Everest Circuit – Three passes

Once you reach KTM airport and finish with the immigration and custom formalities be prepared to confront the confusion outside the airport which is common in most of the south Asian countries. As you walk out of the Exit door into the passenger pick up area you will see hundreds of people with different sign boards in their hands, taxi drivers looking for fares, hotel touts looking for customers and porters trying to help with the luggage for tips. Please remain calm and do not walk out of the restricted area into the crowd straight away. Remain there and try to find the Hi On Life’s sign board. Once you spot it, walk straight to the signboard and identify yourself. From here we will take care of you.
When you arrive to your hotel you will be briefed about your activities and “do’s and don’ts” while your stay in Kathmandu. We will also collect some documents from you. Please have the following things handy when arriving.

Travel/ Medical Insurance (photo copy)
3 passport size photos
Photocopy of your passport.

In the evening we will go for a traditional Nepali dinner at Kathmandu’s finest Nepali restaurant to end the day.

After breakfast you will be taken for a half day city tour where you will be visiting some historical temples and monuments.

Places you will visit:

Boudhanath Stupa: It is the largest stupa in Nepal and the holiest Tibetan Buddhist temple outside Tibet.

Kathmandu Durbar Square: Commonly called Basantapur Darbar  is one of three Durbar (royal palace) Squares in the Kathmandu Valley in Nepal, all of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Durbar Square was surrounded with spectacular architecture that showed the skills of the Newar artists and craftsmen over several centuries, but several buildings in the Square collapsed due to a major earthquake on 25 April 2015.

After sightseeing you will be return to your hotel and your Group leader will give you your trek briefing and issue you your ‘trek pack’ consisting of a duffle bag, down jacket/or fleece sweater, sleeping bag, inner liner for your sleeping bag and rain poncho. Your afternoon is free for you to do your packing and purchasing your last minute items for your trek.

Flight: 30 mins
Trek distance: 11 kms
Trekking: 4 hours
Elevation of Lukla: 2850m
Elevation of Benkar: 2750m

A very early morning wake up and transfer to the domestic airport to board our flight which is a small 17 seated Twin Otter or Dornier aircraft. The flight times can be flexible because we need clear weather both in Kathmandu and Lukla to be able to fly. So this can sometimes involve waiting in the terminal for a long time. Once we get the all clear signal we take off to our destination on a 40 min scenic mountain flight to Lukla.

After a cup of tea at Paradise Lodge in Lukla we are treading on the legendary “Everest Highway” which heads downwards through the alpine valley following the “Dudh Kosi” or Milk River (named after its milky color from glacial silt). We reach Benkar after a half a day walk and end our first day here. Benkar is situated at the bank of Dudh Kosi and the lodge that we will stay at, has a beautiful waterfall behind and an amazing view of Mt. Thamserku (6636m) right in front of you.

Distance: 8 kms
Trekking: 6 hours
Elevation Namche Bazaar: 3440m

Today we have an easy walk in the morning following the Dudh Kosi crossing it several times on long suspension bridges. We reach Monjo after 2 hours walk which is the entrance to the Sagarmatha National Park. Here we get your National Park Permits. 30 mins from here, we reach Jorsale where we stop for lunch.

After lunch we continue to trek along the Dudh Kosi for 45 mins to reach Larche Doban, which is the confluence of the Dudh Kosi and Bhote Kosi. Here we cross the famous suspension bridge which is about a hundred meters above the river and 113m long. After crossing this bridge, it is a steady climb for 1 ½ hours to reach Namche Bazaar, which is the Sherpa capital of the Khumbu region. On a clear day you get views of Everest, Lhotse, Thamserku, Kusum Kangru, Kwangde and Taweche on the way to Namche.

Distance- Hike to Everest view hotel and back: 6 kms
Trekking : 3 hours
Elevation gain and loss on the hike: +/- 400m

As we will have gained about 700m that day, it demands a rest and acclimatization day for the following day. In the morning we will hike to Everest View Hotel where you will have breathtaking views over Mount Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Peak 38, Taweche and Cholatse towards the North, and Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Kangtega and Kusum Kanguru to the East. Towards your west the 5 km ridge called the Skyline ridge which is the summit ridge of Mt Kwangde rises majestically along with Teng Kang Poche, Pachermo and Tengi Regi Taw. We will enjoy this fascinating view with warm drinks and biscuits.

You will be back at lunchtime and will have plenty of time to rest or look around the market and shop.

Distance: 10 kms
Trekking: 6 hours
Elevation Thame: 3820m

The trail starts from the Namche Gompa and leads west past a large array of prayer flags, Mani stones and Chortens. The trail is quite easy and it takes about 3 hours to reach Thamo, where we will have lunch. From Thamo we will start to climb towards Thame. The carved Mani stones on the way are some of the most complex and picturesque in Khumbu. Thame is situated in a magnificent kettle surrounded with beautiful and dramatic mountains. Be prepared on awesome sunsets at clear weather!

Distance: 9 kms
Trekking: 5 hours
Elevation Lungden: 4380m

After climbing the ridge above Thame we enter the Bhote Koshi Valley where the river Bhote Koshi runs in the middle. Just as the name reveals (Bothe = Tibetian, Koshi = River) this valley leads to Tibet and the famous pass Nangpa La . It takes about 4 hours to reach a village called Marlung, we stop here for lunch. After lunch, it is another one hour to Lungden. There are just four lodges and they are very basic with only 3 to 4 rooms in each of the lodge.

Distance- Hike to view point and back: 7 kms
Trekking : 3 hours
Elevation gain and loss on the hike: +/- 300m

We utilize this day for rest and acclimatization. We will do a short hike towards Nangpa La, to a small “village” called Ariya. Usually we meet a lot of Tibetan traders here. They are coming with their fully loaded yak caravans from Tibet to sell their gods in Namche. Before we head back to our lodge we get views of the worlds 6th highest mountain, Cho Oyu and many other beautiful peaks both in Nepal and Tibet. In the afternoon we relax and prepare for the next day.

Trek distance: 12 kms
Trekking: 9 hours
Elevation of Renjo La: 5347m
Elevation of Gokyo: 4790m

We start early in the morning, generally at 4 to 5 AM. The first one hour of the trek is quite steep. We reach a small dried out lake, from here the trail is a gentle climb for another 2 hrs and finally we reach a big turquoise green lake. From here, the trail is well trodden stony steps all the way to the top of the pass Renjo La which takes about 3-4 more hours. The view from the Pass is extremely beautiful. We get to see a panorama of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and dozens of other mountains. The view of Everest is one of the best you can get, as you get to see more of Everest from here than from anywhere else in Nepal. After spending some time at the pass, we continue down to Gokyo which takes about 3 hours from the pass.

Distance: 6 kms
Trekking : 3 hours to Gokyo Ri and back to Gokyo and 2 hours to Thagnag
Elevation of Gokyo Ri: 5352m
Elevation of Thagnag: 4600m

We start early to get the best view. It takes roughly two to two and a half climb to the summit of Gokyo Ri. The trail climbs steeply from right beside the Gokyo Lake, which is also called the first lake, all the way to the summit. The views are more or less similar to that you saw from Renjo La the day before, except that you see Mt. Cho Oyu (8210m) to the North. It is an hour down to the Gokyo.

From Gokyo we walk past the beautiful lakes of Gokyo and then cross the Ngozumpa Glacier to the other side. The trail is undefined across morains. After crossing the glacier it is an easy walk along a beautiful meadow to Thagnag.

Distance: 10 kms
Trekking : 8 hours
Elevation of Cho La: 5420m
Elevation of Dzongla: 4700m

An early start begins with a steep uphill for about an hour and a half. to reach an open meadow. From here we climbs on a moderately steep trail along a yak grazing pasture to the bottom of a steep rocky terrain. The trail climbs steeply on a rocky switch back path with stone stairs at places for a couple of hours to reach the top of the pass. We can spend some time enjoying the views here and then begin the descend. At the beginning of the descend, we cross a glacier about 200m across and then descend a steep rocky terrain to Dzongla.  Dzongla is a Yak grazing pasture.

Distance: 7 kms
Trekking : 3 hours
Elevation of Lobuche : 4930m

Todays walk is easy. From Dzongla the trail follows an undulating path around Lobuche Peak passing by Lobuche Peak base camp. After a couple of hours we meet the Everest Base Camp trail and then follow the main trail which is along side the Khumbu glacier, to Lobuche

Distance: 12 kms
Trekking: 8/9 hours
Elevation difference: +400m

We have an early breakfast and hit start today around 6 AM. In the beginning the trail is relatively flat alongside the lateral moraine of the Khumbu glacier. An hour of the easy walk brings us to the bottom of the lateral moraine of Changri Glacier. It is a steep 20 mins climb and we are at the top overlooking the Lobuche valley below us towards the South and Mt. Nuptse and the Khumbu Glacier towards East. The trail leads across the Changri Nup and Changri Shar glacier with short steep ascends and decends through rough moraines of ice and rocks. After about 2 hours of walk through this glacier we reach Gorakhshep. At 5180m, Gorakhshep is the last settlement on the trail to Everest Base Camp, which is a group of tea houses.

We will have a quick lunch here and refill water and head off to our objective- Everest Base Camp. The trail is rough and endless short ascends and decends through rocky moraines alongside the lateral moraine of the Khumbu Glacier. About 2 to 2 ½ hours walk along the Khumbu glacier we reach Everest Base Camp. Everest Base Camp is situated right on the top of the Khumbu Glacier. While you are here you will hear the sound of ice cracking below you and witness a few avalanches on the sides of the surrounding mountains. It gives you a sense of how unforgiving climbing mountains can be. After spending some time at the Base Camo and taking pics we head back the same way to Gorakhshep.

Distance: 11 kms
Trekking: 5 hours
Elevation of Kalapathar: 5545m

Another early morning and we head towards the summit of Kalapathar. Kalapathar is famous for its view of Everest, and a bird’s eyes view of the Khumbu Glacier. The climb starts right on the other side of the dried lake across the lodge. It is a steady steep climb for about 2 to 2 ½ hours to reach the summit of Kalapathar. The views are simply fantastic. Right in front of you is Mt. Pumori 71 rising menacingly at 7161m. Magnificent views of Mt. Everest with Khumbu Icefall and the Western cwm, and the South Col connecting with Mt. Lhotse and Nuptse with the view of the entire Khumbu glacier below you makes an unforgettable memory.

After spending some time at the summit we head back to the lodge at Gorakhshep and begin our trek back to Lobuche which takes another two hours.

Distance: 11 kms
Trekking: 8 hours
Elevation of Kongma La: 5535m
Elevation of Chukung: 4700m

A big day today. We begin early and immediately the trail leads across the Khumbu glacier to the other side. From here it is roughly 500 m steady climb on switch back trail with loose gravel all the way to the top of Kongma La. Amazing view of Nuptse, Lhotse and Makalu can be seen from here. After the pass we descend to the Imja valley along a narrow trail adjacent to a lake at first, and then on a meadow all the way to Chukung. Chukung is an important stop for people who climbs Island Peak.

Distance: 12 Kms
TRekking: 3 hours
Elevation of Pangboche: 3900m

The trail from Chukung to Dingboche is a gentle descend along a beautiful meadow with fantastic views of the Lhotse, Taweche, Thamserku, Kangtega and Amadablam. From Dingboche we continue to descend to cross Imja river and then continue to Pangboche. An easy walk today and we reach Pangboche early.

Distance: 4 kms
Trekking: 3 hours
Elevation of Amadablam Base Camp: 4700m

The trail pass through the Lower Pangboche village to the Imja Khola where we cross a small iron bridge. From the other side of the river the trail steady climbs steadily all the way to Amadablam Base Camp. Amadablam Base Camp is considered to be the most beautiful base Camp in Nepal. It is a flat pasture with a small stream flowing right from the middle of the pasture. The view of Mt. Amadablam towering more than 2 vertical kms above is simply awe inspiring. If it is during the climbing season, we will stay at a tented campsite along side the expedition group.  It is absolutely fascinating to witness climbers approaching summit climb, which we can see from the comfort of our tents. When it is not climbing season, we can stay at a nearby lodge which has very good sleeping and eating facilities, just as any other lodges along the trail.

Overnight camp or tea house

Distance: 16 kms
Trekking: 6 hours
Elevation of Tyangboche: 3830m
Elevation of Namche: 3440m

We will have a relaxing morning enjoying the grandeur of the majestic Amadablam. If there is a group attempting for the summit, it will be a fantastic show to see tiny dots of climbers on the near vertical slopes leading to the summit. After breakfast, we will begin our return back journey. A steady descend of an hour and a half will bring us down to Pangboche. After Pangboche the trail begins to descend alongside the Imja Khola for about 30 mins where we cross a small metal bridge. After the bridge you enter a beautiful rhododendron and birch forest where the trees are covered with mosses and lichens, giving it an enchanted forest feeling. From here another hour and a half climb on gentle gradient through a fairy tale like forest will bring us to Tyangboche monastery. Look out for Musk deer and the colorful peacock like Danphe (Impeyan Pheasant) which is the national bird of Nepal. We will order lunch at a lodge and then go to visit the monastery. The monastery is about 200 years old. The walls of the monastery contains intricately beautiful Buddhist paintings. The building itself is perched on top of a ridge at a picture perfect location with Amadablam and Everest as a backdrop which makes it popular among photographers.

After lunch we will descend to Dudh Kosi for about an hour and a half. We will cross the river on suspension bridge and then a steady climb for about an hour and a half will bring us to Kyangjuma. After Kyangjuma it is an hour of easy walk to Namche Bazaar.

Distance: 19 kms
Trekking: 7 hours
Elevation of Lukla: 2850m

Today is the final day of your trek, back tracking the way we started this epic journey. On arriving Lukla you can check in to your rooms and then fix a meeting with the staff for the last night party. Your guide will arrange and fix a time for the evening. You can collect your group tipping and give it to your guide. He will put them in separate envelopes according to the names of the staff and their share and give them back to you. Usually our groups have a farewell speech and distribute the tips which will be followed with a few song and dances.

Flight: 15 mins
Drive: 145 km, 5 hours

Weather permitting, we will fly early to Ramechhap and then drive to Kathmandu. Upon arrival to Kathmandu we check in to our hotel and the rest of the day is free to take showers, spa, shopping etc.

We have allowed this extra day as a buffer day in case of flight cancellation from Lukla back to Kathmandu. You can use this day to do some extra sightseeing around Kathmandu valley. Your group leader can suggest and help organize sightseeing trip to some of the most famous sites around the valley.
Some suggestions: Bhaktapur, Swoyambunath.

We will drive you to Tribhuwan International airport about 3 ½ hours before your departure time.