OK, this is the one everyone dreams about, to trek to the base of the tallest mountain on Earth. These days, the majority of trekkers headed to Everest Base Camp start by flying into the precariously situated mountainside village of Lukla. The flight is an adventure in itself as you wing your way up the steep-walled valley of the Dudh Kosi; from Lukla, it's a nine-day trek to base camp. However, since you can't even see Everest from base camp, you're really better off skipping this climbers' tent city and instead heading to Lobuje to climb to the summit of 18,190-foot (5,544-meter) Kala Pattar, from which you have a view of Mount Everest that would take your breath away if the elevation hadn't already done just that.

Trip Facts
Difficulty rating: Hardcore
When to go: Fall and spring