For true adventurers who love challenge, yearn to do something different, and wish to see everything the Khumbu offers, Everest Transverse trek is an authentic platform. The world famous superb trekking provides us opportunity to visit Everest base camp, Kalapathar.On, Gokyo Valley and its tranquil Lakes, the best view point of Gokyo Ri and more especially introduces to the route to remote and untouched Nangpa La Valley, the Sherpa village of Marlung, the monastery village of Thame as well through other major remote villages and valleys taking also help of the classical route to make complete high-level circuit via world famous demanding passes Kongma La (5,535/18,159 ft.), Cho La (5420m/17,782 ft) and Renjo La (5,340m/17,520 ft).
We begin our Journey to Everest Transverse Trek from a sightseeing day in Kathmandu which offers a brief exploration of the temples, shrines, bazaars and restaurants of Kathmandu. We take a stimulating mountain flight to Tenzing-Hillary Airport at Lukla the following day followed by trek up through the classic route to Sagarmatha National Park playing with mighty Dudh Koshi River, colorful landscapes, Gompas and monasteries in the land enclosed by the soaring peaks. After gaining the summit of Kongma La, as we compose our way to Everest Base Camp we marvel at the spectacle of Khumbu icefall cascading from the Western Camp. Our trek to the view point of Kalapathar.On is followed by the tough Climb through Cho La that finally takes us to the cobalt-blue lakes at Gokyo. After enjoying awe inspiring views from the fifth lake and Gokyo Ri, we make our way to the next great pass, the Renjo La. Making a night in Marlung we follow a little of the route used for centuries by the Tibetan Traders via Nangpa La to get to Thame. we drop down to Lukla and fly back to Kathmandu If you are a real adventurer looking for more of a challenging trek crossing some of the most famous high passes in the world, you definitely need to consider our Everest Transverse Trek (Three Passes).
Outline Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu [1350 m/4264 ft]
Day 02: Kathmandu: Sightseeing and Trek Preparation
Day 03: Kathmandu-Lukla [2840 m/9320]- Phakding [2,652m/8,700ft]: 40 minutes Day 04: Trek to Namche Bazaar [3440 m/11,280 ft]: 5-6 hrs trek
Day 05: Namche Bazaar: Rest day
Day 06: Trek to Tengboche [3860 m/12,660 ft]: 5-6 hrs Day 07: Trek to Dingboche [4360m/14,300 ft]: 5-6 hrs
Day 08: Trek to Chhukung [4750m/15,580 ft]: 3-4 hrs
Day 09: Rest Day in Chhukung
Day 10: Trek to Kongma La [5535m/18,159ft] -Lobuche [4940m/16,210ft]: 6-7 hrs
Day 11: Trek to Gorakshep [5170m/16660 ft]-Everest Base Camp [5300m/17,400 ft]-Gorakshep: 7-8 hrs
Day 12: Lobuche-Gorak Shep - Kala Patthar [5545m/18,192 ft] -Lobuche [4940m/16,207 ft]: 7-8 hrs
Day 13: Trek to Dzongla [4830m/15,850 ft]: 3-4 hs
Day 14: Trek to Chola [5368m/17,611 ft]-Thangnak [4680m/15,350 ft]-Gokyo [4800m/15,580 ft]: 7-8 hrs
Day 15: Rest day in Gokyo-Gokyo Ri [5357m/17,575 ft]: 3-4 hours
Day 16: Gokyo- Renjo La [5360m/17585 ft]-Marlung [4210m/13,810 ft]: 7-8 hrs
Day 17: Trek to Namche Bazaar: 5-6 hours
Day 18: Trek to Lukla: 6-7 hours
Day 19: Flight to Kathmandu
Day 20: Departure
Itinerary Detail
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu [1350 m/4264 ft]
Arrival in the International airport at Kathmandu, you will be greeted by a representative from Adventure Mission Nepal (AMN) Treks and transfer to hotel. After some rest we will be discussing about the trek details and equipment that are required on trek .we will organized a welcome dinner at traditional Nepalese restaurant with fine meal at the evening and overnight at hotel.
Day 02: Kathmandu: Sightseeing and Trek Preparation
We start a guided tour to several of the most historical and spiritual attractions in Kathmandu. World Heritage Sites of Kathmandu Durbar Square, the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupati Nath, the famous 'Monkey Temple' (Swayambhu Nath) and Buddhists shrine (Boudha Nath). In the afternoon, there will be a pre-trip discussion about the trek equipment and we can meet the trek leader as well. Stay overnight at hotel.
Day 03: Kathmandu-Lukla [2840 m/9320]- Phakding [2,652m/8,700ft]: 40 minutes flight, 3-4 hrs trek(Trekking times only)
Early morning adventurous 40 minute flight to Lukla (2,800m/9,186ft), above green and mountains, one of the most beautiful air routes in world on hillside surrounded by high mountain peaks .Lukla a gateway to the destination from where our trek starts .We start our trek through the prosperous village of Lukla until we reach Phakding. For acclimatization we have a short hike and have a side trip of nearby monastery. Overnight in Phakding.
Day 04: Trek to Namche Bazaar [3440 m/11,280 ft]: 5-6 hrs trek
The trail is from many of suspension bridge along the Dudh Koshi River, one of which is the famous Hillary Suspension Bridge and through beautiful pine forest. First, we catch wonderful prospect of the glistening Mt. Thamserku (6618 m)., we come to the check post and entrance to Sagarmatha National Park and pass through the village of jorsale .The trail climbs through the forests and bridges until we reach the confluence of the Dudh Koshi and Bhote Koshi rivers. After a final steep ascent of about two hours we get first sight fist of at Mt. Everest, peering over the Lhotse-Nuptse ridge. From chautara, we still need to walk about 1.5 hours to reach Namche Bazaar, a gateway to Mt. Everest and main trading centre of this region. We stay overnight in Namche Bazaar
Day 05: Namche Bazaar: Rest day
This is the scheduled 'acclimatization' day for this trek. We either spend the day taking a day hike to Thame or visiting Khunde or relaxing and exploring Namche Bazaar itself. Our guides will take us to the Tourist Visitor Center near the headquarter of the Sagarmatha National Park where we can observe an assortment of things related to the first Everest ascenders, Sherpa culture and learn about the various plant and animal life of the Everest region. We also take an interesting side trip up to Khumjung. We climb up to the famous airstrip at Syangboche. The Khumjung valley is surrounded by the snowy peaks of Kongde and Thamserku and the scared peak Khumbila hosts a well known monastery that houses a yeti scalp. We also visit Hillary School which is at the same site. Overnight at hotel.
Day 06: Trek to Tengboche [3860 m/12,660 ft]: 5-6 hrs
We start our trek towards Tengboche enjoying superb view of Mt. Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam and close up view of Thamserku. Our trek follows on the gradual trail with few ups and downs overlooking magnificent view of the great Himalaya. The trail goes gradually down up to Kayangjuma. The path eventually reaches Sansa which is the major trail junction to Gokyo valley and Everest Base Camp. We reach Phunki Thenga, passing through pine forest and crossing over the bridge of Dudh Koshi River, a. After we climb a little tough steep up through the pine forests before we reach Tengboche. Tengboche is a great place for close up views of Ama-Dablam, Nuptse, and Everest and it has a biggest Buddhist Monastery all over in Khumbu region. Overnight stay at guest house.
Day 07: Trek to Dingboche [4360m/14,300 ft]: 5-6 hrs
We choose the upper trail for better views to visit Pangboche village and its ancient Monastery. We pass through several Chortens and Mani walls and small villages. We enjoy the view of Ama-Dablam, while passing through the trail north to Pheriche. From here onwards the walk is fairly moderate as we enter the Imja Valley. The valley ahead will begin to open up as we approach the confluence of the Lobuche River; we descend into the river and begin the last and steepest climb of the day up to Dingboche. At Dingboche we enjoy the beautiful array of fields enclosed by stone walls to protect the barley, buckwheat and potatoes from the cold winds and grazing animals. Overnight at guest house.
Day 08: Trek to Chhukung [4750m/15,580 ft]: 3-4 hrs
We walk for only 3-4 hours. While walking through the valley, Lhotse towers on our left and Ama Dablam on our right. After walking about 3 km, we reach at yak herdman`s place called Bibre. Straight ahead, beyond a terminal moraine wall, soars the Island peak (Imja Tse), a most popular trekking peak. The trail ahead is intersected by icy streams. We reach Chhukung in about half an hour from Bibre. There are glaciers and massive snowy mountains all around the place. Overnight in Chhukung.
Day 09: Rest Day in Chhukung
Acclimatization in Chhukung before doing the Kongma La pass. The view from Chhukung and further up the valley on the moraines towards Island Peak (6189 m) is tremendous. We climb the Chhukung Ri or climb to the base camp of Island Peak. The great south face of Lhotse towers above to the north, while Amphu Lapcha at (5780 m pass) and the immense fluted ice walls that flank it dominate the horizon to the south. To the southwest, the eastern face, of Ama Dablam provides an unusual view of this picturesque peak. Overnight in Chhukung
Day 10: Trek to Kongma La [5535m/18,159ft] -Lobuche [4940m/16,210ft]: 6-7 hrs
We start at first light from Chhukung as we have to conquest highest pass of the trip today. We can select to go via any of the possible trails- either taking a climb over the hill northwest of Chhukung over the moraine of the Nuptse Glacier or we might walk back down the valley to Bibre and follow a high trail above the Niyang Khola. Just after some walk there are great views of Island peak valley and jagged ridge of Amphu Lapcha. Ascending along the east side of Niyang Khola valley, we turn west and walk through the sloppy stony trial. We enter a wide basin dotted with small frozen lakes. The trail rises over loose scree gaining the Kongma La after about five hours we leave Chhukung. Upon the top there is mark of prayer flag by reaching the pass. The final descent is the most difficult stage of the trek, upon climbing the moraine on the far side, the trail turns north through Khumbu Glacier which takes us to Lobuche. Overnight in Lobuche.
Day 11: Trek to Gorakshep [5170m/16660 ft]-Everest Base Camp [5300m/17,400 ft]-Gorakshep: 7-8 hrs
The trail to Gorak Shep goes ahead through the lateral moraine of the Khumbu Glacier. We pass though the pyramid sign post. Ahead on the trail we see crest of north ridge of Everest along with Mt. Pumori, Mahalangur, Lingtren, Khumbutse, Nuptse, etc. A small ascent would take us to Thangma Riju from where we perceive 360 degree vista of snowy mountains. Climbing steeply up to the top through the torrent of Changri glacier, we catch our first glimpse of Kala Patthar, a grey-green knoll beneath the Mt. Pumori. As we reach Gorak Shep, we will be surrounded by snow-capped mountains looming all around us including the top of the world - Mount Everest. After a rest, we take the trail to Everest Base Camp through the once vast Gorak Shep Lake. Continuing straight ahead, we come through the Indian army mountaineers' memorials. Overnight at guest house.
Day 12: Lobuche-Gorak Shep - Kala Patthar [5545m/18,192 ft] -Lobuche [4940m/16,207 ft]: 7-8 hrs
We start early in the morning to catch the dramatic views from Kala Patthar witnessing the first light of day shining on Mount Everest. During the ascent to Kala Patthar we can pause to catch our breath at several outstanding view points. After several hours of an ascent, we reach Kala Patthar. From here we scramble to climb the rocky outcrop near to the summit marked by cairns and prayer flags. As we reach the top, we sit on the Kala Patthar rocks we can view the panoramic Himalayan and many other picturesque view point which is the interesting thing of kalapathar.On a gradual descend we get down to Lobuche. Overnight at Lobuche.
Day 13: Trek to Dzongla [4830m/15,850 ft]: 3-4 hrs
The path to Dzongla branches off from the main trail some distance from Lobuche. After crossing a stream we come through a fork and later curving round to the wide gravelly river bed of the stream as it flows southwestward, the trail runs across it and climbs the ridge ahead. From the grassy ridge ahead, as the trail runs across to southeast from where we can see soaring heights of Ama Dablam and Kangtega-. As the ridge veers northward, the vast Chola Lake spreads below Mt. Cholatse. The trail climbs up a spur and descends steeply to another broad basin. After an hour walk transverse from the basin and shortly after crossing a wobbly bridge, we reach Dzongla. Overnight in Dzongla.
Day 14: Trek to Chola [5368m/17,611 ft]-Thangnak [4680m/15,350 ft]-Gokyo [4800m/15,580 ft]: 7-8 hrs
The walk begins as we transverse through a spur extending westward from Dzongla. The path descends to a basin across which meanders a murmuring stream crusted with ice at places. In about an hour, we reach the top of the basin readying for the triumph on Chola. As we gain height, the view back gets increasingly more captivating; the Chola Lake begins to appear and the Ama Dablam in its pyramidal incarnation presides over a range of mountains on the south as Cholatse soars on the west. We need to be alert as rocks can be glazed by ice. The final climb to the Chola can be a little tricky as the trail curves round the bergschrund. Upon reaching the top, we see prayer flags, strung across cairns, flapping in the strong wind. Although long, the path leading down to Thangnak can be easily made out from the pass because it is just decent but can be hazardous if rocks are glazed by ice, a bit of cautiousness is needed. We reach Thangnak, a rather more substantial hamlet with a small village. The trail brings us to the Ngozumpa glacier edge after short walk, which is longest glacier in Nepal. Reaching the other side of the glacier, we get view of the second of the Gokyo lakes on the series of six lakes. A short distance away is the third Gokyo Lake. On the edge of this lake stands the Gokyo Village .Overnight in Gokyo.
Day 15: Rest day in Gokyo-Gokyo Ri [5357m/17,575 ft]: 3-4 hours
This acclimatization day is grasped as an opportunity to climb Gokyo Ri to enjoy the scene from the best viewpoint of Everest Region. Or, as we know Gokyo is not only popular for its grand view from Gokyo Peak but also for the six lakes. About 3 km north of Gokyo is the fourth lake with its high cliffs and peaks rising above it. The trail continues to fifth lake and we get mesmerized by the shimmering turquoise blue sheet of water. If interested, we climb on a hill at the edge of the Lakes to get astounding views of Cho-Oyu, Gyachung Kang, Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Makalu. Beyond the fifth Lakes is the Cho Oyu Base Camp. Northern part of the fifth lake provides fabulous views of Cho-Oyu Base Camp and biggest glacier of the world- the Ngazumpa glacier. Back to Gokyo village. Overnight at Gokyo.
Day 16: Gokyo- Renjo La [5360m/17585 ft]-Marlung [4210m/13,810 ft]: 7-8 hrs
We need to start early Down from the Gokyo Valley; we leave the main trail and turn to Renjo La trail by Dudh Pokhari. After about 3 hours, we gain the Renjo La where a dazzling Everest, Lhotse, Cholatse and Taboche can be seen shining in the sun. Continuing on from the pass, the trail winds down a stone staircase and then scramble over loose scree to reach the south bank of a small lake, Angladumba Tsho. Along the way we see Relama Tsho and Renjo Lake. We walk almost for an hour from Lumde to get to Marlung on the east bank of the Bhote Koshi. Overnight in Marlung.
Day 17: Trek to Namche Bazaar: 5-6 hours
The descent from Marulung to Thame follows a traditional route used for centuries by the Tibetan traders. Down from the Marulung we cross the Bhote Koshi and descend to Taranga. The trail then goes through the valley of Langmuche Khola. Overlooking Thame is its famous Gompa situated some the fields, on a hill to the west. Established some 325 years ago, the Gompa has three big images of Chenresig (Avalokiteswara), Guru Rinpoche, Buddha Sakyamuni. We climb down after crossing a bridge after then eventually reach Samde. The path steeply descends down to Thamo village which hosts a monastery called Khari Goma which is a nunnery being home to some nuns and monks. After passing through a check post, we come to the world`s highest hydroelectric power station built on Austrian help. We reach small village of Phurte where there is Laudo monastery which is popular among the westerners for Buddhist study and meditation center. We eventually reach Namche again through same path. Stay overnight at hotel.
Day 18: Trek to Lukla: 6-7 hours
The trail descends steeply downward, crossing the suspension bridges over the fast flowing Dudh Koshi and its tributaries the trail becomes more level and natural. Although we are travelling the same route down, while we walk through the villages and many other view of mountain, Mani wall etc we reach to Lukla where we stay Overnight.
Day 19: Flight to Kathmandu
Flights to Kathmandu are usually scheduled for morning .We fly back to Kathmandu after our long mountain journey and transfer to hotel .you may get on recreation or shopping on your own .overnight at hotel.
Day 20: Departure
Approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight a representative from (AMN) will take you to the airport.
