The High Route of Everest

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1350 m).

 Arrival in Kathmandu, depending on your flight times. Welcome by your local guide at the airport exit with a sign from the agency and transfer to your hotel.

Briefing and presentation of the course of the stay. In case of arrival in the morning, day of rest or possibility of visiting the tourist district of the Thamel, for those who wish, your hotel is in the heart of the tourist city.

Day 2: Flight to Lukla (2850 m) and Trek to Phakding (2610 m)

Very early departure (around 2-3am) to reach Ramechhap airport. Flight to Lukla, the starting point of the trek, and meeting with the team of porters. Here you are in Sherpa country and reach Phakding, with about 3 hours of walking. You will also have the pleasure of crossing the villages of Cheplung, Thado koshi and Ghat.

Note/During the high season all flights to and from Lukla are operated from Ramechhap airport
located 130 km from Kathmandu.

Day 3: Phakding (2610 m) to Namche Bazar (3440 m)

Departure for Namche Bazar. A very Gradual climb to the village of Jorsale. A stop is required to check the trekking permit; then, a short descent to the Bhotekoshi River. You will cross a suspension bridge, then follow a stream. After the second suspension bridge, the walk is quite steep to Namche Bazar.

This large town is the capital of the Sherpa. It has several shops, a market, post office, bank, Sherpa museum and monastery.

Day 4: Acclimatization day in Namche Bazar

We are already at 3440m. The acclimatization day is very important for this trekking. For this, you will climb to Sengboche at 3720m. On the heights, first discovery of Mt. Ama Dablam and Everest. Passage to Khumjung then return to Namche.

Day 5: Namche Bazar (3440 m) to Thame (3820 m)

We leave for the villages of famous conquerors of the roof of the World; Ang Rita SHERPA known as The Snow Leopard 10 times Everest without oxygen, Kami Rita Sherpa 25 times Everest, Appa SHERPA aka Super SHERPA 21 times the ascent remains the heroes of the Himalayas. Thamo, Sande and Thame are the last villages crossed before the passage of the Nagpa pass, way to Tibet.

The highlights of the day:
- Discovery of typical Sherpa villages and their monasteries.
- Herds of Yaks.

Day 6: Thame (3820 m) to Ascent of Samdur Peak (4800 m) to Thame (3820 m)

This day will be dedicated to acclimatization. In the morning, climb Samdur Peak then we visit the oldest monastery in the region built in the 17th century in the afternoon. Return back to Thame and Overnight stay.

Day 7: Thame (3820 m) to Marulung (4210 m) to Lunden (4380 m)

Direction Lunden at 4380m via the path that takes you to the Nangpa la pass from where, to this day, many Tibetans trade by Yak caravans with the people of the Khumbu region.

Highlights of the day:

- Follow the historic path: Nangpa la pass.

- View of Mt. Cho Oyu, culminating at 8188m, sixth highest peak in the world.

- Many peaks between 6000 and 7500m.

Day 8: Lunden (4380 m) to Renjo Pass (5365 m) to Gokyo (4790 m)

The goal of the day remains the crossing of the Renjo la Pass at 5365m. Early morning departure, gentle and progressive climb. Incredible view from the summit on several 8000m. Some souvenir photos then descent towards the Gokyo lake.

Highlights of the day:
- First 5000m of the trek.
- Discovery of several lakes with turquoise waters.

Day 9: Gokyo (4790 m) to Gokyo Ri (5360 m) to Dragnag (4700 m)

The highlight of this morning is the ascent of Gokyo Ri at 5360m; departure in a gradual but steep climb of about 2 to 3 hours. From the summit of Gokyo Peak, you discover 5 peaks over 8000m: Lhotse shar, Everest, Cho Oyu, Lhotse and Makalu.
Return to the lodge, lunch and departure for Dragnag following the Ngozumpa glacier.

Highlights of the day:
- Ascent of Gokyo peak.
- Crossing the Ngozumpa glacier.
- View of the 5 peaks over 8000m

Day 10: Dragnag (4700 m) to Cho La (5420 m) to Dzongla (4830 m)

A very early wake-up call; after a hearty breakfast we start the walk, with an easy and gradual climb. Arrival at a small pass then short descent, then the passage in the rocks becomes a little more difficult. About 300m of rather steep climb before you arrive at the Cho la pass. A photo break, then descent towards Dzongla.

Highlights of the day:
- Objective Cho la pass.
- 360° views of the Himalayan ranges from Chola.
- View of the Khumbu valley and Everest from the pass.

Day 11: Dzongla (4830 m) to Lobuche (4910 m) to Gorakshep (5140 m)

Gradual climb to Lobuche with unmissable 360° views of the highest peaks and the many snow-capped peaks (Everest, Choltse, Pumori, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Khanglemu, Island peak, Lhotse and Nuptse). Passage to the village of Lobuche and meal, then direction the Gorakshep lodge.

Highlights of the day.
- Many peaks, and we touch the rights non-stop.
- We constantly ask the name of the peaks.
- Mount Pumori Altitude: 7161m.
- The village located highest in the world Lobuche 4910m.

Day 12: Gorakshep (5140 m) to Everest Base Camp (5364 m) to Gorakshep (5410 m)

The goal of this day is to go to the mythical Everest base camp, at the foot of the Khumbu glacier, the starting point of many expeditions to climb Everest. The spring period allows, possibly, to attend the preparation of one of them. Return to the lodge by the same path.

Be careful, there are some slightly complicated passages, stay with the guide.

Highlights of the day:
- Everest base camp.
- Closest to the giant of the planet.

Day 13: Gorakshep (5410 m) to Ascent of Kala Patthar (5550 m) to Lobuche (4910 m)

Today, Kala Patthar at 5550m awaits you; the highest point of your trek.
Early morning departure. Gentle and steady climb. The summit is located at the foot of Mount Pumori (7165m). You can see Everest south face. Return to the lodge and departure for Lobuche.

Highlights of the day:
- The highest point of your trek.
- Mythical view of Everest south face.
- You are in the arms of Mount Pumori.

Day 14: Lobuche (4910 m) to Kongma La (5535 m) to Chhukung (4730 m)

To cross the Kongma la pass, a long day is necessary. First, we cross the Khumbu glacier. Then, to reach the pass, the slope becomes arduous. Finally, a long descent to arrive at our destination, Chhukhung.

Day 15: Chhukung (4730 m) to Pangboche to Tengboche (3860 m)

This morning you descend into the beautiful Khumbu Valley, winding beneath the faces of Mt. Ama Dablam. Then Pangboche continues to Tengboche with a visit to its monastery.

Day 16: Tengboche (3860 m) to Namche bazar (3440 m)

This morning you descend into the rhododendron forest to reach the banks of the Dudh Koshi river. Then, it will be a gradual climb to Kyangzuma to end the day with an easy trail in view of arriving at the town of Namche Bazar.

Day 17: Namche Bazar (3440 m) to Lukla (2840 m)

Last day of walking. We leave the mountain, its villages and its populations to reach Lukla. Descent to the village of Phakding; after the lunch break, continuation of the walk to the airport of Lukla. End of trek.

Day 18: Lukla (2840 m) to Ramechhap to Kathmandu (1350 m)

According to the flight schedule, flight to Ramechhap then drive to Kathmandu. The flight is subject to weather conditions, a delay in the rotation day is possible.

Day 19: Kathmandu Reserve Day

The flight between Lukla/Ramechhap or Kathmandu is subject to the vagaries of the weather, a delay or cancellation is possible… This is why we always plan a reserve day. Free day.

What to do around your hotel if your day is free?

1: If the weather permits, the possibility of visiting the stupa of Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) located about 45 minutes’ walk from your hotel. The stupa of Swayambhunath is one of the most beautiful treasures of Kathmandu. Located at the top of a hill, with a staircase of 365 steps, will reward you with a breathtaking view of Kathmandu and its valley.

2: Durbar Square, located south of Thamel. A perfect place to make interesting visits. The square is filled with old buildings and temples very characteristic of Nepalese architecture. The approximately 50 temples, palaces, pagodas, courtyards and streets date from the 12th to the 18th century.

3: Pashupatinath Temple. Located near your hotel, 5 km west of Kathmandu, Pashupatinath Temple is one of the holiest Hindu temples in Nepal. The temple and its surroundings are part of the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Day 20: Departure for Home

As per schedule, return flight to your destination. Your guide will take you to Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu for your departure.

Additional information about the circuit: 

• The walking time is given as an indication, it is an estimated average. Good physical condition is essential for this trekking. Depending on the weather conditions and the physical condition of the group, the guide may have to modify the program, if necessary,
• Physical level and preparation of your trip: This Everest three-pass trek is of a difficult level and takes place in the mid-mountains then gradually at high altitude. With + 955 meters of positive elevation gain and - 930 meters of elevation gain, approximately 15 to 20 kilometers of walking per day. Excellent physical condition, great shape is necessary to undertake this trek 16 consecutive days of walking with a maximum altitude of Kalapatthar which peaks at 5550m. You start your trek at 2840m altitude with many climbs and descents in steps, sometimes steep but acclimatization to the altitude remains very gradual. To carry out this trek in the best conditions, we recommend that you practice a sporting activity at least 2 to 3 times a week 2/3 months before your departure,
• Accommodations indicated are subject to availability at the time of booking,
• Due to climatic and weather conditions, flights between Ramechap – Lukla – Ramechap may be cancelled, which may result in changes to your schedule. In such a situation, you have several alternatives: you can consider a road trip, which could be longer, or opt for a helicopter flight, depending on availability. If you choose the helicopter option, be aware that the additional cost will be at your expense. This rate will vary depending on the number of people and the destination selected.