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Three Peaks Trek in Everest Region is a physically and mentally challenging journey through the Khumbu valley. Climbing Three Trekking peaks along with Three High Passes in Khumbu region is definitely a lifetime trekking and climbing experience. Though classified as ‘trekking peaks,’ Lobuche East, 6119m, Pokalde, 5806m, and Island Peak, 6189m, are moderately technical and offer the best possible introduction to your Himalayan climbing in one of the most spectacular regions in the world. The Three Peaks in Everest Region also includes Three High Passes, Renjo La, 5435m, Cho La, 5420m, and Kongma La 5535m and five valleys in the Everest Region. This expedition is achievable for any highly fit trekker who wants to develop climbing skills and experience trekking and climbing in the high Himalaya of Nepal.
Three Peaks in Everest Region Expedition begins with a flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, 2850m, where the trek begins. Namche Bazaar, known as the Sherpa capital, is the last and largest village before heading west into the remote Bhote Koshi Valley. The approach trekking takes one week from Namche and goes over the Renjo La Pass, 5435m, descends to the beautiful Gokyo Lakes and ascends Gokyo Ri, 5360m, before heading over the Cho La Pass, 5420m. By the time we finally get to the Lobuche East High Camp, we have not only seen the extreme beauty of the heart of the Khumbu, but we are also well acclimatized to climb Lobuche East Peak.
The best season for Three Peaks Climbing is from March to May (Spring) and from September to November (Autumn). However, the winter is also a great time to climb if you are well prepared for the cold weather. In the crisp and cold month of December the views of the mountains are crystal clear and there are fewer tourists around.
The trekking will start with the flight from Kathmandu to Lukla airport. Lukla airport offers you with lifetime experience as it is one of the dangerous airports in the world. The runway of the airport lies between the two hills which is the difficult runaway for the experienced pilot also. Its airfield is at high elevation and the difference between the two ends of the runway is about 60 metres. From here trekkers will begin their trek to the Phakding with green landscape and view of Kusum Kangaru. The trekkers will stay at the guesthouse here and enjoy the evening and night time with the local cuisine and dinner.
From Phakding trekkers have to cross the river to reach the valley. The trail is near to the river valley with beautiful blue pine and rhododendron forest. After crossing the Dudh Koshi at Benkar , trekkers can get the sight of snow capped peaks of Kusum Kangaru and Thamserku. It is only the short walk to Monjo where trekkers gather around to have lunch. From Monjo , National Park is about a short distance. In the hours of daylight the walking is a little problematic and is an uphill way to Namche bazaar. The trail now goes to the generally flat terrain, crossing back to the right bank to the meeting point of the Bhote Koshi and Dudh Koshi Rivers. The trekkers have to walk through the large suspension bridge.
We started trekking from Namche Bazaar towards Thame. Thame is at the far end of the Khumbu valley, and you may feel it is also almost the end of the earth! The local inhabitants are still untouched by modern civilization. We go past the large prayer flags, the entrance monument, Chortens and the carved Mani stones.
The trail to Lungden today passes through ancient Sherpa villages with stone walls encircling them such as Tarang. This is a dry area because of which the flora and fauna is different from what you have seen so far. We may also have to share trails with Tibetan yak caravans as this is a trading route from Namche to Tibet.
Today, we rest preparing for a big day tomorrow. We visit the Napa valley, the old trade route to Tibet and take a short hike to the nearby Darkyachhulung peak and Lake Cho Relmo.
The trail starts out with steep ups and downs over rocks before leveling out to Yak Kharka (pastures) and Twin Renjo lakes before reaching the sandy ridge of Renjo La pass. We cross a frozen stream and scramble over boulders on the way down to reach Gokyo Lake.
In the morning we climb for around two hours up to Gokyo Peak, 5360m. This is a straight-forward, but steep climb and also tiring (due to the altitude). However, it will be worth the effort as this is one of the best panoramic views in the Khumbu. From the rocky summit, four peaks over 8000 metres can be seen which are Mount Everest (8848m), Cho Oyu (8153m), Lhotse (8511m) and Makalu (8481m) respectively and other snow giants too.
From here we follow the lateral moraines and walk for two hours on glacial scree across the Ngozumpa glacier, a series of ups and downs. After crossing the glacier, we reach the yak herders’ huts and tea houses of Thagnag.
This day will be a big challenge. You should carry at least 2 liters of water as it is not possible to buy in this area. We have to start early in the morning, between 4:30-5:30. The first two hours we have will be a steep climb up to yak pasture which we call the Chola High Camp. Though there aren’t any houses there, you will see Buddhist prayers flags blowing in the wind instead. The next 1 and half hours won’t be that steep because of loose stones and uneven ground. So, we recommend that you use trekking poles and be careful enough to take the advice of our guide.
The ascent to the snowy Cho La pass is very steep and it will take about 2 hours. From the pass, there is a superb view of Dzongkha Valley and its lake as well as the impressive North face of Jobo Lhaptshan, 6300m. The descent to Dzongkha, on the Cho La glacier is an endurance test.
The trek from Dzongkha village toward the Lobuche High Camp starts out with a gradual incline at a relatively low altitude and quickly becomes steep and rocky when we reach Lobuche Glacier. You will enjoy great views of Ama Dablam, Cholatse, Pokalde, Thamserku, Kantega and others. After a lunch at Lobuche High Camp and a couple of hours to rest, the guides will provide training on peak climbing techniques; they will teach you how to use climbing gear: ice axe, climbing boot, harness, jummar, and ropes used at the summit.
Early in the morning, we set out for the summit of Lobuche East, where you will get one of the best views of the greatest mountains in the world: Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Cholatse, Pumori, and many more. We spent some time at the summit celebrating our accomplishment and taking pictures before heading down to Base Camp.
Today, we trek on past Gorakshep 5130m to reach Everest Base Camp. After celebrating our efforts and photographing this achievement, we return to Gorakshep.
An early morning climb will take us to our destination peak, Kala Pattar, following the Khumbu Glacier. From Kala Pattar, we will see the sunrise and enjoy superb views of the surrounding mountains. We descend for lunch at Lobuche, 4915m, and continue down to Dingboche.
An early morning climb will take us to our destination, Pokalde base camp. After crossing the Kongma La Pass (5535 m), the trail starts out with steep ups and downs over rocks rather you will see Buddhist prayer flags blowing in the wind. The next is not so steep but because of loose stones and uneven ground, we recommend that you use walking sticks.
We have to start in the morning to climb through the rock channel. Although it is not difficult, there are many short rock steps to be crossed before you come across the other side of the channel. Then the trail leads to the ridgeline where you traverse the snout of the summit . After enjoying the summit view, you will descend all the way to Chhukung, 4710m.
From Chhukung, the path climbs steeply toward the South and then turns east following the valley along the moraine from the Lhotse glacier. We continue a short yet pleasant walk along the river side which leads to Big-Rock. From this point a 40 minute climb will take us to Island Peak Base Camp.
We have to start early in the morning to climb through the rock channel. Although it is not difficult, there are many short rock steps to be crossed before you come across the other side of the channel. Then the trail leads to the ridgeline where you traverse the snout of the summit glacier. You will need to rope up for the glacier as it contains several crevasses, which leads with little difficulty, to a 100m snow and ice slope (40-45°) on which the guides will fix a rope. From the top of this slope, 3 rope lengths along a sharp summit ridge will take you to the top. After enjoying the summit view, you will descend all the way to Chhukung, 4710m.
We trek down to Dingboche and again pass through the Pangboche village, the same trail we used on the way up. The trail leads down to a river. After crossing the river, we walk for an hour up through the forest and reach Tengboche after continuously to Namche.
This trekking trail follows a sandy path with strenuous walk. The trail is full of views of landscape and some mountain scenarios. The trekkers can explore Lukla bazaar and local shops. You can also celebrate your successful trekking with special brands of drinks.
Fly from Lukla Airport to Kathmandu Airport and enjoy the panoramic views of snowy mountains from the window of the plane.
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