Everest Base Camp

Thamel .. a tourist haven in kathmandu.. with a concentration of narrow streets, its a mecca for shoppers

The trail from Lukla to Phakding (our stop for day one) is a gentle descending one over looking farmlands and the Dudh Kosi canyon Pretty cultural as well with the trek route lined with mani stones (stones with religious inscriptions), chortens (buddhist temples) and prayer flags.

Most crossings over the rivers are through steel suspension bridges festooned with fluttering prayer flags. Watch out for the native Rhododendron Flowers that tend to bloom during this season

Great views around Namche bazaar. The peaks of Kusum Kangru look magnificent from Namche.

Syangboche airfield (3740m), above Namche Bazaar. The airfield is mainly used for ferrying goods and supplies to the Khumbu Valley

These Sherpa villages in the heart of Khumbu region are situated at the base of the Khumbila mountain considered sacred by the sherpas. Trekking on the Khumbila Mountain is forbidden.

The path from Namche to Tengboche (our destination for day 4) descends through a forest of rhododendrons and birch trees and levels off with the Dudh Kosi river at Phunki Tenga. The steep ascent to Tengboche begins immediately after crossing the Dudh Kosi. Probably one of the toughest climb on the trail so far. There are trekking spots near Tengboche that give you a great view of the first sunlight falling on Mt. Everest

The path from Dingboche to Lobuche gently descends to the Imji Khola river near Thukla. This is where we lost our way and had to navigate through big boulders to reach our lunch spot. This is probably the last village on the trekking route. Above 4000 mts you can clearly notice the change in vegetation from trees to shrubs. Also, the elusive snow leopards are known to frequent this village and prey on unsuspecting cattle.

After the steep climb of the moraine of Kumbu glacier beyond Thukla you reach a place called Chupki Lara marked by an array of memorials of mountaineers who perished on missions to climb Everest. On the way to Lobuche you come across Mt Pumori, Khumbutse and Lingtern passing by Khumbu glacier. This is where serious trekking starts and one is really prone to altitude sickness.

The final lodge before Everest Base camp. There is a memorial of members of the Indian Army who perished on their mission to climb Mt Everest

Everest Base Camp and Khumbu Ice Fall. We saw a few avalanches as well!! Really tricky trek as it's frequented by rock falls on the way. Plus you need to head back to Gorakshep lodge from the camp pretty early as the route back is very treacherous.

On the top of Kala Patthar (5500m), the oxygen levels at this altitude is well below 50%. From here you get the best views of Everest as well as a panoramic view of all the highest Himalayas peaks.