This classic teahouse trek follows the trail from Lukla through Sagarmatha National Park to the foot of the world's highest mountain. Along the way you walk beside the Dudh Koshi River, through rhododendron forest and Sherpa villages, and past monasteries such as Tengboche. You catch your first view of Everest on the climb to Namche Bazaar.

The pace is built around acclimatisation. There are two dedicated rest-and-hike days, one in Namche Bazaar (with a hike to Syangboche, the Sherpa Cultural Museum and Hotel Everest View) and one in Dingboche (with a hike up Nangkartshang Peak, 5,083m). These help your body adjust before the high days.

The high days are the core of the trek. You go from Lobuche over the Khumbu glacier moraine to Everest Base Camp (5,364m), then return to Gorak Shep. Next morning you make an early climb up Kala Patthar (5,545m), the trek's highest point, for the famous close-up view of Everest. You then descend through Pheriche and Namche to Lukla and fly back to Kathmandu.

You are looked after throughout by a first-aid-trained, government-licensed guide, with porters carrying your main bag. Your Kathmandu hotel, trekking accommodation, meals on the trail, internal flights and national park permits are all arranged for you. The trek is graded strenuous and runs best in spring and autumn.

What's included

Private air-conditioned airport transfers (international and domestic); 2 nights twin-sharing in a 3-star hotel in Kathmandu; 11 nights twin-sharing guesthouse (teahouse) accommodation on the trek; Breakfast, lunch and dinner during the trek; Return flights between Kathmandu (or Manthali) and Lukla; First-aid-trained, government-licensed guide; Porters (1 porter per 2 trekkers; 9 kg per trekker); Sagarmatha (Everest) National Park fees and TIMS permit; Filtered water with meals; Staff wages, accommodation, meals, gear, insurance and medication; Government taxes and administrative costs; Duffle/kit bag, trekking map and trip completion certificate

What's not included

Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu; International flights and airport departure tax; Nepal entry visa (USD 30 for 15 days, USD 50 for 30 days, USD 125 for 90 days); Travel insurance; Excess baggage over 9 kg per person on the trek; Extra nights in Kathmandu (early arrival, late departure or early return); Personal expenses (snacks, bottled water, hot drinks, hot showers, alcohol, Wi-Fi, calls, battery charging, extra porters); Personal clothing and equipment; Tips for guides, porters and staff