Trip Overview

This trek combines a chance to visit Everest Base Camp with a chance to get off the beaten track and see some of the amazing backcountry of the Khumbu Region. It’s a challenging route crossing three high altitude passes but with views of 4 of 10 of the world’s tallest mountains its well worth the effort. Like the traditional Everest Base Camp Trek the route starts from Lukla and only diverges after Namche. Leaving Namche one treks up the canyon of the Bhote Koshi for several days before crossing the Renjo La pass at 5360m and heading into the Gokyo Valley. Great views are obtained from the top of Renjo La and Gokyo Ri of Cho Oyu (8,201m), Makalu (8,463m), Lhotse (8,516 m) and Everest (8,850m). After crossing the first pass rest at Gokyo and take in the iconic views of mount Pharilapche (6017 m / 19741 ft) as it raises above the milky blue lake of Dudh Pokhari. We leave Gokyo heading down the Ngozumpa Glacier which at 36km is one of the largest in the Himalayas. We head over Cho-La (5400m) with great views of Ama Dablam before making our way to Gorekshep and Everest Base Camp. Once again the route diverges from the main route and head over Khongma-La (5535m). The pass provides fantastic views of Cholatse, Pokalde, Nuptse, Lhotse, Makalu and Ama Dablam. We cross the pass and descend into the valley of the Niyang Khola where we stop at Chukkung which is the jump off point for climbs to Island Peak. The rest of the route follows the traditional descent back to Lukla via Tengboche and Namche.