Just you and the Sherpas on the Nepalese trail

There is a rare opportunity this season to trek in the Everest region of Nepal and have the trail much to yourself.

The only travellers you're likely to meet are Sherpas.

The Lukla Airstrip, gateway to the Everest region, will be closed from January 1, 2001, until extensions to the strip are finished and work could continue for the whole trekking season, which finishes in May.

The strip was built in the 1950s by New Zealand volunteers led by Sir Edmund Hillary.

The short runway climbs a steep hill, as with many rural topdressing strips, which helps to slow aircraft down and helps them take off.

The alternative to Lukla is a six-day walk from Pheriche.

But the Australian trekking company Peregrine will fly its clients to Lamindanda, then take them by helicopter to Lukla.

From Katmandu it costs $2390 for the 13-day Everest Adventure, a moderate-grade trip including a nine-day, lodge-based trek.

For something more challenging there's the 19-day Everest Base Camp trip at $3050.

Contact: Adventure Travel Company, Auckland, (09) 379 9755.