Gokyo lake sits at an altitude of 4,750m at the side of the Ngozumpa Glacier, the largest in the Nepal Himalaya. From a ridge above the lake, the great peaks of Cho Oyu (8,153m), Everest, Lhotse and Makalu (8,481m, the fifth highest mountain in the world) can be taken in at one sweep. The emerald surface of the lake spreads out far below and there are stone-walled pastures on its shores.

The trail starts at the air strip of Lukla and follows the Dudh Koshi River through stretches of forest and over log bridges. Load –carrying yaks grunt past and you have your first glimpse of Everest through a clump of trees. Namche Bazaar is the Sherpa capital and center of activity in the Khumbu region. It’s terrace of houses set in a horseshoe shaped hollow dramatically comes into view as you round a bend.