Trip Highlight:
“Crossing high and scenic passes of Khumbu areas in the shade of Mt. Everest An adventure of a lifetime experience traversing over and above 5,000 m passes Visiting Everest Base Camp and Kalapathar with amazing panorama of snow-capped peaks Into beautiful Gokyo Valley and its emerald glacial lakes with fantastic views of mountains Explore nice traditional Sherpa villages blended with local culture of Buddhist religion Over Kongma-La, Cho-la and Renjo-la towards nice and undisturbed village of Thame Into lovely alpine green woodland of tall rhododendron-magnolia and pine trees Stunning panorama from Kalapathar top of world’s high mountains with close views of Everest Starting and ending our wonderful adventure at Lukla with short panoramic flights”.
Brief Trip Profile:
Mode of Trekking: On Hotels and Lodge on walks.
Trekking Grade : Moderate to Adventurous (and demanding in snow condition).
Highest Altitude : On top Kalapathar 5,545 m, 5,364 m Everest base camp, with Kongma-la 5,535 m, Cho-la 5,367 m and Renjo-la 5,360 m high.
Activities : Sightseeing tour, exciting flights and adventurous treks.
People and Culture : Populated by Sherpa the highlanders of Everest with Buddhism religion and colorful culture and custom.
Area of Trekking : Nepal Mid-East Himalaya and high Khumbu within Everest region.
Trekking duration : 17 Nights and 18 Days (Lukla to Lukla).
Total Trip : 21 Nights and 22 Days (Kathmandu to Kathmandu).
Season : April to May and September to early December months March to May flowering season on green hills with rhododendron and magnolia in full bloom.
Introduction:
Everest Three High Passes Trekking, an adventure that leads you over high above 5,000 m with a sweeping panorama of world giant peaks with ever-present Mt. Everest at close distance, where walk leads you with enjoyable moments. Mountain Challenger Treks & Expeditions presents this awesome adventure for interested trekkers and adventurer with more than 2 weeks in the complete wilderness of mountains and glaciers within the arctic zone of Everest. Everest Three High Passes Trekking, a dramatic and most exciting adventure to experience in your life around high Himalayan valley and hills facing amazing views where you feel out of this world with superb time on daily walks within cultural and traditional Sherpa villages. An adventure walks blending with local culture and custom of Buddhism religion where our route leads through interesting and impressive Sherpa farm villages as well visiting its monasteries on route to our destination around high Khumbu valley. Everest Three High Passes trekking, begins from Kathmandu taking a short scenic flight to land at Lukla airport and its interesting busy town, where walk leads towards many farm villages encountering many prayer monuments and into forested areas to reach high and colorful Namche Bazaar. At Namche enjoying rest day for acclimatization on this prosperous large village and then heading higher towards beautiful Thyangboche monastery with glorious views of Everest, Lhotse and magnificent peak of Amadablam with other mountains that surround this nice spot of Thyangboche with its interesting monastery. The adventure continues on leaving green vegetation and tree lines into the complete wilderness of high mountains then crossing over Kongma-la to reach classic Everest base camp and then climb scenic hilltop Kalapathar for an amazing panorama of peaks. Walks lead towards beautiful Gokyo valley and its glacial lakes after crossing Cho-la pass, enjoying peaceful rest with an awesome panorama of Cho-Oyu and other high peaks, where the adventure leads over Renjo-la the last and final pass of the adventure and then heading back to Lukla. At Lukla where our Everest Three High Passes Trekking concludes for a scenic flight to Kathmandu with grand mesmerizing time and adventure on Everest, Three High Passes Trekking.
Outline Itinerary:
Day 01: Reach Kathmandu 1,340 m via respective airlines and transfer to hotel.
Day 02: In Kathmandu with a sightseeing tour around world heritage sites.
Day 03: Fly to Lukla 2,820 m (35 mins) and walk to Phakding 2,640 m - 04 hrs.
Day 04: Trek to Namche Bazaar 3,440 m - 06 hrs.
Day 05: At Namche Bazaar for rest and acclimatization day.
Day 06: Trek to Thyangboche Monastery 3,867 m - 05 hrs.
Day 07: Trek to Dingboche 4,340 m - 05 hrs.
Day 08: Rest day at Dingboche for acclimatization and short excursion.
Day 09: Trek to Chukung 4,750 m - 04 hrs.
Day 10: Trek and cross Kongma-la at 5,535 m to Lobuche 4,980 m - 08 hrs.
Day 11: Trek to Gorakshep 5,180 m and walk to Everest base camp 5,364 m - 06 hrs.
Day 12: Climb to Kalapathar 5,545 m and walk to Dzongla 4,830 m - 05 hrs.
Day 13: Cross over Cho-la 5,367 m and descend to Thagnag 4,745 m - 07 hrs.
Day 14: Trek to Gokyo Lake 4,800 m - 04 hrs.
Day 15: Rest day for last Renjo-la pass, morning hike to Gokyo-Ri 5,357 m.
Day 16: Cross over Renjo-la pass 5,360 m and descend to Lungdhen 4,600 m - 06 hrs.
Day 17: Trek to Thame 3,800 m - 05 hours.
Day 18: Trek to Monjo 2,875 m via Namche 3,440m -06 hrs.
Day 19: Trek to Lukla - 04 hrs. Afternoon free for walks.
Day20: Fly back to Kathmandu and transfer to hotel with a free afternoon.
Day 21: Free and contingency day in Kathmandu and for individual activities.
Day 22: International departure for homeward bound.
Day 01: Reach Kathmandu 1,340 m via respective airlines and transfer to hotel.
On arrival at Kathmandu and Nepal International airport received by our Mountain Challenger staff and guides for short transfer and drive in the heart of Kathmandu city to your respective hotels. After checking into your rooms meet at the defining hall where our guide or leader will brief regarding Everest Three High Pass trekking. Include information of hotels, lodge and do’s and don’ts with group welcome dinner in a nice authentic Nepalese Restaurant with various Folk programs of Nepal as entertainment.
Day 02: In Kathmandu with a sightseeing tour around world heritage sites.
The morning after breakfast our city guide will take you for an interesting sightseeing tour in and around Kathmandu city, where Kathmandu valley steeped with ancient historical, religi ous monuments which is listed on world heritage sites. Tour of Kathmandu Durbar Square (old Malla and Shah Royal courtyard) with resident of virgin ‘Goddess Kumari’ and other places of gre at interest, from here heading to oldest landmark of Kathmandu and Nepal at Swayambhunath Stupa, believed to be more than 2,600 years old a Buddhist dome shaped with all seeing eyes of Lord Buddha. After scan eating and enjoyable tour back to hot the el with free afternoon preparation for Everest Three High Pass Trekking and an early morning flight to Lukla.
Day 03: Fly to Lukla 2,820 m (35 mins) and walk to Phakding 2,640 m - 04 hrs.
Early start from the hotel after having breakfast with a short drive to Kathmandu domestic air- Terminal for a scenic flight to Lukla of 35 mins in small aircraft either Dornier or Twin Otter facing panorama of Himalayan peaks with Everest. After a swift flight of 30-35 minutes landing at Lukla airport known as Tenzing and Hillary airport (after a legendry mountaineers first two to summit Mt. Everest in May 29 th 1953). At Lukla with a refreshing break, and then walk through Lukla Sherpa town, the gateway to high Khumbu valley and to various adventure around Everest region, as walk leads downhill for short-while and then on the gradual winding path past nice Sherpa farm villages and tended crops and vegetable fields and terraces. As walk encounters several Buddhist monuments Mani (prayer walls) and rows of spinning bells and into the cool shade of woodland to reach our overnight stop at Phakding village located by the Dudh Kosi River.
Day 04: Trek to Namche Bazaar 3,440 m - 06 hrs.
Morning walks follows Dudh Kosi River upstream crossing bridges few time to reach at Monjo nice village with views of Kongde and Tharmasarku peaks with holy Mt. Khumbila towards the north. After Monjo enter into Sagarmatha National Park (Sagarmatha for Everest in Nepalese while Sherpa Calls Chomolungma which means Great Mother in both languages), a short downhill and over a bridge to Jorsalle the last village before Namche Bazaar. From Jorsalle walk on river bed with the climb up after crossing the last high bridge and into the cool shade of pines and rhododendron woods with views of peaks as winding uphill walks takes you at famous Namche Bazaar for two full overnights.
Day 05: At Namche Bazaar for rest and acclimatization day.
A full rest and acclimatization day at Namche, an interesting big village and a town with many facilities of ATM-Banks-nice restaurants and bakeries with many stores and shops, at Namche once a week Saturday Market is held which will be active and colorful to witness. On this day one can hike on top Namche for grand views of Everest-Lhotse-Amadablam and other series of high peaks and visit its interesting museum with full information of Khumbu and Sherpa culture with various flora-fauna. Other side hike to Everest View Hotel a climb above Namche for few hours rewards you with stunning views of Everest and other high peaks, for energetic people can take walk around Khumjung and Khunde villages to observe the culture and traditional life of Khumbu Sherpa, located on the glacial valley.
Day 06: Trek to Thyangboche Monastery 3,867 m - 05 hrs.
After an enjoyable and pleasant time at Namche with rest days, morning walk leads to scenic walks on gradual wide winding trails with views of Everest and other giant peaks, as walk leads downhill to Imjatse river at Phunki Tenga, a small place with few lodges an ideal spot for a refreshing break or lunch stop. Afternoon walk leads to uphill climb into the cool shade of a pine forest to reach beautiful surrounding at Thyangboche Monastery facing panorama of mountains with Everest and Amadablam at close distance, here with time for a tour into monastery and witness monks and priest on prayer. Thyangboche holds an important ‘Mani-Rimdu’ a colorful religious festival where monks perform mask dance to wade evil spirits, the festival falls in the month of October as per the Buddhist lunar calendar.
Day 07: Trek to Dingboche 4,340 m - 05 hrs.
Morning enjoy views of Everest, our route descends into forested areas reaching a metal bridge, from here a slow climb encountering mani (prayer) walls along the walks to Pangboche village, last permanent village on route to Everest base camp. From here walk leads around the barren and windswept country where tree lines fades for small bushes of juniper and dwarf rhododendron (azalea). Walk leads uphill into a river gorge and then finally opens up into a wide glacial valley on reaching Dingboche with many good lodges around facing views of Imjatse or Island peaks towards east.
Day 08: Rest day at Dingboche for acclimatization and short excursion.
Another pleasant rest day for good acclimatization, on this lovely scenic spot within beautiful Imjatse valley, where one can take a short walk uphill for best views of the valley and high mountains with views of Mt. Makalu towards east past Island peak. At Dingboche enjoy the afternoon relaxing and marvel the surrounding scenic mountains and high landscapes.
Day 09: Trek to Chukung 4,750 m - 04 hrs.
A short day walks where morning takes you at the end of Imjatse valley beyond Dingboche with alluring views of peaks as walk leads on the gradual path with few ups and down to reach at the very last settlem ent at Chukung for lunch and overnight stop. Afternoon free to relax or hike up to Chukung Ri at above 4,900 m high for the best panorama of surrounding mountains with close views of Island peaks and Mt. Lhotse.
Day 10: Trek and cross Kongma-la at 5,535 m to Lobuche 4,980 m - 08 hrs.
Starting early morning where our real adventure of the trek begins to cross the first pass over Kongma-la, which is the highest pass as walk leads to a small place at Bibre, and then our route leads to a climb for an hour over an icy path. From here onward on rocky trail beneath Kongma- la and Kongma or Mehra peak, after a good rest cross, Kongma-la pass 5,535 m / 18,159 ft high situated between Mt. Nuptse, Mehara and Pokalde peaks. After a tough climb heading towards Khumbu glacier and moraine then a short steep climb up to terminal debris of Khumbu Glacier to reach at Lobuche for an overnight stop in the comfort of the nice lodge after great long day walk.
Day 11: Trek to Gorakshep 5,180 m and walk to Everest base camp 5,364 m - 06 hrs.
Our side trip of the adventure leads to another highlight at Everest Base Camp, morning starts on the wide valley with a slow climb to reach above Khumbu glaciers, walking past moraine dunes reaching at Gorakshep, a place with few lodges on the junction of Everest base camp and Kalapatthar route. Gorakshep used to be an early Everest base camp till the 1970’s before the route moved further away to present base camp. From Gorakshep few hours walk over moraine and glacier to reach our ultimate destination at base camp with sweeping views of giant peaks of Nuptse-Lo la, Nuptse with notorious huge Khumbu Ice Falls and glaciers. In high mountaineering season, this place will be active with climbers and crews with many camps set on top of moraine and glaciers. After a grand time then head back to Gorakshep for the highest overnight stop of the adventure with fantastic memories of the day walks to Everest base camp.
Day 12: Climb to Kalapathar 5,545 m and walk to Dzongla 4,830 m - 05 hrs.
Morning an options hike to Kalapatthar at above 5,545 m, which will be the highest spot of the adventure offers a super panorama of mountains with Everest at close distance. A steep climb of two hours facing awesome views of surrounding mountains with Everest at its closest, then descend to Gorakshep for breakfast, where walks continue on downhill past Lobuche to reach an isolated spot at Dzongla with few lodges offering views of Taboche and Cholatse peaks.
Day 13: Cross over Cho-la 5,367 m and descend to Thagnag 4,745 m - 07 hrs.
Leaving the lodge at Dzongla, heading towards our second High Pass of the adventure another tough day to cross over high Cho-la pass after an early breakfast following the path leading to a steep up and then crossing over a glacier on the east side. The pass located at the height of 5,367m, quite demanding to cross over in snow conditions, from the top views of giant mountains with Cholatse Glacier, and then descend carefully to Thagnag for an overnight stop with some lodges.
Day 14: Trek to Gokyo 4,750 m - 04 hrs.
After a great climb over Cho-la pass, morning walk on the pleasant trail to Gokyo heading towards near Na, a place situated at the foot of Ngozumba glacier. Slowly walk lead to Gokyo Lake after walking past the first lake and second lakes, to reach at the third main lake also called Dudh Pokhari where most of the good lodges located, Gokyo in early days a summer pasture for Yaks grazing areas now a human settlement. Afternoon free to relax after crossing great two passes of Khumbu and Everest.
Day 15: Rest day for last Renjo-la pass, morning hike to Gokyo-Ri 5,357 m.
Morning another option for a scenic hike up to Gokyo Ri at above 5,357m, rewards you with a panorama of world’s four highest mountains with Mt. Cho Oyo, Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotse and the 5 th highest Mt. Makalu. After a great exciting views descend to Gokyo for lunch with an afternoon free to enjoy the surrounding beautiful views and full rest before crossing our last and final pass over Renjo-la.
Day 16: Cross Renjo-la 5,360m/17585 ft descend to Lungdeng 4,600 m - 06 hrs.
Our final last Big Day! of the adventure to complete all of Everest three high passes, starting early morning with a climb at the end of Gokyo Lake, as our route offers views of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Cholatse and Taboche, finally climb leads over Renjo La pass at 5,465 m / 17,929 ft, one of the most difficult section of the adventure. From the top facing panorama of Mt. Cho-Oyu and other high surrounding peaks, after enjoying the views descend with pleasant walk that leads past frozen ponds beneath Renjo La pass, and then with long downhill to Lungdeng for overnight stop, after a tough day completing our all great passes of the adventure, Lungdeng located on-route Nangpa-la pass to Tibet.
Day 17: Trek to Thame 3,800 m - 05 hours.
After feeling in good spirit completing all three high passes of Khumbu and Everest, as morning leads to gradual downhill walk to Marlung village, and then continue towards sleepy, quiet village at Thame located west of Namche Bazaar. At Thame with time to visit its old and interesting monastery believed to be more than 500 years old.
Day 18: Trek to Monjo 2,875 m via Namche 3,440m -06 hrs.
After a nice morning with views of nearby peaks, walk leads to Namche and back into greens and tree lines on reaching Namche with time for a possible lunch stop, stroll around its bazaar with stores and shops, afternoon walk downhill to Dudh Kosi River to reach at Monjo village for an overnight stop before Lukla.
Day 19: Trek to Lukla - 04 hrs. Afternoon free for walks.
Our l.ast walk of the adventure, morning short trek of few hours following the same trail back to Lukla past Phakding and Ghat villages crossing over Dudh Kosi, and then with last final climb to reach Lukla town for last overnight stop around high scenic Khumbu and Everest region.
Day 20: Fly back to Kathmandu and transfer to hotel with a free afternoon.
Early morning get transferred to Lukla ‘Tenzing and Hillary’ airport for short scenic flight back to Kathmandu overlooking mountain panorama with green hill landscapes as flight reaches at Kathmandu airport and then transfer back to your hotel, with a free afternoon at leisure.
Day 21: Free and contingency day in Kathmandu and for individual activities.
A free and spare day in Kathmandu for contingency, in case of flight delay and cancellation at Lukla, which happens sometimes due to Himalayan unpredictable weather. To be safe with extra a day in Kathmandu, if all goes well as per our itinerary days, enjoy the rest day with individual activities or join in for another exciting sightseeing tour around Kathmandu- Patan or Bhaktapur.
Day 22: International departure for homeward bound.
Last day in Nepal, a country of high mountains and varied colorful culture, as per your international flight time, our staff transfers you to the airport for final departure homeward bound with fabulous and unique memories and adventure on Everest Three High Passes Trekking.