EVEREST THREE PASSES TREK (17 DAYS)
This is the ultimate high-altitude trekking route in the world. The Everest Three Passes trek takes you to some of the most amazing places in Nepal.
Maximum elevation 5,545m (5640m optional hike)
Difficulty: Very challenging
Accommodation: Hotels and Tea houses
Start /End point :- Kathmandu and Lukla
Season: February to May and September to December
Location: Solukhumbu District, Sagarmatha Zone (North Eastern Nepal)
Culture: Buddhist / Sherpa
Crossing first the Renjo La pass (5388m), then Chola pass (5380m) and finally Kongma La pass (5535m) as well as reaching other spectacular viewpoints including Gokiyo Ri (5483m) and Kala Patthar (5640m), this is a challenging trek but with big rewards. We'll enjoy stunning cĺose-up views from the this trip of the world's most spectacular mountain terrain, including four of the world’s fourteen 8000m peaks - Mt Everest (8848m), Lhotse (4th highest mountain in the world at 8516m), Makalu (5th highest mountain in the world at 8481m), Cho Oyu (6th highest mountain in the world 8201m). From the top of Renjo-La there are marvellous views of the Gokiyo Lakes and Nepal's longest glacier Ngjumpa glacier.
We will experience the Sherpa cultural and tradition, visit some of the highest Sherpa settlements in the Himalayas and see many Chorten, ancient Monasteries and mani walls, carved and painted with prayers. We will follow the Dodh Kosi river, crossing suspension bridges and witnessing the wildlife and variety of flora of the beautiful Sagamatha National Park on our journey through the lower and higher altitudes.
There are good teahouses throughout the trek with wifi available.
The Khumbu region of Nepal regularly rates as one of the world’s best regions to visit and there is no doubt this trek is one of the finest mountain journeys you are likely to undertake in your lifetime.
ITINERARY
Day 01 Fly from KTM or Ramechhap to Lukla (45 mins) and trek to Phakding at 2610m (3 hrs)
Day 02 Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar at 3440m (5-6 hrs)
Day 03 Acclimatization day - hiking to Everest view point and back to Namache (2 - 3 hrs)
Day 04 Trek from Namche Bazaar to Thame at 3820m (5-6 hrs)
Day 05 Trek from Thame to Lungden at 4370m (5-6 hrs)
Day 06 Trek from Lungden to Renjo La pass at 5360m to Gokyo at 4790m (6-7 hrs)
Day 07 Rest day - short hike to Gokyo Ri - spectacular views of Mt Everest and Makalu
Day 08 Trek from Gokyo to Dragnag at 4700m (3 – 4 hrs)
Day 09 Trek from Drangnag to Cho-la pass (5360m) and then down to Zong-La at 4830m (5 - 6 hours)
Day 10 Trek from Zong-La to Lobuche at 4910m (4-5 hours)
Day 11 Trek from Lobuche to Gorak-Shep at 5140m (3-4 hrs)
Day 12 Early morning climb to Kala Patthar (5640m) for the sunrise or viewpoint (5220m) to enjoy the incredible 360 degree view of Mount Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Khumbutse, Pumari, Lingtren, Changtse, Amadablam, Thamserku, Lobuche peak and the Changri glacier. Trek from Gorak-Shep to back to Lobuche (7- 8 hrs)
Day 13 Trek from Lobuche to cross the Kongma-La pass (5535m) and down to Chhukung at 4730m (5- 6 hrs)
Day 14 Trek from Chhukung to Tengboche at 3860m (5-6 hrs)
Day 15 Trek from Tengboche to Namche Bazaar at 3440m (3-4 hrs)
Day 16 Trek from Namchhe bazaar to Lukla at 2840m (6-7 hrs)
Day 17 Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu (45 mins)
This is just an example itinerary - there are many options to vary the itinerary, including adding a trip to Everest Base camp, according to the time available.
