Everest Base Camp trek begins with an "eye opening" flight to Lukla at 2800 meters and passes through the picturesque Sherpa village of Namche Bazaar to Gorakshep culminating in the "ascent" of Kala Pattar (5500 m) from where classic views of Everest and its surrounding peaks are available. Most of the trek is spent above altitudes of 3000 meters in the Khumbu and Imja valleys. Although this is a short trek, by Nepal standards, there will be plenty of time to enjoy the culture of the Sherpas, visit ancient monasteries and learn how Lamaistic Buddhism influences Sherpa life. Stop at any of the numerous teahouses sip a glass of sweetened tea or Chang (millet beer) and get a taste of hospitality unique to the Sherpas. Beautiful, multi-hued prayer flags prayer wheels and intricately carved Mani stones line every hilltop, rock wall and trailside singing prayers to the gods with every breeze and every passing traveler.