Everest Circuit Three High Passes- 22 Days - 22 days

The trek complete circuit of the Khumbu Valley walking through three high passes of Everest, five summits, and of course the Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar. After exploring the temples, shrines, old palaces, bazaars, and restaurants of Kathmandu Valley, the next day we fly to Lukla, the starting point of the Everest circuit trek. The circuit rises from Lukla to Dingboche then Nangkartshang Peak and Chhukung, crossing the 5535m Kongma La to Lobuche, and climbing the 5340m Everest Base Camp and 5545m Kala Patthar, continuing over 5420m Cho La pass to Gokyo, then straining over the 5345m Renjo La to Thame and Namche Bazaar. With most of the walking above 3600m, this trek is graded hard and is designed for those who are fit and have previously trekked at altitude.

Day 1: Arrival KATHMANDU (1300m/4265ft)
Arrive at Kathmandu International Airport where you will be warmly welcomed by our representative and transfer to the hotel. The rest of the day is free to explore this historic and vibrant city. Meals: NO

Day 2: Acclimatize KATHMANDU
In the morning after breakfast, a trip orientation meeting will be organized and there will be a tour around Kathmandu valley. Kathmandu, being a historical and cultural heart of Nepal, is a popular destination for tourists, trekkers, and adventure seekers. The city presents a wonderful mixture of Hinduism, Tibetan Buddhism, and Western influence in the Valley. In this tour, we will see the glorious Newari architecture of the old palace of Kathmandu Durbar Square and we will join the pilgrims around the enormous Boudhanath Stupa and Swayambhunath Stupa and then to Nepal’s most important Hindu temple Pashupatinath temple that stands on the bank of the holy Bagmati river. Last-minute shopping can also be done this day. Welcome to dinner in the evening. Meals: Breakfast, Welcome Dinner

Day 3: Fly to LUKLA (2800m/9187ft); trek to PHAKDING (2610m/8563ft) 2-3 hours trek; 200m descent, 50m ascent
We fly upto the mountain airstrip of Lukla and set off on the first short trek, heading northwards up the valley of the Dudh Kosi and then downwards into the forested valley. The trail crosses several tributary streams and we have some tantalizing views before reaching the small settlement of Phakding where we spend our first night. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Trek to NAMCHE (3420m/11221ft) 5-6 hours/1000m ascent, 100m descent
Heading for the Namche Bazar, we cross through the hamlet of Zamphute and Tok Tok to see dazzling Thamserku glistening in the sun that stays all the way with us in most of our trek. Passing through the scenic Sherpa villages of Benkar, Chumoa, and Monjo, we reach Utche Choling Gompa on a bluff abutting the Dudhkoshi river and further we make our way between the bluff to the entrance of Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO declared a world heritage site. Completing halfway to Namche Bazar, we head for the second half of the march that would likely take more time due to the steep climb at the end. Crossing through the last village of Jorsale, a steep stepped path leads us to an amazing high bridge over the Dudhkoshi River gorge, and just before this bridge, the Dudhkoshi is met by its tributary, the Bhote Koshi. Beginning the final steps uphill slowly we reach the heights of Namche from where we can have first look at Mt. Everest, peering over the Lhotse-Nuptse ridge, and finally after about 1.5km/0.9mile) we reach Namche Bazar. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Acclimatize at NAMCHE; Trek to KHUMJUNG (3780m/12402ft); back to NAMCHE
We have an acclimatization day at Namche Bazar. To help our body better adapt to the high altitude, we can take short walks or climb a few hundred feet during the day to have a look in the villages, houses, terraced fields, and snowy mountains of Kwangde, Khumbu peak, Thamserku, Kusum Kanguru, and the village’s big weekly event, the Saturday market to have fun mingling with the crowds and watching men and women in traditional attire. This day, we start the climb through the U shaped hillside above Namche from beside the Gompa. On the way, we see several snowy peaks of Kwangde, Khumbila, and Thamserku and Tagi Tau and Pharchamo, Tip of Ama Dablam and Taboche and we reach a signposted intersection from where we move towards the right hand for Khumjung. Walking past a large chorten and a long mani wall, we reach a viewpoint to Everest “THE EVEREST VIEW HOTEL” for lunch, Lhotse and Lhotse Shar ( East ) peak, besides Thamserku, Ama Dablam, and Taboche and then path drop to Khumjung past the Hillary School. Khumjung is famous for its gompa that stands in a grove of cedar in the upper part of the village where there is an image of the Guru Padmasambhava, who helped establish Buddhism in Tibet, flanked by his two consorts. Inside the gompa is preserved a skull that lamas believe is that of the yeti, but was disapproved by scientists in the US. We return back to Namche for a night’s stay. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Trek to TENGBOCHE (3870m/12697ft) 4 hours; 350m descent, 750m ascent
From Namche, we take the easy level trail that cuts around the ridge from Chhorkung to reach the end of a bluff which is a viewpoint over a grand panorama of peaks, from Thamserku to Ama Dablam, Lhotse, and Everest. From here we reach Kyangjuma (3550m) and a short walk from there takes us to an important trail junction at Sanasa (3600m) from where we take the trail to Tengboche that runs gently downhill towards the river. This trail drops gradually to Lawichasa and on our descending way the thumb-like peak of Ama Dablam soars into view above the trail. From Lawichasa a narrow trail branches north to reach Tashinga (3380m) and now the trail drops down on steep stone steps to Phunki Thenga (3250m) and then to a bridge. From the bridge, the trail climbs past some water-powered prayer wheels and begins a sustained climb through a forest of tall, mature rhododendrons. We might see musk deer and Himalayan tahr among the trees to eventually follow the path that reaches a Kani and a pair of chortens marking the start of Tengboche village which is scattered across a wide, grassy saddle below a crescent-shaped ridge covered by scrub pines and rhododendrons. The focal point of Tengboche is the famous Tengboche monastery. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Trek to DINGBOCHE (4360m/14305ft) 3-5 hours; 70m descent, 580m ascent
The trail from Thyangboche leads downhill through a forest of conifers, birch, and rhododendrons. The trail passes the nunnery at Deboche to cross a wooden bridge over the rushing Imja Khola, whose valley we now follow. We begin to climb again, passing some beautifully carved walls. The trail then enters Pangboche, at 3900m, the highest permanent settlement in this valley. We are above the tree line now. Following a ledge above the river, the trail crosses a wooden bridge at the confluence of the Khumbu and Imja Khola. A short steep climb brings us to Dingboche, at 4530m. Dingboche is a summer settlement and here the great peaks of Ama Dablam, the ridge of Nuptse-Lhotse, Tawoche, and Chalotse surround us. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Acclimatize at DINGBOCHE /PNANGKARTSHANG PEAK (5100m/16733ft)
We spend this day at Dingboche to continue our acclimatization. Those who are adapting well to the altitude can climb Nangkartshang Peak at 5100m. From this hill behind camp the views are even more spectacular – Chalotse and Tawoche tower above us, Ama Dablam rears up across the valley and in the distance, we can see Makalu. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9: Trek to CHHUKUNG & Climb CHHUKUNG RI (5546m/18196ft)
The trail ascends the valley gently towards Island Peak and Chhukung, a small settlement at 4730m. From Chhukung we will ascend Chhukung Ri (5546m). From here we can look directly across the valley to the fantastic snow and ice formations on Ama Dablam and the Amphu Lapcha. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10: Trek to KONGMA LA (5535m/18160ft)
An early start for a very long day as we cross our first pass. We turn away from the main valley and head off up a side valley towards the Kongma La. As we ascend the scenery becomes increasingly spectacular as the ridge of Nuptse appears above us. We can see the glaciers of Kongmatse ahead and the rocky peak of Pokalde is to our left. Finally, we reach a small lake before the last steep scramble to the top of the pass. From the top (5535m), we are surrounded by peaks and glaciers in all directions. The descent is long and steep and finally brings us to the Khumbu glacier, which we must cross at the end of the day to reach Lobuche, a tiny yak pasture with a few teahouses in the summer. The sunset on Nuptse towering above us is not to be missed. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11: Trek to GORAK SHEP (5160m/16930ft) and EBC (5340m/17521ft) and back to GORAK SHEP
Another long day today as we leave very early, following the Khumbu Glacier northwards to Gorak Shep. After a rest and something to eat we trek across the sandy flat at Gorak Shep and climb onto the lateral moraine of the Khumbu glacier. The trail ascends the side of the glacier for a couple of hours before finally descending onto the rocky glacial moraine itself. The trail winds up and down through fascinating ice seracs to the area known as Everest Base Camp, where in spring, we may see some of the expedition teams as they prepare to summit the mountain. From the Base Camp, we get fantastic close-up views of the Khumbu Ice Fall. Nuptse towers above us and Pumori rears up behind us. After a short photo stop, we retrace our steps to Gorak Shep. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12: Trek to KALA PATTHAR; retrace our way back to LOBUCHE
This morning we climb steeply above Gorak Shep to the small peak of Kala Pattar, ‘Black Rock’, at 5545m from where we can look down over the camps of the various Everest expeditions. This climb affords a most magnificent view of the Khumbu Glacier and above all a close-up view of the world’s highest mountain. We return to Gorak Shep and retrace our steps to Lobuche. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13: Trek to DZONGLA/ AWI PEAK (5245m/17209ft)
Following the terminal moraine of the Khumbu glacier we head down the valley before turning off above the Chola Tso Lake towards our next pass, the Cho La. Above us are the twin peaks of Tawoche and Chalotse. We stay tonight in the small basic tea house at Dzongla. For the energetic, there will be a chance to ascend Awi Peak (5245m), a little known viewpoint but well worth the effort for the views across to Everest Base Camp. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 14 and 15: Trek to GOKYO over CHO LA PASS
An easy day as we climb onto the terminal moraine of the Ngozumpo Glacier, which is the largest in the Nepal Himalaya. A magnificent walk across the glacier brings us to Longpongo, the first of the glacial lakes. A short walk then brings us to the summerhouses and walled meadows set next to the azure blue lake at Gokyo. There is time this afternoon to rest and take in the views or the energetic may want to explore further up the Gokyo Valley. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 16: Acclimatize at GOKYO
A day to explore the magnificent scenery at Gokyo. There is a chance to ascend Gokyo Ri (5360m.) which is set above the lake and enjoys probably the most magnificent mountain panorama in the Khumbu. Mountains surround us and include four of the seven highest peaks in the Nepal Himalaya: Cho Oyu, Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu. It is also possible to visit some more glacial lakes further north towards Cho Oyu base camp. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 17 and 18: Trek to THAME over RENJO LA PASS
An easy day as we descend further to meet the trail from the Nangpa La, which leads into Tibet, and we may well meet Tibetan traders, with their caravans of yaks laden with carpets, salt, and hides. Following the Bhote Kosi Valley, we head south to Thame with its spectacular monastery. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 19 and 20: Trek back LUKLA
Our final day’s trekking follows the Dudh Kosi down to Lukla retracing the way we came up. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Fly back KATHMANDU
Flyback from Lukla to Kathmandu and drop at the hotel. This is a leisure day that can be utilized by buying gifts and souvenirs for your friends and family. In the evening you will be invited to join FAREWELL reviewing great photos and share experiences of the trip. Meals: Breakfast, Farewell Dinner

Cost Include

All airport/hotel pick up and drop in private car/van
3 Nights accommodation in Kathmandu including breakfast
18 Nights stay in Lodge/Guest House during trek.
An experienced English speaking Trekking Guide and a Porter during the trek.
Salary, food, insurance, and lodging cost for guide and porter ( 2 Trekkers-1 Porter )
During the Trek, we will have Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and Tea/Coffee each time only.
Welcome and Farewell Meals and Breakfasts while in Kathmandu.
National Park Permit and TIMS for Everest.
Airfare from Kathmandu to Lukla and return flight to Kathmandu and domestic flight departure taxes.
Down Jacket and Sleeping Bag that needs to be returned to the office after trek completion.
ACH Kitbag and T- shirt for you

Cost Exclude

Nepal entry visa fees.
International airfare and departure tax.
Bar bills, laundry, and other expenses of personal nature.
Travel insurance including evacuation.
1 Lunch in Kathmandu
Tips for local staff, guides, and porters.
Desserts, Hot Shower, Hot Water, Wi-Fi, Mineral Water.