Ultimate Everest Trek – Overview
The Ultimate Everest Trek is a challenging circuit trek offering spectacular views of the highest mountains on earth. But no technical climbing skills are required for participation on this trek. On this trek, in good weather, you are guaranteed daily spectacular views of some of the most dramatic mountains in the world. Towering Himalayan peaks such as Lhotse, Makalu, Everest, Cho-Oyu, Pumori and Ama Dablam dominate the skyline.
THE TREK
The Ultimate Everest trek begins with a flight to Lukla. Follow the classic route to the Everest Base Camp and climb Kalapathar for an up-close view of the south face of Everest. Thereafter, return is via an alternate route crossing the Cho La (pass) to the Gokyo valley near the Ngozumpa Glacier. At Gokyo, hike to the summit of Gokyo Ri – a vantage point to view four mountains over 8,000 meters: Everest, Lhotse, Cho Oyu and Makalu. From Gokyo, cross the Renjo La pass to reach Thame, home of several famous Sherpa mountaineers. Finally, descend to Lukla via Khumjung.
This is a comprehensive Everest region trek that allows you to see more of everything in the Khumbu: spectacular mountain vistas, Sherpa culture, high passes, and rustic villages.
If you prefer a less strenuous trek, check out our Everest Base Camp Trek. An even more physically challenging trek is the Everest Three Passes Trek. This trek involves crossing the Kongma La pass (Chukkung to Lobuche) besides the Cho La pass and the Renjo La pass. No climbing skills are required for these treks. We are also happy to customize any trek for you.
ACCOMMODATION AND MEALS
The Ultimate Everest Trek is a lodge trek. Hence, this means you will sleep and eat meals in local lodges along the trail. The quality of the lodges on this trek are the best among all trekking trails in Nepal. And several lodges on the trail have en suite rooms with hot showers. Furthermore, meals are also quite varied with many options including rice with veggies, noodles, local breads etc. Read our article about food options on Everest treks.
BEST SEASON
Like most treks in Nepal, the best seasons for the Ultimate Everest trek are Spring (March-May) and Autumn (October-November). It is also possible to do this trek in early Winter in December but not any later. While it will obviously be very cold (upto -20 C/, -4 F), it will be less crowded as there aren’t as many trekkers in the area.
TREK RATING
The Ultimate Everest trek is rated “CHALLENGING”. And it is rated 5 on a rating scale from 1 (easy) to 5 (challenging). The highest altitude reached is at Kalapathar (5,545 m/19,195ft) and the highest overnight elevation is at Gorakshep (5,212m/17,100 feet). There are two acclimatization days and several short days to allow for proper acclimatization on the first part of the trek up to Everest Base Camp. Average daily hiking times is around 6 hours with two-three days of around 7-8 hours: One on the optional day hike to the Everest Base Camp and two on the two pass crossings. Regardless of the rating, it is important to prepare for any trek in Nepal. Read our advice on training for treks.
WHY TREK WITH US?
All our Ultimate Everest Treks are PRIVATE TREKS for a minimum of two participants. We do NOT nickel-and-dime on services – all inclusions and exclusions are clearly listed in cost details. Some companies will advertise trips for very low prices but they have a lot of exclusions that is usually not clear. With over 30 years of experience, most of our trekkers are either repeat clients or referrals. We employ the most professional and friendly staff.
We are also proud to give back to our community through 3 Summits For Nepal managed by Crystal Mountain Treks staff. Contact us to learn more…