Three Passes Everest Trek

Three Passes Everest Trek

Day 1 Kathmandu 1360m to Lukla by air {this takes about 30 mins…trek to Phakding – 3-4 hrs
After being well rested after a solid night’s sleep, we wake up fresh the next morning, have an early breakfast, and get into our vehicle for a drive to the domestic terminal of Kathmandu airport for an early morning flight to Hillary’s Lukla (2,800m/9,186ft), a gateway destination from where our trip commences. After an adventurous scenic 40 minute flight above the stunning green and white mountains, we reach the Tenzing-Hillary Airport at Lukla. Arguably, this is one of the most beautiful sky routes in the world which concludes in a remarkable landing on a hillside surrounded by high mountains peaks. Upon arrival at Lukla, we meet the other crew members and after some sorting and packing and arrangements, we start our trek through the pretty wealthy village of Lukla until we reach Phakding. To assist in acclimatization, we only have a short hike today. However, if you are interested in additional activities we can take a side trip to a nearby monastery. This is our first Overnight in Phakding. All meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (B, L, and D)

Day 2 Trek to Namche Bazaar – 5-6 hrs trek
today the hiking is pretty roughshod and includes the steep ascent to Namche Bazaar. From Monjo, it is a short walk to the entrance of the National Park before we cross the Dudh Kosi to Jorsale at 2805m.The trek continues upstream on generally flat terrain, crossing back to the right bank, to the confluence of the Bhote Kosi and Dudh Kosi rivers. It is here that we start the steep ascent to Namche Bazaar. After crossing a large and stable suspension bridge high above the river we slowly ascend at a steady pace towards Namche. There are some fantastic photographic opportunities as the peaks of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam and Taweche (6542m) come into view for the first time. After arriving at the capital of the Khumbu region – Namche, we’ll have lunch and the afternoon is free to bargain in the shops for ‘Tibetan’ artifacts, or relax and marvel at lovely surrounding landscapes. {B, L, D}

Day 3 Acclimatise at Namche with some rest without being idle
this is the first ‘acclimatization’ day for this trek. Mountain climbing experts always advise us to stay active and move around on a rest day instead of being idle. We either spend the day taking a day hike to Thame or we visit Khunde; maybe we could just relax and explore the lively Namche Bazaar itself. This is the nerve centre of the Everest (Khumbu) region and has government offices, ATMs, Internet cafes, shops, restaurants, a bakery and a colorful market each Friday evening and Saturday where any and everything is up for sale. If we trek a few hundred vertical feet during the day, it will help us to properly acclimatize. Gurkha Adventure guides will take us to the Tourist Visitor Center near the headquarter of the Sagarmatha National Park where we can observe an collection of equipments related to the first Everest ascenders, Sherpa culture and learn about the various plant and animal life of the Everest region. We also take an interesting side trip up to the vibrant Khumjung. We further climb up to the famous airstrip at Syangboche. Just above the airstrip will be the Everest View Hotel, a Japanese scheme to build a deluxe hotel with great views of the highest mountains on Earth. The Khumjung valley is surrounded by the snowy peaks of Kongde and Thamserku and the sacred peak Khumbila, which hosts a well known monastery that houses a yeti scalp. We also visit Hillary School which is located at the same site. After having lunch and spending some time in Khumjung, we walk back down to Namche Bazaar. Overnight in Namche Bazaar (B, L, D)

Day 4: Namche Bazaar to Thame [3800m/12470ft]: 4 – 5 hrs

After breakfast, we come out of Namche Bazar east past the monastery and begin 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 (6,373 m). After an hour walking mostly downhill into the forest, the trip continues. At this stage, we hike up a steep rise to 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 a half hour climb brings us to Thame. (B, L, D)

Day 5: Trek Thame to Marlung (4210m/13810ft): 5 – 6 hrs

If the sky is clear, we will see the beautiful peaks that gaurd the village to the west. We take our breakfast and head for the next camp towards Marlung. The terrain from Thame to Marlung is alpine zone and there is very less vegetation. We enjoy the peace and relative solitude of this little trekked valley. We next bend 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 6: Trek from Marlung to Tso Relmo – 2-3 hrs

It is a short walk today from Marlung to Tso Relmo. After Marlung, we walk for about an hour and then climb a small rising hill. We then walk down crossing the water stream as we trek 2 to 3 hours to reach Tso Relmo; we can enjoy the views of the landscape, vegetation and mountains. We also view Nakpa Valley which falls on the old trade route of Tibet. On our way from Marlung, we can stop over at the sacred site of Warfield. We set up camp near Lake Tso Relmo or stay overnight at a lodge. [B, L, D}

Day 7: Trek from Tso Relmo to Gokyo. Cross Renjo pass [5360m/17580ft] – 8-9 hrs

We Trek from Tso Relmo to Gokyo via Renjola Pass. Gokyo is not only popular for its grand views 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 on a hill at the edge of the Lakes to get astounding views of Cho-Oyu, Gyachung Kang, Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Makalu. As we hike further to the top of Renjo La, we get terrific views of the surroundings.The Everest itself, Lhotse, Cholatse and Taboche can be seen shining in the sun. Views from Renjo La are much like that from Gokyo Ri with third Gokyo Lake and Gokyo Village beneath the gray cover of Ngozumpa Glacier. On the way we can observe local activities like yak herding. The views of the mountains and the chance to experience wildlife add excitement to our trekking. Stay overnight at a lodge. {B, L, D}

Day 8: Trek from Gokyo to Gokyo Ri

Today we explore the fifth lake passing another forth lake. At this juncture, we enjoy 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 on a 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. Upon exploring the Gokyo Ri area, we get back to the camp for rest. We enjoy the feeling of being surrounded by majestic mountains like Kusum Kanguru, Thamserku, K 43, Kangtega, Taboche, Cholatse, Makalu, Lhotse, Nuptse, Everest, Changtse, and Pumori. Just viewing these peaks stirs us emotionally as we witness the greatness of God who created them (B, L, D)

Day 9: Trek from Gokyo Ri to Tragnak – 5-6 hrs

Today, we return from Gokyo and get on the trail to Tragnak. Tragnak is also sometimes pronounced as Dragnag. We climb out of 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 Tragnak. On the trek, we enjoy the brilliant views of Cho Oyu, Gokyo Ri, and other high Himalayas. (B, L, D)

Day 10: Trek from Tragnak to Dzongla. Cross the Cho La – 7-8 hrs

Today, we trek to the Cho La Pass. ChoLa pass is also another show up of this trip. Today is going to be one of grueling hard days. The pass is not itself difficult but it is steep and involves a glacier traverse on the eastern side. We need to be pretty careful as the trail is vertical and the rocks glazed by ice add hitches to trekkers making the trail slippery. Our trail climbs through a ravine and a rocky path. Hence, we climb continuously up from Phedi. We trek through the side of a frozen lake while we come to the top of a pass decorated with prayer flags that whisper memories for the departed. 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 Pheriche village far below. (B, L, D)

Day 11: Trek from Dzongla to Gorakshep – 5-6 hrs

From Dzongla the trail descends and ascends gently and contours around the west side of the Lobuche Khola, providing excellent views of Ama Dablam, the Nuptse-Lhotse wall and Everest. The trail to Gorakshep 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 vistas of snowy mountains. Climbing steeply up to the top through the torrent of Changri Glacier, we catch our first glimpse of Kalapathar, a grey-green knoll beneath the Mt. Pumori. As we reach Gorakshep, we will find snow-capped mountains looming all around us including the top of the world – Mt. Everest. The trail coming from Pheriche meets at the Lobuche Khola (Lobuche Stream). Stay overnight at lodge. {B, L, D}

Day 12: Trek from Gorakshep to Lobuche {4940m}. Hike to Kalapathar {5545m} 5-6 hrs

An early start is necessary today, as we have to make the long descent to Lobuche. Continuing up the valley, we cross a ridge and an old lateral moraine, before beginning the rocky scramble to the pass. From the pass there are excellent views, across to the Rolwaling Valley in the west and Ama Dablam to the south east. The descent from the pass involves the crossing of a small glacier [often snow covered] which is fairly straightforward. There are more excellent views of Ama Dablam and the forbidding north face of Cholatse as we descend to the pastures below. The way to Lobuche contours the grassy slopes above a lake, the Tshola Tsho, to join up with the main Everest trail from Pheriche and Thyangboche. The trail flattens out and follows the valley on the west side of the Khumbu Glacier to Lobuche. To reach our next objective, Kalapathar, the trail continues to follow the valley beside the Khumbu Glacier, and offers superb views of the surrounding mountains, especially where the path is forced to rise to cross a tributary glacier. We stop for lunch at our camping place before we head to Lobuche for the night.

{B, L, D}

Day 13: Trek from Lobuche to Chukung {4750m} – 6-7 hrs

From Lobuche, we pass through Khumbu Glacier. Climbing up we reach 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 marvelous 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. It’s these views that give us the rewards for all the hard climbing. Trekking further we get to Chukung. (B, L, D)

Day 14: Trek from Chukung to Tengboche (3860m) – 5-6 hrs

Chhukung is also the starting point for the Island Peak Climb. 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 into much welcome greenery of pine forests. The path leads to a steep uphill climb into Tengboche. We pay our visit to the famous Tengboche Monastery for some quietness. (B, L, D)

Day 15: Trek from Tengboche to Namche – 5-6 hrs

We continue to follow the river and, after crossing it, climb back up through birch and rhododendron forest to Namche. Kwangde, Tawache, Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Kantega and Thamserku are just a few of the Himalayan giants we get to see on the way. From Tengboche we descend to the bridge over the Dudh Kosi. At Phunki Tenga, we get to see the water driven prayer wheels, before making our way back to where it’s all happening at the lively Namche bazar for a well earned rest. We have a hot shower and rest at our hotel in Namche for the night. {B, L, D}

Day 16: Trek from Namche to Lukla – 6-8 hrs {this is our last day on these breathtaking mountains that was home to us for all of these days}
our trail descends steeply downward so we need to walk slowly and under control as our tired legs continuously tussle with the rocky terrain. After crossing the suspension bridges over the fast flowing Dudh Kosi and its tributaries the trail becomes more level and natural. By today we begin to get warmed up by the light normal breeze we encounter at the lower altitudes. With some of us experiencing sore throats and colds earlier will now see it gone by today as we pass through this cool mountain air. Although we revert to the same path down, we get the feeling that the views are now somewhat different. We take some pictures of open terrain, rhododendron and pine forests, and in the distance snow covered peaks. We hike through Sherpa settlements as we observe their faith in Buddhism and the culture of prayer stones and prayer flags that we see on the way. Upon arrival in Lukla, we stretch those aching legs and recall the experiences of the last couple of weeks. We’ll have lunch at our lodge and the afternoon is free for us to wander around, relax or perhaps have a hot shower! In the evening, we’ll have a farewell dinner followed by a few celebratory drinks. We could perhaps try some ‘chhang’ {mountain beer brewed from fermented rice, its healthy enough to give it a go. We do a jig to some Sherpa dance steps with our Sherpa crew who we’ve come to know so well over the weeks. It’s altogether been a merry trip on these rugged but lovely mountains; we then enjoy a great meal and hit the sack in blissful sleep under a moonlit starry sky…what a wonderful world! We experience the conclusion of a fantastic trek on a happy note with everyone back in perfect shape and blissful smiles on the faces! Overnight in Lukla (B, L, D)

Day 17: Lukla to Kathmandu by air 1350m {Adios to our dear friends}
we get up early in the morning to be ready for the arrival of our aircraft for the flight back to Katmandu. We will be met at the airport and transferred to our hotel and a soft warm bed. Please note, our flight will be subject to good weather for the sake of our overall safety. Gurkha Adventures was happy to have met you and we will cherish the bonds of our relationship developed with you all over the weeks spent with us in our amazing country Nepal. Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch.