Begin trek from Lukla with a descent to the Dudh Kosi. Follow the trail to Phakding, passing mani walls (boulders inscribed with Buddhist prayers), small villages, and well-terraced hillsides. Meet Khumbu locals who, unlike the majority of Kathmandu residents, are Sherpas - people who migrated from Tibet over 500 years ago and still dress traditionally and practice evolved forms of Tibetan Buddhism. With Khumbila (18,800'), sacred peak of the Sherpas, looming above, arrive at the lodge in Monjo (9,317') in the early afternoon. Relax and enjoy free time while you acclimatize.

Head north into UNESCO-listed Sagarmatha (Mount Everest) National Park, established in 1976 to protect an area of great environmental, religious, and cultural importance. Cross the Dudh Kosi and begin the steep climb up "Namche Hill" amidst lovely rhododendron, fir, and magnolia forests. As you ascend, catch your first glimpse of Everest! Arrive in the vibrant Sherpa market town of Namche Bazaar, the unofficial Khumbu capital beautifully situated in a terraced amphitheater facing the hanging glacier below Kwangde (20,293'). Check into the lodge, then spend the afternoon exploring Namche Bazaar.

This morning stop at the Sagarmatha National Park visitors' center and museum, where there are terrific views of the Everest region and educational displays on the culture, geography, geology, climatology, and wildlife of the park and the Khumbu. Back on the trail, follow the classic route to Everest on a winding, almost level path. After about three hours, it's a slight detour and another 15 minutes to the lodge in Tashinga (11,800'). The rest of the afternoon is yours to enjoy - and there's nowhere more relaxing than the peaceful Himalaya!

Descend into the deep Dudh Kosi Gorge - one of the most beautiful valley walks on Earth - and then climb steeply to the famous Tengboche Monastery (12,680'). Burned in 1989 and now completely rebuilt, Tengboche is the spiritual center of the Khumbu and a training center for new monks. After lunch, continue through this holy region to Pangboche. This incredibly scenic hike follows the Imja River, and Ama Dablam (22,349') and the great massif of Everest (29,028') hover majestically above. The tangible spirituality and stunning scenery of this place always impresses!

After crossing the Imja River and a gradual ascent to Lhabarma, you find yourself facing Ama Dablam, one of the Khumbu's most beloved and spectacular mountains. Ama Dablam Base Camp (15,013') sits on an open yak pasture beneath the west face, affording incredible views of Kan Tega (22,254'), Thamserku (21,729'), and Tawoche (21,463'). Here you'll likely meet climbing groups, either acclimatizing or fixing their route, as this trek coincides with climbing season. With binoculars you may even see climbers descending the steep ice slopes from the summit. Return to lodge.

This morning you cross the Mengbo and Imja rivers to reach a quiet trail offering an incredible panoramic vista complemented by charming old stone houses - and the blissful absence of other trekkers. Today is a shorter hike with time to stop at one of the tea houses along the way. When you arrive in Tashinga, check into the lodge and relish a free afternoon to rest and relax. Maybe it's siesta time - or, if you're feeling more energetic, explore the surrounding area on your own before reconvening for dinner.

Continue your push to Monjo. Leaving Tashinga Lodge, follow a small path to reach the main trail leading to the villages comprising Khumjung, approximately a one-hour hike. The path leads gently up the shallow valley to Khumjung, built into a mountain bowl and surrounded by patterned, terraced fields. Here in 1961 Sir Edmund Hillary's Himalaya Trust built its first school, which still operates today. And enter the Khumjung monastery for a peek at the infamous yeti scalp! Continue south to Monjo for the night.

Today you return to Lukla along the meandering Dudh Kosi, retracing your steps from Day 4. Pass Sherpa villages and soak in the stunning scenery until you arrive at the familiar lodge in Lukla.

Bid a fond, if somewhat hesitant, farewell to the Khumbu as you fly from Lukla back to Kathmandu. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, transfer to hotel.

If your flight from Lukla operates as scheduled, you'll enjoy a morning tour of the Pashupatinath Hindu temple complex on the Bagmati River and Bodhnath's enormous Buddhist stupa - the largest in Asia and the center of Tibetan Buddhist culture in the Kathmandu Valley. This afternoon you're free to roam, relax, or do some last-minute shopping or sightseeing on your own. In the evening, join the group for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.

After breakfast, transfer from hotel to airport and depart Kathmandu on your homeward-bound flight.