EVEREST BASE CAMP TREK WITH TWO HIGH PASSES (RENJO LA (5340m) & CHOLA PASS (5595m)

After breakfast met by the representative at the hotel lobby and board the waiting vehicle and drive to Boudhanath Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple & Swayambhunath temple for the sightseeing tour. Firstly we will be visiting Boudhanath Stupa which is approximately 5 kilometers from central Kathmandu.

Boudhanath Stupa, a colossal stupa, just beyond the Pashupatinath Temple. It is an imposing structure standing about 36 meters and is one of the oldest Buddhist monuments ever built in Nepal. The stupa stands on the massive three level mandala style platforms surrounded by colorful family style houses. The stupa is said to have been built in the 5th Century and is a sight of great veneration. Now the stupa is surrounded by houses of Buddhist from Nepal and Tibet. Many followers from different part of the world come to visit Boudhanath Stupa.

After the sightseeing tour of Boudhanath board the waiting vehicle and drive to Pashupatinath Temple for the sightseeing. Pashupatinath temple is approximately 03 kilometers from Boudhanath.

Pashupatinath Temple – is the most sacred Hindu Temples in the world and is amongst the five principle pilgrimage sites for the Hindus. On an annual pilgrimage during Shivaratri Festival thousands of devotees of Lord Shiva from all the Hindu communities of the world pay their homage here. Pashupatinath is the reincarnation of Shiva in his most benevolent form as the shepherd of fertility and so there are no animal sacrifices in this temple, only fruits. Flowers and vermilion are offered. It lies on the banks of the Baghmati River and for the Hindus, to be cremated at Pashupatinath means a direct passage to heaven.

Continue drive to Swayambhunath Stupa – one of the protected monument sites of the Kathmandu Valley. It is situated on the top of the hill lying 4 kilometers west of Kathmandu. More than 2,500 years old, this ancient landmark is connected to the visit of Manjushree who created Kathmandu – a lake than – by draining its waters. The sage saw a celestial lotus in bloom on the top of this hill and sacrificed it. It is an important pilgrimage center as well as the center of art, architecture, religion and culture of Mahayana Buddhism.

The stupa of Swayambhunath is a hemispherical mound of compacted earth, and is built to specific rules, and is replete with symbols. The mound represents the four elements of earth, fire, wind and water. The 13 gilded rings of the spire symbolize the 13 steps of the ladder leading to Nirvana, the final salvation. The shrine is bedecked in colorful prayer flags. The pilgrim’s progress to Swayambhunath’s holy premises is actually through a sylvan path of 365 steps. The entrance is graced by a huge Vajra (Symbol of thunder bolt). Statues of Buddha adorn the four corners of the stupa. Statues of goddess Ganga and Jamuna guard the eternal flame behind it. There is a Tibetan gompa (monastery) and innumerable Chaityas (small stupas). The balcony of Swayambhunath is ideal for viewing the entire valley spread out below.

18:00 Hrs: A short briefing about the tour will be carried out at the hotel lobby. Later board the waiting vehicle and proceed for a welcome dinner at typical Nepali Restaurant.

Afterwards we will return back to the hotel, have some rest & Overnight at the hotel.

AM: Free on own

PM: Drive to Freedom Resort from Kathmandu. The roadway distance from Kathmandu to Freedom resort is 164 kilometers which takes 3 hours 53 minutes to reach the destination. If you are going to Everest Base camp via Ramechhap airport then this Resort is the ideal place stops over to board flight to Lukla to hold a night before taking flight to Lukla. Freedom Resort is 5 Min of Walking Distance from the Airport.

Rest of the day is free on own.

Dinner and Overnight at the Hotel

Early morning walk to the airport to fly to Lukla (2880m) Flight- 25 min. This 25 minute flight provides a magnificent entry to the trek. It highlights the snowline of the Himalayan Range in the north and the rugged landing at the Lukla airport which is said to be one of the most spectacular flights in the world. Upon arrival, meet the Sherpa team and while the team reassembles the equipment for the distribution to the Porters OR Jhopke (a cross between and cow and a Yak used to carry loads). During this break, the guests are welcome to explore this bustling town on top of a hill with rows of houses, hotels and shops lining both sides of cobbled street.

The trek starts by following the trail leading to the northwest direction through the narrow street, which immediately descends from the end of the village on a trail through the open hillside. The trail is well defined and there are many shops and lodges catering to the trekkers. There are suspension bridges to connect the main trail and the villages along the way.

The main trail is also shared by packed animals and local porters, so it is advisable always to walk on the wall side and leave the way for the potters and animals. From there we follow the regular trail passing small villages of Chaurikharka, Cheplung, Thado Koshi and Ghat with shops and restaurants along the way, it’s from here were we will have the glance of the Mt. Kusum khanguru. Continue further past the monastery, Mani walls and chorten to arrive at the posh looking Yeti Mountain Lodge, from here climb gently to finally arrive at the cluster of lodges at Phakding (2,652 m). Upon arrival at Phakding we check in to the lodge. Rest of the day is free to relax or browse around this small village

Dinner and overnight at the lodge                                                     

Duration of Trek:  3 ½ – 4 hours.  

Leave the main village and the follow the trail on the left bank of the Dudh Koshi River. It is a pleasant walk for the first half of the day as one passes through agricultural countryside, small wayside villages and a monastery. We cross the Dudh Koshi at Benkar where there are tantalizing glimpses of the snow peaks Mt. Kusum Khangaru (6369m) and Mt. Thamserku (6623m). Just before lunch, there is a steep climb of about 20 minutes to arrive at Monjo for Lunch.

After lunch, trek up to the check post to check the permits and enter into the Sagarmatha National Park. Descend for 10 minute and then cross a suspension bridge to arrive at Jorsale (2800m). Pass through several small villages and beautiful pine forest. This is a busy trail with plenty of human interest. Our first good views are of the west ridge of Kusum Khangaru (6369m). Follow the Dudh Koshi River, crossing over a suspension bridge, and then slowly climb up a very steep trail to Namche Bazaar. Near half waypoint at top danda, we enjoy our first views of Mt. Everest (8848m), Nuptse (7879m) and Lhotse (8383m) – the big three. The climb is for nearly 3 hours as one gain in altitude making breathing difficult due to rarified air.

Arrive at a Kani (Gate) with a full view of Namche Bazzar. Upon arrival at Namche Bazaar (3447 m) check into the lodge. This prosperous town is the largest in Khumbu. Mt. Thamserku (6648 m) and Kongde Ri (6624 m) loom along the east and west of the village. The sacred mountain Khumbi Yul (5707 m) dominates the skyline along the west.

Dinner and overnight at the lodge                                              Duration of Trek: 5 – 5 ½   hours

After a leisurely breakfast, excursion to Hotel Everest View which starts from the main square in Namche bazaar with a flight of cobbled stone steps all the way  to Shyangboche airstrip (3790 meters), which was built to serve Hotel Everest View. Cross the airstrip and climb past the telephone tower to a trail that leads off to the right (east wards) the trail somewhat levels at the top of the ridge, from here the trail is gradual all the way to the single storey hotel at 3890 meters. Hotel Everest View, as the name suggest have the amphitheater views of the giants of the Himalayas Mt. Everest (8,848 M), Mt Lhotse (8,516 M), Mt Nuptse (7,855 M), Mt Tawoche (6,542 M), Mt.Cholatse (6,440 M), Mt. Amadablam (6,814 M), Mt. Kangtega (6,783 M), Mt. Thamserku (6,618 M) and Mt. Kusum Khangaru (5,808 M) is what is on offer (Weather Permitting)

Note: Please allow for some money today to spend for tea/coffee at the Hotel Everest View as we will be using the premises of the Hotel.

After enjoying the views, backtrack to Namche. Along the trail you may also lookout for the Danphe (Impeyan Pheasant) the national bird of Nepal.

After lunch, free to explore the Namche bazaar and may be even enjoy a coffee at the local bakery.Later visit the famous Bazaar, the hub of the Khumbu. Many traders from Tibet are also seen mingling with the local populace.

Dinner and Overnight at the lodge                                                     Duration of Trek: 3 ½ – 4 hours.

After Breakfast, ascend out of the village then head north-west, up the Nangpo Drangpo valley (Bhote Khosi). Walk through fine rhododendron forest with views across the valley, Kwangde, 6,343m/20,806ft, and the waterfalls cascading off its flanks. Cross a tributary valley (Kyajo Kola) and back down the valley for views of Thamserku, 6,648m/21,806ft, and Kusum Kangru, 6,370m/20,896ft. Arrive at the village of Thamo and could visit its tiny gompa.

From Thamo, the trail continues gradually uphill through scrubland. One can spot Himalayan Thar (a type of mountain goat) on the hillside, although their numbers have dwindled recently due to attacks by snow leopards. As one progress further up the trail, one can see the path which leads to the Tesi Lapche pass, which leads to the Rolwaling Valley and one to Thame Gompa.

After about an hour and a half’s walking, you reach a huge rock wall painted with the Buddhist figures of Green Tara and Guru Rimpoche. The bridge over the Bhote Koshi, adorned with prayer flags, is crossed and then it is half an hour’s gradual ascent to the village of Thame. Thame is an attractive village comprising a collection of lodges, houses and a gompa above it. 

Dinner and Overnight at the lodge in Thame                                  Trek duration: 5 ½ to 6 hrs

Toady leave the main trail and will be able enjoy the peace and relative solitude of this little trekked valley. Trek begins walking uphill for about 15 minutes. Rounding a bend one can see the attractive, moderately sized village of Tangmote. Descend to the village and pass a huge chorten as continue along a very well-trodden, wide path. The trail is strewn with mani walls and a small chorten as one progress through the village. After about an hour, walk parallel to the village of Yellajung on the other side of the Bhote Koshi.

The trail continues on a gentle, ascending path on the hillside above Bhote Koshi. After approximately two hours walking, come to the village of Tharngga at 4,000m/13,100ft. And slowly one can start to feel the altitude here. Tharngga comprises a sprawling collection of stone houses, and have superb views of Kongde Ri down the trail. A further 45 minutes or so on a gradually rising trail brings you to Marlung, 4,200m.

Dinner and Overnight at the lodge in Marlung                             Trek duration: 4 ½ to 5 Hrs

A rough, ascending, pebble-strewn path marked sporadically with red arrows, brings us to Lungden – 4,350m /14,271ft in an hour. From Here to Renjo La Base is challenging.

Leave Lungden and a fairly stiff climb for an hour or so takes you to a lake. You continue ascending for a couple of hours until you reach Black Lake and the col. Here you can see your objective, the Renjo La, and its prayer flags some 250m/800ft.above.

Dinner and Overnight at the lodge

Trek duration: 3 ½ to 4 Hrs

The trail is now very good – stone steps almost all the way to the pass. It zigzags across the hillside and you will really feel the altitude here. It takes between five and six hours to reach the pass. The descent to Gokyo will take around three hours and the first part is often snow covered and moderately steep. It is marked with cairns. Eventually the path becomes a good trail which leads to the Dudh Pokhari Lake and Gokyo.

Gokyo village consists of about nine Lodges with a backdrop of Cho Oyu. The place is simply spellbinding. Upon arrival, check into the Lodge.

After some rest, walk towards the Ngozungpa Glacier which is located behind the village. The walk along the edge of the lake will help our acclimatization. (Note: Please do not forget to carry your head lamp and warm clothes as the wind picks up and can be a freezing experience. Both the seventh, eighth and ninth day are short trek days in order to get acclimatized with the altitude that is gained steadily. Today on the trail we get magnificent views of Mt. Cho-Yu, Mt. Nangpa Gosai, Mt. Nzogumpa Kang and Khasung Range)

Dinner and Overnight at the lodge in Gokyo           

Trek duration: 5 to 5 ½ hrs

An early morning rise today is sure to make you feel the chill of the mountains. Today we trek to the top of Gokyo Ri which has one of the most spectacular views of Mt. Everest and three other 8,000 meter peaks. The climb starts from across one of the rivers that feed the lake. The climb is steady and demanding but the reward for the hard work is more than just satisfactory.

As you get halfway, Everest comes to view and so does the sun it starts to warm you up. Looking down the valley, the view of Tawache and the lakes are spectacular. Once on the top, the views will be your reward for the hard work and what a reward! Everest (8,848 m), showing more of its northern flank Makalu (8,463 m) further to the east and Cho Oyu (8,201 m) towards the north make up one of the most mesmerizing views you couldn’t ask for more.

When we are done with the views (which of course is not quite something that happens), we descend to the village taking in all that we can.  The rest of the day is free to explore more of the village and one may opt to walk towards the 5^th Lake

It is also a good plan to just great to relax as you can soak yourself in the Himalayan sun.

Dinner and Overnight at the lodge in Gokyo                          Trek duration:  3½ to 4 hrs

The trail initially leads back south before leaving the main route; a short climb leads to the crossing of the jumbled moraine of the Nzogumpa Glacier.

Lunch at Dragnag

This hard scrabbling country offers various equally demanding routes until you reach the camp site tucked in below the pass. 

Dinner and Overnight at the lodge in Chyugima                   Trek duration:  3 ½ – 4 hrs

An early start is recommended. The route lies over the large, uncomfortable broken and scree before starting up the slab rock of the pass itself. Depending on the time of the year the route to the summit snow field of the Chyugima La pass (5,240 m) may or may not be covered by snow. The decent starts gently before steeping down. The broken ground route leads to the few stone huts that make up the Dzong La.

Dinner and Overnight at the lodge in Dzongla

Trek duration: 7 ½ to 8 hrs

An ill- defined track traverses across to join the main trail coming up from Pheriche. On the way you can watch the beautiful view of the Mt. Cholatse (6,442 m) back on the west side of the route. A steep ascend leads to the terminal moraine of the Khumbu Glacier. The stark and the rugged beauty create almost a moonscape. The campsite at Lobuche is situated at the wind swept valley with the enchanting views of the Tawache(6501m) and Nuptse(7879m).

Dinner and Overnight at the lodge in Lobuche                              Trek duration: 5 to 5 ½ hrs

From Lobuche, the trek begins with a pleasant walk with a vista of the Himalayan giants surrounding the landscape and a short climb brings one to another valley. Travel along the Khumbu Glacier through the jumbled moraines and scattered rocks. The trail continues to slowly contour on the open landscape and after about an hour, there is a steep ascent for about 10/ 15 minutes. Climb slowly to a ridge and then continue on a trail of rocks caused by rockslides. On a clear day Mt. Everest can be seen looming behind Nuptse.

Arrive at the ridge above Gorakshep and then descend to Gorakshep, a settlement with 4/5 tea houses to stay for overnight.

This was the base camp for the 1952 Swiss Everest expedition. In 1953 the British Everest expedition called this “lake camp’. Gorakshep or ”graveyard of the crows” has a small lake that is usually frozen and several monuments to climbers who have died during various Everest expeditions. The carved stone in memory of Jake Britenbach of the 1963 US expedition and the monument of Indian Ambassador H. Dayal, who died during a visit to the Everest Base Camp after the 1965 Indian expedition, are north-east of the lake.

The trip to base camp, while fascinating, is not spectacular as the ascent of Kalaphattar because there is no view of Everest itself from the base camp. Mt. Lhotse and Mt. Nuptse, which loom over the Base Camp, shades the view of Everest After a quick lunch, trek begins from Gorakshep lodge first through wide open moonscape land and then along the jumbled moraines and scattered rocks passing by the memorials of Rob Hall and Yasuko Namba and others who perished during the Mt. Everest disaster of 1996. The trail continues on a ridge from where a small glimpse of Mt. Everest can be seen. At the end of the ridge, a scrabbling descent leads to the entry into the Khumbu Glacier. The trail through the glacier is an interesting one in that one can actually feel as if one is inside a fridge with the cold seeping from all sides. The Everest Base Camp is also the site for the base camp for Lhotse and Nuptse. It is not actually a specific site as various expeditions have elected different locations for a semi-permanent camp during their assault on the mountains. Some of the sites that expeditions have used as base camps are identifiable form debris on the glacier at 5360m or more. However the highlight of the trip to this place is the sight of the Khumbu icefall and the trek along the Khumbu Icefall is an interesting and an exhilarating one. Later return to Gorakshep.

Dinner and overnight at the lodge                                                 Duration of Trek: 7 ½ – 8 ½ hours.

After breakfast take the left-hand side trail and head straight up the hill to Kalaphattar (5545m) for views of Mt. Everest. The trek up to the top is an arduous one and takes about a 2 ½ to 3 hrs to reach.

The early morning or late afternoon is the best time to view Mt. Everest from this vantage point as the sun is behind the observer and directly on the mountains in front. The climb to the Kalaphattar though tough, is well worth it as the views from here are breathtaking. The giants of the earth are all around Pumori (7145m), Everest (8848m), and China’s peak Changtse (7553m), Nuptse (7855m), Lhotse (8516m), Amadablam and many others. Later return to Ghorakshep.

After visiting the Base Camp backtracking on scattered rocks and jumbled moraines to return to Lobuche. Cross the stream and then head towards the Sherpa Memorial and then to Thugla. The going is easier as we lose altitude. After lunch cross the Thugla bridge and climb the ridge. Leave the main trail to Pheriche. 

Dinner and overnight at the lodge                                                     Duration of Trek: 5 -5 ½ hours.

After breakfast, the trek begins by traversing through the village; cross the river over a steel bridge and make a short climb will brings us to a chorten. From here a pleasant walk descends down to the settlement of Shomare. Then another hour following the hillside trail high above the Dudh Kosi River brings us to Pangboche. However we will take the upper trail to upper Pangboche towards the monastery as our destination is Phortse.

Leave the main Everest Trail and set off for upper Pangboche for lunch.

After lunch, hike up to Ama Dablam Base Camp.

This fascinating trip to the world’s most beautiful mountain of Amadablam base camp trek offers superb views of Mount Everest and unforgettable scenery of Mt. Ama Dablam from the base camp. The pristine lake at base camp with Himalayan peaks is simply mesmerizing, Though Amadablam base camp falls along the trek route of Everest Base Camp Trek, not many trekkers know about it or have visited it. This trek is designed for those who would like to see Everest, but don’t have time or don’t want to walk all the way to base camp. The highest point of the trek is Ama Dablam Base Camp (4,570m) which is a wonderful grassy expanse below one of the world’s most iconic mountain profiles.

Ama Dablam means ‘Mother’s Necklace. The long Ridges on each side of the mountain Resembles a protecting Mother (Ama) and the hanging glacier resembles Necklace (Dablam). It is a dominating peak in the Everest region its view from its base camp is simply superb. Note: On the trail one can look for the Himalayan Monal (Lophophorus) Himalayan Monals are also the national bird of Nepal and one can enjoy the view of Thamserku West (6341 M) & Kang Taiga (6783 M) and of Thyangboche Monastery across the valley. After, Back to Pangboche.

Dinner and overnight at the Lodge                                                      Duration of Trek: 7 ½ – 8 hours.

After later breakfast set out for the trek to Khumjung by walking through the fields to arrive at the edge of a forest. Then descend to the River. Cross a small wooden bridge and climb up to Phortse Tenga.  From here climb steadily along the hillside for about 2 hours through wide open as well as some forested areas with the fast flowing river down below.

Arrive at Mong la (4000 m), a settlement with a few lodges and a Chorten. This is an ideal place to make a lunch break and while the lunch is being prepared, enjoy the great views of the Himalayas (weather permitting) enjoying a nice cup of tea.

Later, the trek immediately starts with a downhill and goes all the way to meet up with the main Everest Highway and then continue on the trail for a while before we once again leave the main train and start climbing on a well-made trail all the way to the famous settlement of Khumjung which sits on the lap of the holy mountain – Khumbi Yul.

Khumjung is the only village which boasts of a school and that to the Edmund Hillary School where many Sherpa Children have studied and made a name for them. It also has a museum, a monastery and a hospital. Blessed with its panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and serene environment, Khumjung is a place for the tired soul.

Upon arrival at Khumjung, check in to the lodge.

In the later afternoon, visit the Khumjung monastery which is one of the oldest monasteries in the Khumbu valley. The monastery is well known in the Khumbu for its precious old religious books and artifacts. Its beautiful paintings and statues were created by artists who migrated here from Mustang Valley.

Khumjung monastery also proudly boasts of a Yeti Skull, but then the authority charge a legitimate amount of fee to have a glance of it.  The local people perform many important religious and cultural festivals every year. One of the most important religious festivals is “Dumji” a five days festival held in the month of late June or early July each year. The monastery is open for visitors from 8 am to 10 am & 2 pm to 4 pm every day. 

Dinner and Overnight at lodge                                                           Duration of Trek: 4 ½ – 5 hours

After breakfast, head towards the twin village of Khunde and time permitting visit the Khunde Hospital, the only proper hospital in the Khumbu region that has been a blessing in disguise for the local’s. Sir Edmund Hillary built the Khunde Hospital in 1966 to provide modern medical care to the Sherpa people of the Everest Region. Before this hospital, all health problems were treated by traditional methods including faith healers. Khunde Hospital not only provides medical care for more than ten thousand local people but also provide medical services to the Trekkers. The hospital has a separate ward with attached toilet and shower for trekkers requiring residential treatment. Oxygen concentrator and Gamow bag are available for high altitude problems. Trekkers may visit the hospital and if they wish, get instruction on the health problems of high altitude. Then continue onwards by climbing the trail on stairs and the from the top steeply descend to hustle and bustle of the Namche Bazaar.

Namche Bazaar, famous the world over is a place where people meet. It’s a great place for acclimatization as well as to enjoy the last few hours in Sherpa land enjoying a lunch in one of the many restaurants before heading back to the end of the journey.

After lunch, the trek begins, from the edge of the town, with a huge descent all the way down to Jorsalle. It is interesting to watch others starting enthusiastically on the trek ahead as we head down and is also a good feeling to shed a few layer of clothing.  From here we cross the steel suspension bridge of Jorsalle and climb up to the National Park gate where we complete the checkout formalities from the Sagarmatha National Park. After completing the checkout formalities we continue a little further to make an overnight stop at the settlement of Monjo.

Dinner and overnight at the Lodge                                                      Duration of Trek: 5 ½ – 6 hours.

After a late morning wake up and breakfast, we resume our trek towards Lukla. The trek begins with a descent to steel bridge then ascends to a ridge. Walk past small settlements and then once again, cross another steel suspension bridge to arrive at Benkar, from here the trail traverses but undulates with short climbs in between to arrive at Toktok village. Cross yet another suspension bridge on approach to Phakding. It is a bit early to stop for lunch and so make an easy walk through the village square past the lodges along the way and after walking for about 45 minutes, reach the village of Ghat, a small picturesque Sherpa village where there are colorful Mani wall along the trail. There are many places to stop for lunch along the Thado Kosi settlement, an ideal place to stop for lunch before heading up to Lukla. Though most of the trail is gradual, there are few short but steep climbs in between on the way to Lukla. There are sign boards along the way pointing you in the direction of Lukla. The trail is well defined and broad and climbs steadily past a few bhattis (Local restaurants) then through scrub forest and through the village of Chaurikharka. The final phase of the trek on approach to Lukla is a steep climb; there is a collection of houses and bhattis in Tamang Tolle, a new settlement a short distance from is the airport. As you approach the Lukla town the houses and hotels rapidly increases. Upon arrival at Lukla we check in to the lodge. It is a delightful ending to the trip as one enters into this busy village of Lukla. In the evening, a farewell dinner may be followed by a few celebratory drinks and dancing with our Sherpa companions

The rest of the evening is free to enjoy the surrounding and prepare for our early morning flight the following day.

Dinner and Overnight at the hotel                                                 Duration of Trek: 6 to 6 ½ hrs

After a hearty breakfast, walk up to the airport and later board the 25 minute flight back to Manthali. Upon arrival board the waiting vehicle and take a 4- 5 hrs drive to Kathmandu. The rest of the day is Free.

Overnight at the hotel                                                                            Flight Duration: 45 minutes & 4 hrs drive

Free for the activities around Kathmandu Valley.

This day is kept free to make our flight flexible if Weather does not permit for Lukla Kathmandu Flight then we can proceed in this day.

Overnight at the hotel

REPORTING TIME: (Three hours 3hrs before flight time) & Free until Departure