Everest Three Pass Treks – 16 Days

Transfer to domestic airport and fly to Lukla (2780m /9175ft) gateway to Everest Base Camp 35 minutes Trans Himalaya flight. Culminate dramatic landing on a hillside Lukla, introduce porters and downhill to beautiful Sherpa settlement Choplung. The trail continues along the side of the Dudh Koshi valley before ascending to Ghat ((2530m /8350ft) Trail climbs gently again about an hour to final destination Phakding.

Overnight in Phakding at Lodge

Trek leads through a beautiful pine forest, along Dudh Koshi River crossing many suspension bridges via Sherpa villages Benkar, Chimoa, Monjo and Jorsole. National Park permit check point with the tranquility view of glistering Mt. Thamserku (6618 m) Trail continues through the Dudh Koshi riverbed to the confluence of Bhote Koshi and Dudh Koshi rivers. Trail climbs steadily crossing high Tenzing- Hilary suspension bridge. On the way inspiring glimpse of Mt. Everest right up next Nuptse- Lhotse ridge. About 3 hours ascend through the wonderful pine forest finally reach a prosperous trading and administrative village Namche Bazar.

Overnight in Namche Bazar at Lodge

It’s a scheduled acclimatization day of the trek. Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) and health experts recommend to hold at least one extra night. Stay active and roaming instead of being lazy. Namche Bazar has ATMs, cyber cafés, finger licking delicious restaurants, bakery, colorful market each Friday evening and Saturday morning. There is day trip starts visiting Sagarmatha (Everest) National park visitor centre on the hillock where we can observe an assortment of things related to the first Everest ascenders, Sherpa culture and learn about the various plants and animal life of the Everest region. Then take entertaining acclimatization side trip to large traditional Sherpa village Khumjung with the view of Thamserku, Khaantaiga, Ama Dablam, Mt, Everest and many more. Evening back to Namche Bazar for overnight.

We could trek alternatively north of Namche Bazar to Thame, enroute to Ngangpa La (5 hours, go and back) with the panoramic view of Himalayas which are not seen in EBC route.

Overnight in Namche Bazar at Lodge

The trail leads moderately flat with superb view of Mt. Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam and close up view of Thamserku, Khangtaiga. The trail continues wild lives spot of musk deer (a herd of Himalayan Thar) colorful pheasant (Danphe, National bird) Trail descend to Dudh Koshi river where few lodges and series of picturesque water driven prayer wheels. Cross suspension bridge over Dudh Koshi River a steep climb through pine and juniper forest, walk about 2 hours bring you to Tenboche. The famous Gomba (Tengboche Monastery) with the background of Ama Dablam, Nupte, Mt. Everest and many more peaks. During October/November in full moon the colorful Mani Rimdu festival is held here with masked dancing and Tibetan opera in the monastery courtyard.

Overnight in Tengboche at Lodge

The trail descend to Deboche a small village with Chortens and Mani stone walls and nun monastery. Cross suspension bridge over Imja Khola (Imja Strasm) and gradually ascend to Pangboche with the towering view of Ama Dablam (most beautiful mountain in Everest region) Trail follows upstream closer to Imja River fairly moderate up toward Imja valley. The trail fairly seen open to the confluence of Lobuche river and begin last part of the day to Dingboche the last Sherpa settlement with the beautiful terraced field enclosed by stone wall to avoid barley, buckwheat and potatoes from the cold wind and grazing animals.

Overnight in Dingboche at Lodge

The walk is pleasant as we leave Dingboche, through stone walled fields and alpine landscape. The views are stupendous as we trek to head of Imja valley. 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 at 4570m. Straight ahead, beyond a terminal moraine wall, soars the Island peak (Imja Tse, 6189m), a most popular trekking peak. The pyramidal Imja Tse looks awesome with its step rock and-icy south face. The trail ahead is intersected by icy streams. About 30 min. walk from Bibre finally, we arrive Chhukung. After Lunch, We might take an opportunity to hike to the rocky knoll of Chhukung Ri at 5546m, which offers stunning views of Lhotse, Island Peak, Ama Dablam, Makalu and several others including Baruntse.

Overnight stay in Chhukung at Lodge

A scheduled second rest day for better acclimatization in Chhukung is strongly recommended before setting off for the pass. However, we are not supposed to stay inactive. The view from Chhukung and further up the valley on the moraines towards Island Peak (6189 m) are tremendous. We grasp this opportunity to climb to the Island Peak base camp (4970 m) along the Lhotse glacier, passing the bloated water of Imja Lake. The great south face of Lhotse towers above to the north, while Amphu Lapcha a (5845 m pass) and the immense fluted ice walls that flank it dominate the horizon to the south. To the southwest, the eastern face, of Ama Dablam provides an unusual view of this picturesque peak.

Overnight in Chhukung at Lodge

We start at first light from Chhukung, as we have to conquest highest pass of the trip today. We carry plenty of water and some snacks and a packed lunch as there is no Lodges on the way. We really enjoy the remoteness of the area and absolute nature. 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 trial. We enter a wide basin dotted with small frozen lakes. The trail rises over loose scree gaining the Kongma La after about five hours we leave Chhukung. Upon reaching the top, we seen cairn wrapped in prayer flags,-marks of the pass. Behind us is the landscape of icy lakes ahead down of which is the Khumbu Glacier. The final descent is the most difficult stage of the trek today, upon climbing the moraine on the far side, the trail turns north through Khumbu Glacier which takes us to Lobuche.

Overnight in Lobuche at lodge

The trail follows windy and rocky path with crest of north ridge to Everest along with Mt. Pumori, Mahalangur, Lingtern, Khumbutse, Nuptse, etc. Trail continues along side of Khumbu Glacier to Gorakshep. Check in to Hotel, Lunch and afternoon set out to visit world’s highest base camp Everest Base Camp. Base Camp has no view of Mt. Everest but fantastic view of Khumbu Icefall and colorful camp site of Everest expedition during expedition season.

Trek back to Gorakshep for overnight at Lodge

The trail climbs 2/3 hrs. up to Kala Patthar (5545 m/18192 ft) early in the morning to see first day sun light from top of the world (Mt. Everest) This is milestone of the trek to inspect panoramic view with the fantastic sunrise over Mt. Everest, Mt. Pumori, Mt. Lingtren, Khumbutse, Changtse, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Nupte, Mt. Ama Dablam and many more After accomplish Kala Patthar, trek down to Gorakshep and retrace down to Lobuche. After Lunch, the path to Dzonglha branches off from the main trail some distance from Lobuche. After crossing a stream we come through a fork and later curving round to the wide gravelly river bed of the stream as it flows southwestward, the trail runs across it and climbs the ridge ahead. From the grassy ridge ahead, as the trail runs across to southeast from where we can see soaring heights of Ama Dablam and Kangtega-Thamserku while Tawache looms prominently ahead. Pheriche village is also visible down in the valley floor. As the ridge veers northward, the vast Cho La Lake spreads below Mt. Cholatse . The lake stays with us over a long stretch until we descend to a wide basin. The trail climbs up a spur and descends steeply to another broad basin. After an hour walk transverse from the basin and shortly after crossing a wobbly bridge, we reach Dzonglha.

Overnight in Dzonglha at Lodge

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 ChoLa. As we gain height, the view back gets increasingly more captivating; the Cho La 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 ChoLa 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. Scenery of majestic peaks in all directions is breathtaking. Although long, the path leading down to Thangnak can be easily made out from the pass because it is just decent but can be hazardous if rocks are glazed by ice, a bit of cautiousness is needed. We reach Thangnak, a rather more substantial hamlet with a small village. Stepping out of the settlement, we are greeted by fabulous mountain views. The trail brings us to the Ngozumpa glacier edge after short walk, which is longest glacier in Nepal. Reaching the other side of the glacier, we get view of the second of the Gokyo lakes on the series of six lakes. A short distance away is the third Gokyo Lake. On the edge of this lake stands the Gokyo Village where we finally give rest to our tired body.

Overnight in Gokyo at Lodge

The views in the Gokyo region are tremendous. For the best view, climb Gokyo Ri (5350 m) the small peak above the lake. The peak of 5350m is sometime called Kala Pathar (not to be confused with the Kala Pathar above Gorakshep, though the view is similar) It is a two- hours climb to the top of the peak, providing a panoramic view of Cho Oyu, Gyanchung King, Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cholatse, Tawache and many more. Those with more time and energy can make a trip up the valley to another lake, marked with the name Ngazumpa on the maps, or even beyond to a fifth lake. There are several small peaks in this in this region that offer vantage points for the surrounding peaks and views of the Nangpa La, the old trade route into Tibet.

Overnight in Gokyo at Lodge

We need to start at dawn today as we have to trace our trail up to Marlung (4210m), after conquest of Renjo La (5345m). as there is no alternative to Marlung for overnight today. The path climbs gently up the flank of Gokyo Ri and then zigzags precariously up a finger of gray scree above the northwest corner of the lake. We proceed early down from the Gokyo Valley, We leave the main trail and turn to Renjo La trail by Dudh Pokhari. After about 3 hours, we gain the Renjo La where a dazzling vista awaits. The Everest itself, Lhotse, Cholatse and Taboche can be seen shining in the sun. 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 staircases and then scramble over loose scree to reach the south bank of a small lake, Angladumba Tsho. Presence of ice on the trail while descending down can make our descend a bit hazardous. Along the way we see Relama Tsho and Renjo Lake. However, we walk down through narrow valley clogged with giant boulders to Lumde where there is a support Lodge but it can be closed often. We walk almost for an hour from Lumden (4350m) to get to Marlung on the east bank of the Bhote Kosi.

Overnight in Marlung at Lodge

The descent from Marulung to Thame follows a traditional route used for centuries by the Tibetan traders. Down from the Marulung we cross the Bhote Kosi and descend to Taranga. The trail then goes through the valley of Langmuche Khola. This stream drains down from Dig Tsho, the glacial lake that burst its banks in 1985, causing devastating floods along the Dudh Kosi Valley to moraine to Thame. Thame has a sprawling village with a few lodges and stunning mountains like Thamserku, Katenga, Kusum Kangguru, etc. Overlooking Thame is its famous Gompa situated some the 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. We climb down after crossing a bridge after then eventually reach Samde. The place offer breathtaking views. The path steeply descends down to Thamo village which hosts a monastery called Khari Goma 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 on Austrian help. The project provides electricity to most parts of upper Khumbu. We reach small village of Phurte where there is Laudo monastery which is run by Kopan monastery of Bouddhanath in Kathmandu and is popular among the westerners for Buddhist study and meditation center. We eventually reach Namche again through some Gompas, colorful prayer flags, Mani walls and Chortens.

Overnight in Namche Bazaar at Lodge

After Breakfast, retrace the main trail down to Dhudh koshi waving hands to Namche and Khumbu Himalayas to national park exit check point Joralle.Trail follows down steam of Dudh Koshi river retracing to Phakding. Trail leads to Lukla scaling different Sherpa villages crossing a suspension bridge above Thado Kosh. Last section of the day, about 45 minutes ascend to accomplish entire trek. Reconfirm flight Ticket and see off to local porters.

Overnight in Lukla at Lodge

Fly Back to Kathmandu (35 minutes) in the morning and transfer to your choice of Hotel/Resort/Guest House. Free afternoon.