Three high passes, five summit plus Everest Base Camp make this perhaps the best of
all the Everest circuits. This ultimate Everest trek. Starting from the famous Khumbu
Valley, home of the Sherpas, we acclimatise before following the trail taken by many of
the great Everest climbers to Dingboche. Here we ascend our first summit, Nangkartshang
Peak. Further up the valley we climb Chukkung Ri for amazing views of some of the biggest
mountains in the world. Our first pass is the Kongma La, with amazing close up views of
Nuptse, which takes us to Lobuje, from where we have a chance to ascend Kala Pattar for
the classic view of the south face of Everest. From here we cross the Cho La pass and enter
the quieter Gokyo Valley. Here we are surrounded by incredible glacial lakes and an ascent
of Gokyo Ri offers unbeatable panoramic views. Our last pass is the Renzo La which takes us
into the Thame Valley and the final leg of this circular trek back to Lukla. With most of the
walking above 3600m this is not for the novice, but will appeal to those who are fit and have
previously trekked at altitude

 



 

Day 1
             We arrive in Kathmandu and transfer to our hotel. Those on Land
             Only arrangements will join us in the evening at the hotel.
Day 2
             Today is free for sightseeing in Kathmandu. You may wish
             to visit Durbar Square in the heart of the old city where the
             old Royal Palace, with its intricate woodcarving is located. Outside
             is Kumari Chowk, home of the Kumari, the young girl who is revered as
             a living goddess. The whole area is a maze of temples and images.
             Alternatively you may wish to visit the monkey temple at Swayambunath,
             one of the largest Buddhist Stupas in the world at Bodnath, or the
             most important Hindu temple in the valley at Pashupatinath. Various
             sightseeing tours can be booked and paid for locally. For more details
             of all of these optional activities please refer to the Optional Excursions
             section. There will also be a full trek briefing today.
Day 3
             We fly to the mountain airstrip of Lukla (2800m), and set off
             on the first short leg of our trek, heading northwards up the valley
             of the Dudh Kosi (or 'milk river'). We descend from the small plateau,
             which only just manages to hold Lukla airstrip, down into the forested
             valley. The trail crosses several tributary streams and we have some
             tantalising views before reaching the small settlement of Phakding (2650m),
             where we will spend our first night.
Day 4
             We follow the Dudh Kosi north, crossing from one bank to the other
             throughout the day. Heading out of Phakding, we first cross to the west
             bank, climbing high above the river. This day's walk takes us through
             magnificent forests of rhododendron, giant fir and magnolia trees.
             In spring and autumn the ground is bright with flowers.
             After Jorsale (2800m) the trail climbs over a spur and alongside
             a moss-govered cliff, to cross the west fork of the river, and start
             the steep climb to Namche Bazaar. About 300m into this ascent we should
             have our first glimpse, of the summit of Everest appearing behind the
             great ridge of Nuptse-Lhotse. Further on we reach Namche Bazaar,
             administrative centre of the Khumbu region, headquarters for the Mount
             Sagarmatha (Everest) National Park, a prosperous Sherpa village and an
             important trading centre.
Day 5
             We spend today acclimatising to the altitude, either exploring
             Namche Bazaar or taking an optional day walk. There are several possibilities
             including visiting the large Sherpa villages of Kunde and Khumjung with
             excellent views of Everest and many of the surrounding mountains.
             Hopefully we can stop for tea at the spectacularly situated
             Everest View Hotel. Returning to Namche there is time to see the
             National Park museum and the Sherpa Cultural Centre with interesting displays.
Day 6
             From Namche Bazaar the trail climbs eastwards and follows the Dudh Kosi
             again, high above the riverbed. Passing through Sanasa we descend gradually
             to the village of Teshinga, after which the trail drops more steeply to the
             river crossing it at the small settlement of Phunki Tenga at 3,250m. Here the
             flow of water is used for both secular and sacred tasks, turning several flour
             mills as well as a series of prayer wheels. Climbing steeply beyond these we
             enter the forest and continue up to the saddle where in a clearing surrounded
             by rhododendrons and conifers we come to Thyangboche at 3,870m. From here we
             have a fantastic panorama of mountains surrounding us including Everest, Lhotse,
             Nuptse and Ama Dablam. Thyangboche has long been a sacred spot. Visitors should
             be careful to respect the spirit of this sacred place, particularly observing the
             ban on hurting any living creature in the area. Because of the ban the wildlife is
             usually unafraid and previous groups have spotted musk deer in the area. Although
             the monastery was burned down a few years ago, the reconstruction is now complete,
             thanks to a magnificent fund raising effort on the part of Sir Edmund Hillary
Day 7
             The trail from Thyangboche leads downhill through a forest of conifers, birch
             and rhododendrons. The trail passes the nunnery at Deboche to cross a wooden
             bridge over the rushing Imja Khola, whose valley we now follow. We begin to
             climb again, passing some beautifully carved walls. The trail then enters
             Pangboche, at 3900m, the highest permanent settlement in this valley. We are
             above the tree line now. Following a ledge above the river, the trail crosses
             a wooden bridge at the confluence of the Khumbu and Imja Kholas. A short steep
              climb brings us to Dingboche, at 4530m. Dingboche is a summer settlement and here
             the great peaks of Ama Dablam, the ridge of Nuptse-Lhotse, Tawoche and Chalotse
             surround us.
Day 8
             We spend this day at Dingboche to continue our acclimatisation. Those who are
             adapting well to the altitude can climb Nangkartshang Peak at 5100m. From this
             hill the views are even more spectacular - Chalotse and Tawoche tower above us,
             Ama Dablam rears up across the valley and in the distance we can see Makalu.
Day 9
            The trail ascends the valley gently towards Island Peak and Chhukung, a small
            settlement at 4730m. From Chhukung we will ascend Chhukung Ri (5546m). From here
            we can look directly across the valley to the fantastic snow and ice formations
            on Ama Dablam and the Amphu Labsa.
Day 10
            An early start for a tough and very long day as we cross our first pass.
            We turn away from the main valley and head off up a side valley towards the
            Kongma La. As we ascend the scenery becomes increasingly spectacular as the
            ridge of Nuptse appears above us. We can see the glaciers of Kongmatse ahead
            and the rocky peak of Pokalde is to our left. Finally we reach a small lake
            before the last steep scramble to the top of the pass. From the top (5535m),
            we are surrounded by peaks and glaciers in all directions. The descent is long
            and steep and finally brings us to the Khumbu glacier, which we must cross at
            the end of the day to reach Lobuje (4930m) a tiny years (yak pasture) with a
            few teahouses in the summer. The sunset on Nuptse towering above us is not to be missed.
Day 11
            Another long day today so we leave very early, following the Khumbu Glacier
            northwards to Gorak Shep (5,180m). After a rest and something to eat we trek
            across the sandy flat at Gorak Shep and climb onto the lateral moraine of the
            Khumbu glacier. The trail ascends the side of the glacier for a couple of hours
            before finally descending onto the rocky glacial moraine itself. The trail winds
            up and down through fascinating ice seracs to the area known as Everest Base Camp,
            where in spring, we may see some of the expedition teams as they prepare to summit
            the mountain. From the Base Camp we get fantastic close up views of the Khumbu Ice
            Fall. Nuptse towers above us and Pumori rears up behind us. After a short photo stop
            we retrace our steps to Gorak Shep
Day 12
            This morning we climb steeply above Gorak Shep to the small peak of Kala Pattar,
           'Black Rock', at 5,545m from where we can look down over the camps of the various
            Everest expeditions. This climb affords a most magnificent view of the Khumbu
            Glacier and above all a close-up view of the world's highest mountain. We return
            to Gorak Shep and retrace our steps to Lobuje. (Please note that due to bad weather
            we may change the order in which we do the walks to Everest Base Camp and Kala Pattar).
Day 13
            Following the terminal moraine of the Khumbu glacier we head down the valley before
            turning off above the Chola Tso Lake towards our next pass, the Cho La. Above us are
            the twin peaks of Tawoche and Chalotse. We stay tonight in the small basic tea house
            at Dzongla. For the energetic there will be a chance on route to ascend Awi Peak
            (5245m), a little known viewpoint but well worth the effort for the views across
            to Everest Base Camp.
Day 14
            The ascent of the Cho La is very steep and not easy, especially in heavy snow
            conditions. At the top of the pass (5420m) we cross the icy sloping surface of
            the glacier - a true mountain experience - as snow peaks and glaciers now
            surround us. Initially the descent is very steep and then the trail becomes
            easier as we finally reach the lodges at Tangnak where we stay tonight.
Day 15
            An easy day as we climb onto the terminal moraine of the Ngozumpo Glacier,
            which is the largest in the Nepal Himalaya. A magnificent walk across the
            glacier brings us to Longpongo, the first of the glacial lakes. A short walk
            then brings us to the summerhouses and walled meadows set next to the azure
            blue lake at Gokyo (4750m). There is time this afternoon to rest and take
            in the views or the energetic may want to explore further up the Gokyo Valley.
Day 16
            A day to explore the magnificent scenery at Gokyo. There is a chance to
            ascend Gokyo Ri (5360m.) which is set above the lake and enjoys probably
            the most magnificent mountain panorama in the Khumbu. Mountains surround
            us and include four of the seven highest peaks in the Nepal Himalaya: Cho Oyu,
            Everest, Lhotse and Makalu. It is also possible to visit some more glacial lakes
            further north towards Cho Oyu base camp.
Day 17
            Leaving this wonderful desolate mountain arena we climb up the steep barren
            rocky path to our last pass, the Renzo La (5345m). From the top the views are
            truly magnificent. We can still see Everest in all its glory surrounded by Nups
             Lhotse and Makalu. Gokyo Lake is a tiny pinprick way below us and, looking over
            the pass are the peaks of Rolwaling. Descending into the hanging valleys that spill
            into this corner of Nepal, the landscape is progressively that of the Tibetan
            valleys beyond the border. We pass Rermo Lake and continue on down to Lungden
            for the night.
Day 18
            An easy day as we descend further to meet the trail from the Nangpa La,
            which leads into Tibet, and we may well meet Tibetan traders, with their
            caravans of yaks laden with carpets, salt and hides. Following the Bhote
            Kosi Valley we head south to Thame with its spectacular monastery.
Day 19
            From Thame we follow the valley down through Thame and Namche to reach Monzo.
Day 20
            We follow the main trail back down the valley to Lukla.
Day 21
            We fly back to Kathmandu and spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Day 22         
            Today is free in Kathmandu for last minute sightseeing or shopping.
Day 23
            The trip ends after breakfast.