The Nepalese call Everest “Sagarmatha” meaning “head of the oceans”. As you start the ascent you realise that this mountain is one of the natural wonders, views are incredible.

You will stay in the traditional tearooms, the Nepalese version of our guesthouse, basic but clean. It was a memorable experience to wake up in the morning to hot coffee and watch the sun rising over Everest.