Everest Three Passes Trek

Detail Itinerary

• Day 01:Fly to Lukla and Trek to Phakding Taking the incredible picturesque flight early in the morning from Kathmandu to Lukla (2827m), for 40 minutes, one can experience nearer to enormous mountains adjoining Nepal and China (Tibet). After taking off, our Sherpa crews carry our trekking equipment. In the afternoon, we start our walk by moving downwards to the Dudh Kosi River and catch the main trail to Namche Bazaar, located just above Chaunrikharka (2713m). The walking is unproblematic and after passing through the small village of Ghat(2550m) it is a short walk to Phakding.
• Day 02:Phakding to Namche Bazaar From Phakding we cross the river and ascent the valley. The track is nearer to the river valley and is in a series with attractive blue pine and rhododendron forest that is very fabulous when flowers blossom in the spring months. After crossing the Dudh Kosi River at Benkar we can glimpse on enticing snow-capped peaks of Kusum Kanguru (6369m) and Thamserku (6623m). From here it is only a short walk to Monjo (2835m),. In the hours of daylight the walking is a little problematic and includes the vertical inclination to Namche Bazaar. From Monjo it is a short march to the doorway of the national park, prior to crossing the Dudh Kosi River to Jorsale (2805m). The trek goes on upstream on generally flat terrain, crossing back to the right bank to the meeting point of the Bhote Kosi and Dudh Kosi Rivers. After passing a large and stable suspension bridge far above the river, we gradually mount at a steady pace. There are some incredible picturesque prospects as the peaks of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse and Tabuche (6542m) are visible.
• Day 03:Namche Bazaar (Acclimatization Day) We wander around Namche Bazaar for a next night for becoming accustomed to the height. Namche is an affluent village situated in a large protected hollow. From the national park headquarters above the village, one can take the opportunity to witness both the sunrise and sunset views. The dazzling panorama includes splendid scenery of the Khumbu peaks and great views of Everest. After breakfast, we can either walk towards Thami (3810m) above the stunning Bhote Khola River Valley or choose for going to the national park headquarters to observe the out of the ordinary displays of Sherpa lifestyle and culture. There is also a mountaineering display and information on the park’s flora and fauna.
• Day 04:Namche Bazaar to Thyangboche From Namche Bazaar, we walk towards the park headquarters and go on up to high above the Dudh Kosi River. Higher than Namche the path to Thyangboche turns out to be visible with the monastery located below the summit of Everest and encircled by other Himalayan peaks. Also, one can spot local flora and fauna including the beautiful Danfe pheasant, often seen among the birch and silver fir forest between Shanasa and Trashinga, and Himalayan tahr, on the high ground above the trail. After arriving at the reforestation nursery at Trashinga, the track slopes down steeply until we come across the Dudh Kosi River at Phunkitenga (3250m). After lunch, in the afternoon we go up, initially steeply, through pine, fir, black juniper and rhododendron forests towards Thyangboche. The monastery and our lodge are sited in a fine-looking grazing land surrounded by immense Himalayan peaks in a beyond doubt serene and tranquil environment. The most prominent peaks seen from here are Kantega, Ama Dablam and, for sure, Mt. Everest.
• Day 05:Thyangboche to Dingboche From Thyangboche we gradually go up high above the Imja Khola and get further on of the tea houses at Orsho before crossing the river and old glacial moraines on our track to our hotel in the community of Dingboche. The landscape is impressive while Everest here is hidden behind the Lhotse-Nuptse ridge; the giant peaks that rise above the eastern ending of the valley.
• Day 06:Dingboche (Rest and Acclimatisation Day) Indeed, Dingboche is a striking assortment of small fields surrounded by stone walls shielding the crops of barley and potatoes from the chilly winds. It is occupied mainly through the monsoon months, when big numbers of yaks are made to graze in the valley meadow. At the back of the lodge, the enormous rock looks of Tabuche look as if we are moving towards the heaven. Chukkung is another sensible option. The sights are unbelievable in this valley; the soaring south face of Lhotse to the north, Island Peak in the core of the valley and the fluted ice walls of nameless peaks is lined up in the southern end of the valley.
• Day 07:Dingboche to Chhukung Our trek passes through stoned fields and Imja Khola valley before entering the surrounding of Himalayas. It continues to Bibre, known as yak herdsman place. Our trial continues through interesting icy streams with fantastic view of Ama Dablam and Amphu Labsa mountains. After around 3 hours and 30 minutes of walk, we reach Chhukung. Stay overnight at Chhukung.
• Day 08:Cross to Khongma la Pass – Trek to Lobuche Early in the morning after having a light breakfast, we begin our trek to reach the most important part of our entire trek i.e. Khongma la pass. There are two ways to reach our destination, Lobuche. We can either take the path over a hill which is to the northwest of Chhukung over Nuptse glacier moraines or, we can walk back to Bibre and trek on the path above Niyang Khola. The pass is covered by cairns and Buddhist prayer flag. The final slant from this pass is the most difficult part in our entire trek. After ascending the moraine, the trial turns north by Khumbu Glacier which takes our trial to Lobuche. Stay overnight at Lobuche.
• Day 09:Lobuche - Gorakshep - Everest Base Camp Fairly short Gorakshep trek, gives an occasion for a comforting breakfast before starting the day’s walk. From Lobuche we trek to the broad valley that is parallel to Khumbu Glacier. A steady way up permits us to build the slow, steady pace necessary when walking at high height. When we arrive at the moraines of Changri Nup Glacier, we make a sequence of small up and down walking over a unsteady track lined with cairns that shows the way ultimately to the unexpected glacial sands of Gorak Shep (5160m). And then, we consequently, head off towards the Everest Base Camp. Everest Base camp lies at the altitude of 5,380m (17,600ft) giving the panoramic view of Himalayas and thriving rifts. Here, rest is taken for acclimatization to reduce or fully rectify the risks and severity of altitude sickness and other hazardous diseases.
• Day 10:Gorak Shep to Dzongla We trek to Kala Patar (5545m) early in the morning to observe awe-inspiring crack of dawn views from this amazing vantage point. From the hotel the way up is pretty steep, so start very leisurely and try to go up at a slower speed. Kala Patar is the rocky peak below Pumori. It is a hard-hitting walk because of the elevation, but the observation from the top is beyond our imagination. We set off for Lobuche, where we stop for lunch after returning back to lodge and have our breakfast. We then, tag along the Lobuche Khola downstream where, after a while, we take a path to the right heading off towards Dzongla.
• Day 11:Dzongla to Gokyo Lake From Dzongla, we will have to begin walking early in the morning after having light breakfast. From camp we go up promptly on a narrow path passing large rock chunks and on the left we can see the main glacier. Once we pass the track of snowfield, the situation becomes easy, we soon get to the top of the pass (5420m), where the views are amazing and include Baruntse (7220m) and Ama Dablam, as well as a sea of lesser peaks. As there are fissures which seem to be dangerous, we do not stroll around the snowfield. The decline from the pass is vertical and care should be taken as we follow the graceful rocky path down to the Nymagawa Valley. After few hours of walk we reach Thangnak and have lunch there and after lunch we cross rocky chunks and reach Gokyo Lake. It takes another 45 minutes to reach the settlement of Gokyo where we spend the night.
• Day 12:Rest day at Gokyo Lake Today, we have a rest day. Those who desire for the morning views at Gokyo RI will have to wake up early for an ascent of Gokyo Peak (5360m), whereas others can have a belatedly breakfast and may be take an optional walk up the Gokyo Valley to enjoy extra glorious scenery. Gokyo RI is the highest mountain in Khumbu region of the Nepal Himalayas located on the west side of the Ngozumpa glacier (largest in Nepal and in the whole Himalayas). From the very point, we can have the mesmerizing view of four 8000 m peaks i.e. Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotse, Mt.Makalu, and Mt. Cho Oyu; and also the view of small village with stone houses blows the mind of visitors. After having this magnificent panoramic view of Himalayas, we trek back to Gokyo Lake and stay overnight there.
• Day 13:Gokyo to Renjola Pass Lungden As we have a long day to walk today we have an early beginning. The path goes round to the north of Gokyo Lake and then goes up. Turning to our backside, we can view exceptional views of Gokyo and the mountains in the background. We keep on moving and also see boulder hop towards Renjo Pass (5420m). We now, reach the peak of the pass, which is noticeable by prayer flags, from where we can have a look into Nangpa Valleyand and on our backside we have views of Everest and Makalu. From the pass sliding down is difficult as we have to walk on loose rocks. After a while, we arrive at a glacial lake from where the valley opens up. We carry on to head down the valley through open pastures for a moment before bearing right to reach the small community of Arya.
• Day 14:Lungden - Thame We have a late start and move down all the way, following the Bhote Kosi River downstream. We walk down Nangpa Valley, passing through small settlements to finally reach the village of Marlung, where we stop for lunch. From Marlung the trail continues to descend and undulate passing through the village of Taranga to reach Thami.
• Day 15:Thame to Phakding We head off from Thame and move down to cross the Bhote Khola on a well-built suspension bridge. There are some exciting Buddhist rock painting in the area and, from here and on the rock face above and below, Himalayan tahrs are often seen. Our direction continues through the village of Thamo and back to Namche Bazaar where we take a greeting break for lunch. In the afternoon we move down steeply to the large suspension bridge over the Dudhkoshi River. We walk through Jorsale and back to Monjo, where we take lunch. In the afternoon it is a short walk passing through Benkar through blue pine and rhododendron forest, with great views of Kusum Kangaru and we return back to our lodge in Phakding.
• Day 16:Phakding to Lukla This is the last day of trekking, where we make the final climb up to the airstrip at Lukla after a short walk on the valley.
• Day 17:Lukla to Kathmandu by air We wake up early in the morning to be all set for the arrival of our airplane for the flight back to Kathmandu. On onset in Kathmandu we are transferred back to our hotel. You wiill enjoy farewell dinner with the staff members of NTA