Despite its great size and bulk Everest is hidden away behind its immediate satellite peaks of Nuptse, Lhotse and Lhotse Sha for many days during the early part of the trek to Everest Base Camp. Although a quick glimpse of the summit can be seen from one of the bends of the trail zigzagging up to Namche Bazaar it is not really until after Namche that the spectacular black triangle of the summit mass can be clearly seen. The Saturday market in Namche Bazaar provides an opportunity to see the busy commercial centre of the Solu-Khumbu region operating at its most colourful. Once in Tengboche there will be the opportunity to visit the world famous monastery and get an insight into the lives of the monks and the Buddhist way of life in the Khumbu. It is at this monastery than many expeditions aiming for the summit of Everest go to ask for a blessing from the Lama so as not to offend the deity and for a safe journey. Although Everest remains the focal point of the trek to Base Camp the trail is surrounded on all sides by many other peaks of varying altitude and grandeur, all formidable summits in their own right. However, it is not until the trekker reaches Gorak Shep that the grandeur of the world’s highest mountain can be fully appreciated.