It is a panoramic thrill flying into Kathmandu on a clear day. The views of snow-capped mountain peaks sprawling down below you are almost ecstatic, beginning a whole chain of memorable experiences that stay with you for a long, long time. A representative and driver from our office will meet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel. The representative will help you check into your designated hotel. At the hotel, you will be briefed about your daily activities.

Kathmandu, the historical and cultural heart of Nepal, has been a popular destination for tourists ever since Nepal opened its doors to visitors. The city presents a wonderful mix of Hinduism, Tibetan Buddhism and Western influence in the Valley. Patan and Bhaktapur, its two major neighboring cities bear immense historical, cultural and religious significances. There will be a half day guided tour to the famous and biggest Hindu shrine of Pashupatinath, the largest Buddhist stupa in Nepal Boudhanath, the 15th century palace of 55 windows and Swoyambhunath. At eventide, you will be briefed about your trip. Overnight at the hotel.

From Phakding, we cross and re-cross the rivers on high suspension bridges. Beyond Monjo is the entrance to the Sagarmatha National Park. The park was set-up to conserve this fragile mountain environment. We then ascend steeply to Namche and along the way, if the weather permits, catch the first glimpse of Mt Everest. Namche is the main trading village in Khumbu and has a busy Saturday market - a meeting place for the Hindu traders from the lowlands and the Tibetan yak caravans that have crossed the glaciated Nangpa La. You then reach the Namche bazaar.

Ascending from Namche Bazaar, we pass the airstrip at Syangboche and the Japanese-built Everest View Hotel. From the hotel, there are magnificent views of the valley and Everest. We walk to the picturesque village of Khumjung with many old traditional houses as well as a gompa at the top end of town. At the nearby village of Khunde, is the famous hospital built by Sir Edmund Hillary, an important center of health care in the region.

Heading east, we pass a large Chorten and then descend to a bridge across the Dudh Koshi at Phunki Tenga. From the river, the trail ascends through a forest of pine and rhododendron, before arriving at Thyangboche Monastery. The views here are truly awesome, from the beautiful Ama Dablam to Lhotse and Everest at the head of the valley. The gompa has been rebuilt since a tragic fire in 1989 destroyed it. The monastery is well worth a visit.