Himalaya: Everest High Passes trek in Nepal

The High Passes of the Everest

Nepal

Just next to Tibet, this trekking that requires a very good physical condition, takes some unused paths. By this original itinerary, we first go up to the beautiful Gokyo lakes and the Gokyo Ri peak (5360 m), from where the view on the Cho Yu, the Cholatse, the Everest or even the Ama Dablam peaks is unbelievable. Then we take the Renjo pass (5493 m), access door to the mineral valley of Ladze Sumna that we will climb up to the Nangpa La (5716 m), highest point of our trek, from where the view on the Cho Oyu, the immense Tibetan plateau, is exceptional... The Nangpa La is an altitude pass dividing the Nepal and the Tibet. Located at the bottom of the Cho Yu (8153 m), one of the most impressive peak of the Himalayas, it has been for long the main point of commercial trade between Khumbu (Everest area) and the Tibetan plateau. After more than 40 years of borders’ closure, the exchanges have started again recently : the Sherpas bring their Dzos to the Tibetan plateau, from where they bring back their yaks. Same as the Tibetan who slope down their plateau with their great yaks caravans loaded with « made in China » manufactured products that they sale to the daily market in Namche Bazar, the capital of Khumbu, An hyperbaric chamber is systematically provided for this itinerary, in case of high altitude sickness.

Your tailor-made trip - Nepal

Day 1

Arrival in Kathmandu

Welcome at the airport and transfer to the hotel located in the area of Thamel (city center). Night at the hotel

Day 2

Kathmandu - Lukla - Phakding (2800 m)

2/3 h of walk

Flight for Lukla (2800 m), with the guide, where we meet the staff of porters and cooks. Few hours of walk along the Dudh Kosi river to Phakding village (2800 m). Camping.

Day 3

Phakding - Namche Bazar (3440 m)

5 h of walk

We go up the Dudh Kosi river by a path. Few steep sections in the forest, before reaching the village of Namche Bazar (3445 m). Night in a lodge.

Day 4

Namche Bazar (3440 m)

to 5 h of walk (optional)

Essential day of acclimatisation in Namche :. Optional walk: we go up to Khumjung village aTag 3900 m. Night in a lodge

Day 5

Namche Bazar - Thyangboche (3867 m)

5 h of walk

Balcony path that slightly goes down to the river. We cross it at Phunki village (3250 m), then steep ascent in direction of the monastery of Thyangboche (3867 m). Night in a camp.

Day 6

Thyangboche - Pangboche (3985 m)

4 h of walk

Slope down through a rhododendrons forest and we go through Imja Khola. We get to Pangboche village and its monastery (3985 m). Night in a camp.

Day 7

Pangboche - Thare (3950 m)

4 h of walk

Ascent to Phortse, village perched at the crossing of the Dudh Kosi and the Imja Hola, then to Thare village (3950 m). Night in a camp.

Day 8

Thare - Gokyo lake (4750 m)

5/6 h walk

Ascent of the Dudh Kosi valley, through mountain pastures and few villages. Walking along the last moraine of Ngozumba glacier, we reach the Gokyo lakes. Overnight camp.

Day 9

Gokyo lakes (4750 m) - Gokyo Ri (5480 m) - Drangnak (4800 m)

5/6 h of walk

Early (and optional), 2/3 H walk up to the Gokyo Peak (5300 m). We leave the first lake, the Dudh Pokhari, by zigzagging paths. After lunch, short stage to Dragnak (2 H). Overnight camp.

Day 10

Gokyo - Renji Pokkhari (4800m)

7 h of walk

Gradual ascent to the Renjo Pass (5493 m). Slope down through the Ladze Sumna valley. Camping in the mountain pastures and at the Renji Pokkhari lake.

Day 11

Renji Pokkhari - Thokchumba (4500 m)

4 h of walk

We reach the shore of the Bhotse Kosi to Thochumba (4500m). Camping.

Day 12

Thokchumba - Lunag (4800 m)

5 h de marche

We continue the ascent of the valley. Half way, we reach the base of the last glacier' spur of ice. Camping at Lunag (4800 m). Camping.

Day 13

Lunag - Nangpa La base camp (5300 m)

4 h of walk

The ascent continues : we're in the heart of a high mountain universe, and walk on the glacier to the Nangpa La base camp (5300 m). Camping.

Day 14

Base camp - Nangpa La (5716 m) - Base camp (5300 m)

7 h of walk

We walk on the ice, then on the moraine The Cho Oyu suddenly appears and finally, the pass. There, in front of you, just a stone's throw from here, here is Tibet... Return to the base camp. Camping.

Day 15

Nangpa La base camp - Bakuche (4500 m)

6 h of walk

Return by the same itinerary in this large bare valley. Night at Bakuche (4500 m). Camping.

Day 16

Bakuche - Thame (3800 m)

6 h of walk

Slope down along the river. We go through Marlung, and spend the night in Thame (3800 m). Camping.

Day 17

Thame an dits surroundings

Day of exploration in direction of Trashi Labsa. (Buffer day in case of problems in the Nangpa La valley). Visit of Thame gompa. Camping in Thame, typical Sherpa village.