The trekking day begins with a short descent to a river. Cross this and then traverse above the lake Cholatse Pokhari, passing to south of the Lobuche peaks and Awe peak. The most impressive views on the traverse lie to the south-east, with Ama Dablam dominating the distance and Nuptse, Tawoche and Kangtega all vying for your attention.

Continue swinging around all the way to join the main Everest Base Camp trail just as it reaches the first signs of glacial moraine from the Khumbu Glacier. The Khumbu effectively leads all the way to the top of Everest so any running water you see exiting the moraine may just have come from the highest point on Earth!

Once back on the main Everest trail, follow it up to Lobuche village, which feels like a big city after Dzonghla! Over the next couple of days options abound for further exploration. Everest Base Camp, Kala Pataar and the Kongma La are all possibilities and it is perfectly possible to do all 3. If you’ve already come over the Renjo La and Cho La, crossing the Kongma La would complete the trinity of Khumbu cols. Before any of that however, take the opportunity for a relaxed afternoon in Lobuche and savour the views of Nuptse’s imposing south face.