EVEREST THREE HIGH PASSES TREK

Trip Facts

Duration 17 N-18 D

Trip Grade Moderate to Adventurous, due to high attitude.

Country Nepal

Maximum Altitude On top Kalapathar Hill at 5,643 m / 18,514 feet and Everest Base Camp 5,364 m / 17, 598 feet.

Best Time spring, autumn/fall

Overview

Everest Three High Passes Trek with the guidance of Dhan Kumar Rai. The lead and expert guide of the local company Kirat Society Adventure and Hiking.

Everest Three High Passes, is one of the most adventurous and challenging trekking around the Himalayas. Trekkers can experience the awesome scenery of
Himalayan rugged and beautiful landscapes with the world’s highest peaks.
Enjoying the native Sherpa warm traditional hospitality soaking into the local immense culture of ancient Tibetan Buddhist heritage.

Adventure of a lifetime traversing from north east to western end of Khumbu and Everest regions. The route follows from the popular mainstream path through lovely villages lined with fascinating Buddhist monuments. As the walk follows along the prayer walls and spinning wheels in the shade of giant snow-capped peaks.

Everest Three High Passes treks, includes a visit to Everest Base Camp, walking beneath towering Mt. Everest. Amidst sheer mountain wilderness and close within the massive Khumbu Icefall and glacier. After an exciting trek to Everest Base Camp, adventure leads you on top of black rocky ridge at Kalapathar.

After crossing the high Kohma-La Pass and visiting Everest Base Camp and Kalapathar, the highest point of the adventure. Allows trekkers with good support with acclimatization before heading towards the next two passes of Cho-La and
Renjo-La. The next phase of the journey leads towards the picturesque Gokyo Valley of beautiful glacial lakes. Climb over the 2^nd Cho-La Pass, the top enclosed by soaring Cholatse, Lobuche and Nirekha Peaks. Enjoy the glorious scenery of the surrounding snow mountain ranges, then enter the scenic Gokyo Valley with steep descents. It reaches around the Gokyo Valley of lakes and Himalayas’ longest Ngozumpa Glacier. Beautiful Gokyo Valley is enclosed by a series of giant mountains with close views of the world’s 6^th highest Mt. Cho-Oyu.

Enjoying ample time at Gokyo, climb to high Gokyo-Ri for a spectacular panorama of the world’s 4 highest peaks. Namely, Mt. Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu with
Cho-Oyu and arrays of lesser snow-capped peaks. Includes views of scenic Gokyo Valley and its emerald colored lakes to enjoy the refreshing morning hikes.

From Gokyo the adventure leads to crossing the last and final 3^rd Renjo-La Pass to Thame, a quaint village. Situated at the western end of Khumbu areas of Everest region, which fall on route to Nepal and Tibet borders.

As well as towards another scenic Valley of Rolwaling and high Tashi Laptsa Pass.

Slowly our wonderful journey comes to a near end, heading back to Lukla through Namche Bazaar. From Lukla a scenic flight brings you to Kathmandu, after a great exciting adventure crossing Everest Three High Passes.

Please Note:

During the peak seasons of spring and autumn. The flight to and from Lukla is diverted to Manthali Airport, Ramechap due to busy air traffic.
Ramechap is about 132 km/ 82 miles driving distance from Kathmandu takes approx. 4-5 hours.

Major highlights

Exciting short scenic flight with sweeping Himalayan panorama.
Following the footsteps of early mountaineers to Everest base camp.
Glorious landscapes throughout the scenic trekking till the end.
Enjoy the warm traditional hospitality of the native Sherpa.
Breathtaking views of the world’s highest peaks on daily walks.
Amazing close look of Mt. Everest from the high Kalapathar Ridge.

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to a hotel.

On arrival at Kathmandu and Nepal Intenational Airport, after visa formalities, and claiming the baggage. Outside the exit terminal our staff and guide receives you for a short transfer to the hotel. After getting refreshed at the hotel, then join with other members of Everest Three High Passes Trek for a briefing.

Briefing is done by our guide, group leader with full information of the treks, including hotels in Kathmandu. Local cultures with do’s and don’ts.
In the evening a lovely dinner and introduction to Nepali foods and culture.

Day 2: Tour of Kathmandu heritage sites of great interest.

Moning after breakfast, our city guide takes you on a tour around thenworld heritage sites within Kathmandu city. After an exciting and interesting tour back to the hotel, preparation and packing for trekking.

Non-essential clothing and items not required for treks, can be stored in the Hotel or with Kirat Society Adventure.

Day 3: Fly to Lukla 2, 846 m and trek to Phakding 2,645 m - 04 hrs.

Starting early in the moning for a super scenic flight to Lukla, a short drive to Kathmandu domestic airport. After going through security, board on a small spacious aircraft for a 30 minutes exciting flight. During the flight, enjoy a spectacular panorama of the Himalayan range of peaks with views of Mt. Everest. Slowly the plane lands at Lukla’s Tenzing & Hillary Airport. After collecting the baggage and having time for a short refreshment. Start the trek following our expert guide through Lukla town and then down to Dudh Koshi River. Walking past lovely Sherpa villages, where the path is lined with Buddhist monuments and prayer walls. Facing grand views of Kongde and Kusum Khanguru peaks. Slowly the pleasant walks reach Phakding for ovenight halt. Located by the raging glacial Dudh Koshi River, check into a nice lodge with time to explore around.

Day 4: Trek to Namche Bazaar 3,440 m / 11, 350 feet - 06 hrs.

Today’s walk takes you to the famous Namche Bazaar, the Sherpa Capital of Khumbu and Everest region. Moning walk follows a nice pleasant trail with ups and down to cross a long suspension bridge. Then a short steep climb to Monjo village with views of Thermasarkhu peaks. From Monjo the trail leadsnSagarmatha National Park entrance. (Sagarmatha a Nepali name for Everest, for the Sherpa it is called Chomolungma of Tibetan origin). From here over a bridge above the same river to Jorsalle. This is the last settlement before Namche Bazaar, possible lunch stops, aftenoon walk on the river bed. The walk leads through a lovely cool forest of pines, fir and rhododendron trees. From here our route leads to cross a high bridge to follow an undulating winding up to Namche Bazaar. Namche Bazaar is a fascinating small town with fancy restaurants, luxury hotels and resorts, as well many shops and stores. Facilities of banks and ATM for trekkers, an exciting place to be with close views of Kongde peaks.

Day 5: At Namche for acclimatization and a short scenic hike.

A leisure and free day, for short hikes higher up to support acclimatization before heading to Everest Base Camp.nnPlaces of interest around Namche Bazaar for short hikes:nThe best and short hike above Namche Bazaar, a climb to the Park Museum. An interesting place situated on a high ridge facing the grand vista of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse with majestic Ama Dablam. Includes views of Kangtiga, Thermasarkhu and Kwangde range of peaks with Khumbila, the patron god of Khumbu Sherpa. An enjoyable tour of the museum provides full information of the Khumbu and Sherpa’s cultures. The next good hike for a few hours climbs to Syangboche ridge with a small old airstrip. From here continue to walk up to Everest View Hotel, located on a high green hill covered in beautiful forest. The first luxury deluxe hotels of Khumbu area, established in 1971. Listed on the Guinness Book of World Record in 2004 as the highest hotels. At 3,962 m / 13,000 feet, enjoy the serene surroundings with views of Mt. Everest. Optional Hike to Khumjung and Khunde villages, located down from Everest View Hotel on a wide glacial valley. Beneath Mt. Khumbila, Khumjung with 500 years old Gompa / monastery treasures a scalp believed to be of a Yeti. Continue the walk to Khunde, the first and only hospital of Khumbu built by the late Sir Edmund Hillary. From here follow a pleasant trail and steep downhill back to Namche Bazaar.

Day 6: Trek to Tengboche Monastery 3,867 m - 05 hrs.

After a refreshing rest at Namche Bazaar, moning a pleasant walk on a scenic trail to Tengboche Monastery. The route follows with views of snow-capped peaks. Then downhill to Imjatse River for lunch stop at Phunki Tenga, amidst beautiful woodland. Aftenoon a few hours climb to picturesque Tengboche and the monastery, one of the most photogenic spots. Encircled by an array of peaks with grand views of Mt. Everest and Ama Dablam, surrounded by green tree lines.
At Tengboche there is time to visit the monastery interior of great religious and cultural interest. Tengboche has several good lodges for ovenight stops; some trekkers spend the night at Deboche, a small place half an hour downhill from Tengboche.

Day 7: Trek to Dingboche 4,410 m / 14,470 feet -05 hrs.

Grand views of Mt. Everest and the towering face of Ama Dablam.After breakfast, downhill to a bridge, from here the tree lines drop for mountainous terrains. The trail follows up to Pangboche, the last permanent village en route to Dingboche and to Everest base camp. Having a short rest continues up to Somare for lunch. From here the aftenoon walk follows with gradual up and then down to a stream. After crossing a small bridge, climb for an hour or more to enter Imjatse Valley, where Dingboche settlement is located. A beautiful valley and nice settlement of Dingboche for an ovenight stay in the comfort of the best available lodge.

Day 8: At Dingboche rest day for acclimatization.

A free day in Dingboche for acclimatization and a short hike to a scenic hill of Nakarjung. A few hours climb above Imjatse valley and Dingboche with grand views of Ama Dablam North Face with Island Peak. The top of Nakarjung is a good height for acclimatization as well for stunning panorama of the surrounding snow-capped peaks. Rest of the aftenoon at leisure and stroll around Dingboche settlements.

Day 9: Trek to Chukung 4, 740 m-04 hrs.

From Dingboche a short day hike to Chukung, the last easten settlement of the Khumbu and Imjatse valley. A pleasant walk on a wide valley with few short ups to reach Chukung for lunch and ovenight. Aftenoon enjoy resting facing tremendous views of Island Peak, Lhotse with Mt. Makalu.

Day 10: Trek to Lobuche 4,960 m via Kohma-La Pass 5,535 m-08 hrs.

Starting the moning as early as possible having breakfast, and carry packed lunch for the long day. Towards our first pass of the adventures, the trail leads above Imjatse Valley. Then enters a gully in between the rocky walls of Nuptse peak and Nakarjung ridge. The walk follows a small path with a steep climb to the top of Kohma-La, the highest pass of the jouney.nn nnLocated between Pokalde, Nuptse and Mehara or Kongma peaks, from the topnndown to cross Khumbu Glacier. After walking across the glacier climb to a rockynnmoraine and down to Lobuche. Situated on the coner of a wide grassy field withnnnumber of good lodges for an ovenight stop.

Day 11: Trek to Everest Base Camp 5,364 m and back to Gorakshep - 07 hrs.

An early breakfast for a long day walk to Everest base camp. Starts with a nice pleasant moning walk, and towards high above Khumbu glacier.
The walk follows over rocky moraine and then descends to Gorakshep, a small settlement with 3-4 nice lodges. Located beneath the rocky black hill of Kalapathar and towering Mt. Pumori.

After a refreshing stop, continue walking heading east to Everest base camp, the trail follows on rocks and sandy paths. The route leads to short ups and downs to Everest base camp. Enjoy the dramatic landscapes similar to the arctic zone covered in ice, and glaciers. Stand beneath the giant peaks of Nuptse and Lhotse with close views of Khumbu Ice-Fall. The views of Mt. Everest is obstructed by Lhotse, Nuptse and Lola peaks. Base Camp gets busy with mountaineers during the high season of expeditions from March to May. After an overwhelming experience head back to Gorakshep for an ovenight stop.

Day 12: Climb Kalapathar 5,643 m, trek to Dzongla 4,750 m -06 hrs.

Achieving the main target, another highlights is to complete the climbnto the highest hill on top of Kalapathar. Starting the climb at early moning withna slow and easy pace enjoying the surrounding scenery.
After a few hours of strenuous climb reaching the highest spot of the adventure.
For all the hard efforts rewards you with a stunning panorama of snow-capped peaks. Enjoy the fantastic and closest views of Mt. Everest, Lhotse and Nuptse with Mt. Pumori at close distance. After an overwhelming scenic panorama descend to Gorakshep for a retun jouney, for the next adventure. Enjoy the breakfast and walk downhill to Lobuche and towards hidden coners at Dzongla.

A small quiet settlement with several Tea Houses and Lodge, located close to

Cholatse and Taboche Peaks.

Day 13: Cross Cho-La 5,420 m, descend to Thagnak 4,760 m-08 hrs.

An early moning breakfast for the long hike to Gokyo Valley.
The path follows a gradual winding trail for a short while.
Reaching at the base of Cho-La pass, climb begins with care on slipper icy areas.
After hours of steep climbing reaching on top of Cho-La Pass, adoned withnBuddhist prayer flags and rock cains.

After a refreshing rest enjoy the close views of Cholatse, Lobuche East/nWest with Nirekha peaks. From the top a long descend towards theneasten side of Gokyo Valley to reach Thagnak.
A small settlement with nice simple lodge accommodation, enjoy the comfort ofnthe lodge with good meals. After a long day climbing up to the second pass of thenadventures.

Day 14: Trek to Gokyo Third Lakes 4,800 m-04 hrs.

After the tough day crossing Cho-La, today a short and easy walk from Thagnak to Gokyo. Moning walk follows to Na, a small yak herder’s camp, and then reaching the first and second lakes. Soon the walk completes, as you arrive the third, main lakes of Gokyo Valley. The lodge are located above the lake, enjoy the comfort of a good lodge for lunch and ovenight stops.

Aftenoon at leisure to enjoy the views of surrounding peaks with Mt. Cho-Oyu towards the North.

Day 15: At Gokyo rest day and hike to Gokyo-Ri at 5,357 m high.

Enjoy a free day around this scenic and beautiful location at Gokyo, moningnnoptions for climbing to the Gokyo-Ri viewpoint. An early and start before breakfast walk across the third lake. Then with a steep climb of a few hours to reach the top of Gokyo-Ri. Facing panorama of the world’s four highest peaks, with Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho-Oyu. Includes panorama of Gokyo Valley and the glacial Lakes with Ngozumpa the longest glaciers around the Himalayas.

After a refreshing moning, downhill to the lodge for breakfast and lunch, enjoy, rest of the day relaxing. Before an early moning start to cross the last pass of the adventure.

Day 16: Cross Renjo-La 5,360 m, descend to Lungdeng 4,340m-07 hrs.

Rising early for the adventure to cross the last pass of the trek over Renjo-La.

Starting early with a good breakfast, the walk follows south from the third lake.

Reaching at the base of Renjo-La Pass, after a short rest, climb for few hoursnnwith steep ups. Then reaching on top of Renjo-La the last and final Pass of thennjouney. Rewards you with glorious views of Everest, Lhotse and Makalu withnnseries of peaks. From the pass on downhill to Lungdeng.

A small isolated place with few good simple lodges for ovenight stop.

Day 17: Trek to Thame 3,880 m-06 hrs.

From Lungdeng, start the moning with pleasant and scenic walk downhill of fewnnsmall ups to reach Thame. The walk leads close to the midway of Thame andnnthe borders of Tibet and Nepal. The downhill continues past yak herder’snnsettlement to Marlung village. After a short break for possible lunchnnstops, a short climb to cross the river and then reaching Thame village.

Located west end of Khumbu, facing close views of the Kwangde range of peaks.

Thame Village also falls en route Rolwaling Valley, via high Tashi Laptsa-La

Pass. At Thame check into a nice lodge, aftenoon tour of an old monastery.

The Monastery stands on top around the windblown valley of Thame, the monastery is more than 500 years old.

Day 18: Trek to Monjo 2,880 m via Namche Bazaar- 05 hrs.

Moning from Thame, a short walk down to a bridge with short climb, thennnon a winding trail past Thamo village. From here back within green tree and lushnnvegetation. Walk leads to Namche Bazaar for late lunch, aftenoon enjoy downhill to reach Dudh Koshi River valley. The walk continues through Jorsalle and crosses a bridge, with a short steep climb to the Sagarmatha National Park post. From here to Monjo for ovenight halt before Lukla.

Day 19: Trek to Lukla and transfer to a lodge-06 hrs.

Enjoy the last day of the jouney to Lukla, following a pleasant trail from one nice village to another. Crossing bridges a few times towards Phakding, and then reaching Ghat village. After a few hours of good walk, an uphill walk for an hour more to the entrance gate of Lukla. On reaching Lukla town transfer to a nice hotel or lodge for the last ovenight around Khumbu and Everest region.

Day 20: Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu with afternoon free at leisure.

Early breakfast and then a short walk to Tenzing & Hillary airport, as the plane arrives. Get on board for a scenic flight of half hour to land at Kathmandu airport, and then transfer to your hotels. Rest of the day at leisure for individual activities after a great wonderful adventure on Everest Three High Passes trek.

Day 21: Free day as contingency and for individual activities.

We have reserved a day free as contingency in case of flight day on both ends to and from Kathmandu and Lukla. As Himalayan weather, even in the best seasons of the year, can be unpredictable with bad unfavorable. The flights cannot operate, if all goes well according to our itinerary days. Enjoy the free day for shopping or join in for a tour to Patan or Bhaktapur cities, worth a visit.

Day 22: International departure for homeward bound.

Final day in Kathmandu and Nepal, as time for your intenational flight for homeward bound or next port of call. Transfer to Kathmandu, Nepal intenational airport bidding farewell to the guide and staff. After a marvelous and enjoyable adventure on Everest Three High Passes Trek.nnImportant notes:nnPlease be informed that the flight to Lukla or back to Kathmandu, might get diverted to Manthali Airport in the Ramechap district. Which is about a 4-5 hours’ drive, in case of flight diversion to Ramechap. We might have to transfer the clients on Day 02, after the sightseeing tour in the aftenoon time. For an exciting and scenic drive to Manthali town airport and stay in the best available hotels. The next moning to catch a flight to Lukla takes about 20 or 25 minutes to Lukla and vice-versa. The diversion is due to heavy air traffic at Kathmandu airport that coincides with other domestic and intenational flights. If the flight to Lukla is diverted to Ramechap from Kathmandu, as per the notice of Nepal Civil Aviation. The company will inform all our clients well in advance regarding the changes. Sometimes, due to bad unfavorable weather conditions either from Kathmandu, Ramechap, or Lukla. The flight can get delayed or lead to cancellation, in this situation please bear with us and understand. For the sudden inconvenience, in this situation, our guide and the head office will try our best for a good solution. Whether to charter a Helicopter or wait for a few days till the weather clears for a normal flight from both ends.

Essential Information

One can enjoy Everest Three High Passes Trek nearly all seasons, except for the wet monsoon season from mid-June to August.

The best seasons are spring and autumn/fall. The spring begins from March to May, most days are longer with sunlight hours.

Normally the morning till mid-afternoon days are clear for views and scenic walks can get overcast late afternoon sometime.

Can expect snowfalls, cold mornings and in the nighttime, the mid-hills are covered with tall rhododendron, pine and juniper trees. A lively time with wildflowers are in seasonal bloom, especially the rhododendrons of various colors.

The next high season is autumn/fall, starts from September and ends in November. Most days are fine with crystal clear blue sky, a pleasant time for scenic walks. Days are shorter due to limited sunlight hours, cold afternoons, and nights till morning time. Expect snowfall sometimes, but with a bright starry night sky. Trekkers can also enjoy Everest base camp trek during the winter times of December to February. Most days are clear and sunny, but shorter days due to limited sunlight hours. Cold freezing temperatures in the morning, evening, and night time, chances of snowfalls.