Khumbu Route, Everest 3 pass #1

Course

Days 1 to 5

These first 5 days form the approach to the start of the 3-pass loop from Namche. The route crosses the Solukhumbu district and gradually climbs up the Khumbu valley, where the tumultuous waters of the Dudh Koshi river flow. The first 4 days are followed by a day of rest and acclimatization in Namche, before moving upwards.

Day 1: Phaplu 2480m - Taksindu 2930m

Day 2: Taksindu - Bupsa 2360m

Day 3: Bupsa - Cheplung 2680m

Day 4: Cheplung - Namche 3440m

Day 5: Rest and acclimatization Namche

Day 1: Phaplu 2480m - Taksindu 2930m

14.5 kms, 790m d+, 330m d-, alt max 3065m

Phaplu, end of the road. We start off walking on a wide track winding through the forest, probably passable in dry weather, but again impassable due to the mud and monstrous ruts. We pass small villages and hamlets. After a long series of switchbacks, you reach Ringmu with its pretty stupa. Here the trail climbs more steeply, crossing the trail several times until it reaches the Taksindu pass (Taksindu La, 3065m). We descend on the opposite side to quickly find the monastery (worth a visit) and lodges to spend the night.

Day 2: Taksindu 2930m - Bupsa 2360m

14.7 kms, 945m d+, 1570m d-, alt max 2945m

From the monastery, we begin a long, deep descent of over 1000m. We pass the village of Nunthala and, at the far end, a bridge allows us to cross the Dudh Koshi for the 1st time. We climb up the opposite side towards Jubing and after another 800m ascent, the trail passes the foot of the Pema Namding monastery and then the village of Kharikola, descending slightly. The final stretch is steep and leads up to a new ridge where the village of Bupsa is located.

Day 3: Bupsa 2360m - Cheplung 2680m

17 kms, 1270m d+, 910m d-, alt max 3080m

We continue through the forest behind Bupsa, this time with a view of the Khumbu valley leading to Namche and below to the Dudh Koshi. A short climb to cross the Kari La (3080m). The trail then follows the indentation of a secondary valley to cross a torrent and return to the Dhudh Koshi via Puya. Further on, it climbs up a little and gradually as it gets deeper and deeper. We leave Lukla above us and head straight for Cheplung for the night.

Day 4: Cheplung 2680m - Namche 3440m

16.1 kms, 1450m d+, 710m d-, alt max 3440m

Last stage to Namche, starting point of the loop. A paved path winds its way up the right or left bank of the Dudh Koshi, with superb suspension bridges to cross. A succession of small villages and guest houses. We pass Pakhding. The valley becomes more incised and we finally climb to Monjo, where we find the entrance to Sagamartha National Park at a gap. On the other side, the road descends and we cross a large bridge, then pass Jorsalle and follow the river. Finally, at the confluence of the Bothe and Dudh Koshi rivers, the ascent to Namche begins. A superb, aerial suspension bridge, the old one and the new, even higher one, and a rather steep, winding path through the forest lead to the bottom of Namche, the Sherpa capital, built at over 3400m in a sort of natural amphitheatre.

Day 5: Namche 3440m

A day of rest and acclimatization. It's also an opportunity to stock up on trekking gear, given the number of mountain stores on m2. Take a hot shower and enjoy the wifi in the bars. Above that, it'll be rarer...