Alpine Club of Himalaya presents you with the Everest Circuit Trek Three Passes Without Everest Base Camp. This ultimate Everest Circuit Trek is a perfect trekking package for challenging treks in the Khumbu region. Taking you across mountain chains, three high mountain passes, a series of lakes, glaciers, icefalls, and isolated rural sections of the Everest region. Nestled in the eastern region of the country. To a dream destination on the foothills of the highest mountain peaks on the planet. Exploring ancient trading routes and learning about the culture, traditions, and lifestyle of the indigenous people.
Starting of Everest Circuit Trek
The Everest Circuit Trek Three Passes Without Everest Base Camp starts with a flight from Kathmandu toward Lukla. Lukla which is a small hilltop settlement is called the gateway to Everest. From Lukla head towards Phakding traversing across the lush wilderness of sub-tropical woodlands. Next head to Namche Bazaar, the settlement of Namche is the economic headquarters of the region. This region nestles various tea houses providing basic needs to grandeur ones. From Namche head towards Tengboche. At Tengboche visit the ancient Tengboche monastery on the backdrop of Everest, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Nuptse, and Lhotse. Explore the monastery and attend to the monks chanting scared text and practicing rituals.
Dingboche
Traversing along the trail covered with lush woodlands of birch, conifers, and rhododendron trees you will reach the settlement of Dingboche. Follow the trails of Imja Khola valley heading to Chhukung. At Chhukung scale the Chhukung Ri and from the summit witness grand views of the landscape across the valley and the fantastic view of Ama Dablam and Amphu Labcha peaks. From Chhukung head towards Lobuche crossing a high mountain pass of Kongma La pass at an elevation of 5,535 meters. If you do not want to scale the pass traverse by alternative routes. Next, follow the pathway alongside the Khumbu Glacier and head towards the hamlet of Dzongla.
Gokyo
From Dzongla, crossing the high mountain pass of Cho La head to Gokyo. At Gokyo scale the Gokyo Ri for amazing views of the landscape and the mountains. Explore the series of lakes around the region. Next, cross a high Himalayan pass of Renjo La pass and head towards Marlung. Traversing the banks of the Dudh Pokhari, a sacred lake for Buddhist and Hindu followers. From Marlung follow the ancient trading route between Tibet and Nepal. Traversing across the deep wilderness, cross river networks head towards Namche Bazaar. Next head back to Lukla the starting point of your trek.
The Everest Circuit Trek Three Passes Without Everest Base Camp high is an ultimate three weeks trekking experience for those who wish to explore the hidden wonders of the Everest region. In this trek, you will be traversing a great distance and crossing high altitudes proper physical and mental fitness is required. Join us in this thrill-seeking adventure with us at the Alpine Club of Himalaya.
Private vehicle / Flights
Kathmandu, Nepal
Kathmandu, Nepal
Trekking
Full Board during Trek and Breakfasts, Welcome and Farewell meals in Kathmandu
2 Nights in Kathmandu, 13 Nights in Lodge/Guest during Trek
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
Cost Include
All airport/hotel pick up and drop in private car/van
2 Nights Hotel in Kathmandu including breakfast, Twin sharing 3*
13 Nights stay in Tea House during trek.It means, sharing Bathroom
An experienced English speaking Trekking Guide and a Porter during the trek.
Salary, food, insurance, and lodging cost for guide and porter ( 2 Trekkers-1 Porter )
During the Trek, we will have Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and Tea/Coffee each time only.
Welcome and Farewell Meals and Breakfasts while in Kathmandu.
National Park Permit and TIMS for Everest.
Airfare from Kathmandu to Lukla and return flight to Kathmandu and domestic flight departure taxes.
Down Jacket and Sleeping Bag that needs to be returned to the office after trek completion.
ACH Kitbag and T- shirt for you
Ncell Sim Card (Nepalese Sim Card including 20 GB data pack) - Only 1 for a group.
Cost Exclude
Nepal entry visa fees.
International airfare and departure tax.
Bar bills, laundry, and other expenses of personal nature.
Travel insurance including evacuation.
Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu except welcome and farewell.
Tips for local staff, guides, and porters.
Desserts, Hot Shower, Hot Water, Wi-Fi, Mineral Water.
The Government of Nepal has announced an issue for the flight operation to Lukla. Most flights to Lukla will commence from Ramechhap until further notice to avoid heavy traffic congestion in Kathmandu airport.
The airport in Ramechhap is located 130km from Kathmandu (approximately 3-4 hours drive).
Alternatively, helicopter arrangements can be made for 5 people sharing basis with the addition of USD 500 for one way flight per person to change your airplane flights to the helicopter. We will try to coordinate and form groups at the airport for this arrangement, but we cannot guarantee it.
The drive to Ramechhap and flight to Lukla is guaranteed unless the flight is canceled due to bad weather conditions.
Travelers are suggested to advise us on the preferred alternatives for the flights to/from Lukla affected due to possible delays or disruptions.
Your safety is of paramount importance to us at the Alpine Club of Himalaya. 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. In these extreme situations, we kindly request that you offer your full co-operation to the trusted leader of the group appointed by Alpine Club of Himalaya. However, we assure you that we will make every effort to keep to the above itinerary.
The Everest Base Camp Helicopter Trek requires two permits:
1) Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit and
2) Khumbu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit.
The Nepal Tourism Boards 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 permit 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 will not have to worry about waiting for permits since the Alpine Club of Himalaya or our guides will take care of everything.
Everest Region Trek is one of the most facilitated trekking destinations in the country, providing basic to luxury services.
In this trial, you will be provided with a variety of cuisine to choose from. Nepali, Tibetan, Indian, western as well as continental meals. As the region has small tea houses to luxury hotels the facilities, provided are basic to grandeur according to your budget.
Similarly, drinking water is accessible with natural water supplies which are untreated, so direct use of the water is not recommended, you may refill boiling water or cold filter water from any of the teahouses. However, if you buy a water purification tablet, chlorine drops, or utilize SODIS (sunlight assisted) filtration procedures for further assurance, saving money, and reducing plastic pollution.
Accommodations are available in trekking lodges, teahouses as well as several hotels all along the trail, providing basic well-maintained, and reasonably luxury 5-star ones with additional needs according to your budget. Tea houses on the trail vary in quality and price, depending on the amenities they feature.
The tea houses room has twin sharing beds and some basic furniture like a table or a chair. Normally, beds contain pillows and sheets and almost all tea houses provide extra blankets as it will be freezing at night. Usually, hot showers are available throughout the trek.
For trekkers who want to Camp, various campsites are available along the trail.
The best season for trekking to the Everest region is during autumn and spring, the months of September, October, November, March, April, and May.
During the autumn season, the months of September, October, and November the weather is clear with warm temperatures and the visibility is great. As the weather is mild it is very easy to get around the region.
The spring season of March, April, and May are also the best time to visit the Everest region, marking the end of the winter, the spring season brings a change in the topography of the region and the destination comes to life with endless rows of different colored rhododendron, moss and orchid draped trees, colorful undergrowth stretching for miles and the snowy white mountains peaks on the backdrop of clear blue skies.
Monsoon season is not favorable for trekking as the weather gets harsh and it is hard to get around the country with frequent landslides and floods. So usually, monsoon season is avoided by trekkers.
In the winter season, the area receives a high amount of snowfall, covering most of the trail, and access is denied to most of the regions of Everest, making it impossible to trek.
During the trek, various tea houses provide a wide range of breakfasts. The most common breakfast includes Tibetan Bread (fried bread), Chapati (unleavened flatbread). The bread is provided with jam, butter or peanut butter, Scrambles, or boiled eggs, and vegetable curry.
Corn Flakes, Pancakes, Oats, and Muesli are also available. In some of the tea houses, American breakfast is available. Hot drinks including black tea and coffee are available for breakfast. Also, you may find various freshly baked items.
Common Lunch during the trek:
Dhal Bhat (Nepalese traditional food) is the most common meal found along trekking houses. But various varieties of meals are also available. Thukpa (Noodles) soups, Momos ( dumplings), Macaroni, Fried rice, Pizza, Spaghetti, a variety of soups, steaks, potatoes items, Sandwiches, rice with curry, spring rolls, burgers. Plenty of dessert items are also available.
Common Dinner during the trek:
Dhal Bhat (Nepalese traditional food) is the most common dinner. But you can choose from a wide variety. Momos (dumplings), Thukpa (noodle) soups, Macaroni, Pizza, Spaghetti, Sherpa Stew, steaks, potatoes items, fried rice with curry, Raman soups, burgers, and are available along the tea houses.
Most of the tea houses’ menus offer desserts. Rice pudding, Apple pie, fruit snicker, cake, pastries, etc.
Extra personal expenses for trekking
During the period of trekking meals (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner with hot drinks) are provided according to your package. Any other personal expenses are not bearded by the company. So, we recommended carrying extra cash just in case of personal expenses.
Responsible Tourism
As responsible for tourism we believe in respecting local communities, their culture, and rules. So, for that region, we would like you to follow some local rules and regulations during the trek.
Always ask your guides for permission before doing something in the local community.
Keep environment clean .
Help the local community to encourage the positive sides of tourism.
Transportations on Trek
All the necessary transportation for your trip will be managed by the Alpine Club of Himalaya upon your request. Transportation is provided on private as well as sharing basis.
Last-Minute Booking Information:
Last-minute booking is available for interested travelers. Though travelers need to inform a day before the trip gets started. If you are making last-minute bookings, you should pay the total amount for the activity. Booking can be made through an online form, email, WhatsApp, or by direct call.
Last-minute bookings for Bhutan and Tibet trips are not available.
Overall Trip Rating:
5 stars - Based on 6 reviews
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Great experience
Anthony
from
Nepal
July 24, 2022
We had a great experience with Alpine club of Himalaya.Their communication prior to our arrival in Nepal was excellent, answering all of our questions very quickly. The guide and porter on our trek were great and provided a great experience. We also liked that the trek price included all food and lodging - it was nice to not have to think about those extra expenses. Mr Sujan was great guy to checking on us. Highly recommended
Date of Experience:
January, 2022
Thank you Sujan and teams
braman
from
Nepal
July 24, 2022
Great trek but hard. Guide and porters were all fantastic. thank alpine club of Himalaya and Sujan for arrange this trip. Recommended
Best trekking agency
kanaka
from
Nepal
July 24, 2022
Communication with Alpine club of Himalaya was always fast and the responses were always detailed and helpful. Highly recomended
Date of Experience:
April, 2022
Incredible experience
sari
from
Nepal
July 24, 2022
My husband and I just returned from an incredible and gorgeous trekking adventure with alpine club of Himalaya Trekking! Our guide, Ngwang, and our porter, dimpal both fabulous – professional, knowledgable, caring, friendly, and tons of fun!
Date of Experience:
June, 2022
Best trek
Richard
from
USA
April 27, 2022
Best trek. Great service from Alpine, great guide and porter, can’t ask more. Highly recommended.
Date of Experience:
March, 2021
Most beautiful experience
Ryan
from
Nepal
April 27, 2022
Most beautiful experience in life by doing this Everest high passes. Very peaceful, less crowded, amazing breathtaking panoramic views. Beautiful Sherpa village, nice Food. Guide Kamal was awesome guy, Mr Sujan was best person to arrange and plan the trekking. Highly recommended.
