Everest Base Camp Three Passes

Welcome. It's arrival day in Kathmandu at Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM), Nepal. Your adventure has started, you are now already at 1338m (4390ft) above sea level and acclimatising. You will be greeted at the airport by an 'adventureiam' company representative and taken to your hotel. Once at the hotel you will receive a short briefing before you check in to your room. Once the whole group has arrived you will receive an arrivals brief then have dinner. Soak up that culture and join in a dance if you wish. Dinner meal included.

This morning the group will take a bus into Kathmandu City to visit several cultural and historical sites, view the panorama of the bustling city, and acclimatise at the same time. After taking in a lunch of your choice, the rest of the day is dependant on how the group will fly to Tenzing - Hillary Airport (LUA), in Lukla, from where the trekking will start; Option One is to fly from Kathmandu to Lukla. This flight takes less than 40mins. Option Two is to drive from Kathmandu to Ramechhap Airport (RHP), this flight takes less than 30mins, though the drive to Ramechhap is five hours. Recently, the Nepalese Government have increasingly switched Lukla flights from Kathmandu to Ramechhap to ease congestion in Kathmandu (originally this was enforced during the pandemic but has continued). This is all one big adventure, as you'll see, there are still flights from KTM to Lukla, the option will be decided most likely the day before. As a result the group might; Continue sight seeing & shopping, or, travel to Ramechhap on the afternoon/evening of Day 2. Breakfast & Dinner meal included.

After an early flight you will arrive at Tenzing- Hillary Airport, Lukla, this is where the adventure really starts. The flight into Lukla is world renowned and talked about as a highlight of your trip, you will get to see glimpses of mountains in the distance, forest covered valleys and hilltops (some closer than others), and beautiful, scenic villages. First stop, breakfast in Lukla, here you will also meet your porters and remaining guides that will accompany you for the duration of the trek. Once your bags are safely and securely packed up by the Porters, you will start your trek. You will be guided through the streets of Lukla out into the countryside and beyond on a stone laid path, pass by prayer rocks on the left. Tip: Watch out for the Yak's! Today you will have a short trek of approximately three hours. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner meal included.

Today is your first full day of trekking, around six hours from your overnight teahouse in Phakding to Namche Bazaar. Standby to cross Hillary Suspension Bridge, straddling the hillsides 125m in height and an impressive 140m across, above the Dudh Koshi River. It is named after Sir Edmund Hillary, whom, along with Sherpa Teeing was the first to summit Mount Everest back in 1953. This is the last of three bridges to cross before your steep climb up into Namche Bazaar, it has replaced an older bridge that you can still see underneath the new one. The trek takes you through various settlements and shops, it's your time to soak up the atmosphere of the Khumbu Region, pausing for tea and to let your guides do the formalities to gain access to Sagarmatha National Park. Tip: Watch out for Yak & Donkey traffic on the bridge! Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included.

Today gives the group chance to go sightseeing and shopping in the trading hub for the region, Namche Bazaar. The town offers you the final chance to purchase those trekking items you might need that you didn't get in Kathmandu, enjoy a meal or visit a museum, you might even spot Mount Everest, go explore. All this whilst taking time to acclimatise, this is essential so keep active, the saying goes; 'Trek up, sleep back down'. You can visit a Stupa on your way up into the hills above, during the steep climb you will build resilience and strength in your legs all whilst having a great time. Tip: Save the Irish Bar for the return journey! Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included.

This morning we trek down to the village of Phurte, heading across flat ground for awhile before heading uphill towards Thamo, then Thame, our destination for the days trek. Along the route we pass by several Gompa's or monasteries, cross over the Thesebu and the Bhote Koshe Rivers, the latter by a suspension bridge, taking in the local Nepali villages. On arrival you can explore the local village, back in the day Thame was big in the salt trading world, take some time to visit the famous Thame Monastery. Overnight in a Tea House after five hours or so trekking. Highlights: The solitude, suspension bridge and breathtaking views. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included.

Up to six beautiful hours of trekking today to the destination village of Lumde. First off we head back to the Bhote Koshi River which will accompany us for awhile, calming us with its flowing waters, trekking through various Nepali villages and settlements, over bridges, crossing rivers, suspension bridges, monasteries uphill to first the village of Marulung, then our lodgings for the night in Lumde. We trek up to the high ground to take in the views then back to sleep down. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included.

Today is the day the group will tackle its first of the three passes, Renjo La Pass, the 2nd highest of the three at 5360m above sea level. Scaling this in itself is an achievement so well done, expect glorious views and very fresh air up on the pass. Ensure you have your cameras ready for the obligatory summit photo whilst at posing at the prayer flags. After going over the top we head downhill towards Gokyo where the group will overnight after approximately eight hours trekking. The going underfoot may be tough so be careful and aware of slips & trips. Highlight: The stunning views from atop the pass including the Ngozumba Glacier. Gokyo Lakes. Top Tip: Ensure you charge your camera/phone the previous night. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included.

An exciting early start to the day because whilst the glacier is frozen we need to get the group across the ice before it starts melting! Now that's adventure. A short three hour trek today but a tricky one, you will have to watch your foot placement whilst you get across the Ngozumba Glacier, once across its a short walk to the destination where you'll spend the night. In the afternoon there is opportunity to get outside and acclimatise more on the surrounding terrain. Get some rest too as tomorrow is the next pass. Top Tip: Crossing a glacier is a good time for a recording for memories of the trip. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included.

Another great day today gaining height, six hours crossing over snowy Cho La Pass and on in to Dzongla. The second pass of the three passes trek sees the group trek steeply uphill on the trail with a stream to break up the scenery. This area is the meeting point between two great treks, EBC and Gokyo Lakes so it might be busy. After dropping down into Chola Pass negotiating slippery ice, the group gains height again and climbs its way up and onto the top of Chola Pass. Dan wore micro crampons to get up the top of this one as it was very icy, the going is steep, rock laden and icy, the guide will advise. The all familiar prayer flags flapping in the wind greet you at the top as do the beautiful crisp views across the Gokyo Valley. Again, going down the pass from the top is icy and slipper, you'll be glad when it evens out at the bottom. On into Dzongla for the overnight stop and a well deserved rest. Top Tip: Ask the guide in Namche re micro crampons ($15). Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included.

An easier day today via Lobuche Base Camp and Memorial Hill, to Lobuche, around three hours. Starting off heading downhill to meet the EBC trail you then cross Thokla Pass and visit the sombre memorials to some of those who have perished climbing in the area. After visiting the memorials the group will move on downhill towards Lobuche, passing by LBC on the way. Be prepared to snap some amazing views of Lobuche, Nuptse and Everest. Prepare for Everest Base Camp tomorrow! Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included.

Eat a good breakfast today to keep you going, the trek has really kicked in by now. Trek on the flat, on snow and ice for around three hours following the Kumbu Glacier then a rocky trail upwards to Gorakshep, the last village before EBC. After a short break for lunch the group will move on for a further two hour trek to Everest Base Camp where you will be amazed at the sheer vastness of the region. Reaching EBC is a remarkable feat, congratulations. At an altitude of 5364m (17,598ft) above sea level, stood at the base of the tallest mountain in the world, you can be immensely proud of your achievement. Getting to this point has taken mental resilience, physical endurance, and determination. Standing there looking at the snow filled mountain scene before your eyes can be a deeply fulfilling and emotional experience, soak it up. Once ready, reverse and walk in your footsteps back to Gorakshep. Highlight: Seeing the enormity of EBC and taking it all in. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included.

An early start to go explore Kala Patthar for the most stunning views of Mount Everest. For many adventurers, submitting Kala Patthar is often the highlight of the whole trip, standing taller than EBC it offers the most outstanding views. After a short break the group then retraces its steps back to Lobuche where it will overnight. A mostly flat walk apart from KP, expect rock strewn trails, small streams to cross and a moon like scene. Top Tip: Charge up the camera phones. Highlight: Atop KP with sunshine hitting the snow capped mountains including Everest before your eyes. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included.

Today we climb over the highest, and last of the 'Three Passes', Kongma La. We start the day crossing over the Khumbu Glacier and trek towards Chhukung negotiating glacial moraine and slippery ice, up and down on a demanding leg of the trip. At the prayer flags blowing in the wind at the top of the pass the realisation hits that you have achieved what you set out to do. Take your snaps and get out of the wind ready for the descent. Watch your footing, you head off now for your overnight destination, Chhukung. At a track junction of several popular treks the group changes direction on to the Island Peak trail, this area was once a pastureland for Yaks, now grown into a bustling small village to support expeditions to Imja Tse 6189m (Island Peak) and Chhukung Ri 5550m. Cross over Nuptse Glacier for a final quick ascent to the tea house. Top Tip: A long, remote day, prepare with snacks & extra water for a trek lasting eight hours or more. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included.

Today marks a turning point, the route back to Kathmandu. There's a noticeable drop in altitude, a nice flat walk alongside the Imja Khola, a tributary of the Dudh Kosi River, the crossing of several suspension bridges, switching to the EBC trail, and comfortable trekking to the famous Tengboche Monastery, where you can spend the afternoon exploring and taking snaps, admiring views of Ama Dablam and a distant Everest. Six hours trekking. Overnight in a tea house in Tengboche village. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included.

What goes up must come down, start off with a descent down steep, stone steps from Tengboche, through rhododendron forests with sneak peaks of distant views and over a by now familiar suspension bridge. There follows a steep climb back up to Khumjung, through Juniper and Pines then descend again to Namche Bazaar completing the circuit, four hours trekking, a welcome sight. The rest of your day is yours to explore the bustling streets of Namche Bazaar, you'll have time to get some gifts and mementoes before evening meal. Top Tip: Celebrate your achievement with a nice toast in the IrishBar! Overnight will be spent at a lodge in Namche Bazaar. Highlights: Prayer Wheels. Ama Dablam and the Irish Bar. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included.

The final day of trekking, enjoy another up to eight hours of trekking in this beautiful countryside, passing majestic views, forests and rhododendron bushes aplenty, prayer rocks and flags, stupas and waterfalls. You will depart the Sagarmartha National Park via the large colourful gates and on reaching Lukla Gate the trekking phase is over, here, you will likely say goodbye to the porters and some of the staff. Tip: Make the most of it, soak up the last of the nepalese countryside, until next time! Look forward to Kathmandhu Metropolitan City. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included.

Say goodbye to what they call 'the worlds most dangerous airport" with a short flight back to the city. Your head guide will get you on an early flight back to Kathmandu, enjoying the birds eye views from the plane. After landing and transportation to your hotel, enjoy being back and spend some time shopping for some final memento's and presents, sightseeing and a last group dinner before your attention turns to farewells, packing and preparation for the flight home. Breakfast & Dinner included.

Until next time the adventure is over and our business concludes when we drop you back off where it all started, at Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM). That is unless you have decided to extend your stay and go sightseeing. If that is something that you wish to do then please speak to a member of the team who can arrange it for you. You will be leaving with some amazing memories and experiences under your belt, one's we are sure you will never forget and may one day want to repeat or do a similar adventure, at adventure.i.am you are in the right place. Here at headquarters the team wishes you a safe, onward journey and we hope to see you again sometime soon. Breakfast included