My guide, Ambar Bamjan, was not only a great guide on the hike, but accompanied me from my hotel in Kathmandu through the airport and flight to Lukla. You need to have an extra day or two in your schedule, as I missed a connection on the way to Nepal, and the flight to Lukla is very unpredictable due to weather. Incredible scenery unfolds immediately on the initial 2-3 hour hike the first day and continues for the entire trip. After the first few days a trekker on the way down told me the landscape got even better, and I didnt see how it could, but it did! I took over 2000 photos, but I dont think a single one captured the beauty that surrounds you 360 degrees. You have to see it in person! Some of the hikes are pretty difficult, with up to 2 hour stretches all uphill, although there is a lot of up and down overall. I frequently was thankful for the hours I spent on a stairmaster during the months before the trip. The tea houses were nice but primitive, especially toilets. The only heat was stoves burning yak chips in the eating areas around dinner time most days. I was very comfortable in my sleeping bag, however, and glad I brought a liner. You dont need the pad and pillow suggested in the list of things to bring. My guide was very attentive to how I was feeling with the altitude, and we were actually able to skip the acclimatization day and finish the trek a day early. If you have an extra day or two, Kathmandu has interesting Buddhist and Hindu temples, especially the monkey temple, but the air is filled with smog and dust - get out to the surrounding areas as much as possible - Nagarkot and Bhaktapur are very nice. If your idea of a great vacation is sitting in the beach sipping mimosas dont do this! If you want a challenge this is the most stunning scenery Ive ever seen!
