Everest Three High Passes Trekking -20 Days

We extend you our cordial Namaste!! Welcome to Nepal!! Renowned around the world as the land of the formidable Himalayas and the birthplace of Gautam Buddha, the light of Asia; Nepal is also an epitome of diverse culture, time-honoured heritages and classic traditions. Upon your arrival at Kathmandu Airport, we will meet and interchange warm regards with each other. Then, you’ll be guided to your hotel where you can relax and provide a rest to your jet-lagged body succeeding a tiresome flight. At the end of the day, you may wander around the delightful Thamel market and get familiar with the Nepalese atmosphere.

Today is a flexible day that you can use for Trekking preparation or sightseeing activities in Kathmandu. After a healthy breakfast, you’ll be invited to our office where we’ll hold a pre-trip meeting. You’ll be introduced to your trekking guide, with whom you can have a conversation regarding your upcoming escapade. Thereafter,  if you like, you’ll depart for a full-day sightseeing tour around Kathmandu and explore the buildings and monuments that illustrate the history, customs, fine arts, and craftsmanship of the ancient ethnic group who resided in this particular region. Commencing the tour with a visit to the most sacred Hindu Temple of Pashupatinath, the focal point of Hindu beliefs, we then explore the sacred Buddhist Stupas of Boudhanath and Swayambhunath. Please kindly note that, the Kathmacdu exploration is not included in the package! These two stupas are one of the largest stupa structures in the entire planet and considered as an ancient architectural marvel. Finally, we conclude our day with a look at the Basantapur Durbar Square. The Durbar Square complex reflect the artistic prowess of the Malla craftsmen via extremely beautiful wall-paintings, wood and stone carvings and numerous sculptures and monuments dedicated to deities of multiple religions.

Early in the morning, we’ll board a scenic domestic flight to the mountainous village of Lukla. During this short flight of 30 minutes, we’ll fly over the lofty mountain ranges and observe the picturesque landscapes and awe-inspiring snow-capped peaks. Once we land in Lukla, we will get our first taste of trekking as we initiate our trek to Phakding. We’ll follow the trail that makes an ascent on a mountain slope along the banks of the spurting Dudh Koshi River. Afterwards, the trail advances to Chheplung (2,700 m) and then reaches Ghat (2,590m), a village famed for eye-catching Mani stone, large prayer wheels and clusters of prayer flags. From here, a short lead leads to Phakding (2,610m).

Note: Please be advised that during the busy autumn (October and November) and spring (March to May) seasons, the flight from Kathmandu to Lukla may not be direct due to air traffic. If you plan to travel during these months, it is recommended to depart from Kathmandu at midnight in order to reach Manthali Airport and catch a flight to Lukla. Alternatively, if you prefer not to travel early in the morning, you have the option to travel a day prior and spend a night in Ramechhap, near the airport.

Today, we’ll make our move across several suspension bridges over Dudh Koshi River on our quest to Namche Bazaar.  Keeping that in mind, we’ll purse the trail that makes its way beyond Sherpa villages of Benkar, Monjo and Jhorsalle. Alongside these villages, the trail extends across pinewoods and rhododendrons forest, and of course, the territory of Sagarmatha National Park. Along the way, we can catch a distant sight of beautiful mountains such as Kusum Kanguru (6,369m), Everest, Nuptse and Lhotse. Before we arrive at Namche Bazaar, we must get ahead of an abrupt upward slope of few hundred meters. Also known as ‘Gateway to Mt. Everest’; this village is the prime commercial hub of the whole Khumbu region and has witnessed a economic prosperity, all thanks to the Himalayan tourism.

The day five is exclusively sorted out for acclimatization and rest. As the Himalayan region is positioned in higher altitude with a lower amount of oxygen when compared to oxygen-rich region lower regions; trekkers and climbers must accommodate to the change in atmosphere. This process is known as acclimatization. When failed to do so, trekkers tend to develop the initial symptoms of AMS like dizziness, headache etc. that may turn into more severe form, ultimately causing death. To speed up this process, we can go for a short hike to the Hotel Everest View or nearby scenic villages like Khumjung and Khunde where we can witness exquisite mountain vistas including Everest, Ama Dablam, Nuptse, and Lhotse.  In the time of late afternoon, you can stroll around Namche Bazaar, visit the Sherpa Museum and get acquainted with its people and their customs.  

This entire day, we are accompanied by the aspiring outlooks of snow-clad mountain peaks of Everest, Khumbila, Lhotse Taboche and Nuptse as we trek on the trail and face a couple of ups and downs. Subsequently, we’ll arrive in Khumjung Village, the largest settlement in Khumbu Region then proceed to the village of Sanasa where the trail splits into two; one leads to Gokyo Lakes, another to Everest Base Camp (EBC). We’ll follow the trail to EBC then progress through the pinewoods then traverse a suspension bridge covered with prayer flags built over Dudh Koshi River to Phunki Tenga. From here, we’ll make an abrupt ascend beyond pinewoods and come up to Tengboche (3,860m). This Sherpa Village renders sublime vistas embracing Ama Dablam, Everest, and Nuptse and harbours the largest monastery in the Khumbu Region. Explore Tengboche rest of the day.

The day seven of our escapade offers a pleasant and easy trek. At the break of the day, we’ll move downhill on the moderately wide trail enveloped by the lovely woods of rhododendron to Debuche. Keeping with our advance, we’ll maintain our pace and range over the sparkling Imja Khola and end up at Pangboche (4,360m). This village is home to Pangboche Monastery.  En route, we can take pleasure of prepossessing landscapes complemented by snow-covered mountaintops. Thereupon, we’ll proceed to Imja Valley and move uphill to Dingboche (4,360m).

The Sherpa Village of Dingboche possesses a classic feature i.e. rock walls which surrounds it. This man-made barrier protects crops of barley, buckwheat and potatoes in the farmland from herbivore and freezing wind. Well-renowned among visitor for the vistas of Ama Dablam and Mt. Everest; Dingboche renders an ideal place to rest as well as acclimatize for trekkers and climbers.

This very day, we’ll push forward on the trail progressing through the farmlands equipped with artificial rock fences beyond the Imja valley and Bibre. Gazing the spell-binding vista of Ama Dablam and surrounding mountains, we’ll traverse a chilly stream and get to Chhukung (4,750m). Thereafter, we’ll make headway in the direction of Chukung Ri (5,546m).  This very peak offers the climbing experience to newbie climbers as the peak is technically non-challenging. A ascend to the top of this peak can utilize 4-5 hours. The apex delivers stupendous as well as a close-up outlook of Ama Dablam and Amphu Labsa.

This morning, we’ll advance to Lobuche via Kongma La Pass. As the location is remote, there are no teahouses on the way; therefore, we must prepare ourselves well with packed lunches and plentiful water. Despite this, if you enjoy utter nature, you can take delight in the isolation of the region. There are two paths in order to reach Kongma La pass; one is to the northwest of Chhukung over the Nuptse Glacier moraines and another return to Bibre then climbs above the Niyang Khola. With a cairn next to Buddhist prayer flags, the vertex of the pass bestows vistas embracing snowy peaks of Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Kongtega and neighbouring mountains adjacent to glacial lakes. Now comes the most difficult part i.e. the downhill trek on the abrupt trail. Subsequent to the uphill advance on the farthest side, the trekking trail steers to the north via Khumbu Glacier then continues all the way to Lobuche (4,940m).

Pursuing the rugged trail, we’ll move forward past the Khumbu Glacier to arrive at Gorakshep (5,170m). From this point onward, the trail ascends up to the Everest Base Camp. Situated in the foothills of the world’s highest peak, Mt. Everest; the Base Camp offers a place to climbers and mountaineers where they can prepare both physically and mentally for an expedition to the summit. Without any use of special equipment, you can set your foot in the Everest Base Camp. You can observe colourful tents belonging to various Everest expedition groups during the climbing season. From the Base Camp, you can witness the sublime view of Khumbu Icefall. But you are denied of a perfect view of the Mt. Everest because of the position of the Base Camp i.e. at the base of Everest itself. For that elegant vista, we have to wait till we reach Kalapatthar. Eventually, we’ll return back to Gorakshep (5,170m).

Before the dawn, we’ll push forward for the most strenuous trek of our entire journey. As we’ll be trekking in the dark with the temperature reaching up to 5-100C, our endurance will be tested to its limit. At the same time, this particular trek proves to be worthwhile; as the top of Kalapatthar (5,545m) bestows mind-boggling vistas of high mountains, which few in the world ever witness in the entire lifetime. Appraised as best viewpoint in the Khumbu region; Kalapatthar provides a chance to catch the glittering panorama of Mt. Everest along with its adjacent peak under first light of the day. Subsequent to this sightseeing, we’ll be on the road to Lobuche (4,940m).

Succeeding the trek on the primary EBC trail for a couple of hours, we’ll separate ourselves from the main path then proceed to Dzongla with the sublime vistas of towering summits. Progressing across stupas beside the trail, we’ll make an ascent beyond the Chola Tsho Lake and continue past the Chola Tsho Lake to traverse a bridge over Chola Khola. In the end, we arrive at Dzongla (4,830m)

Prior to the crack of the dawn, we’ll advance to the other side of Cho La Pass as the weather tends to turn ugly during mid-day. As the trail advances through high elevation, abruptly unbounded rock and slippery ice sheets on some segments; it present difficulties during the trek.  The top of the Cho La Pass exhibits cairns and fluttering prayer flags. Once you turn your head around, you can get a glimpse of elegant lakes next to majestic peaks from the apex. Afterwards, we’ll descend down the trail to Thangnak then pass by the edge of Ngozumpa glacier, the longest glacier in Nepal. We now march beyond the second Lake of Gokyo Lake system which comprises of altogether six lakes; eventually continuing to Gokyo Village (4,800m). This alluring village is positioned at the lap of Gokyo Ri (5,357m), beside the Dudh Pokhari (Third Lake of Gokyo Lake System).

It’s the day fifteen of our travel venture and today, we’ll explore the prepossessing Gokyo Region. We’ll hike to the top of the Gokyo Ri (5,357m) where we can take pleasure of fascinating landscapes comprising turquoise-hued lakes of Gokyo Lake System alongside the elegant view of peaks encompassing Cho Oyu, Gyachung Kang, Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Makalu.  Subsequently, we trek to Fourth and Fifth lakes. We can discover the close-up view of the Ngozumpa Glacier, Mt. Cho Oyu and Gyachung Kang from the Fifth Lake. Later, we return back to Gokyo Village.

To conquer our third and final Khumbu Pass, we trek from Gokyo along the trail that initially continues along the Dudh Pokhari. From his point onwards, we’ll hike for about 2-3 hours to the top of Renjol La Pass (5,360m). Along with this segment of trail, the vistas of Himalayan and Rolwaling Massifs will be on our side. From the highest elevation of 5,360m, you can see the picturesque landscapes comprising lakes and glacier. Thereafter, we will descend downhill down the south side eye-catching Angladumba Tsho Lake. Furthermore, we can also observe Relama Tsho and Renjo Lake next to the trail which heads to Lumde via tapered valley congested with huge rocks. From here forward, the trail stays with the length of Bhote Koshi River to Marlung (4,210m)

This morning, we proceed downward on the trekking trail, which extends over Bhote Koshi River to Taranga then continues across suspension bridges to Thame i.e. famous for the monastery i.e. oldest in the whole region. Through many Sherpa Villages, the trail ends up at Namche Bazaar.

The trekking trail progresses adjacent to the rushing river of Dudh Koshi beyond the rugged terrain and woodlands of rhododendron, pine and oaks guided by the mountain scenes.  Lastly, the trail concludes where it had originally started i.e. Lukla. You may take a stroll around the Lukla village and recall the reminiscence of your previous adventures

Today marks the end of your escapade in Nepal. Bidding farewell to the Khumbu Region, you’ll board a flight back to Kathmandu. In the capital city, you can spend the rest of your day either by taking a rest in your hotel room. Or you can explore the remaining monuments located within the vicinity of the city and perform some last minute souvenir shopping.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude and hope to see you again during your next travel venture in Nepal. We are confident that we can assist you with our expertise and services. You may get your hands on another odyssey. If you don’t want it, then you can take the flight back to your home. One of our representatives will escort you to Kathmandu Airport; 3 hours before your flight, so that you don’t have to face any unwanted last-minute troubles.