Scenic Rewards
Below is a list of the scenic rewards of the Everest Three High Pass Trek.
The Himalayas
Trekkers can witness sweeping panoramas of the majestic mountains. Mount Everest, Ama Dablam, Nuptse, Cho Oyu, and Lhotse are the most prominent. As trekkers reach the base camp, they get the closest land view of the highest mountain in the world.
Glaciers and landscapes
Trekkers walk along the Khumbu and the Ngozumpa glaciers. Khumbu is the highest, and Ngozumpa is the longest and largest glacier in Nepal. Its trekking routes consist of lush valleys, rhododendron forests, traditional villages, alpine meadows, icefalls, and alpine moraines. These varying landscapes create a beautiful visual contrast.
Sagarmatha National Park
At Monjo, trekkers officially enter this UNESCO World Heritage site while walking from Lukla to Phakding. It is home to more than 100 species of birds and about 30 species of mammals. Himalayan Thar, musk deer, red panda, Himalayan black bear, snow leopard, etc., are some of the unique wild animals that shelter here. Therefore, trekkers may spot them during the three pass journey, especially in the spring and autumn seasons. Likewise, the most common birds include the monal, snowcock, blood pheasant, and choughs.
Dudh Pokhari
After crossing Cho La and before heading towards the Renjo La pass, trekkers can visit the Gokyo Valley. After that, they get to explore the fifth lake of the Gokyo Lake cluster, Dudh Pokhari. It is the largest water body of the system and has striking turquoise water.
Kala Patthar
It is the highest elevation of the journey and offers one of the most awe-striking sunrise views. The surrounding mountains, namely, Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Pumori, Lingtren, and Khumbutse, are illuminated in the shade of gold and pink. Similarly, this viewpoint is said to offer the clearest and closest view of Everest.
Namche Bazaar
It is a bustling market with small stalls or shops where trekkers can purchase handicrafts. The locals sell handmade products, like woolen scarves, sweaters, blankets, andjewelry. This is the perfect place to go for some souvenir shopping for your friends back home, which is more than just decorations. Prayer flags and singing bowls reflect the rich Sherpa culture and heritage.
Views From Kongma La Pass (5,535 meters)
It is the highest mountain pass among the three and offers sweeping sights of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Nuptse. Similarly, the Khumbu Glacier stretches across the valley, and trekkers can see dramatic ice formations and glacial moraines.
Views From Cho La Pass (5,535 meters)
From the top, trekkers can witness glaciers along with the beautiful Gokyo Valley and the Dzongla Valley. Similarly, various peaks, such as Ama Dablam, Baruntse, Cholatse, and Lobuche East, are also visible. It is the connecting point of the EBC route and the Gokyo Lakes route.
Views From Renjo La Pass (5,535 meters)
Trekkers can behold the breathtaking sights of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu. Likewise, the far-sighted view of the turquoise Gokyo Lakes is truly spellbinding. It is the most visually rewarding high pass among the three.
Cultural Rewards
Monasteries or Gompas
The Khumbu region is home to numerous monasteries. They hold deep religious significance and spiritual significance amongst the Tibetan-Buddhist individuals. The famousTeng boche gompa is the spiritual heart of the Everest region. Moreover, it is set against a beautiful backdrop of Mount Ama Dablam. Khumjung, Pangboche, Thame, and other monasteries are also located along the nearby landmarks from the main trekking trails.
The local communities perform morning prayers, present offerings, and seek blessings in these gompas. Additionally, they serve as educational centers for the monks. In the Mani Rimdu festival, the community gathers together, exchanges goodwill, enjoys traditional meals, and watches monks perform sacred dances, wearing colorful dresses and masks.
Traditional Sherpa Villages
As you travel through the region you can explore the Sherpa communities. Trekkers have the opportunity to immerse themselves in local traditions by spending time in family-run teahouses. Similarly, prayer flags, mani walls, murals, and chortens fill the trails, reflecting their cultural significance. Locals perform Tamang Selo and Chyabrung dances to lively folk songs. The Sherpas stand out for their resilience and courage and are known as “guardians of the Himalayas.”
Local Food
Trekkers can try traditional dishes that are more than just a source of nutrients. They are prepared with local ingredients, following century-old recipes. The most common meal you will be served on the trail is Dal Bhat Tarkari, a wholesome platter that typically includes steamed rice, lentil soup, seasonal vegetables, fresh salad, and tangy pickle (aachar).
Sharing food in a communal kitchen provides an opportunity to share stories with your host and fellow trekkers. In addition to these staple meals trekkers have the chance to indulge in authentic Sherpa cuisine, like Shyakpa, Thukpa, Rildok, Thenthuk, and several others. Beverages in the region are equally distinctive and culturally significant. For example, butter tea, locally known as Po Cha, is prepared using yak butter, salt, and fermented tea leaves.
Festivities
There are several regional festivals, like Mani Rimdu, that travellers can observe or even attend. During this particular festival, the locals and the monks clean the gompas, decorate them, and perform prayer rituals. Moreover, they light butter lamps, and the monks showcase rhythmic dances wearing colorful dresses and masks to folk tunes. This festival is about 19 days long and honors Guru Rimpoche, who is the founder of Buddhism in the Himalayas. Some of the other significant festivals include Dumji, Buddha Jayanti, Losar, and many more.
