3 passes of everest

  • 19 days

  • Moderate To Strenous

  • March to May and September to December

  • Highlights

    Trek in the more unspoiled valleys of the Khumbu approaching the Renjo La and Chukhung View Everest, Makalu, Lhotse, and Cholatse, the Himalayan giants, in all their majesty.

    Stay at a four-star hotel in Kathmandu with plenty of time to relax or see the sights.

     

    Introduction

    Trekking in the Everest region is well-known, but this walk takes us off the main path, through secluded valleys and across high hills, with breathtaking views along the way. We follow the main Everest track for the first three days, but it isn't long before we leave other trekkers behind as we make our way to the Renjo La pass, at 5,390 meters/17,684 feet, across the serene splendor of the Bhote Khosi Valley. We hike alongside the blue Gokyo Lakes after crossing the pass before climbing the snow-covered Cho La, 5,400m/17,700ft, our second high pass.

    This will get us very close to the foot of Everest, and from the little peak of Kala Pattar, we'll be able to see Everest up up and personal. The Kongma La, at 5,540m/18,176ft, is our final hurdle, and the scenery rewards us handsomely with a stunning view of many of the Himalaya's tallest peaks.

    This is the ultimate high-altitude Everest trekking path, set amid some of the world's most breathtaking mountain scenery. It's obviously difficult, but the landscape more than compensates. This is one of the most beautiful mountain treks you'll ever take.

     

    Trip Profile:

    Mode of Trek: Hotel-Lodge or camping

    Trek Grade: Moderate- Adventurous & Challenging (in snow conditions)

    Trek Duration: 17 Nights & 18 Days (Lukla to Lukla).

    Total Trip: 18 Nights & 19 Days (Kathmandu to Kathmandu)

    Season: March to May and September to December are the best months to visit. Wildflowers in full bloom from March to May, clear days for view from October to December, but cold in the mornings and evenings with the possibility of snow.

Itinerary

  • DAY 1
    Arrival to Kathmandu & Transfer to the Hotel (1,400m.)

    Once you land at Tribhuvan International Airport, our staff will welcome you and transfer you to the hotel.


  • DAY 2
    Fly from Kathmandu – Lukla and trek to Phakding (2,800m.)

    After the necessary security formalities (keep your pen-knife-lighter-matches and other sharp cutting items including scissors and other knife in the bigger baggage not in hand bags), board the smaller twin otter or similar plane for the sweeping panoramic flight to Lukla in the early morning after breakfast. Our trekking guides will greet you when you arrive. You will have free time in Lukla while the Sherpa staff sorts and divides the luggage on the Ghopkyo (mix breed of Yak & normal cow, as the Yak cannot survive below 3000m) Some loads are carried by porters, and lunch is taken at Lukla or a few miles down the road to Phakding, depending on the time of arrival at Lukla. The hike is mostly flat, with a few ups from Tarhe Khola, where you may get a great view of Kusum-Kangru. 6,369m, crossing a short suspension bridge; from here, a short ascent leads to the Ghat village; another 1 1/2 hour of moderate walking leads to Phakding village, where you will spend the night beside the bank of dudh- kosi river. 


  • DAY 3
    Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440m.)

    After crossing the suspension bridge over the Dudh-Kosi, the walk is pleasant, with a few short uphill and downhill, and re-crossing the same river, with magnificent views of Thamserku 6,608m, then you reach a small village of Monjo after the last 20 minutes climb from the stream, after Monjo, you come to the entrance of Sagarmatha National Park, from here a short descent to Jorsalle village, the last village until Namche Bazaar is reached. The walk is pleasant along the riverbed until the last bridge over the Imjatse river is reached; from here, the walk is along a winding uphill path all the way to Namche Bazaar, with magnificent views of Kwangde peak, Kusum Kangru, Mt. Everest-Nuptse wall, Lhotse, and a closer view of Tawache peak all the way up; from here, another 1-2 hour walk up brings you to the famed Namche Bazaar.


  • DAY 4
    Acclimatization at Namche Bazaar (3,440m.)

    For acclimatization, activities that have been suggested are, a short walk uphill towards the Sagarmatha National Park Headquarters, which is a magnificent spot perched on top of Namche Bazaar with breathtaking views of the surrounding snow-capped giants and valleys way below, with an interesting museum with all kinds of information about the history of the Himalayas, geographic, culture, mountaineering history, and existing information on flora and fauna of this region.


  • DAY 5
    Trek from Namche Bazaar to Thame (3,820m.)

    From Namche, the walk heads west, with a short climb to a ridge with grand views of Namche and the surrounding snow peaks; from here, the path leads to the serene forest, passing through scattered farm villages, including Thamo, where the Khumbu region's hydro-electric plant is located; and finally, after a few hours of good walking, you arrive at Thame for an overnight stop with time to visit its old monastery.


  • DAY 6
    Trek from Thame to Murlung (4,210m.)

    After a lovely stay in Thame, the walk continues into the forest near the Tibet border of Nangpa-La, where the majority of Tibetans come to trade in Nepal. The trail winds up a steep slope to Mingbo. From there, the walk continues further up on the high barren hills overlooking great views of the surrounding snowcapped peaks looking further down towards Thame, after a vigorous walk of 5 hours you reach to the campsite at Marulung.


  • DAY 7
    Trek from Murlung to Gokyo (4,790m.) Via Renjo Pass (5,340m.)

    After a wonderful day at Marulung, the hike continues across a grassy meadow with spectacular views of surrounding mountains, valleys, and hills, until arriving at Sumna, a small yak herders' temporary village. After nearly four hours of climbing to the top of Renjo, with a great view of Mt. Cho-Oyu, the world's sixth highest mountain, which straddles the border between Tibet and Nepal, the first pass of this great trek traversing over a 5,345 meter ridge top, the route of the pass has been greatly improved over the past 4-5 years, making it possible for everyone to cross including ponies and yaks, the pass leads to a descent near the Gokyo lake for an over night stay.


  • DAY 8
    Hike from Gokyo to Gokyo Ri (5,300m.) and back to the Gokyo

    Today, if the weather is clear, you can see spectacular views from nearby Gokyo Ri. Unlike Kalapathar from Lobuche, where the climb requires a long trek, the foot of Gokyo Ri is only five minutes away from the Gokyo lodges, across the lake-feeding stream. A two- to three-hour 'pump and puff' up a zig-zagging track brings you to the summit, where the vistas are well worth the effort. There are good views of Everest, 8,848m/29,028ft, with its summit and northern flank, as well as Makalu, 8,475m/27,798ft, to the east. Cho Oyu, at 8,153m/26,741ft, is to the north, with snow, ice, glacial moraines, and other giants visible all around. The Gokyo hamlet, the gorgeous Gokyo lakes, and the debris-strewn surface of the massive Ngozumba Glacier are all visible below. Lunch will be served in Gokyo. In the afternoon, take a well-deserved rest or continue north alongside the glacier to the Gokyo Valley's fourth and fifth lakes.


  • DAY 9
    Trek from Gokyo to Dragnak (4,750m.)

    After descending the valley for a little distance and passing a lower lake, you proceed east to ascend the Ngozumba Glacier's moraine. The glacier crossing is difficult; the way winds up and down, around, and through stones and rubble, and the trail changes year to year as the glacier moves. After that, you proceed to Thagnak.


  • DAY 10
    Trek from Dragnak to Dzongla (4,620m.) via crossing Cho La Pass (5,330m.)

    From Dragnak, ascend a long way and cross a grassy saddle before descending to Chyugima and beginning the real climb to the pass. The ascent is made up of steep scree, rocks, and enormous boulders that can be slippery and difficult to navigate depending on the weather. To reach the pass, the path becomes considerably steeper. When you reach the snow field at the top, the views are breathtaking. The decline must be approached with caution once more. The descent down the snowfield begins gently, but as you walk and scramble over enormous rocks and boulders, the route gets increasingly challenging as you follow the cairns that mark the way. The final valley descent is more gentle and easy to reach Dzongla, where you will spend the night.


  • DAY 11
    Trek from Dzongla to Gorakshep (5,140m.)

    After leaving Dzongla, travel north-east along the Khumbu Glacier's slope, passing over tangled moraine and fractured rock. Here, there is almost no vegetation. Despite this, tiny flocks of the charming Tibetan Snow Cock can frequently be seen or heard calling from the hillsides. You cross the moraine in a series of strenuous ups and downs before descending to Gorak Shep, where you should stop for a refreshing cup of tea and a snack.


  • DAY 12
    Early Morning Trek from Gorakshep to Kalapathar (5,550m.) back to Gorakshep (take Lunch) – Gorakshep to EBC (5,364m.) and Descend to Lobuche (4,910m.) : Overnight Stay at Lodge

    You'll be in the perfect spot at Gorak Shep for an early morning ascent of Kala Pattar before the clouds roll in and obscure Everest's summit. Although not far, the ascent is difficult, taking about 2-3 hours to reach the rocky peak of Kalapathar at 5,550m, which is the literal high point of your walk. From the summit of Kalapathar, you can see Everest's summit as well as other Himalayan giants such as Pumori (7,145m), Changtse (4,501m), Nuptse, Lhotse, and a slew of other needles and snow fluted ridges. You then return to Gorakshep to have lunch before trekking towards Everest Base Camp. From Everest Base camp, another trek is to descend towards Lobuche were you will stay there for overnight.


  • DAY 13
    Trek from Lobuche to Chhukung (4,730m.) via Kongma la Pass (5,535m.)

    Today is a long, yet satisfying day. On a dim track, you begin walking uphill. You pass the Khumbu Glacier after around 15 minutes. You reach a crest from which you can see your final objective, the Kongma La, though the view is limited. After some boulder-hopping, you'll find an obvious trail leading up to the pass. If you look behind you, you may see the Pyramid - the Italian Research Centre, which stands at a height of little over 5,000 meters. Lobuche can be seen from a higher vantage point. On the way up, you can see Cholatse 6,440m, Pokalde 5,794m, Nuptse 7,864m, Lhotse 8,501m, Makalu, and Ama Dablam 6,814m. You travel under a massive rock wall for the last half hour or so up to the pass, and you have a fantastic close-up view of Pokalde on your right. Prayer flags line the route, and the panoramic views of snow-capped peaks are breathtaking.

    The descent is steep at first, but it eases off as you reach the main lake, which takes around 20 minutes from the pass. On the way down, you get great views of Makalu and Ama Dablam. As you progress, you'll be able to glimpse Island Peak and the Chukhung Valley below.


  • DAY 14
    Trek from Chhukung to Pangboche (3,930m.)

    You drop gradually during the day to Pangboche, the valley's highest year-round hamlet. This is a lovely trek with views of Ama Dablam and Taboche.


  • DAY 15
    Trek from Pangboche to Monjo

    Retrace your steps back to Shanasha, where the trails from Khumjung, Gokyo, and Namche converge. From here, the path winds downwards and gradually all the way to Namche Bazaar, staying on the main popular path. Retrace your steps back to Namche Bazaar for the overnight camp in Monjo, which is conveniently placed near the Sagarmatha National Park entrance and exit.


  • DAY 16
    Trek from Monjo to Lukla

    The final day of our fantastic trek will be a pleasant walk to Lukla, where you can stroll at your own leisurely speed while taking in the lush green surroundings. Apart from a couple of brief ascents, the only substantial climb will be immediately before Lukla, which would take about 45 minutes from Choplung or the ancient huge oak tree. When you arrive in Lukla, get ready for a delicious meal and a party with your fellow Sherpa crew, porters, and trekking companions on the last day.


  • DAY 17
    Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu & Transfer to the Hotel

    Today is another opportunity to take advantage of the fantastic flight from Lukla to Kathmandu. Please be aware that flights into Lukla are occasionally delayed owing to weather conditions, whether in foggy Kathmandu or windy Lukla; rest assured that our employees in Lukla and Kathmandu will do everything necessary to minimize any disturbance. Your patience will be much appreciated in the difficult situations that may arise. Return to your hotel.


  • DAY 18
    Sightseeing around Kathmandu Valley

    A free day in Kathmandu where you will be visiting to various UNESCO world heritage sites in and around Kathmandu. You can travel freely at your own will or you can also contact our staff if you need a guided tour around the Kathmandu valley.


  • DAY 19
    Transfer to the Tribhuvan International Airport for final Departure

    Keep your confirmed air ticket and passport handy today, according to your overseas travel time. Our crew will transport you to the airport for your final departure from Nepal, an incredible country.