The big day has finally arrived! Wave goodbye to family and friends before boarding your overnight flight to Kathmandu where your challenge will begin.

On landing in the capital, you’ll be welcomed by the local Charity Challenge representative, who will transfer you to your hotel (you will stay in Mulkot, 3 hour transfer, if flying from Ramechhap the following day) for the first team dinner. This is the perfect opportunity for you to meet your fellow trekkers and ask any questions about your challenge ahead. After dinner, there will be time to prepare your trekking kit before getting an early night.

You will have an early start as you transfer to Kathmandu/Ramechhap Airport where the adventure begins. The flight alone is an experience, so be sure to take in the scenery of towering, snow-capped mountains before you swoop dramatically into the runway. After arriving, there’s a chance to pick up any last-minute kit and meet your sherpa crew. After lunch, there’s a pleasant acclimatisation trek with a view of the kusum-kangru crossing at Tok-Tok village. 6,369m.

NB. This flight is weather dependant and can be subject to delay or cancellation. There are several acclimatisation/rest days built into the trip to allow for potential delays (up to three days). If flights are unable to take off after three days, we will implement an alternative trek itinerary.

As you leave Tok Tok this morning, you will cross the first suspension bridge of the trek, a truly breath-taking experience. You will follow the trail to Monjo, beneath the peak of Thermasarkhu (6,608m), and continue down the meandering path along the river. Finally, you will cross another spectacular bridge before reaching the foot of the steep ascent to Namche. Weather permitting, this may be your first chance to glimpse the summit of the mighty Everest. At the top, the colourful, bustling Sherpa Capital of Namche Bazaar is your final destination for the day.

With Everest now in sight, you’ll have time to acclimatise by walking to the top of Namche Bazaar. There is an optional walk to the Everest View Hotel, which boasts sweeping panoramic views. Alternatively, you can head to the Sherpa Culture museum to learn more about the region’s fascinating mountaineering history. You will spend another night in Namche Bazaar, ready to continue trekking in the morning.

This morning follows the winding trail from Namche Bazaar, with exceptional views of Everest. From Shanasa, descend into Phungitenga (3,250m) a pretty settlement in the midst of alpine woods before taking on a tough ascent to Tengboche (3,867m). With its monastery and stunning views, Tengboche is arguably one of the most beautiful sites in the Himalayas. Continue along the trail to Deboche (3,800m) where you will spend the night in the shadow of the Ama Dablam peak.

Leaving Deboche, your route follows the long Prayer Mani Wall up towards Shomare. The altitude may start to take its toll as you climb higher above the Imjatse River. However, from here it’s a lovely descent into the Imjatse Valley and the shadows of the Nuptse, Lohtse and Ama Dablam mountains. The village of Dingboche is where you will rest your weary legs for the night overlooking a patchwork of fields.

Today is another acclimatisation day. It is the perfect opportunity to explore the monastery and admire the incredible vistas from the ridge over Dingboche and the Imja Khola tributary. Spend the afternoon drinking tea in a coffee shop and resting up for the days ahead.

Heading north, the trek follows the path above the village of Pheriche towards Thukla for lunch. The colourful memorial ground of fluttering prayer flags and monuments are dedicated to climbers who have lost their lives whilst mountaineering. It also serves as a reminder of how challenging the natural environment can be, so be sure to take a moment to appreciate your achievement so far. From here you have unrivalled views of Mt. Pumori and other peaks west of Everest. This is a good spot for a short break before continuing on for another 1½-2hrs up to Loboche.

Set off on a rocky moraine path and climb above the glacial pond and icebergs of the Khumbu Glacier. After the last rocky moraine dunes, a short downhill walk brings you to the town of Gorakshep, below Kalapatthar (5,545m) and Mt. Pumori (7,145m). Gorakshep, famous for being Sir Edmund Hillary’s base camp during his expedition to Mt. Everest in the 1950s, is your home for the night.

Today is the day – the finale of your trek to Everest Base Camp. The high altitude and difficult terrain makes the trekking a lot more strenuous, but the lively commotion from Everest Base Camp will help to spur you on. Celebrate with friends old and new as you reach Everest Base Camp, making sure to take plenty of photos to document your achievement. You will then head back to Gorakshep to sleep for the night.

Although optional, the steep hike to Kalapatthar is well worth it and is often considered one of the highlights of the trek. At Base Camp, the summit of Everest is hidden from view. From the top of Kalapatthar, however, you will be rewarded with breath-taking views of Everest’s peak. Now it is time to start the descent back down to Lukla, beginning with an overnight stay in Pheriche 4,245m.

The return journey will take you through the village of Pangboche, as you continue back along the Imja-Tse gorge and up to Tyangboche. The village of Kanguma is home for the night, sitting alongside the beautiful Dudh Koshi River

The morning climb from Kanguma is steep, pushing weary legs through pine forests and valleys towards Namche Bazaar. Enjoy lunch here, the largest Himalayan village, before continuing along the path towards Monjo and your teahouse for the evening.

The last day of walking is pleasant, following the Bhote Kushi River towards the village of Phakding, before embarking on the final stretch of your journey. It’s one last push to tackle the 45 minute uphill climb to Lukla where you will be staying in a traditional teahouse. Now it’s time to revel in your success with a hard earned celebration meal and an evening spent sharing memories with your new found friends.

Bid farewell to Lukla and the magic of the Himalayas. Touching down in Kathmandu you will transfer to your hotel where a delicious celebration meal will await you.

Today is dedicated to exploring the wonders of the magical city of Kathmandu. You will have time to visit its many temples and monasteries, mingle with the monkeys at Swayambhunath Temple or go for a stroll through the Garden of Dreams. Don’t forget to pick up some prayer flags before you head back to the hotel for your last supper together.

Today you depart from Nepal, leaving with fond memories and a great sense of achievement. Touching down in the UK, it may be harder than you expected to say goodbye to all your team mates so be sure to swap details before heading home to share the stories of your adventure.