Base Camp Trek for the World's Tallest Mountain: Everest

Day 1: A gentle start to a long trip, the day starts amongst the bustle and noise of Lukla and ends at the peaceful village of Phakding on the shore of the Dudh Kosi river.

Day 2: After a day in the foothills yesterday, today's hike takes you into the high mountains and to the Sherpa capital; Namche Bazaar.

Day 3: The first full day in trekking in the huge mountains of the Khumbu is utterly wonderful. Leaving behind Namche Bazaar feels like the moment that you leave civilisation behind and enter the high Himalayan environment.

Day 4: A great but tough-feeling day where you reach the magical 4000 metre mark. The trekking is wonderful and the views staggering, but pace yourself and drink plenty of water - this is the day where most people really begin to feel the altitude!

Day 5: An incredibly scenic day which puts you within reach of Base Camp.

Day 6: A final push up to the highest overnight stop on the trek.

Day 7: Although it is of course possible to descend straight back to Lobuche from Gorak Shep, the ascent of Kala Patthar (a small rocky peak overlooking Everest and the Khumbu Glacier) is highly recommended and is well worth a final bit of uphill effort before the long walk back to Lukla.

Day 8: The culmination of a fantastic week of trekking through the biggest mountains on Earth.