Everest Three High Passes Trek

Elevation of Kathmandu: 1,400m (4593ft)

Language spoken Nepali/English

Currency: Nepalese Rupees

Meals: Dinner

Accommodation: 3-star-hotel

On landing at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), representatives of Best Adventure Travel shall greet and transfer to the destined hotel. After refreshments, the trekking instructor shall brief about the schedule and introduce the rest of team members.

As a welcome program, we have organized a “Gala dinner”, which hypes the Nepalese cuisine.

Elevation of Lukla: 2,800m/9,184 ft

Elevation of Phakding: 2,652m/8,700 ft

Distance covered: 8km/5 miles

Walking duration (Phakding): 3-4 hours

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel

Early morning, we march to Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) and take a 30-35 minutes flight to Lukla. From the scenic beauty of concrete jungle, we move above the green landscape and then towards the white glacier. On reaching the Edmund Hillary Airport (Lukla Airport), we will further meet the rest of crew members who shall be assisting us throughout the 20 days Everest Base Camp trek.

Quietly nestled at an elevation of 2,651m (8,700 ft) we head to Phakding village. The walk towards Phakding is comfortable and takes around 3-4 hours. Before,reaching the destination, we descend the Cheplung village, from where the white mountains such as Mount Everest and Mt. Khumbila gets visible, while beneath Dudh Koshi river shall accompany us.

On the way we shall come across several villages such as Ghat, Toktok, Chaurikharka before reaching Phakding.

Elevation of Namche Bazar: 3,440m/11,283 ft

Distance covered: 10.7k/6.69 miles

Walking duration: 5-6 hours

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel

We take the trail towards the west, that fairly leads us to the Sagarmatha National Park at Jorsale. The hike towards Namche Bazar shall take us to Chomoa through pine woods, and Rhododendron forest, crossing the Dudh Koshi river.

We walk uphill taking a pleasuring view of Thamserku (6,623m) and Kusum Kanguru (6369m) and reach Chautara. The conjuring view of Mt.Lhotse and Mt.Nuptse will further rejuvenate and push us towards Namche Bazar which is 3,440m (11,280ft) high.

Namche Bazar is the key business center of all the community residing in Khumbu region. The place is beautiful and holds the traditional apron of the Sherpa culture. Further, the area is filled with cafes, internet, shops and high-end restaurants.

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel

On the acclimatization day, we take a tour of Namche Bazar and its nearby destination. We take a tour of Sagarmatha National Park or take a toil to Thame, Khunde, Khumjung, Syangboche and nearby Sherpa monasteries.

An optional hike is also available to the Bhote Koshi valley. The walk involves 2 hours of steep climbing to observe the excellent and clear view of the surrounding Himalayas. Alternatively, we can also roam around Namche area, visit stalls and enjoying the bustling chaos of Sherpa people, yaks and trekkers.

Elevation of Tengboche: 3860m (12,660 ft)

Distance Covered: 10.5km / 6.25 miles

Walking duration: 5-6 hours

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Accommodation: Tea house

Tengboche village holds its own unique remarks. As located in the elevation of 3860m (12,660 ft), the village has one of the largest gompa, Buddhist monastery and Tengboche monastery. Besides, religious offering, it relishes panoramic view of world’s tallest peak, Mt.Everest, Lhotse, Tawache, Tenzing Norgay and Ama Dablam. Also known as the hidden valley of the Khumbu region, the area has been serving as a mid-way station to the travelers.

So, we gradually follow the overview of the Everest and move to Pangboche, Sansa and Kyangjuma (a junction for Gokyo & Base Camp). The walk continues for 5-6 hours and then takes a brief halt in exploring the famous Tengboche monastery, and its nearby eco-centers.

Elevation of Deboche: 3820m (12,530 ft)

Distance Covered: 10.5km / 6.57 miles

Walking duration: 5-6 hours

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Accommodation: Tea house

We cross the Imja Khola and reach Pangboche village. The pathway passes through the dense forests of pine woods and rhododendron. To reach Dingboche, we select the upper Pangboche trial and admire the Himalayan vistas and the monasteries. We continue descending to Dingboche and explore the buckwheat and potatoes fields.

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Accommodation: Tea house

Instead of staying ideal on the second acclimatization we head towards Nagerjun, which stands at a height of 5100m. We shall walk for nearly 4-5 hours to reach the destination and grasp the mesmerizing glimpse of the shining vistas of Kangtega (6685m), Taboche peak (6367m), Lobuche East (6119m). The remaining day after descending can be spent as per the trekkers plan and interest.

Elevation of Chhukung: 4750m (15,580 ft)

Distance covered: 14km/ 8.75 miles

Time taken: 6-7 hours

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Accommodation: Tea house

We move to Imja Khola through the stone-fields, before entering to the towering mountains. The walk continues toward Bibre where right across the valley is the fantastic Amphu Labsa and Ama Dablam.  We walk through the excellent trails of high alpines, and in the mist of Bibre, the trail is intersected by the icy streams.

On reaching Chhukung, which lies in the South phase of Mt.Everest, is a small village serving trekkers at an altitude of 4750m (15,580 ft). The valley lies on the south of Nuptse and Lhotse, west of Baruntse and Cho Polu, north of Chhukung glacier and Ama Dablam.

Our journey for the day continues as we climb Chhunkung Ri, which is quite close to the summit. From the pinnacle, we look across for the fantastic view of Amphu Labche peaks.

Elevation of Kongma La pass: 5535m (18,159 ft)

Elevation of Lobuche: 4940m/ 16,210 ft

Distance covered: 10km/ 8.25 miles

Time taken: 6-7 hours

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Accommodation: Tea house

The Kongma La Pass trek is exciting and a slight difficult phase of the trek. We either take a trail to the northwest of Chhukung over the moraines of Nuptse Glacier or walk back to Bibre and take a trail above Niyang Khola.

After walking for 6-7 hours we are welcomed by the waving flags and the picturesque of Khumbu Glacier. On the left front we see Everest, while on the right we Taboche, Makalu, Lhotse, Amadablam.

Elevation of Gorak Shep: 5,170m (16,961 ft)

Distance Covered: 4.0km / 2.48 miles

Walking duration: 3-4 hours

Elevation of Everest Base Camp: 5,364m (17,594 ft)

Distance Covered (EBC): 13km/8.13 miles

Walking duration (EBC): 6-7 hours

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Accommodation: Tea house

Ahead of Lobuche trail in the north ridge is Mt. Pumori, Mt.Everest, Mt.Nuptse and other mountains. A vivid trail takes us to Thangma Riju,from where we admire the panoramic view of the Himalayas. On reaching Gorak Shep, which is at the elevation of 5170m (16,961 ft), we stack the luggage and take a short break.

From there we climb the Everest destination. Before reaching the Everest Base Camp, we walk through the streams, rocky dunes, and moraines. Upon reaching we embrace the colorful tents laid by the Everest trekkers, and the majestic view of the Everest. We stay in base camp a little longer, admire the views of the adjoining mountain and return to Lobuche.

Elevation of Kala Patthar: 5,545m (18,192 ft)

Distance covered:3 km/ 1.9 miles

Elevation of Lobuche: 4,940m (16,207 ft)

Distance covered:7km/4.38 miles

Walking duration: 8-9 hours

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Accommodation: Tea house

Through the windy and ascending trail, we head towards Kala Patthar. Through Lobuche pass we encounter Changri Shar Glacier. We head straight to Kala Patthar via the moraine route where we run into the waving colorful flags, and the mountains surrounding the Everest Base Camp.

We spend a few hours exploring Mt.Pumori, Mt. Everest and Mt.Ama Dablam. From the height of Kala Patthar, we see the whole view of the Khumbu IceFall, Khumbu Glacier, Gorak Shep and the whole of trekkers camp.

As there are no lodges in Kala Patthar, we return to Lobuche, walking back to the steep path.

Elevation of Dzongla: 4830m (15,850 ft)

Distance covered: 6km/3.75 miles

Walking duration: 3-4 hours

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Accommodation: Tea house

The journey from Dzongla to Lobuche is the shortest one, for the time taken to travel is 3-4 hours. We move to the grassy trails which allows us to take notes of the Lobuche East peak, Khumbu Glacier. On the way we find several pyramids and memorials who gave their life while climbing the peaks. The path gently follows the glacier taking us to the Lobuche village.

Elevation of Gokyo: 4800m (15,580 ft)

Elevation of Cho La Pass: 5368m (17,611 ft)

Distance covered: 4km/2.5 miles

Walking duration: 7-8 hours

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Accommodation: Tea house

As we start to attain height the Cholatse escalate on the west, and Ama Dablam on the south. The journey moves to steep path making the trail curves tricky. On reaching Cho La Pass we are welcomed by the colorful flags, and the majestic peaks in all directions.

The trail brings us to the edge of Ngozumpa glacier where we can view the second Gokyo lake. The time taken to complete the trek from Gokyo via Cho La Pass is approximately 7-8 hours.

Elevation of Gokyo Ri: 5357m (17,570 ft)

Distance covered: 4km/2.5 miles

Walking duration: 4-5 hours

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Accommodation: Tea house

The second rest day of the 20 days Everest Base Camp trek. We rest in Gokyo village and explore the nearby areas of village.  If the weather is favourable we will divert the short trek towards Gokyo Ri and Gokyo lakes. Walking further, 3km north, we visit the fourth Gokyo Lake, and continue trekking to the fifth Gokyo lake.

A steep climb to Gokyo Ri (5357m/17,575 ft) and we see the whole of Gokyo village from the high altitude. An astonishing sight of Cho-Oyu, Lhotse, Nuptse and Makalu mountains are insight seen. After spending hours, trek back to Gokyo village.

Elevation of Marlung: 4210m (13,810 ft)

Distance covered: 11km/6.89 miles

Walking duration: 7-8 hours

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Accommodation: Tea house

Moving forward to the Renjo La Pass, our trial proceeds to Dudh Pokhari. The pathway rewards us with the extravagant views of Himalayas. The glare from the Renjo La Pass are somewhat similar to the views achieved from the Gokyo Ri, and the Gokyo village. However, we do not want to miss any chance of taking the last peek of the sublime, hence we again take the grey glimpse of Ngozumpa glacier.

Elevation of Namche Bazar: 3,440m/11,283 ft

Distance covered: 10.7k/6.69 miles

Walking duration: 5-6 hours

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Accommodation: Tea house 

The descending process from Marlung includes following the traditional path of Thame village. We descend to Taranga and cross the gushing Bhote Koshi river before crossing two major suspension bridge before reaching Thame. The trail passes through Gompa and small villages of Khumbu region before reaching Namche Bazaar. After the 5-6 hours hike, we explore the discrete portion of Namche Bazaar.

Elevation of Lukla: 2,800m/9,184 ft

Distance covered: 8km/5 miles

Walking duration: 6-7hours

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Accommodation: Tea house 

We head start our journey to Lukla from Namche Bazaar. We descend the trail to Dudh Koshi river, and cross several suspension bridges, monasteries and the glazes of mountains. While returning we shall pass by the same graceful landscape for nearly 6-7 hours and explore Lukla for the remaining period.

Elevation of Kathmandu: 1,400m (4,600 ft)

Distance covered: 138km/85.74 miles

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel Moon Light 

The journey of the Everest Base Camp trek finally ends here. We thank the local crews and take a flight back to Kathmandu. Unlike the previous boarding, this will be a special one, as we shall be leaving Lukla with victory, reminisce every hardships and adventures we went through to get the mighty glimpse of Mt. Everest.

Once we reach in Kathmandu, we shall return hotel, while the interested explorer can enjoy discovering the colorful streets of Thamel.

Elevation of Kathmandu: 1,400m (4,600 ft)

Distance covered: 138km/85.74 miles

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel Moonlight

Nepal is not only popular for the shining white glaciers and mountains; it is also famous for the ancient heritages such as Kathmandu Durbar Square and Swayambhunath (the monkey temple).

Ason, the oldest street of Kathmandu, endures massive amount of human traffic every day. The street is famous for selling herbs, local handmade clothes, and traditional groceries. The lane to Asan Bazaar and Indrachok are connected, hence, the entire territory is filled by Newari ethnic practicing their own culture.

Moving ahead is Kathmandu Durbar Square, located in Basantapur. The palace is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage Site and currently is restored as a museum highlighting monuments of Shah dynasty.

After cultural exploration, we head to Swayambhunath, the sacred place of Buddhist religion, located on top of a hill, the temple demonstrates and excellent view of Kathmandu valley. The place is surrounded by local restaurants, shops and a small museum.

On completion of city tour, we return hotel and get ready for the evening farewell dinner. As a warm gesture, we organize “Farewell Dinner” to share our experience as a valuable feedback.

Meal: Breakfast

The 20 days Everest Three High Passes Trek designed by the Best Adventure Travels has finally come to an end. This day, with a heavy heart we shall be transferring every explores to their next destination.