EVEREST THREE PASSES TREK

As you fly over the densely concrete urban jungle of Kathmandu valley, the birds eye view of the Himalayas on the north will be a pleasant surprise. Once clearing the customs, our representative will be waiting to attend you through the hustle and bustle of Kathmandu streets towards your hotel. After settling in, we will gather for a short briefing, where we will also get to know each other. Welcome dinner is a 15-minute walk-away in the tourist hub of Thamel, where both Western and local cuisines are offered.

Hotel Tibet or similar. (Dinner).

Full day exploration of the sights, sounds and pleasant chaos that is Kathmandu. Visit Bodhnath which is a sacred destination for Buddhists from all over the world. Circum-ambulate the sacred monument with devotees, spin the prayer wheels along the stupa walls, and immerse yourself in the experience of Bodhnath.

Visit Pashupatinath, Nepal’s most sacred Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva, the God of Destruction. The main temple has a two-tiered golden roof and an ornate silver door. However, visitors cannot enter the main temple sanctum and must view it from across the sacred Bagmati River.

Then drive to Patan. After lunch, visit the well-maintained Patan Museum which houses ancient Nepali artifacts, followed by a tour of Patan Durbar (Palace) Square. The medieval architecture of Patan is the finest with stunning architectural designs of palaces and temples including the Krishna Mandir. Return to hotel. Free evening to prepare for your Ultimate Everest trek.

Hotel Tibet or similar. (Breakfast and Lunch)

Please note that flights to Lukla could be delayed or cancelled for a number of reasons. In such an event, return to the hotel and resume program the following day.

Your day will start very early today as most flights to Lukla are scheduled for the early morning hours. Be prepared for a wait at the airport if your flight is delayed due to weather at either Kathmandu or Lukla. The flight to Lukla (2,800m/8,700ft) is approximately 25 minutes. It is now one of the busiest mountain airports in Nepal with up to 50 flights per day during peak tourist season.

At Lukla, meet your trek staff – porters and assistants. Today’s three/four hour trek to Phakding is on fairly level terrain along the Dudh Koshi (‘koshi’ means river in Nepali). Past Lukla, descend to Chaurikharka and continue on a fairly level trail to Choplung (2,700m/8,910ft). Continue on a trail that descends to Tharo Koshi, a settlement named after the stream flowing through it. Once past the bridge over the Thado Koshi, the trail climbs a bit then contours around a ridge to Ghat (2,590m/8,500ft). There is a monastery, numerous prayer wheels, mani stones and a chhorten at Ghat. From Ghat, it is approximately 20 minutes to Phakding, a fairly large settlement dominated by lodges.

Lodge. (All meals)

Total Distance: 4 miles/6.5 kilometers
Total Time: 4 – 5 hours

The day’s trail follows the Dudh Koshi past several villages until you begin your ascent to Namche. Before reaching Monju (2,840m/9,350 ft.) is the village of Chumoa where in the 1970s, an eccentric but creative Mr Hagayuki lived without a visa for almost 10 years – farming and running the Hatago Lodge – before being deported. The lodge is now falling apart, but his fruit trees still bear flowers and fruits in the spring and summer. Just beyond Monju is the entrance to the Sagarmatha National Park where your park permit will be checked. Visit the Information Center thNamcheere while your permit is processed by Park staff. Depending on the time you reach this point, lunch will be either at Monju or Jorsalle (2,830m/9,300ft) inside the park.

Past Jorsalle, the trail follows the Dudh Koshi and crosses it, twice before the base of the hill which climbs up to Namche. This climb is long and steep. Walk slowly on this hill to avoid altitude sickness. The switchback trail is well-worn and wide through a pleasant pine forest. Weather permitting, you will get your first view of Mt Everest at the beginning of the switchback trail. At the end of the long switchback trail, you enter the open panorama of Namche which is built in a natural amphitheater.

Lodge. (All meals)

Total Distance: 6.25 miles/10.5 kilometers
Ascent: 2,944 ft/900 meters
Descent: 693 ft/211 meters
Total Time: 7 – 8 hours

Acclimatization day. There are numerous things to do in Namche. Hike up to the Park Headquarters at Mendalphu, which is an excellent view point for Mt. Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse and Amadablam. Visit the information center there. Then climb up the hill to Syangboche (3,790m/12,450ft), and perhaps further up to the Everest View Hotel from where you can also get excellent views of Everest. Another option is to hike towards Thame and get as far as you can before you backtrack the same way to Namche. En route, you can visit Namche Gomba and Thamo Gomba.

Also remember that you can get online at Namche or make a telephone call (although both internet and calls can be fairly expensive).

Lodge. (All meals)

Climb to the top of Namche Bazaar, then walk on a fairly level trail to Kenjuma and Sanasa (3,600m/11,830ft). Here, there are extensive displays of souvenirs to tempt you. Bargaining is very much in order! The trail now descends to the Dudh Koshi, which is crossed to reach Phungi Tenga (3,250m/10,700ft). There is a now-deserted army post here. Past this point, the trail ascends to Tengboche through conifer and rhododendron forests. It is a grueling three/four hours of uphill climbing.

Visit Tengboche monastery in the evening, or watch the setting sun cast its last rays over Everest if the skies are clear. There is also an eco-center with historical and cultural exhibits in the monastery compound. If monks are performing prayer ceremonies when you visit, please do not take flash photos or otherwise disturb the ceremonies.

Lodge. (All meals)

Total Distance: 6.06 miles/9.05 kilometers
Ascent: 2,511 ft/765 meters
Descent: 1,196 ft/365 meters
Total Time: 6 – 7 hours

Today is a short day of around two hours trekking to Pangboche. This should aid with acclimatization. The trail descends steeply to the small village of Debuche. Here, quietly tucked away in the trees is a Buddhist nunnery.

An optional hike to Amadablam Base Camp at 14,800 feet. (2.7 miles with 2,242 feet ascent one way). Or you may just opt for a shorter hike. Past Debuche, cross the Imja Khola and climb to the village of Pangboche (3,880m/12,800ft). The Pangboche Monastery is the oldest in Khumbu and once contained relics that were said to be the skull and hand of a yeti. These items were stolen in 1991.

Lodge. (All meals)

Total Distance: 2.65 miles/4.25 kilometers
Ascent: 550 ft/167 meters
Descent: 478 ft/146 meters
Total Time: 2 – 3 hours

Hike to well past the village where the trail climbs to Shomare and then to Orsho on a shelf above the river. Beyond Orsho, the trail divides, the left leads to Pheriche and the right to Dingboche. We will take the right trail to Dingboche. Dingboche is a pleasant village with outstanding mountain views.

Lodge. (All meals)

Total Distance: 3.62 miles/5.82 kilometers
Ascent: 1,099 ft/335 meters
Descent: 21 ft/6.4 meters
Total Time: 3 – 4 hours

Acclimatization Day. You can spend this day resting, walking around the restful village, or climbing up to the chhorten on the top of the ridge above the village. Or you can do a hike to Feriche.

Lodge. (All meals)

Today is a short day to aid with acclimatization. Climb gradually to the top of the moraine above Pheriche Valley and continue across a few yak pastures. Then make a short but steep ascent to Dughla where you will arrive for lunch. Most groups will trek on to Lobuche but staying in Dughla will help get used to the altitude.

Lodge. (All meals)

Total Distance: 3.3 miles/5.31 kilometers
Ascent: 985 ft/300 meters
Descent: 72 ft/22 meters
Total Time: 3 – 4 hours

Today is a rest day and acclimatization day before the big climb over Kongmala to Lobuche. You have the option to hike to Imja Lake and Imja Tse Base Camp (Island Peak Base Camp).

Lodge. (All meals)

Begin early by around 5:00 or 5:30 am. Climb gradually past several pastures for about two hours to approach a steep rocky section which might require some scrambling. Past this section is a gradual climb to a small lake from where the pass is visible. Begin the final steep climb to the pass. From the pass, enjoy views of Cho Oyu, Makalu, Island Peak, Baruntse and many other peaks (see gallery below). The initial descent is steep and through loose rocks. After navigating the tricky trail for about 30 minutes, the trail becomes easier until you enter the Khumbu glacier. The glacier is constantly moving and that means the trail changes each year. Past the glacier is Lobuche.

Lodge. (All meals)

Chukkung to Kongmala Pass:

Total Distance: 3.88 miles/6.24 kilometers
Ascent: 2,759 ft/786 meters
Descent: 76 ft/23 meters
Total Time: 4 – 5 hours

Kongmala Pass to Lobuche:

Total Distance: 2.73 miles/4.4 kilometers
Ascent: 369 ft/112 meters
Descent: 2,174 ft/663 meters
Total Time: 3 – 4 hours

Begin the trek today by ascending gently through meadows in the Khumbu valley. Then cross several steep moraines while also walking on an ‘active’ glacier. Gorakshep is situated on a sandy and flat section that served as base camp for the 1952 Swiss Everest Expedition.

After lunch, if you feel up to it, hike to Everest Base Camp and return to your lodge at Gorakshep. The round trip hike from Gorakshep to Everest Base Camp can take around four or five hours (2.1 miles with 469 feet ascent and 125 feet descent one way)

Lodge. (All meals)

Total Distance: 2.99 miles/4.8 kilometers
Ascent: 770 ft/235 meters
Descent: 248 ft/76 meters
Total Time: 3 – 4 hours

Hike up Kalapathar (5,545m/18,195ft) for views of Everest and surrounding peaks. This 335m/1,100ft steep ascent is challenging. Previous clients’ hiking times for this climb have ranged from two to five hours – one way. But there is no doubt that, weather permitting, the summit of Kalapathar serves as one of the best unobstructed view-point for the southern massif of Mt Everest.

Enjoy a well-deserved lunch either at Gorakshep or Lobuche, and then continue to Dzongla.

Lodge. (All meals)

Total Distance: 7.78 miles/12.52 kilometers
Ascent: 730 ft/222 meters
Descent: 1,755 ft/555 meters
Total Time: 6 – 7 hours

Start early from Dzongla, walking through a pasture before beginning a steep ascent to the Cho La (‘la’ means pass in the local Sherpa language) at 5,420m/17,850ft. Some scrambling might be necessary as you navigate through the rocky trail. You will then reach a glacier from where it is a gradual ascent to the pass. The trail on the descent from the pass is steep and can be icy with a short walk on the moraine. There are cables on both sides of the pass which should help on the steep sections.

Lodge. (All meals)

Total Distance: 5.81 miles/9.35 kilometers
Ascent: 1,876 ft/572 meters
Descent: 2,351 ft/716 meters
Total Time: 6 – 8 hours

Climb to the Ngozumpa Glacier, the longest glacier in the Sagarmatha National Park and the origin of the Dudh Koshi. The crossing of the glacier is quite rigorous – the trail keeps changing as, yes, the glacier does move every year. Once past the glacier, ascend a small section to reach Gokyo. Situated at the head of the Dudh Koshi Valley and along the bank of the Ngozumpa Glacier, Gokyo used to be a small yak herding settlement. It has now become a popular tourist destination. Gokyo Lake is a sacred lake revered by both Buddhists and Hindus.

Lodge. (All meals)

Total Distance: 2.57 miles/4.13 kilometers
Ascent: 782 ft/239 meters
Descent: 570 ft/174 meters
Total Time: 3 – 4 hours

Today is a Gokyo Ri exploration day. You may also opt to rest. The hike to Gokyo Ri (5,483m/17,990ft) is similar to the hike to Kala Pathar, but a little shorter and easier. From here, you will be able to view Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyu, all rising majestically above 8,000 meters. You may also opt to hike to the fifth lake from where the view of Everest is spectacular.

Lodge. (All meals)

Another early start today. Climb steeply to Renjo La (5,375m/17,700ft) from where you will again experience awe-inspiring views of Everest and other mountains. From the pass, descend steeply to reach Lungden, a village that has still not been influenced much by tourism. The hike today can take over eight hours.

Lodge. (All meals)

Total Distance: 7.06 miles/11.5 kilometers
Ascent: 1,931 ft/588 meters
Descent: 3,397 ft/1,035 meters
Total Time: 7 – 8 hours

The hike to Thame is a short descent along the Bhote Koshi, a river that originates in Tibet. The quiet village of Thame is home to many famous Everest summiteers: Tenzing Norgay, who with Sir Edmund Hillary, made the first summit of Everest in 1953; Ang Rita Sherpa, also known as the ‘snow leopard’, has successfully climbed Everest ten times without the use of supplemental oxygen; and Appa Sherpa who is attempted his record-breaking 20th summit of Everest in 2010.

At Thame, visit the Thame Monastery, one of the three oldest monasteries in the Khumbu.

Lodge. (All meals)

Total Distance: 5.85 miles/9.5 kilometers
Ascent: 309 ft/95 meters
Descent: 2,055 ft/626 meters
Total Time: 4 – 5 hours

Trek on fairly level trail today trekking past Thamo and a few other smaller villages.

Lodge. (All meals)

Total Distance: 5.41 miles/8.7 kilometers
Ascent: 720 ft/220 meters
Descent: 1,960 ft/598 meters
Total Time: 3 – 4 hours

Return to Lukla. This is your last day of trekking.

Lodge. (All meals)

Total Distance: 11.21 miles/18 kilometers
Ascent: 2,153 ft/656 meters
Descent: 4,067 ft/1,240 meters
Total Time: 2 – 3 hours

Fly Lukla to Kathmandu. Transfer to your hotel. Rest of the day free in Kathmandu.

Hotel Tibet or similar. (Breakfast)

This is a contingency day in case of flight delays from Lukla to Kathmandu.

If your flight arrives on schedule, sightseeing in Kathmandu. Visit Swayambunath, better known as the Monkey Temple. It is situated on a small hill overlooking Kathmandu City. Be prepared to climb almost 300 steps to reach the stupa at the top of the hill.

Drive to Bhaktapur, the City of Devotees for lunch and a tour of the royal palace square. Bhaktapur is a medieval city in the Kathmandu valley and is least disturbed by modern life. Here, you can absorb the architectural splendor of the five-storied Nyatapola temple, or the sculptural delight of the Peacock Window.

A final farewell dinner in Kathmandu.

Hotel Tibet or similar. (All meals)

Transfer to airport for final departure. (Breakfast)