Highland of Everest/Three passes

Upon arrival in the Kathmandu Airport (TIA), you will be welcomed and greeted by our representative and then transfer to the hotel. After check in, you can either take rest; hang around in the city as it all depends upon your interests. In the evening, we will organize a Welcome Dinner at an excellent traditional Nepalese restaurant where you will enjoy a Nepalese cultural program as well as a fine meal.
Hotel Encounter Nepal

Dinner 

After breakfast, break the day with guided tour to several of the most historical and spiritual attractions of Kathmandu. The first visit is made in Swayambhunath Stupa- oldest stupa situated on the hillock. Enjoy the bird eyes view of Kahtmandu Valley and mountains. After then visit Kahtmandu Durbar Square – Palace of Malla and then Shah King of Nepal. Visit Kumari Ghar (living goddes), Kasthamandap (made up of single tree), Hanuman Dhoka (Gate to enter the palace) and many more temples. Finally visit in Patan Durbar Square- city of fine art and architecture. Visit Krishna Temple, Palace square, Mahabauddha, Mahabihar and many more temples and master piece monuments. Late afternoon, there will be a pre-trip discussion where we can meet our trek leader and other team members. Black Diamond briefs us regarding the trip as well as provides us opportunity to ask any questions we may have regarding our upcoming adventure. Overnight in Kathmandu, Hotel Encounter Nepal.

Breakfast

Early morning after breakfast transfer to Kathmandu airport’s domestic terminal to fly over Lukla, a gateway destination for trekking in Everest Region. After 40 minutes adventurous and scenic view flight, we reach in the Tenzing Hillary Airport at Lukla. Here we meet our other crew members and then we begin our first day’s easy trek through forest, villages and along the Dudh Koshi River to Phakding.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today also we follow the Dudh Koshi River and cross suspension bridges many times, one of which is the famous Hillary Suspension Bridge. On the way, we can see the beautiful view of Mt Thamserku (6618m). Passing through the small village of Benkar, Chumoa, Monjo we enter in to the Sagarmatha National Park. We cross the last village of Jorsale before Namche and then gradual walk through the forest and bridges until we reach the confluence of Dudh Koshi and Bhote Koshi Rivers (Larja Dobhan). After then about 2 hours steep climb we reach Chautara from where we get the first sight of Mt. Everest. From there another 1.5 hours easy walking bring us to Namche Bazzar, the gate way to Mt. Everest and the main trading center.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After 2 days walking we take a rest in Namche Bazaar to acclimatize the body. It is recommended to stay active during rest day also which helps to acclimatize our body quickly. Walking little high altitude around 100 ft will help to acclimatize properly. Morning we do hike in Thame and later explore Namche Bazzar.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, we start gradual upward trek passing monasteries and follow west trail above the Bhote Koshi River. On the way, we see beautiful Khumbi Yul Lha (5761m) on right, Kongde Ri (6186m) on left and Kusum Khangkaru (6367m) on the back. Passing through the jungle of pine trees we reach Phurte village. If interested, we visit nuns in Laudo Gompa. After crossing the bridge over Canyon of Thesebu River, we see the close and wider bed of Bhote Koshi River. Following the gradual up trail we reach Samde village and small slope ahead lead us to the bridge. Further climbing almost half an hour we reach Thame. Later we visit Thame Gompa, more than three hundred years old monastery.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we walk crossing many streams and further trail through alpine vegetation. The trail is scenic and peace as we go through very little trekked valley. After breakfast, we follow the narrow path to Thambuteng and then walk along the Bhote Koshi, level path to the Yilajung village of another side. Following gradual trail we cross the ravine of Langmuche Khola and then steep up to Mingma. We admire the view of Kongde Ri seen at downside from Taranga. Continuing small down and up trail and just after crossing Bhote Koshi River we reach Marulung.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today is short trek day. After having good breakfast we walk gradual up for an hour and crossing many streams we reach in the Y-junction at Gomo. Then taking the right turn we climb small hill to reach Lumde.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today is long and difficult trek day as we have to cross one of the renowned scenic Renjo pass. After early breakfast we head to Renjo Pass around 5 am. We climb steep trail for about 4 hours and somewhere slippery trail passes through viewing beautiful Renjo Lake, Relama Tsho and Angladumba Tsho finally reach in the top of Renjo Pass. We take time to admire outstanding views of third Gokyo Lake and Gokyo village besides the Ngozumba Glacier; shining Everest Himalayan Range, Makalu, Rolwaling Range, Gyachung Kang and many more snowcapped peaks. Further easy descend to the small stream and then level trail bring us to Gokyo.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

It is recommended to stay active during rest day also which helps to acclimatize our body quickly. Walking little high altitude around 100 ft will help to acclimatize properly. If weather is clear we hike the Gokyo Ri (5360m) today, instead of waiting for tomorrow which is considered as a best viewpoint of Everest Region. Otherwise we take a side trip towards sixth lake beyond Gokyo Ri hill. After breakfast we trek north from Gokyo along the moraine of Ngozumba Glacier with only a small gain in altitude. Just about 3 km walk we reach at fourth lake, Thonak Tsho (4870 m), a steely grey pool surrounded by enormous cliffs and peaks. We continue to fifth lake, Ngozumba Tsho(4990m), set beneath the giant Cho Oyu. We can hike small hill on the east edge which locally known as Scoundrel’s Viewpoint (5000m) from where shiny close wall of Cho Oyu, upper expanse of Ngozumpa Glacier, unobstructed views of the north face of Everest as well as Nuptse, Lhotse and Makalu can be seen. It’s very hard to reach the sixth lake, Gyazumba Tsho (5419m) and back in one day. But if we are interested, still have stamina and enough time we may try for sixth lake. Finally trek back to Gokyo village.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

If Gokyo Ri, the main highlight of the tip, has not been climbed the day before we climb it today. Early morning we climb stiff ridge for 2 hours to Gokyo Ri. Form the summit, there are panoramic views of Cho Oyu,Pumo Ri, Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cholatse, Taboche, Kangtega, K 43, Thamserku and Kusum Kanguru, with the Ngozumpa Glacier and tiny Gokyo village. The view of first sun rays stroke on the Everest is totally different from the view seen from Kala Patthar (Nuptse obstructs the view of Everest). We take time to admire the rare view of the planet by capturing the wordless scenery. The trip to Gokyo Ri will be unforgettable life time memory. We trek back to Gokyo village and after breakfast we trek towards Thaknak. We follow the same route near to first Lake, Longpongo. Then we follow the left path and crossing the Ngozumba Glacier we reach at Thaknak.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast we start early (around 5-6 am) to climb challenging pass of the trip, the Cho La Pass (5368). The trail to Cho La Pass is steep, slippery and there is a chance of rock falls. So we need to walk steadily and carefully. On the way to Cho La Pass, we pass through frozen lake and view of Amadablam, Cholatse and other prominent mountains become more attractive. From the top of pass we can see the Kyajo Ri, Tengkangpoche, Numbur, Kangchung etc. While descend from the pass, the view of Pyramid shaped Ama Dablam, Cholatse, Lobuche East are captivated but we need to be more careful since the trail passes through crevasses and steep rocky way. We descend continuously passing by small village of Leisyasa (4860m) and then few minutes’ walk will bring us in summer herding beautiful Dzonghla village. We enjoy the complete view of Mt. Cholatse, Mt. Ama Dablam, Lobuche peak and the Pheriche village far below.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today is short walk day and we get spare time to re-energize for coming days adventure. After breakfast we climb down from Dzongla through gradual trail crossing small streams, passing by the Chola Tsho / lake (4590 m), walk through the boulder path left by khumbu glacier and viewing beautiful towering Mt. Nuptse, Lobuche, Ama Dablam, Kangtega, Thanserku and many more finally we reach Lobuche. Relax our tired body and stroll around village.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we have two options. First one is, we reach Gorak Shep and in late afternoon hike to Kalapatthar for impressive sunset view over Himalayas including Mt. Everest. Second one is, we reach Everest Base Camp and then trek back to Gorak Shep for overnight. We can split the group for option 1 and option 2.

After early breakfast we start trek through the moraine of Khumbu glacier. Passing through Italian Research Center and Lobuche Pass (5110m) we reach to Chongri Glacier. On the way to Chongri Glacier we get the first sight of the summit of north ridge of Mt. Everest along with 360 degree view of snowcapped mountains including Mt. Pumori, Mahalangur, Lingtern, Khumbutse, Nuptse and many more. Walking up through boulder path of Changri glacier we reach Gorak Shep.

Option 1:- Evening we hike to Kalapatthar. Kalapatthar is the popular view point hill. It takes 45 minutes to reach from Gorak Shep. From there we can see very impressive, massive and sky towering Himalayas including Kantenga, Pumo Ri, Thamserku, Changtse Ama Dablam, Kantenga, Nuptse, Lhotse, Everest and many more.

Option 2:- Leaving the Kalapathar (view point) on left and passing by Indian army mountaineers’ memorials we continue towards Everest Base Camp which takes us around 3 hours to reach. We celebrate the achievement of our trip goal by capturing massive Nuptse, Khumbuste and Punori from Everest Base Camp in our camera. But from here Mt. Everest is not visible. After spending memorable moment we trek back to Gorak Shep.

Note: Sunset view from Kalapatthar is more impressive than the sunrise view over snow capped mountain including Mt. Everest. So who wish to hike Kalapatthar today, our guide and porters will accompany you.

Breakfast, Lunch,Dinner

Those participants, who had choose option 1 yesterday (Kalapatthar), will visit Everest base camp today.

And who had choose option 2 yesterday (Everest Base Camp); they will hike to Kalapatthar today for sunrise view over snowcapped mountains including Mt. Everest and then wait for other participants to return back in Gorak Shep.

After having lunch together in Gorak Shep we trek back to Lobuche via same route.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we have to cross another high pass, the Kongma La. After breakfast we commence trek passing through the Khumbu Glacier and ascend steep trail to Kongma La pass. From top we enjoy the view of frozen lakes and great Himalayas Cholatse, Pokalde, Mera Peak, Nuptse, Lhotse, Makalu and Ama Dablam. We descend from the pass to Niyang Khola valley passing the lakes and through rocky trail. Further trail observing the great view of Island Peak lead us to Chhukung, which is also the starting point for Island Peak Climbing and the last village on the trail to Island Peak.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast we trek down along the Imja Khola. Passing by the village of Dingboche, Orsho, Syomare and crossing many suspension bridges we reach to Pangboche, the home of oldest monastery in Khumbu region. From there we descend through pine forest and on the way we may encounter with Musk Deer, Mongal, Blue Sheep and other wildlife. Following the gradual trail we reach culturally rich village, Tengboche. In the evening, we visit largest and famous monastery of Everest region, the Tengboche Monastery to witness the Lama puja.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast we leave the beautiful Tengboche village and descend down through rhododendron and fir trees to Dudh Koshi River. We cross the first bridge of today trail in Phungi Thanga and then passing through the beautiful village of Sanasa, Kyangiuma as well as enjoying magnificent view of Himalayas on the way we reach at Tenzing Norgye Memorial Stupa. We may get opportunity to encounter mountain goats, snow leopards, colorful pheasants etc. After then about one hour gradual walk will bring us to main town of Everest Region, the Namche Bazzar.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today is our last trekking day and we trek back the same route but we feel completely different view. Trail is steep, so we need to walk slowly supporting own body with shaky legs. We trek back exploring attractions on the way, experiencing Sherpa culture in beautiful villages and enjoying distance view of Himalayas. Freezing cold turns to moderately warm and our body get relief today. After breakfast we begins gradual walk for few minutes and then steep down to the Larja Bridge which is the confluence point of Dudh Koshi and Bhote Koshi River. From there the gradual walk along Dudh Koshi River will bring us to the exit point from National Park, the Jorsale village. Again following the Dudh Koshi River, pass by the small village of Monjo, Chumoa, Benkar and walking through rhododendron forest, we reach Phakding. Few hours more gradual walk will bring us at Lukla. In Lukla we do relax and stretch the tired body. Late afternoon we can stroll around the Lukla. Evening we enjoy the last dinner with crew members.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After early breakfast we fly back to Kathmandu memorizing those excited and beautiful days. In Kathmandu you can take a rest throughout the day in hotel or you can explore other attractions of Kathmandu. For the memorizing the Nepal trip you can buy some souvenirs for yourself or for friends and family in Thamel Area. Late evening we celebrate the success of our trip and enjoy dinner together.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast you are free till departure time. If you have more time you can do shopping or sightseeing around Kathmandu. Approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight, a representative from Black Diamond drops you to the airport.

Breakfast