Land in Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. You will be met at the airport by both your Kiwi guide and Nepalese guide and transferred to accommodation. A welcome dinner will be in the the buzzing centre of Thamel this evening. [D]

Enjoy the morning exploring the maze of Thamel and purchasing any items for EBC. At midday depart for lunch at Boudhanath (one of the largest stupas in the world). After lunch we visit Sunsar Maya’s After School Programme - this is a first of its kind in Nepal, providing educational opportunities to better the lives of orphaned and vulnerable children. Your trip cost has contributed to the materials for a cultural exchange and a donation to this organisation. Later, we will have dinner back in Thamel. [B, L, D]

This morning we depart Kathmandu in the early hours for a four hour drive by private minivan to Ramecchap Airport for our flight to Lukla (2695m). Our Everest Base Camp Trek then begins with a descent to Phakding (2610m, 3-4 hours, 7km). [B, L, D]

Phakding to Namche Bazaar, a prosperous market town with cafes, bakeries and shops (3480m, 5-6, hrs walk,11km). [B, L, D]

Acclimatization day. Hike up to Everest Viewpoint Hotel and visit Khumjung village. [B, L, D]

Namche Bazaar to Tengboche, home to one of the most famous monasteries in Nepal with an impressive backdrop of Mt Ama Dablam (3860m, 5-6 hrs,10km). [B, L, D]

Tengboche to Dingboche, a vast, steep glaciated valley (4410m, 6hrs, 9km). [B, L, D]

Acclimatization day. Explore Chukung village (5445 m) and enjoy an outstanding view of Everest. [B, L, D]

Dingboche to Lobuche. On a clear day, this section offers incredible views of snow-capped mountains (4940m, 5-6 hrs, 7km). [B, L, D]

Today is the day you reach Everest Base Camp (5364m). The final part of the trail follows the spectacular Khumbu Glacier, the largest glacier in Nepal. Overnight in Gorakshep, the final stop for EBC trekkers (5180m, 8-9 hrs,13km). [B, L, D]

Optional sunrise hike from Gorakshep to KalaPatthar (5545m). KalaPatthar offers panoramic views of Mt Everest (8848m), Mt Lhotse (8414m) and other impressive surrounding peaks. After breakfast descend for approx two-hours to board your helicopter to Lukla enjoying unparalleled views of the highest peaks and most stunning landscapes in the world! And then on to Kathmandu by another helicopter. Arrive back at your Thamel hotel and enjoy a trek celebration dinner. [B, L, D]

This morning we fly to Pokhara, Nepal’s second largest city. On a clear day this 1-hour scenic flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara offers magnificent views of the Himalaya mountain range. Enjoy two free days in Pokhara to unwind, explore, and relax by the pool. Try out paragliding amidst stunning views of the Himalayas, enjoy plenty of shopping, or simply chill out by the lake. Be sure to visit the social enterprise Seeing Hands Nepal, a massage centre where blind Nepalise are given training to become massage therapists and later work within the organisation. Enjoy a 1-hour massage here by these talented people (your massage is included in your trip cost). [B - lunches and dinners in Thamel are at your own expense as these are free days. Our Kiwi guide will arrange dinner locations for all to meet at if the group would like]

Morning flight back to Kathmandu. Settle back into our Thamel hotel and meet for lunch before the afternoon service experience - Curry Without Worry. Every Tuesday curry is prepared, cooked and then served to homeless of Kathmandu “where any hungry soul can receive a nutritious meal once a week”. We will meet the CWC team and help prepare the evening meal. We may get a brief glimpse into Durbar Square while the curry is cooking and before meeting again to help serve. [B, L, D]

Service experience - painting classrooms, building desks, or a rural school visit - the service will be determined by the need at the time and organised by Australian founded organisation In Giving We Receive. Your trip cost has contributed to the materials required for this service. [B, L, D]

On this last day, purchase any last souvenirs and clothing or, if your flight time allows, take part in a morning cooking class. You will be transferred to Kathmandu Airport in time for your outbound flight. [B]