Three passes and four valleys

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1:  Arrival in Kathmandu - 1,300m/4,264 ft

Upon your arrival in the Kathmandu airport (KTM) you will be greeted our    representative and Mountain Leader. After completing your custom formalities (Visa, etc), pick up your luggage and look for our representative with a Mountain Leaders who will be   waiting for you, displaying board at the arrival gate. You will be transferred to Hotel. After check- in, you can either  take a  rest or hang around  in  the city and visit our office;  it  all depends upon  your  interests  and  condition.  In the evening, we will organize a "Welcome Dinner" at an excellent traditional Nepalese Restaurant where you will enjoy a Nepalese cultural program as well as a fine meal. Included meal: Dinner (D)

 Note: B refers to Breakfast, L refers to Lunch and D refers to Dinner

 Day 2:  Kathmandu: Sightseeing and Trek Preparation

Today after  breakfast,  we  will  start  a  guided  tour  to  some of the  most  historical  and  spiritual attractions in Kathmandu. Some of these landmarks are considered World Heritage Sites; including the historic Durbar Square, the sacred Hindu temple of  Pashupati Nath,   and the  famous  'Monkey  Temple'.

Swayambunath and Buddhists Shrine (Buddha Nath) are among the largest Stupas in the world. In the afternoon, there will be a pre-trip discussion where we can meet our trek  leader, other crew and participants of this trek. Mountain Leader briefs us about our trek and further provides the

opportunity  to  ask  any  questions we may  have  regarding  our  upcoming  adventure.  Included meal: Breakfast (B)

 Day 3:  Kathmandu - Lukla [2840 m/9320] - Phakding [2,652m/8,700ft]: 40 minutes flight, 3 - 4 hrs trek (Trekking times only)

After having early breakfast, we will be escorted  to  the domestic  terminal of Kathmandu Airport for an early morning  flight  to Lukla  (2,800m/9,186ft),  a  gateway  destination  from where  our  trek  begins. After an adventurous flight of 40 minutes above the breathtaking green and white mountains, we reach the Tenzing-Hillary Airport at Lukla. This is one of the most beautiful air routes in the world culminating in a dramatic  landing on  a hillside  surrounded by  high mountains peaks. Upon arrival  at Lukla, we meet our other crew members and after some packing and arrangements, we start our trek through the

Prosperous village of Lukla until we reach Phakding. To assist in acclimatization, we only have a short hike today.  However,  if  interested  in  additional  activities,  we  can  take  a  side  trip  to  a  nearby monastery; night in Phakding in a hotel. Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (B,L,D)

 Day 4:  Phakding - Namche Bazaar [3440 m/11,280 ft]: 5 - 6 hrs trek

 Today’s trek starts in the morning after breakfast. The walk is pleasant with few short uphill and downhill with multiple crossings over Dudh Koshi River and magnificent view of Mt. Thamserku (6,608m/21,675ft) from the Benkar village. We cross more bridges and reach entrance of Sagarmatha National Park at Monjo, where our trekking permits are checked  in order  to keep  record of  trekkers and  local  trekking  staffs as well. A descend and a gradual walk brings us  to Jorsale,  the  last village until Namche Bazaar.

The walk  is enjoyable  through  the  river bed and we  reach Hillary Suspension Bridge. Now, as we climb up hill towards Namche Bazzar, closer and magnificent sight of Kwangde Peak,  its  sister  peaks,  Kusum  Kangaru,  Mt.  Everest,  Lhotse,  Tawache,  and  many  other  fabulous mountains will  be  viewed  closely. We  stop  at  Chautara  to  admire  the  view.  Finally, we  reach  the colorful  village  of  Namche  Bazzar,  the  main  gateway  of  Khumbu  region; overnight  in  Namche Bazzar. (B, L, D).

Day 5:  Acclimatization Day - Namche Bazaar 

 This is the first of the three scheduled "acclimatization" days. Health experts always recommend us to stay active and moving during the rest days instead of being idle. We either spend the day taking a day hike to Thame or visiting Khunde or  relaxing and exploring Namche Bazaar  itself.  If we trek a  few hundred vertical feet during the day, it will help us to properly acclimatize. Our guides will take us to the Tourist Visitor Center near the headquarter of the Sagarmatha National Park where we can observe an  assortment  of  things  related  to  the  first  Everest  ascenders,  Sherpa  culture  and  learn  about  the various plant and animal  life of  the Everest region. Namche Bazzar is  the main centre of  the Everest (Khumbu) region and has government offices, ATMs, Internet cafes, shops, restaurants,  bakeries and a colorful market  on each Friday and Saturday evening.  If we  trek a  few hundred vertical  feet during  the day, it will help us to acclimatize properly; overnight in Namche Bazaar. (B,L,D)

 Day 6:  Namche Bazzar to Thame [3800m/12470ft]: 4 - 5 hrs

After breakfast, we come out of Namche Bazar, start to the east of the monastery with a short uphill trek. On the left we have the Kongde Ri (6187 m) and the river that flows down into a ravine. On the right is the rocky Khumbi Yul La (5765 m) and behind us is clearly visible on Kusum Kanguru (6,373m). After an  hour walking mostly  downhill  into  the  forest,  the  trip  continues. At this  juncture,  the steep rise up about 50m in altitude to reach a ridge around it. The river bed becomes closer and wider.

We reach the village of Phorte and then the small town of Samde along the stretch halfway up a slight slope leading to the bridge over the Bhote Koshi (3650 m). Cross it and about  half an hour’s  climb, we reach Thame. (B,L,D)

Day 7:  Thame to Marulung (4210m/13810ft): 5 - 6 hrs

If  the  sky  is  clear, we will  see  the  beautiful  peaks  that  guard  the  village  from  the west. We take our breakfast and head to the next camp towards Marlung. The terrain from Thame to Marlung is alpine zone where vegetation is quite less. We enjoy the peace and  relative solitude of  this  little  trekked valley. Next, we turn around the village of Tangmote. After about an hour, we walk parallel to  the village of Yellajung on  the other  side of  the Bhote Koshi. We pass by the Tarngga village enjoying superb views of Kongde Ri as we look down the trail. A further 45 minutes or so on a gradually rising trail brings us to Marlung. (B, L ,D)

 Day 8:  Marlung to Lungden (4380m/14370): 2 - 3 hrs

 It is a short walk today from Marlung to Lungden. After Marlung, we walk for about an hour and then climb a small rising hill. After crossing the  stream we  trek 2-3 hours more to  reach Lungdeng. (B, L, D) 

 Day 09 Lungden Exploration Day ( Bhote Koshi Valley)

The excursion around Lungden (Bhote Koshi Valley) will provide you the views of Everest Himalayan Range, Makalu, Tengi Ragi Tau, Rolwaling Range, and Gyachung Kang. Apart from this, you will experience unique Sherpa Culture along the trail. During the excursion in Lungden you will visit the local village. Hiking up through the nearby hills, you will have a spectacular view of the mountains and topography. Later, hike back to Lungden and have proper rest for tomorrow's trek that will lead us over Renjopass; overnight in Teahouse Lodge.

Day 10:  Lungden - Renjopass [5360m/17580ft]-Gokyo [4800 m/15,744 ft]: 8 - 9 hrs

 As we  hike  further  to  the  top  of Renjo  La, we  get  the  outstanding  views  of  the  surrounding.  The Everest itself, Lhotse, Cholatse and Taboche can be seen shining in the sun. Views from Renjo La are similar to Gokyo Ri and Gokyo Lake. Gokyo Village is situated at the foot of the gray smear of Ngozumpa Glacier. We walk further to Gokyo through the glacier. An easy descend brings us to Gokyo. (B,L,D)

 Day 11:  Gokyo - Hike to Gokyo Ri [5357 m/17,570 ft]

Today we rest and acclimatize at Gokyo, exploring the fifth lake. At this juncture, we enjoy the great views of Mt. Everest and Cho-Oyu. If the weather is good, we grasp the opportunity to climb Gokyo Ri today instead of next day to enjoy the scene from the best viewpoint of Everest Region. Moreover, Gokyo is not only popular for its grand view from Gokyo Peak but also for the six lakes which  it hosts. Definitely we would not miss the chance  to observe  the  fourth  (Thonak Tsho) and fifth lakes (Ngozuma Tsho). If interested, we climb up on the hill at the edge of the Lakes to get astounding views of Cho-Oyu, Gyachung Kang, Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Makulu. Hiking up to Gokyo Ri,  rewards breathtaking views of  sunrise over  the Himalayas. After exploring  the Gokyo Ri area,  we  get  back  to  the  camp  for  rest. We  enjoy  the  feeling  of  being  surrounded  by  panoramic mountains  like Kusum Kanguru, Thamserku, K  43, Kangtega, Taboche, Cholatse, Makalu,  Lhotse, Nuptse, Everest, Changtse, and Pumori. (B,L,D)

Day 12:  Gokyo to Thaknak [4750 m/15,580 ft]: 5 - 6 hrs

Today, we are on the trail to Thaknak. Sometimes Thaknak is pronounced as Dragnag. We climb out of the Gokyo  village  to  a  ridge.  Then,  we  take  the  route  through  the  Ngozumpa  Glacier  to  the mountain  on  the  other  side. Continuing further  and  traversing  along  the  edge  of  that mountain, we descend down to Thaknak. On the trek, we enjoy the magnifiscent views of Cho Oyu, Gokyo Ri, and other high Himalayas. (B,L,D)

 Day 13:  Thaknak-Cho La-Dzongla [4830m/15840ft]: 7 - 8 hrs

 Today, we trek to the Cho La Pass. Cho La pass is also another show up of this trip. Today is going to be one of the toughest days. The pass is not itself difficult but it is steep and involves a glacier traverse on the eastern side. We need to be careful as the trail is vertical and the rocks glazed by ice add trouble to the trekkers making  the  trail  slippery. Our  trail climbs  through a  ravine and a  rocky  trail. So, we climb up continuously up from Phedi. We trek through the side of a frozen lake and reach the top of the pass decorated with prayer flags. We need to pass through some crevasses before we reach Dzongla, another beautiful place with a complete view of Mt. Cholatse, Mt. Ama Dablam, Lobuche peak and the Pheriche village far below. (B, L, D)

Day 14:  Dzongla to Lobuche [4940 m/16,207 ft]: 4 - 5 hrs

Today, we head towards Lobuche by descending down from Dzongla. After crossing a bridge, we traverse through grassy trail. Enjoying the view of Lobuche Peak, we stretch up eventually through a ridge. The mountains of Ama Dablam, Kangtega, Thamserku Taboche  are  seen  looming prominently. Curving round through the wide gravelly river bed, we reach Lobuche. (B, L, D)

 Day 15:   Lobuche  to Gorak Shep  [5170 m/16,961ft]  - Everest Base Camp  [5364 m/17,594  ft]  - Gorak Shep:  8 - 9 hrs

The  trail  to Gorak  Shep  goes  ahead  through  the  lateral moraine  of  the Khumbu Glacier. We pass through the pyramid sign post. Ahead on the trail, we see crest of north ridge of Everest along with Mt.Pumori, Mt. Mahalangur, Mt. Lingtern, Mt. Khumbutse, Mt. Nuptse, etc. A small ascent would take us to Thangma Riju from where we perceive 360 degree vista of snowy mountains. Climbing steeply up to the  top  through  the  torrent of Changri Glacier, we catch our  first glimpse of Kala Patthar, a grey- green knoll beneath  the Mt. Pumori. As we reach Gorak Shep, we will  find  snow-capped mountains looming all around us  including  the top of  the world  - Mt. Everest.

After a short  lunch and  rest, we take  the  trail  to  Everest  Base  Camp  through  the  once  vast  Gorak  Shep  Lake.  Continuing straight ahead, we come  through  the  Indian  army mountaineers memorials.Only upon reaching the Everest Base Camp, we  really appreciate the Everest climbers who brave the hazardous  route  through  the Khumbu  icefall.  Mountaineer's  tents  stand  out  in  bright  colors  against  the  monotony  of  gray surroundings  (especially  in  the  Spring). Nuptse, Khumbuste  and  Pumori  are  the mountains we  can view from the base camp. Everest actually is not visible from here. By now, we have met the ultimate objective of our trip.

Or in case time is  not enough in hand,   climbing to Kalapathar and Everest base camp tr can be done  next morning as it takes more time than Klapathar.

Day 16:  Gorak Shep - Kala Patthar [5545 m/18,192 ft] - Lobuche [4940 m/16,207 ft]: 7 - 8hrs  

We start early in the morning to catch the dramatic views from Kala Patthar witnessing the first light of day shining on Mt. Everest. However, we need to get prepared for an early morning, dark and cold temperature (-10 to -14 C) departure beforehand. Further, there is always the potential of chilly winds which are  quite  common. Familiar  peaks  such  as Lingtren, Khumbutse, Changtse  tower  to  the  east even as Everest begins  to reveal  itself emerging between  the west shoulder crest and Nuptse. During the ascent to Kala Patthar we can pause to catch our breath at several outstanding view points to snap pictures. After several hours of ascent, we will be at Kala Patthar. From this  juncture, we  scramble  to climb  the rocky outcrop near to the summit marked by cairns and prayer  flags. As we reach  the  top, we  sit  on  the  Kala  Patthar  where  our  eyes  stuck  to  take  the  unbelievable  Himalayan  Panorama, wandering  from one mighty massif  to another. We take as many pictures as we can and take the view in our mind for lifetime to cherish.

 On being back to Gorak Shep, you will take breakfast. If you had done this hike day before,   you will trek to Everest base camp and will reach by lunch time as Everest base camp hike takes longer time (4 - 5 hrs) than the Kala Patthar hike. Upon return back to Gorak  Shep, take lunch and afternoon  time is taken to descend down to Lobuche for a good night's rest. (B, L, D)

 Day 17:  Lobuche - Kongma La [5,535m/18,159ft] – Chhukung [4,730m/15,518ft]: 6 - 7 hrs  

From Lobuche, we pass through Khumbu Glacier. On climbing up, we reach Kongma  La.  Here, we will find a Pyramid shaped  Italian Research Centre at  just over 5,000m. We enjoy the views of the wide basin dotted with frozen lakes. Again we enjoy the marvellous views of Cholatse, Pokalde, Nuptse, Lhotse, Makalu and Ama Dablam. Then we turn and walk through the stony trail. While descending down the Niyang Khola  valley, we  enjoy  the  great  views  of Amphu Lapcha  Pass  and  Island Peak. Trekking further, we get to Chukkung. (B, L, D).

Day 18:  Chhukung to Tengboche[3860 m/12,660 ft]: 5 - 6 hrs

Chhukung is also  the  starting point  for  the  Island Peak Climbing. Now we are getting  closer  to  the Himalayan  civilization  of  the Khumbu Region. The Imja Khola  joins  the Dudh Koshi River  a  little above  the Pangboche Village. There is a  famous monastery at Pangboche believed  to have been  the oldest  in  the Khumbu  region.  From  Pangboche, we  descend  down  the  alpine  desert  and  back  to greenery of pine forests. The path leads to a steep uphill climb into Tengboche. We pay our visit to the famous Tengboche Monastery. (B, L, D)

 Day 19:  Tengboche to Namche Bazzar: 5 - 6 hrs

From Tenboche, we make a steep descent and the trail leads us back along the Dudh Kosi River. We keep  a  lookout  for wild  life  such  as mountain  goats,  snow  leopards, colorful  pheasants,  etc., while passing through the forest by the trail. After passing a Chorten, we reach the army camp at of Namche Bazaar. Here we would like to take a long last look back to Lhotse, the tip of Everest and Tengboche. The final steep descend, traversing  the hill side  takes us  to Namche Bazaar. We take a nice hot shower and have very relaxed sleep in our room in Namche Bazaar. (B, L, D)

Day 20:  Namche Bazzar to Lukla: 6 - 8 hrs

The trail descends steeply downward so we need to walk slowly and under control as our shaky  legs continuously battle the rocky terrain. After crossing the suspension bridges over the fast flowing Dudh Koshi and its tributaries, the trail becomes more level and natural. By today, we start to get warmed up by the  light breeze. Any remaining sore throats and colds will be gone by today as we pass through this  charming mountain  air. Although we are travelling the  same  route  down, we  feel  completely different views. We snap a combined view of open plains, rhododendron, pine forests and distant snow covered peaks. We walk through the Sherpa villages' noticing impressive faith in Buddhism and culture of prayer stones and prayers flag. Upon arriving Lukla, we stretch our sored legs and recall the memories of  the  last couple of weeks. We experience the culmination of a fantastic trek on a happy note with everyone back safe and sound with smile on faces! Overnight at Lukla

 (B, L, D)

 Day 21:  Lukla to Kathmandu: 40 min flight 

We fly back to Kathmandu after our long mountain journey. The early morning flight drops us at Kathmandu. We can rest and relax throughout the day at our hotel. If we get  interested to  take some gifts to home  from  Nepal,  we  can  visit   some  nearby  shops  or  venture  out  in  Thamel  for  typical Nepalese goods. You can be assisted by Mountain Leader's guides or you can do it yourself.

Day 22: Rest Day in Kathmandu.

Day 23:  Final Departure

Cost

Cost Chart:

Map

Landmark/Highlights

• Charm of Kathmandu city

• Exciting mountain flight

• Stunning close view of numerous Himalayan giant peaks.

• High altitude civilization of isolated villages

• Charm of Kalpathar and Everest base camp

• Alpine zone and glacier fields

• Turquoise lakes of Himalaya.

• Interaction with Sherpa’s and other ethic people.