Traversing Khongma La, Cho La and Renjo La allows us access to several of the valleys in the Everest region without backtracking. We also ascend Gokyo Peak and Kala Patar and optionally visit Everest Base Camp, to complete this full-on experience. This is a demanding and adventurous trek, taking us to heights above 5000m on several occasions. Camping in tents will be necessary during the pass crossings, at which times our cooking crew will prepare our meals. All other accommodation will be in comfortable lodges.
Our trek starts in Lukla after a flight from Kathmandu. Walking slowly and steadily, we follow the classic trail towards Everest, via Namche Bazaar and the beautiful Thyangboche monastery. At Dingboche, we continue west along the Chukhung valley. Rest days are included along the way to ensure that we are properly acclimatized to tackle our first high pass: Khongma La (la means mountain pass) at 5535m will present us with dramatic views of Ama Dablam and Makalu, and a real encounter with the high-altitude environment.
The descent takes us onto the Khumbu Glacier and then to Lobuche in the Khumbu valley. We ascend Kala Patar for breathtaking close-up views of Everest, and an afternoon’s trip to Everest Base Camp is possible. Back at Lobuche, we head towards our second pass, the Cho La, a traverse with permanent snow leading into the Gokyo valley. There are dazzling turquoise lakes to be explored here, and Gokyo peak to climb for more first-class views of Everest(8848m), its neighbours, and Cho Oyu(8201m) on the Tibetan border.
A scramble over Renjo La brings us into the Bhote Kosi valley, which extends all the way from the border of Tibet and Nepal. We walk along grazing pastures and a trading route used by yak trains from Tibet to Thame. It is a short day from Thame to Namche Bazaar, where we re-trace our earlier steps to Lukla and then fly back to Kathmandu.
Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu (1360m) transfer to hotel
Day 02: Kathmandu, half day sightseeing tour
Day 03: Phakding (2600m)
Day 04: Namche (3446m)
Day 05: Namche, rest & acclimatization
Day 06: Thyangboche (3875m)
Day 07: Pangboche (3985m)
Day 08: Pangboche, (day trip to Amadablam Base Camp)
Day 09: Dingboche (4360m)
Day 10: Dingboche, rest & acclimatization
Day 11: Chukhung (4780m)
Day 12: Below Khongma La (5280m)
Day 13: Lobuche (4930m)
Day 14: Gorak Shep (5160m)
Day 15: Dzongla (4843m)
Day 16: Gokyo (4750m)
Day 17: Gokyo, rest & exploration
Day 18: Buffer day
Day 19: Lumde (4368m)
Day 20: Thame (3810m)
Day 21: Monzo (2835m)
Day 22: Lukla (2827m)
Day 23: Fly back to Kathmandu
Day 24: Kathmandu, shopping in Kathmandu
Day 25: Departure (Trek ends after breakfast)
2023:-
Trip Duration: 25 Days
Trip Grading: Extreme
Max Altitude: 5545 M
Trip Code: EVHIT
Trip Mode: Trekking
This trek will appeal to those with a good level of fitness who want a close-up encounter with the alpine environment, plus all the features of our other Everest treks (stunning views, wildlife, monasteries, Sherpa culture.). Good leather/goretex boots, gloves and warm clothes are must to have for this trek.
