Everest High Passes Trek

Altitude above sea level: 1,302 m

Driving Time: Approx. 30 minutes, depending on traffic

Accommodation: Hotel Tibet or similar

Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International airport, our representative will be awaiting you to cordially welcome you with great hospitality. The representative will be displaying the “Nepal Sanctuary Treks” placard outside the airport terminal.

You will be then escorted and transferred to the hotel in our private vehicle. Further, you will be given a brief description of the activities that will take place during the upcoming trip and a preliminary briefing on hygiene and safety by our representative.

Altitude above sea level:  493 m Mulkot

Tour Duration:  Approx. 4 hrs. approx.

Driving duration: 3 hrs. approx. (KTM-Mulkot)

Accommodation: Hotel

9:00 AM: Today you start a guided cultural tour around Kathmandu Valley. On this cultural tour, you will experience the numerous colors, sounds, and tastes of authentic Kathmandu and its surroundings. Our experienced tour guides will tell you all you need to know and answer all your curiosities regarding those sites.

Kathmandu Durbar Square

You will take a short drive to Kathmandu Durbar Square, also called Hanuman Dhoka Durbar. This ancient site used to be the residence of the Nepali royal family and administrators. It incorporates an architecturally extraordinary complex of ancient palaces, temples, courtyards, and shrines dating from the 15th to the 18th century.

The prominent sites of Kathmandu Durbar Square are Kumari Ghar or the house of the living goddess.  Kasthamandap is a huge rest house that is said to have been built with wood from a single tree and is the source of which Kathmandu valley got its name. Other sites around Kathmandu Square are the ferocious Kal Bhairab – the red monkey God- Hanuman, hundreds of erotic carvings, temples, and statues dedicated to different deities.

Swayambhunath:

Swayambhunath (monkey temple), is the magnificent ancient religious architecture and centre of faith of Hinduism and Buddhism. Its lofty white dome and dazzling golden spire are visible from far and wide. Swayambhunath is the ideal place to observe the religious harmony in Nepal. In the shadows of the imposing structure and besides the integrated architecture can be found the daily surge of devotees faithfully offering their prayers to the gods. Upon arriving at the top, you can hear the Buddhist song “Om Mani Padme Hum” resounds everywhere. The candles and the aromatic fragrance of incense that burns constantly create a serene vibe and enormous prayer wheels which encircle the stupa.

PM: You take a drive to Mulkot in the afternoon. Mulkot is a small settlement, from where Manthali Airport is just 37 km away (1 hour’s drive).

Altitude above sea level: Lukla (2,840 m), Phakding (2,610 m)

Driving duration: 1 hr. approx. (Mulkot-Ramechhap)

Flight Duration: Approx. 25 minutes

Hiking Duration: 4–5 hours

Accommodation: Teahouse Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

After an early breakfast, you will be transferred to the Ramechhap airport for a spectacular flight to the mountain airstrip at Lukla. Lukla is Nepal’s busiest domestic airport and, for the trekker intent on seeing Mt. Everest, flying here is an essential part of the adventure.

During the flight, you get to see the world’s soaring mountains including  Cho Oyu (8,153 m), Lhotse (8,516 m), Gauri Shankar (7,145 m), Menlungtse (7,181 m).

After an exhilarating landing at Lukla, you will set off on the hike to Phakding. You follow the ridge on the bank of milky Dudh Koshi River to the village of Phakding. Dudh Koshi, or Milk River, is named for its chalky color that emerges from all the glaciers up above.

You will follow this river the rest of the day, passing through picturesque hamlets filled with tea houses, suspension bridges, shops, carved Mani stones, prayer wheels, and packed animals.

After passing through the small villages like Chaurikharka and Ghat you arrive at the Phakding which is located right next to the Dudh Koshi River.

Altitude above sea level: (3,445 m) Namche Bazaar

Hiking time: 6-7 hrs. Approx.

Accommodation: Tea House Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Today, after a hearty breakfast, you will cross and re-cross the thundering glacial river, named “Dudh” (milk) Koshi (river) because of its color. Sections of today’s walk are through pine forest and cleared areas to reveal terraced fields and a variety of crops. You pass small groups of donkeys and yaks carrying trading goods and trek gear along the trail. The trail passes through the villages of Benkar, Monjo, and Jorsale then climbs steeply the 2000′ feet to the market town of Namche.

Namche is the largest town in the Khumbu region, surrounded on three sides by mountain ranges, and opens out only where it faces the Dudh Koshi. This vibrant village is a central hub of the area and food, sundries and even mountain climbing equipment may be purchased here. Also, it is the main trading village in the Khumbu region, is the historic meeting point for Hindu traders from the lowlands and Tibetan yak caravans.

Altitude above sea level: 3,962 m

Hiking duration: 2-3 hrs. Approx. (Hotel Everest View)

Accommodation: Tea House Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Namche is an ideal place for acclimatization. The places of interest around Namche are remarkable and beautiful. There is plenty to do in and around Namche.  You can take a short walk above the town to get a view of Everest. The trail leading to the hotel is a pleasant walk across a hill. You might spot yaks grazing nearby, or a Himalayan Tahr (wild goat) balancing perfectly on the cliffs.

Hidden on a ridge overlooking the Everest range, Hotel Everest View is an incredible establishment that blends gracefully with its remarkable surrounding. Appreciate the panoramic view of the Everest Region from the iconic Hotel Everest View.

There is also an interesting Sherpa Culture Museum which is well worth a visit.  After exploring, you take a downhill trail back to Namche. Spend the afternoon at leisure.  You can either relax or visit the colorful Namche Bazaar.

Altitude above sea level: (3,770 m) Debuche

Hiking duration: 5 – 6hrs approx.

Accommodation: Tea house Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Leaving Namche Bazaar, you hike to Debuche. Debuche is 30 minutes away from Tengboche, where the largest monastery in the region can be found. The monastery hosts the vibrant Mani Rimdu festival, celebrated every year after the full moon of autumn with religious gatherings, songs, dances, and performances of legends. Visitors are also welcome to participate in the festivities.

To reach Debuche, you pass through the forests of rhododendron trees and along the Dudh Koshi River.  The trail is steep but the view of Everest, Lhotse, and Nuptse is incredible! Passing multicolored prayer flags and smaller gompas on the route simply adds to the flavor.

Altitude above sea level: (3,875 m) Pangboche

Hiking duration: 2 – 3hrs approx.

Accommodation: Tea house Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

After having breakfast, you follow the meandering trails along roaring rivers and through verdant forests before the landscape becomes more barren and rocky. The scenic trail, from Debuche, crosses the Imja River and takes you to Pangboche.

In the afternoon, spend your time at leisure. You can either rest or explore nearby monasteries in Pangboche. The atmosphere of the Pangboche village appears soothing and provides a wonderful view over the Everest trekking region. The scenery of the highest peak Mount Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Thameserku, Kangdeka and Amadablam looks marvelous from Pangboche village.

Altitude above sea level: (4,350 m) Dingboche

Hiking duration:  3 – 4hrs approx.

Accommodation: Tea house Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Leaving Pangboche behind, the uphill trail continues to Dingboche with great views of Lhotse, Island Peak & Ama Dablam, and deep valley. Trekking in dry hills along the rock-strewn trails, you gradually slide up, crossing through the typical Sherpa villages. Along the way, you might be lucky enough to spot the musk deer, mountain goats, and different birds.

Entering the outskirts of Dingboche, you are welcomed by the Buddhist Stupa. Dingboche is situated at the foot of soaring Amadablam Mountain and myriad other mountains which are hidden from Namche views. It is also the gateway to Chukung Village and Island peak.

Altitude above sea level: Nagajun Hill ((5,050 m)) or Chukung village (4,730 m)

Hiking duration: Optional 2 hours hike to Nagarjun Hill (View Point), Chukung village approx. 2 hours

Accommodation: Tea House Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

You spend the acclimatization day of your Everest Base Camp trek in Dingboche today, utilizing by a short hike to a higher elevation to adapt yourselves to the heights.

Hike to the Nagerjun Hill would be a great option to spend time at Dingboche. Nagerjun nestled above Dingboche on a hill at the edges of the Chukkung valley. The hike provide the  panoramic views of Lobuche East (6,119 m), Lobuche West (6,145 m), Kangtega (6,685 m), Taboche Peak (6,367 m), Thamserku (6,608 m), and the Ama Dablam (6,856 m).

Alternatively, you can also embark on a couple of hours hike towards Chukkung, a way to Island peak and superb views of Amadablam, Makalu, and accompanying the Himalayas.

Altitude above sea level: (4,931 m) Lobuche

Hiking duration:  5 hours approx.

Accommodation: Tea House Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

After having early breakfast, we start trekking uphill gradually along a plateau of yak herder shelters. The trail offers superb views of mountains like Everest, Cholatse, Lobuche, and Pumari spread out before us in a contrasting and spectacular landscape.

After two and half hours of a gradual walking, we will reach Thugla nestled below the terminal moraine of the Khumbu Glacier–the highest glacier in the world.  From Thugla, the trail goes directly up the terminal moraine of the Khumbu Glacier before turning left just past the climber and Sherpa memorial. The memorial park is for all the people that had lost their lives climbing Everest, some with inscriptions detailing their accomplishments, and others with no more than a simple pile of rocks.

You are now away from the tree line area and into the glacial moraine. From here, you caught the first sight of Kala Patthar. The trail now descends slowly and flows to the western side until you reach the valley of Lobuche.

Altitude above sea level: Gorak Shep (5,288 m), Everest Base Camp (5,360 m)

Hiking duration: (Lobuche – Gorak Shep) 3hrs approx. (Everest base camp)   4–5 hrs. Approx.

Accommodation: Tea House Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Today is the main day as you summit Everest Base Camp (EBC). After breakfast, get prepared and hike along the rocky terrain alongside the Khumbu glacier to EBC. Leaving Lobuche, the trail to Gorak Shep is extraordinary through the rocky moraine undulating trail.

After a light lunch at Gorakshep, continue to hike to Everest base camp. You trek across the rocks toward the several colorful prayer flags that mark the spot.  Celebrations and screams fill the air as you reach the spot that marks where base camp is. Once you step into base camp, you will be encircled by massive snow-capped mountains. Spectacular views of the notorious Khumbu icefall were revealed in proximity.

After spending remarkable time in the base camp, you take a descent back to Gorakshep.

Altitude above sea level: 5,545 m (Kalapathar)

Hiking duration: (Gorak Shep – Kalapathar) 3hrs approx, (Kalapathar-Lobuche) 3-4 hrs. Approx

Accommodation: Tea House Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

In the early morning, you set off for Kala Patthar, the big hill located next to Gorak Shep. ‘Kala’ means black and ‘Pathar’ rock, together with being ‘Kalapathar’ or black rock. The hike to the summit of Kala Patthar, altitude of 5,545 meters / 18,192 feet, is tough but well rewarded. Kalapathar is a popular vantage point for panoramic vistas of Mount Everest, Nuptse, Lhostse, Pumori, and several other peaks. Like sunrise and sunset, the views are more vibrant. Kalapattar is one of the prime highlights of the Everest Base Camp Trek.

After soaking up the captivating views from Kala Pathar, you will begin descending back down to Gorakshep for the breakfast. Thereafter, you continue to trek down to Lobuche.

Altitude above sea level: (5,200 m) Dzong La

Hiking duration:  4 hrs. Approx.

Accommodation: Tea House Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

After breakfast, you leave Lobuche behind and head towards Dzong La. Today you take a decent trail to Dzong La on the right bank of the Dudhkoshi River. You will pass through the villages, the Chola Tso Lake, and towards Dzongla. Dzongla lies at the base of the Cho La Pass, connecting the main Everest Base Camp trekking trail to the Gokyo region. It is also a summer yak herding ground for yak farmers in the area. You can witness remarkable views of Ama Dablam and Taboche as well as a mild visibility of Cholatse Lake.

Altitude above sea level: (5,400 m) Cho-La, Thangnak (4,620 m)

Hiking Duration: 7-8 hrs. Approx.

Accommodation: Tea House Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Today you will take an early breakfast and set off for a long day with the scenic view of Cholatse. At the first steps, you ascend latterly up on the moraines and gushing little lakes. The trail is rewarded with beautiful scenery and breathtaking views, which make it more worthy of dedication and motivation to carry on.

After a few hours of uphill then you reach Cho La, From the top, you can savor the magnificent views of many snow-capped mountains like Taboche, Cholatse, Baruntse, Thamserku. Thereafter, continue to descend to the Ngozumpa Glacier; which is well known as the longest glacier in Nepal. Then continue to hike further, which takes you to Thangnak. It is a small Sherpa settlement nestled beneath great rock walls, just a stone’s throw from the Ngozumba Glacier.

Altitude above sea level: (4,800 m) Gokyo

 Hiking Duration:  2 hours approx.

Accommodation: Tea House Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

After breakfast, you cross the Ngozumpa Glacier and ascend the lateral moraine valley. Further, you pass the first Gokyo lake Longponga Tsho and the second Gokyo lake Taboche Tsho.  Taboche Tsho is a larger one where green brainy ducks are frequently seen swimming in the freezing waters. From here, you will trek and reach the picturesque Gokyo village. The village Gokyo is situated onshore of the third Gokyo lake Dudh Pokhari (milk lake) and is surrounded by mountains.

 Altitude above sea level: (5,486 m) Gokyo Ri

Hiking duration: 4-5 hours

Accommodation: Tea House Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Early in the morning, you have to take a steep ascent to the top of Gokyo Ri. From the Gokyo Ri viewpoint, savor an incredible view of tranquil Gokyo lakes, Gokyo valleys, and the entire Khumbu Himalayas, comprising the giants; Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Makalu, Cho-Oyu and Gychung Kang.

Further, you climb to the fourth Gokyo Lake, which is situated only around 3 km north of Gokyo and the fifth Gokyo Lake is a little far from the fourth lake. A hike up a near hill will get outstanding views of the beautiful Gokyo valley, the massive Ngozumpa Glacier, and breathtaking panoramic sights of all Khumbu Himalayas with the world’s highest Mount Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Cho Oyu, Makalu and Gychung Kang. After spending time basking in Nature’s glories, you trek down to Gokyo village.

Altitude above sea level: (5,092 m) Renjo La; Lungden (3,867 m)

Hiking duration: 7 – 8hrs approx.

Accommodation: Tea House Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Today you leave Gokyo behind and set off for a long and challenging hike. The trail is exciting as you cross over the Renjo La pass and hike through several ups and downs. You gradually ascend through the grassy area and boulders with a meandering path. The trail gets steeper as you keep gaining elevation till Renjo La Pass. Upon reaching the pass, you are greeted with mesmerizing view of Cho Oyu, Nuptse, Everest, Cholatse, Makalu, and adjacent peaks. After savoring the view, you take a steep downhill through the west side of the pass into a remote valley with a spectacular landscape. Thereafter, continue to hike downhill through the beautiful meadow towards the Bhote Koshi Valley. Then, you hike beside the river and head towards Lungden.

Altitude above sea level: (3,445 m) Namche Bazaar

Hiking duration: 7-8 hrs.

Accommodation: Tea House Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

After a hearty breakfast, you descend to Thame from Lungden.  Today’s hike involves a combination of downhills, flat sections, and some short uphills. You follow the path on the east side of the river and pass numerous quaint villages.

Further, you hike steadily downhill to Marulung and cross the bridge over the Bhote Koshi River. Further, continue hiking through several ascend and descend trails till you reach Taranga. Then you walk through a thick forest, witnessing varied species of flora and fauna. As you continue along the trail, you will come across several old-walled Sherpa villages.

Continuing the hike downhill, you arrive at Thame. This small village has an old monastery you will visit for evening prayers. Later, you can explore the valley and view the stunning scenes of Teng Kangpoche and Kwangde.

Altitude above sea level: (2,840 m) Lukla

Hiking duration: 7 hrs. approx.

Accommodation: Tea House Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

After breakfast, you take a descent to Monjo. Further, continue to descend to the Dudh Koshi valley through the villages of Phakding, Ghat, and Cheplung. The roar of the fast-rolling Dudh Koshi River is always in the background. We cross numerous suspension bridges, and pass by several monasteries and villages before reaching Lukla. As you trek, you are below the tree line and the landscape became filled with farm terraces and charming villages. Once you reach Chaurikharka, start climbing the final hill of the trek to reach Lukla.

Altitude above sea level: (1,302 m) Kathmandu

Flight Time: 25 minutes approx.

Driving duration: 4 hrs. approx. (Ramechhap-KTM)

Accommodation: Hotel Tibet or similar

Meal: Breakfast

You will have an early breakfast and fly back to Ramechhap from Lukla airport. Once you land at Ramechap airport, you will take a drive back to Kathmandu.

Altitude above sea level: (1,302 m), Kathmandu

Accommodation: Hotel Tibet or similar

Meal: Breakfast

It’s also a spare day in case of bad weather in Lukla if we could not fly on the scheduled date and time, or we can organize a guided day tour in or around Kathmandu. You can spend your leisure time shopping for souvenirs for your beloved ones or simply relax after an exhausting but momentous adventure.

Meal: Breakfast

It is time to fly back home, keeping all the incredible experiences of Nepal in mind. The representative from Nepal Sanctuary Treks will transfer you to TIA airport, where you should check in 3 hours prior to your scheduled flight.