Everest Three Passes

Transfer to the domestic airport and fly to Lukla (2780m /9175ft) gateway to Everest Base Camp 35 minutes Trans Himalaya flight. Culminate dramatic landing on a hillside Lukla, introduce porters and downhill to beautiful Sherpa settlement Choplung. The trail continues along the side of the Dudh Koshi valley before ascending to Ghat ((2530m /8350ft). The trail climbs gently again about an hour to the final destination Phakding.

Meal: Full board, three times a day. Overnight at a teahouse.

After breakfast, we continue trekking along the bank of the Dudh Koshi River and crossing this majestic river numerous times on exciting suspension bridges decorated with prayer flags. After entering Sagamartha National Park from Larja Dobhan, the trail climbs up steeply with breathtaking views to Namche Bazaar, the gateway to the Everest region.

Meal: Full board, three times a day.

Overnight at a teahouse.

It’s a scheduled acclimatization day of the trek. Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) and health experts recommend holding at least one extra night. Stay active and roaming instead of being lazy. Namche is a colorful village with many wonderful and interesting shops and vendors, fabulous foods, and stunning views of the surrounding mountains. An early hike above town, before the clouds move in,  reward trekkers with a spectacular Himalayan sunrise and views of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, the beautiful Ama Dablam, and many more. On the way down, we can visit the Sherpa Museum that houses an exhibit on a traditional Sherpa lifestyle and a fabulous photography display by a local Nepalese naturalist.

Meal: Full board, three times a day.

Overnight at a teahouse. 

The trail leads moderately flat with a superb view of Mt. Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and close up view of Thamserku, Khangtaiga. The trail continues wild lives spot of musk deer (a herd of Himalayan Thar) colorful pheasant (Danphe, National bird) Trail descend to Dudh Koshi river where few lodges and series of picturesque water driven prayer wheels. Cross suspension bridge over Dudh Koshi River a steep climb through pine and juniper forest, walk about 2 hours bring you to Tengboche. The famous Gomba (Tengboche Monastery) with the background of Ama Dablam, Nuptse, Mt. Everest, and many more peaks. During October/November in the full moon, the colorful Mani Rimdu festival is held here with masked dancing and Tibetan opera in the monastery courtyard.

Meal: Full board, three times a day.

Overnight at a teahouse.

The trail descends to Deboche a small village with Chortens and Mani stone walls and nun monastery. Cross suspension bridge over Imja Khola (Imja Strasm) and gradually ascend to Pangboche with the towering view of Ama Dablam (a most beautiful mountain in Everest region) Trail follows upstream closer to Imja River fairly moderate up toward Imja valley. The trail fairly has seen open to the confluence of the Lobuche River and begins the last part of the day to Dingboche the last Sherpa settlement with the beautiful terraced field enclosed by a stone wall to avoid barley, buckwheat, and potatoes from the cold wind and grazing animals.

Meal: Full board, three times a day.

Overnight at a teahouse.

The walk is pleasant as we leave Dingboche, through stone-walled fields and alpine landscape. The views are stupendous as we trek to the head of Imja valley. While walking through the valley, Lhotse towers on our left and Ama Dablam on our right. After walking about 3 km, we reach at yak herdsman’s place called Bibre at 4570m. Straight ahead, beyond a terminal moraine wall, soars the Island peak (Imja Tse, 6189m), a most popular trekking peak. The pyramidal Imja Tse looks awesome with its step rock and-icy south face. The trail ahead is intersected by icy streams. About 30 min. walk from Bibre finally, we arrive Chhukung. After Lunch, We might take an opportunity to hike to the rocky knoll of Chhukung Ri at 5546m, which offers stunning views of Lhotse, Island Peak, Ama Dablam, Makalu, and several others including Baruntse.

Meal: Full board, three times a day.

Overnight at a teahouse.

A scheduled second rest day for better acclimatization in Chhukung is strongly recommended before setting off for the pass. However, we are not supposed to stay inactive. The view from Chhukung and further up the valley on the moraines towards Island Peak (6189 m) are tremendous. We grasp this opportunity to climb to the Island Peak base camp (4970 m) along the Lhotse glacier, passing the bloated water of Imja Lake. The great south face of Lhotse towers above to the north, while Amphu Lapcha a (5845 m pass) and the immense fluted ice walls that flank it dominate the horizon to the south. To the southwest, the eastern face, of Ama Dablam provides an unusual view of this picturesque peak.

Meal: Full board, three times a day.

Overnight at a teahouse.

We start at first light from Chhukung, as we have to conquest the highest pass of the trip today. We carry plenty of water and some snacks and a packed lunch as there are no Lodges on the way. We really enjoy the remoteness of the area and absolute nature. We can select to go via any of the possible trails- either taking a climb over the hill northwest of Chhukung over the moraine of the Nuptse Glacier or we might walk back down the valley to Bibre and follow a high trail above the Niyang Khola. Just after some walk, there are great views of Island peak valley and jagged ridge of Amphu Lapcha. Ascending along the east side of Niyang Khola valley, we turn west and walk through the sloppy stony trial. We enter a wide basin dotted with small frozen lakes. The trail rises over loose scree gaining the Kongma La after about five hours we leave Chhukung. Upon reaching the top, we have seen cairn wrapped in prayer flags,-marks of the pass. Behind us is the landscape of icy lakes ahead down of which is the Khumbu Glacier. The final descent is the most difficult stage of the trek today, upon climbing the moraine on the far side, the trail turns north through Khumbu Glacier which takes us to Lobuche.

Meal: Full board, three times a day.

Overnight at a teahouse.

The trail follows a windy and rocky path with a summit of north ridge to Everest along with Mt. Pumori, Mahalangur, Lingtern, Khumbutse, Nuptse, etc. The trail continues alongside Khumbu Glacier to Gorakshep. Check into Hotel, Lunch, and afternoon set out to visit the world’s highest base camp Everest Base Camp. Base Camp has no view of Mt. Everest but a fantastic view of Khumbu Icefall and the colorful campsite of Everest expedition during expedition season. Trek back to Gorakshep.

Meal: Full board, three times a day.

Overnight at a teahouse.

The trail climbs 2/3 hrs. up to Kala Patthar (5545 m/18192 ft) early in the morning to see first sun rays over the top of the world's highest peak  (Mt. Everest). This is a milestone of the trek to inspect a panoramic view with the fantastic sunrise over Mt. Everest, Mt. Pumori, Mt. Lingtren, Khumbutse, Changtse, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Nuptse, Mt. Ama Dablam and many more. After accomplishing Kala Patthar, trek down to Gorakshep and retrace down to Lobuche. 

Meal: Full board, three times a day.

Overnight at a teahouse.

From Lobuche, we trek downhill on a trail alongside the Khumbu Glacier. Our trail splits into two and we choose the trail on our right. On the way, we can better admire the view of the looming Awi Peak.  We pass through a stupa and tombstones in the distance. After walking for a while we begin to ascend. During the ascent, we see Chola Tsho Lake nearby. We continue further and pass another lake which is a lot smaller than the Chola Tsho Lake. We cross the Chola Khola on a bridge before reaching Dzongla.

Meal: Full board, three times a day.

Overnight at a teahouse.

As we gain height, the Cho La Lake begins to appear and the Ama Dablam presides over a range of mountains on the south and Cholatse soars on the west. Climbing the incline is not easy; it is steep, but made worse by boulders over some of which we will have to scramble. The final climb to the Cho La can be a little tricky as the trail curves around a crevasse. The top of the pass is marked by prayer flags and cairns. The scenery of majestic peaks in all directions is breathtaking. Although long, the path leading down to Thangnak is not difficult.  Our trail brings us to the edge of the Ngozumpa glacier, which is the longest glacier in Nepal. Reaching the other side of the glacier, we see the second Gokyo Lake on the series of six lakes. A short distance away is the third Gokyo Lake. On the edge of this lake stands the Gokyo Village where we spend the night. Meal: Full board, three times a day.

Overnight at a teahouse.

The views in the Gokyo region are tremendous. For the best view, climb Gokyo Ri (5350 m) the small peak above the lake. The peak of 5350m is sometimes called Kala Pathar (not to be confused with the Kala Pathar above Gorakshep, though the view is similar) It is a two- hours climb to the top of the peak, providing a panoramic view of Cho Oyu, Gyanchung King, Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cholatse, Tawache and many more. Those with more time and energy can make a trip up the valley to another lake, marked with the name Ngazumpa on the maps, or even beyond to a fifth lake. There are several small peaks in this region that offer vantage points for the surrounding peaks and views of the Nangpa La, the old trade route into Tibet.

Meal: Full board, three times a day.

Overnight at a teahouse.

We start the day early in the morning to complete the long day’s trek ahead. Our trail moves alongside Dudh Pokhari (lake) for a while. We walk for around two hours before descending towards the Renjo La pass. On the way, we are rewarded with extravagant views of the Himalayan and Rolwaling ranges and others. Views from the Renjo La pass are much like that from Gokyo Ri with the third Gokyo Lake and Gokyo Village beneath the gray smear of the Ngozumpa Glacier. We also get outstanding views of Mt. Everest from the top of the pass. Continuing on from the Pass, our trail winds down a stone staircase and then moves over loose scree to reach the south bank of Angladumba Tsho Lake. The presence of ice on the trail while descending down can make our descent a bit hazardous. Along the way, we see Relama Tsho and Renjo Lake. We walk down a narrow valley clogged with giant boulders to Lumde where there is a support lodge, but it is often closed. We walk almost for an hour from Lumde to get to Marlung on the east bank of the Bhote Koshi River.

Meal: Full board, three times a day.

Overnight at a teahouse.

The descent from Marulung to Thame follows a traditional route used for centuries by the Tibetan traders. We have to cross the Bhote Koshi River and descend to Taranga. The trail continues to descend and we cross two bridges before reaching Thame. Overlooking Thame is its famous Gompa situated on a hill to the west.  From here, we descend gradually on a trail that passes through a few small villages before reaching Namche Bazaar which is probably the biggest town in the Everest region.

Meal: Full board, three times a day.

Overnight at a teahouse.

After Breakfast, retrace the main trail down to Dudh Koshi waving hands to Namche and Khumbu Himalayas to national park exit checkpoint Joralle. Trail follows down steam of Dudh Koshi river retracing to Phakding. The trail leads to Lukla scaling different Sherpa villages crossing a suspension bridge above Thado Kosh. The last section of the day, about 45 minutes ascend to accomplish the entire trek. Reconfirm flight Ticket and see off to local porters.

Meal: Full board, three times a day. 

Overnight at a teahouse.

In the morning your guide will take you to the airport and you will have a scenic flight back to Kathmandu. After landing at Kathmandu, you will be transferred to the hotel, and the rest of the time you can enjoy exploring the evening ambiance of Thamel or Boudha. Dinner with the office staff. Overnight at hotel set with BB plan.