Summary
With 18 days walking, 3 high passes over 5,000 and a glacier traverse, this circuit of the Everest region is undoubtedly the most rewarding Khumbu expedition as we trek and camp at altitude amongst the highest peaks on earth.

Trip description
This outstanding trek takes us through an ever-changing panorama of huge peaks, as we meander through the three valleys, and high passes of the Everest region. Not for the inexperienced trekker, this is a challenging trek which requires good fitness, stamina and some prior altitudinal trekking experience.

We begin our trek with a spectacular flight to the mountain strip of Lukla, from where we head to the capital of the region-Namche Bazaar. Here we acclimatise over a day and a half, enjoying the many creature comforts on offer in this bustling town before heading off into the big mountains.

Over the next two weeks we explore the Everest region, ascending a number of remote high passes and vantage points to claim some of the most incredible mountain vistas imaginable. Our first peak is Chukkung Ri at 5,546m from where we have perfect views of Nuptse. We then head towards Gorak Shep and Kala Pattar (5,545m) for classic views of Everest, and the Khumbu ice-fall. Crossing over another high pass - Cho La (5,420m) - and a glacier, we head for the Gokyo valley where Cho Oyu (8,153m) and Gyanchungkang (7,992m) dominate the skyline on the Tibetan border to the north. During a rest day, we ascend Gokyo Ri (5,360m) for more stunning panoramic views of the entire Khumbu region before heading off south west over our final high pass – Renzo La (5,345m), which looks west towards the Rolwaling Himal.

At each of the 5 vantage peaks (Chukkung Ri, Kongma La, Kala Pattar, Gokyo Ri and Renzo La) we are afforded spectacular views of five of the world’s 8000m peaks and countless others. The sensation of ‘exposure’ is a common feeling for those who have made this trek before; unsurprisingly one where they feel like they are on top of the world!

Our return trip takes us down the thundering Bhote Khosi River valley to Thame, to the confluence of the Dudh Kosi (the ‘River of Milk’), where we join the main trail down the valley to the airstrip at Lukla. Catching our return flight to Kathamandu, we have a little time to relax in our comfortable hotel and taste some of the city’s cultural delights before catching our return flight to the UK.