Everest High Passes

Day 1

Kathmandu 1300m

Met on arrival and transferred to our hotel. Free time to explore Kathmandu. This evening, dine out in the old city. (D)

Day 2

Kathmandu 1300m

This morning we will be taken on a half day tour, visiting two of the Kathmandu Valley’s most famous temples; the Buddhist Stupa at Bodhanath and the Hindu temple of Pashupatinath. A pre-trek briefing will be held in our hotel at 4.00pm. (B)

Day 3

Ramechap 474m (5-6hrs driving time)

This morning (at a time to be advised) depart Kathmandu for the drive to Ramechap. We will be accommodated in a permanent tented camp with amenities and a common dining area. (BD) **

Day 4

Phakdingma 2640m (15mins flying time, 3hrs walking)

Begin the trek with a spectacular mountain flight to Lukla (2860m). The view from the aircraft gives us a tantalising taste of things to come. The flight path follows the Himalaya, an awe inspiring display of high peaks spread out before us. After landing, we have two easy, leisurely days on a wide, level trail along the Dudh Kosi Valley. Our lodge is in the large Sherpa village of Phakdingma. (BLD)

Day 5

Mondzo 2815m (3.5hrs)

A half day walk to assist in essential acclimatisation. We pass many porters and yaks carrying local trade goods and expedition equipment. The pine and rhododendron forests that surround the trail provide cooling shade. After lunch, we do an acclimatisation walk from our lodge. (BLD)

Day 6

Namche bazaar 3440m (3.5hrs)

We reach the fascinating and legendary village of Namche Bazaar, the largest village in the Khumbu area. Our lodge is a short walk from the National Park headquarters and museum. (BLD)

Day 7

Rest & acclimatisation in Namche bazaar

We take a rest day in Namche to acclimatise to the higher altitudes. A number of impressive side treks are available. One favourite is to visit the Everest View Hotel, set high on a ridge, for stunning views of Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam. (BLD)

Day 8

Deboche 3770m (5hrs)

The trail ascends steeply past the last houses of Namche then traverses high above the Dudh Kosi Valley. We get impressive mountain views along this section of trail before descending to a bridge that crosses the Dudh Kosi at the village of Phunki Tenga. A dusty trail winds up through alpine forest to a large clearing atop a ridge at 3860m. Here we find the most important Buddhist monastery in the Everest area, Tengboche. There is ample time to rest here and also visit the monastery. The trail then descends through rhododendron and juniper forest to the lovely hamlet of Deboche where we stay overnight. (BLD)

Day 9

Rest & acclimatisation in Deboche

As part of our acclimatisation, we plan to ascend a ridge overlooking Tengboche Monastery. We expect to reach an altitude of 4500m which will provide essential acclimatisation for the days to follow. The views from today’s walk are outstanding and include Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse plus dramatic views of Ama Dablam. We reach the highpoint late In the morning and return to Deboche for lunch. Following the morning’s exertions, the afternoon can be spent relaxing. (BLD)

Day 10

Dingboche 4350m (4hrs)

Descend on a gentle slope through a rhododendron forest passing numerous mani walls. Be alert for wildlife; you may see Nepal’s National Bird, the Danphe pheasant plus musk deer. The trail crosses over the deep, narrow gorge of the Imja Khola before commencing the long, gradual incline to the villages of Lower Pangboche and Upper Pangboche. To the right, on the other side of the valley, looms the towering shape of Ama Dablam (6860m). The gradient eases and the vegetation thins out as we approach Dingboche. (BLD)

Day 11

Chukhung 4730m (2hrs)

It’s a short, easy trail up the Imja Valley to Chukhung. Today’s walk Is notable for the outstanding mountain views, particularly Ama Dablam and the imposing Lhotse/Nuptse wall. Following lunch there’s an optional side trek up a nearby ridge for more great views. (BLD)

Day 12

Lobuche 4940m via Kongma la 5535m (7.5hrs)

This will be the toughest day on the trek so far but following our careful rate of ascent and preceding days getting ‘trail fit’, we’ll be up for the challenge. The trail climbs from Chukhung up a grass covered ridge then becomes increasingly steep as it approaches a high lake. Rock cairns and prayer flags mark Kongma La and the views from here are unforgettable. From the pass the trails descends steeply through boulders until you reach the Khumbu Glacier. Cross the glacier to reach the settlement of Lobuche. (BLD) Note: Crossing Kongma La will only be attempted if weather and trail conditions are ideal. There is an alternative trail available if necessary.

Day 13

Lobuche-Kala Pattar-Lobuche (8hrs)

Our goal today is the highest point of the trek, Kala Pattar, 5554 meters. We depart Lobuche before dawn, walking by the beam of our headlamps. We trek for 2 hours on a rough, rock strewn trail to Gorak Shep (5170m). We’ll have a short rest here before the long ascent to the summit of Kala Pattar. Kala Pattar is the ideal place to view the dark, menacing South Face of Everest. Surrounded by mountains and glaciers, the breathtaking scenery will truly make you feel ‘On Top of the World’. Making it to the top of Kala Pattar is a tremendous accomplishment, and for most, a once in a lifetime experience. After resting on the summit, taking photos and admiring the outstanding views, we descend to a lodge at Gorak Shep for a well deserved lunch. In the afternoon we retrace our steps to our lodge at Lobuche. (BLD)

Day 14

Dzongla 4850m (4hrs)

As today’s walk is short, we may either leave after breakfast or sleep-in and have lunch in Lobuche before proceeding to our next destination in the afternoon. Departing Lobuje, the trail follows a gentle descent then climbs a ridge on the west side of the Khumbu Valley. We reach a high valley at the foot of the magnificent, sheer wall of the north face of Cholatse (6440m). The trail crosses a small stream before ascending gradually to our lodge at Dzongla. (BLD)

Day 15

Tagnag via Cho La 5420m (6hrs)

Today we prepare to cross Cho La (pass). Depart early for a tough 4 hour climb to the top of Cho La. We pause for some fantastic photo opportunities, then it’s a long, slow descent on a rocky trail to a high valley. Well stop here for a snack then continue our descent to reach Tagnag (4700m). (BLD) Note: Crossing Cho La will only be attempted if weather and trail conditions are ideal. There is an alternative trail available if necessary.

Day 16

Gokyo 4790m (2.5hrs)

The trail heads north beside the Ngozumba glacier, the longest glacier in Nepal. We ascend the moraine wall then descend to the glacier itself and follow a trail between ice walls and glacial lakes, to reach the lodges at Gokyo. (BLD)

Day 17

Rest day in Gokyo

We take an optional pre-breakfast trek up to Gokyo Ri (5360m), a small peak. The views from here rank with any that trekkers may encounter in Nepal. We get memorable views of four 8,000m peaks—Everest, Cho Oyu, Lhotse and Makalu plus the 3 sacred lakes to the south. We return to our lodge for lunch. Later in the day, there’s an options for rest or further exploration. (BLD)

Day 18

Marulung 4200m via Renjo La 5417m (7.5hrs)

We’ll make another early start due to the long day ahead. The trail skirts the northern edge of Dudh Pokhari then ascends steeply over gullies and past rock cairns. It will take about 3 hours to reach Rejo La. The glorious views from the pass include Mt Everest. Descend on stone steps to a lake before coming to a wide trail that heads south down the Bhote Kosi Valley. Pass grazing yaks, potato fields and small settlements to reach our lodge at Marulung. (BLD)

Day 19

Namche bazaar 3440m (6hrs)

The trail continues to descend the Bhote Kosi Valley. After spending the previous 8 days at altitudes exceeding 4000m, we’ll appreciate the warmer conditions and increased oxygen levels. We’ll stop for lunch in a village tea-house before continuing through small Sherpa settlements on a well-used trail. Reach Namche by mid-afternoon. (BLD)

Day 20

Spare day

A spare day is always in our Everest itineraries in case of delays. If the trek goes according plan we take a rest day in Namche. If you have the energy, a side trek to the Sherpa Villages of Kunde and Khumjung is highly recommended. You’ll have the opportunity to visit the famous Kunde Hospital, built and funded by the Himalayan Trust, founded by Sir Edmund Hillary. In Namche itself there are numerous things to do - shopping, visiting the bakery for delicious cakes and pastries, visiting the Sherpa Museum and National Park HQ, watching a movie or playing pool. (BLD)

Day 21

Phakdingma 2640m (4.5hrs)

The going is easier and more relaxed as we enter the lower altitudes. From Namche the trail descends rapidly to the floor of the Dudh Kosi Valley. Cross swaying suspension bridges over the Dudh Kosi before reaching our lodge at Phakdingma. (BLD)

Day 22

Lukla 2860m (3.5hrs)

Our last trekking day and it’s quite easy. Follow a trail through villages and fields before a gradual climb to Lukla. In the evening there’s a special celebration dinner followed by a ceremony to farewell our Nepali trekking crew. (BLD)

Day 23

Kathmandu (15 mins flying time and 5-6hrs driving)

Flying from Lukla to Ramechap the mountain views are unequalled anywhere else in the world. After landing in Ramechap we board a coach for the drive to Kathmandu. (B) **

Day 24

Kathmandu

Free day to explore Kathmandu. This exciting, vibrant city is a favourite destination of travellers from all over the world. Kathmandu is a giant, living museum of Hindu and Buddhist art with more shrines and temples than anywhere else in the world. Our hotel is located a short walk from the narrow, winding streets of the old city. (B)

Day 25

Depart Kathmandu

You will be transferred to Kathmandu Airport for your onward flight. (B)

The Highest Place in the world

ITINERARY

Kathmandu 1300m

Kathmandu 1300m

Ramechap 474m (5-6hrs driving time)

Phakdingma 2640m (15mins flying time, 3hrs walking)

Mondzo 2815m (3.5hrs)

Namche bazaar 3440m (3.5hrs)

Rest & acclimatisation in Namche bazaar

Deboche 3770m (5hrs)

Rest & acclimatisation in Deboche

Dingboche 4350m (4hrs)

Chukhung 4730m (2hrs)

Lobuche 4940m via Kongma la 5535m (7.5hrs)

Lobuche-Kala Pattar-Lobuche (8hrs)

Dzongla 4850m (4hrs)

Tagnag via Cho La 5420m (6hrs)

Gokyo 4790m (2.5hrs)

Rest day in Gokyo

Marulung 4200m via Renjo La 5417m (7.5hrs)

Namche bazaar 3440m (6hrs)

Spare day

Phakdingma 2640m (4.5hrs)

Lukla 2860m (3.5hrs)

Kathmandu (15 mins flying time and 5-6hrs driving)

Kathmandu

Depart Kathmandu

Pricing

Departure date to be advised

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