Everest High Passes Trek (3 Passes Trek)

Overview

The Everest High Passes Trek itinerary is set to be flexible, enabling you to enjoy and immerse yourself in the magnificent natural surroundings. The trip includes all the highlights of Sagarmatha National Park, including Namche Bazaar, Khumbu, which is the Sherpa capital, an unmatched view from Kalapatthar (5,545 m.), and the ever-exciting Everest Base Camp, which is an extraordinary viewpoint for Nuptse, Everest, and Lhotse. This trek gives ample time and opportunity to visit Buddhist monasteries, both at Khumjung, one of the oldest in the area, and at Tengboche, one of the newest, as it was rebuilt after being burned to the ground.

In addition to the already adventurous trek this is, the 3 major passes of this trek Cho La Pass, Renjo La Pass and Kong Ma La Pass make a bit more challenging but it comes with its perks. The trek circumnavigates around the deep glacial valleys of Everest region and follows the classic trail of the Everest Base Camp Trek from Tengboche onwards towards lukla.

Itinerary

• Day 1

  Arrive in Kathmandu and Transfer to Hotel

  On arrival at Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be greeted by our staff, who will escort you to the hotel. After some refreshments our Sherpa guide or other representative will give you a brief orientation about the hotel, Kathmandu itself, trekking, and the do's and don’ts of the area. They will also review any additional information that you might require while in Nepal, including an overview of the next day's sightseeing tour. In the evening, you will enjoy a complimentary welcome dinner at one of the finest traditional Nepalese restaurants in Kathmandu. Transfers by private vehicle.

• Day 2

  Guided Sightseeing of Kathmandu

  After breakfast, precede to Kathmandu Durbar Square. Here we take in the ancient palace, the temple of the Kumari, known as the living goddess, Hanuman Dhoka, and Kasthamandap Temple. From our knowledgeable guide, you will learn about Nepalese history, architecture and religion. From here, proceed by private vehicle to the Buddhist site of Swoyambhunath Stupa, also known as the "Monkey Temple" because of its lively troops of resident monkeys. From Swoyambhunath you can look down over the city while learning about the local Buddhist culture. Then visit Pashupatinath Temple, the holiest shrine for Hindus, situated on the banks of the Bagmati River. Being that the Bagmati is considered a holy river, many funeral cremations take place along its banks. Before returning to the hotel, visit Boudhnath Stupa, a Buddhist pilgrimage center and home to many colorful gompas, or monasteries. The area is particularly vibrant and colourful in the early evening when locals come out to circumambulate around the stupa, reciting prayers as they walk. Once back at the hotel, you will receive a briefing about the trek and have a chance to meet your guides and ask any last minute questions before the next morning's departure.

• Day 3

  Fly to Lukla (2,840m) and trek to Phakding

  This morning you will be transferred to the Kathmandu airport for the flight to Lukla. The flight itself will give you a sense of awe as you have your first views of the Himalaya mountains as you fly parallel to the snowcapped peaks bordering Nepal and Tibet/China. On landing there will be time to explore Lukla while the Sherpa crew sort and load equipment. Lukla, whose name means ‘place of sheep’ lies at an altitude of 2,850m. From Lukla, you descend northwest on a wide trail to the village of Choblung in the Dudh Koshi Valley. The valley is covered with beautiful pine and rhododendron forests where the walking is easy as you follow the river’s course, passing through the village of Ghat. Your destination today is the small village of Phakding.

• Day 4

  Trek to Namche Bazaar

  After crossing the suspension bridge over the Dudh Koshi River, the walk is pleasant, with a few short ups and downs, until you re-cross the Dudh Koshi from the village of Benkar. On the way, take in in the magnificent view of Thamserku (6,608m). Crossing another suspension bridge, again over the Bhote Koshi River, you reach Monjo, situated below the spectacular peak of Thamserku and a few minutes' walk from the entrance of Sagarmatha National Park. Here your trekking permit and park entrance ticket will be checked to ensure a safety record is kept of all trekkers entering the area.

• Day 5

  Rest Day in Namche / Acclimatization Day

  Suggested activities include a short walk uphill to the Sagarmatha National Park Headqu arters, a magnificent spot perched on top of Namche Bazaar, with breathtaking views of the surrounding snowcapped giants and the deep valleys way down below. There is also an interesting museum providing with various information on the history of the Himalayas, the geographic information of the area, cultural practices, mountaineering history, and flora and fauna of the region. You can spend the afternoon at your leisure. Overnight at Teahouse/Lodge

• Day 6

  Trek to Namche to Thame

  From Namche, the route leads west, following the contours of the hillside. After reaching the ridge above Namche, your walk follows a gradual, winding path as you head up the Bhote Koshi Valley, once a popular trading route into Tibet. This route is still quite often used by Tibetan traders today. Along the way, you pass many prayer flags and Mani stones, all indicative of the Tibetan Buddhist culture of this area. The trail passes through Gonglha and Drama and the village of Thomde, where you can make a detour and visit the monastery at Mende. After descending to the Bhote Koshi, the trail climbs steeply for 45 minutes to Thame village, where you stop for the overnight. Here at Thame, there are excellent views of Teng Kangpoche and Kwangde; to the north is the Nangpa-la, a 5,710 m. pass leading to Tibet. Thame monastery is situated above, overlooking the valley, and is an important site for the spring celebrations of the Mani Rimdu festival. Overnight at Teahouse

• Day 7

  Trek to Khunde Village

  After a great time at Thame, you retrace your route down the Bhote Koshi Valley towards an area just above Namche. You follow the trail to Khunde and Khumjung, the largest of the Sherpa villages in the Khumbu area, before heading towards Syangboche, where there is a small airstrip. The first one and an half hour walk is uphill and quite strenuous, due to high altitude. However, from the trail, you have a magnificent view of Mt. Kwangde, Thermasherkhu, and other neighboring peaks, as well as an aerial view of Namche Bazaar down below. On reaching Syangboche, you take a short climb towards Khunde village, which situated in the same glacial valley as Khumjung village beneath the sacred Mt. Khumbila (5,761 m.). A quiet, gentle path brings you to the sleepy village of Khunde for the overnight stay. At Khunde, there is a hospital built with the help of Sir Edmund Hillary's foundation; you can visit this hospital, which is a mere15 minute walk from the campsite. Overnight at Teahouse

• Day 8

  Trek to Phortse Tenga

  After yesterday’s wonderful, albeit challenging walk, you will be rewarded with a slow, gentle decent for an hour, leading you to the valley at Khumjung village, which you will have time to visit. You will see the old monastery, the one and only place that have a yeti scalp. Khumjung also has a high school, built with the help of Sir Edmund Hillary. From Khumjung, the trail leads you downhill for an hour before joining the busy main trail at Shanasha. In this area, there is a greater chance of spotting the beautiful, colorful Danphe pheasant (Impeyan pheasant), the national bird of Nepal, the elusive musk deer, and sometimes even a herd of Himalayan thar (mountain goat). From Shanasha, the Gokyo route diverts from the main trail towards the north. The path climbs gently on the steep rock steps embedded in a narrow cleft in a large boulder; the two trails soon join and continue towards a large Chorten on the top of the ridge at 3,973 m. This ridge descends from Khumbila, the 5,716 m. abode of the patron god Khumbu. From this ridge, the path meanders down a sandy slope to the Dudh Koshi at Phortse Tenga, where you will stay overnight. Overnight at Teahouse

• Day 9

  Trek to Dole

  After Phortse Tenga, the trail climbs steeply out of the valley through a patch of rhododendron forest, which gives way to juniper and conifer trees. In the springtime, the forest will be vivid with the dazzling array of flowers in bloom. The trail passes many summer pastures where yak and other cattle graze. The trek winds through Tongba village at 3,950 m. and Gyele at 3,960 m., finally arriving at Dole. A superb view of Khumbila and Taweche (6542m) can be seen throughout the walk. Overnight at Teahouse

• Day 10

  Trek to Machermo

  From Dole, after a steady climb along the side of the valley, you pass through a rhododendron forest, which gradually gives way to scrub juniper as you gain altitude. The trail climbs on a fairly level path for one hour to Lhabarma Karaka at 4,325 m. and further ahead an hour to Luza at 4,390 m. eventually, you skirt around a ridge to gain you first views of Machermo village spread out in the valley below. There is an excellent Swiss chalet-style lodge at Machermo. Machermo is an ideal place for rest and relaxation, although there are also plenty of possibilities for exploration above the camp. Just above the village there is a superb view encompassing Cho-Oyo at 8,210 m. and all the mountains that flank the Ngozumba glacier. Overnight at Teahouse

• Day 11

  Trek to Gokyo

  Today, the trek heads for the holy lakes at Gokyo. You follow a very scenic trail to Pangka, situated at 4,545 m., and then descend slightly, following one of the glacial fed rivers that flow down the west of Ngozumba glacier. You then climb a steep, rocky incline into the ablation valley by the side of the glacier, passing the first lake. You soon arrive at the second lake, crossing the path, which heads across the glacier to the Cho -La pass (another tough route to Lobuche and beyond to Everest Base Camp). You will then walk to the third lake, known as Dudh Pokhari; on its eastern shore is the summer settlement of Gokyo, situated at 4,790 m. The walk by the side of the lake provides magnificent scenery, with the peaks of Cho Oyo and Gyachung Kang reflected in the lake’s emerald green waters. You will be camping just by shore of the lake, depending upon the availability of the campsite. Overnight at Teahouse

• Day 12

  Rest day at Gokyo

  A rest day free from packing and unpacking! After breakfast, you will take a hike to Gokyo RI, a small peak situated above the lake at 5,357 m. and one of the highlights of this trip. This offers breathtaking views, providing a panorama of Cho Oyu, Gyachung Kang, Everest, Lhotse, Cholatse, Taweche, and as far as Mt. Makalu in the east. A two hour climb brings you to this wonderful spot. Overnight at Teahouse

• Day 13

  Gokyo to Thangnak

  Our trek traverses through the rocky and rugged terrain that is difficult to walk on today. While the trail is difficult, it is worthwhile given the surrounding views is just amazing. You reach the famous Ngozumpa Glacier from where the trail is rocky. You reach Thangnak, final stopover for the day.

• Day 14

  Thangnak to Dzongla via Cho La Pass

  Your trek today climbs up steeply until your cross the famous Cho La Pass. Cho La Pass offers one of best views of the mountains of Mahalangur ranger. It is one of the best vantage point which is favoured by many trekkers. The trail then descends towards Dzongla which will be your stopover for the day.

• Day 15

  Dzongla to Lobuche

  The stretch from Dzongla is easier and smooth going with small uphill sections in between. You will reach Lobuche after 4 hours of trek from Dzongla. Lobuche is a stopover for trekkers embarking for Everest Base Camp too. The trail first descends to Chola Lake and ascends further until it reaches Lobuche.

• Day 16

  Lobuche to Everest Base Camp to Gorakshep

  The trail from Lobuche to Everest Base Camp traverses through the moraine of Khumbu Glacier which is always moving. We first reach Gorakshep for the first stretch of our trek We leave our belongings in Gorakshep for it will be our stopover for the day. Its an easy foot trail from Gorakshep to Everest Base Camp. The trail ascends and descends on the Glacial paths (you'll thank yourself for the good waterproof hiking boots that you bought). You will meander through huge rock boulders and rugged foot trail until the Everest Base Camp unveils itself before your sight. You will be welcomed with the enigmatic views of Nuptse, Khumbutse, Pumori and other Everest range mountains from the base camp. After short sightseeing of the base camp you will return back to Gorakshep for the night.
  
  

• Day 17

  Hike to Kalapatthar, Trek to Lobuche

  ou will be woken up early at Gorakshep to hike up to Kalapathhar in the morning. A fairly easy trail leads us to the top of Kalapathar which translates into Rocky Mountain in the native Nepali tongue. We can see the world’s tallest mountain Everest along other mighty Himalayan peaks. After spending some time at the summit of Kala Patthar, we walk back to Gorak Shep which is relatively easier than hiking up to Kala Pathhar.

• Day 18

  Lobuche to Chukkung via Kong Ma La Pass

  Your trek today traverses through Kong Ma La Pass(5535m) which is among the highest pass between 3 passes you make on this trek. The trek ascends from Lobuche towards Kong Ma La pass via dotted foot trail. The view of Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Makalu and Baruntse from this pass is amazing.

• Day 19

  Chukkung to Tengboche

  The trail today passes alongside Imjatse river crossing numerous small Sherpa setttlments until it reaches Tengboche which is famous for its ancient monastery. We gaze at the Everest vista which is amazing and alluring from Tengboche.

• Day 20

  Tengboche to Namche

  From Tengboche the route steeply descends to Phunki Thangka through the pine and Rhododendron forest then ascends the ridge towards passing some small villages and join at Shanasha and Kyanjuma. Further two hours walk path reaches you at Namche Bazaar.Overnight at Teahouse/Lodge

• Day 21

  Namche to Lukla

  Last day of this great trek will be one of the good walk to Lukla, you can walk at your own best pace, leisurely and enjoying the lush green scenery around. Apart from few short uphill the only long climb will be just before Lukla which will take approximately 45 minutes from a place called Choplung or from the old big oak tree. On reaching Lukla, prepare for the last day great dinner and a party with the fellow Sherpa crew, porters and trekking members. Overnight at Teahouse/Lodge

• Day 22

  Fly to Kathmandu

  The flight time to Kathmandu, are schedule for morning normally, because of the wind in the afternoon, sometime the flight time can be delayed due to bad weather and other reason beyond our command. As we get hold of the boarding pass depending upon our flight time we make our way to the terminal for security check, this scenic flight from Lukla takes about 45 minutes to Kathmandu, a panoramic view of the snowcapped peaks can be seen from window of the plane. Arriving at Kathmandu domestic terminal, one of our Tour Officers will be waiting to receive and escort you back to the Hotel. Overnight in Hotel

• Day 23

  Free Day in Kathmandu

  A free day in Kathmandu please let our staff know if you would like to go on another short tour in and around Kathmandu Valley or if you need to extend your stay for few days and join in our extension trip White Water Rafting, Jungle Safari, Paragliding or Bungee Jump.Overnight in Hotel

• Day 24

  International Departure

  Keep the departure time of international flight in mind, and make sure to keep your confirmed air ticket and passport handy! Our staff will take you to the airport for your final departure from beautiful Nepal.