| 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.
Arrive at Lukla, where you meet your Sherpa for an expedition briefing and begin the ascent. Tonight you overnight at Phakdin; all overnights are at mountain lodges.
Climb to Namche Bazaar for your first glimpse of Everest. Take a day to acclimatize, adjusting to the rarefied atmosphere. Then push on to a higher trail, crossing the Kwangde River and waterfalls.
Descend into the valley via Thamo, a hillside nunnery, and climb the high route to Khumjung, one of Khumbu's most beautiful villages. Descend to the Dudh Khosi (Milk River), named for its dense, white rapids. Then climb through the afternoon to Tengboche, the principal monastery of Khumbu.
Follow the trail through a rhododendron forest and across a suspension bridge. Hug the valley wall, then traverse the plains to Dingboche, the start of the Imja Tse Valley. Rest for one day, then tackle the steep incline to the terminal moraine of Khumbu glacier, continuing along the rugged route to Loboje Lodge.
Trek along the Khumbu glacier to the tea shacks at Gorak Shep. The route to your summit, Kala Pattar (18,192 feet) is steep but stunning. The reward: spectacular views of Everest, the highest spot on earth. The next day visit Everest Base Camp, then return to Loboje.
Begin your descent, hiking along the river to the Sherpa village of Phortse. Descend to the Dudh Khosi river, then to the small village of Khunde, site of a hospital dedicated to Sir Edmund Hillary. Complete your final climb into Lukla, a great spot to rest and overnight.
Fly to Kathmandu for the conclusion of your expedition.
