Everest the Hard Way Trek
- A trek to Everest Base Camp across the high passes of the Khumbu
- A high level circuit trek exploring the valleys of the Sherpas
- Trekking over the Cho La, Kongma La and the Renjo La passes
- Climb the viewpoint peaks of Gokyo Ri, Kala Patar and Chukung Ri
- Western Leader plus Nepal Sherpa guides and full support crew
This superb trekking holiday makes a complete high-level circuit of the Khumbu and crosses 3 major passes to link the valleys of Thame, Gokyo, Khumbu and Imja Khola.
From Namche Bazaar, we follow the course of the Bhote Khosi towards Tibet, before turning eastwards to cross the spectacular Renjo La (5340m). Then, from the holy lakes at Gokyo, it's up and over the Cho La (5420m) to reach Everest Basecamp and the dramatic viewpoint summit of Kala Patar. Our walk out takes us by way of the Kongma La (5535m) before joining the Everest Trail to walk out via the villages of Dingboche and Pangboche and the monastery of Tengboche. Optional ascents of Gokyo Ri and Chukung Ri add spice to this challenging trip, which we choose to run with a KE Western leader. Running this circuit of the main passes of Khumbu in a clockwise direction means we can build up our acclimatisation on uncrowded trails and in the unspoiled valley of the Bhote Kosi, leaving Everest Base Camp as the climax of the trip and also means we spend a minimum amount of time on the popular Everest Trail. For experienced trekkers who want to visit Everest Base Camp but wish to eschew the crowds and experience authentic Sherpa culture, this holiday really does have it all.
Is this holiday for you?
The majority of the time on this holiday you will be walking on good paths and yak trails, providing straightforward walking conditions. Climbing to cross the three principal passes on the circuit offers more difficult trekking conditions, mainly due to the relatively high altitudes. Crossing these passes will involve negotiating slopes of loose rock and scree. In addition the Cho La pass is glaciated and often snow covered. The optional walk-up peaks and viewpoints and the trek to Everest base-camp require no technical equipment or experience but each presents a challenging climb at altitude. In order to provide a comprehensive tour of the Khumbu, the trekking programme is necessarily ambitious and the high grade of the holiday reflect this. If the optional walk-up peaks and excursion to basecamp are not included (taken as rest days) this trip will be one or two grade points easier. Thi holiday should be within the capabilities of fit and active hill-walkers who have put in some extra training leading up to the trek. It should be noted that trekking at altitudes up to and over 5000 metres is always strenuous.
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