Everest High Route and Island Peak
The most beautiful trekking route towards Everest, with three passes at over 5000 meters… Ideal acclimatization before tackling Island Peak, 6189 meters, Nepal’s most famous trekking peak!
From Lukla we start an exceptional trek: the “3 passes” of the Khumbu. At Namche Bazaar we leave the Everest Base Camp trail and head towards the Thame Valley. We cross our first pass, the Renjo La (5350 m), and admire a magnificent panorama of Everest, before descending into the Gokyo Valley, famous for its lakes and immense glacier tongue at the foot of Cho Oyu (8201 m). We then cross the second pass, Cho La (5300 m), to enter the great Khumbu valley and reach Everest Base Camp and the famous Kala Pattar (5600 m). Then we tackle the last pass: Kongma La (5535 m), facing Makalu (8481 m) and Ama Dablam (6812 m), to land in the Imja Khola valley. The ascent of Island Peak (6189 m) rounds off this adventure in style, among the highest mountains on the planet!
21 Days
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Destination
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Departure
Everest, Nepal
1
Day 1: KATHMANDU
Upon arrival in Kathmandu, we are met at the airport and transferred to our hotel in the city center. Lunch and afternoon free. Depending on the arrival time: rest, visit of the city center or final preparations. We meet our guide for the first briefing of the trip. Welcome dinner with the guide and the rest of the group.
NB The "welcome" dinner can be postponed to the last day of the trip in the event that the entire group has not yet arrived on site.
Accommodation: Hotel
2
Day 2: KATHMANDU - RAMECHAP - LUKLA - PHAKDING (2610 m)
This morning, drive to Ramechap to take a flight to the Khumbu mountains. Arrived at Lukla airport, we start the trek! We cross the village and descend into the Dudh Khosi valley, which we will then gradually climb towards Phakding, this evening's stage. The first snow-capped peaks are already visible on both sides of the valley, such as Kusum Kanguru (6367 m) or Kongde Ri (6187 m).
Accommodation: Lodge
3
Day 3: PHAKDING - NAMCHE BAZAR (3440 m)
We continue up the Dudh Khosi valley, crossing from one bank to the other on suspension bridges. At Monjo, we officially enter the Sagarmatha National Park. On our right, the imposing peak of Thamserku (6623 m) dominates the valley. The trail soon straightens as we arrive at the confluence of the Dudh Khosi and the Imja khola. A big climb awaits us to reach Namche Bazar, the large trading town of the region.
Accommodation: Lodge
4
Day 4:NAMCHE BAZAR - THAME (3800 m)
Here we leave the classic (and popular) Everest Base Camp trail to head due west into the Bhote Koshi Valley. A balcony trail on the left bank, facing Kongde Ri, allows us to go up the valley between pine forests and typical villages. We pass the villages of Thamo and Samde before reaching the river bank and Thame, a Sherpa village that has remained untouched by tourism. We are at the foot of Sundur Ri, at the confluence of the Tashi Labsta La valleys, the exit gate to the Rolwaling Valley, and that of Bhote Koshi, which descends from the Nangpa La glacier (which leads to Tibet).
Accommodation: Lodge
5
Day 5:THAME - SUNDER RI (4830 m) - THAME (3800 m)
Active acclimatization day. Today we climb the shoulder of Sunder Ri, an ideal acclimatization walk for what follows. We climb gently and admire splendid panoramas of the Nangpa La and Tashi Labsta La valleys. A beautiful collection of peaks are offered to us: Thamserku (6623 m), Kangtega (6782 m), Kusum Kanguru (6367 m), the ridges of Kongde Ri (6187 m), and to the north a peak of more than 8000 meters, Cho Oyu (8201 m)! Before returning to Thame, possibility of visiting the village monastery.
Accommodation: Lodge
6
Day 6: THAME - LUMDE (4365 m)
Short stage to reach the base camp of the first high pass, the Renjo La. We go up the valley of the Bhote Koshi by a path on the right bank, pass by sheepfolds where yaks roam freely in the surroundings. We arrive at Lumde, located at the foot of the first slopes of the Renjo La.
Accommodation: Lodge
7
Day 7: LUMDE - RENJO LA (5350 m) - GOKYO (4790 m)
Departure at dawn to reach the top of the pass before the wind picks up. After a steady climb, we reach two pretty lakes in the middle of a cirque of spectacular mountains. Then, the slope steepens and we arrive on totally mineral terrain. The path winds up the scree, and after an hour and a half we arrive at the summit of Renjo La. A breathtaking view awaits us: a 180° panorama with three peaks over 8000 meters, and countless '7000'! From left to right: Cho Oyu (8201 m), Gyachung Kang (7952 m), Pumori (7161 m), Everest (8848 m), Lhotse (8516 m), Nuptse (7861 m), Makalu (8485 m), Cholatse (6440 m) and Taboche (6542 m)... It's hard to do more beautiful... After having enjoyed this unforgettable view, we leave the peaks of Rolwaling behind us and descend towards Gokyo and its superb glacial lake.
Accommodation: Lodge
8
Day 8: GOKYO - GOKYO RI (5357 m) - DRAGNAG (4690 m)
Optionally, the most motivated can get up at dawn to climb Gokyo Ri (about 5 hours of walking there and back and 570 m of elevation gain). Back at the lodge, we take a little rest before starting a short day, perfect for recovering before tackling the second pass, Cho La, the next day. We cross the moraines of the immense glacier that borders Gokyo, and enjoy the breathtaking view of Cho Oyu. Arrival in Dragnag, rest.
NB The ascent of Gokyo Ri is optional. We recommend it when the weather has not been favorable the day before (panorama more or less similar to that of Renjo La). Otherwise, it may be preferable to save your strength for later, or to give your body more time to acclimatize slowly to the altitude. If in doubt, the guide will be able to advise you on the most judicious choice.
Accommodation: Lodge
9
Day 9: DRAGNAG - CHO LA (5350 m) - DZONGLA (4840 m)
Ascent of the second high pass of this trek: the Cho La. From Dragnag, the climb begins gradually towards a first pass. A small descent allows us to reach a small valley that separates us from the final climb: a fairly steep slope in the scree, which imposes a cautious and slow pace. Beautiful glacial atmosphere at the pass, at the foot of the Lobuche peaks. The descent is initially a little technical: glacial passage of about 20 minutes (flat, but slippery!) before regaining our footing in the scree. After 200 m of fairly steep descent, we arrive on a plateau, then quickly at the hamlet of Dzongla, facing the impressive North face of Cholatse.
Accommodation: Lodge
10
Day 10: DZONGLA - LOBUCHE (4940 m)
Short day of walking to recover from the efforts made the day before. We descend the Cho La khola valley to reach the great Khumbu valley. We go back up the valley heading due north, the south face of Pumori (7161 m) in sight. We walk gently through the last pastures, which gradually give way to the mineral universe of the high mountains. Arrival in Lobuche and free end of the day. Possibility to walk freely in the surroundings, in particular on the moraine ridge which overlooks the village: it offers a pretty view of the valley and the ridges of Nuptse (7861 m).
Accommodation: Lodge
11
Day 11: LOBUCHE - EVEREST BASE CAMP (5364 m) - GORAK SHEP (5164 m)
A memorable day for all mountain lovers, the "pilgrimage" to Everest Base Camp! We go up the moraines of the valley facing Pumori and soon pass Gorak Shep, where we sleep tonight. We go up to the foot of the "Ice Fall", a famous serac fall located on the way between Everest Base Camp and Camp 1. We descend from the ridge and set foot on the glacial plateau on which the base camp is located. We are surrounded by Pumori at Nuptse, the glacial cirque that surrounds us is impressive. After savoring the moment, we then retrace our steps to find the tourist hamlet of Gorak Shep.
NB The round trip to the base camp is optional.
Accommodation: Lodge
12
Day 12:GORAK SHEP - KALA PATTAR (5600 m) - LOBUCHE (4940 m)
Early morning rise to climb Kala Pattar, the "black hill" overlooking Gorak Shep. The climb presents no technical difficulty, but the altitude imposes a "slow" pace. At night, we go back up the path which gradually rises to the summit marked by a cairn and prayer flags, at 5600 meters. From here, we enjoy the most beautiful possible panorama of the Everest massif, the roof of the world right before our eyes... We then go back down to Gorak Shep, then retrace our steps to Lobuche.
Accommodation: Lodge
13
Day 13LOBUCHE - KONGMA LA (5535 m) - CHHUKUNG (4730 m)
Day of ascent of the third high pass, Kongma La, which peaks at 5535 m. After crossing the moraine of the Khumbu glacier, we begin the ascent of the pass. The slope rises sharply and the path progresses through the scree. We soon see the prayer flags that mark the summit of the pass. From Lhotse to Ama Dablam, passing by the Makalu pyramid, it is once again an unforgettable panorama that is offered to us! A long descent awaits us in a grandiose setting, facing the splendid Ama Dablam. At the exit of the valley, the path branches off to the east to reach Chhukung.
NB If you are tired, it is possible to bypass the Kongma La pass and take the Pheriche and Dingboche path to reach Chhukung. This possibility may also prove necessary in the event of heavy snow or bad weather.
Accommodation: Lodge
14
Day 14: CHHUKUNG - ISLAND PEAK BASE CAMP (5100 m)
From Chhukung, we now climb towards the Island Peak base camp, a small tent village located at the foot of the eastern slope of the mountain. The access path offers a fabulous setting, framed by the ridges of Lhotse and Ama Dablam. After lunch, it is time to take stock of the technical aspects that await us tomorrow, including training for climbing on a fixed rope (with a Jumar handle). This evening we have an early dinner, the night will be short...
Accommodation: Camp or Lodge
15
Day 15: BASE CAMP - ISLAND PEAK SUMMIT (6189 m) - CHHUKUNG (4730 m)
Departure at night for the ascent of Island Peak. We first move on rocky terrain on a fairly steep path, until we find the base of the glacier, at around 5800 meters. From here, we put on crampons and take the ice axe in hand for the rest. Depending on the season, we cross more or less wide crevasses (ladders) to set foot on the glacial plateau at the foot of the summit ridge. The last climb to the summit is steep: it is done on fixed ropes, placed on the mountain for the season. We hoist ourselves up to the summit, at 6189 meters, using our Jumar handle! From here, we enjoy a panoramic view of the peaks of Nuptse, Baruntse and Ama Dablam, and savor the moment before taking the return path... Back at base camp, well-deserved rest, before continuing the descent towards Chhukung.
NB The profile of the ascent (crevasses, location of fixed ropes...) changes from season to season, depending on the level of snow.
Accommodation: Lodge
16
Day 16: CHHUKUNG - TENGBOCHE (3840 m)
Today we begin the descent towards Namche Bazar. We first pass the village of Dingboche, which has managed to preserve its ancestral agricultural activity. We then arrive at the confluence between the Imja khola and Khumbu valleys. We follow the river until reaching Deboche. A final climb takes us to Tengboche, famous for its Buddhist monastery located in a grandiose setting. From here, the view of Ama Dablam is fantastic!
Accommodation: Lodge
17
Day 17: TENGBOCHE - NAMCHE BAZAR (3440 m)
Continuation of the descent, with the silhouette of Ama Dablam behind us. We descend into the valley until we reach Imja khola, 600 meters lower. The path then climbs sharply on the opposite slope to join a balcony path that goes around the mountain until we reach Namche Bazar.
NB Depending on the level of fatigue or not in the group, the guide may suggest extending the stage, so as to reduce the walking time of the following day.
Accommodation: Lodge
18
Day 18: NAMCHE - LUKLA
Day dedicated to the descent towards Lukla. We descend the slope of Namche Bazar and follow the Dudh Koshi to find Phakding. A final climb allows us to find Lukla.
Accommodation: Lodge
19
Day 19: LUKLA - RAMECHAP - KATHMANDU
Fly to Ramechhap airport, then drive to Kathmandu. Arrive in the evening.
NB: The Lukla-Ramechhap flight is subject to weather conditions. It is possible that it may be delayed or cancelled. To cover this eventuality, we plan a safety day (free time) in Kathmandu the next day.
Accommodation: Hotel
20
Day 20:KATHMANDU
Free day in the Nepalese capital. From the hotel, it is possible to visit on foot the tourist district of Thamel, the old city, as well as Durbar Square, with its historical monuments classified as World Heritage. The historical sites of the Kathmandu Valley are also accessible by taking a taxi.
[Lunch and dinner at your leisure]
NB This day can be used as a safety day in case of cancellation of the Lukla - Ramechhap flight the day before (flights do not take off if the weather is bad).
- Option "Visit of the Kathmandu Valley" (to be paid upon registration): today we offer you a guided tour of the main sites of the Kathmandu Valley: Bhaktapur, Pashupatinath and Boddnath. (see 'Options' section). In case of cancellation of the Lukla-Kathmandu flight, the costs will be refunded.
Accommodation: Hotel
21
Day 21: KATHMANDU
Last morning at leisure in Kathmandu. Possibility to make the last purchases, to continue the visit of the capital at leisure, or to rest. For those who have a night flight, transfer in the evening to Kathmandu airport. Night at the hotel for those who leave the next morning. [Free meals].
*Room vacate at 12 noon.