Everest Wholesome Trekking Three Pass Trekking

Duration 20/21 Days   Starts from: Lukla (Tenzing Hillary Airport)   Finishes at: Lukla   Best season: Autumn (mid Sept to mid Dec). Spring (March to May). Winter (Dec, Jan, and Feb) is also good for the trek though quite cold.   Trek Highlight:   For enthusiastic adventurers who love challenges and want to do something different.  Those who wish to traverse the high Himalayan Zone the Everest Wholsome Trek will be an exotic experience. The world famous region provides an opportunity to visit Everest basecamp, Kalapatthar and Gokyo Valley (with its tranquil lakes).  This route introduces you to remote and untouched valleys, the Sherpa village of Marlung many beautiful monasteries.  This classical route crosses over the challenging and famous passes, Kongma La (5,535/18,159 ft.), Cho La (5420m/17,782 ft) and Renjo La (5,340m/17,520 ft).   We start the journey to Everest Transverse Trek with a sightseeing a day in Kathmandu.   On this day you will see the temples, shrines, markets and restaurants in Kathmandu.  We take a flight to Tenzing-Hillary Airport at Lukla the following day followed by a trek through the classic route to Sagarmatha National Park.  Along the way we will hear the roaring Dudh Koshi river and see colorful landscapes, Gompas and ancient monasteries.  After we reach to the summit of Kongma La we trek to the view point of Kala Patthar.  This will be followed by the climb over Cho La that takes us to the cobalt-blue lakes at Gokyo.  After enjoying the inspiring views from the fifth lake and Gokyo Ri, we make our next great pass, the Renjo La.  Enjoying the night in Marlung we follow the route used by Tibetan traders for many centuries.  We head back over Nangpa La to get to Thame. If you are looking for trek slightly less adventurous than this but one that also has suburb views of Gokyo Lakes, Everest basecamp and Kala Patthar, you should read about our "Everest Base Camp Trek via Gokyo Lakes-17 days”. Our "Everest Base Camp-14 days" itinerary would be perfect for you if you are young, energetic, physically fit, and yearn to hike up to Everest basecamp and Kala Patthar but have a limited amount of time for trekking. If you are a novice trekker and want some easier itinerary but want to visit the Everest basecamp see our 19-days Everest Base camp itinerary.  

Day 1: Kathmandu Arrival (1300 m/4264 ft)

Once you arrive at Kathmandu airport (TIA) you will complete your custom clearance (i.e. Visa, travel documents etc) and pick up your luggage.  Upon exiting the airport you will be welcomed by a representative of All Trekkers Team.  Look for someone holding an All Trekkers Team display card at the arrival gate.  You will be taken to your hotel and, after checking in you are free to rest, wander around the city or visit our office. In the evening we will organize a "Welcome Dinner" at a traditional Nepalese restaurant where you will enjoy a Nepalese cultural program and a fine meal.  

Day 2: Kathmandu (1300 m/4264 ft): Sightseeing and Preparation for Trekking

Today, after breakfast, we will have a tour to several historical and religious attractions in Kathmandu valley. Some stops will be World Heritage Sites; including the historical Durbar Square (i.e.; Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Patan), Buddhists shrine (Buddha Nath), one of the largest Stupas in the world, the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupati Nath and the famous 'Monkey Temple' (Swayambunath).  In the afternoon, we will have a detailed discussion l about our Trek.   At this meeting you can ask any questions that come up.  You will also have the oppurtunity to meet the trek leader and other participants of the trek.  

Day 3: Kathmandu - Lukla (2,800 m/9,184 ft) - Phakding (2,652 m/8,700 ft): hrs

After breakfast we head to the airport for our flight to Lukla. After a scenic 40 minute flight over green forests and snow capped mountains we reach Tenzing-Hillary Airport in Lukla. This is one of the most beautiful air routes in the world with a dramatic landing on a hillside surrounded by high mountains peaks. At the airport we will meet our other trekking team members. While our guide manages baggage with the porters we start our trek.  We pass through the village of Lukla keeping an eye on the beautiful views until we reach Phakding.  For acclimatization, we will only have a short hike today. However, if your interested and physically able we can take a side trip to a nearby monastery. Our first night of this marvelous trek passes in Phakding.  

Day 4: Phakding - Namche Bazaar (3,440 m/11,283 ft) -5-6 hrs

The beginning of todays walk is pleasant with few short uphill and downhills and a few crossings of the Dudh Koshi River.   We will have opportunities to view Mt. Thamserku (6,608m/21,675ft) from the village called Benkar. We cross belly bridges over Dudh Kosi River and through the entrance of Sagarmatha National Park at Monjo.  Monjo is where our trekking permits are to be checked in order to keep record of trekkers and local trekking staff. After this we descend to Jorsale, the last village before Namche Bazaar.  After half an hour we reach the Hillary Suspension Bridge. After the bridge there is a long climb up to Namche Bazzar.  We will see the white caps of of Kwangde Peak and it’s sister peak, Kusum Kangaru.  We will also have the opportunity to view Tawache, Lhotse, Mt. Everest and many other beautiful mountains.  We will stop at the Chautara to admire these views. Finally, we reach the modern village of Namche Bazzar, the main gateway of Khumbu region. We overnight in Namche Bazzar.  

Day 5: Namche Bazaar (3,440 m/11,283 ft): Acclimatization Day

This will be our first acclimatization day of this trek. Our health and safety requires us to be ever aware for signs of Altitude Mountain Sickness (AMS). We will spend the day exploring Namche Bazaar and/or taking a hike to Thame or visiting Khunde. Namche Bazzar is the main centre of the Everest (Khumbu) region and it has all of the modern conveniences.  There are government offices, ATMs, internet cafes, shops, restaurants, a bakery and a colorful market. Every Friday evening and Saturday the village hosts an open air market.  We will try to trek a few hundred vertical feet during the day.  One rule that we follow for proper acclimatization is, “hike high, sleep low”.  The guides will take the team to the Tourist Visiting Center of the Sagarmatha National Park where we can observe an assortment of things relating to the first Everest climbers, Sherpa culture and details about the various plants and animals of the Everest region. We also take an interesting side trip up to Khumjung and also climb up to the airstrip at Syangboche. Just above the airstrip is the Everest View Hotel, a Japanese scheme to build a deluxe hotel with great views of the highest mountains on Earth. The Khumjung valley is surrounded by the snowy peaks of Kongde and Thamserku and the scared peak Khumbila.  We will also visit a well known monastery that houses a yeti scalp and the Hillary School. After having lunch and spending some time in Khumjung, we walk back down to Namche Bazzar.  

Day 06: Namche Bazaar-Tengboche (3860 m/12,660 ft):5-6 hrs

  After breakfast in Namche, we begin our trip to Tengboche.  Along the way we will enjoy the views of Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam and Thamserku. We gradually walk along a trail with few ups and downs with magnificent views over the great Himalayas. We observe wildlife like pheasant, musk deer or a herd of Himalayan Thar. The trail leads us slowly down unto Kayangjuma. The path finally reaches Sansa which is the major trail junction to the Gokyo valley and Everest Basecamp. The track then goes through the pine forests.  After we cross the prayer flag festooned bridge over the Dudh Koshi River, we reach Phunki Thenga.  Phunki Thenga is a small settlement with a couple of teahouses and a small army post situated in alpine woods.  Here we will have an exotic lunch before we continue with a steep climb up to Tengboche.  Tengboche is a good place for close up views of Ama-Dablam, Nuptse, and Everest and it housed the biggest Buddhist Monastery of the whole Khumbu regions. Overnight in a lodge at Tengboche.  

Day 07: Tengboche- Dingboche (4360m/14, 300 ft):5-6 hrs

  The early morning scenic beauty of Tengboche welcomes us.  We will be amazed at the mountain panorama that includes Kangtega, Thamserku, Ama Dablam, Taboche, Kwangde, Tengboche, Lhotse and Nuptse. We snap many pictures before we start the journey along the Imja Khola River upstream. We descend in a quick pace as we leave the Tengboche meadows to the river banks that traverses a deep forest of rhododendron.  We’ll enjoy more marvelous views of Ama Dablam and the Lhotse-Nuptse ridge.  We reach Deboche, a charming place amidst the woods where there is a Buddhist nunnery. Then we climb up and come across few chortens. We are amazed by the dramatic views of Pangboche.  If we have time we can visit Upper Pangboche for the best view the mountains.  Eventually we climb to Shomare before reaching a rolling down stretch through alpine terrain with patches of isolated pastures. As we reach Orsho the pyramidal peak of Pumori is exposed above the mountains ahead. We finally reach the cold and windy settlement of Dingboche.   It is here that we will spend our night overlooking the chortens and prayer flags.  

Day 08: Dingboche-Chhukung (4750m/ 15, 580 ft): 3-4 hrs

  It is a pleasant walk as we leave Dingboche past stone walls and fields of alpine. The trial from Dingboche leads through Imja Khola valley to a land raven by glacier moraines and formidable mountains. We walk gradually for today is only 3-4 hours of trekking. Walking through the valley Lhotse will be standing on our left and Ama Dablam on our right.  After 3 kilometers we reach a yak shepherds place called Bibre.  The view straight ahead will be the Island peak (Imja Tse), a popular trekking peak.  The trek ahead is crisscrossed by icy streams.  We reach the glaciers and view the massive snowy mountains around us. We might choose to hike to the rocky hill of Chhukung Ri which offers stunning views of Lhotse, Island Peak, Ama Dablam, Makalu and several others. We overnight in Chhukung.  

Day 09: Rest Day in Chhukung

  Trekking experts strongly recommend acclimatization in Chhukung before going proceeding to the Kongma La pass. We are not supposed to stay idle so we will take the opportunity to do a local trek. The views from Chhukung and further up the valley towards the Island Peak (6189 m) are beautiful.  We may head to Chhukung Ri or climb to the base camp of Island Peak. The great glowing face of Lhotse stares at us from above.  To the south we see the Amphora Alpha at 5780 meters and the immense ice walls that dominate the horizon.  Also, Ama Dablam provides an unusual view from this vantage point.  All of these great sights can be done in a single day from Chhukung. Overnight in Chhukung  

Day 10: Chhukung- Kongma La (5535m/18,159 ft) -Douche (4940 m/16,210 ft): 6-7 hrs

  We leave at first light from Chhukung as we have to cross the highest pass of the trip. We will carry plenty of water and snacks along with our packed lunch as there are no teashops along the way. We will enjoy the remote area with its pristine nature.  Today we have a choice of trails.  Either taking a climb up the hill northwest of Chhukung over the Nuptse Glacier or walking back down the valley to Bibre or following a high route above the Niyang Khola.  Any way we choose we will have great views of Island Peak valley and the jagged ridge of Amphu Lapcha. Ascending along the east side of Niyang Khola valley, we take the turn to the west and proceed on a loose stone trial. We enter a wide basin with small frozen lakes. The trail rises over the Kongma La after about five hours of leaving Chhukung. When we see a cairn wrapped in prayer flags we have reached the top of the pass. The final descent is the most difficult stage of the trek today.  Upon climbing on the far side, the trail turns north through Khumbu Glacier which takes us to our destination of today,  Lobuche. Overnight in Lobuche.  

Day 11: Lobuche-Workshop (5170 m/16,660 ft) Everest Base Camp (5300m/17,400 ft)-Workshop 7-8 hrs

  On todays trail we see the north face of Everest along with all other mountain ranges including Mt. Pumori, Lingtern, Khumbutse and Nuptse. A short ascent will take us to Thangma Riju from where we will have a 360-degree view of the snowcapped mountains.  Climbing steeply up to the top through the Changri glacier, we catch our first glimpse of Kala Patthar, a grey-green knoll below Mt. Pumori.  When we reach Gorak Shep we will be surrounded by snow-covered mountains looming all around us.  Including the top of the world, Mount Everest.  A light lunch and rest and we’re off to the Everest Basecamp.  We’ll pass by the high altitude Gorak Shep Lake. We continue ahead and pass by the Indian army mountaineers' memorials.  Soon we reach Everest Basecamp where we will see and appreciate the Everest climbers whose task is to take the hazardous route through the Khumbu icefall and up to the summit.  The brightly colored mountaineer's tents stand out against the dull gray surroundings (especially in the spring).  From basecamp we can view Nuptse, Khumbuste and Pumori. Everest is not visible from here since we are in the foot of the mountain.  By now, we have reached the ultimate destination of our long trip. We get back to Gorak Shep for a good nights rest. However, the sunset view from Kala Patthar is more admirable than the sunrise. As the setting sun's rays strike the snow-capped mountains the scenery is unbelievable. For those who wish to continue, our guides and Sherpa’s will coordinate a hike up to Kala Patthar for this amazing sunset view today rather than waiting until the following day. Overnight in Gorak Shep.  

Day 12: Gorak Shep - Kala Patthar (5545 m/18,192 ft)–Lobuche (4940 m/16,207 ft): 7-8 hrs

  Today is another exciting day!  We leave early to catch the dramatic views from Kala Patthar witnessing the first light of day shining on Mount Everest. We will have to prepare for the dark and cold temperature (-10 to -14 C) we will experience. There is always a chilly wind blowing at this time. As we climb familiar the peaks of Lingtren, Khumbutse, and Changtse tower to the east and soon Everest begins to reveal itself. During the ascent to Kala Patthar we can pause to catch our breath at several outstanding viewpoints. After we reach Kala Patthar we climb up the rocky top near to the summit marked by prayer flags. When we reach the top, we sit on the Kala Patthar rocks and enjoy the breathtaking Himalayan Panorama. We take as many pictures as we can to remember the view of a lifetime. On getting back to Gorak Shep we stop for breakfast before our gradual descent to Lobuche for a good night's rest.  

Day 13: Lobuche-Dzongla (4830m/15,850 ft): 3-4 hrs

  The trek today is very short compared to other days. The path to Dzongla branches off from the main trail some distance ahead before Lobuche. We come through a fork and later curve around a scenic wide riverbed. The river flows southwest and the trail runs across it and climbs up ahead. From the grassy ridge our trail runs again across to the southeast from where we can see the summits of Ama Dablam and Kangtega-Thamserku. Taboche looms prominently further up ahead. Pheriche village is also seen in the distance along with Chukpi Lhara and its memorials and the lodges of Dugla.  The vast Chola Lake spreads below Mt. Cholatse. The view of lake stays with us until we descend into a wide basin.  Next we climb up a spur and descend steeply to another broad basin. After another hour’s walk we reach Dzongla and have a well deserved rest. Overnight in Dzongla.  

Day 14: Dzongla-ChoLa (5368m/17,611 ft)-Thangnak (4680m/15,350 ft)-Gokyo (4800m/15,580 ft): 7-8 hrs

  Today will be one of the tougher days of our trip. The walk begins early as we head west from Dzongla. The path descends to a basin across a roaring ice filled stream.  After an hour we reach the top of Cho La Pass. Once on the pass we can enjoy the view of Cho La Lake and the pyramidal shape of Ama Dablam from the south.  Climbing the Cho La is quite steep. We need to be aware of rocks that can be glazed by ice. The final climb to the Cho La is especially risky. After reaching the top we will see the prayer flags flapping in the strong wind. After spending some time on the pass enjoying the views we start our descent to Thangna.  This is a long, steep descent where we have to be cautious due to the treacherous ice.   After a hard days trekking we reach the small village of Thangnak. Stepping out of the settlement we are again amazed by the fabulous mountain views. After short walk the trail brings us to the Ngozumpa glacier border.  The Nhozumpa glacier is the longest glacier in Nepal. From here we will have views of the second lake of the Gokyo.    There are a total of 6 lakes on the Gokyo area.  A little further away is the third Gokyo Lake.  The Gokyo Village is where we stay for the night.  

Day 15th Around Gokyo-Gokyo Ri (5357m/17,575 ft) 3-4 hours

  The day spent in Gokyo Valley is enjoyable. This acclimatization day is an opportunity to climb Gokyo Ri and enjoy one of the best viewpoints of the Everest region. Gokyo is not only popular for its grand view from Gokyo Ri peak but also for its six lakes.  We do not want to miss the fourth lake (Thonak Tsho with its high cliffs and peaks rising above it) and fifth lake (Ngozuma Tsho blue still of water).  We will also want to climb on the hill by the side of the lakes to get the amazing views of Cho-Oyu, Gyachung Kang, Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Makulu.  If the time allows, we will try to reach the sixth lake, too.  After we’re done we head back to Gokyo village for the night.  

Day 16: Gokyo- Renjo La (5360m/17585 ft)-Marlung (4210m/13,810 ft) 7-8 hrs

  Today will be another long day.  We will walk from dawn to dusk and enjoy superb views along the way.  There are no places to spend the night except at Marlung.  Heading down from the Gokyo Valley, we leave the main trail and turn towards Renjo La along the Dudh Pokhari. After approximately 3 1/2 hours we arrive at the Renjo La.  From here Everest, Lhotse, Cholatse and Taboche are seen shining in the sun. Views from Renjo La are much like that from Gokyo Ri beneath the gray Ngozumpa Glacier.  We continue over the pass, down a stony path to reach the south bank of a small lake, Angladumba Tsho. Again the ice on the trial during our descent requires that we be very careful. Along the way we will see Relama Tsho and Renjo Lake. We walk down via a narrow valley to Lumde where there is a support lodge.  This lodge is often closed since the area is so devoid of people.  We trek for about an hour from Lumde and before arriving at Marlung on the east bank of the Bhote Kosi. Overnight in Marlung.  

Day 17: Marlung-Namche Bazaar: 5-6 hours

  The following day we take a descent from Marlung to Thame following a traditional route used by the ancient Tibetan traders. Down from Marulung we cross the Bhote Kosi and again descend to Taranga. The trip now goes into the valley of Langmuche Khola River. This river drains down from Dig Tsho glacial lake. Thame is a sparkling village with a few lodges and stunning views of the mountains Thamserku, Katenga, Kusum and Kangguru. Over-looking its famous Gompa situated in a field on a hill to the west. Established some 325 years back, the Gompa has three big images of Chenresig (Avalokiteswara), Guru Rimpoche, Buddha Sakyamuni. Colorful Mani Rimdu festival with its colorful mask dances is held in this Gompa in May. We climb down gradually after crossing a bridge to reach Samde.  Another great spot to enjoy the views. The path then steeply descends down to Thamo village, which hosts another monastery, called Khari Goma.  Khari Goma is home to some nuns and monks. Soon we arrive at the check post where the world’s highest hydroelectric power station is built.  (The project provides electricity to most parts of upper Khumbu.)  We reach small village of Phurte where Laudo monastery is located.  This monastery is connected to the Kopan monastery of Bouddhanath in Kathmandu.   It is known as a popular study and meditation place for the Westerners. We finally reach Namche with its colorful prayer flags, mani stones and chortens. We stay for the night at Namche.  

Day 18: Namche Bazaar-Lukla: 6-8 hrs

  Today we take a steep trail down and we need to walk carefully. After crossing another suspension bridges over the same Dudh Koshi and its tributaries the trail becomes more natural. Also, today we should begin to feel warmer.  We are traveling back along the same route but we will enjoy completely different perspectives, views and feelings. You have the final oppurtunity to take pictures of the open plains, rhododendron and pine forests and the distant snow covered peaksof the Himalayas. We’ll walk through the Sherpa villages seeing the impressive Buddhist structures, mani walls and prayer flags. Once we arrive in Lukla you can stretch those sore legs and recall the fantastic experiences of the last couple of weeks. We will spend our last night in Himalayas in Lukla with a very happy mood and a smile on our face. Overnight in Lukla.  

Day 19: Fly back to Kathmandu

  Flights to Kathmandu are generally scheduled for the morning because of the possibility of wind and the weather creating problems for the aircraft. We fly back to Kathmandu enjoying the spectacular mountain scenery from 3000 meters. As our flight drops into the  Kathmandu Valley you can see the dusty city spreading our before you.  Back in Kathmandu we go directly to your hotel.  You are free to rest or to spend your time shopping for gifts to take back home for friends and relatives.  The shops in Thamel are full of colorful Nepalese goods. Our guides can assist or you can wander around by yourself.  We can also arrange a guided tour if you want to explore any other areas of Kathmandu.  In the evening we we will be hosting a fantastic celebration dinner together to mark your successful completion of the Everest Basecamp/Gokyo Lake Trek!  Overnight in Kathmandu.  

Finally

  Today we say good-bye as your journey in the Himalayas comes to an end. There is nothing to do but trade emails with travel companions and organize photos. If you have more time you can do some shopping or sightseeing. Approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight by a representative from All Trekkers Team will take you to the airport. Wishing a speedy return for another adventure in to this wonderful land of Nepal.   If you wish and if you have additional days, you can stay in Kathmandu or we can arrange some short hikes around Kathmandu valley.   There are many places of interest.  Lumbini (birth-place of Lord Gautam Buddha), Chitawan (for wildlife observation experience of the Tharu culture), Pokhara (lush, romantic city on the shore of Nepals great lakes), etc. Those who come to visit Nepal and don't go to Pokhara, it said that their visit to Nepal remains incomplete.