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Everest via the high passes (departure guaranteed on 17/10/2020)

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Trip Overview

Level 17/20 17 days of trekking with 9 days above 4000m and crossing three passes over 5000m. This region is particularly cold.

An exceptional journey, like a Buddhist kora in the heart of the Khumbu Sherpa, crossing three passes and climbing two peaks over 5000m, offering panoramic views of the Himalayan giants Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu, all rising above 8000m. Not forgetting the “smaller” peaks like Thamserku, Kangtega, Kwangde, Ama Dablam, Cholatse, Tawoche, Island Peak… Prestigious names that you can associate with the mountains surrounding you! An exceptional but very challenging itinerary in a cold region, with nine days above 4000m. Over fifteen days of trekking, the circuit ascends through the valley leading to the legendary Nangpa La pass. You won’t reach this border crossing, but via the Renjo pass, you’ll arrive at Gokyo and its turquoise lakes at the foot of Cho Oyu. After the easy climb up Gokyo Ri, a viewpoint overlooking Cho Oyu, you’ll cross the Cho La pass at 5,420 meters, descending into the valley leading to Everest Base Camp, the ultimate northern point where you can experience the action alongside expeditions. You’ll simply climb Kala Patthar, a unique viewpoint of Everest. Before descending to Dingboche, another pass awaits, followed by the Imja Khola valley. Then you’ll descend to Namche, the capital of Sherpa country, and on to Lukla, your departure point for your flight back to the capital.

Highlights

  • Unique panoramas of four 8,000-meter peaks
  • An original, large-scale Kora circuit
  • A trip to Gokyo and its turquoise lakes via the Nangpa La valley
  • A visit to Everest Base Camp
  • A truly high-mountain atmosphere

Itinerary

1 Arrival in Kathmandu.
After your visa and customs formalities, baggage claim and you will be met at the airport exit by a representative from the agency. Transfer to the hotel.
2 Flight from Kathmandu to Lukla (2850m).
A 40-minute flight in a Twin Otter from Kathmandu to Lukla, the gateway to the Khumbu region. We meet our local staff at the airport exit, and after a brief introduction and the distribution of loads among the porters, the trek begins. Trek to Phakding (2600m). 3 hours The trail crosses Lukla along the main street, lined with lodges and shops, and at the edge of the village, begins a steep descent towards a river with Kusum Kanguru (6367m) as a backdrop. The path then climbs slightly, skirting a ridge to reach Ghat on the banks of the Dudh Kosi River, the "milk river" due to its whitish color. The trail then follows a series of typical Nepalese ascents and descents before finally arriving in Phakding.
3 Trek Phakding – Namche Bazar (3440m). 6am
The trail continues north up the Dudh Kosi valley, climbing through cultivated fields to Benkar with its enormous carved boulder in the middle of the path. The trail then continues its ascent through a wooded area of ​​rhododendrons, magnolias, and fir trees. Soon, Mount Thamserku comes into view, and we enter Sagarmatha National Park at Jorsale. Crossing a suspension bridge high above the confluence of the Dudh Kosi and Bhote Kosi rivers, the trail continues a long and steep climb to a ridge offering views of the Everest, Nuptse, and Lhotse peaks. The trail continues its ascent through the forest to Namche, a protected settlement nestled in a natural amphitheater.
4. Acclimatization around Namche Bazaar (3440m). 4 hours
Given the significant altitude gain and the fact that the following days will take us even higher, this day is dedicated to acclimatization. Optional activities include either rest and strolling through the bazaar with its shops reminiscent of Thamel, or a hike in the hills to visit the villages of Shyangboche and its small airstrip, as well as the Kunde hospital.
5 Trek Namche Bazar – Thame (3800m). 4h
The trail leaves Namche to the west, winding through forests and past large Buddhist frescoes painted directly onto the rock. A superb path leads above the Bhote Kosi valley, passing through the small villages of Gangla and Phurte. After crossing a small tributary on a bridge, you arrive at Thamo. The trail now follows the left bank of the Bhote Kosi, passing through Samde, and a final climb takes you to Thame, the birthplace of the famous Himalayan mountaineers Ang Rita and Appa Sherpa.
6. Acclimatization around Thame (3800m). 4 hours
As an option to further acclimatize, consider an excursion to the Trashi Labtsha pass, which connects the Rolwaling Valley to the Khumbu region, or an ascent of Sunder Peak. Visit the Thame Monastery and the village where you can discover the birthplace of famous climbers.
7 Thame – Lengden Trek (4380m). 5/6h
The trail climbs into the valley leading to the legendary Nangpa La pass, on the border with Tibet and a route still used by yak caravans of local traders and Tibetan refugees. The trail ascends the right bank of the Bhote Kosi River through alpine meadows. You cross the Langmuche Khola River via a bridge before arriving at Taranga. The trail crosses another tributary before moving to the left bank, just before Marulung at 4210m. One last uphill climb brings you to Lengden, the last village before the Renjo La pass.
8 Trek Lengden – Renjo La (5340m) Gokyo (4750m). 7/8h
On today's agenda is the first of three passes, the Renjo La. The ascent involves a series of steep sections and small plateaus amidst alpine meadows, punctuated by the small lakes of Renjo and Relama. The final stretch leading to the pass is carved into the rocks and requires careful footing. From the summit, your efforts are rewarded with a superb view, stretching from west to east: Tengi Ragi Tau, Rolwaling Himal, Lake Rermo, Gyachung Kang, Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and the Gokyo lakes! The descent begins steeply, then eases as you reach the area above the lake.
9 Ascent of Gokyo Ri (5280m) – Gokyo Lakes (4750m). 4/5h
To enjoy the superb panorama, we undertake the 2-hour climb up this slope, and at the summit, the reward awaits: Cho Oyu, Gyachung Kang, Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cholatse, and Tawoche. We then descend to the lake and stroll around Gokyo.
10 Gokyo Lakes – Dragnag Trek (4700m). 3h30
The trail descends along the left bank of the stream to reach the Ngozumpa Glacier, which we cross at its terminus. This short stage leads to the foot of the Cho La pass. In this less frequented region, the lodges are more basic.
11 Trek Dragnak – Cho La (5420m) – Dzongla (4830m). 7/8h
Today's plan is to cross the pass that leads down into the Khumbu Valley. The path to the pass is very rocky and sometimes difficult to find; you have to follow the cairns. This section can sometimes be snow-covered. The pass is a narrow gully squeezed between the sharp peaks of Lobuche and Cholatse. From the summit, we are in a high-mountain environment. The beginning of the descent is a bit tricky and often icy. The descent towards the alpine pastures is long, traversing rocky slabs.
12 Trek Dzongla –Kala Pattar (5543m) Gorakshep (5160m). 6/7h
The path descends along a balcony trail through alpine meadows, with Lake ChoLa Tsho visible on our right. Then the trail veers north, climbing back up through pastures at the foot of Awa Peak. It reaches a junction with the trail coming from Pheriche, descends, and follows the west bank of the valley leading to Lobuche. The nearby Nuptse is impressive. The start of the trail follows the west bank of the wide Khumbu Valley, climbing steadily through pastures alongside the glacial moraine. The ascent then becomes steeper and more challenging as it crosses several lateral moraines. The path curves, and Pumori (7161m), the "girl's mountain," appears in its characteristic conical shape. The trail then descends slightly onto a flat, sandy expanse at Gorakshep. The ascent of Kala Pattar is the highlight of the trek. It is a steep climb up grassy slopes west of Gorakshep to a promontory at the foot of Pumori from where the south face of Everest is visible in its entirety as well as the Lho La (pass between Tibet and Nepal), Changtse and most of the west ridge.
13 Gorakshep Trek – Everest Base Camp (5360m) – Lobuche (4910m). 6/7h
The path to base camp follows the Khumbu Glacier, sometimes along the moraine, sometimes on the glacier itself. The route is long but magnificent, leading to the inhospitable Everest Base Camp: a place as mythical as it is uncomfortable, where summiters remain for several weeks. Views of the Icefall, an enormous serac, and the route to the South Col. Return via the same path to Gorakshep and then Lobuche. The sunset over nearby Nuptse will remain an unforgettable memory.
14 Trek Lobuche – Kongma La (5535m) – Chukung (4730m). 7/8h
On the agenda for today is the last of the three passes, and the departure is early, following the Khumbu Glacier, which we cross along its lower section. On the left bank, the trail crosses a yak pasture before climbing a good, rocky path. The summit of the pass is nestled on a narrow ridge. The view is breathtaking, encompassing Ama Dablam, the neighboring Pokalde, Makalu, and the impressive barrier of Lhotse and Nuptse. The descent begins on a steep scree slope and passes a small lake before ending in alpine meadows, facing Ama Dablam.
15 Trek Chukung – Chukung Ri (5550m – Dingboche (4100m). 2/7h
Free morning in Chukung with the option of an early morning ascent of Chukung Ri for the more adventurous, and a rest for the others. The climb is on easy slopes leading to a first viewpoint at 5043m. The summit is a little higher. Island Peak is very close. After lunch, descend to Dingboche through alpine meadows, following the Imja Khola.
16 Trek Dingboche – Thengboche (3860m) 4/5h
The path descends along the Imja Khola, then crosses the Khumbu Khola on a bridge and rejoins the track used on the ascent, passing through Pangboche, then Devuche and Thengboche with its monastery. Another opportunity to admire the surrounding mountains.
17 Trek Tengboche – Namche (3440m) 5h
Après un nouveau réveil matinal pour profiter du lever de soleil sur les géants du coin, nous entamons la descente à flanc en forêt jusqu’à la passerelle de Phunki Thangkha. De là le sentier remonte sur Teshinga et Sanasa. Possibilité pour les plus courageux d’effectuer un détour par Khumjung et de descendre sur Namche.
18 Trek Namche – Lukla (2850m) 6h
The route follows the same path as the outward journey, with a steep descent to the confluence bridge. From there, it's along the left bank of the Dudh Kosi to Jorsale, where we show our permits at the checkpoint. The descent continues to Monjo, crosses the Monjo Khola on a bridge, and then the path continues to the right bank of the Dudh Kosi before Benkar. Before Phakding, the path crosses back to the left bank and continues downhill to Ghat and Cheplung. From this village, the path climbs steeply to the entrance of Lukla.
19 Flight Lukla – Kathmandu
Early in the morning, we head to the airport for a 40-minute return flight on a Twin Otter to the capital. Planes come and go, bringing in new trekkers, supplying hotels, and taking trekkers back down. Back to the hustle and bustle of the capital, we transfer to the hotel for a nice hot shower.
20 Kathmandu Valley
Today we set off to explore the Kathmandu Valley, starting with the charming city of Bhaktapur, "the city of devotees," the jewel of the valley with its countless temples and scenes of rural life. After lunch, we return to Kathmandu, visiting the Hindu shrine of Pashupatinath, where all Hindus are cremated. Then we continue to the enormous Buddhist stupa of Bodhnath, where Tibetan pilgrims tirelessly circle the stupa, spinning prayer wheels and reciting their rosaries. What an atmosphere!
21 Departure from Kathmandu
Depending on flight times, it will be possible to do some last-minute shopping before heading to the airport for the return flight.

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