Explore Himlaya

Everest Three Passes Trek, the ultimate trekking adventure

Posted on July 13, 2021July 2, 2023 by ehta

Highly popular for tallest mountains, breath taking landscapes, unique highland culture, beautiful forests and endangered species, Everest region is home to many incredible trekking routes from soft trekking in lower altitudes to longer treks along the high mountain passes. For travelers seeking more challenges, less crowd and journey of a lifetime with unparalleled views and fascinating culture, Everest Three Passes Trek is an ideal adventure that takes you to the off beaten path with some of the most astonishing sights Nepal has to offer. Even the experienced hikers find this trail a true challenge. So, if you are up to take the challenge, this trek has the best of Khumbu in reserve.

Three Passes Trek offers an amazing scenic trails and adventurous crossing of Renjo La (5340 m), Cho La (5420 m) and Kongma La (5535 m) passes that join the four valleys of Imja, Khumbu, Gokyo and Bhote Koshi. Besides the panoramic views of some of the world’s highest mountains such as Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Cho Oyu, Makalu, Ama Dablam and captivating valleys, you can also experience the rich cultural heritage of Sherpa people of the region during the trek.

Considered as a longer trek, Three Passes Trek takes about 18 days to complete. This adventurous trek commences from Lukla towards the Dudh Koshi valley on a well-marked trail and crosses the green dense forest, scattered rhododendron bushes, beautiful flora and fauna, ever flowing mountain gorges and culturally rich villages like Phakding, Namche Bazaar to reach Tengboche, a hilltop settlement with its iconic monastery standing sentinel overlooking the valley. From Tengboche, the trail contours on the side of the valley which offers the stunning views of beautiful mountains of Khumbu including Mt. Everest (8848 m), Lhotse (8516 m), Nuptse (7861 m), and Ama Dablam (6812 m). The path descends downhill and crosses Imja Khola to reach the beautiful village of Dingboche and gradually hikes to the last village of Imja valley; Chhukung, which is famous for a marvelous view of Lhotse’s massive south wall.

Continuing from Chhukung, the trail passes through one of the three Everest High Passes, Kongma la (5535 m) and descends to the section of scree and boulder fields towards Lobuche. The trail then proceeds towards Cho La (5420 m) along the ridge curving towards west with amazing views of Arakam Tse (6423m), Cholatse (6335m), Taboche (6367m) and reaches Dzongla. Out of Dzongla, the trail heads northwest and descends to Dragnag and continues through the treacherous glacial walk across Ngozumpa glacier to a beautiful village of Gokyo, by the side of an enormous turquoise Gokyo Lake. Furthermore, path leads to Gokyo Ri, a perfect viewpoint of remarkable views of Gokyo Lake, Everest, Cho Oyu, Makalu and Cho-Oyu Base Camp.

After the rewarding climb, the trail traverses through the northern shore and slowly ascends towards Renjo La (5340 m) which offers the astonishing views of Makalu and Rolwaling range. The last section of the trail, then, gradually descends on a flat trail marked with cairns and stony steps to the quiet village, Thame and passes through a steady trail strewn with prayer flags and mani stones to Namche Baazar, which then retraces back to Lukla completing the exciting Everest Three Passes Trek.

Popular Everest Treks

Posted on April 6, 2021July 10, 2023 by ehta

Are you fond of beautiful landscapes of stunning highest mountains of the world? Do you like to experience highland culture of Sherpas, the brave mountaineers? If yes, trekking in the land of Everest is just for you. The region offers you one of the most life changing experiences and once in a lifetime memory you will never forget. Everest region has world’s famous trekking routes where you will get to witness the world’s highest peak, Everest (8,848m) which is locally known as ‘Sagarmatha’ and several other mountains over 8000m, like- Lhotse, Cho Oyu and Makalu. Apart from the gigantic snow-white mountains, you can experience the culture of local Sherpa community, mountain ecosystem, highest glaciers, and observe wide varieties of plants and animal life in the region. Some of the major attractions of Everest Treks are Namche Bazar and its Sherpa Museum, monasteries at Tengboche, Khumjung and Pangboche, Everest Base Camp, Kalapatthar, Gokyo Lake, three passes that include Cho-La (5300m), Kongma-La (5500m), and Renjo-La (5400m) and many more.

Not just the natural and cultural wonders, the region also has well-developed trails, comfortable teahouses and lodges, and other necessary amenities. So, anyone visiting the region should not have to worry about comfort despite its remoteness. If you ever wish to visit this amazing place, here is a list of some of the popular Everest treks you can pick from.

Everest Base Camp Trek:

Everest is more than a mountain and the journey to its base camp is more than just a trek. Considered as “The Steps To Heaven”, Everest Base Camp Trek, is a spectacular high altitude trek in the mountains of Nepal. One of the most popular Everest Treks in the world where one can experience the jaw-dropping scenery and unique cultural experience, the trek takes us through challenging routes towards the base of the highest mountain. The picturesque views of the world’s highest mountain such as Mt. Everest (8848 m), Mt. Lhotse (8516 m), Mt Makalu (8485 m), Mt. Amadablam (6812 m), Mt Cho Oyu (8201 m) etc. can be experienced during this trek.

You can begin the trek from Lukla at an elevation of 2840 m. Over the course of the first 8 days, you will slowly make your way further into Sagarmatha National Park as you hike during the day and sleep in local teahouses at night. During the trek, teahouses provide modest selection of foods from typical Nepali dal-bhat, soups, snacks, momos, fried rice to Chinese and continental dishes like noodles, spaghetti, and spring rolls etc.

EBC Trek Overview:

Difficulty: Moderate to hard

Trek duration: 12 days+

Max. elevation: 5,545m

Accommodation: Trekking lodges or tea houses

Starting point: Lukla

EBC Trek Itinerary Overview :

Day 1: Kathmandu – Lukla – Phakding

Day 2: Phakding – Namche bazaar

Day 3: Namche (acclimatization)

Day 4: Namche – Tengboche

Day 5: Tengboche – Dingboche

Day 6: Dingboche (acclimatization)

Day 7: Dingboche – Lobuche

Day 8: Lobuche – Gorak Shep – Everest Base Camp – Gorak Shep

Day 9: Gorakshep – Kalapatthar – Pheriche

Day 10: Pheriche – Namche

Day 11: Namche – Lukla

Day 13: Lukla – Kathmandu

Gokyo Trek

Gokyo Trek, one of the adventurous trek in Nepal is trip in which one traverses through delightful valleys, crystal clear turquoise lakes and world’s biggest ice glacier called Ngozumpa glacier dominated by the nearest mountain of Everest Himalayan range. The main attraction of this trek is Gokyo lake. The glacial Gokyo Lake is a holy pilgrimage place for both Hindu and Buddhist. Gokyo Ri is nearby Gokyo Lake. From the top, you can have one of the most stunning views of Everest, Lhotse, Amadablam and Cho Oyu. The majestic Gokyo region is inhabited by Sherpa people following Tibetan- Buddhism. They still practice ancient way of life dating back to centuries old time. This trek is less travelled and has peaceful route.

Gokyo Trek Overview:

Difficulty: Moderate to hard

Trek duration: 12-14 days

Max. elevation: 5360m

Accommodation: Trekking lodges or tea houses

Starting point: Lukla

Gokyo Itinerary Overview:

Day 1: Kathmandu – Lukla – Phakding

Day 2 : Phakding – Namche

Day 3 : Namche (acclimatization)

Day 4 : Namche – Khumjung via Syangboche

Day 6 : Khumjung – Dole

Day 7 : Dole – Machermo

Day 8 : Machermo – Gokyo Lake

Day 9 : Gokyo Lake and Glacier Excursion

Day 10 : Gokyo Lake – Machermo

Day 11: Machermo – Namche

Day 12 : Namche – Lukla

Day 13 : Lukla – Kathmandu

Three Passes Trek

One of the most challenging and thrilling trek, Three Passes Trek offers an amazingly scenic circular route with crossing challenging passes Renjo La, Cho La and Kongma La. This trek route not only proffers the stunning view of mountains and glaciers but also encourages you to experience the local Sherpa culture in the region. If you are planning to do this trek and other treks in Everest region, March – May and October – November can be the best months as weather is clear during this time and beautiful landscapes can be seen in these months. There are adequate number of lodges and teahouses serving good meals and accommodation during the trek.

Three Passes Trek Overview :

Difficulty : Moderate to Challenging

Trek Duration : 15 Days

Maximum elevation : 5545 m ( Kalapatthar )

Accomodation : Tea houses

Trek starting Point : Lukla

Three Passes Trek Itinerary Overview:

Day 1 : Kathmandu – Lukla – Phakding

Day 2 : Phakding – Namche

Day 3 : Namche (Acclimitization)

Day 4 : Namche – Thame

Day 5 : Thame – Lungden

Day 6 : Lungden – Renjo La Pass – Gokyo

Day 7 : Gokyo ( Acclimatization)

Day 8 : Gokyo – Thagnak

Day 9 : Thagnak – Cho La Pass – Dzongla

Day 10 : Dzongla – Lobuche

Day 11 : Lobuche – Kongma La- Chhukung

Day 12 : Chhukung – Tengboche

Day 13 : Tengboche – Namche

Day 14 : Namche – Lukla

Day 15 : Lukla – Kathmandu

A Week Below Everest – an easy trekking in Everest region

Posted on July 17, 2015 by ehta

week-below-everest

“Cultural, religious and natural interests, set within an awe-inspiring landscape below world’s summit- A Week below Everest“

A week below Everest is a wonderful trekking holiday in Everest Region that without going as high as Everest Base Camp Trek incorporates major highlights of incredibly beautiful Khumbu Region. A weeklong walking adventure in Everest Region caters astoundingly beautiful natural aspects of Khumbu and the authentic culture of the region.

This soft trekking adventure in Nepal is ideal to novice trekkers or to travelers with limited time but craving to explore the Everest Region.

Here have listed the five major landmarks trekkers get to explore during the trek.

Lukla Airport

Lukla Airport is considered as one of the most challenging airports in the world, enough to meet the adventurous wish.

There are daily flights between Lukla and Kathmandu on day light hours during the favorable weather. The airport’s paved run away is only accessible to helicopters and small fixed wing. Lukla Airport was renamed in honor of Tenzing and Hillary as the Tenzing Hillary Airport in 2008. The most convincing part is that only most experienced pilots of Nepal fly helicopters and airplanes to Lukla. Lukla is the mountainous town with various facilities of modern amenities. Lukla is servicing the region with variety of shops and lodges catering to tourists and trekkers, providing western-style meals and trail supplies .Hospital services are highly equipped with modern instruments. It is heavily funded by the foreign visitors and provides free medical services to natives of Lukla.

Sagarmatha National Park

Sagarmatha National Park is situated at the foothills of Himalayas occupying an area of 1,148 sq. km. The dense and verdant vegetation is full of rugged terrains, deep gorges, glaciers and huge rocks. Most of the land of Sagarmatha national park is above 3000m. Main attractions of Sagarmatha national park are world highest peak Mt. Everest (8,848 m) and other high mountains like Lhotse, Cho Oyu, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Pumori, Kangtega, Gyachung Kang, Thamserku etc. The highest altitude wildlife park is the World Heritage Site of UNESCO for the conservation and preservation of wild species of the Himalayan region. Comprising with the valleys, passes and the human settlement within it the national park offers the unique blend of sharp wilderness and human settlement in the tough conditions.

The park houses an amazing array of plant species, birdlife and exotic animals. Plant species like blue pine, silver fir, rhododendrons, birch etc, have glorified the beauty of the park. On venturing into the park, one may encounter rare species like snow leopard, pandas, lynx etc. Birdwatchers can have the best sightseeing experience while viewing rare bird species like snow cock, pheasant, snow pigeon etc. Concisely, Sagarmatha National Park is a storehouse of Himalayan natural resources.

khumbu-tengboche-gompa (2)

Tengboche Monastery

Tengboche or Thyangboche Monastery 3867m also known as DAWA CHOLING GOMPA, located in the Tengboche Village in the Khumbu region of Eastern Nepal is a Tibetan Buddhist Monastery.

Lama Gulu built the monastery in 1916 with strong links to its mother monastery known as the Rongbuk Monastery in Tibet. However, in 1934, it was destroyed by an earthquake and was subsequently rebuilt. In 1989, it the fire destroyed it for the second time and was rebuilt again with the help of volunteers and international assistance.

Tengboche Monastery located amidst the Sagarmatha National Park is draped with a panoramic view of Mt. Amadablam and other Himalayan Peaks, including Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, and Themserku.

Mani Rimdu is the most popular Festival among other festivals which normally falls during the late October.

namche

Namche Bazaar

Namche Bazaar 3440m is a bustling hill town with more than a hundred houses, all of which seemed to be hotels. Namche has a cool wet summer and dry winter mainly affected by its altitude and the summer monsoon seasons. Namche is the main trading center for Khumbu region with the facilities of government offices and a police check post. Namche is couple of days trek from Lukla Airport.

Namche is popular with the trekkers in the Khumbu region especially for altitude acclimatization and is a gateway to high Himalayas. Namche serves the best initial view of the mighty Everest. Every Saturday morning, a weekly market “HAAT BAZAR” is held at the heart of Namche. Namche has also gain a worldwide popularity as a home of great Sherpas.

Apart from the hotels the streets of Namche Bazaar are dotted with bakeries – selling pizzas and garlic breads, souvenir shops – selling Sherpa artifacts to posters of Everest, book stores – selling the latest mountain literature, mountaineering equipment stores – selling and letting out equipments and last but not least internet and sat phone cafes – helping you to keep in touch with home.

Khumjung

Khumjung 3970m the major Sherpa Village in Khumbu offers the dramatic view sacred mountain Khumbilla looming right above it. Around 1000 inhabitants settle in this beautifully located valley. Khumjung is famous for the purported (supposed) yeti scalp place in one of its oldest monasteries.

Himalayan Trust of Nepal has built a primary level and a secondary level school in the village. This Village is also facilitated with modern amenities such as internet mobile and landline phone. Khumjung serves as a campsite for most of the mountaineers expediting to the Himalayan ranges. Khumjung is a comparatively larger village providing fantastic view of the Mt. Ama Dablam to its visitors.

A weeklong trek in the Everest

Posted on April 3, 2013 by ehta

Two Danish ladies- Ms. Mira Kierulf and Ms. Veronica Maria through our exclusive country partner Kipling Travel were with Explore Himalaya this spring from March 20, 2013 to March 31, 2013. They had planned for 10 days trek in the Everest region.

The weather was not favorable and hence they flew to Lukla on March 23^rd – two days later to their prior scheduled flight. As their trek began they had no enough time to explore all the places as per their itinerary because of the late start. The trek in the Everest region offers the high quality natural landscapes, displays the unique affluent cultural practices, serves the tranquility in the sacred monasteries and above all brings you closer to the panorama of Himalaya giants including the zenith- Everest.

Mira and Veronica skipped Thame 3820m and hence trekked along the main Everest trial to Tengboche. On the way to Tengboche 3800m, they trekked through the Sherpa capital- Namche Bazaar 3450m and also made to the Hillary Hospital at Khumjung 3790m. As they reached to Tengboche they were mesmerized with the exceptionally and beautifully located Tengboche Monastery with the charming view of Mt. Amadablam at its background.

Though the weather forbade them to explore few places of their interest, the trek in the Everest region satisfied our visitors. As we all know “Naturally Nepal, once is not enough” we wish the better luck next time to Ms. Mira and Ms. Veronica for the perfect exploration of desired places.

Retracing their path back from Namche onwards, they arrived to Lukla on March29, and flew back to Kathmandu the next day.

Treks are adventures because of unpredictable consequences offering the challenges. Sometimes the weather is an unbeatable challenge and same thing happened here. With mixed up experiences but with memorable moments they departed back home on March 31, 2013.

A weeklong trek in the Everest region

Posted on March 29, 2013 by ehta

Ms. Poulsen Gurli Nyander and Mr. Poulsen Stig were enthusiastic trekkers from Denmark. The senior citizens through our exclusive country partner Kipling Travel spent a time more than a week at the Everest region from March 15 2013, to March 25 2013. They admirable persons had great time at the foothills of the top of the world-Everest.

Beginning with the bloodcurdling flight to Lukla they began the trek to Monjo 3200m on the very day. The trek very well was designed to allow them the time for proper acclimatization and thorough exploration. Their trek in the Everest region took them to the several villages with cultural richness. Tengboche 3800m with the monumental monastery and magnificent view of Mt. Ama Dablam, Thame 3820m yet another village with monastery along with the Sherpa Capital Namche Bazaar 3450m was on their itinerary.

They possibly had the most wonderful trekking vacation in the Everest region where they witnessed the rich culture of the local inhabitants. They also got an opportunity to get the closer view of Himalayan giants and unique landscapes.

They returned to Kathmandu Airport on March 25 and spent the couple of free days before their departure back home on March 28, 2013.

Three best things to do in Nepal.

Posted on January 27, 2013 by ehta

Three Danish visitors Ms. Jensen Hanne Carlslund, Ms. Petersen Alice Carlslund and Mr. Rieffescahl Per enjoyed 18 days vacation with Explore Himalaya. During the vacation that longed from November 6 to November 23, 2012 they had a trek to Everest region, cultural sightseeing tour of Kathmandu and wildlife experience at Chitwan National Park.

The first part of their vacation was a trek. The trek longed for nine days. The Danish trekkers covered the high altitude Sherpa capital Namche 3450m, Hillary Hospital at Khumjung 3790m, Tengboche Monastery at Tengboche 3800m. The glorious views of Himalayan giants including Everest, the exploration to the wilds at Himalayan region and encountering Sherpa culture at their habitats were the major highlights of the trek.

On the second part of the vacation, they explored the cultural city Kathmandu on their own. After, the outstanding trek in the Himalayas, they encountered the different side of Nepal during this tour. Unlike, the isolated tranquil Himalayas with Sherpa inhabitants, Kathmandu showed them its cosmopolitan nature and rich primordial cultural, historical and religious treasures at its every streets and crosses.

The final part of the vacation was the wildlife thrill. They drove 136km south west from Kathmandu to Chitwan. The wildlife close to the city interlinked with every modern amenities; Chitwan National Park is the home of several endangered species including One-horned rhino and Bengal tiger. The extra-ordinary moments of wildlife safari, spotting several wild species riding on a giant Asian elephant, the campfire at the Beach of Himalayan Rivers and encounter with the cultural displays of Tharu tribe highlighted their trip at Chitwan.

After witnessing all these diversities of Nepal in 18 days period, the satisfied Danish visitors made their exodus on November 23, 2012.

A week below Everest.

Posted on January 21, 2013 by ehta

Ms. Konche Sonja from Germany enjoyed her 10 days vacation with Explore Himalaya last January. She arrived at Kathmandu on January 3rd. Major time of her vacation she spent trekking in the regions below Everest. She trekked to the maximum height of 3908m at Pangboche. She also went around Kathmandu city for the sightseeing tour of historical and cultural heritages.

Before she flew to Lukla for her week long trek in the Everest region, she decided to go for the sightseeing tour of the heritage city Kathmandu. The day after she arrived Nepal, she was venturing the most elite religious and cultural heritages of the city like, Pashupatinath, Swayambhunath and Boudhanath.

On 5th, she flew to Lukla and instantly began the trek. Her trekking guide Maule Tamang led her to explore the outstanding regions in the Everest region. She covered Sherpa village Namche Bazaar, the home of Hillary Hospital at Khumjung, the high altitude sacred monastery at Tyangboche and trekked up to Pyangboche. From Pyangboche her descending trek began towards Chumoa and then to Lukla. On January 12, she boarded the flight back to Kathmandu.

As she arrived back in Kathmandu, she was very much satisfied with the tour she had. She had one of the most wonderful vacations of her life time. She was overwhelmed to witness the spiritual and supreme natural beauties in the Everest region. She thanked her guide Maule Tamang for taking good care of her.

She appreciated Anuj; her tour officer for his patience. She also admired the food and lodges during her trek, which were always enough and warm. She quoted her vacation in Nepal as a perfect one. She departed Kathmandu on January 13 with wonderful memories of week long trek below Everest.

Trek to Everest High Passes.

Posted on January 16, 2013 by ehta

William Stephens and Valerie Stephens were a part of Everest High Passes expedition in the Everest region past October/November. The squad had five British citizens. The expedition included Kongma La Pass 5535m, Kala Pattar 5545m, Cho La Pass 5420m, Gokyo Ri 5360m Renzo La Pass 5345m. The 18 days long trek covering the exceptionally adventurous passes in the Highland came to an end on November 1, 2012 at Lukla. After, the completion of once in a life time Himalayan exploration Stephens came to EH office to share their tour experiences.

Here we present their opinions regarding their stay in Nepal.

“Meeting and Handling was excellent and very efficient”.

“Trekking guide, tour guide and supporting staffs were excellent. Bharat Rana was professional, friendly and informative. Dinesh was excellent, aspiring guide. He was friendly and attentive”.

“We stayed in very fine lodges. Lodge staffs did a good job of feeding us on time- freshly cooked food. Sometimes due to very cold circumstances, drinks was not adequate. Hotel Marsyangdi in Kathmandu was excellent and clean with very good food. Our transportation services was spotless”.

“Our itinerary was perfect. Though the tour was tough, it was very lightly executed because of perfect itinerary”.

“At the high places a lot time was spent each morning working out the shortfall in money due to extra drinks. Example, a large pot instead of 1 cups each. Perhaps a slight increment in budget to include more drinks and soups is essential in the high places”.

Tag: Everest Trek