Everest Circuit Trek Three Passes Without EBC

Kathmandu Valley

Upon arrival at the Kathmandu, Tribhuvan International Airport. A representative from the Alpine Club of Himalaya will assist you with your accommodation. Upon arriving at your hotel, rest for a while. In the afternoon join in for a brief orientation regarding your trek. Later join in for a special dinner program where you will experience excellent Nepalese cuisine.

Maximum Altitude: 1400m
Meals: Welcome Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel

Phakding

After an early breakfast heads towards the domestic airport and catch a flight towards Lukla. Lukla is regarded as the gateway to the Everest region. The flight will be thrilling since you will be flying amidst the grand Himalayas. Upon landing at Lukla and after a brief break, you will start your trek.
Following the descending trail, you will reach the village of Cheplung, from the village witness the view of Mt. Khumbila translated as "God of Khumbu". The peak is regarded as sacred, and climbing is prohibited making it one of the unclimbed peaks in the region. From Cheplung, continue traversing along lush woodland on a descending trail to Phakding.

Maximum Altitude: 2860m (Lukla)
Duration: 30 minutes flight and 3-4 hours trek
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Teahouse

Namche Bazaar

Start your trek traversing across the dense wilderness of the Khumbu region. Following uphill and downhill trails and crossing multiple suspension bridges over the rapids of the Dudh Koshi River. Along this section witness the magnificent view of Mt. Thamserku (21,675ft) and you will reach the settlement of Benkar.
As you progress from here you will reach the Sagarmatha National Park entrance at Monjo. After your permits are checked, head on an uphill climb towards Namche Bazaar. As, you gain elevation witness views of Everest, Lhotse, Tawache, and other mountain giants.

Maximum Altitude: 3440m
Duration: 5-6 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Teahouse

Namche Bazaar

This is the first day of acclimatization. At higher altitudes due to the presence of thin air proper acclimatization is very important for your body to adapt. Today you will be heading on various small hikes in and around Namche Bazaar.
Hike up to Everest View Hotel to enjoy admirable views of the Himalayan vista. From the Hotel catch a glorious view of the beautiful landscape filled with evergreen fir trees, shrubs, and endless rhododendron forests and offers a 360-degree view of the awe-inspiring Himalayas.
After soaking in the views, on your way back to Namche, head towards the Khumjung Monastery. The monastery house, what is to be believed as a Yeti scalp. After exploring the ancient monastery, visit the Tourist Visitor Center near the headquarter of the Sagarmatha National Park and observe an assortment of things related to the first Everest ascenders, Sherpa culture, and learn about the various plant and animal life in the Everest region.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Teahouse

Tengboche Monastery

Start your trek by traversing across flat terrain towards Phunki Thanga. This section of the trail is covered with patches of Rhododendron, ciders, and pines. As, you progress on the trail witness series of Mani walls and Chortens, which marks the start of Tengboche village. Upon reaching Tengboche head towards your accommodation.
Later head out to explore the largest monastery in the Khumbu region. The Tengboche monastery is located within the Sagarmatha National Park and provides panoramic views of the highest mountains on earth including Everest, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Nuptse, and Lhotse. Explore the monastery and attend to the monks chanting scared text and practicing rituals.

Maximum Altitude: 3860m
Duration: 5-6 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Teahouse

Dingboche

After breakfast starts your trek. The first section of the trek takes you to a downhill section with lush woodlands of birch, conifers, and rhododendron trees. From here ascend with the views of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam. The trail then again dips down towards Debouche, next crosses the Imja River, and heads towards Pangboche. While traversing the upper Pangboche trail, get a more pristine view of the Himalayas and Pangboche Monastery. Explore the monastery and follow the trail towards the Imja Valley, traversing the banks of the Lobuche River. After an uphill climb, you will reach the settlement of Dingboche. The village is a beautiful windy settlement overlooked by chortens and prayer flags.

Maximum Altitude: 4410m
Duration: 5-6 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Teahouse

Chhukung Ri

Following the stone-walled fields and Imja Khola valley trails. As you progress on the trail you will enter glacier moraines surrounded by towering Himalayas giants. The trail continues to Bibre, a high alpine pasture land, with views of Ama Dablam and the Amphu Labsa on the backdrops. From here, following the trail, you will come across pathways intersected by icy streams. Continue on the trail for about an hour and you will reach the village of Chhukung.
After lunch, continue towards Chhukung Ri. The climb to Chhukung Ri is non-technical but the altitude can be a problem for some, so take frequent rest. Upon reaching the summit witness grand views of the landscape across the valley and the fantastic views of Ama Dablam and Amphu Labcha peaks. After spending a brief time at the Ri retrace your steps back to Chhukung.

Maximum Altitude: 5540m (Chhukung Ri)
Duration: 6-7 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Teahouse

Lobuche

Today after an early breakfast before dawn start your trek. As you will be crossing a high Himalayan pass and the highest point of your trek. You can either take the trail over a hill which is to the northwest of Chhukung over the Nuptse Glacier moraines OR walk back to Bibre and trek on the trail above the Niyang Khola. ( Ask advice from your guides )
The summit of the pass is marked by cairns and colorful Buddhist prayer flags. From the summit witness grand views of the region. After a brief rest head on a descending route, traversing across the moraine on the far side, from where the trail turns north through Khumbu Glacier. Following the glacier path, you will eventually reach Lobuche.
Note: Trek through Kongma La is optional. If you do not want to tackle the strenuous Kongma La pass today and want to go directly to Lobuche from Chhukung, we can do that.

Maximum Altitude: 5535m (Kongma La Pass)
Duration: 6-7 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Teahouse

Dzongla

The first part of the trek takes you on a downhill trail alongside the Khumbu Glacier, keep caution in this area. As you progress on the trail, the trail splits into two and you will be taking the trail towards the right. Along this section witness grand views of the looming Awi Peak. Progressing on the trail, you will pass across stupa and tombstones at a distance.
From here you will begin ascending. As you gain altitude witness views of the Chola Tsho Lake. Continuing further you will pass another lake which is a lot smaller than the Chola Tsho Lake and then cross the Chola Khola on a bridge before reaching Dzongla.

Maximum Altitude: 4830m
Duration: 3-4 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Teahouse

Cho La Pass

Today start early as you be crossing the high mountain pass of Cho La. Following the ascending route with views of Cho La Lake, Mt. Ama Dablam, Cholatse and other endless mountain peaks head towards the summit of the pass. Traversing across loose rocks and boulders head towards the summit, the final climb to the Cho La can be a little tricky as the trail curves around a crevasse so take extra caution.
The summit of the pass is marked by prayer flags and cairns. Witness grand views of the landscape, river networks, and soaring Himalayan giants, glaciers, and icefalls from the summit in all directions. After a brief rest head down towards Thangnak. From Thangnak, traversing to the edge of the Ngozumpa glacier the longest glacier in Nepal, you will reach the other side of the glacier. As you progress you will get a glimpse of the second Gokyo Lake on the series of six lakes. A short distance away is the third Gokyo Lake. On the edge of the lake sits the Gokyo Village. Upon reaching the village rest and later stroll on the banks of the lakes.

Maximum Altitude: 5420m
Duration: 7-8 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Teahouse

Gokyo Lake

Today you will climb the Gokyo Ri and enjoy views of the incredible mountain vista. The climb is non-technical, but the altitude may be a problem for some, so take it slow and have frequent rest. From the summit of the Ri witness grand views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, and endless mountain peaks, glaciers, icefalls, and lakes.
After heading down from the Gokyo Ri, head on to explore the fourth Gokyo Lake which is 3km north of the Gokyo Village. Next, continue trekking towards the 5th lake. The view from ‘Scoundrel’s Viewpoint’, located at the edge of the 5th lake, is astonishing. Cho-Oyu, Gyachung Kang, Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Makalu mountains, and the huge Ngozumba Glacier appear in its majestic form. After exploring head back towards Gokyo.

Maximum Altitude: 5360m
Duration: 3-4 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Teahouse

Renjo La Pass Lake

Today is you longest day of the entire trek. Start early as you will be crossing the high mountain pass of Renjo La. Traversing across an arid landscape the trail takes you following the banks of the Dudh Pokhari, a lake that is regarded sacred by Buddhists and Hindu followers. Progressing on the trail for a couple of hours and you will reach the base of Renjo La pass.
As you ascend the pass and gain altitude witness grand views of the landscape and the horizons. Upon reaching the summit witness grand views of the greater Himalayan range. Soak in the majestic view of Mt. Everest, Rolwaling range, third Gokyo Lake, and Gokyo Village beneath the gray smear of the Ngozumpa Glacier.
After a brief rest head down, following the winding stone staircase to reach the south bank of Angladumba Tsho Lake. The presence of ice on the trail while descending can make our descent a bit hazardous, so take extra caution. Along the trail, witness views of Relama Tsho and Renjo Lake. Following the tracks of the narrow valley clogged with giant boulders head to Lumde. After an hour's walk from Lumde, you will reach the settlement of Marlung on the east bank of the Bhote Koshi River.

Maximum Altitude: 5360m (Renjo La Pass)
Duration: 7-8 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Teahouse

Namche Bazaar

Following the ancient trading route between Tibet and Nepal, crossing the Bhote Koshi River descend to Taranga and towards Thame. From here, descend gradually on a trail passing through a few small villages before reaching Namche Bazaar. Upon reaching Namche Bazaar head towards your accommodation. Later head out to explore the region. The area has various pubs and restaurants.

Maximum Altitude: 3440m
Duration: 5-6 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Teahouse

Lukla

Today’s trek is entirely on a downward section. Cross several bridges over the fast flowing Dudh Koshi River and its tributaries. Along the trek, enjoy walking on open plains, through rhododendron and pine forests, and enjoy distant views of the snow-covered peaks. Along with the trail cross several villages. Upon reaching Lukla, rest for a while. Later celebrate the success of your trek and the last night in the mountains with your team members.

Maximum Altitude: 3440m (Namche Bazaar)
Duration: 6-7 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Teahouse

Lukla Airport

The flights to Kathmandu are usually scheduled for the morning for safety purposes. After reaching Kathmandu head towards your accommodation and rest. Today you can take a guided tour of the city or stroll by on your own. In the evening, attend a farewell dinner to celebrate the successful completion of your trek.

Maximum Altitude: 2860m (Lukla)
Duration: 30 minutes flight
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Teahouse

Kathmandu Tribhuwan International Airport (TIA)

Today bid your goodbyes to Nepal and the friends you made along the journey. A company representative will pick you up from your hotel and drop you off at the airport 3 hours before your scheduled flight.

NOTE: All of the aforementioned trekking hours are approximations and should only be used as a general guideline.