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Everest High Passes Trek
The Everest High Passes Trek is not so much a trek as more of an expedition. This extensive 19 night High Passes trek includes Everest Base Camp, Kala Patthar, the Gokyo Lakes, Gokyo Ri, the Kongma La, the Cho La, the Chukkung Valley and Thame.
Guaranteed departure 16 Mar 2012.
This is one of the longest treks in the Khumbu; it circumnavigates the entire trekking region experiencing slightly different cultures even within this relatively small area. Although demanding at times, this High Passes trek has an excellent initial acclimatisation programme.
Download Everest High Passes trek itinerary and information.
On arrival in Kathmandu, you have about 36 hrs to settle in before you fly up to Lukla (an exhilarating experience in itself!). Once into the region, the first week or so is spent slowly acclimatising as you follow the main Everest Base Camp route through to Dingbouche. You will already be surrounded by a multitude of famous peaks.
From Dingbouche, whilst the majority of trekkers head north towards Everest Base Camp, you head east up the Chukkung valley towards Island Peak. It is possible to visit Island Peak’s Base Camp before you head over the first of the High Passes (the Kongma La). This will lead you into the Khumbu valley and ultimately up to Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar. Although you will have already seen the summit of Everest, you get a really close view of it from the summit of Kala Patthar.
On the descent from the Everest Base Camp area, you will cross another High Pass (the Cho La) before dipping down into the stunning Gokyo Lakes valley for a few days. From the Gokyo Ri, you can get another excellent view of Everest’s summit (this time at sunset).
The final High Pass is west of Gokyo and leads you onto the trade route used by the Tibetans transporting their merchandise from Tibet to Namche Bazaar. It’s another world compared to what you have experienced so far.
A few days later, you will arrive in Namche Bazaar and back onto the main trail back to Lukla. It will soon be time to fly down to Kathmandu and enjoy a very well earned rest.
Other associated Everest treks: Everest trekking experience, Everest Base Camp, Gokyo Lakes Trek, Island Peak and Everest Base Camp.
