NEPAL - Everest the Hard Way Trek
Complete high level circuit of the Khumbu ~ Gokyo Ri, Kala Patar and Chukung Ri ~ Renjo La, Cho La and Komgma La ~ Everest Basecamp ~ KE Western Leader plus Sherpa guides and full support crew
3 nights hotels and lodges, 17 nights camping, 18 days strenuous trekking,
Max. Altitude – c.5600m. / 18,000ft.
All meals included
strenuous
This superb new itinerary makes a complete high-level circuit of all the major valleys of the Khumbu, utilising three high passes which link the valleys of Thame, Gokyo, Khumbu and Chukung.In each of these valleys we have the option to make an ascent of a walk-up peak for classic views of Everest and other Himalayan giants. With the opportunity to visit all the major sights of the Everest trail, plus villages, valleys and high passes which are off the beaten track, this challenging trek goes way beyond the normal experience of an Everest basecamp trek.
The trek begins with a spectacular flight to the airstrip at Lukla. From here we gain height gradually trekking via the Sherpa capital of Namche Bazaar to Thame. From here we head north on a Tibetan 'salt traders' route, and cross the challenging and spectacular Renjo La (5340m. / 17,520ft.) to reach the holy lakes of Gokyo. Options to visit the ‘fifth lake’ and an ascent of the walk-up peak of Gokyo Ri provide stunning views of Everest, Makalu and the nearby Cho Oyu. We then make the crossing of another spectacular pass, the Cho La (5420m. / 17,780ft.) to enter the main Khumbu Valley. There are further options to visit Everest basecamp, and to climb Kala Patar before crossing our final pass, the Kongma La (17,716ft.) to enter the valley of the Imja Khola. beneath the tremendous south face of Lhotse, the World’s 4th highest mountain. The return journey to Lukla passes beneath Ama Dablam before joining the main Everest Trail, leading through many small Sherpa villages and including visits to the famous monasteries at Pangboche and Thyangboche. For those who like a challenge and those who just have to see everything, this trek really does have it all.
Trip Guide
The majority of the time you will be on good paths and yak trails, providing straightforward walking conditions. Climbing to cross the three principal passes on the circuit offers more difficult trekking conditions, mainly due to the relatively high altitudes. Crossing these passes will involve negotiating slopes of loose rock and scree. In addition the Cho La pass is glaciated and often snow covered. The three walk-up peaks of Gokyo Ri, Kala Patar and Chukung Ri require no technical equipment or experience but each presents a challenging climb at altitude. In order to provide a comprehensive tour of the Khumbu, the trekking programme is necessarily ambitious and we have given this trip our STRENUOUS grade to reflect this. If the optional walk-up peaks are not included (taken as rest days) this trip will be one or two grade points easier. The trip should be within the capabilities of fit and active hill-walkers who have put in some extra training leading up to the trek.
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The trip pages are only a brief summary of the details available within our trip dossiers. It is important that you read the full day to day description and further information for this trip before making your booking.
Download a dossier for NEPAL - Everest the Hard Way Trek
