This trip is our most comprehensive and all compassing journey in the Sagarmatha National park, including a summit of Lobuche East (6119m). It will lead you through the park’s most popular, as well as, the most under explored areas with hidden sights and untouched cultures. The adventure will challenge an enthusiastic hiker over high passes, offer beginners mountaineering experience and provide a glimpse into the quiet and rich culture of Sherpa people, all under the shadow some of the world’s highest peaks.

The trek passes through varied landscapes ranging from lush low alpine forests to dry high alpine scrubland, and over rocky glacier moraines and snowy passes. Accompanying the trails are ever present colourful Buddhist prayer flags and maniwalls as reminders that the Sherpas have a strong spiritual relationship with the Himalayas. From viewpoints on passes and summits, you’ll be rewarded with awe-inspiring sights of 4 of Nepal’s 8000m peaks (Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu) and serene blue glacier lakes.

Our Route begins at Lukla at 2840m. We first follow the Dudh kosi river on the valley floor, before making a sharp ascent up to Namche, the trading centre of the Sherpas. The trek proceeds on the traditional route to Everest base camp and Gorak Shep, from where we’ll tackle our first summit on Kala Pattar to experience the mighty beauty of Everest. We’ll then start our 2/3-day climbing expedition on Lobuche East (6119m) that includes an overnight high camp and a summit push with climbing guides. From here, we traverse towards the Gokyo valley crossing over Cho La pass (5330m) and the Ngozumpa glacier to Gokyo. We will summit Gokyo Ri to enjoy sunrise views of Everest, then traverse and summit Renjo La pass. This region borders closely with Tibet and sees little tourist traffic. The Sherpas here farm as they did before the conquest of Everest, living off the land and practising their Tibetan-Buddhist culture. We circuit back to Namche and trek back down to Lukla for our journey back to Kathmandu.

TECHNICAL GRADING

This is primarily a trekking trip with 1 non-technical climb (6119m). No prior climbing experience is required, but we advise that part of the route is exposed so you should feel comfortable under such conditions. Good fitness is essential as most days will involve 4-7 hr of trekking carrying a 5kg daypack. The maximum altitude is 6119m.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Stunning views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama dablam, Makalu and Cho Oyu

• Colourful Buddhist culture and spirited Sherpa people

• Crossing Cho La and Renjo La passes

• Ascents of Lobuche East, Kala Pattar and Gokyo Ri