Very few trekkers have explored this spectacular area to the west of the Everest region. This challenging trek starts from Jiri and ascends from the Likhu Khola, through terraced hillsides, Sherpa villages and alpine forest, to the windswept open ridges of Pike Hill. Here the panoramic view is incredible, including the 8000-metre giants of Kanchenjunga, Makalu, Everest, Lhotse, Manaslu and Annapurna, far in the west. We then descend to the Sherpa village of Junbesi and head into the wilderness through forest of rhododendron and fir. Ascending above the tree line onto craggy high ridges to over 4000 metres we enjoy unrestricted views of Mera Peak, Thamserku, Makalu and Everest (8850m). The highlight of the trek is the holy lake at Dudh Kund, in the shadow of Numbur and Karyolung peaks, where tumbling icefalls hang precariously above the lake?s calm waters. The return trail heads via Trakshindo monastery to the Sherpa village of Phaphlu, where you farewell your trekking crew and fly back to Kathmandu.