Rich in artistic and cultural heritage and full of fascinating sights, vibrant and eclectic Kathmandu is an excellent launching point for the adventure ahead. Early arrivals should stroll to Durbar Square, a great place to watch the world go by and home to the Kumari Devi - considered a living goddess. Sit in a cafe with a cup of spicy hot chai, wander the markets or tuck into some Nepalese cuisine. In the afternoon, learn about minimum impact trekking on a visit to the Kathmandu Environmental Education Project (KEEP), an Intrepid Foundation project that aims to promote sustainable tourism and provide environmental and cultural education to travellers who visit this special part of the world.

Catch an early morning flight to Lukla, ready to embark on an adventure of a lifetime - trekking to Everest Base Camp. Surrounded by the world's most remote and breathtaking scenery, rest overnight in local teahouses and explore the diversity of Himalayan traditions and religion. Follow remote mountain paths, cross glaciers, traverse valleys and climb high passes to ascend to the foot of magnificent Mt Everest, acclimatising to the high altitudes on the way. From Everest Base Camp, head back down to Gorak Shep then make the tough trek to Kala Pattar (5,545 m) for exceptional views of Everest, Lhotse and the other jagged peaks of this awe-inspiring region. Take it easy on the descent, calling in at Tengboche Monastery and the Sherpa Heritage Foundation to learn about Sherpa culture. Return to Lukla for the flight back to Kathmandu.

The flight from Lukla to the capital is short and rewarding, with impressive views back across the Himalayan slopes. Soak up more of Kathmandu's unique atmosphere with a spot of shopping among the many street markets and shops. Clothing, embroidery, carpets and ceramics are all on offer here. Alternatively, take a trip over the Bagmati River to the adjacent city of Patan, a maze of temples and monasteries. Enjoy a final night in Kathmandu with a celebratory group dinner - a chance to reminisce and reflect on this epic journey and say "namaste" to new friends.

Be blown away by the fantastic views of the Annapurna and Manaslu mountain ranges and the friendliness of the locals on a stroll through this Newari trading village. Perhaps take a walk to the eastern part of town to visit the pagoda-roofed Bindabasini Temple, which is the abode of Bandipur's guardian goddess, Durga.

Trek through rugged mountain scenery by day and relax in cosy teahouses at night. Pause along the way to gaze at the scenery, snap a photograph and acclimatise to the dramatic altitudes. Complete a loop of the Annapurnas - cross icy rivers, traverse broad plains and climb alpine passes. Pass through sub-tropical forests, dense pine forests and deep, wooded canyons embellished by stunning waterfalls. Enjoy views of some of the highest peaks in the ranges - Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Gangapurna and Chulu East. Say "hello" to yak and goat herders on grassy steppes and visit remote mountain monasteries to soak up Nepalese history, culture and tradition. Cross Thorung Pass - the highest on this trip at 5,416 m - and take a moment to revel in the adrenaline rush that comes with such a grand achievement.

This peaceful, lakeside town rests beneath the snow-capped peaks of the Annapurna Ranges and is the perfect base to rest weary limbs, reflect on a tremendous adventure and relax with a hot drink at a lakeside cafe. Those who still have energy can wander around Pokhara and get to know its friendly residents.

Enjoy free time to continue sightseeing or shopping for Nepalese clothing, embroidery, carpets and ceramics. The neighbouring towns of Patan and Bhaktapur are also well worth a visit.