Everest Three High Passes Trek

Today our representative will work on all necessary permits and flight confirmation.

A very early morning wake up and transfer to the domestic airport to board a flight to Lukla. We take off to our destination on a 35 min scenic mountain flight to Lukla. If the weather is good, the views of the Himalayas from the plane can be enjoyed.
After a cup of tea at local Lodge in Lukla our guide briefs on safety and introduction to our porters and begin the trek on the legendary “Everest Highway” which heads downwards through the alpine valley following the “Dudh Koshi” or milk river (named after its milky color from glacial silt). We reach Phakding after an approximately 3hrs walk and end our first-day trek there. Overnight at Phakding

Today you will walk for almost 7 hours mostly uphill through the alpine valleys. You will be crossing Dudh Koshi River a few times before you reach Namche Bazaar, the Sherpa capital of the Khumbu region. The walk starts to get a bit strenuous with an uphill ascent to Namche Bazaar. On a clear day, you get views of Everest, Lhotse, Thamserku, Kusum Kangru, Kwangde and Tawache on the way to Namche. Overnight at Namche Bazaar.

Acclimatization is important before proceeding to higher altitudes. So, you will stay one more night at Namche bazaar so that you can properly acclimatize to the altitude. This is the first acclimatization day in Namche bazaar that everyone should have into their trekking itinerary. You can explore around and relax. Namche tucked away between two ridges amidst the giant peaks of the Khumbu has an abundance of lodges, tea shops, and souvenir shops as well as a magnificent outlook. For the acclimatization, you walk up to Khunde Hospital which was set up by Sir Edmund Hillary, or above the Bhote Koshi river valley towards Thame ( 3810m) or Everest View Hotel which is situated above Namche for the outstanding view of Everest, Nuptse, and Khumbu peaks. Overnight at Namche Bazaar

Today the landscape changes dramatically. The trail is more open and wide and it reveals the great depths of the surrounding mountains. We descend to the Dudh Kosi River and stop for lunch at Phunki Tenga. From here we climb steeply through a beautiful rhododendron and birch forest for 2 hours that will take us to Tengboche. We will visit the monastery and watch the monks performing their rituals.

Dingboche can be used as the stopover en route to Kala Pattar. The route is less windy and sunnier. More village activities can be observed around the area. We continue heading east into the Imja valley, climbing gently to reach Dingboche.

The rest day at Dingboche can be used for a day excursion to view the Lhotse/Nuptse and Ama Dablam as well. Alternatively a half day walk can be made to the Nangkartshang peak or the Ama Dablam lakes across the moraine.

Following the path with stone walls through the farm fields, we trek through the kharka and reach on the bank of the Imja Khola. There are many mani stones scattered around. We cross the Imja Khola and continue walk through big boulders. After crossing two small streams, you will come across a bigger stream of 4-5 meter wide. Cross it, climb up on the moraine hill, and you will see a kharka. You have reached Chhukung (7430m). Chhukung is the remotest kharka on the Imja Khola. To the west you will see the soaring Numbur (6973m), one of the holy mountains of the Sherpas and to the south, Kang Leyamu with its glistening ice flutings. In the north, the imposing rock faces are towering between Lhotse (8516m) and Nuptse (7855m).

To the south east of Chhukung lies Kongma La Pass. The trek to Kongma La Pass base camp is strenuous and requires good confidence. Beyond the pass the trail follows through the terminal moraine of another tributary glacier.

After crossing the pass we had towards north east below the terminal moraine of a tributary. It is just 2hrs walk from the pass. A climb to the ridge crest to the west provides fine views, especially at sunset. The Italians have constructed a Pyramid research station north of Lobuche to study altitude phenomena. Overnight stay at lodge

The first section of the trail from Lobuche follows the western side of the broad Khumbu valley and ascends gently through meadows beside the glacial moraine. From Lobuche it takes almost 3hrs to reach Gorakshep. It is the starting point for the world’s highest marathon race which began in 1987. At Gorakshep we take our lunch and then we hike to Everest Base camp in the afternoon. The hike to Everest Base camp is not fascinating like the ascent of Kala Pattar because there is no view of Everest itself from base camp. Overnight stay at lodge

Today we ascend and keep walking to the north east towards the rounded hill called Kala Pattar. From here you can see the south Col of Everest as well as its immense west and south faces. This is, of course, one of the most majestic mountain viewpoints in the world. We have to make early start to get here before sunrise. After Kala Pattar we continue our trek to Dzonglha where we spend overnight at lodge

We cross a small crest just above Dzonglha and descend slightly into the gentle valley coming down from the glacier in the pass to the northwest. This pass, sometimes is called Chugima or Cho La by locals. We keep west to a saddle and then descend steeply to reach Dragnag. It takes us 2hrs walking. Overnight stay at lodge

Today we head north to Gokyo Village. The descent is easy. The trail takes you to a beautiful yak– grazing land with crystal fresh water lakes at the foot of Cho Oyu and Gyachung Kang Peaks. You follow the trail north between the lateral moraine of glacier and the hill to the west. Overnight stay at lodge

Today you will stay in the Gokyo valley, take a rest and go sightseeing around the valley. After breakfast, you will set off to enjoy the beauty of the lakes of the valley. You will climb the Gokyo Ri for about 2 hours from where you can have a panoramic view of Cho-Oyu, Gyachung Kang, Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cholatse and Tawache and Ngozumpa glacier – the largest glacier in Nepal. Later you will return to the lodge and relax

We go away from the main path and cross Renjo La via Dudh Pokhari. After about 3 hours trek we reach Renjo La Pass. From the pass an unbelievable panoramic mountain such as Everest, Lhotse, Cholatse and Taboche can be seen glowing in the sun. Patches of snow along the path while moving down can make our way down a bit dangerous. Along the way, you will see Relama Tsho and Renjo Lakes. We hike more or less for one hour to reach Lungden (4,350m.). Overnight stay at lodge

The trail gently descends through prayer flags and mani stones, all indicative of the Tibetan Buddhist culture of the Khumbu area. It is the ancient route used for centuries by Tibetan traders. While moving down, we cross the Bhote Kosi and the trail again descends to Taranga. The path then goes all the way through the valley of Langmuche Khola. We trek downward after crossing a bridge until we reach Samde, where you will have wonderful views of natural scenery. Then the path descends further down to Thame village

We will continue our trek down the Sherpa villages of Khumjung, leaving the mountains in the backdrop. We will walk down to Namche bazaar, epitome of Sherpa culture. We will spend the night at a lodge in Namche.

Today we will head for Lukla. In the end, we spend more time ascending this day since the elevation of Lukla is at least 1000 feet higher than Phakding. During this day we see many new groups on the trail heading out to Namche. At a teahouse at Lukla we will toast over beers for the incredible trip we have just finished and spent some time reflecting on our experiences. Overnight at Lukla

We pack up early and head for the airstrip to catch a flight back to Kathmandu Upon arrival in Kathmandu the rest of your day is free to do your own things. You could do some last minute shopping and packing, or send a few post cards home or even go down for a stroll to Thamel.

You are completely free today. You can go for the last minute shopping or go to Ayurveda Massage Parlour …

Final departure for your onward journey…