Everest's Hidden Gem, Kongde Trek
- 13
days
If you think Everest Base Camp is the only destination worth visiting in the Everest Region, think again. Many unexplored trails in Khumbu offer stellar hiking experiences through varied terrain. Everest's Hidden Gem, Kongde Trek, is one such adventure that takes you to one of the least visited parts of the Khumbu Region. This trip is a luxury lodge trek to the hidden gem of the Everest Region, Kongde.
You walk through the Sherpa settlements of Lukla, Phakding, Monjo, Namche, Khumjung, and Kunde, experiencing the unique Sherpa mountain culture. From Namche, you choose the less-crowded trail to Thame via Thamo. The tiny villages of Thame and Thamo are homes to mountaineering legends like Tenzing Norgay, Ang Rita Sherpa, and Apa Sherpa.
The hike to Kongde from Thame takes you on a trail filled with a pristine forest of rhododendron and juniper, streams, waterfalls, and fantastic mountain views. Kongde sits on a high plateau flanked by the massive snow-covered Kongde Ri. Enjoy a luxurious stay at the Yeti Mountain Home in Kongde while savoring 360-degree views of Mount Everest, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Cholatse, and other peaks.
En route Thame to Kongde, you have to walk on narrow paths on some patches with a sheer drop on the exposed side. It can be overwhelming to those not used to walking on high mountain terrain. Therefore some experience of high altitude trekking would help to do this trek.
Dust your hiking boots and head to Kongde! Trust us; this adventure can be one of the most memorable walking journeys you have ever taken.
The trip's price depends on the type of services chosen by our clients and the group size. The cost of each trip we organize is different because we see travelers as individuals having their own particular needs and preferences.
Get ready for an incredible journey tailored to your interests and preferences, whether you're looking for a budget-friendly adventure or a luxurious getaway. Leave the planning to us as we take care of all the details, ensuring your dream trip becomes a reality. You can relax and focus on creating unforgettable memories that will stay with you forever.
Yandel Rivas
|
April 17, 2022
Charlie Johnston
|
October 17, 2021
| Day | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m/4,592ft) - Transfer to Hotel and Trek Preparation |
| Day 2 | Fly to Lukla (2,840m/9,316ft) and trek to Phakding (2,610m/8,561ft) - 35 minutes flight and 3 to 4 hours trek |
| Day 3 | Trek Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440m/11,284ft) - 6 to 7 hours Trek |
| Day 4 | At Namche Bazaar (3,440m/11,284ft) – Hike to Khumjung (3790m/12,430ft) and Kunde (3867m/12,687ft) - 4 to 5 hours trek |
| Day 5 | Trek Namche Bazaar to Thame (3735m/12,254ft) - 4 to 5 hours trek |
| Day 6 | At Thame – Visit Thame Monastery or Hike to Sumdur Ridge |
| Day 7 | Trek Thame to Kongde (4,250m/13,944ft) - 6 to 7 hours trek |
| Day 8 | At Kongde – Optional hike to Farak Ri (5000m/16,404ft) |
| Day 9 | Trek Kongde to Phakding (2,610m/8,561ft) - 5 to 6 hours trek |
| Day 10 | Trek Phakding to Lukla (2,840m/9,316ft) - 3 to 4 hours trek |
| Day 11 | Fly Lukla to Kathmandu (1,400m/4,592ft) - 35 Minutes flight |
| Day 12 | Free day |
| Day 13 | Final Depature |
Everest Kongde Trek route map
After flying into Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you complete the immigration formalities and enter the airport terminal. Our guide will be waiting for you, and he will escort you to your hotel. Check-in and get refreshed. There will be a trip briefing later in the day by your trek guide.
Overnight in Kathmandu at Shanker Hotel.
You make an early start and head to the airport in the morning to catch your flight to Lukla. The flight, lasting for less than an hour, is filled with amazing views of the Himalayan mountains. After landing in Lukla, you meet the porters who will carry your heavy luggage.
You start your trek and head towards the trail leading to Phakding. Make a descent to the beautiful Dudh Koshi or Milky River and cross a suspension bridge to arrive at the Yeti Mountain Lodge in Phakding.
Overnight in Phakding at Yeti Mountain Home.
Namche Bazaar - the capital of the Sherpas
You make an early start as you have to cover a long distance. Nature is breathtaking as the path inches past a dense forest of birch, pine, and rhododendron. The trail goes up past huge mani stones and Buddhist shrines. You cross some of the highest suspension bridges in Khumbu before reaching Namche. Everest rears up in the distance, and you get the first view of the world's tallest mountain as you enter Namche, the capital of the Sherpas.
Overnight in Namche at Yeti Mountain Home.
Namche is a trading center and a commercial hub for the Sherpas living beyond Namche. Situated on a hollow side of a mountain overlooking the frozen Thamserku, Kantega, and Kusum Kangaru, the town is a popular acclimatization spot.
Today's acclimatization hike takes you to the ancient Sherpa villages of Khumjung and Kunde. After breakfast, you hike up a staircase leading out of Namche and reach Shyangboche. From the hotel's verandah, you walk up to Hotel Everest View and enjoy stellar views of Ama Dablam, Mount Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Thamserku, etc.
Later, you walk down to the village of Khumjung, situated at the base of Khumbila, the holy mountain of the Sherpas. You visit the first school in the Khumbu Region established by Sir Edmund Hillary. You also visit the sacred Khumjung Gompa, where the scalp of a (supposed) 'Yeti' is stored in a glass showcase.
Explore the adjacent village of Kunde and the Kunde Hospital, the only large hospital in the Everest Region. The hospital, founded by Sir Edmund Hillary in 1966, provides services to more than 8000 villagers and trekkers. After exploring the village, you return to Namche.
Overnight in Namche Bazaar at Yeti Mountain Home.
Yeti Mountain Home Thame
You leave behind the busy Everest Base Camp trail and take the path leading to Thame. Walk in peace, enjoying the nature and twitter of birds. You pass through Sherpa villages on this trail, which rarely see tourist traffic. As there is less commercialization, the lifestyle of the villagers on this side of the Khumbu seems more authentic and pure. You walk past Thamo and the Bhote Koshi River before reaching Thame, your stop for the night.
Overnight in Thame at Yeti Mountain Home.
Thame is a peaceful Sherpa village set on the side of a rocky mountain. Not many trekkers pass through this village, so the place has an old-world feel about it. You spend the day exploring the settlement and hike up to the picturesque sixteenth-century Thame Monastery.
Or you wake up early and trek to Sumdur Ridge, located near the village. From the ridge, you can enjoy glorious views of Mount Everest, Cho Oyu, Kantega, and Kusum Kanguru,
Thamo and Thame have produced legendary mountaineers who have created world records climbing the world's tallest mountain Mount Everest. Some well-known names are Ang Rita Sherpa, Apa Sherpa, and Tenzing Norgay.
Overnight in Thame at Yeti Mountain Home.
Yeti Mountain Home Kondge
Today's trek takes you to one of the wildest and most spectacular trails on the whole of Everest. Not many trekkers take this route, and the trail is mainly isolated. It goes through rhododendron and juniper forests and past narrow foot trails carved on the side of a rocky mountain. If you are not used to walking on hilly and rocky terrain, this portion of the course can be challenging, especially if there's ice on the ground. Though cables are fixed as handrails, one needs to be extra cautious in this section. There's a sheer drop on the exposed side of the trail.
After an exhausting ascent, you will reach a grassy meadow. The cheerful red roof of the Yeti Mountain Home lodge looks inviting. Make your way in and enjoy a hot shower and a warm meal.
Overnight in Kongde at Yeti Mountain Home.
Kongde is a hidden gem of the Khumbu Region. Set at the base of Kongde Ri, you can enjoy a 360-degree view of the snowcapped giants - Mount Everest, Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Thamserku, Cholatse, Nuptse, and Kusum Kanguru.
You can spend this day chilling out at the lodge or hiking to a nearby hill Farak Ri. You can enjoy inspiring views of Mount Everest and other mountains, plus sweeping vistas of the valleys and the Sherpa villages. It takes around 2-3 hours to climb the hill.
Overnight in Kongde at Yeti Mountain Home.
After taking the grand mountain views, you leave Kongde and head down to the lower elevation. It is a long walk down to Phakding via many of the Sherpa villages you crossed on your way up. Walk slowly and watch your footing on the stone steps.
Overnight in Phakding at Yeti Mountain Home.
Today's trek is short and sweet. Walk slowly and drink in the views of the mountains and river. Make your to your lodge in Lukla and get together with the crew to celebrate the completion of your trek.
Overnight in Lukla at Yeti Mountain Home.
Bid goodbye to the mountains for the last time and take a return flight from Lukla to Kathmandu. Our guide will pick you up and drop you at your hotel. Spend the remainder of the day as you wish – chilling out at your hotel or exploring the city.
Overnight in Kathmandu at Shanker Hotel.
A day reserved for emergencies like flight delay or cancellation, bad weather, minor sickness or injury, etc. If everything rolls out smoothly, you can use this day to spend time on your own in Kathmandu. You can book a guided tour or explore the city on your own.
Overnight in Kathmandu at Shanker Hotel.
Your trip ends, and you will be driven to the airport well on time to catch your flight. If you want to visit other destinations in the Himalayas. Third Rock Adventures runs tours in Bhutan, India, and Tibet too.
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