| Month | High | Low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 63 | 36 | |
| Feb | 70 | 37 | |
| Mar | 77 | 48 | |
| Apr | 81 | 52 | |
| May | 82 | 61 | |
| Jun | 82 | 66 | |
| Jul | 82 | 68 | |
| Aug | 81 | 68 | |
| Sep | 79 | 66 | |
| Oct | 77 | 54 | |
| Nov | 70 | 46 | |
| Dec | 66 | 37 |
For a moment I couldn't take it in -- Everest filled the sky above me, yet still appeared impossibly remote, its summit hidden in shreds of mist nearly a mile above me.
The mountain feels steep and stiff beneath our hiking boots, testing our physical conditioning and our resolve. Mount Everest is both seductive and unforgiving. The colossal snow-covered peaks and dark, seemingly bottomless crevasses that surround us are constant reminders of the astounding vastness, the sheer and inconceivable scope of this mountain. Eight days into the adventure the mountain's scale has become almost incomprehensible, and each step we take seems so insignificant in comparison to Everest's majesty. Slowly but steadily, we've ascended thousands of feet. We can recall with clarity the thrill of crossing the Imja Khol River suspension bridge, its wild waters rushing beneath us. And we'll never forget the stunning beauty of the rhododendron forest, as we hiked along its colorful paths just last week.
At a rough but obvious trail, where the terminal moraine meets the rubble-covered Khumbu Glacier, we head to Loboje. A windswept collection of huts, tucked in a narrow meadow between the glacier and the Loboje Peak, this is our campsite. Here, with an awesome view of Lhotse ridge, we are beginning to understand why the Sherpas call Everest "Chomulungma", Mother Goddess of the Earth.
Pasang Temba Sherpa is one of Mount Everest's most sought-after professional trekking guides, averaging about four trips a year since 1985. His trekking experience includes Chola La High Pass, Kala Pathhar, the avalanche-prone Thorong La High Pass, as well as remote routes in both Nepal and India.
The adventure begins as you board your international flight to Asia.
In-flightAfter you clear customs and immigration at the airport, your A&K representative takes you to Dwarika's Hotel, one of the city's most famous landmarks. Over the next two days you and your expedition team acclimatize to the higher elevation and tour Nepal's capital city, a major trade center since medieval times with no fewer than eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Dwarika's Hotel DArrive at Lukla, where you meet your Sherpa for an expedition briefing and begin the ascent. Tonight you overnight at Phakding; all overnights are at mountain lodges (Approx. trekking time: 3 to 4 hours).
Joe's Garden B L DClimb to Namche Bazaar where you have your first glimpse of Everest. If the weather is clear, the top of the southwest face is visible behind the long Lhotse-Nuptse Ridge. Take a day to acclimatize, adjusting to the rarefied atmosphere (Approx. trekking time: 6 to 7 hours).
Panorama Lodge. B L DReturn to the hiking trail this morning and traverse west, staying high up on the bank of the Bhote Khose, walk through a rhododendron forest in full bloom. Overnight in Thame (the birthplace of Tenzing Norgay, the Sherpa who made the first ascent of Everest with Hillary in 1953) (Approx. trekking time: 5 to 6 hours).
Thame Valley View Lodge B L DDescend into the valley via Thamo, a hillside nunnery, and climb the high route to Khumjung, one of Khumbu's most beautiful villages (Approx. trekking time: 6 to 7 hours).
Hidden Village, with electricity and attached baths. B L DTrek down to the Dudh Khosi (Milk River), named for its dense, white rapids. Then climb this afternoon to Tengboche, the principal monastery of Khumbu (Approx. trekking time: 5 to 6 hours).
Gomba Lodge B L DThe trail descends down from Tengboche, winding through the rhododendron forest to Deboche and crossing a bridge over the raging Imja Khol River. Hug the valley wall, then traverse the plains to Dingboche, the start of the Imja Tse Valley. On the 11th day, you will rest before the last leg of the journey (Approx. trekking time: 6 to 7 hours).
Family Hotel B L DTackle the steep incline to the terminal moraine of the Khumbu glacier, continuing along the rugged route to your eco-resort at Loboje. Above the huts looms the famous Lhotse Ridge (Approx. trekking time: 5 to 6 hours).
Eco-resort B L DTrek along the Khumbu glacier to the tea shacks at Gorak Shep. The route to your summit, Kala Patthar (18,192 ft.) is steep but stunning. The reward: spectacular views of Everest, the highest spot on earth (Approx. trekking time: 5 to 6 hours).
Yeti Inn or Himalaya Lodge B L DToday is the culmination of your journey — the day you reach Everest base camp. Soon after departing Gorak Shep, leave the moraines behind and follow the streams of the glacier. Directly before you is the great Khumbu Icefall, a slow tumble of ice boulders spilling out from the Khumbu Glacier. Not far from the foot of the icefall lie the moraine islands of Everest base camp, final staging area for many an assault on the peak, and the goal of your expedition (Approx. trekking time: 5 to 6 hours).
Eco-resort B L DHeading down now, the going is easier and the pace faster. Descend all the way to the Sherpa village of Phortse on the lower southern flank of Tawoche (Approx. trekking time: 6 to 7 hours).
Om Kailash Lodge B L DThis morning's descent takes you through a forest to the banks of the Dudh Kosi (Approx. trekking time: 5 to 6 hours).
Panorama Lodge B L DHead back towards the trailhead at Lukla, bidding farewell to this incredible setting, the villages and the people of the Khumbu hills and valleys. Make your final climb into Lukla (Approx. trekking time: 6 to 7 hours).
Namaste Lodge or North Face Resort B L DFly to Kathmandu for the conclusion of your expedition. Tonight the team celebrates a successful expedition over dinner. The next morning, transfer to the airport for your homebound flight.
Day 19 Dwarika's Hotel B L D; Day 20 B
