Everest High Passes

Arrive Kathmandu

You will be met by a representative of World Expeditions and transferred to the Radisson hotel. Remainder of the afternoon at leisure. A pre-trek briefing will be given around 4.30-5pm where arrangements will be made for the distribution of your kit bag, sleeping bag and down/fibrefill jacket. This evening we will head out for dinner, this is a great opportunity to get acquainted with your fellow group members.Overnight: Radisson Hotel

Free day in Kathmandu or drive to Ramechap (approx 5 hours)

Depending on the season, you will either have a free day to explore Kathmandu's bustling streets and significant landmarks or embark on a bus ride to Ramechap, a small town that operates flights to Lukla, the gate way trekking in the Everest region. Overnight: Radisson Hotel or Private eco-camp *NB: Domestic flights to/from Lukla during Spring and Autumn trekking seasons (March-May and October-December) may operate from Manthali Airport, Ramechap. This is determined by the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal and dates are subject to change. Your leader will brief you on flight arrangements locally.

Fly Lukla (2800m). Trek to Ghat (2530m). Walk approx 2 hours.

We transfer to the airport for the short flight to the STOL airstrip at Lukla. This was the airstrip built by Sir Edmund Hillary and his friends to service the Everest Region when he began his work of building schools and hospitals for the Sherpa people. It is a memorable flight, with marvellous views of the Eastern Himalaya. At Lukla we are immediately impressed by the scale of the huge peaks that surround the village but this is only a foretaste of what is to come. Our crew assemble and we head downhill towards the Dudh Kosi, a raging river that flows from the highest peaks. The river earns its name "Dudh" (milk) Kosi (river) because of its colour. The broad and well-marked trail meanders around fields of potatoes and buck-wheat and passes through small villages, as we pass rows of tree dahlia to make our way to our private eco camp at Ghat.

To Monjo (2850m). Walk approx 4-5 hours.

Today we cross and re-cross the thundering glacial river, named "Dudh" (milk) Kosi (river) because of its colour. Sections of today's walk are through pine forest and cleared areas reveal terraced fields and a variety of crops. We pass small groups of donkeys, yaks and dzopko carrying trading goods and trekking gear along the trail. A dzopko is a yak-cow crossbreed while a yak is a full-blood long haired male, more commonly found at higher altitudes. Spectacular mountain peaks unfold above us and seem to hover above the tree-line as they rise above the deep river valley. Shortly after leaving camp we cross the Kusum Khola, a tributary stream to the Dudh Kosi, and the peak of Kusum Kangru (6369 m) can be seen to the East, at the head of the valley. Further along the trail, across the valley to the North-West, Nupla (5885 m) and Kongde Ri (6093 m) rise above the forested ridges. At a turn of the trail, Thamserku (6808 m) rises majestically, seemingly from the river floor. We will see our first Mani walls today. These stone structures are a compilation of many stone tablets, each with the inscription "Om Mani Padme Hum" which translates to "Hail to the jewel in the lotus", and is mantra (chant) venerated by Buddhists and Brahmans alike. buddhists will walk to the left of these Mani Walls and chortens, but you may notice that people of the lowlands who have no knowledge of Buddhism do not follow this practice. The allure of the mountains is hard to resist, but we must be patient, as it is very important to acclimatise slowly and thereby fully appreciate our time at higher altitude. Today's walk is not a long one, slow down, and enjoy every step of the way. Overnight private eco camp.

To Namche (3440m). Walk approx 4-5 hours.

This morning we cross the green/aqua waters of the Dudh Kosi and pass through the gates of the Sagamartha National Park. The establishment of this national park is a significant attempt to stem the use of fire-wood in the area. Self-contained trek groups must use only kerosene fuels for cooking, a philosophy we follow everywhere in Nepal, whether we are in a national park or not. Tea-houses and lodges are encouraged to use kerosene, yak dung or electricity but unfortunately continue to use mostly fire-wood for cooking, heating and for hot water for trekker's showers. This practice continues to deplete the forests. We follow the river course to the confluence of the Dudh Kosi and the Bhote Kosi and cross a spectacular high bridge before commencing our ascent to the village of Namche Bazaar, the Sherpa "capital" of Nepal. It is a tough climb as the trail passes through forest of pine to a vantage point that provides our first view of Mt Everest. The trail continues to climb and meander to Namche and the sight of this prosperous village spread within a horse-shoe shaped valley opposite the beautiful peak of Kongde Ri is worth every step. After lunch you may wish to peruse the Tibetan trader's stalls or the Sherpa shops in search of a bargain. Overnight: eco-lodge

To Kyangjuma (3550m) via Khumjung, walk approx 3-4 hours

Our trek will start with an incline to Syangboche airstrip and along the ridgeline towards Everest View Hotel. We are welcomed with magnificent views of the surrounding mountains including Everest, Lhotse, Thamserku, Khangtega, Ama Dablam and many more. After a quick break, we continue towards Khumjung and visit Sir Edmond Hillary’s famous “Schoolhouse in the clouds.”This school was the first in the entire Khumbu region being built in 1961 with the help of the Sir Edmund Hillary and the Himalayan Trust. The school originally opened with only two classrooms but has since expanded to cater for over 350 students. We descend and follow the trail for approx 25 minutes to our new exclusive campsite at Kyangjuma. For those who are feeling the early effects of altitude can opt for a shorter acclimatization walk of around 2 hours directly from Namche to Kyangjuma. Overnight: Private eco-campsite

To Pangboche (3930m) walk approx 5-6 hours

We descend through splendid rhododendron, Himalayan blue pine and Birch forests to Phungi Tenga. From there we cross the Dudh Kosi and begin the ascent to Thyangboche Monastery. This is one of the largest and oldest monasteries in the region and follows the oldest Nyinmapa Sect. This monastery has been standing more than 100 years and has been visited by trekkers and expedition members from all over for good luck and blessings from the lama. We continue and cross Imja River and ascend a wide open trail to our campsite at Pangboche. private eco-campsite

To Dingboche (4360m). Walk approx. 3-4 hours

Today we gradually ascend through the Pangboche village and pass potato fields and Pangboche Monastery. As we continue our walk toward the second commercial settlement, great landscape and mountain views will be on display including the giant face of Lhotse. We are now completely above the tree line and walk among alpine shrubs and terrain. Before reaching Dingboche we head down the valley and cross Pheriche river before climbing to the other side of the meadow. Upon our arrival we finally get a glimpse of Dingboche resting beneath the impressive Ama Dablam. Overnight: private eco-campsite.

Rest day in Dingboche

An important acclimatisation/rest day today with the option of hiking high up to the ridge overlooking the village, or perhaps up to Chhukung Village. We spend the day exploring or relaxing and taking in the mountain scenery. Excellent views of Nuptse, Lhotse, Chhukung Peak and Imja Tse (6189 m) are had from both in the valley or from the ridge above the camp. Massive glaciers drape beneath cliffs that soar up to 3,500 metres in this dramatic valley. It is from here that we will prepare to make our first crossing of a high pass, the Kongma La at 5300 meters. Overnight private eco camp.

To base of Kongma La (4800m)

We trek towards the pass, a gentle stroll along the valley at first, followed by a steep ascent into the deep valley between Pokalde Peak and Chhukung. We set camp below the pass, ready for an early start the following day. Overnight wilderness camp.

Cross Kongma La (5500m) to Lobuche (4930m). Walk approx. 7-8 hours

This will be a big day as we ascend to the Kongma La pass amid the crags of this outlying ridge from nearby Nuptse. From the pass we descend steeply to the Khumbu Glacier which we cross, clambering up the moraines on the far side to reach the meadow by the Italian high altitude research pyramid where we plan to camp the night. The difficulty of today's trek should not be underestimated, particularly in snow conditions where the trek across the glacier at the conclusion of the day can be quite exhausting. Our camp is at the village of Lobuche. We enjoy spectacular views of Pumori and Nuptse. The hill above the town affords fine sunset views of Nuptse. Overnight lodge.

To Gorak Shep (5288m) and Kala Pattar (5545m). Walk approx 7 hours

We trek over rocky moraine towards the settlement of Gorak Shep. We are high, among the glaciers and peaks of the world's highest mountains. At the junction of two large glaciers and nestled in an amphitheatre of peaks, this location is spectacular. Pumori (7145 m), Lingtren (6697 m), Nuptse (7745 m) and of course Everest (8848 m) surround us. The air is clear and the sun is strong but as the sun sets it becomes very cold. Sunsets here can be stunning. In the afternoon there is the option to trek to Kala Pattar or you may prefer to just sit back, relax and take in the mountain scenery. Kala Pattar is not a Nepali name but a Hindi name and translates to "black rock". From these black rocks atop the hill the views are spectacular. Most eyes are locked on the mass of Everest, its rocky buttresses immediately before us. Overnight lodge.

To Everest Base Camp (4930m) and trek to Lobuche. Walk approx. 7-8 hours

We have an early start to make the most of the clear weather and also to avoid other adventurers converging at Everest Base Camp. We trek alongside the Khumbu Glacier as the path winds over the rocky moraine. We descend back to our campsite in Gorak Shep for lunch and start descending down to our camp at Lobuche. Overnight lodge.

To Dzongla (4843m). Walk approx. 5–6 hours

Early mornings in the Himalayas generally offers the clearest views. The views of the peaks are excellent all day and words fail to describe the beauty and the sense of achievement. Our camp is beside the steep north face of Cholatse and also offers views of Ama Dablam. Overnight at private eco camp .

Cross Cho La (5420m) and trek to Thagnak. Walk approx. 5-6 hours

The views today are magnificent as we leave the Everest watershed and enter that of Cho Oyu, the sixth highest mountain in the world. The crossing is hard work, involving a steep scramble up rock boulders and then a walk across the gently ascending, snow-covered glacier that caps the pass. However, the views of the route ahead, and of the glacier itself, are breathtaking. We descend steep boulder strewn slopes to the Gokyo valley below. This is a valley of turquoise lakes and great glaciers. For the first (and steepest) part of the descent there are discernible paths that zigzag down the mountainside – slippery in snow! The ground then levels out and the path all but disappears as we hop across a field of boulders. Finally we climb a gentle slope to the top, from where its all downhill (for today at least!), following a narrow river valley all the way to its base where we overnight at Thagnak, a small Sherpa settlement nestled beneath great rock walls, just a stone's throw from the Ngozumba Glacier. Overnight lodge.

To Gokyo (4800m). Walk approx. 2 hours

We cross the glacier and ascend the lateral moraine valley past beautiful lakes with Siberian ducks swimming across the mirror-calm surface to the village of Gokyo. Today is an easy day and for those with the energy levels a sunset walk to the summit of Gokyo Ri (5400m) may be in order, for those not so inclined we will make the climb early the next morning. Overnight lodge.

Ascend Gokyo Ri ( 5483m) or walk to 5th Lake viewpoint, walk approx 6-7 hours

An early start offers the best opportunities to really appreciate the magnitudeand enormity of the surrounding Himalaya. Today there will be an option ofeither ascending Gokyo Ri (5483m) or walk alongside Nepal’s largest glacier, theNgozumpa glacier to Ngozumba Tsho, known amongst locals as the 5th Lake.Both offer spectacular views with the latter considered as Nepal’s best as it lookstowards the western cwm of Everest and other 8000m+ peaks. The 5th lake is a local favourite away from other tourists, a truly spectacular experience and viewpoint seen by not many. Gokyo Ri is the classic postcard view of snow capped mountains and vibrant turquoise waters of Gokyo Lake completing a picturesque scene. Just like the 5th lake, you will be surrounded by Cho Oyu (8153m), Gyangchung Kang (7922m), Lghotse (8501m), Makalu (8475m), Cholatse (6440m), Taweche (6542m), Kantega (6685m), Thamserku (6808m), Lobuche (6145m) and Mt Everest (8848m). Although further from Everest than Kala Pattar, the traditional viewing point, we are positioned to see more of the mountains and enjoy a more relaxed environment. Your guide will leave it to the group to unanimously decide between Gokyo Ri and the 5th Lake for today’s expedition but we assure you that neither will be a compromise.Overnight: eco-lodge at Gokyo

Cross Renjo La (5400m) and trek to Lungden (4300m) approx 7-8 hours

The crossing of the Renjo La Pass will be exciting and challenging as we descend into remote northern valley where access is restricted and the landscape is progressively that of the Tibetan Valleys beyond the border. There is a chance we will meet Tibetan Traders descending from the Nangpa La pass that leads through the Himalayas from Tibet with their caravans of woolly yaks laden with goods. Overnight: eco-lodge

To Namche Bazaar (3440m). Walk approx 5-6 hours

Venturing south we return to civilization and as we approach the end of our trek. We can start celebrating a challenging yet satisfying and rewarding expedition. We slowly walk to Thame and cross suspension bridges till we see the giant painting of Milereppa on the rock face, known as an ancient magician and scholar of Tibet. The remainder of our walk will be through different villages and rhododendron forests until we reach our overnight at Namche. Overnight: eco-lodge

To Lukla (2800m). Walk approx 7-8 hrs

Retracing our steps along the valley, we pass through a variety of settlements and forests before a gentle climb to Lukla. We savour our final mountain sunsets of the trek as we complete this exhilarating journey. Our last evening of the trek is a perfect time to celebrate a successful journey and say thanks to the team, especially the porters who will return to their villages from here.Overnight: eco-lodge.

Fly to Kathmandu or return via Ramechap

This morning we take a stunning morning flight over forests and villages and fly to Kathmandu or return via Ramechap. Upon arrival, you be will be transferred back to the Radisson Hotel with the remainder of the afternoon at your leisure to relax or embark on some last minute shopping/sightseeing. Overnight: Radisson hotel or similar

Trip concludes in Kathmandu

After breakfast arrangements cease unless further ones have been made. Those people departing by aircraft will be transferred to the airport.