Everest Three High Pass Trek

Following breakfast, our exploration commences with a captivating visit to four remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These notable attractions consist of the culturally significant Durbar Square, the revered PashupatiNath Hindu temple, the intriguing 'Monkey Temple' known as Swayambhunath, and the colossal Bauddha Nath Stupa, renowned as one of the largest stupas globally. After concluding our sightseeing excursion in the late afternoon, we will proceed to Himalayan Glacier's office for a concise meeting regarding our upcoming trek. Here, we will have the opportunity to acquaint ourselves with our team leader (guide) and fellow travelers.

The commencement point for all Everest treks is Lukla, which we will reach after an early morning flight following breakfast. This flight promises an exhilarating experience as we soar amidst the majestic Himalayas aboard a Twin Otter airplane. Once we land in Lukla, our adventure begins with a short trek to Phakding. Descending gradually for approximately one hour, we will arrive at the charming village of Cheplung, where we can catch a glimpse of the sacred and unconquered Mt. Khumbila (18900ft). Continuing our descent from Cheplung, we will eventually reach Phakding, where we will spend the night and rest for the day.

Our trek resumes, taking us along a mix of uphill and downhill trails, which involve numerous crossings over the Dudh Koshi River. As we make our way, we are treated to a breathtaking sight of Mt. Thamserku (21,675ft) from the enchanting Benkar village. We continue our journey, crossing more bridges until we arrive at the entrance of Sagarmatha National Park in Monjo, where our trekking permits are examined. Pressing on, we pass through the scenic village of Jorsale before finally reaching the vibrant Namche Bazaar. From this bustling hub, we are rewarded with magnificent vistas of the Himalayas, including Everest, Lhotse, Tawache, and other awe-inspiring peaks. We spend the night in Namche Bazaar, immersing ourselves in its captivating atmosphere.

This marks the first of our three planned rest days, which are crucial for acclimatizing to the high altitude. While it is recommended to stay active during rest days for a better trekking experience, we will make the most of the day by engaging in enjoyable short hikes in and around Namche Bazaar. Our first hike takes us to the Everest View Hotel, where we can soak in the breathtaking vistas of the majestic Himalayan landscape. On our way back to Namche, we also have the opportunity to explore the Khumjung Monastery, which is famous for housing a purported yeti scalp, as well as the Hillary School. Additionally, our guide can accompany us to the Tourist Visitor Center located near the headquarters of Sagarmatha National Park. Here, we can delve into various exhibits and displays related to the first conquerors of Everest, Sherpa culture, and gain insights into the diverse plant and animal life found in the Everest region. We will spend the night in Namche Bazaar, continuing to immerse ourselves in its vibrant atmosphere.

Our trek for today commences on a gentle and manageable trail that leads us to Phunki Thanga. From this point, we begin ascending towards the picturesque Tengboche village, which houses the largest monastery in the Everest region. This monastery, nestled within the confines of Sagarmatha National Park, offers awe-inspiring panoramic views of the highest peaks on Earth, including Everest, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Nuptse, and Lhotse. Our aim is to reach the monastery by 3:00 in the afternoon, allowing us the opportunity to witness a religious Buddhist ceremony if the timing aligns. We will spend the night in the tranquil surroundings of Tengboche, immersing ourselves in the peaceful atmosphere.

Our trek for today begins with a descent, as we traverse through lush forests adorned with birch, conifer, and rhododendron trees. Along the way, we are accompanied by captivating views of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam. The picturesque trail eventually leads us to Debuche, where we cross the Imja River and continue onwards to Pangboche. As we tread the upper Pangboche trails, we are rewarded with even more pristine vistas of the majestic Himalayas, along with the opportunity to visit the Pangboche Monastery. Our journey then takes us through the Imja Valley and the Lobuche River, before ascending to our final destination of Dingboche. This beautiful and windswept village is adorned with chortens (Buddhist shrines) and prayer flags, creating a serene atmosphere. We will spend the night in Dingboche, soaking in the tranquility of the surroundings.

Dingboche serves as a prominent resting point for trekkers and climbers en route to Mt. Everest, Ama Dablam, or Imja Tse. The village itself is a sight to behold, featuring cultivated fields enclosed by sturdy stone walls that shield crops such as barley, buckwheat, and potatoes from the harsh winds and grazing animals. As part of our acclimatization process, we will dedicate a day to stay in Dingboche. During this time, we will embark on a day hike to Nagarjun Hill, which rewards us with stunning panoramic views of renowned peaks like Makalu, Lhotse, Chalotse, Tawache, Ama Dablam, and many others. It's an opportunity to immerse ourselves in the natural beauty of the region and further adjust to the altitude.

Our trail leads us through captivating stone-walled fields and the picturesque Imja Khola valley before entering the glacier moraines, surrounded by towering Himalayan peaks. As we continue, we arrive at Bibre, a place known for its yak herding community. Directly across the valley, we are greeted by the awe-inspiring sights of the magnificent Ama Dablam and the imposing Amphu Lapcha mountains. The trail ahead intersects icy streams, requiring careful navigation. After approximately half an hour of walking, we reach Chhukung, where we pause for a well-deserved lunch. Following our meal, we embark on a trek towards Chhukung Ri. While the ascent involves some easy scrambling near the summit, the effort is rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of Ama Dablam and Amphu Lapcha peaks. After soaking in the remarkable vistas, we descend back to Chhukung, where we will spend the night, surrounded by the natural wonders of the region.

Our trek for today requires an early start as we aim to reach the highest point of our entire journey, the Kongma La pass. We have two possible routes to choose from. The first option is to follow a trail over a hill northwest of Chhukung, traversing the Nuptse Glacier moraines. Alternatively, we can return to Bibre and take the trail above the Niyang Khola. Whichever route we select, we will eventually reach the summit of Kongma La pass, which is marked by cairns and Buddhist prayer flags. The descent from the pass is the most challenging part of today's journey. After navigating the moraine on the opposite side, the trail turns north, guiding us through the Khumbu Glacier until we reach our destination of Lobuche. We will spend the night in Lobuche, replenishing our energy for the adventures that lie ahead.

Our trail continues along the lateral moraine of the majestic Khumbu Glacier. As we progress, we are treated to remarkable vistas, catching sight of the crest of Everest's north ridge, as well as prominent peaks such as Pumori, Mahalangur, Lingtern, Khumbutse, and Nuptse, among others. A slight ascent leads us to Thangma Riju, where we are rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the Himalayan panorama. We then ascend a steep trail that takes us to the top of the Changri Glacier. Upon reaching Gorak Shep, we find ourselves surrounded by the grandeur of the Himalayas. After a brief rest, we resume our trek towards Everest Base Camp. Our path takes us through rocky dunes, moraines, and streams until we finally arrive at the base camp of the world's tallest mountain, Everest. From this vantage point, we can appreciate the magnificent views of Nuptse, Khumbuste, Pumori, and other awe-inspiring peaks. After immersing ourselves in the splendor of Everest Base Camp, we make our way back to Gorak Shep, where we will spend the night, reflecting on the remarkable journey thus far.

We set off on our trek to Kala Patthar early in the morning, aiming to witness the mesmerizing sight of the sun's first rays illuminating the majestic Mt. Everest. It is important to be prepared for trekking in the dark and cold temperatures, as well as the possibility of chilly winds, which are common in this area. As we continue our ascent, we are greeted by familiar peaks such as Lingtren, Khumbutse, Changtse, Everest, and Nuptse, which tower above us in all their grandeur. After several hours of uphill climbing, we reach the summit of Kala Patthar. From this vantage point, we are treated to an awe-inspiring, up-close view of Mt. Everest and the surrounding Himalayan peaks. The panoramic vista is truly remarkable. After relishing in the breathtaking scenery, we begin our descent and make our way back to Lobuche, where we will spend the night, reflecting on the unforgettable experiences and sights of the day.

Starting from Lobuche, we embark on a downhill trek along a trail that runs parallel to the Khumbu Glacier. The trail eventually splits into two, and we choose the path on our right. As we make our way, we are treated to a magnificent view of the imposing Awi Peak, which looms in the distance, adding to the awe-inspiring scenery. Along the way, we pass by a stupa and tombstones, signifying the sacredness of the region. After walking for some time, our trail begins to ascend, offering glimpses of the nearby Chola Tsho Lake. Continuing on, we encounter another smaller lake before crossing the Chola Khola over a sturdy bridge. Our journey leads us to the serene village of Dzongla, where we will spend the night, immersing ourselves in the tranquil ambiance of the surroundings.

As we continue ascending, the stunning Cho La Lake comes into view, while the magnificent Ama Dablam presides over a range of mountains to the south, and Cholatse soars proudly to the west. The climb becomes increasingly challenging as we navigate steep inclines, further complicated by boulders that require scrambling. The final stretch to reach the Cho La pass may pose some difficulty as the trail curves around a crevasse. However, the top of the pass is marked by prayer flags and cairns, offering a rewarding sense of accomplishment. The panoramic scenery of majestic peaks in every direction is truly breathtaking. Descending from the pass, although a long journey, the path leading to Thangnak is not particularly difficult. Our trail leads us to the edge of the Ngozumpa Glacier, the longest glacier in Nepal. After crossing to the other side of the glacier, we encounter the second lake in the series of six Gokyo Lakes. A short distance away lies the third Gokyo Lake, and it is on the edge of this lake that the picturesque Gokyo Village is situated. This is where we will spend the night, surrounded by the tranquil beauty of the Gokyo region.

Today, we embark on an exciting adventure to climb Gokyo Ri, a vantage point that offers breathtaking views of the magnificent mountain vista that surrounds us. From the summit of Gokyo Ri, we are treated to awe-inspiring panoramas of the Himalayas, allowing us to soak in the beauty of this majestic region. After descending from Gokyo Ri, we have the opportunity to explore the fourth Gokyo Lake, located just 3 kilometers north of Gokyo Village. Its serene waters and surrounding landscape provide a tranquil setting to appreciate the natural beauty of the area. Continuing our trek, we make our way towards the fifth lake. At the edge of the fifth lake, we discover 'Scoundrel's Viewpoint', a spot that offers an astonishing perspective of Cho-Oyu, Gyachung Kang, Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Makalu mountains, as well as the expansive Ngozumpa Glacier. Enthralled by the grandeur of the surroundings, we retrace our steps back to Gokyo Village, where we will spend the night, relishing the memories of this remarkable day.

We start our day early and begin trekking alongside Dudh Pokhari (lake) for a while. After about two hours, we descend towards the Renjo La pass, where we are treated to magnificent views of the Himalayan and Rolwaling ranges. The vistas from the pass resemble those from Gokyo Ri, with the third Gokyo Lake, Gokyo Village, and the Ngozumpa Glacier creating a stunning landscape. We are also privileged to witness outstanding views of Mt. Everest from the pass. As we continue our descent from the pass, we traverse a stone staircase and navigate through loose scree until we reach the south bank of Angladumba Tsho Lake. The presence of ice on the trail during the descent can add some hazards. Along the way, we pass by Relama Tsho and Renjo Lake, eventually reaching Lumde, where a support lodge may be found, although it is often closed. From Lumde, it takes approximately an hour to reach Marlung, situated on the eastern bank of the Bhote Koshi River. We will spend the night in Marlung.

From Marulung, we follow an ancient trade route used by Tibetan traders for centuries as we descend towards Thame. Crossing the Bhote Koshi River, we make our way to Taranga. The trail continues its descent, taking us across two bridges until we finally reach Thame. Perched on a hill to the west, the renowned Thame Gompa overlooks the village. From Thame, we continue our gradual descent, passing through several small villages before eventually arriving at Namche Bazaar, the largest town in the Everest region. We will spend the night in Namche Bazaar.

We commence our trek by descending and continue to cross several bridges over the fast-flowing Dudh Koshi River and its tributaries. The trail gradually levels out and becomes more natural. As we proceed, we delight in walking across open plains, through enchanting rhododendron and pine forests, and catch glimpses of the distant snow-capped peaks. Along the way, we pass through Sherpa villages, witnessing their unwavering devotion to Buddhism and the captivating presence of prayer stones and flags. Finally, we reach Lukla, where we can give our tired legs a well-deserved rest and reflect on the incredible experiences of the past few weeks. Our rewarding journey through the mountains and challenging passes comes to an end today. We will spend the night in Lukla.

The flights from Lukla to Kathmandu are typically scheduled in the morning to ensure safety. Once we arrive in the capital city, the remainder of the day is free for us to spend as we wish. We may choose to relax and rest in our hotel room or take the opportunity to explore and shop for souvenirs for our loved ones. In the evening, a special farewell dinner will be organized to commemorate the successful completion of our memorable mountain journey. We will spend the night in Kathmandu.

To account for any potential flight cancellations due to adverse weather conditions in the Lukla sector, we have included a contingency day in our itinerary. This extra day will serve as a buffer and allow us to reschedule our flight if needed. Additionally, once we return to Kathmandu after our two-week trek, we have allocated a relaxing day to unwind and rest in the city. It's a great opportunity to explore Kathmandu, engage in leisure activities, or simply enjoy some well-deserved downtime before concluding our adventure.

Today marks the conclusion of our incredible journey in the Everest region, which included reaching the base camp of Mt. Everest and crossing high mountain passes. To ensure a smooth departure, a representative from the company will pick us up from our hotel and transport us to the airport, ensuring that we arrive three hours prior to our scheduled flight.