TRIP OVERVIEW
The three high passes trek Starts at Lukla (2828m) after taking exciting 35 minutes flight through the Himalaya. And follows the Dudh Koshi River also known as (Milky River) which continues up to famous village of Namache Bazaar junction for trekkers, on the trail you will encounter with friendly Sherpa people, picturesque village’s great variety of Buddhist culture and traditions. These three passages provide you a lifetime memory of panoramic views of the Highest Mountain like (Everest 8,848m) ( Makalu 8,485m) (Cho You 8,201m) (Lhotse 8,516m) and other more peaks around. In Gokyo valley the Ngozumpa Glacier is the largest glacier in the Nepal Himalayas its beautiful. The Gokyo Ri (5330m) is considered as the best view point in the entire Everest Region. After Crossing the Imaging two passes we also have a chance to visit Kala Patthar 5,550m for the close view on Mt. Everest.
OUTLINE ITINERARY
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1324m)
Day 02: Fly to Lukla, trek to Phakding (2,651m) 40 minutes flight and 3 – 4 hours trek
Day 03: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440m) 5 – 6 hours trek
Day 04: Rest day for acclimatization in Namche Bazaar
Day 05: Trek to Debuche (3820 m) 5-6 hours trek
Day 06: Trek to Dingboche (4,360m) 5 – 6 hours trek
Day 07: Dingboche: acclimatization and rest
Day 08: Trek to Chhukung (4750m) 3 hours trek , climb Chhukung Ri (5,546m)
Day 09: Cross to Kongma La pass (5535m) trek to Lobuche (4940m) 6 – 7 hours trek
Day 10: Rest day for Acclimatization
Day 11: Early morning to Kala Patthar (5545m) and back to Lobuche overnight in Labuche, 8-9 hours trek
Day 12: Trek to Dzongla (4830m) 3 – 4 hours trek
Day 13: Trek to Dragnag (4700m) over the Cho La pass (5368m) 7 – 8 hours trek
Day 14: Trek to Gokyo (4790m) – 3 hours trek
Day 15: Early morning to Gokyo Ri (5,300m) and back to the Gokyo overnight in Gokyo. 4-5 hours trek.
Day 16: Trek to Marulung (4210m) Via Renjo Pass (5,360m) 7-8 hours trek
Day 17: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440m) 5-6 hours trek
Day 18: Trek to Lukla (2840m) 6-7 hours trek
Day 19: Fly from Lukla – Kathmandu
Day 20: In Kathmandu
Day 21: In Kathmandu
Day 22: Final departure
DETAIL ITINERARY
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1324m)
Upon your arrival in Kathmandu airport, you will be greeted by a representative from Waiba Adventure Trek who will drop you to your hotel in Kathmandu. A full briefing will be given after you check in. Overnight at Fuji Guest House or similar in Kathmandu.
Day 02: Fly to Lukla, trek to Phakding (2,651m) 3 hours trek
After breakfast, we drive to the domestic terminal of Kathmandu to take a 35 minutes flight to Lukla in a small Twin Otter airplane. Landing on the narrow, sloping runway high above the Dudh Koshi River in the heart of the mountains is a very spectacular way to arrive. We begin our 3 hours trek to Phakding immediately after landing. An hour’s gradual descent, we will be at a Cheplung village from where we have a glimpse of Mt. Khumbila a sacred mountain which has never been climbed. From Cheplung, we continue descending via Thado Koshi and Ghat to reach Phakding. Overnight in Pkakding
Day 03: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440m) 5 – 6 hours trek
We begin our trek on uphill and downhill trails with multiple crossings the suspension bridges over Dudh Koshi River and a magnificent view of Mt. Kusum Khangkaru (6370m) and Thamserku (6618m) from the Bengkar village. We cross more bridges and reach the entrance of Sagarmatha National Park at Monjo, where our trekking permits are checked. We walk furthermore passing through Jorsale village and crossing highest suspension bridge in Everest region. After we cross the bridge, we start with steep ascending via pine’s tree forest before reaching Namche Bazaar. From here, we get awesome views of the Himalayas including Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Tabuche,Kongde and others more. Overnight in Namche Bazaar.
Day 04: Rest day for acclimatization in Namche Bazaar
Today we have a rest day in Namche Bazar. This is an ideal place to spend the day, acclimatizing to the new altitude before heading further up. Namche Bazaar is the main center of the Khumbu region and is facilitates with bank, internet, ATM, good bakery café, groceries shop, restaurants and a colorful market. We can also take a half day excursion to Everest View Hotel to enjoy stunning views of the: (Mt. Everest 8848m), (Lhotse 8516m), (Nuptse 7864m), (Ama Dablam 6814m), (Thamserku 6618m) and (Tabuche peak 6495m). On our way back to Namche we also visit museum. Overnight in Namche Bazar.
Day 05: Trek to Debuche (3820 m) 5-6 hours trek
After breakfast, we start our trek with easy trail to Phunki Thanga but afterwards ascending to Tengboche will become relatively harder. Tengboche Monastery is one of the biggest monasteries of the Everest region. It encloses within Sagarmatha National Park which is listed in a UNESCO world heritage site. On route today you will have panoramic views of the highest mountain. After we visit the Monastery we descend down throughout beautiful bush of Rhododendron, and Juniper to Debuche. Overnight in Debuche
Day 06: Trek to Dingboche (4,360m) 5 – 6 hours trek
From here we descend through a beautiful forest, crosses the Imja River and gradual climb up to Pangboche a typical sharpa village. We move towards the Imja Valley, via Shomare a lunch place,after having lunch here we gradually ascend and crosses the Pheruche River and ultimately climb up to Dingboche. The village is a beautiful windy settlement overlooked by chortens and prayer flags. Overnight in Dingboche.
Day 07: Dingboche: acclimatization and rest
This would be our second acclimatization day. After breakfast, we ascend up to view point at the altitude of (5080m) a hill located directly above Dingboche. From this point we will enjoy beautiful views of (Mt. Makalu 8481m the fifth highest mountain in the world), (Ama Dablam 6856m), (Thamserku 6618m), (Tabuche peak 6495m), (Cholatse 6335m), (Kangtega 6783m).And you will have great views of the Chhukhug and Pheriche valley as well. After a short rest, we start descend back to Dingboche . Overnight in Dingboche.
Day 08: Trek to Chhukung (4750m) 3 hours trek , climb Chhukung Ri (5,546m)
Our trail gradually ascends towards Chhukung valley passes through stone-walled fields and Imja Khola valley before entering glacier. The trail continues crossing the valley is the fantastic view of Ama Dablam and the Amphu Labsa mountains. We continue our walk and reach to Chhukung. After lunch, we hike up to Chhukung Ri. From the summit we can look directly across the valley for a fantastic view of Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Island peak and Amphu Labcha peaks. After, we return to Chhukung. Overnight in Chhukung
Day 09: Cross to Kongma La pass (5535m) trek to Lobuche (4940m) 7 – 8 hours
Today we begin very early in the morning to reach the highest part of the entire trip which is Kongma La pass. We trek above the Niyang Khola. The top of the pass is marked by Buddhist prayer flags. The final descent from the pass is the most difficult part of today’s journey. After climbing the moraine on the far side, the trail turns north through Khumbu Glacier which takes us to Lobuche. Overnight in Lobuche.
Day 10: Rest day for Acclimatization
Today rest and relax.
Day 11: Early morning to Kala Patthar (5545m) and back to Lobuche overnight in Labuche, 8-9 hours trek
Early morning we begin our hike to Kala Patthar in order to catch remarkable views of the world highest peak Mt. Everest 8848m. However, we need to be prepared for trekking in the dark and cold temperature. Furthermore, there is always a chance for chilly winds which are quite common. Our trail gradually ascend along the the Khumbu Glacier. Along the trail we see the north ridge of Everest along with Pumori, Mahalangur, Lingtern, Khumbutse, Nuptse and other more mountains. We ascend on a steep trail up to the top of Changri Glacier and small descend we reach to Gorak Shep, where we will be surrounded by the Himalayas. Here we will take quick breakfast and we continue ascend steep trail up to Kala Patthar. View from Kala Patthar is stunning Mt Everest is just in front of you and Pumori is just on your back drop. After we trek back to Gorak Shep and have a lunch here then we continue descend to Labuche. Overnight in Labuche.
Day 12: Trek to Dzongla (4830m) 3 – 4 hours trek
From Lobuche we trek downhill on a trail alongside the Khumbu Glacier. Our trail splits into two few hundred meters below the Labuche and we take the trail on our right. On the way we will see tombstones (memorial place) in the distance people who died on Everest. Today’s trail is mostly level walk so should not be difficult. We will have wonderful view of Pheriche valley with mt. Ama Dablam backdrop and Tabuche peak in front of you seems like inviting you. If weather is good even we can see peoples climbing Labuche peak on your right side. Further we cross the Chola Khola before reaching Dzongla. Overnight in Dzongla.
Day 13: Trek to Dragnag (4700m) over the Cho La pass (5368m) 7 – 8 hours trek
We begin our day by climbing to Chola crossing over and descending to Dragnag. Climbing up to chola pass is not easy; it is steep and rocky trail. The final climb to the top could be a little tricky as the trail pass by crevasse. The top of the pass is marked by Buddhist prayer flags. Scenery of majestic peaks on the all directions is breathtaking. Although long, the path leading down to Thangnak is not difficult. Overnight in Dragnag.
Day 14: Trek to Gokyo (4790m) 3 hours trek
Today our short journey starts through the edge of the Ngozumpa glacier, which is the longest glacier in Nepal. Reaching the other side of the glacier, we see the second Gokyo Lake on the series of six lakes. A short distance away is the third Gokyo Lake. On the edge of this lake stands the Gokyo where we spend the night. If we have energy left, we can also tour the fourth Gokyo Lake today which is only 3km north of the Gokyo Village. Overnight in Gokyo.
Day 15: Early morning to Gokyo Ri (5,300m) and back to the Gokyo overnight in Gokyo -3-4 hours hike
Gokyo Ri is the highlight of this trip, this is the point where we see four above eight thousands meters mountain including highest mountain in the world Mt Everest 8848m, Makalu 8481m, Lhotse 8516m, Cho Oyu 8188m. Early morning, we hike up to the Gokyo. Climbing to Gokyo Ri is obviously strenuous as it is steep up and takes about 3 hours to reach the top. But even from the trial scenery of the valley is stunning. Gokyo village on the edge of third lake overlooked by Cholatse and the broad Ngozumpa Glacier are beautiful. Our Gokyo RI visit will be unforgettable life time memories. We trek down to Gokyo have a breakfast then we have easy day enjoy around the lake and relax. Overnight in Gokyo.
Day 16: Trek to Marulung (4210m) Via Renjo Pass (5,360m) 7-8 hours trek.
We start the day early in the morning to complete the long day’s trek ahead. Our trail moves alongside Gokyo lake for a while. Then we walk for around two hours before descending towards the Renjo La pass. On the way we will enjoy with the breathtaking views of the Himalayan. Views from the Renjo La pass are much like that from Go kyo Ri. Continuing on from the pass, our trail drops down via stone staircase and then reaches the south bank of Angladumba Tsho Lake. Along the way we see Relama Tsho and Renjo Lake. We walk down a narrow valley to Lumde where there is a lodge, but we continue walk another hour to Marulung . Overnight in Marulung.
Day 17: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440m) 5-6 hrs trek
After breakfast, we descend from Marulung to Thame follows a important trail which leads all the way to Tibet via the Nangpa La pass, the route used for centuries by the Tibetan traders. We cross the Bhote Koshi River and descend to Taranga. The trail continues descend crossing the bridges before reaching Thame. From here, we descend gradually on a trail that passes through Thamo, Phurte villages and through the beautiful forest of Paine, Juniper and deodar before reaching Namche Bazaar. Overnight in Namche Bazaar.
Day 18: Trek to Lukla (2840m) 6-7 hours trek
After breakfast we continue our trek, first we descend to Dudh Koshi river we cross several bridges over the Dudh Koshi River. Now the trail has become more level and natural. On our trek we enjoy walking on open plains, through rhododendron and pine forests and enjoy the village life and you feel like back to civilization. We walk through Sherpa villages noticing their impressive faith in Buddhism and the culture of prayer stones and prayer flags. After reaching Lukla, we stretch those legs and recall the experiences of the last couple of weeks. Our memorable long trek in the Himalaya ends today. Overnight in Lukla.
Day 19: Fly from Lukla – Kathmandu: 40 minutes
The flights to Kathmandu are usually scheduled for morning for safety purposes. After reaching the Kathmandu city, take a rest in your hotel or go for shopping the souvenirs for your loved ones. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Day 20: In Kathmandu: full day sightseeing
After breakfast, you will be going for whole day city sightseeing with the Nepali tour guide to most historical attractions in Kathmandu which are also listed on UNESCO World Heritage sites. We visit the historic Durbar Square, the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupatinath, the famous ‘Monkey Temple’ (Swayambhunath) and Buddhist shrine (Bouddhanath), which is also one of the biggest Stupa in the world. The tour is likely to finish around 4pm and the rest of the day is free to explore around Thamel around your hotel as well as to pack your baggage for the trek starting tomorrow morning. You can leave a bag at the hotel with items not needed on the trek. Overnight at Fuji Guest House or similar in Kathmandu.
Day 21: In Kathmandu :half day sightseeing
Today we go for half day city sightseeing with the Nepali tour guide to another historical attractions in Bhaktapur and Patan which is also listed on UNESCO World Heritage sites. Overnight at Fuji Guest House or similar in Kathmandu.
Day 22: Final departure
Our amazing journey in the Everest region comes to end today. A company representative will drop you off at the airport 3 hours before our scheduled flight.
PHOTO GALLERY