This section of the Three Excessive Passes Final Information covers days 7 – 9, together with some acclimatization hikes from Chukhung and the Kongma La Cross.
This information picks up from the earlier put up: Everest Three Excessive Passes Trek Day 4 – AMA DABLAM BASE CAMP
The map above will spotlight the final route for the subsequent a part of the trek. Keep in mind to ignore any Google time predictions, as a result of they definitely aren’t accounting for altitude. Additionally, it’s essential to have a bodily Everest Three Passes Trek map when mountain climbing within the Khumbu. This information shouldn’t substitute a correct map and needs to be a complement to particular person analysis and preparation efforts.
THE ACCLIMITISATION HIKES FROM CHUKHUNG AND THE KONGMA LA PASS ROUTES ON THIS MAP INDICATE DIRECTION ONLY. A DEDICATED MAP MUST BE USED FOR THESE SECTIONS.
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Day 7: Dingboche to Chukhung
TREKKING TIME: 2 HOURS
ALTITUDE: 405M ASCENT
SLEEPING ALTITUDE: 4730M
The trek from Dingboche to Chukhung within the higher Imja Valley is without doubt one of the first segments the place hikers will actually really feel like they’re off the crushed Everest Base Camp path. A aid to adventurers looking for an genuine Himalayan mountain climbing expertise, this section is comparatively quick however peaceable.
The path from Dingboche begins on the moraine slope on the southeastern aspect of the village. Take the higher path and start the regular ascent via the valley. Roughly midway, you’ll discover a small teashop virtually within the middle of the valley at Bibre.
As you proceed, the shifting form of Ama Dablam continues to shock because the peaks appear to merge right into a mountain virtually unrecognizable.
Take the time to get pleasure from a tea break or relaxation your legs earlier than persevering with on the vast path to Chhukung. The path is much less apparent in some stretches of this section, however, it’s a clear heading to the village of Chukhung speckled within the distance. So long as you proceed in roughly the identical route, it’s very tough to get it mistaken.
When you arrive in Chukhung, there are a number of lodges to drop your baggage and prepare for an acclimatization hike earlier than tackling the Kongma La Cross within the coming days. I might positively suggest the Khangri Resort, which provides honest costs and can typically have a number of trekkers staying there you can be a part of for the move.
Aspect Journey: Imja Tse (Island Peak) Base Camp
For the reason that trek from Dingboche to Chukung was fairly quick, you’ll have loads of time to deal with an vital acclimatization hike on the identical day, so long as you’re feeling as much as it. Be mindful, many trekkers expertise signs of AMS at Chukhung. Solely try additional acclimatization if you’re feeling wholesome and freed from signs.
The Island Peak Basecamp is a wonderful side-trip which takes roughly six to seven hours for the return journey. The path is gradual, however sweeps alongside the moraine of the Lhotse Glacier and passes the attractive Imja Tsho alpine lakes.
For this journey, you’ll acquire an extra 250 M of altitude. Nevertheless, this acquire is kind of gradual in comparison with Chukhung Ri.
For a lot of trekkers, this is without doubt one of the most stunning areas within the Khumbu. Take time to admire the frozen lakes and look again for a panoramic panorama of your already claimed floor again to Dingboche.
Imja Tse (Island Peak)
Island Peak is the most well-liked trekking peak within the Everest Area. the height rises to 6189 M and is often tried for a dawn summit from the bottom camp at 4970 M. In case you are trying to make a peak summit in your Three Passes journey, then you have to to arrange a climbing information, gear, and a climbing allow.
All of this may be organized in Kathmandu previous to reaching the mountains. Nevertheless, it’s additionally potential to affix in on different summit expeditions by chatting with guides and teahouse house owners in Chukhung. The chance will rely upon the season and whether or not any teams are submitting if you are there.
Day 8: Acclimatization in Chukhung – Climbing Chukhung Ri
TREKKING TIME: 4 HOURS
ALTITUDE: 815M ASCENT 815M DESCENT
SLEEPING ALTITUDE: 4730M
After a stable day of trekking, you’ll be rewarded with a vital acclimatization day in Chukhung earlier than trying the Kongma La Cross the next day.
In saying that and as you may need already guessed, you’ll nonetheless have to do strap up the boots and clock some altitude to arrange.
READ THE FULL BLOG POST FOR CHUKHUNG RI AND ISLAND PEAK BASE CAMP
Chukhung Ri Path
The very best and hottest side-trip and acclimatization hike from Chukhung is to hike to the summit of Chukhung Ri (5546 M). The return journey will take roughly 4 hours and may be very steep.
It’s finest to depart early for the perfect views and the perfect probabilities of reaching the highest. Start by selecting up the path on the Northeastern aspect of the village, simply previous the Makalu Lodge.
Chukhung Ri Summit
The primary section is rocky, with the path winding up the beginning of the hill earlier than leveling off to disclose a steep, virtually ski-slope like path. Because the altitude rises shortly, it’s vital to take your time and take loads of rests. The primary viewpoint is marked by prayer flags and chortens. From right here, you’ll have 360-degree views of the valley past, together with Imja Tse, Ama Dablam, Baruntse and Makalu.
You’ll additionally get a glimpse of the Kongma La Cross path on the opposite aspect of the valley.
Should you’re feeling match and wholesome, it’s potential to maintain trekking up the northern aspect to the prayer flags indicating the highest of the Chukhung Ri. This section is a bit more tough and requires some rock scrambling. Needless to say the wind tends to howl right here, and the cliffs are very steep. When you attain the highest, you’ll be at a better altitude (5546 M) than the Kongma La.
After soaking in what’s going to undoubtedly be one of the crucial unbelievable views on the earth, make the a lot quicker however knee-buckling 800-meter descent again to Chukhung, the place sizzling tea and heat Dahl Baht awaits.
Day 9: The Kongma La Cross to Lobuche
TREKKING TIME: 8-9 HOURS
ALTITUDE: 800M ASCENT 620M DESCENT
SLEEPING ALTITUDE: 4950M
By this time, assuming you’ve gotten made the suitable acclimatization stops, you need to be match and prepared for the primary move: The Kongma La Cross.
Be ready, the Kongma La Cross is ranked by many Three Excessive Passes trekkers as essentially the most tough by far. The path can also be incomparable to earlier segments and is finest tried in a bigger group. Many unbiased trekkers are anxious about this move, ask round your lodge to see if there are different people who find themselves keen to stroll collectively.
RELATED: Three Passes Packing Record – What You Want For The Three Passes & EBC Trek
Beginning the Kongma La Cross Path to Lobuche
Sound recommendation is to depart at first gentle from Chukhung, as this can enhance your probabilities of higher climate on the path and avoiding crossing the glacier at nighttime.
There are additionally no amenities or meals obtainable on the whole lot of the Kongma La Cross. It’s vital to pack each meals and water.
The path might be tough to seek out, nevertheless, all lodges will probably be joyful to information you to the beginning of the path, simply previous the Chukhung Resort on the northwest part of the village.
Comply with the seen path up and over the primary hill, ensuring to maintain the distant path in sight to keep away from getting misplaced. Proceed up, round, down and again up the rolling hillsides till you attain a steep and slippery incline beside the Niyang Khola Valley.
Steep Section
This explicit section may be very steep and slippery. Relying on the climate, it might even be tough to comply with a path attributable to ice and snow cowl. Take your time heading up till you attain the highest of the bluff, revealing a flatter valley with a number of lakes.
The Kongma La Cross
Proceed over the primary hill till you’ve gotten views over the bigger lakes. From right here, you’ll see the Kongma La seen within the distance the place prayer flags flap on the low level within the vary.
Nevertheless, earlier than you acquire the move, you’ll have to get across the frozen lake. Should you’re fortunate, there could already by footprints within the snow from different guided Three Excessive Cross trekkers. Watch out to not cross the precise ice. As an alternative, there’s a observe that wraps round to the fitting and up a small hill.
After getting handed the lake, you’ll have to scramble up a steep section of free scree and boulders earlier than arriving on the prime of the Kongma La (5535 M).
THE FULL EVEREST THREE HIGH PASSES GUIDE AND ITINERARY: DAY 1-3
The Kongma La Cross View
After roughly 5 hours of trekking, you’ll be rewarded with unbelievable panoramic views of the lakes and glacial landscapes. Within the distance, Makalu, the fifth tallest mountain on the earth stands tall above the remainder.
Wanting right down to the opposite aspect of the move, you’ll see a frightening, slippery descent with dangerously free scree and boulders. You’ll additionally see a dangling glacier which one way or the other, remains to be holding on.
Take your time to have a relaxation earlier than trying essentially the most harmful and tough a part of the Kongma La Cross.
The Descent
Meticulous care will should be taken when descending from the Kongma La Cross right down to Lobuche. That is notably true within the first part, the place steep, free rocks typically slip, creating harmful landslides and falling rocks. It’s finest to clear this part shortly and punctiliously, expecting any indicators of falling rocks.
This part may also be very slippery, passing over a number of sections of flowing or frozen water.
After a nail-biting descent, you’ll attain a softer and rounder part, the place you possibly can catch your breath and take a drink. That being stated, you continue to have loads of knee-straining decline in entrance of you.
After lastly reaching the underside of the valley, you’ll see the final last that must be climbed earlier than reaching the glacier. This part is steep, nevertheless, can simply be cleared in 20 minutes. Watch out to not take the extra apparent path to the fitting. As an alternative, comply with the fainter path up the hillside additional to your left.
Because of the speedy motion of the Khumbu Glacier, the crossing level has shifted a number of hundred meters, forcing those that take the right-most path to switchback alongside the highest of the rugged hillside earlier than making a descent to the glacier crossing level.
Crossing the Khumbu Glacier
Now for the ultimate stretch earlier than lastly with the ability to throw down your packs and a well-deserved meal (or two).
Many unprepared trekkers make the damaging try of crossing the glacier by strolling immediately over the ice. Fortuitously, there’s a clear part whereby to cross alongside a stretch of rock. It needs to be instantly seen from the highest of the hill.
As you cross, pay attention for the highly effective cracks and creaks of rock and ice as the traditional glacier snakes itself down the Himalayan panorama.
When you attain the opposite aspect of the glacier, it’s a brief trek up and down a number of rolling hills earlier than lastly making the satisfying descent into the township of Lobuche.
Luboche
What a day. Little question after clearing the Kongma La Cross, you’ll be exhausted and in dire want of sizzling meals and tea. Fortunately, Luboche is on the Everest Base Camp path, and subsequently has many glorious lodging amenities.
There’s even a bakery right here, famous as being the best bakery on the earth. Apparently, in addition they make unbelievable cappuccinos which are stated to take you right down to human altitude at some stage in the cup.
I might extremely suggest the Above The Clouds Lodge, situated behind the village. The proprietor is extraordinarily useful and a lovely particular person, providing people who have crossed the Kongma La Cross free tea and discounted lodging.
Preserve Studying the Everest Three Excessive Passes Trekking Information
That’s it for the Three Excessive Passes information days 7 – 9 and the Kongma La! Preserve studying within the subsequent articles beneath.
Additionally, don’t miss this Three Passes itinerary for a run-down on all the things you’ll have to know earlier than heading out on the Three Excessive Passes Trek.
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