Trekking - Nepal - Khumbu Highlights Trek

Visit the best spots of the entire Solo Khumbu, including Everest Base Camp

The Solo Khumbu, the basis of the highest mountain in the world and the home land of the famous Sherpa people. For a long time, this spectacular and spiritual mountain area has been attracting ambitious trekkers and mountaineers from all over the world. During this challenging trek you will visit the most beautiful and most spectacular view-points of the entire Solo Khumbu, including four summits and two demanding mountain passes all of an altitude 5000 to 5600m!

To use your time effectively, you will fly immediately to the Solo Khumbu. From that moment you will find yourself in the most beautiful mountain sceneries you will find in the entire Himalayas. The green Dudh Kosi Valley (milk river) leads you to the pleasant trade center of the Khumbu: Namche Bazar. Here, the first Himalayan giants appear against the blue skies: Ama Dablam, Cholatse, Thamserku and Kangtaiga, followed, a few days later, by the impressive 8000+ peaks of Makalu, Cho Oyu, Lhotse and Chomolungma or Mount Everest! In the area of Gokyo, you will climb Gokyo Ri (5340m) and Ngozumpa-Tse (5553m) to get a stunning view of Mt Everest and its enormous glacier structures. From here you will trek back, cross Cho La (5420m) and continue all the way to Kala Pattar (5600m) and Mt Everest base camp itself. Here you will be inspired by the expedition teams and impressed by the sight at the very instable Khumbu Ice Fall. After one unforgettable night in the base camp you will leave the Everest expedition teams and climb steeply up to Kongma La (5535m) and its hidden lakes. An incredible place that gives you a complete different view on another part of the Khumbu and spectacular mountains. Finally, you will descend to the village of Chukung, a major stop on the way to two other famous objectives: Island Peak (6120m) and Amphu Labtsa (5800m). Your journey ends in Namche Bazar and Lukla from where you will fly back to Kathmandu.

General trip description

Trek route: Kathmandu, Lukla, Namche Bazar, Gokyo, Cho la, Everest BC, Kongma la, Chukung, Namche Bazar, Lukla, Kathmandu

In this trip you start with a spectacular flight to an altitude of 2800m in a small STOL aircraft. You trek across very good trails, though little mountain villages, deep, green valley’s, across suspension bridges and wild rivers up to cold alpine area’s. From Namche Bazar, the main trade center with all tourist facilities, you trek through wide valleys to Gokyo, still across good trails. Gokyo is build next to Gokyo Ri and several lakes. Behind Gokyo the scenery becomes wilder where the trails may not be visible anymore. Ngozumpa-Tse is a short but rough climb across rocks and perhaps snow. By crossing a moraine glacier and you will reach the base of Cho La. This is a steep climb across rocks and perhaps snow. The rocky descent ends in a wide, grassy valley from where good trails lead to Gorak Shep. The last part to Kala Patthar and Mt Everest BC may be a tiring walk across unstable moraines with many different paths and many ups and downs. Mt Everest base camp is built on a rocky glacier just near the Khumbu Ice Fall. Kongma La is a last steep climb across small sandy trails and big rocks. From here you will descent to Chukung valley and further down to Namche Bazar across good, sandy and grassy trails. The slopes in this trip can be steep so now and then. Landslides and falling rocks are possible at certain stages.

Team composition

This trek is organized in classic expedition style only or in combination with lodge style. Classic expedition style means that camps will be established (at camp sites) along the trails. Simple guesthouses may be available and used, too.

Within our full trekking service - package, the trek is led by an experienced Nepalese trekking leader, supported by a team of Sherpa’s, cooks and porters or yaks. The trekking leader has managed many treks & expeditions and knows the route very well. The trekking leader and the Sherpa’s lead the way and establish al camps. A strong team of porters or yaks carries all equipment & food. Check the different, available service packages to see what is included and not included.

Well developed and proven trekking and acclimatization schedules with sufficient rest & acclimatization days guarantee the safety and the highest chance to reach the different goals in this trek. The strategy and all options will be discussed on the way.

Minimum / maximum group size:
- Private treks: no limit
- Fixed departure treks: minimum 3 members / maximum:12 members

Experience & skills

This trek does not require specific experience or skills, although you should feel comfortable walking on steep, rocky, slippery and unstable terrain. Crossing high passes may involve some scrambling across rock and snow sections.

This trek is open for anybody who is fit. View the trip’s difficulty for more details. However, as you’re part of a group during demanding activities, you must prepare yourself for working and living in and with a group of people who share the same, common goal! An easy going, flexible attitude is a must.

Equipment list

After booking all members will receive a final equipment list detailing all necessary clothing and (climbing) equipment to be individually provided. You may download an example list on this page (right top).

Best season, climate, temperatures

Indication of best seasons to make this trip (stable weather and clear views):
- Spring: March, April, May
- Autumn: October, November, December

Indication of temperatures: (depending on weather conditions)
- Below 5000m varying from: Day time: +10ºC / +30ºC. Night time: -5ºC / +15ºC
- Above 5000m varying from: Day time: -5ºC / +10ºC. Night time: -8ºC / -15ºC

Rain may be expected in the lower areas from Lukla to Namche Bazar. Mountain storms are unpredictable and can arise quickly, changing trekking conditions dramatically. Rain, snow and strong winds are always possible.

Important: The described terrain and weather conditions are based on experience and judgments of Mountain Consult guides, clients and local people. Be aware that terrain conditions may change and that weather conditions might influence the trips difficulty.

Total days
Active days
22
20
B0-C0
Max. climbing altitude
Max. camping altitude
5600 meter
5300 meter
Departures
Packages
Fixed departure prices pp
-
-
8 - 12
4 - 7
-

Tailor made possibillity? Available service packages
Yes! You can book this trip as
a private, tailor made program.
Request a quotation!
Full Trekking Services (?)
Lodge Service (?)

Suggested itinerary

[ Arrival in Kathmandu / free days ]

  1. Kathmandu - Briefing
  2. Lukla - TokTok
  3. Namche Bazar
  4. Namche Bazar
  5. Thame
  6. Marlung
  7. Langden
  8. Renjo Lake
  9. Renjo La - Gokyo
  10. Gokyo (Gokyo Ri or Ngozumpa-Tse)
  11. Cho La Base Camp
  12. Cho La - Dzonglha
  13. Gorak Shep
  14. Gorak Shep (Kala Pattar / Everest BC)
  15. Kongma La Base Camp
  16. Kongma La - Chukhung
  17. Chukhung (Island Peak BC)
  18. Dingboche
  19. Phortse
  20. Namche Bazar
  21. Lukla
  22. Kathmandu

[ End of services / free days / departure / continue travelling ]


Tags

nepal, trek, trekking, renjo la, solo khumbu, base camp, cho la, everest, gokyo, ice-fall, kala pattar, kongma la, medium-itinerary