This is a fantastic trek as it visits all of the three high passes of the Khumbu with extra time at Gokyo to explore the upper valley. It gives you the chance to explore the breath taking Thame valley to the Gokyo valley before crossing over Reno la pass and on to the Chola pass before reaching the Kalapathar / Everest Base Camp, Kongmala Pass located adjacent in Khumbu Himalaya.
But it begins with a scenic flight to Lukla before you start your trekking in Nepal experience with a fantastic hike through the legendary Sherpa villages to the Sagarmatha National park. Before continuing on towards Namche Bazaar one of the most famous Sherpa settlements and now is main town of the Khumbu region. Here you spend your first acclimatization day by looking around the Sherpa Museum, resting, sightseeing and preparing for the next step of the trek. Which makes a gradual ascent up the trail past the famous Thame Monastery and on up the Renjola Pass via the isolated valley of Lungden. Here you can see stunning views of mountains, glaciers and the Gokyo valley. Continuing up over the Chola Pass and Kongmala Pass you will find more breath-taking view of high Himalayas. Added to the splendid view you must keep your eyes open as
the trek leads you patches of birch and rhododendron forest where the elusive musk deer & many other variety of animals can sometimes be seen. Another highlight is a visit to the Tyangboche Monastery where you can see small yak-grazing settlements before finally reaching back to Namche Bazzar. From here we can descend down all the way to Lukla via Dudh Koshi river valley and back to Lukla.
Day 01 Arrival at Kathmandu (1350 m)
On arriving at the Kathmandu international airport you will be greeted by one of our representatives who will welcome you and assist in your transfer to a hotel. They will be available for any questions along the way and will make sure you have the chance to refresh before briefing you on the upcoming trekking in Nepal experience.
Day 02 Kathmandu valley sightseeing
No one should come to Nepal and not have a guided tour of the Historic city of Kathmandu. With so many world heritage sites in Kathmandu valley its worth spending the day walking round, taking photos and basking in the mixture of cultures that make up Kathmandu. You will get chance to visit such pilgrimage sites of Hindus Pashupatinath temple, the world biggest Bouddhanath Stupa, Swoyambhunath Stupa also known as monkey temple and historical Kathmandu Durbar Square with temple, unique architectures and Kumari (living goddess) in central Kathmandu. Then back to the hotel to prepare for the next morning.
Day 03 Kathmandu to Lukla (2886 m) and then to Phakding (2640 m.), 4 hrs
The day begins with an early morning wake up call as you need to catch the first flight to Lukla (2886 m). Where on arrival you will have the chance for breakfast at one of the local hotels before setting off on your trek to Phakding (2640 m) village just several hours walk along the trail. This consists of a gentle climb along a stone path trail the mountainside on the left bank of the Dudh Koshi. Along the way youcan get your first up close
look at the first peak of Nupla (5885 m) which can be seen in a stone throw distance on the opposite bank before aiming to reach Phakding in the late afternoon.
Day 04 Phakding to Namche Bazzar (3440 m), 6 hrs
Breakfast will be taken on your first real day of your trekking in Nepal experience so the trek in the guesthouse you have stayed in and then you begin the trek to Namche Bazaar (3440 m). The trail goes along the right bank of Dudh Koshi with Thamserku is standing majestically skyward on the opposite bank till you reach Bengar. Where it then starts to climb from the riverbed on the left bank into the mountain, through a forest to Chumoa before continuing along the trail with many ups and downs before crossing a stream and passing the tiny village of Monjo. Where you come to the entrance of the Sagarmatha National Park Service where a park entrance fee is to be paid which your guide will take care of. From here it’s a short walk along the river bed of this V-shaped valley where the Bhote Koshi and Dudh Koshi (rivers) meet each other. Here it’s time to cross the Hillary suspension bridge and begin the steep ascent to Namche Bazar. Along this particular stretch there is the chance to have excellent views of Everest (8848 m) and Lhotse (8516 m) before reaching Namche Bazar (3440 m) a central hub of the area for food, trekking gears and other necessary goods.
Day 05 Acclimatisation at Namche Bazzar (explore around)
Today it’s advisable to take an acclimatization day and this is the best place because there are a number of things you can do. A trip to the Khhumjung monastery, visit the small settlement of Sherpa community and enjoy the splendid view of Mt. Everest, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Nuptse, Lhotse, Tawche, Kwangde and so on from here. Here it’s an ideal time to prepare for the coming days on the trek.
Day 06 Namche Bazzar to Thame (3820 m), 4 hrs
After breakfast the trek leads towards the Thame village at the end of the Khumbu valley. During the day you will be walking past a large array of prayer flags, Chorten and carved Mani stones before reaching the Thame Sherpa village of Thame. It’s worth spending a little time in the village as it still remains relatively untouched by the effects of modern civilisation and here you will spend the night.
Day 07 Thame to Lungden (4500 m) 5: 30 hrs
Today after breakfast the trail ascends all the way to Lungden and during this part of the trek you will pass by many old walled Sherpa villages. And get the chance to observe varieties of plants and animals which have helped create the unique Sherpa culture. As you walk along the trail be prepared however to share it with Tibetan Yak Caravans who follow the ancient trading routes between Namche and Tibet. And towards the end of the afternoon you will reach Lungden where a simple lodge awaits to spend the night in.
Day 08 Lungden – Renjola Pass (5415 m) – Gokyo Lake (4790 m) 6 hrs
Today the trek gets a little challenging as you attempt to reach the Gokyo Lake by crossing the Renjo La pass (5415 m). Because the trail itself consists of steep ascents & descents crossing sandy ridges, frozen streams and walking through dramatic rock formations. Along the way you pass several Yak Kharkas and the twin Renjo lakes and reaching the top where an incredible view awaits. Peaks ranging of 7000 to 8000 meters mountains all around including Kalapathar, Tyangboche, Chola glaciers and many more. Then descend to Gokyo village for an overnight stay.
Day 09 Gokyo Lake explore around
The excursion to the Gokyo peak usually starts early in the morning. The climb is quite steep first 30 minutes; it will take you an hour to reach the top with its traditional prayer flags. From where you will have a magnificent view of highest peaks, from the west to east are Cho you (8,153 m), Gyachung Kang (7,922 m), Everest ( 8848 m), Lhotse (8,501 m) and further way Makalu, On the way to descent you can enjoy, superb view of Gokyo Lake
Day 10 Gokyo Lake to Thangnak, 4 hrs
Today is a leisurely walk as you cross the Gokyo glacier and down to Thangnak (4700 m) the idea here is to take your time and enjoy the splendid views.
Day 11 Cho-La crossing- Dzongla (4800 m) 7 hrs
After breakfast it gets a little harder because the aim is to cross the Cho La Pass (5,30 m) and it really requires some basic mountaineering experience and for you to be well equipped. On this particular part of the trek it’s time to get the warm clothing out and if possible a little comfort food as well. The pass itself is difficult as it is steep and involves a glacier crossing but if there are no technical problems you can find a trail in the rocks besides the icefall.
Day 12 Dzongla to Lobuche (4930 m), 4:30 hrs
Walking at this altitude takes a lot out of you so it will be another short walk today of around 4:30 hrs as you slowly walking to Lobuche (4930 m) on the way you can see Dugla Lake.You come across abandoned buildings like these a reminder of how tough living here really is.
Day 13 Lobuche to Gorakshep (5,180 m), 4 hrs
The morning on your trekking in Nepal experience brings you out on the trail as it follows the grassy ablation valley from where you can have great views of Pumori before crossing the tributary glaciers to reach the dry lake bed of Gorakshep. Where you will get the chance to take lunch before continuing up the 5545 m Kala Patthar for incredible views of Everest and Everest base camp before heading back to Gorakshep for the evening.
Day 14 Gorakshep to Everest Base Camp(5364 m) and back to Lobuche(4930 m), 7 hrs
Today starts with an early morning walk to the famous Everest base camp before heading back down the trail past Gorakshep before continuing down to Lobuche.
Day 15 Lobuche to Khongma La Pass (5535 m) to Chhukung (4700 m) 8/9 hrs
It’s another early start because it’s a long day on the trek as you cross the Khumbu glacier and over the Kongmala Pass before arriving in Chhukung.
Day 16 Chhukung to Tyangboche, 6 hrs
Today’s aim is to reach Tyangboche Monastery by descending down the valley of the Imja Khola, through the village of Dingboche with its stone walled potatoes fields. After this it’s time to descend through the alpine pastures walking past the Kharkas of Tsura, Orsho and Shomare to the village of Pangboche the highest year round settlement in the valley. Please note the Pangboche Gompa (monastery) is the oldest in the Khumbu and once used to boast the skull and hand of a Yeti, (stolen in 1991) so well worth a visit.
Day 17 Tyangboche to Namche 6.5 hrs
From Tyangboche the trail drops sharply down to the Dudh Koshi and the village of Phunki, where you cross the river before heading upward to Namche Bazaar high above the river with views north towards Everest, Lhotse and Nuptse.
Day 18 Namche to Lukla 7 hrs
Having breakfast in the guesthouse at Namche Bazaar you hit the trail for the last full day of your trekking in Nepal experience with a hike to Lukla. It’s a leisurely walk with plenty of time for lunch on the way before arriving in Lukla in the early afternoon.
Day 19 Lukla to Kathmandu
Up early the next day to catch the early morning flight to KTM where on arrival you will be met by a member of the team who will help you transfer to the hotel. This should all be done by late morning so you will have time to rest before heading out for a shopping trip in the afternoon for souvenirs.
Day 20 Back to your own destination
Please ask for any help or assistance either with taxi transfer to the airport or bus tickets to your next destination in Nepal as we are always happy to help and we hope you have enjoyed your trekking in Nepal.