Everest Three Passes Trek is certainly the most beautiful trek, though very challenging especially designed for those with more time and fancy going further to assess their own adventure potential. This Everest High Passes trek is more of a secretive trek as it takes you off-the-beaten-track through the magnanimous lofty valleys which are very untouched. It is very serene away from the substantial flooding of tourism like in the major trails of Everest. This 19 days Everest High Passes Expedition through 3 stunning yet diverse high passes i.e. Renjo Pass (5360 m/17,585 ft), Chola pass (5,420 m/17,782 ft) and Kongmala pass (5535 m/18,159 ft) is an extraordinarily phenomenal experience. Going over these high altitude passes is undeniably very challenging but very worthwhile with its exceptional view. The views and the trekking experience that this trip has to deliver is a world away from reality. However, the conquest of being at the top of these High Passes is very appealing giving you more of a chance to know, understand, believe, and trust yourself.
Everest High Passes Trek is unquestionably an ideal pick for a true adventure seeker who is in a quest for a genuine venture and looking for a challenging trek to unleash their outdoor curiosity. Getting close to the majestic mountain with its persuasive charm and elegance is simply phenomenal.
“He who climbs upon the highest mountains laughs at all tragedies, real or imaginary.”
"DAY TO DAY ITINERARY"
DAY 1: KATHMANDU, THE CAPITAL CITY (1400 m/4,593 ft)
Soon you land in Kathmandu airport you will be received by your group leader and transfer you to the hotel. Despite, the capital city of Nepal certainly being the busiest with hectic traffic, it undoubtedly has a strong appeal with local splendor and vigorous activities around. You can simply relax and converse with your Leader in regards to your upcoming program. Take pleasure in the fun of driving through the unfamiliar roads.
In any case, if you arrive early prior to your trek itinerary, it provides you with ample time and opportunity to explore Kathmandu. Once you are settled, your leader organizes a trek briefing and distributes the necessary company’s trek equipment like- duffel bag, sleeping bag, down jackets, etc. Tonight you will be led to a Nepali restaurant for a welcome dinner with a Royal Nepali Traditional cuisine followed by a cultural show. It’s indeed a great time to know each other.
DAY 02:HALF KATHMANDU CITY TOUR / LAST MINUTE PREPARATIONS
‘Half Day City Tour’ where our city tour expert guides you to TWO stunning places that are listed in the world heritage sites and explains you the entire mysticism over its existence. The tour lasts about 3-4 hours. You will be back in your hotel for lunch. Rest of the day is for Last minute shopping and preparations
DAY 03: FLIGHT TO LUKLA (2,800 m / 9,186 ft) TREK TO PHAKDING (2,600 m/8,530 ft) 3/4hrs
Today we wake up quite early in the morning to catch up on our earliest flight to Lukla. Flying to Lukla airport is an experience of a lifetime. This thrilling flight gives you one of the most extraordinary views of the Nepal mountains, the hilly terrain, and deep gorges. Landing in a town of Lukla where you have an inclined airstrip is indeed gripping. Once we land in Lukla we take a break to settle ourselves and gradually start our venture into the Sagarmatha Buffer zone towards our first destination of Phakding.
Hike to Phakding is 3/4 hours of easy walk on the legendary trekking trail through the cultured Sherpa villages with its exceptional beauty and the view of stunning landscape, deep valley, and Dudh Koshi gorge. The phenomenal sight of profound gorges, ancient farming terraces, and the scenic beauty at the backdrop is something special on the very first day Overnight at Phakding in a typical local tea-house.
DAY 04 – 05: TREK TO NAMCHE BAZAAR (3,450 m / 11,318 ft) 7 hrs. ACCLIMATIZATION DAY
Being it a little longer walking day today once again we start early for Namche Bazaar, the capital and the Administrative Centre of the Khumbu district. The initial 3 hours is a gentle walk through a series of pleasant villages which gradually lead us to the last settlement of Jorsale for lunch. Lunch at a town near the Dudh-Koshi River is charming. Today before we start climbing the final vertical hill to Namche Bazaar we cross 5 high suspension bridges, one among which being one of the highest in the region. If the weather stays clear you would have the first view of Everest, the world’s highest mountain from a point before Namche.
Being at Namche, the dream land is remarkable which is worth an effort. It’s more of a luxurious city in the middle of no way in the midst of remoteness and thin air. Despite long hours walk it’s far more than just trekking. Give time to adapt your body with thin air. It’s not a matter about proving your physical strength, its more about taking pleasure with steady ascend.
Acclimatization - Day 5:
To harness the notion of ‘walk high sleep low’ today we will go for an acclimatization hike to the beautiful hill of Syangboche. Soon after we are done with our breakfast, leaving Namche we climb the steep Syangboche hill for an hour and a half which delivers one of the most amazing views. Walk to Syangbuche, one of the enchanting place in the region with the world’s highest airstrip is simply remarkable. It is optional to visit Everest View Lodge that offers an incredible view and serves a variety of hot beverages. The close view of the Everest and its neighboring mountains and to be in the territory of the yaks is charismatic.
We stay for a while at the gained elevation and head back to Namche for lunch. The afternoon is free which gives you ample time to explore the town of Namche Bazaar. There is a museum at the final ridge of Namche near the army barrack, depending on your time schedule and interest you may give an afternoon visit as its worth it.
DAY 06: TREK TO THAME (3820 m/12,532 ft) 5hrs.
Today we will leave the crowded Everest route and follow the amazing Bhote-Koshi valley to the exceptionally sensational village of Thame. During ancient times Thame has served as the ancient salt trading route between Tibet and Nepal. in course of time, it became a very lively town, a JUNCTION for Nepali and Tibetan traders. Crossing the Nangpala Pass the Tibetan traders came along with their heard of yaks with ample household material and clothing, probably made in China, but very CHEAP which they traded in Thame and eventually they shifted further to Namche Bazar.
A moderate 4 and ½ hours walk will get us to the village of Thame which is said to be the home of inherent climbers from Tenzing Norgay Sherpa (first Everest summiteer) to Appa Sherpa (who holds the Guinness book of world record). This exquisite hidden valley is indeed very enchanting. Lunch at this gorgeous settlement of Thame and we will go for an afternoon visit to ancient "Thame Dechen Chokhorling Monastery".
DAY 07 and 08: TREK TO LUMDE (4,368 m/14,338 ft) 5/6 hrs AND ACCLIMATIZATION DAY:
Leaving the most beautiful village of Thame we gradually ascend the delightful trail with the most stunning view of the mountain Thamserku and panorama of Thame peaks. Following the Bhote-Koshi River through the ancient salt trade route will steadily take you to a very small settlement of Marulung. Depending on our time schedule we may have lunch at Marulung or walk further to Lumde, have lunch, and enjoy our free afternoon. Today being above the tree line, into the thin air, and seeing very few people gives you the Thrill of being at altitude. We can admire the traditional architecture walking through the less-traveled villages. Eventually, we get to a very small settlement of ‘Lumde’ The Base of Renjo La. Since you are getting more into an alpine area, the slow ascent is recommended. This unfamiliar and very untouched hidden valley is charismatic where you will have a rest day to explore more of it.
Acclimatization – Day 8:
Though it is most popularly known as the ‘Rest Day’, however, it isn’t. to acclimate ourselves into thin air we need to follow the strategy of ‘walk high sleep low’ and for which we are to organize an acclimatization walk where you would gain a couple of hundred meters, take a break, and head down to lower elevation. Your group leader will organize a side trip depending on the weather circumstances for an acclimatization hike.
DAY 09: TREK TO GOKYO (4,790m/15,715ft) VIA RENJO PASS (5,360m/17,585ft) 8/10 hrs
We wake up pretty early this morning for a challenging 5-hours climb to the top of Renjo La “A stunning pass from where one can see four 8000+ mountains i.e. Mt. Everest, Cho-Oyu, Lhotse, Makalu, and its neighboring peaks”. The Thrill of being in the wilderness and at altitude can be experienced in this electrifying 5 hours’ extreme hike into the very less trodden trail. Pack lunch will be provided (Normally eaten at the top of Renjo La) however, depends. The spectacular view of the mountains along with the Ngozumpa glacier (longest glacier in the Himalayas) and Gokyo Lake from the top of Renjo La is phenomenal. Spending the most precious moment at the top of Renjo La with the magnanimous view we head 3 hours downhill to Gokyo.
Gokyo is yet another highlight of an attraction that is indeed away from the world. The town positioned at the foot of Cho-Oyu and to the side of turquoise Gokyo lake simply unbelievable – a place of ecstasy. After the accomplishment, the view of sparkling sacred lakes along with the Great view of Cho-Oyu is more than enough to spend overnight at miraculous Gokyo.
DAY 10: TREK TO DRAGNAG or THANGNAK (4,700 m/15,419 ft) 3 hrs
Being it an easy 3 hours’ trek through the Ngozumpa Glacier, the longest glacier in the Himalayas to Dragnag, we start very relaxedly. After breakfast, bidding adieu to the most charismatic turquoise Gokyo lake and Cho-Oyu we get into the active Ngozumpa glacier which is certainly very gripping. It’s a thrilling experience going across the Ngozumba glacier with the sounds of ice cracking, river flowing, and rocks rolling in the glacier. The view of small glacial lakes is fascinating. We however have a final but stunning view of Mt Cho Oyu from the glacier. However, we all need to be very cautious as there is ample rock fall zone in the glacier. Dragnag or Thangnak, the base of our second pass Cho La is a small settlement situated in a very secluded but very lively area with a serene mountain environment.
Day 11: TREK TO DZONGLA (4,830 m/15,846 ft) VIA CHOLA PASS (5,420 m/17,782 ft)
Another early wake up for a challenging 5-hour climb to the top of ‘Chola Pass or Chhungyuma La’, the exquisite glacial pass. Today you would walk into yet another very untouched alpine valley with the mysterious landscape setting. Scrambling skills will be required for the glacier moraine to get over and below the pass. The 360° close up view of the soaring snowcapped mountains all over you is something very heavenly. As we get to the summit of the Cho-La, the walk across the icy glacier is sensational. After the accomplishment and vanquishing our second pass, we have 3 hours’ technical descent through rock face trail to the yet another settlement of Dzongla. Great view of Amadablam, Cholatse, and many more mountains on the way down. Dzongla unquestionably delivers one of the most phenomenal mountain views.
DAY 12: TREK TO LOBUCHE (4,910 m/16,108 ft)
It’s time to get back into the bustling zone of the regular Everest base camp trail. Today is an easy enchanting 3 hours walk with the most intriguing panoramic view which is overwhelming. As we walk the high Himalayan ridge trail we have every prospect to realize the wonder of Everest trekking. We have an amazing view of Nuptse, Pumori, Amadablam, Cholatse, and many others along the way. At one point we will as well witness the Thukla (Dughla) pass where you have ample memorials built in the memory of many who lost their lives while trying to defeat any of those sacred mountains. Gradually we get back to the main route to Everest base camp and eventually get to yet another small settlement of Lobuche. After lunch, we have a free afternoon so you have every opportunity to go around and explore or visit the Italian Pyramid which is 40 minutes away from Lobuche.
DAY 13: TREK TO GORAK SHEP (5,288 m /17,349 ft) 3 hrs / TREK TO EVEREST BASE CAMP (5,360 m/17,585 ft) 5 hrs
DAY 14: MORNING WALK TO KALAPATTHAR (5,545 m /18,192 ft) AND TREK TO LOBUCHE (4,910 m/16,108 ft) 7 hrs
Now is the time for the epic climb to Kalapathar, the point to value your dream and the sensational Himalayan vistas all around. The 2 and ½ hours climb is challenging but the view from the top surpasses the wildest imagination. The sunrise view on the way is impressive. After making historic success to Everest Base Camp and Kalapattar, we will descend down to Lobuche where our final pass awaits.
DAY 15: TREK TO CHHUKUNG (4,730 m/15,518 ft) VIA KONGMA-LA PASS (5,535 m/18,159 ft) 8/10 hrs
Today is our ultimate day for our final pass. We will leave the crowded route again and trek across the Khumbu glacier. 3 hours of the challenging climb will take us to our final and least traveled Kongma-La pass where a spectacular view awaits. The view of Mt Makalu (8463 m), Mt. Lhotse (8516m), Amadablam (6856 m), Island Peak (6189m) along with the lake is Breathtaking. Pack Lunch will be provided as there is no settlement in between Lobuche and Chhukhung. Another 3 hours of the rugged downhill trail to Chhukhung, cautiousness is highly recommended while walking this cliff trails. You will have a great view of Mt Lhotse and Amadablam from your courtyard. The excitement and experience of people going to and coming from Island Peak can be observed in Chhukhung.
Time to start celebrating on your victory over conquering the 3 High Passes of Everest.
DAY 16: TREK TO PANGBUCHE (3,930m/12,893ft) 4/5 hrs
Today we will be walking a moderate trail through a different valley, unlike the one we just attained. With the great feeling of accomplishment, we will stroll our way down to a beautiful Sherpa settlement of Pangboche. Start breathing normally again since you are in a tree line area. Getting back to normal away from the thin air after a long time is wonderful. Pangboche is a very beautifully set town with farming terraces, Sherpa cultured houses, and awesome food.
DAY 17: TREK TO NAMCHE 6 -7 hrs.
Walking a different valley, we walk an effortless trail to Tengboche Monastery. Getting ourselves back to the tree line area where you would realize your breathing getting back to normal. It’s pretty wonderful looking back on our effort to the incredible three passes from the Tyengbuche ridge. Visiting the Tyengbuche monastery and lighting the butter lamp is an incredible experience and certainly very spiritual. Witness the untold history and the activities of Tyengbuche. After the monastery, walk to Namche on a fresh route makes anyone cheerful of their accomplishment.
Give yourself a break at Namche Bazaar either with drinks or buying souvenirs.
DAY 18: TREK TO LUKLA
We retrace our trail back to Lukla.
Being it a last night fun activity follows with dancing, eating, drinking, and tipping.
Day 19: FLY TO KATHMANDU
Sensational flight back to the capital city of Kathmandu. In case of early arrival, you will have additional time to explore the city of Kathmandu.
DAY 20: DEPARTURE DAY
Depending on your flight schedule airport transportation will be provided and you will be accompanied by your Group Leader.