Tour Archives - Mount Everest 3D

Mera Peak (5.806 m)

hannes — Wed, 24 Mar 2021 07:56:43 +0000

Khongma Tse (previously Mehra Peak) is a tall, 5,000 m summit rising over Khumbu glacier and belongs to the long mountain range that leads to Nuptse’s southeast ridge. As with Pokalde, Khongma Tse is accessible via Kongma Pass and is considered to be one of the more demanding trekking summits. Starting from the two glacial lakes at the pass, the trail follows the south face up and over numerous moraines. The terraced glacier can then be traversed along either of its sides. These lead to a snowy, rocky ridge that takes you to the peak. The view from here is striking, in particular towards Nuptse’s imposing south face, over Khumbu glacier, Pumori, Ama Dablam and out in the distance, over Makalu.

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Nangkartsang Peak (5.072m)

hannes — Wed, 24 Mar 2021 07:55:26 +0000

Nangkartsang Peak is an attractive outlook point situated some 700 m over Dingboche. Nagkartsang is not a true summit, but rather part of the south east ridge that leads to Pokalde. A well-defined trail follows the gradual and later steep mountain ridge up to the peak.

Nangkartsang is a favourite amongst those “collecting” 5,000 m summits and an ideal ascent for acclimatization purposes. The view from the top is also not bad: from here, Ama Dablam towers majestically, directly across the valley. As compensation for Mount Everest which is hidden by Nuptse at this point, those arriving here have an excellent view of Lhotse and Makalu in all their glory.

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Pokalde Peak (5.806 m)

hannes — Wed, 24 Mar 2021 07:53:39 +0000

Pokalde Peak was first summited in 1953 and is often overlooked, despite its central location and excellent views over Nuptse, Pumori and Ama Dablam. This mountain is particularly suited for acclimatization tours, thanks to its relatively low degree of difficulty (both technically and in terms of required condition). Those looking to climb Pokalde should wait for fair weather, as certain stretches are hazardous and can only be traversed on days with good visibility. Various ascents lead up to the 5,806 m peak, but the majority of trekkers opt for the shorter trail. This version starts in Kongma La Pass (5,528 m) and follows the northern ridge.

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Lobuche East (6.119 m)

hannes — Wed, 24 Mar 2021 07:52:20 +0000

This trek starts at Lobuche Base Camp, at 5,200 m. Those arriving here will have travelled the same path as that to Everest Base Camp (see description here), but ended their journey shortly after Thokla Pass at the tongue of Khumbu Glacier. Alternatively, some may have ventured up and over Cho La Pass (read more here).

The ascent to Lobuche East is considered a demanding trek. From Lobuche Base Camp, you travel up along the mountain’s shoulder to reach the southwest ridge at approx. 5,600 meters. This ridge is chiselled at an approximate 45° incline and leads to summit ridge at 5,900 m. From here, a more forgiving slope leads through some 300 elevation meters, past the false summit, and on to Lobuche Summit.

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From Gokyo to Lobuche

hannes — Wed, 24 Mar 2021 07:49:12 +0000

Gokyo-Lobuche - Day 1

Start: Gokyo (4,750 m), Goal: Dragnag (4,700 m)
Distance: 4 km, Duration: 4 hours

The trail from Gokyo heads over Ngozumpa Glacier and ends in Dragnag , taking you up and over the glacier, till, rocks and the underlying ice. The desolate landscape provides a unique experience and leaves travellers with a lasting impression. Although the traverse always follows a zig-zag pattern, the path across the glacier itself changes from year to year. Expect to see numerous kettle lakes and a show of falling ice as the glaciers dive into the grey-green waters below.

Gokyo-Lobuche - Day 2

Start: Dragnag (4,700 m), Goal: Dzonglha (4,843 m)
Distance: 8 km, Duration: 9 hours

Start your ascent to Chola Pass (5,420 m) early in the morning. The trek continues in A barren landscape with large, dark brown rock between two mountain sides. Here you will follow along the stream’s path. As you walk, the steep, rocky cwm that leads to the pass lies ahead of you. Icy temperatures tend to dominate the morning weather on this track, thanks to the trail’s position in the shade. Upon reaching the pass over boulders and serpentine trails, and given the proper weather conditions, you should be warmed by the sun and able to see the neighbouring valley. Porters rush by over ice and snow, heavily-laden and sporting shoes with no tread. From here, the trail continues on a sharp descent through almost 600 meters of elevation. Hikers should exercise caution here, as this stretch can be particularly slippery at times. After a final spurt uphill, you will have arrived in Dzonglha where you can hopefully land one of the few rooms available to travellers.

Gokyo-Lobuche - Day 3

Start: Dzonglha (4,843 m), Goal: Lobuche (4,930 m)
Distance: 6 km, Duration: 2 hours

Sunshine streaming through a frozen window pane wakes you to a world coated in frost . Today’s first task entails crossing a stream. The bridge to the other side consists of two thin tree trunks, but with some courage and a little gusto, the four meters are quickly overcome. From here, you will travel along the high valley, past the yellow base camp tents and on to Lobuche. An expansive, turquoise lake appears shortly hereafter. Further along the way, you will come across the broad path that leads to Everest Base Camp, which eventually merges with the current trail. Finally, the rocky valley is surrounded by brown mountain sides and Pumori’s white peak towers just before Lobuche.

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Kala Patthar (5.545 m)

hannes — Wed, 24 Mar 2021 07:43:24 +0000

Kala Patthar

Start: Gorak Shep (5,171 m), Goal: Kala Patthar (5,545 m)
Distance: 10 km, Duration: 5 hours

From Gorak Shep, one can climb the 5,545 meter high Kala Patthar or “Black Stone”. Kala Patthar is not officially recognized as a mountain in Nepal, thanks to its relatively low elevation and its position as a smaller peak on the ridge to neighboring Pumori (7,167 m). Even still, the route is one of the most popular peaks for many visitors and various trekking companies. The full climb from Gorak Shep should take about 2 hours.

Along the way, a number of landings allow for rest but the climb consists predominantly of steep inclines. Although the hike traverses through a mere 400 meters of altitude, you should also expect to feel a sobering reminder of your position above 5,000 meters with every step you take. Once you arrive at Khala Patthar’s peak, you will be rewarded with an excellent view of the west side of Mount Everest, the north wall and the west ridge.

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Gokyo Peak (5.360 m)

hannes — Wed, 24 Mar 2021 07:32:56 +0000

Gokyo Peak - Day 1

Start: Namche Bazaar (3,440 m), Goal: Dhole (4,100 m)
Distance: 10 km, Duration: 7 hours

The trail leading from Namche Bazaar to Gokyo is just two meters wide and embedded in a mountainside that verges on the vertical. This masterpiece was constructed by many diligent Nepalese and leads through low-lying vegetation. Along the way, the white peaks of Ama Dablam and Thamserku may even be visible, depending on the weather conditions. Cloud forests with four-meter-high rhododendrons and braided tree canopies line the way further ahead. Mondara Pass is a good stop to take a break and eat lunch. Half an hour later and 300 meters lower, you will reach Phortse Tanga before heading the short distance downhill to Dhole.

Gokyo Peak - Day 2

Start: Dhole (4,100 m), Goal: Machhermo (4,430 m)
Distance: 5 km, Duration: 3 hours

Soon after Dhole, you will have passed the treeline and find yourself on another path cut into the valley’s side. Two hours on, you will have reached Louza, where a small plateau fans out ahead. Machermo marks the next stop on the tour, about a half hour’s trek down the road. The small valley offers a welcome windbreak and a medical clinic for those seeking care

Gokyo Peak - Day 3

Start: Machhermo (4,430 m), Goal: Gokyo (4,750 m)
Distance: 7 km, Duration: 4 hours

The 3.5 hours to Gokyo begin here. The landscape gradually becomes more level until you arrive at a sort of highland plateau. From here, two lakes pass until Gokyo’s houses finally appear at the third. Keep in mind that the thin air and lack of sunshine will result in considerably slower movement and a challenge to keep warm.

Gokyo Peak - Day 4

Start: Gokyo (4,750 m), Goal: Gokyo Ri (5,360 m)
Distance: 2 km, Duration: 3 hours

Those looking to climb to the outlook point nearby are well-advised to get an early start. The trail follows the mountainside on a slight incline and over low, scraggy grass. After some three hours of walking in what feels like slow-motion, you will arrive at the peak, laced with prayer flags. At this point, you should see a number of 8,000 meter peaks: Cho Oyu with its glacier, Mount Everest, Lhotse and Makalu along with many other six- and seven-thousand-meter peaks. Take your time to take in and enjoy the view over these imposing summits.

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Island Peak (6.173 m)

hannes — Wed, 24 Mar 2021 07:24:08 +0000

Island Peak - Day 1

Start: Dingboche (4,260 m), Goal: Chukung (4,730 m)
Distance: 4 km, Duration: 3 hours

Dingboche offers the last warm shower before the great adventure to Island Peak begins. Tibetan merchants often come to showcase their wares here and the trail begins on a slight incline. A single, relatively small glacial stream lies nestled in the valley despite the large drainage basin. The vegetation cover consists of low bushes: juniper, a species of barberry and sea-buckthorn shrubs bearing juicy little orange fruits. Their juice is extremely rich in vitamins but also fairly expensive, providing a solid source of income for the local community. The landscape is wild and mellifluous at once. Lhotse and Ama Dablam tower to your left and right, while up ahead, like a glaciated mountain ridge between two white giants, soars the 6,178-meter-high Island Peak. Once in Chuhkung, it’s time to take it easy. The lodge terraces have a late-afternoon vibe reminiscent of those in many Alpine huts.

Island Peak - Day 2

Start: Chukung (4,730 m), Goal:Island Peak Base Camp (5,120 m)
Distance: 7 km, Duration: 3 hours

The final stretch to Base Camp begins on a slight incline, up on top of the moraine. Then the path leads on into a further valley where yaks graze and a gentle montane river flows. The final stretch runs along the terminal moraine that bolsters Lake Imja. One can only start to guess at the full lake that lies beyond. Here, the stones, sand and what little grass exists, shimmer as if coated in silver. A few tents stand pitched at Base Camp and three simple toilets serve to keep the camp clean. A short hike up the camp’s neighbouring moraine reveals a view over the colossal glacial lake.

Island Peak - Day 3

Start:Island Peak Base Camp (5,120 m), Goal: Island Peak (6,173 m)
Distance: 3 km, Duration: 12 hours

Island Peak (Imja Tse) lies between the imposing Lhotse south face and Ama Dablam. The mountain’s name was given by Eric Shipton and refers to its isolated position, encircled by a sea of ice below. In 1983, Island Peak was officially renamed “Imja Tse” (Nepali for Island Peak), but many continue to use its English name. Imja Tse was first ascended in 1956 by a team of Swiss mountaineers training for Mount Everest and Lhotse.

The ascent to Island Peak is considered to be fairly manageable in relation to other peaks. Above its base camp at 5,100 m, the trail continues smoothly up to the glacier. An ice wall with a 60 degree incline comes next, to be traversed with the help of fixed cables. This is followed by the mountain’s ridge that leads you to the summit.

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Mt. Everest Base Camp

hannes — Wed, 17 Mar 2021 12:47:32 +0000

Day 1 - A Precarious Landing

Start: Lukla (2,807 m), Goal: Phakding (2,633 m), Distance: 7 km, Duration: 4 hours

Just a small propeller plane and a 40 minute flight take you from Kathmandu to Lukla (2,840 m) – one of the most famous airports in the world. Due to its montane location, Lukla’s runway sits on a slight incline and spans a mere 600 meters.This causes planes to decelerate more strongly during landing, but also results in much faster take-offs. Taken together, it’s no wonder many consider Lukla to be one of the world’s most treacherous airports.

Lukla also serves as the starting point for most travelers and aspiring trekkers in the Khumbu region. Here, yaks are loaded, carriers are organized, and last-minute purchases are made. Once all is set, the adventure can begin.

Your first day of trekking to Mount Everest Base Camp consists of a 3 hour hike that ends in Phakding. The trail weaves through vibrant rhododendron and magnolia forests, passing many small villages and lodges where you can make contact with the local sherpa population. Phakding conveniently lies at an elevation just below Lukla’s (2,600 m), so you can ajust to the altitude with ease.

Day 2 - The First Step is Always the Hardest

Start: Phakding (2,633m), Goal: Namche Bazar (3,440 m), Distance: 10 km, Duration: 5 hours

The trail from Phakding to Namche Bazaar marks the first test of your physical fitness.

After a 2 to 3 hour hike you will arrive at the border to Everest National Park. Entry requires a permit which should have already been acquired in Kathmandu and which will be requested by military personnel upon entering and exiting the national park. To avoid unnecessary hassle, please ensure you have it ready for the border control and stow it in a safe place during your travels.

Just beyond the entrance you will find the Everest-Guest-House. It is wise to take a break at this lodge as it is the last rest stop before Namche Bazaar. Further down the path comes the first and most thrilling of the trail’s suspension bridges: the Hillary Bridge. Once safely across, a steep ascent begins which should be taken slowly. The higher you climb, the more icy giants (e.g. Thamserku at 6,623 m) come into view.

Before you know it, the first houses of Namche Bazar (3,440 m) appear and you will have arrived in the village. Namche Bazaar lies protected in a caldera, where buildings stretch across the terraced hillsides. With its colorful roofs and bustling streets, the city makes a friendly impression and an ideal stop for an extra day of acclimatization.

Day 3 - Khumjung and Hot Tea

Start: Namche Bazaar (3,440 m), Goal: Tengboche (3,843 m), Distance: 8 km, Duration: 4 hours

Leaving Namche Bazaar, the trail continues deeper into the Khumbu valley, towards the well-known Tengboche monastery. This path takes you to Khumjung, which is the Sherpa’s unofficial capital city.

Khumjung lies along many hiking routes in this region, so accommodation and shops that cater to trekking and mountaineers are abundant here. Alongside the local bank, post office and dental clinic, you will also find several internet cafes, an administrative center for the Khumbu region and Sagarmatha National Park and a short runway (although this is currently used for medical emergencies only).

Those who resist the town’s hustle and bustle will be in Tengboche in about 2-3 hours. This is the religious center of the Khumbu region and home to a Buddhist monastery with the largest temple in the region. The original structure was built in 1923, and was rebuilt following a fire in 1989.

The interested traveler can attend the daily ceremony given by the monks. After the prayers, one will hand out hot tea. Shortly thereafter, a monk will sound a horn which cues to the other monks to accompany him on various instruments. For newcomers, the action can be somewhat difficult to follow, but is undoubtedly exciting to witness, nonetheless.

Day 4 - Crossing the Treeline

Start: Tengboche (3,843 m), Goal: Pheriche (4,238 m), Distance: 10 km, Duration: 5 hours

As of Tengboche, the trail runs parallel to the Imja Khala River and on towards Pangboche. Although you could carry on directly to Pheriche after a short rest, the monastery in the upper part of town is well worth a quick visit. It is the oldest monastery in the valley and has been well kept. It is looked after by a sole monk who takes on this stewardship for a year before passing the responsibility on to another.

Heading on from Pangboche, the path climbs steadily and with each step, the landscape changes more and more rapidly. You will also notice the vegetation dwindling and temperatures dropping with the increase in altitude. After reaching the highest point of about 4,280 meters, a final walk downhill leads you to Pheriche.

The village is very modest and does not offer much in terms of shopping, but it does have a clinic that provides medical care. Pheriche also lies in a scenic region on the river, surrounded by many peaks towering over 6,000 meters high.

Day 5 - Memorials to the Fallen

Start: Pheriche (4,238 m), Goal: Lobuche (4,930 m), Distance: 8 km, Duration: 4 hours

As of Pheriche, the trail continues up on to a ridge. The slope is traversed at a more or less consistent elevation and takes you to Tughla (4,620 m), where you can take a drink break. From here on, the track starts a steep ascent towards Khumbu glacier.

After the first hard climb you will likely come across “Khagan chorten” (Khanggani = door), which were originally built for fallen Everest victims and serve to cleanse travelers of evil spirits and demons. Amongst these, you will also find a memorial for the American, Scott Fischer, who lost his life in the tragic events of May 1996. After a final push, you reach a small pass, the hike relaxes into a gradual incline and you arrive in Lobuche at a height of 4,930 meters.

Day 6 - Khumbu Glacier

Start: Lobuche (4,930 m), Goal: Gorak Shep (5,171 m), Distance: 4 km, Duration: 3 hours

The trail from Lobuche to Gorak Shep rises steadily but also consistently. The thin air will also become more and more apparent and you will naturally walk much more slowly. Nevertheless, you should reach Gorak Shep (5,164 m) in about 2-3 hours. This path also follows the edge of the Khumbu glacier, although you may not recognize it at first. A blanket of gravel and stones initially obscures its tongue from view but subsides the further along you go; the farther you hike, the more ice is revealed.

Gorak Shep is the last permanently inhabited settlement on the slopes of Mount Everest and is named after the region’s Gorak chickens. The village consists of a few simple lodges and marks a natural starting point for the ascent to Everest Base Camp. Its location also lends itself as the starting point for Kala Patthar – a well-known and very popular peak with a view out to Mount Everest.

Day 7 - Everest Ahoy

Start: Gorak Shep (5,171 m), Goal: Khala Patthar (5,545 m) Distance: 10 km, Duration: 5 hours

From Gorak Shep, one can climb the 5,545 meter high Khala Patthar. The name Khala Patthar means “Black Stone”. Khala Patthar is not officially recognized as a mountain in Nepal, thanks to its relatively low elevation and its position as a smaller peak on the ridge to neighboring Pumori (7,167 m). Even still, the route is one of the most popular peaks for many visitors and various trekking companies. The full climb from Gorak Shep should take about 2 hours.

Along the way, a number of landings allow for rests, but the climb consists predominantly of steep inclines. Although the hike traverses through a mere 400 meters of altitude, you should also expect to feel a sobering reminder of your position above 5,000 meters with every step you take. Once you arrive at Khala Patthar’s peak, you will be rewarded with an excellent view of the west side of Mount Everest, the north wall and the west ridge.

Day 8 - Home Sweet Home

Start: Gorak Shep (5,171 m), Goal: Everest Base Camp (5,400 m), Distance: 4 km, Duration: 4 hours

The final day’s trek follows Khumbu glacier’s river to Everest Base Camp. The base camp is located at almost 5,400 meters and is the starting point for the ascent to Mount Everest along the southern route.

The most famous base camp in the world lies about 2 hours from Gorak Shep along a gradual, but exhausting path. The trail continuously rises and falls, weaving through Khumbu’s many lateral moraines and taking you toward the valley’s end.

Along the way, a number of memorials for further victims of the 1996 Everest tragedy come into view. Personal chorten built for famous climbers such as Rob Hall and Andy Harris are also nearby. To visit them, take a short, 15-minute side trip uphill. For those with a few more minutes to spare, a spread of many more memorials awaits along the hill.

Soon after you set out for Base Camp, a colorful arrangement of tents will materialize in the distance. After descending the lateral moraine to the actual glacier, the first tents will officially lay in front of you, followed by the expansive camp ground at nearly 5,400 meters. Most returning expeditions are located here during the peak season, and have fenced off their own area. Many of these have also constructed their own small stupas and decorated them with colorful prayer flags.

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