Gokyo Lakes and Kala Patthar Trek via the Three Passes
This exceptional trek takes you to the heart of the Everest region, revealing its most spectacular landscapes. Following the demanding Three Passes route – Kongma La (5,535 m), Cho La (5,420 m), and Renjo La (5,360 m) – you will cross rarely visited high-altitude passes, offering breathtaking views of the iconic Himalayan peaks: Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Ama Dablam, and many more. The trek passes through traditional Sherpa villages and leads to the region’s emblematic sites: the turquoise Gokyo Lake, set in a remarkable glacial environment, and the viewpoint of Kala Patthar (5,643 m), considered one of the best vantage points on Everest. This trek combines physical challenges, cultural immersion, and high-altitude panoramas for an extraordinary adventure in the majestic Khumbu region.
Itinerary
Day 1: Kathmandu – Ramechhap – Lukla (2,800 m) – Phakding (2,640 m)
Early morning departure by private minibus or jeep to Ramechhap. Flight from Ramechhap to Lukla (subject to weather and operational conditions). At Lukla, meet the porters and prepare the bags for trekking. Trek to Phakding. Approximately 3 hours of walking. Overnight stay in a lodge.
Day 2: Phakding – Namche Bazaar (3,440 m)
Cross several rivers via suspension bridges, then the trail ascends to reach Namche Bazaar, the capital of the Sherpa region. Approximately 6 hours of walking. Overnight stay in a lodge.
Day 3: Namche Bazaar (3,440 m)
Acclimatization day with a hike to the villages of Khunde (3,840 m) and Khumjung (3,780 m). Approximately 5 hours of walking. Beautiful views of Thamserku (6,608 m) and Kangtega (6,685 m). Overnight stay in a lodge in Namche Bazaar.
Day 4: Namche Bazaar – Thame (3,800 m)
Ascend the Bhote Kosi valley to the village of Thame. Views of Thamserku (6,608 m) and Kangtega (6,685 m). Approximately 5 hours of walking. Overnight stay in a lodge.
Day 5: Thame – Lungdeng (4,400 m)
Continue ascending the Bhote Kosi valley to Lungdeng. Approximately 4.5 hours of walking. Overnight stay in a lodge.
Day 6: Lungdeng – Renjo La (5,340 m) – Gokyo (4,750 m)
Cross Renjo La Pass, then descend steeply to the Gokyo Lakes. Stunning views of the high mountains. Approximately 7 hours of walking. Overnight stay in a lodge.
Day 7: Gokyo Ri (5,350 m) – Dragnag (4,700 m)
Ascend Gokyo Ri for a magnificent panoramic view, then return to Gokyo. In the afternoon, cross the Ngozumba Glacier to reach Dragnag. Approximately 6.5 hours of walking. Overnight stay in a lodge.
Day 8: Dragnag – Cho La Pass (5,330 m) – Dzongla (4,830 m)
Cross Cho La Pass, then descend to Dzongla. Approximately 6 hours of walking. Overnight stay in a lodge.
Day 9: Dzongla – Lobuche (4,930 m) – Gorakshep (5,140 m)
The trail reaches the Khumbu Glacier, following its moraine to Lobuche. Continue along the lateral moraine, ascending to Gorakshep. Approximately 5.5 hours of walking. Overnight stay in a lodge.
Day 10: Gorakshep – Kala Patthar (5,545 m) – Lobuche (4,930 m)
Ascend to the summit of Kala Patthar, offering superb views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Pumori, then return to Lobuche. Approximately 5.5 hours of walking. Overnight stay in a lodge.
Day 11: Lobuche – Kongma La (5,535 m) – Chhukhung (4,730 m)
Cross the Khumbu Glacier, then ascend to Kongma La Pass, followed by a descent into the Chhukhung valley. Stunning views from the pass. Approximately 6 hours of walking. Overnight stay in a lodge.
Day 12: Chhukhung – Pangboche (3,985 m)
Descend the valley to Dingboche, then continue to the village of Pangboche. Approximately 5 hours of walking. Beautiful views of Ama Dablam. Overnight stay in a lodge.
Day 13: Pangboche – Kenjoma (3,600 m)
Descend to cross the Imja Khola, then ascend through rhododendron forests to Tengboche, the religious center of the Sherpas. Continue with a long descent to Phunki Tenga, followed by an ascent to Kenjoma. Beautiful views of Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam. Approximately 6 hours of walking. Overnight stay in a lodge.
Day 14: Kenjoma – Lukla
Descend the Dudh Kosi valley to Lukla. Approximately 6 hours of walking. Overnight stay in a lodge.
Day 15: Lukla – Ramechhap – Kathmandu
Flight from Lukla to Ramechhap (subject to weather and operational conditions). Upon arrival in Ramechhap, transfer to Kathmandu by private minibus or jeep.
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