Everest Region

Best Everest Region Trekking Routes in Nepal

While we refer to Everest region treks, many people usually consider it as just reaching the lap of the world's highest peak, and just achieving a lifetime record of attaining the foothill and feeling a sense of accomplishment. However, as the region itself covers 1,148 square kilometers of buffer zone, spanning over 275 kilometers, starting with an elevation of 2845 meters at Monjo and attaining the highest at the pinnacle of Mount Everest, standing at the elevation of 8848.88 meters, the pinnacle of the almighty peak.

For sure, there are many hidden gem corners, routes, off-beaten trailheads, pristine lakes, and some of the great passes to explore that most individuals are still completely unknown about. That is why, to make you pick one that suits your trip duration, estimated cost, kind of terrain, trip difficulty level, and so on, below are the best top Everest trekking routes in Nepal that you shall definitely consider for the years 2026 and 2027:

Everest Base Camp (EBC) Trek: 14 Days

The number one list, which of course, falls under the best Everest trekking routes, marks the adventure to the Everest Base Camp, also known as the standard EBC Trek in short language. Leading you to the lap of the world's tallest mountain - Everest, exploring the hustling and bustling town of Namche Bazaar, the iconic Everest Base Camp Trekking, so far, stands out as the hottest trending adventure in the Himalayas, unraveling the rich Sherpa communities, villages, woodlands, and meandering along with the Dudh Koshi River and Bhote Koshi River thoroughly. Lasting for 12 to 14 days of duration, throughout the trip, you can witness the gradual transition of the landscapes, from the thriving, blooming red rhododendrons, pines, and the bustling town of Namche Bazaar, which will surprise you, whereas the oldest cultural Tengboche monastery will leave you a cultural string in your heart, before reaching to the main destination itself.

Every day, surely awestruck you, where the rugged terrains, changes to the alpine valleys, and then, the thundering panorama of mountains, on the other hand, throughout the journey, legendary peaks that sit within this territory accompany you in each stride. Get ready to be accompanied by some of the great peaks, such as Mt. Ama Dablam, Tharmseku, Mount Makalu, Cho Oyu, Nuptse, and Lhotse, along with the Khumbu glacier. Whereas, after getting to the highest point of the adventure, which tends to be the Kala Patthar (5545 meters), the sunrise 360-degree panorama vista with the golden hues of the sunrise makes your every stride one hundred percent worth it.

There are many accessible points to get to the starting point, Lukla Airport, via jeep ride to Salleri or Jiri, and then proceed on the walking trail, to get to the Tenzing-Hillary Airport; however, the easiest and fastest option that you can find is the Lukla Flight, lasting for 35 minutes only.

The hiking trail basically navigates towards Phakding along the famous Dudh Koshi river, entering the forested terrains, and then, finally, enters the Sagarmatha National Park, after getting permits registered at Monjo, and then, let you enjoy the acclimatization day at the Namche Bazaar, also, considered as the capital city of Khumbu region, where you can hike to two famous place, one stands out to the Everest View Hotel, and another the Khumjung Monastery. Then, afterwards, it leads you through different key stopping points such as Tengboche, Dingboche, Lobuche, and Gorakshep, and finally, attains the Everest Base Camp (EBC), and Kala Patthar, on the very next day, from the last stop - Gorak Shep.

Undertaking such a high elevation each day is no joke, where each day pushes your limits, and patience level as well, lasting for almost 14 days. With a gradual ascent and two days of acclimatization at Namche and Dingboche, each day, you had to cover the 5-6 hours of duration and 9 to 12 kilometers of trekking distance, demanding prior preparations, planning, and a well-crafted itinerary. Our expertly guided EBC Trek is a kind of adventure that covers every aspect of the Khumbu region, and follows a moderate pace of hiking, ensuring the possibility of altitude sickness and ensuring your safety and comfort at the peak level. If you are planning this trip, then do not miss out on Spring and Autumn, which fall under the best peak Himalayan adventure seasons in Nepal.

• Maximum Elevation: 5545 at Kala Patthar
• Trip Duration: 14 Days
• Difficulty Level: Moderate
• Price Range: USD 1250 to USD 1450 per pax

Everest Three Passes Trek: 19 Days

Another popular best Everest region trekking, marked by the thrilling Everest Three High Pass Trek, that crosses the three passes of Renjo La, Kongma La, and Cho La, and explores the six series of the Gokyo Lakes, at the same time, making it a one-of-a-kind adventure. What makes this trip even more intriguing is that it also visits the lap of the world's highest peak - Mount Everest, the almighty Everest Base Camp (EBC), and Kala Patthar at the highest elevation.

It is perfect for those who are seeking more off-beaten trail odysseys and more challenging himalayan adventure, having a prior fitness level and experience as well. The route first visits the less crowded trekking trail, passing through the ancient Sherpa settlements such as Thame, Lungdeng, Thangnang, Chhukung, Monjo, and also the famous, most visited spots of the Everest region, followed by Namche Bazaar, Phakding, Tengboche Monastery, Khumjung, Pangboche, Lobuche, Gorakshep, while reaching the almighty base camp.

The Everest 3 Passes Trek crosses the high pass, followed by the clockwise route, navigating through Renjo La Pass (5350 m), and then ascends to Gokyo Ri (5457 m) and crosses Cho La Pass (5420 m), attains EBC and Kalapathar, and finally crosses the hardest pass of all, Kong Ma La (5535 meters). Whereas the Everest Three Passes Trek anticlockwise route is a safer and easier one, which crosses the most challenging pass of Kongma La first and crosses other high passes, making the ascent and elevation gain go by more easily. Besides, those who have already done the EBC Trip can slightly avoid getting to the base camp, and only choose to go on the three pass and Gokyo valley option.

Anti- Clockwise Route: Kathmandu - Lukla Flight - Phakding - Namche Bazaar - Acclimatization Day at Namche Bazaar - Tengboche Monastery - Dingboche - Acclimatization Day - Chhukung - Lobuche - Kongma La Pass - Everest Base Camp - Gorakshep - Dzongla - Thagnak - Gokyo - Gokyo Ri - Renjo La Pass - Namche Bazaar - Lukla - Flight back to Kathmandu

• Duration: 19 days
• Elevation: 5545 m
• Price: USD 1545 to USD 1899 per head

Clockwise Route: Kathmandu - Lukla Flight - Phakding - Namche Bazaar - Acclimatization Day at Namche Bazaar - Thame - Lungden - Renjo La Pass - Gokyo Ri View Point - Thagnag - Dzongla, Cho La Pass - Lobuche - Gorakshep - EBC - Kala Patthar - Lobuche - Chhukung - Tengboche - Namche Bazaar - Monjo - Lukla - Kathmandu

• Duration: 19 days
• Elevation: 5545 m
• Price: USD 1295 to USD 1795 per pax

Gokyo Valley Trek: 12 Days

The enchanting Gokyo Ri, also known as the trek to Gokyo Lakes, is one of the trending Everest trekking route packages, which explores the UNESCO-listed world heritage site via a less crowded, off-beaten trekking trail, reaching the highest elevation of 5357 meters at the Gokyo Ri View Point. This adventure is also considered the family-friendly Everest region treks in Nepal, which can be completed within just 10-12 days, with gradual ascent, without overpowering the hiking pace, and takes a moderate ascent, avoiding the possible risk of altitude sickness.

The route navigates through the standard trekking trail of the EBC for the first half, passing through the settlements of Phakding, Namche Bazaar, with a side trip to Khumjung village and Everest View Hotel, the world's highest situated 5 star hotel, and then, diverges the way, from Dole (4038 m), Macchermo (4470 m), Gokyo (4790 m), and then, the highest point of Gokyo Ri, and then, descends to Namche Bazaar, Lula, and Kathmandu at final day, within just 12 days of time frame. If you want, you can include one of the high passes of Cho La (5420 meters) by combining the Gokyo Lake, EBC, and Cho La Pass Trek at once, three iconic destinations, enhancing your trip to a more thrilling odyssey.

• Duration: 12 Days
• Elevation: 5357 m, at Gokyo Ri View Point
• Difficult: Easy to Moderate
• Price: USD 1199 to USD 1399 per head

Gokyo Ri and Everest Base Camp Trekking: 15 Days

Someone who is looking forward to reaching the foothills of the world's tallest mountain and the highest elevation of Kala Patthar, and Gokyo Lakes at once, can consider the great combo of the EBC via Gokyo Lake Trek, which can be completed within just 15 days. It can be commenced by the first-time hiker, as well, and even though it is a combined trip, it takes a gradual ascent of only 300-500 meters, without speeding the itinerary, safely and comfortably. It can be a great excursion for those who seek tranquility, love to thrive in the panoramic views of mountains, attaining the top notch everest view points of Kala Patthar, and Gokyo Ri View Point at (5357 meters).

• Duration: 15 Days
• Elevation: 5545 m
• Difficulty Level: Moderate
• Cost: USD 1199 to USD 1499

Pikey Peak Trek: 10 Days

The Pikey Peak Everest Trekking is the shortest and easiest way to witness the panorama of Mount Everest and surrounding peaks, which reaches the highest elevation at Pikey Peak itself at 4067 meters, exploring the lower Everest-Khumbu region. This trip doesn't include the thrilling Lukla Flight, avoiding the hassle of delay or the cancellation of the trip, just because of the bad climatic conditions, and also, the air traffic congestion. The trek starts with a drive from Kathmandu to Dhap (2852 meters), from where the walking trekking trail officially begins, and traverses through the Sherpa settlements of Jhapre, Pikey Peak Base Camp, Jasmane Bhanjyang, Junbesi, and then, an acclimatization day at Junbesi, for a side visit to Thupten Chyoling Monastery built back at 19th century. 

The peak of Pikey Peak is one of the best sunrise Everest view points that anyone could ever get, without entering the standard trail. It genuinely fits perfectly for those individuals who are bored of exploring the same Everest Base Camp trailhead, and the expensive Lukla flight tickets, and also, those who want an ancient exploration of Sherpa communities, and a less crowded trekking trail, more on the cost-effective side.

Route: Kathmandu - Dhap - Jhapre - Pikey Peak Base Camp - Pikey Peak - Jasmane Bhanjyang - Junbesi - Thupten Chyoling Monastery - Phaplu - Kathmandu

• Duration: 10 Days
• Elevation: 4067 meters
• Difficulty Level: Moderate
• Cost: USD 765 to USD 820 per head

Everest View Trekking: 7 Days

The Everest Panorama Trek is one of the top Everest region treks for 2026, which suits every kind of hiker, from beginners to senior citizens and families with kids, which only reaches the highest altitude at Tengboche Monastery (3864 meters), starting and ending from the journey with a Lukla Flight. This himalayan short odyssey is highly suggestive to those who are seeking a quick adventure tour, without any leg-trembling and physically daunting situations, as it fits seamlessly for first-time hikers. Lasting for just a week, this 7-day trek navigates through the key stopping points of Phakding, Namche Bazaar, Everest View Hotel, Khumjung Monastery/village, Tengboche, Monjo, and then returns to Kathmandu via flight to Lukla. 

Route: Kathmandu - Lukla - Phakding - Namche Bazaar - Acclimatization Day at Namche (visit Khumjung monastery, and Everest View Hotel) - Optional - Tengboche - Monjo- Lukla - Kathmandu

• Duration: 7 Days
• Elevation: 3867 meters - Tengboche Monastery
• Difficulty Level: Easy
• Cost: USD 995 to USD 1130 per head

Variations of Everest Base Camp Trekking Packages: From Short to Longer and Route Navigation

Everest Base Camp Adventure with Helicopter Return: 7 Days

One of the best ways that you can explore the Khumbu region, and attain the almighty Kala Patthar in ease and safety, is by opting for the 7 Days Everest Trek, which follows the standard trekking route for the first half, and then, after reaching the EBC, or the highest point, you will be chatered via a heli ride to get to Lukla, avoiding the hassle of 3-4 extra hiking days.

This itinerary suits those who are limited in time, and also beginners, trying to conquer the lap of the world's highest mountain with ease, without overpowering the ascent. Just like the standard trekking trail route, it follows the same pathways, which begin with a regular 35-minute Lukla Flight, passing through iconic spots, and highlighted corners of Phakding, Namche Bazaar, Tengboche Monastery, Dingboche, Lobuche, Gorakshep, and then, reaches Everest Base Camp (EBC) and finally the almighty Kala Patthar at 5545 meters. After returning to Gorakshep, rather than descending on the Lukla Airport, it takes a helicopter ride to Lukla, and concludes the journey with a regular flight to Kathmandu from Lukla.

• Trip Duration: 7 Days
• Elevation: 5545 meters (Kalapathar)
• Cost: USD 1899 to USD 2350
• Starting and Ending Point: Kathmandu - Lukla Flight - Kathmandu

Rapid Everest Trek: 8 Days

Meanwhile, the Rapid Everest Base Camp Trekking for 8 Days is the shortest way, that, you to follow the walking trailhead without any helicopter options and just follow the regular route without any acclimatization days set in between, and undertake the hike for 6-7 hours straight. This kind of package suits those who have prior experience of himalayan terrains, and want a budget-friendly package.

In general,  this kind of ascent is only suggested to those who have a good physique, know what to expect from the mountains, trust their stamina and energy level, and just want to reach the lap of the world's tallest peak for self-achievement and are also limited in time. It is only suggested to those having experience, physical fitness, a strong mindset, and carrying a positive enthusiasm, whereas beginners should avoid this route as much as possible, as it doesn't include any rest/acclimatization days, and ascends in a quick manner, which poses a high risk of altitude sickness for first-timers. 

• Trip Duration: 8 Days
• Elevation: 5545 meters (Kalapathar)
• Cost: USD 875 to USD 1199
• Starting and Ending Point: Kathmandu - Lukla Flight - Kathmandu

Short Everest Base Camp Trek: 10 Days

The Rapid EBC Trekking is one of the shortest ways to reach safely, following the walking trailhead navigation gradually, adapting your body to high elevations, while covering every highlighted aspect of the Khumbu region, just like the standard ones. This short Everest Trek is ideally suited for those who have prior experience with high-altitude adventure and possess a proper physical fitness level. The Rapid trek to Everest Base Camp is a dream-come-true trek in the Himalayas, perfect for those who want a budget hike and want to feel the sense of accomplishment of attaining such a great height of over 5500 meters. Even though it is a short trip (shorter version), it promises to cover every highlighted corner of the Khumbu region, without missing anything out!

Route: Kathmandu → Lukla → Phakding →  Namche Bazaar → Tengboche →  Lobuche → Gorakshep → Kala Patthar → Pheriche → Namche Bazaar → Kathmandu

• Trip Duration: 10 Days
• Elevation: 5545 meters (Kalapathar)
• Cost: USD 850 to USD 1299 per head
• Starting and Ending Point: Kathmandu - Lukla Flight - Kathmandu

Everest Base Camp with Helicopter Return Trek: 12 Days

The EBC Trek with Heli Return stands out as a seamless, smooth Everest trekking adventure, lasting for 12 days, that leads you to the lap of the tallest peak in the world, Mt Everest, and the highest pinnacle at Kala Patthar (5545 meters), showcasing the golden sunrise view of several mountains. This trip is the same as the standard trekking route passing through Lukla, Phakding, Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Lobuche, Dingboche, Gorakshep, and finally attains the iconic Everest Base Camp at 5364 meters, with the stunning Khumbu glacier, and the panorama of Mount Everest, from the highest point.

Two acclimatization days are included in this itinerary, firstly at Namche Bazaar and secondly at Dingboche, with a side trip to Nangkartshang Peak. While the trek starts with a Lukla Flight, it gets concluded with a helicopter ride, where you do not need to follow the retracement hiking route to Lukla, as you take the helicopter directly from Gorakshep, making it convenient for beginners or those hiking along with families.

Route: Kathmandu → Lukla → Phakding →  Namche Bazaar → Tengboche →  Lobuche → Gorakshep → Kala Patthar → Kathmandu via helicopter ride, with breathtaking panoramic aerial view of the mountains.

• Trip Duration: 12 Days
• Elevation: 5545 meters (Kalapathar)
• Cost: USD 2395 to 3000 approx.

Everest Base Camp Budget Trek: 12 Days

If you have set out a limited estimation of the budget to spend along the trekking route, and considering a cost-effective Himalayan adventure, then the Budget trek to Everest Base Camp, which lasts for a full 12 days, is perfect for you. Even though it is a budget plan trek, it ensures that you get to cover every highlighted corner of the Khumbu region, exploring the key points, and attaining the highest elevation at Kala Patthar, starting and ending with a Lukla Flight. The only difference is that it is a budget-friendly trip, which cuts off the extra cost, such as accommodation in Kathmandu, porter, and others; it is just a standard trailhead, regular, however, an expedition to the base camp on a budget.

Route: Kathmandu → Lukla → Phakding → Namche Bazaar → Tengboche → Dingboche → Everest Base Camp → Kala Patthar → Pheriche → Namche → Lukla and then, Kathmandu

• Duration: 12 days
• Elevation: Same, just as regular ones
• Cost: USD 850 to USD 1099 per head

Everest Luxury Trek: 12 Days

One of the best ways to explore the almighty Everest region and ace the mountains in style and comfort is the Everest Base Camp Luxury Trekking, a perfect option for you, navigating through the UNESCO-enslisted heritage of Sagarmatha National Park. Since the Everest region is almost the most visited Himalayan terrain in the world, the modern amenities, 5 star hotels, with fine services, private washrooms, buffet breakfast, roof top and window lodges, showcases the intriguing vista of an early hour morning light giving a shade of golden to the white himalayan peaks, and rugged landscapes, where your city alike, essentials, are provided as well.

This kind of luxury adventure to EBC is perfectly suited for first-time trekkers, hiking along with families, and those wanting to experience the luxury amenities at such high elevation, which also includes 1 night at the world's highest situated 5-star hotel, Everest View, with private accommodations and attached washroom facilities as well. While the trekking route navigates through regular trailheads, the difference that you can find stands out in that the journey begins with the breathtaking aerial view of the mountains and landscapes, via a helicopter ride to Lukla, and ends with a helicopter ride back to Kathmandu, lasting for 12 days.

Route: Kathmandu → helicopter ride to Lukla → Phakding →  Namche Bazaar → Tengboche →  Lobuche → Gorakshep → Kala Patthar → direct helicopter return flight to Kathmandu 

• Duration: 12 days
• Cost Range: USD 3655 to USD 4599 per head
• Trip Level: Easily Moderate

Jiri to Everest Base Camp Trek: 19 Days

This package of EBC Trip via Jiri follows the classic trailhead, which is the oldest route, to get to the Everest region, navigating through the ancient terrains, the footprint of the first ascender, Sir Edmund Hillary, and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa. Lasting for 19 days, it firstly avoids the Lukla Flight and traverses through the major settlements of Bhandara (2250 m), via Jiri, Sete (2520 meters), Junubesi (2850 meters), Indingma (2960 m), Thunthala (2400 m), Bupsa (2360 m), Cheplung (2700 meters), and finally touches the regular route of the standard EBC Trek. The journey begins with a jeep ride to Jiri and ends with a jeep ride to Kathmandu, concluding within 19 days, letting you explore the off-beaten, oldest classic route to get to the lap of the world's highest peak. This trip fits perfectly for those who love to trail along the mountain areas, for longer days, unravel the untamed culture of the Sherpa communities, and have prior Himalayan experience, and avoid the hassle of the thrilling Lukla Flight, which can be delayed during the peak seasons.

 Route: Jeep Drive from Kathmandu to Jiri, walking trail begins from Bhandara → Sete → Junubesi → Ingdima → Thunthala → Bupsa → Cheplung → Namche Bazaar → Tengboche → Dingboche → Everest Base Camp → Kala Patthar → Pheriche → Namche → Lukla, and then Kathmandu

• Duration: 19 days
• Cost Ranges from USD 1399 to USD 1699 per pax
• Difficulty Level: Challenging

Best Time to Trek to the Everest Region: Ideal Seasons to Explore

The best time for trekking in the Everest region marks the seasons of Spring, which starts from mid-March and lasts till the very end of May, and Autumn, September to November, where you can expect the weather and temperature conditions, offering the best of nature. While meandering around these two particular spans of the year, there is very little likelihood of high precipitation, with clear views of mountains and landscapes, and the mild humidity makes the trip even more enjoyable, without draining you out mentally, due to heavy sweat, which usually happens in the summer. On the other hand, in the other two seasons of Summer / Monsoon (June to August), and winter (December, January, and February), the heavy snowfall blocks the route, making it challenging to undertake, and many tea houses at the key stopping points get closed, which can disrupt your trip if proper planning isn't done beforehand.

Spring (March to May)

The season of Spring starting from March to May, stands out as one of the best seasons to explore the Everest region trekking routes, where the pathway, thrives in the colorful patterned of the red rhododendrons, clear panorama insights of the himalayan peaks, cultures of sherpas, and the clear insights of mountains such as Ama Dablam, Tharmseku, Makalu, Lhotse, Nuptshe and many others accompanying you in each step. During this span of the year, the number of daylight hours also lasts for a longer time, where you can explore the iconic region without constantly worrying whether the hike has been delayed or not, or being afraid of the nighttime, to navigate, especially, during side visit trips to Everest View Hotel and Khumjung village from Namche and Nangkartshang Peak, from Dingboche as well.

Autumn (September to November)

Autumn marks another peak season for the Everest treks, where the whole territory thrives in the boasting festival celebrations of the major festivals, of Dashain and Tihar, with almost zero possibility of rainfall and snowfall. As the season comes after the end of the peak monsoon time, it washes all the dusty air and showcases the crystal clear panorama and 360-degree vista of the mountains, especially from the vantage points of Kala Patthar, Gokyo Ri, and many others. The terrain usually remains dry, which makes the trail safe and easy to undertake as well, without any disturbance.

Besides, as this is a famous ideal time to visit the Khumbu region, it experiences a high level of trekkers, providing you a chance to interact with other fellow hikers, and navigate all along, playing, joking, and even playing UNO, musical instruments at lodges, killing the boredom.

Monsoon (June to August)

The monsoon season is the least ideal time to explore the himalayan terrains, where the terrains experience a high level of rainfall and snowfall, making the route wet and completely slippery, which is not safe to navigate, especially at high elevations, and the frequent changes in the climate situations as well. Due to the heavy precipitation, it hides away the clear views of the mountains, and the worst part, it brings irritating bugs, mosquitoes, and constant cloud pours, which might make you mentally frustrated and also demotivated as well. However, the green valleys, the roaring sounds of waterfalls, and the silent terrains make the journey intriguing and truly enjoyable. The only remaining question is whether you are ready for the challenges, constant climatic changes, frequent precipitation, and the risk of high delays of Lukla Flights? If yes, then this adventure can be explored at this time as well.

Winter (December, January, and February)

Winter in Everest also marks the most loved trekking season to explore the Khumbu valley, where the iconic UNESCO-listed Sagarmatha National Park, where the terrain experiences the minimum number of hikers, yet captivating surrounding himalayan peaks, wrapped with white frosty snows, and crispy air surroundings, without any fogginess. While the lower terrains have almost no sign of rainfall, the upper trekking routes, such as Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche, Lobuche, and EBC itself, are intriguingly adorned with snowy dotted peaks, whereas the panorama from the top of the iconic Everest viewpoint seems even more unreal. 

However, besides every pro and advantage, what makes this season an off time to explore the high altitude adventures is the high level of snowfall, mwhich ight block the high elevation routes, especially at high passes, base camp, and makes the trip even more challenging because of the snowy navigation, in fact, it even hits the height of 3 meters, touching your knees, by the snowy trail, so proper navigation is crucial. Only those having prior experience know every bit of how himalayan adventure is like, can undertake this odyssey, with, of course, proper planned itinerary beforehand as well.

Permits Required for Everest Treks in Nepal

Here are some of the permit requirements for trekking in the Everest region in Nepal, which you must undertake to explore the protected area, which enhances the support, safety of eco tourism, the economics of locals, and conserves the wildlife and flora.

Sagarmatha National Park Area Entry Permit Fee

• Covers the iconic trailheads such as Gokyo Lakes, Three High Pass, and Everest Base Camp (EBC), all in one
• Cost: USD 25 per head, and NPR 2800 per head
• Can be attained at the Monjo entry point or the Kathmandu - Nepal Tourism Board office

Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit Fee

• No need for a TIMS Card anymore, as it is replaced by this permit
• Can be gotten at Monjo, or the Kathmandu - Thamel
• Cost: USD 18 and NPR 2200 per head

Gaurishankar Conservation Area Permit Fee

• Required for the roadway navigation from Jiri or Salleri towards the EBC Trail
• It can only be attained in Kathmandu
• Cost: NPR 2800 (USD 22) per head

The permits will be arranged by us at Destination Himalaya Treks and Expedition after your booking is confirmed with us.