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WHAT
You'll need to be reasonably fit to join the 23-day 'Everest Base Camp & Gokyo Lakes' trek featured in the Walking & Trekking programme by Exodus (020 8675 5550; www.exodus.co.uk). Starting in Lukla, the expedition follows the Dudh Kosi 'milk river', criss-crossing suspension bridges into the Himalayan National Park where you stop to acclimatise at Namche Bazaar (3,500 metres), a sherpa base with monastery and local markets. Heading up to the Thyangboche monastery, you get the first spectacular views of Mount Everest and ascend to Gokyo Valley with glacial lakes, before climbing Gokyo Ri for a breathtaking view of the summit. From the final camp at Gorak Shep, it's a tough, three-to-four-hour zig-zagging walk across a glacier to base camp a spartan encampment of mess tents. The trekking season extends from October to April and, while groups try to stagger their departures, paths can be busy.
WHEN
Weatherwise, one of best months is November. To avoid crowds, go in December when it's cold but skies are still clear
BONUS POINTS
Sherpas and porters accompany the trip, and experienced trek leaders allow plenty of time for groups to acclimatise to high altitudes
PRICE
From £1,975, including hotels, camping and all food except in Kathmandu. Flights are extra. The Foreign Office advises that travellers monitor the political situation in Nepal before departure. For details, visit www.fco.gov.uk.
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