Everest Three High Passes Trek – 20 Days...
Everest three high passes trek is a wild adventure that takes you into the unknown above the timberline. This is a tough route that shows you some of the most stunning landscapes on earth...
Everest Three high passes trek is a difficult and above average, long trip. This is a journey for trekkers with experience of the Himalayas in a class of its own. Nonetheless, the trek is not similar to the regular Everest Base Camp trek but much of the trails are same. The trails cut across three high passes of Kongma La (5,535m), Cho La (5,420m), and Renjo La Passes at (5,417m). This amazing Everest three high passes trek itinerary rewards you with stunning views of Mount Everest. Additionally, you can see some of the highest mountain ranges on the planet from these passes. In the same vein, Kalapathar is a superb point for you to enjoy the sunrise. That is to say, the mother of all peaks Mount Everest, at 8848.86m is almost touchable from hereabouts.
Everest Three High Passes trek by its namesake is so because the trip moves around the Everest region. And certainly, Everest three high passes trek covers the most important part of the Everest area. Our trek starts from Lukla and passes several higher villages. The trip gives you great opportunities to trek three passes above 5,000m. You get to explore the Everest Base Camp as well as Kalapathar. The beautiful sunrise is so attractive with its pink & maroon glows rising between the Everest giants. It’s a fascinating display by Mother Nature! The Everest three high passes trek are a difficult challenge to the body, but the rewards are a lifetime memory. Most of all, you build up the bravery to outdo a challenge that helps you discover yourself. But on a trip of this kind, you wonderfully feel it more in the heart.
This trek provides you the most amazing views of the highest mountains on earth. On the other hand, the incredible culture of communities you meet on the way gives you a sense of purpose. These mountains teach us the true meaning of life. Another trip with similar challenges and some great Lakes scenery is the ‘EBC with Gokyo via Chola Pass trek’. Encountersnepal will escort you on this trailblazing journey. You’re likely to remember this trip for a real long, long time to come!
Day 01 Arrival in Kathmandu [1350 m]
Upon your arrival in the International airport at Kathmandu, you will be greeted by a representative from Encounters Nepal. After completing your custom formalities (Visa, etc), pick up your luggage and look for our representative with an Encounters Nepal Trekking display board at the arrival gate. You will then be transferred to your Hotel of choice afterward. After check in, you can take rest, hang around in the city, or take a stroll down the street to get familiar with your surroundings; 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 as well as a fine meal. This is your first night in the ancient city of temples & cows, probably the most in the world.
Day 02 Kathmandu: Sightseeing and Trek Preparation
Today after breakfast we will start a guided tour to several of the most historical and spiritual attractions in Kathmandu. Some of these landmarks are considered World Heritage Sites; including the historic Durbar Square, the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupatinath, a hindu cremation site used to cremate all Nepalese, right from the beggar on the streets to the king of the country; the famous 'Monkey Temple' (Swayambunath) and Buddhists shrine (Boudhanath) which is one of the large Stupas in the world. In the afternoon, there will be a pre-trip discussion where we can meet our trek leader and other team members. The Encounters Nepal Trek leaders will brief you regarding your program & also provides you an opportunity to ask any questions you may have regarding your upcoming adventure. Overnight at your hotel
Day 03 Kathmandu-Lukla [2840 m/9320] - Phakding [2,652m/8,700ft]: 40 minutes flight, 3-4 hrs trek (Trekking times only)
After breakfast, we get transferred to the domestic terminal of Kathmandu airport for an early morning flight to Lukla (2,800m/9,186ft), a gateway to the destination from where our trek starts. After an adventurous 40 minute flight above breathtaking green 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 meet our other crew members and after some packing and arrangements, we start our trek through the prosperous village of Lukla until we reach Phakding. To assist in acclimatization, we only have a short hike today. However, if interested in additional activities we can take a side trip to a nearby monastery. Overnight in Phakding
Day 04 Phakding-Namche Bazaar [3440 m/11,280 ft]: 5-6 hrs trek
Walking through a beautiful pine forest, the track takes us along the Dudh Koshi River through many suspension bridges, one of which is the famous Hillary Suspension Bridge. First, we catch wonderful prospect of the glistening Mt. Thamserku (6618 m). Through the settlement of Benkar, Chumoa, Monjo, we come to the check post and entrance to Sagarmatha National Park. We pass through the last village of Jorsale before reaching Namche Bazaar. The trail climbs through the forests and bridges until we reach the confluence of the Dudh Koshi and Bhote Koshi rivers. After a final steep ascent of about two hours we get first sight fist of at Mt. Everest, peering over the Lhotse-Nuptse ridge. We stop at Chautara to admire the view. We still need to walk about 1.5 hours to reach the thriving town of Namche Bazaar, a gateway to Mt. Everest and main trading centre of this region. We stay overnight in Namche Bazaar.
Day 05 Acclimatization days at Namche bazaar; hike to Everest view hotel (3,900m).
This is the first of the three scheduled "acclimatization" days. Health experts always recommend us to stay active and moving during the rest days instead of being idle. We either spend the day taking a day hike to Thame or visiting Khunde or relaxing and exploring Namche Bazaar itself. Namche Bazaar is the main centre of the Everest (Khumbu) region and has government offices, ATMs, Internet cafes, shops, restaurants, a bakery and a colorful market each Friday evening and Saturday. If we trek a few hundred vertical feet during the day, it will help us to properly acclimatize.
Our guides will take us to the Tourist Visitor Center near the headquarter of the Sagarmatha National Park where we can observe an assortment of things related to the first Everest ascenders, Sherpa culture and learn about the various plant and animal life of the Everest region. Overnight in Namche Bazaar
Day 06 Trek from Namche Bazaar to Tengboche (3,860m) 6-7 hours trek.
After breakfast in Namche, we start our trek towards Tengboche enjoying superb view of Mt. Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam and close up view of Thamserku. Our trek follows on the gradual trail with few ups and downs overlooking magnificent view of the great Himalaya. Along the way we can spot wild birds like pheasant, musk deer, or a herd of Himalayan Thar. The trail goes gradually down up to Kayangjuma. The path eventually reaches Sanasa which is the major trail junction to Gokyo valley and Everest Base Camp. The track then follows through the pine forests and after we cross the prayer flags festooned bridge over Dudh Koshi River, we reach Phunki Thenga, a small settlement with a couple of teahouses and a small army post amidst the alpine woods. After having a relaxed lunch at Phunki Thenga we then have a little tough climb steep up through the pine forests while 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 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 lodge in Tengboche
Day 07 Trek from Tengboche to Dingboche (4,360m.) 6-7 hours trek.
The early morning truly popular scenic beauty of Tengboche takes our breath away with experiences beyond our expectations. The mountain panorama includes ranges of Kangtega, Thamserku, Ama Dablam, Taboche, Kwangde, Tengboche, Lhotse and Nuptse. After clicking some great scenery, we start the day journey through the trail 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 little village amidst the woods, we visit a 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 bigger mountains.
The trail eventually climbs to Shomare. We notice decrease in tree line after Pangboche and upon reaching Shomare the terrain changes dramatically to 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 cold and windy settlement of Dingboche overlooked by Chortens and prayer flags finally for the night's rest. Overnight in Dingboche
Day 08 Trek from Dingboche to Chhukung (4,750m.) 5 -6 hours trek.
The walk is pleasant as we leave Dingboche through stone walled fields and alpine landscape. We take the trial 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 step 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. We might choose to hike to the rocky knoll of Chhukung Ri which offers stunning views of Lhotse, Island Peak, Ama Dablam, Makalu and several others including Baruntse. Overnight in Chhukung
Day 09 a second acclimatization day at Chhukung (4,750m.)
Trekking experts strongly & wisely recommend acclimatization in Chhukung before doing the Kongma La pass. However, we are not supposed to stay inactive. The view from Chhukung and further up the valleys on the moraines towards Island Peak (6189m) are tremendous. We grasp this opportunity to climb the Chhukung Ri or climb to the base camp of Island Peak. The great south face of Lhotse towers above to the north, while Amphu Lapcha at (5780m 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
Day 10 Trek from Chhukung to Lobuche (4,940m) Via Kongma La pass (5,535m.) 6-7 hours trek.
We start at the break of dawn 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 is no tea shops on the way. We really enjoy the remoteness of the area and the power of nature’s presence everywhere!!
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 he Nuptse Glacier or we might walk back down the valley to Bibre and follow a high trail above the Niyang Khola. Just after some hiking 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 we leave Chhukung. Upon reaching the top, we see cairns 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. A well earned overnight in Lobuche as we have supper & tuck up for the night.
Day 11 Trek to Gorakshep - Everest Base Camp (5, 364m) then return to Gorakshep (5,179m.) 7-8 hours trek. The trail to Gorakshep goes ahead through the lateral moraine of the Khumbu Glacier. We pass though the pyramid sign post. Ahead on the trail we see crest of north ridge of Everest along with Mt. Pumori, Mahalangur, Lingtern, Khumbutse, Nuptse, etc. A small ascent would take us to Thangma Riju from where we perceive 360 degree vista of snowy mountains. Climbing steeply up to the top through the torrent of Changri glacier, we catch our first glimpse of Kalapatthar, a grey-green knoll beneath the Mt. Pumori. As we reach Gorakshep, we will be surrounded by snow-capped mountains looming all around us including the top of the world - Mount 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 appreciating the Everest climbers who took this hazardous 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 have completed the ultimate objectives of our trip. However, the sunset view from Kalapatthar is more admirable than the sunrise view, so it is suggested to visit Kalapatthar today during sunset. As the setting sun's rays strike the snowcapped mountains just at the break of twilight, the resulting scenery is just beyond the imagination. For those trekkers who wish to continue to Kalapatthar, our guides and Sherpas coordinate your hike to Kalapatthar for amazing sunset view today rather than waiting until the next day. Overnight in Gorakshep at a local lodge
Day 12 Ascend to Kalapatthar (5,545 m.) and return to Lobuche (4950m.) 7-8 hours trek. If we didn't cover Kalapatthar yesterday, we do it today. However, if we've already covered Kalapatthar yesterday, we take the trail to Everest Base Camp. As we reach Everest Base Camp we cannot stop ourselves from appreciating the Everest climbers who took the tough route through the Khumbu icefall. Reaching the Base Camp, We take as many pictures as we can with our camera on overdrive and take in the view with our mind's eye so that it may last for a lifetime. Then we descend down to Lobuche again.
Day 13 Trek from Lobuche - Dzongla (4,830m) 4-5 hours trek.
The trek today is truly short compared to previous or next days walk. The path to Dzongla 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 rising heights of Ama Dablam and Kangtega-Thamserku while Taboche looms prominently ahead. Pheriche village is also visible down in the distance. Visible also is the mound in Chukpi Lhara and its memorials and the lodges of Dugla. As the ridge veers northward, the vast Chola 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’s walk we transverse from the basin and shortly after crossing a rickety bridge, we reach Dzongla. Overnight in Dzongla
Day 14 Trek from Dzongla to Cho La Pass (5,368m) - Gokyo (4,800m.) via Thagnak (4,700m.) 7-8 hours trek. Early in the morning as we get out of our lodge we are greeted by the amazing 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 risky 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 Thagnak 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 Thagnak, 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 rest our lungs & relax our tired bodies. Overnight in Gokyo
Day 15 Acclimatization Day at Gokyo (4,800m) - Explore the 5th lake including Gokyo RI (5400m.)
A day to rest & chill out in Gokyo Valley is an exceptional opportunity to give the body some normal relaxation. This acclimatization day is grasped as a reason to also 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. Moved by the charm, we may even try to go sixth lake too but this depends upon our own interest and time; & maybe also our stamina. Back to Gokyo village. Overnight at Gokyo
Day 16 Trek from Gokyo to Renjo La Pass (5,360m.) -Marlung (4,260m) 7-8 hours trek…We need to start at dawn today as we have to trace our trail up to Marlung today after conquest of Renjo La. As there is no alternative to Marlung for overnight today, we need to start 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 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 trial 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 narrow valley clogged with giant boulders to Lumde where there is a support Lodge but this can be closed often. We walk almost for an hour from Lumde to get to Marlung on the east bank of the Bhote Kosi. Overnight in Marlung
Day 17 Trek from Marlung to Namche Bazzar (3,420m.) 5-6 hours trek.
The descent from Marlung to Thame follows a traditional route used for centuries by the Tibetan traders. Down from Marlung 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, Kantenga, Kusum Kangguru, etc. Overlooking Thame is its famous Gompa situated amidst 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 & 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.
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 player flags, Mani stones, and Chortens for the night rest.
Day 18 Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla (2,840m.) 6-8 hours trek. This is our last day on these extremely large rugged but beautiful mountains…it offered us so much all of these days, may have even changed our lives in several ways…
The last day of your trek leads from Namche Bazaar via Monjo to Lukla. The trek is pleasant, 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 at a trot will bring you to Lukla for your overnight stay. This is the last day of our trek on the beautiful mountains. By today we start to get warmed up by the light breeze. Any remaining sore throats and colds will be gone by today as we pass through this charming mountain air. Although we are traveling the same route down, we feel differently on the views. We click a combo of open plains, rhododendron and pine forests, and in the distance snow covered peaks. We walk through the Sherpa villages' noticing impressive faith in Buddhism and culture of prayer stones and prayer flags blowing in the wind. On arrival in Lukla, we stretch those weary legs and recall the experiences of the last couple of weeks. We experience the culmination of a fantastic trek on a happy note with everyone back safe and sound with faces that show happiness!
This last day calls for a fantastic celebration as we call up a party with our crew whom we’ve come to know so well all of these days; our cooks will stir up a delicious dinner & we’ll taste the famous ‘Chhang’ {mountain beer brewed from fermented rice} & shake a leg & do a jig to some sherpa dances around an open fire. Altogether, it’s been an awesome merry holiday with some of the toughest hiking we’ve done in a long, long time. On the conclusion of our trip, we wish each other well & retire to bed under starry moonlit skies…as we begin to slumber into a sweet sleep & reminisce on the wonderful things we enjoyed on this great adventure. We go to bed amidst the hooting of owls & the howling of hungry wolves on the prowl for prey. We’re safe & in bed. Overnight in Lukla
Day 19 Fly to Kathmandu /Explore or free day in Kathmandu and join group for farewell dinner… Flights to Kathmandu are generally scheduled for morning because strong winds can create problems to fly the aircraft in the afternoon but sometime the flight time can be delayed due to bad weather and other reasons that are beyond our control. We fly back to Kathmandu after our long mountain journey. The early morning flight drops us at Kathmandu. The rest of your day is entirely free to do whatever you want. If interested you can buy some gifts to take home from Nepal for the loved ones, visit some nearby shops or venture out in Thamel for typical Nepalese goods which can be assisted by our guides or you can do it yourself too. If you want to explore any other areas of Kathmandu take the time to do that today! Remember, ENCOUNTERS NEPAL will be hosting a superb celebration dinner & a scintillating cultural dance together for successfully completing your trek to Everest Base Camp! Overnight in Kathmandu
Day 20 Everest 3 high passes trip concludes in Kathmandu and transfer to airport for final departure to the green, green grass of home…
Your journey to Nepal ends today! We generally never say ‘good bye’. You probably have time to do some last minute packing or shopping. Approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight a representative from Encounters Nepal will take you to the airport. Meeting you was a wonderful experience we would like to cherish for a long time. On your way home we hope you'll remember us & the wonderful time you spent in the amazing country of Nepal. Serving you has been an honor for us & we hope to continue the relationship developed with you over the days gone by. We wish you a Happy Bon Voyage home!! Take care!!