Everest Circuit Trekking (Cho La Pass EBC) 2022

After breakfast at the hotel, we take a 35-minute spectacular flight from Kathmandu to Lukla from where our adventure journey really begins. We start our trek to Phakding which is a very pleasant hike, on the way we will have a view of Mt. Nupla (5,885m), Kusum Kangaru (6,367m), and Mount Kwangde range. Overnight at lodge. 

We continue trekking along the banks of the Dudh Kosi, crossing the majestic river many times on exciting suspension bridges laden with prayer flags. After entering the Everest National park, the trail climbs steeply with breathtaking views. Namche Bazaar (considered the Gateway to Everest) is home to many quality restaurants, hotels, lodges, shops, money exchange services, internet cafes, ATMs, banks, and bakeries. Namche is the biggest town along the Everest trail. Overnight at lodge.  

We spend an extra day in Namche Bazaar in order to acclimatize and adjust to the thinning air. We will hike a short distance to a museum that is celebrated for its exhibits of the traditional customs of the Sherpa people. We also hike up the Everest view hotel. From this point, we can see rewarding views of the Himalayas with a stunning sunrise and sunset over the panorama of Khumbu peaks. Overnight at lodge.     

The trail climbs steeply out of the valley through rhododendron forest, juniper and large conifers start to appear as the elevation increases making the trekking very pristine in spring. The trail passes through Yak Kharkas and summer settlements. The views of Khumbu La and Tawache are magnificent throughout the day. Overnight at lodge. 

We climb a ridge for an excellent view both down the valley to Kengtega and up towards Cho Oyu and descend to a river and again climb steeply to the terminal moraine of the Ngozumpa glacier. We will reach Machhermo by early noon. Overnight at lodge. 

The trek today takes us to one of our main destinations, Gokyo (4,790m). We will make this camp our base for 2 nights as we will have a couple of sightseeing and hiking trips around Gokyo. Overnight at lodge. 

Early in the morning, we have a steep climb up to the top of Gokyo Ri at an elevation of 5,483m. There are ample rewards for those who attempt this trip, we get stunning views of the supper Gokyo valley, the massive Ngozumpa Glacier and an incredible panoramic view of the whole Khumbu Himalayas including the giants Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Makalu, Cho Oyu and Gychung Kang. This day we have for acclimatization and afternoon back to the Gokyo valley. Overnight at lodge.  

Trek to the foot of Cho La pass. Accommodation in Thangna will be very basic and in a dormitory-based room because of its remoteness. Overnight at lodge. 

We start our trek before sunrise at 4 or 5 am to reach the pass by 9 to 10 am dodge bad weather conditions of the noontime. We start to climb steeply that is regularly used and easy to follow. However, the problem may arise due to the altitude and snow. It often causes terrible problems to cross the pass if it is covered by snow. As we reach the top, we are rewarded by the magnificent views then we descend to the Dzongla at noon. Accommodation in Dzongla will be very basic and in a dormitory-style room because of its remoteness. Overnight at lodge.  

A rather easier and shorter trekking route will take us to Lobuche after 4 to 5 hours of trekking. Overnight at lodge. 

This is a difficult day walk along the Khumbu glacier and up to Everest base camp at 5364m the closest you can get to Mt. Everest without mountaineering equipment. There will likely be a team there to attempt the summit. The view of the Khumbu Icefall from the base camp is spectacular. We return back to Gorak shep for the night. Overnight at lodge.  

This will be one of the most difficult yet rewarding days of the trek. Most of the morning in this day is spent climbing Mt. Kala Patthar, a small peak (by the Himalayan standards) at 5,643m. The ascent is demanding but the climber gets the most magnificent mountain panorama; Everest, the highest point on the planet at 8,848m, towers directly ahead and on all sides loom the other giants, Nuptse, Mt. Pumori, Chagatse, Lhotse and countless others. We make a quick descent to Gorak shep, a tiny hamlet at 5180m then trek down to Periche. Overnight at lodge.  

To reach Tengboche we pass through Pangboche village, which is known to have the highest permanent settlement throughout the year in the Khumbu region. The trail ascends and descends at a slow speed. Upon our arrival at Tengboche village, we come across the famous legendary monastery, the largest in the Khumbu region. There is a trekker's visiting center where local Sherpas make an exhibition of different goods to be sold to interested trekkers. They also show a slide presentation about Sherpa people, culture, Buddhist religion and environmental development programs. Overnight at lodge.  

From Tengboche, the trail descends steeply and slightly towards Phunki Tenga (3,250m.) crossing the Dudh Koshi. Now we have a glimpse of panoramic views of the great peaks of the Khumbu including Mt Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, and Kusum Kangaru. Passing by several villages and numerous teashops, the trail ascends steeply to Sanasa where local Sherpa people sell the Tibetan goods. The way from Sanasa to Namche has small ups and downs with views of forests, scenery, and mountains. Overnight at lodge.  

The last day of our trek leads from Namche Bazaar via Monjo to Lukla. The trek is pleasant, except for a few short uphill climbs and then down to the Bhote- Koshi River crossing it three times. The last uphill climb of 45 minutes will bring us to Lukla for our overnight stay.  

After last breakfast in the Himalayan airport at Lukla, we take an early morning flight back to Kathmandu which takes about 35 minutes. Upon arrival at the airport, we transfer to the hotel. Rest and relax till evening. One of our team leaders will come in the evening to take you to a typical Nepali restaurant to have a delicious farewell dinner. Enjoy the meal and drinks and celebrate your great Everest circuit trekking. Overnight at the hotel.  

After breakfast, we drop you at the international airport for your flight back home. We wish you have a safe and sound flight and see you again in the future.