The Solu Khumbu is arguably the most famous region of the Himalaya. Not only is the area home to Everest, but also to the Sherpa people, known across the world for their spirit and resolve in supporting international expeditions to the high peaks. The area really is unique in terms of its people, culture, scenery, flora and fauna.

The road from Kathmandu extends as far as Jiri, a journey of 188km, passing through the fascinating landscape of Nepal’s middle hills. From here the only way forwards is on foot.

This tour from Jiri to Lukla passes through excellent trekking country and is much quieter than other areas due to the position of Lukla airstrip halfway along the Everest trek. Most trekkers these days fly to Lukla to follow the high altitude portion of the route to Everest Base Camp. Starting at Jiri the tour follows trails taken by the early expeditions to Everest.

This is a varied tour following well-maintained trails through deep forests, over passes with spectacular views, and across impressive rivers. The villages along the way offer comfortable accommodation and a surprising variety of food and drink. The culture and religion of the region is never far away and the trail is often marked by mani walls, prayer flags and chortens.

After spending a night in Lukla the spectacular flight back to Kathmandu is taken with awe inspiring views of the Himalaya, foothills and plains of Nepal. Two days are then spent exploring the delights of Kathmandu and relaxing before the second tour.

The area of Helambu, Gosainkund and Langtang was designated Nepal’s first Himalayan national park in 1971. The culture of the hill-people who live here is much more similar to that of Tibet than to the traditions, language and dress of their neighbours in the middle hills.

This tour starts from Melamchi Pul Bazaar, accessible by road from Kathmandu. It then gradually climbs through the foothills of Helambu following excellent trails along ridges leading towards the peaks of the main Himalayan chain. Despite its close proximity to Kathmandu the area remains quieter than the popular trekking routes around Annapurna and towards Everest Base Camp.

As the tour passes over the Laurebina Pass spectacular views of the Langtang peaks dominate the horizon, with Langtang Lirung (7246m) and Dorje Lakpa (6966m) being particularly magnificent. The trail then descends to the holy lakes of Gosainkund, sacred to both Hindus and Buddists. Thousands of pilgrims visit the lakes during a festival in August. Running alongside the lakes is reminiscent of the Scottish Highlands, as an excellent footpath weaves between boulders with short, scrubby vegetation all around. However, the view across the valley of high mountains on the border with Tibet is a clear reminder of where you really are.

The final day of the tour is a fine descent to the trail head at Dhunche. The comfortable lodges and warm welcome of the local people make this a special and memorable tour.

No visit to Nepal would be complete without spending some time exploring the sights and culture of Kathmandu and its surrounding area. Nepal’s capital has been described as “the place where men and gods mingle in the street.” And indeed Kathmandu’s cultural heritage is most apparent in its countless, and often awe inspiring, temples, monuments and stupas, seven of which are UNESCO World heritage Sites.

Kathmandu retains a laid back atmosphere despite the apparently random and chaotic life of its streets and bazaars. This is probably down to the warmth and generosity of its people, who seem to be permanently smiling.

There is much to see and experience in Kathmandu, including Durbar Square, the magnificent Bodhnath Stupa (the largest in Nepal) and Swayambhunath Stupa (pictured right) - a major landmark towering above the valley 3km west of the city.

Bhaktapur, lying 10 km east of Kathmandu, is said to be the best example of a medieval city in the world. Little has changed here for centuries and it retains a simplicity far removed from its neighbouring capital. Visitors can spend hours strolling through uncrowded streets while discovering numerous temples, including the five-storey Nyatapola Mandir, the tallest pagoda temple in Nepal.

Like any major city Kathmandu is well served with a wide range of accommodation and places to eat and relax.

Tour code: 09HFN006     Tour dates: 25 Sept - 11 October 2009

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