The Everest Circuit – 3 High Passes, 5 Summits, spanning across 22 days, presents a captivating and formidable expedition that brings trekkers face to face with some of the world’s highest and most awe-inspiring mountain passes. This Everest Circuit trek not only tests one’s endurance but also grants a remarkable opportunity to intimately engage with the rugged magnificence of the Himalayan range.
The three prominent passes encountered on this remarkable journey are the Cho La Pass, Kongma-La Pass, and Renjo-La Pass. Each pass presents its own distinctive challenges and rewards, accompanied by breathtaking vistas of neighboring peaks and glistening glaciers, captivating the senses of adventurers.
Embarking from Lukla, the trek commences through the Sherpa villages of Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, and Dingboche. These cultural havens allow trekkers to immerse themselves in the vibrant traditions and heritage of the local people. The path then leads towards the enchanting turquoise blue waters of the Gokyo Lakes, offering a tranquil respite where weary trekkers can rejuvenate amidst a serene ambiance.
A true highlight of this expedition is the invigorating hike to Kala Patthar, a renowned vantage point boasting panoramic vistas of the Himalayan range. Additionally, the trek encompasses a visit to Everest Base Camp, affording trekkers the exhilarating experience of treading in the footsteps of mountaineers and basking in the thrill of standing beneath the world’s highest peak.
Immersing oneself in some of the most remote and breathtaking landscapes on Earth, this extraordinary journey also allows for an enlightening exploration of the local culture and way of life. For those seeking an indelible adventure that surpasses all expectations, Everest Circuit – 3 High Passes, 5 Summits, spanning across 22 days, is an absolute must. Secure your expedition today with Female Guide Holidays and unlock the unparalleled allure of the Himalayas like never before.
Entry Permits & Requirements:
The Everest Circuit 3 High Passes, 5 Summit Trek requires two permits:
1) Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit and
2) Khumbu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit.
Unlike many Nepal Himalaya climbs, you won’t require a TIMS (Tourist Information Management System) card for this one.
The Nepal Tourism Board’s office in Kathmandu or the park’s entrance gate in Monjo can provide you with Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit for NRS 3000.
The fee for citizens of SAARC nations is NRS 1500.
You must complete the permission application and present your passport or a copy of your passport. You must be in Lukla to obtain the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit. The permission costs NRS 2000 and may be acquired at the rural municipality counter on the outskirts of the settlement.
You won’t have to worry about waiting for permits since the company or our guides will take care of everything.
You must submit the following documents and data to get these permits:
Copy of your passport
- 2 Passport-sized photos
- Dates when your trek starts and ends
- Itinerary/route
- Entry and exit points
- Emergency Contact Information (local and home country’s)
- Travel Insurance Details
Meals and Drinking Water:
In popular trekking areas like Annapurna, Everest, Langtang, and Manaslu have a menu system with different ethnic cuisines foods as well as western meals, but some places provide you with typical Nepali meals which are different from international meals, these meals are prepared by the local supplement, every tourist lodge and tea house have a well-trained cook basically attention to clean, hygienic, fresh, and delicious foods, every lodge has safe drinking water or mineral water. If you buy water purification tablet from Kathmandu, you can take water from the tap and purify it by yourself, this will be cheaper and control plastic pollution as well.
Accommodation:
You will find local accommodations in the form of trekking lodges and teahouses, which are situated every hour or so along the trail. These accommodations provide basic facilities such as food, electricity, and clean rooms. The rooms generally have twin sharing beds and a single bed, with good quality mattresses that reduce the weight of your backpack. You can expect a hygienic and comfortable atmosphere at these accommodations. The dining rooms usually have a central heating system that uses firewood to keep you warm and cozy during your stay. This is also a great place to rest and connect with other travelers by sharing your stories. Additionally, campsites are available along the trail for those who want to experience camping in the outdoors.
Best Time to Visit?
The best time to go on Everest Circuit trek is during autumn and spring. The months of September, October, November, March, April, and May are the best time to visit as the weather conditions are better for exploring the high mountain terrain with good visibility.
During autumn, the weather is clear and warm, making it perfect for trekking on high Himalayan terrains. In spring, from March to May, the landscape changes with blooming trees of Rhododendron, mixed with Confers, Oaks, Orchids, and ferns, along with colorful wildflowers, making the region look stunning.
The monsoon season, with harsh weather conditions, is usually avoided by trekkers. The winter season, with heavy snowfall, covers most of the trail, making it challenging to access higher grounds in the region.
Travel Insurance:
Travel insurance is required for all clients engaging in any activity. We strongly urge you to obtain a complete insurance plan from reputable insurance.
Passport and Visa:
Every client must have a valid passport from the return date with a 6 months prior validity by the Nepalese consulate in your country or the immigration office at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu.
Equipment list:
- Daypack above 40 liters. (Must be waterproof)
- Down jacket (rental available)
- Warm sleeping bag (rental available)
- Sun head, gulf cap, sunglasses
- Headlamp, and torchlight, power bank, and extra batteries
- Ear-muffs, sun Lotions/sun cream, wet wipes, and hand sanitizer.
- Pair of liner gloves thin wool and synthetic.
- Cotton t-shirts, Synthetic t-shirt.
- Long-sleeve polyester or synthetic lightweight for sunny days.
- Soft-shell jacket water & wind resist.
- Swimming costume.
- Inner clothes as your requirement.
- Liner socks, woolen socks.
- Proper trekking boots with good ankle support.
- Imodium or Pepto Bismo capsules for upset stomach or diarrhea.
- Diamox for altitude sickness. The guide will help you to take it.
- One small personal-sized first-aid kit with blister treatments such as moleskin, bands.
- anti-infection ointments, muscle relief ointments
Important Note:
Your safety is of paramount importance to us at the Female Guide Holiday. We have the absolute authority to cancel the trip or change the itinerary, when deemed necessary or when we have reason to believe your safety is at stake. Weather conditions, the health condition of a group member, natural disasters, and such, can contribute to changes in the itinerary when traveling in remote mountainous regions. We kindly request you offer your full co-operation to the trusted leader of the group appointed by Female Guide Holiday. However, we assure you that we will make every effort to keep to the above itinerary.
Itinerary
The flight into Kathmandu Valley is spectacular, with a panoramic view of the Himalayan mountains and the valley below. Our agent will greet and welcome you at the Tribhuvan International Airport, drive you to your hotel, and assist you with all of your travel requirements. You will have time to visit the city after you’ve checked in (depending on your arrival time). Meals: Welcome Dinner Accommodation: Hotel
Tour the world heritage sites of Durbar Square, Pashupatinath Temple, Swayambhunath Stupa, and Boudhanath Stupa. The Durbar Square provides insight into the perceptions of ancient royals. For all Hindus, Pashupatinath Temple is one of the most important pilgrimage sites. The Monkey Temple known as Swayambhunath, and the Boudhanath Stupa is one of the world’s biggest stupas. After the tour is completed head towards your accommodation. Later stroll around Thamel a touristic hub of the region. In the evening join in on a brief orientation regarding the trek. Meals: Breakfast Accommodation: Hotel
You’ll flying to Lukla today. An exciting flight to a picturesque mountaintop settlement. Upon landing at Lukla after a brief rest begin your trek. Descend towards the Dudh Koshi River through Chauri Kharka settlement. Along the way pass through the lush woodlands and also witness Khumbila, a holy peak worshipped by the Sherpas and of the few unclimbed summits in the Khumbu area. Following the enchanting trails of the lush Dudh Koshi Valley, following picturesque path along riverbanks reach Phakding. After a brief rest if you’re not too fatigued, take a stroll around the settlement and interact with the locals. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Tea House
Start todays trek following the rapids of the mighty Dudh Koshi. Ascending through pine and cedar forests the trials lead north up the Benkar valley and reaching the Everest National Park gate. After you permits are checked head on an ascending climb towards Namche Bazaar. The village of Namche is a historic trading post between Nepalese and Tibetan traders exchange salt, dried meat, and textiles. Upon reaching Namche head towards your accommodation, later visit the various pubs and restaurants of the region or head towards any vantage point to grasp in the grand views of the sun setting over the Himalayas. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Tea House
Proper acclimatization is very important as you gain altitude. As your body needs to adapt to the thin level of oxygen. The settlement of Namche Bazaar has various points ideal for acclimatization hikes. Head towards the Syangboche monastery and attend to the monks chanting sacred texts. Next head towards Hotel Everest View and witness the majestic mountain range of the greater Himalayas. Mountain giants of Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Nuptse, Mount Everest, and Thamserku. Later head towards Khumjung and visit Hillary School. After a brief exploration head towards Khumjung Monastery and witness what is said to be the skull of the abominable snowman Yeti. Later head towards Namche and visit the pubs and restaurants of the area. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Tea House
After breakfast head into the trail. The trail today is filled with changing landscapes. Start by traversing across dense woodlands of varieties of pine, rhododendron, and cider with views of Everest, Ama Dablam, Nuptse, Lhotse, and other mountain peaks of the Mahalangur range. Traversing across dense woodlands and alpine grassland you will reach the settlement of Tengboche. Visit the ancient Tengboche Monastery and attend to the monks chanting sacred texts and prayers. The monastery is nestled in the center of the village with views of snowy mountain peaks on the backdrop. After exploring the monastery head towards your accommodation. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Tea House
Leaving Tengboche head towards Pangboche. The first section of the trail takes you on a descent route after a short downhill trek across the Imja Khola. From here you will be traversing uphill, as you gain altitude the tree line disappears, and the landscape changes into the arid alpine territory. Following the trail, you will reach the settlement of Dingboche. From the settlement, witness close-up views of Island Peak and Ama Dablam. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Tea House
Today is your second day of acclimatization. In the morning wake up before dawn and head towards any vantage point to witness the grand views of sunrise. Later head on a hike towards the Nangkartsang Peak perched at 5,100 meters. The climb to the summit is non-technical but altitude can be a problem for some to take it slow. Upon reaching the top witness spectacular panoramic views around including Kangtega, Ama Dablam, Nuptse, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, Taboche and views across the valley. After spending a brief time at the summit head down towards your accommodation.
After breakfast start the trek following the high routes across mountain country. Next, ascend the valley and follow the trail leading towards Island Peak and Chhukung, a small settlement perched at an elevation of 4,730 meters. Upon reaching Chhukung rest for a while and if you are not too tired head on a small hike towards Chhukung Ri. From the summit of the peak witness grand views across the valley. Also soak in the panoramic views of mountain ranges, icefalls, and glaciers.
Start the day early, as you will be crossing your first pass today. Heading out of Chhukung follow the side trail leading to Kongma La. Along this section witness grand views of the mountains including the prominent ridge of Nuptse appearing above. Next, reach a small lake before facing the last challenging climb to reach the summit of the pass, which stands at an impressive 5535 meters. Upon reaching the summit witness majestic peaks and glaciers in every direction. After spending a brief time at the summit following the lengthy and steep descend reach the Khumbu glacier. Then following the glacier reach Lobuche, a small yak pasture that hosts a few teahouses during the summer. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Tea House
The hike to Everest Base Camp is not extremely challenging, you do, however, have to traverse glacier trails. Start by traversing across the Khumbu Glacier, on rugged terrains, with a lot of meandering. On route observe the beautifully rounded ice towers on the top half of the Khumbu glacier. Upon reaching Gorak Shep, head towards your teahouse. After a brief stop for lunch head towards the Everest Base Camp. This section of the trail is filled with spectacular views of mountains, icefalls, and glaciers. As you progress on the trail you will walk among the highest peak of the world. Upon reaching base camp witness spectacular views of the Nuptse, Khumbutse, and Pumori mountains, after basking in the mountains return to Gorak Shep. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Tea House
From Gorakshep head towards the most famous vantage point of the region, Kala Patthar. The Kala Patthar at an elevation of 5,644 meters provides a 360-degree view of the highest mountains. Mountain giants of Mount Everest, Pumori, Lhotse, Nuptse, Changtse, Lola, Ama Dablam, and Thamserku with endless other peaks. After spending a brief time at the summit head down towards Gorakshep and retrace your steps back to Lobuche.
After an early breakfast following the terminal moraine of the Khumbu glacier head down the valley before turning off above the Chola Tso Lake towards the next pass, the Cho La. Along the way witness the twin peaks of Tawoche and Chalotse. After crossing the pass head down towards Dzongla. If you are not too tired then head on a small hike towards Awi Peak (5,245m), a little known viewpoint offering views across to Everest Base Camp.
Start the trek traversing across the terminal moraine of the Ngozumpa Glacier. After a brief walk reach Longpongo, the first of the glacial lakes. As you progress you will reach the northern shore of the Gokyo Lake and finally to the village of Gokyo. After a brief rest head out to explore the series of lakes around the region.
Wake up early and head towards the Gokyo Ri. Start by traversing across the stream on the northern end of the village and ascending for a couple of hours to the summit marked by a cradle of prayer flags. From the summit, witness splendid panoramic views of the lakes around and mountain peaks of Cho Oyu, Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cholatse, and Taboche, and the Ngozumpa Glacier. After exploring the Ri retrace your steps back towards the village.
Wake up before dawn and witness the spectacular views of sunrising. After breakfast start the trek descending further to meet the trail from the Nangpa La, that leads into Tibet. Along this section witness Tibetan traders, with their caravans of yaks laden with carpets, salt and hides. Next following the rapids of the mighty Bhote Kosi Valley head south to Thame. Upon reaching Thame after a brief rest explore around and visit the monasteries.
Today start walking over rugged terrain, on a downhill trail along the Dudh Koshi River. Cross multiple suspension bridges and pass through various monasteries and settlements to Lukla. Spent the rest of the day exploring Lukla. In the afternoon celebrate your last night in the mountains. Our final day’s trekking follows the Dudh Kosi down to Lukla retracing the way we came up. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Tea House
After an early breakfast head towards Kathmandu. The flight from Lukla is breathtaking with views of endless mountain ranges and lush hills. Upon landing at Kathmandu head towards your accommodation. Later take a stroll around the city. In the afternoon join in for a special farewell dinner program to mark the success of your adventure. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Farewell Dinner Accommodation: Hotel
Three hours before your flight’s departure, our representative will drop you off at the airport. Please do let us know if you want to experience more of Nepal. Choose from one of our pre-planned itineraries or let us create a journey just for you. Note: All of the above-mentioned trekking hours and distances are estimations and should only be used as a general guideline.
