Everest Three High Passes Trek

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu [1300 m/4264 ft]

Upon your arrival in the International airport at Kathmandu, you will be greeted by a representative from Family Adventure Treks & Expedition Pvt. Ltd.  After completing your custom formalities (Visa, etc), pick up your luggage and look for our representative with an Family Adventure  Treks & Expedition Pvt. Ltd. display board at the arrival gate. You will be then transferred to your hotel of choice. After check in, you can take a rest, hang around in the city, or visit our office; it all depends upon your interests and condition. In the evening we will organize a “Welcome Dinner” at an excellent traditional Nepalese Restaurant where you will enjoy a Nepalese cultural program performed by the local belles; this will be accompanied by a fine meal. Overnight in the ancient city of the gods

Day 02: Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla (2886m) and Trek to Phakding (2610m) - 3.5 hours:

After breakfast, we get transferred to the domestic terminal of Kathmandu airport for an early morning flight to Edmund Hillary’s Lukla (2,800m/9,186ft), a gateway to the destination from where our trek starts. After an adventurous 40 minute flight above breathtaking silver grey and white mountains, we reach the Tenzing-Hillary Airport at Lukla.

This is one of the most beautiful air routes in the world culminating in a dramatic landing on a hillside surrounded by high mountains peaks. Here we are introduced to our other crew members who will be the backbone of our venture and after some packing and logistics; we start our trek through the prosperous village of Lukla

until we reach Phakding. Because of acclimatization, we only have a short hike today. However, if interested in additional activities we can take a side trip to a nearby monastery. And this is your first overnight on the trail in Phakding

Day 03: Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3440m.) - 6 Hours:

We continue our trekking following the Dudh Koshi River and crossing it many times we enter the park in Jorsale and will stop here for a breather & for lunch. After lunch & some rest, we continue our trekking, after few hours walking the thriving mountain town of Namche Bazaar appears ahead as you travel along the path surrounded by pines. Pass the plateau where the Saturday bazaar is held and enter this vibrant village. Namche Bazaar (3440m) is surrounded on three sides by mountain ranges and opens out only where it faces the Dudh Koshi. The village is a central hub of the area and food, sundries and even mountain climbing equipment may be purchased here for a price. Should you want to communicate home, this is also possible from this almost remote outpost. Overnight at Guesthouse

Day 04: Rest day at Namche Bazaar (3440m) for acclimatization: this will get the lungs & bones set for the grueling days ahead…

Namche is tucked away between two ridges amidst the giant peaks of the Khumbu and has an abundance of lodges, tea shops and souvenir shops as well as a wonderful outlook, especially at twilight & on a full moon night. it is an ideal place to spend a rest day for acclimatization to the high altitude before heading off towards Tyangboche. For acclimatization we walk up to Khhumjung village through Everest view Hotel in Syangboche where you will get to see some beautiful views of the Himalayas including Mt. Everest. Khhumjung is one of those densely populated by the Sherpa community and there is an old monastery as well which is good for a visit, after some wonderful exploration, we then return to Namche for a well earned overnight at our guesthouse.

Day 05: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Tengboche (3867 m.) - 5 Hours:

We start our trekking through a ridge and level mountain path that offers an excellent panorama of Thamserku, Kantega, and Kusum Kangrib, after walking a few hours on a flat Zigzag path; we descend to the river and arrive at Phunki Tenga; a small settlement with a couple of teahouses and a small army post amidst the alpine woods.

After having a relaxed lunch at Phunki Tenga we then have a little tough climb steep up through the pine forests before we reach Tengboche. Tengboche is a great place for close up views of Ama-Dablam, Nuptse, and Everest and it has the biggest Buddhist Monastery all over in the Khumbu region. We visit the monastery the same day at around 3 p.m. to witness the ceremony in the principal and popular monastery of Everest region. Overnight stay at a lodge in Tengboche

Day 06: Trek from Tengboche to Dingboche (4260m) - 5 Hours:

We start our trekking by descending through Rhododendron forest to the Imja Khola and crossing an exciting suspension bridge on the Imja Khola and walk passing by a long Mani stone wall to enter the village of Pangboche. The early morning enchanted scenic beauty of Tengboche stops our breath for a moment. The mountain panorama includes

ranges of Kangtega, Thamserku, Ama Dablam, Taboche, Kwangde, Tengboche, Lhotse and Nuptse. After snapping pictures, we start the day journey through the trial that follows through Imja Khola upstream. Descending rapidly from the Tengboche meadow to the river bank, the track traverses a deep forest of birch and rhododendron with magnificent views of Ama Dablam, Lhotse-Nuptse ridge. As we reach Dingboche, a charming place amidst the woods, we visit Buddhist nunnery. Climbing up we come across few Chortens. Upon reaching Pangboche we are amazed at the dramatic views, we might visit Upper Pangboche to best view the mountains. Our route continues through summer pastures to Dingboche. Overnight at our Guesthouse

Day 07: Rest day at Dingboche (4260m.) for acclimatization:

We notice a decrease in the tree line after Pangboche and upon reaching Shomare the terrain changes dramatically to a rolling arid stretch and an alpine terrain with patches of scrub and isolated pastures. As we reach Orsho the pyramidal peak of Pumori emerges above the mountains ahead. We finally reach the chilly & windy settlement of Dingboche watched by chortens & prayer flags. Today is a remarkable acclimatization day where we rest our weary bodies. There are some breathtaking views of the North face of Ama Dablam and the Lhotse-Nuptse ridge as you explore this beautiful valley that leads up to Island Peak. The walk is short with a good chance to relax & just laze around in the afternoon, probably with your favorite book. We finally enjoy our night’s rest at our guesthouse in Dingboche.

Day 08: Trek from Dingboche to Chhukung- 2-3 Hours:

The walk is pretty nice as we leave Dingboche through stone walled fields and alpine landscape. We hike the trail from Dingboche through Imja Khola valley to a land dotted by glacier moraines amidst towering formidable mountains.

We walk at our own pace as our schedule for today is only 3-4 hours trek. While walking through the valley, Lhotse towers on our left and Ama Dablam on our right. After walking about 3 km, we reach at yak herdsman’s place called Bibre. Straight ahead, beyond a terminal moraine wall, soars the Island peak (Imja Tse), a most popular trekking peak. The pyramidal Imja Tse looks awesome with its steep rock and-icy south face. The trail ahead is intersected by icy streams. We reach Chhukung in about half an hour from Bibre. There are glaciers and massive snowy mountains all around the place. It is pleasant walking just for 2-3 hours and we will also walk around the Chukum Valley which will get us physically ready for our first pass across Kongma la. Overnight at our Guesthouse

Day 09: Trek from Chhukung - Kongma la Pass - Lobuche- 8 hours:

We start our trekking quite early in the morning today as we will have quite a long and tiring day, we head directly west out of Chhukung on a small, rocky trail and contour around many hillsides, usually not very steeply, until we reach the Pokalden Base Camp.

We start at first light from Chhukung as we have to conquer the highest pass of the trip today. We carry plenty of water and some snacks and a packed lunch as there are no tea shops on the way. We really enjoy the remoteness of the area and the wonderful display of nature down here!!

We can select to go via any of the possible trails – either taking a climb over the hill northwest of Chhukung over the moraine of the Nuptse Glacier or we might walk back down the valley to Bibre and follow a high trail above the Niyang Khola. Just after some walk there are great views of Island peak valley and jagged ridge of Amphu Lapcha. Ascending along the east side of Niyang Khola valley, we turn west and walk through the sloppy stony trail. We enter a wide basin dotted with small frozen lakes. The trail rises over loose scree gaining the Kongma La after about five hours before we leave Chhukung. After a few other hills, more steeps, we will reach another Base Camp for Pokalden and a clear blue lake which sits just below the pass. We climb the last half an hour on a trail which is good but looks impossibly built into the cliff-side and head to Lobuche for an overnight at our Guesthouse

Day 10: Trek from Lobuche to Everest Base Camp via Gorakshep (5170m.) 6 -7 Hours:

We start our trekking following the rocky moraine path, view icy glacial ponds and icebergs down below of the Khumbu glacier. After the last rocky moraine dunes, a short downhill walk brings us to Gorakshep, where we will stop for lunch and we leave all our stuff there at lodge as this is the last place where lodges are  available – then we start our Himalayan journey to the Everest Base camp – & WOW !!! Congratulations!!! We’ve done it!!! Your Dream comes true… at last! After hanging around for sometime in the Base Camp we then return to Gorakshep. Overnight at Guesthouse

Day 11: Trek from Gorakshep to Kala Patthar (5545m.) and trek to Zongla - 5 Hours:

Early morning after a few cuppers, we will climb the Kala Patthar (5545m.) and enjoy the view of sunrise in the Himalayas including the mighty Everest. After a brief lunch and rest, we take the trail to Everest Base Camp through the once vast Gorakshep Lake. Continuing straight ahead, we come through the Indian army mountaineers’ memorials. As we reach Everest Base Camp, we cannot stop ourselves from respecting the Everest climbers who took this perilous route through the Khumbu icefall. Mountaineer’s tents stand out in bright colors against all the dull gray surroundings (especially in the spring). Nuptse, Khumbetse and Pumori are the mountains we can view from base camp. Everest actually is not visible from here. By now we can assume we have met the ultimate objectives of our trip.

However, the sunset view from Kala Patthar is more admirable than the sunrise view, so it is suggested we visit Kala Patthar today during sunset.  As the setting sun’s rays strike the snow capped mountains the resulting scenery is indescribable. For those trekkers who wish to continue to Kala Patthar, our guides and Sherpas coordinate your hike to Kala Patthar for  an amazing sunset view today rather than waiting until the next day.

From Kala Patthar we will have a panoramic view of Mt. Everest and many other mountain peaks like Mt. Pumori, Mt. Lingtren, Mt. Khumbetse, Mt. Nuptse, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Ama Dablam, Mt. Thamserku and many more of those wonder peaks. Then we return to Kalapattar and have a Hot Breakfast and continue our trekking to Zongla where we halt for the overnight at our Guesthouse

Day 12: Trek from Dzongla to Thaknak- 9 Hours:

Today, we will start our trekking early morning as we are going to cross the Cho La pass (5370m), a steep and somewhat difficult ascent of a rocky ridge a few hours walk from Dzongla  We start by crossing a small glacial stream, and then start climbing up the pass. From the top, we are treated to views of Ama Dablam, Kantega, Thamserku, Taboche, Cholatse and Baruntse, and to Nangpai Gosain, Pasang Lhamo, Numbur and on the Gokyo side. Once up on top of the glaciated pass, we trek across the snow, with Lobuche West looming above us, to the summit and hang some Buddhist prayer flags to send prayers out across the Himalayas. Early morning as we get out of our lodge we are greeted by the mesmerizing sight of Cholatse looming over. Today is going to be one of the toughest days of our trip. The walk begins as we transverse through a spur extending westward from Dzongla. The path descends to a basin across which meanders a murmuring stream crusted with ice at places. In about an hour, we reach the top of the basin readying for the triumph on Cho-La. As we gain height, the view back gets increasingly more captivating; the Chola Lake begins to appear and the Ama Dablam in its pyramidal incarnation presides over a range of mountains on the south as Cholatse soars on the west. Climbing the incline is not easy; it is steep, but made worse by boulders over some of which we will have to scramble. We need to be alert as rocks can be glazed by ice. The final climb to the Cho – La can be a little tricky as the trail curves round the bergschrund. Upon reaching the top, we see prayer flags, strung across cairns, flapping in the strong wind. The perfect vista of majestic peaks in all directions is breathtaking. After a snack, it’s a scramble back down the pass, a rocky, hilly trail across the valley, and a descent to the yak kharka of Thaknak. Overnight at our Guesthouse

Day 13: Trek from Thaknak to Gokyo- 4 Hours:

We start our trekking in the morning by crossing the Ngozumpa Glacier on a sandy, shifting trail, the frozen lakes creaking below and beside us as we turn our way to the other side. Once back on the main trail to Gokyo, we have an hour’s hike past the second lake to the lodge at Gokyo. In the Gokyo valley, the character of the trekking changes abruptly. The opaque powder-blue lakes are often on the verge of freezing over, and sometimes perform a Himalayan symphony of expanding and retracting ice. We have entered the grassy ablation valley running beside the Ngozumpa Glacier, and have our first sight of Gokyo, a seasonal village and grazing area built beside the third and biggest lake. Gokyo has become something of a Himalayan resort without the crowd – at least in terms of the comfortable lodges with sunrooms, unbeatable views, excellent food and warm stoves. It is a great base to explore from, and we have plenty of time for it. Overnight at Guesthouse

Day 14: Rest day at Gokyo and excursion around Gokyo valley & Lake:

A day for rest day in the Gokyo Valley is an exceptional opportunity for the physical well being of our bodies. This acclimatization day is grasped as an opportunity to climb Gokyo Ri to enjoy the scene from the best viewpoint of Everest Region. Or, as we know Gokyo is not only popular for its grand view from Gokyo Peak but also for the six lakes which it hosts, definitely we would not miss the chance to observe the fourth lake (Thonak Tsho) and fifth lake (Ngozuma Tsho). About 3 km north of Gokyo is the fourth lake with its high cliffs and peaks rising above it. The trail continues to fifth lake and we get mesmerized by the shimmering turquoise blue sheet of water. If interested, we climb on a hill at the edge of the Lakes to get astounding views of Cho-Oyu, Gyachung Kang, Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Makalu. We can see a lot more from here – the spot is called Scoundrel’s Viewpoint. Beyond the fifth Lakes is the Cho Oyu Base Camp. Scenery here is breathtaking with Cho Oyu and Gyachung Kang seeming just a stone’s throw away. Northern part of the fifth lake provides fabulous views of Cho-Oyu Base Camp and biggest glacier of the world- the Ngazumpa glacier. Flushed & amazed by the charm, we may even try to go to the sixth lake too but this depends upon our own interest and time. Back to Gokyo village Overnight at Gokyo

Day 15: Trek from Gokyo Renjo Pass (5345m) Lunde - 7 Hours:

Early morning after breakfast, we will climb renjo la pass. This is a truly amazing high pass in Everest region and is getting even more popular by the day. After about 3 hours, we gain the Renjo La where a dazzling vista awaits. The Everest itself, Lhotse, Cholatse and Taboche can be seen gleaming in the sunshine.

Views from Renjo La are much like that from Gokyo Ri with third Gokyo Lake and Gokyo Village beneath the gray smear of Ngozumpa Glacier. Continuing on from the pass, the trail winds down a stone staircase and then scramble over loose scree to reach the south bank of a small lake, Angladumba Tsho. The presence of ice on the trail while descending down can make our descent a bit hazardous. Along the way we see Relama Tsho and Renjo Lake. However, we walk down through a narrow valley clogged with giant boulders to Lumde where there is a support Lodge but it can be closed often. However, it is now possible to hike through with a lodge available. Overnight at our Guesthouse

Day 16: Trek from Lunde to Thame - 4 hours:

It is Easy trekking down to Thame – Thame has a sprawling village with a few lodges and stunning mountains like Thamserku, Kantenga, Kusum Kangguru, etc. Overlooking Thame is its famous Gompa situated amidst some fields on a hill to the west. Established some 325 years ago, the Gompa has three big images of Chenresig (Avalokiteswara), Guru Rimpoche, Buddha Sakyamuni. Colorful Mani Rimdu festival featuring colorful mask dances is held in this Gompa in May. Overnight at our Guesthouse

Day 17: Trek form Thame to Namche Bazaar- 4 Hours:

We continue our trekking following the flat route and descending to first resting place Thamo after heading towards to Namche bazaar. We climb down after crossing a bridge after which we eventually reach Samde. The place offers breathtaking views. The path steeply descends down to Thamo village which hosts a monastery called Khari Gompa which is a nunnery being home to some nuns and monks. After passing through a check post, we come to the world’s highest hydroelectric power station built with Austrian help. Overnight at our Guesthouse

Day 18: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla (2886m.) - 6 Hours: this is our last day on these massive mountains, home to us all of these days…

Today is the last day of your trekking, too. The hike is real cool & easy, except for a few short uphill climbs and then down to the Bhote-Koshi River crossing it three times. The last uphill climb of 45 minutes will bring you to Lukla. This day calls for one of those exceptional celebrations after we conquered some of those high & wild passes. Our Sherpa crew, whom you’ve come to know so well over these past weeks will cook up a special dinner & we’ll taste some of that special mountain beer popularly known as ‘chhang’ {brewed from fermented rice}. Its time to do a jig to some gyrating Sherpa dances as we sing & jump for joy with laughter.

We’ve come through safe & sound without any injury or disasters which can always occur on the treacherous steppes of these rugged mountainous passes. After all, what else is life for without overtaking some of the toughest obstacles that we occasionally come across in the tributaries of life. Altogether, it’s a merry conclusion to a wonderful holiday. We go to bed under starry moonlit skies & reminisce on all the great experiences we shared on this trip. Overnight at our Guesthouse

Day 19: Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu:

Subject to an all clear weather which could sometimes go haywire in this part of the region, we will take an early morning flight back to Kathmandu. The rest of your time is free to do your own things. You could maybe do some shopping to buy some souvenirs for the loved ones at home. Overnight at your hotel

Day 20: A day for Leisure in Kathmandu:

It’s also spare day in case of bad weather in Lukla.

Note: If you are interested in other activities in Nepal such as a Jungle Safari, a Pokhara Tour, or a visit to Lumbini, Paragliding or an Ultra Flight… then you can start now. Just let us know your thoughts. Our prices are pocket friendly

Day 21: Transfer to international airport for your final departure.

Family Adventure Treks & Expedition Pvt. Ltd. will send a vehicle with escorts to your hotel where you will be transferred to the airport for your connecting flight home. At  FAMILY ADVENTURE TREKS & EXPEDITION PVT. LTD., we knew you would depend on us/count on us, & we pulled all the stops to make sure we’d never let you down. Knowing you & planning your trip all of these weeks has been a wonderful experience for us down here; your faith & trust in us has enabled us to give you the holidays of a lifetime. We do hope you will cherish the memories of Nepal’s beautiful mountains & tell the story to your loved ones at home. All of us down here wish you a safe & happy bon voyage home!!