Everest High Passes Trek

Everest High Passes Trek is an exhilarating adventure within the Himalayas of Nepal that has trekking on popular Everest trails while also discovering unique gems of the Khumbu region. On our trekking adventure, we cross three high passes within the Everest region – Kongma La Pass (5,535/18,159ft), Cho La Pass (5420m/17,782ft) and Renjo La Pass (5,340m/17,520ft) and set foot on the Everest base camp, climb Kala Patthar and Gokyo Ri; and tour Gokyo Lakes. This route also introduces trekkers to the remote and untouched Nangpa La Valley, the Sherpa village of Marlung and therefore the monastery village of Thame.

Everest High Passes Trek is a perfect choice for a real adventure seeker trying to find a challenging trek within the Everest region of Nepal which also involves crossing high mountain passes. If we are looking to undertake a rather less adventurous trek than this but which incorporates Gokyo lakes, Kala Patthar and Everest Base Camp

Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1300 m/4264 ft):
Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you will be welcomed and transferred to your hotel. Take the rest of the day to relax and recover from your journey.

Day 02: Kathmandu: Sightseeing and Trek Preparation:
Explore the cultural and historical richness of Kathmandu with a guided sightseeing tour. Visit significant landmarks such as Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, and Durbar Square. Use the day to finalize your trek preparations.

Day 03: Fly to Lukla, Trek to Phakding (2,651m/8,700ft):
Take an early morning flight to Lukla, a thrilling experience with panoramic mountain views. Start your trek to Phakding, covering 8km in 3–4 hours through picturesque landscapes.

Day 04: Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,438m/11,280 ft):
Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar, a challenging ascent covering 11km in 5–6 hours. Namche Bazaar, a bustling Sherpa town, offers stunning mountain views.

Day 05: Namche Bazaar: Rest and Acclimatization:
Take a day to acclimatize in Namche Bazaar. You can explore the town, visit the local markets, and enjoy the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.

Day 06: Namche Bazaar to Tengboche (3860m/12,660 ft):
Continue your trek to Tengboche, covering 10km in 5–6 hours. Visit the famous Tengboche Monastery and enjoy panoramic views of Everest, Ama Dablam, and other peaks.

Day 07: Tengboche to Dingboche (4,360 m/14,300 ft):
Trek from Tengboche to Dingboche, a challenging journey covering 9km in 5–6 hours. Dingboche is a beautiful village with stunning mountain vistas.

Day 08: Dingboche: Acclimatization and Rest:
Take a day to rest and acclimatize in Dingboche. You can explore the surroundings or opt for a short hike to enhance acclimatization.

Day 09: Dingboche to Chhukung (4750m/15,580 ft), Climb Chhukung Ri (5,546m):
Trek to Chhukung and ascend Chhukung Ri for spectacular panoramic views. The trek covers 14km in 6–7 hours.

Day 10: Cross to Kongma La Pass (5535m/18,159ft), Trek to Lobuche (4940m/16,210ft):
Challenge yourself with a crossing of Kongma La Pass, then trek to Lobuche. Cover a distance of 10km in 6–7 hours, surrounded by stunning high-altitude landscapes.

Day 11: Lobuche to Gorak Shep (5170 m/16,961ft), Visit Everest Base Camp (5364 m/17,594 ft):
Trek to Gorak Shep, then embark on a journey to Everest Base Camp. The day covers 13km in 6–7 hours, providing a close-up view of the world’s highest peak.

Day 12: Gorak Shep to Kala Patthar (5545 m/18,192 ft), Then to Lobuche (4940 m/16,207 ft):
Hike to Kala Patthar for sunrise views, then trek to Lobuche. Cover a distance of 7km in 8–9 hours.

Day 13: Lobuche to Dzongla (4830m/15,850 ft):
Trek to Dzongla, a shorter day covering 6km in 3–4 hours. Enjoy the breathtaking scenery along the way.

Day 14: Trek to Gokyo (4800m/15,580 ft) via Cho La Pass (5368m/17,611 ft):
Cross the challenging Cho La Pass and trek to Gokyo. Cover a distance of 6km in 7–8 hours, surrounded by high-altitude landscapes.

Day 15: Rest Day in Gokyo: Climb Gokyo Ri (5357m/17,575 ft), Tour 4th and 5th Gokyo Lakes:
Take a day to rest in Gokyo. Climb Gokyo Ri for panoramic views and explore the 4th and 5th Gokyo Lakes.

Day 16: Gokyo to Marlung (4210m/13,810 ft) via Renjo La Pass (5360m/17585 ft):
Trek from Gokyo to Marlung, crossing Renjo La Pass. Cover a distance of 11km in 7–8 hours.

Day 17: Marlung to Namche Bazaar:
Continue your trek from Marlung to Namche Bazaar, covering 15km in 5–6 hours.

Day 18: Namche Bazaar to Lukla:
Complete your trek with a descent from Namche Bazaar to Lukla, covering 19km in 6–7 hours.

Day 19: Lukla to Kathmandu:
Fly back to Kathmandu from Lukla, enjoying the scenic mountain flight.

Day 20: Final Departure:
Depart from Kathmandu, concluding your memorable trek in the Everest region.

Include

Accommodation

Hotels/guesthouses (During Trek), teahouse lodges (During Trek).

Guide

Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout, trekking support staff

Transport

Domestic flights (Kathmandu- Lukla -Kathmandu) Bus, walking.

Additional Services

All needed Mountain Permit and Tims card.

All government and local taxes
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner three Times a Day Menu Option food (During Trek).

Exclude

Flights
Insurance

Insurance is not included. Travel insurance is required for this tour. Please make sure you are adequately covered. If you require travel insurance, Visit Nepal Travel Treks. has partnered up with World Nomads to provide a hassle-free experience. More information can be found here .
Optional

Other activities and services are not included
Additional Services

Tea, coffee, Beer,Cola,Whiskey,Mineral water,Hot shower, Mountain Wi Fi,Battery charges ,Hot water ,Cyber cafe etc

Equipments list

Clothing:

Trekking Boots: Comfortable and broken-in hiking boots with good ankle support.
Socks: Moisture-wicking and comfortable trekking socks.
Trekking Pants: Lightweight, quick-drying, and comfortable trekking pants.
T-shirts: Moisture-wicking, breathable t-shirts.
Fleece Jacket or Pullover: Provides warmth in colder temperatures.
Down Jacket or Insulated Jacket: For added warmth, especially at higher altitudes.
Rain Jacket: Waterproof and breathable for protection against rain.
Gloves: Lightweight gloves for lower altitudes and warmer gloves for higher altitudes.
Hat: Sun hat and a warm hat for colder temperatures.
Buff or Scarf: Versatile for neck protection or as a headband.

Gear:

Backpack: A comfortable backpack with sufficient capacity (40-50 liters).
Sleeping Bag: Suitable for the trekking season and temperatures.
Trekking Poles: Helpful for stability and reducing strain on your knees.
Headlamp/Flashlight: With extra batteries.
Sunglasses: UV protection is essential at higher altitudes.
Water Bottle: Keep hydrated; consider a water purification system.
Trekking Towel: Quick-drying and lightweight.
Snacks: Energy bars, nuts, and other high-energy snacks.
Camera: To capture the breathtaking scenery.

Personal Items:

First Aid Kit: Basic medicines, bandages, blister treatment, etc.
Toiletries: Toothbrush, toothpaste, biodegradable soap, etc.
Sunscreen: High SPF for protection against mountain sun.
Lip Balm: With UV protection.
Personal Hygiene Items: Wet wipes, hand sanitizer, etc.

Miscellaneous:

Trekking Map/Guidebook: Helpful for navigation.
Duffel Bag: For extra luggage carried by porters.
Power Bank: Charging devices at tea houses.
Money: Carry enough cash as ATM facilities may be limited.
Permits: TIMS card and Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP).

Optional Items:

Gaiters: For additional protection against snow and mud.
Thermal Underwear: For colder temperatures.
Sleeping Bag Liner: Adds warmth to your sleeping bag.
Snorkel Mask: Useful for dusty sections of the trail.

FAQs

How long does the Everest High Passes Trek take?
- The Everest High Passes Trek typically takes around 18 to 21 days, depending on the specific itinerary, acclimatization days, and starting point.
What is the best time to trek the Everest High Passes?
- The ideal times for the Everest High Passes Trek are during the pre-monsoon (spring) season from March to May and the post-monsoon (autumn) season from September to November when the weather is generally favorable.
What permits are required for the Everest High Passes trek?
- Trekkers need the Sagarmatha National Park Permit, the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entry Permit, and the Trekker’s Information Management System (TIMS) card, which can be obtained in Kathmandu.
Is it necessary to hire a guide and porter for the Everest High Passes trek?
- While it’s not mandatory, hiring a guide is highly recommended for the Everest High Passes trek due to the challenging terrain and potential risks. A porter can also be hired to carry your backpack, easing the physical load.
What is the accommodation like during the trek?
- Accommodations along the Everest High Passes trek include tea houses and lodges with basic facilities. The living conditions may be simpler in higher-altitude areas.
Is altitude sickness a concern on the Everest High Passes trek?
- Altitude sickness is a significant concern as the trek involves crossing high passes, including Kongma La, Cho La, and Renjo La. Proper acclimatization, staying hydrated, and recognizing symptoms are crucial for preventing altitude-related issues.
Are there ATMs on the Everest High Passes trek route?
- There are no ATMs at higher elevations, so it’s recommended to carry enough cash for the trek, covering accommodation, meals, and any additional expenses.
What is the difficulty level of the Everest High Passes trek?
- The Everest High Passes trek is considered challenging due to the high-altitude passes and rugged terrain. Trekkers should have prior trekking experience, good physical fitness, and be prepared for demanding conditions.
What clothing and gear should I bring for the Everest High Passes trek?
- Refer to the general trekking equipment list provided earlier for the Annapurna Base Camp trek, as the essentials are similar. Additionally, pack for colder temperatures, high-altitude conditions, and be prepared for variable weather.
Can I do the Everest High Passes trek independently, or should I join a trekking group?
- While independent trekking is possible, joining a guided group is recommended due to the technical nature of the high passes. A guide can provide navigation assistance and ensure safety in challenging terrain.