This is one of Nepal’s most famous treks, set amongst breathtaking high mountain scenery. Crossing three spectacular high passes between 5,330m and 5,535m makes this trek both challenging and rewarding.
The Everest region is certainly the world’s finest high mountain zone with magnificent landscapes, imposing and prestigious peaks, pristine glaciers and colourful villages.
The route takes you through the high Khumbu Mountains – ‘Sherpa country’ – before arriving at the foot of Everest. The Kala Pathar (5,554m) ascent is one of the highlights of this trek and boasts an absolutely stunning summit panorama: Ama Dablam, Nuptse, Lhotse and Everest , the world’s highest mountain (8,848m). The views from Gokyo Lakes and Gokyo Ri (peak) also offer extraordinary views, capturing an aspect of ‘even larger’ Everest.
This trek offers so many stunning views and great experiences that you will undoubtedly be left with unforgettable memories to cherish for the rest of your life.
At Kathmandu International Airport, you will be met by a Trek Nepal representative and transferred to your hotel. There will be a full tour briefing in the evening.
Depending on flight availability and weather, there are following three options to get to Lukla:
Option 1: Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla, then trek to Phakding
An early morning mountain flight to Lukla (2,840m) with spectacular views of Gauri Shankar (7,135m), Melungtse (7,181m), and Numbur (6,959m). Lukla is our gateway to Everest Base Camp and the land of Sherpas. Our trek begins immediately from Lukla as we head northwards through the village of Lukla, descending to Ghat along the east bank of the Dudh Kosi, followed by a gentle climb and level meandering walk to Phakding. Awaiting us are great views of Kusum Kanguru (6,367m) and Sherpa hospitality.
Option 2: Morning drive from Kathmandu to Ramechhap, fly to Lukla and trek to Phakding
Take morning drive (5 AM) from Kathmandu to Ramechhap that takes about 4 hrs. Afterwards take the the flight from Ramechap to Lukla which takes 20 minutes. After reaching Lukla, trek to Phakding in 3 hrs.
Option 3: Morning drive from Kathmandu to Surkey via Salleri, fly to Lukla and trek to Phakding
Take early morning (1 AM) drive from Kathmandu to Salleri which takes about 7 hrs. Stay overnight in Salleri and drive to Surkey the following morning that takes about 2 hrs. Trek from Surkey to Phakding in 3 hrs.
Overnight Lodge/Teahouse. Included meals breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Continuing along the bank of the Dudh Kosi, the trail climbs through forests of rhododendron and giant pines to Jorsale. Shortly after completing checkpoint formalities we cross the Dudh Kosi via a large suspension bridge to start a steep ascent to Namche Bazaar. During this ascent, subject to clear weather conditions, we encounter our first glimpse of Everest and Lhotse on foot. Namche Bazaar, the ‘Sherpa Capital’, is situated in a crescent amphitheater that towers above two great valleys, Dudh Kosi and Bhote Kosi, offering a stunning view of the mountains across the valley.
Overnight Lodge/Teahouse. Included meals breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Today is an acclimatization day to allow us to adjust to the high altitude. Explore the local market, observe the local Sherpa culture, walk up to the Everest viewpoint or simply relax.
Time is available to make an excursion to either the village of Thamo or Syangboche. At Thamo, there is the Thamo Nunnery; in the north east looms the majestic Khumbi Yul Lha- a black rocky mountain, which is sacred to the Buddhists, to the west waterfalls crash down the cliff face to the Bhote Kosi; the trail here is on the traditional route to Tibet, so you may come across caravans of yaks led by Tibetan merchants. Syangboche is where the world’s highest airstrip is located; in the west stands Mount Kawande; the trail here takes a steep ascent along small pine trees and juniper shrubs, en route looms Khumbi Yul Lha.
Overnight Lodge/Teahouse. Included meals breakfast, lunch and dinner.
The trail ascends out of ‘Sherpa Capital’ and follows a fairly wide flat path along the valley with Everest, Nuptse and Lhotse commanding our view. There is a steep descent taking us through a forest towards the bridge over the Dudh Kosi. After crossing the river we climb up a switchback path through a rhododendron forest where we may encounter musk deer and wild colourful peacocks, and possibly a Himalayan Thar (goat antelope). The climb steepens as we approach Tyangboche with breathtaking views of Everest, Nuptse, Ama Dablam and Taboche opening up before us. Tyangboche, famous for its legendary monastery, which is the largest in Khumbu; there is time to visit both the monastery and museum whilst we are here. The final part of the trail for today descends slightly to Deboche.
Overnight Lodge/Teahouse. Included meals breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Coming away from Deboche, we take a steep descent through meadows and a pine forest towards a small bridge over the Imja Khola. From here there is a steady climb to Dingboche where there are spectacular views of Ama Dablam. En route we pass through Pangboche the home of the most ancient monastery in the region and the Gompa which houses the famous Yeti scalp.
Overnight Lodge/Teahouse. Included meals breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Today is our second acclimatization day. You can either explore the village and surrounding area or simply relax and watch the world go by. There is an option to take a guided excursion to explore the Imaj Khola valley with a walk to Nagarjun Ri. Within half an hour of leaving the village along a black rocky trail there are magnificent views of Makalu and Borangche. Whilst looking down towards Namche Bazaar there are spectacular views of Khumbu Valley. At the end of the trail it opens up into a boulder field where there are magnificent close up views of Ama Dabam and Island Peak. Retracing our steps we return to the village.
Overnight Lodge/Teahouse. Included meals breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Ahead of Dingboche the trail ascends steeply along a rocky arid path to Chhukung, arriving in just over 2 hours. After exploring the village, lunch and resting we make our way up to Chhukung Ri. Continuing along another steep rocky trail, we reach the summit of Chhukung Ri at 5,546m. Immediately we are captivated by Lhotse, the fourth highest peak in the world, the closeness makes it incredibly awe-inspiring, undermining the spectacular views of Ama Dablam, Island Peak and Thamserku. Although the mountain views are the same as those from Chhukung village, on the summit the mountains are more commanding with their extraordinary views and proximity.
Overnight Lodge/Teahouse. Included meals breakfast, lunch and dinner.
An early morning start as we cross our first pass Kongma La at 5,535m. Today should not be underestimated; it is a challenging trek. As we take a side valley towards the pass the first part of the trail is fairly level before a short steep ascent, on a narrow path, taking between 4 and 5 hours that brings us to the pass’s summit. As we ascend we witness the same amazing scenery as on Chhukung Ri. The top of the pass is adorned with prayer flags and from east to west we have a breathtaking view of peaks and glaciers including Lobuche East and Lobuche West. The trail descends steeply away from the pass bringing us to the Khumbu glacier, which we cross, negotiating our way through the moraines to reach the pastures of Labuche. Sunset on Nuptse ends our first pass perfectly.
Overnight Lodge/Teahouse. Included meals breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Another early morning start as the trail continues to follow the Khumbu Glacier northwards towards Gorakshep and then on to Everest Base Camp. The moraines make the path awkward to traverse. Pomo Ri looms into view as we approach Gorakshep whilst to our right Nuptse raises in a sheer spire and behind it an elusive sight of Everest. A descent brings us to Gorakshep (5,140m) where we lunch and rest before embarking on the trail to Everest Base Camp. Back on the Khumbu Glacier, although the views on this stretch of the valley are limiting, traversing the glacier and walking by seracs, ice pinnacles, makes it fascinating. From Base Camp we get close up views of Khumbu Icefall, and although there is no sighting of Everest, Nuptse is imposing with its closeness. After exploring thearea we retrace our steps to Gorakshep.
Overnight Lodge/Teahouse. Included meals breakfast, lunch and dinner.
In terms of incredible, breathtaking scenery today is the highlight. It is another early morning start to see dawn break and capture this magnificent daily event as Everest and surrounding peaks reveal themselves. An intricate ascending route which threads its way through crevasses and over moraine ridges. At Kala Pathar’s summit (5,554m) there is an unforgettable panorama: Ama Dablam, Makalu, Nuptse, Lhotse and the impressive black pyramid of Everest. When it is time to leave with our indelible memory of all that is before us, we retrace our steps to Gorakshep; the route continues downwards to our destination via Labuche passing a number of streams to the grazing pastures of Zongla, a small village that sits at the foot of Cholatse (6,335m).
Overnight Lodge/Teahouse. Included meals breakfast, lunch and dinner.
An early start for the trek over the Cho La (5,330m) pass; with spectacular wilderness between Zongla and today’s resting place, we depart with a packed lunch. The trail is well defined as we leave the grazing pastures behind and start our ascent to the pass. Crossing a small glacier, which is usually covered in snow, is reasonably straightforward as we continue our ascent to Cho La’s summit. From here there are excellent views with different aspects of the mountains seen before. A steep descent is made to Thagnag, a small Sherpa hamlet, taking us along a moraine and rock trail and through a boulder field.
Overnight Lodge/Teahouse. Included meals breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Leaving Thagnag the trail takes us along the eastern side of Gokyo Valley. Shortly we will be crossing the Nagjumba Glacier, which is well marked with cairns. At the top of the moraine overlooking the Nagjumba Glacier we climb down beside a tributary which leads us to the perfect turquoise waters of the third Gokyo Lake where Gokyo village, a small settlement, lies on its shores. The rest of the day is free for you to explore the village and lakes.
Overnight Lodge/Teahouse. Included meals breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Mountains always appear most spectacular when they are graced by dawn and dusk. With this in mind, we start early this morning to ascend Gokyo Ri, a small peak above Gokyo village and lakes. The views on the way up are fantastic but in no way prepares you for the 360º view at the summit. It is one of the best views in the world, and some would say the best in Nepal. In front of you are Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyu, four of the fourteen eight-thousanders, dominating the myriad of ‘smaller’ peaks including Ama Dablam and Nuptse. Similar view to Kala Pathar but the proximity to the mountains makes this panorama more majestic and breathtaking. As we pull ourselves away from this outstanding natural beauty we retrace our steps to the village.
In the afternoon we take the rocky trail beside the Nagjumba Glacier to the Fifth Lake. This is the largest of the Gokyo lakes; from here we will have a close up view of the sixth highest mountain in the world Mount Cho Oyu at 8,188m. Retracing our steps we return to the village.
Overnight Lodge/Teahouse. Included meals breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Today we complete our final pass, Renjo La at 5,360m, taking a step back in time as our trail leads us along a wilderness caravan route and several old Sherpa villages. As we leave the village of Gokyo, the trail takes us up a gentle grassy slope, which quickly becomes a steep incline, with the ground surface turning to scree and rock making the access to the top of the pass challenging. The highlight of the day is the reward at the top, as you step on the pass the stunning outlook unfolds: Everest, Gyachung Kang, Lhotse, Makalu and the Gokyo lakes to the east, while the west offers Tengi Ragi Tau, Rolwaling Himal and the small Rermo Pokhari lake, which we pass on our descent to Legden.
Overnight Lodge/Teahouse. Included meals breakfast, lunch and dinner.
The trail today is much easier than previous days. It takes us along an old Tibetan Himalayan trade route following the Bhote Kosi and ending at the village of Thame, our destination. The landscape becomes a forest of firs, with juniper cladding the hillside. Thame is the oldest Sherpa village in the Everest region, and the birthplace of Tenzing Norgay Sherpa, who summited Mt. Everest with Sir Edmund Hillary. Thame Monastery is one of the oldest in the region and well worth a visit.
Overnight Lodge/Teahouse. Included meals breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Leaving Thame behind, we first descend to the Bhote Kosi before taking the trail on the relatively flat and green path towards Namche Bazaar. From here we descend to a suspension bridge to cross the Dudh Kosi. Continuing downwards through forests of rhododendron and giant pines and along the banks of this river, we arrive at Monjo, where there are great views of Kusum Kanguru (6,367m). Then we continue toward Phakding.
Overnight Lodge/Teahouse. Included meals breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Our final day of walking is along the east bank of the Dudh Kosi to Lukla. A meandering level walk followed by a gentle descent to Ghat; with our final ascent bringing us to Lukla. Time to relax, reflect on the route explored by few people, and enjoy Sherpa hospitality.
Flight back to Kathmandu; departure time is subject to weather conditions.
On your return to Kathmandu,your time is free to further explore the city and its shops or simply chill out.
