Everest High Passes Trek

Everest High Passes Trek

  • Trip Duration18 Days
  • Trip GradeModerate to Strenuous
  • Max. AltitudeKongma La (5535m)
  • Cost Starting FromUS$ 1949
  • Destination: Nepal
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Transportation: Private Transport + Flight
  • Accommodation: Local Mountain Lodge
  • Max. Altitude: Kongma La (5535m)
  • Min. Group Size: 02 Minimum - 10 Maximum

Highlights

  • Ultimate circuit of adventure in the Everest Region, which includes Everest Base Camp
  • Crossing three of Nepal’s highest trekking passes all over 5,300m
  • Ascending Kala Pathar and Gokyo Ri for magnificent panorama views of some of the world’s eight-thousanders mountains
  • Soaking up the tranquility of Gokyo’s sacred lakes
  • Immersing in Buddhist culture and enjoying Sherpa hospitality

Everest three high passes which are not on the standard Everest trail, Renjo La (5,388m/17,513ft), Cho La (5,380m/17,650ft) and Kongma La (5,535m/18,159), and also offering the opportunity to explore the Everest region at its best. 

Everest High Passes or Three Passes Trek is one of the classic trekking in Everest Region allowing the trekker to reach Everest Base Camp and the combined adventure of three high passes, Kongma La, Cho La and Renjo La is inspiring. Everest High Passes Trek is only for experienced trekkers looking for an adventure like no other in Khumbu region. Everest High Passes Trek is actually a circuit trek connecting all the major trekking routes in Khumbu region. Everest high passes trek is the best option among all treks offered in the Everest region. Everest High Passes Trek is the ultimate option to experience the snowy ups and downs of the Himalayas. 

It crosses through high-altitude alpine forests, providing rare encounters of Himalayan flora and fauna. The hospitality offered by the inhabitants of the region, Sherpa, is commendable. Catching a glimpse of few of the Eight-thousanders located in the region, namely; Mt. Everest, Cho Oyu, Lhotse, Maklau, Nuptse, Pumori, and Amadablam, can be overwhelming. 20 days of continuous trekking up the mountain can be very challenging and exhausting. One can have spare days en route to ensure plenty of time to acclimatize, moreover, the assistance provided by the guides and Sherpa will make your trip more comfortable. They are trained in treating minor sicknesses on the trek as well as the high passes trek tends to be more challenging and longer than the average Everest Base Camp Trek.

The trek does not require any climbing experience, therefore, one with minimal trekking experience can choose this trek. Come and join this ultimate adventure of spectacular views, centuries old Buddhist monasteries plus culturally rich and friendly Sherpa people are some of the many pleasant surprises in store.

Itinerary

Day 1Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400 m, 4,600 ft), transfer to Hotel

Welcome to Nepal! we will happily welcome you at kathmandu international airport of Nepal. Our airport representative will be waiting for your arrival with a placard with your name card outside the airport exit gate. you will be transferred to the Hotel by private vehicle. we will have dinner at authentic nepali restaurant , depending on the flight time. Enjoy cultural shows, singing, dancing and typical Nepali meals before heading back to hotel.
Accommodation: Standard Hotel Basis
Included Meals: welcome dinner
Mode of transport : Private Vehicles as per group size.

Breakfast at hotel, we will start our day sightseeing around the beauty of Kathmandu valley. During the day you will be visiting some of the most important, culturally and historically significant places of the town. Swyambhunath; the Buddhist Stupa, Pashupatinath; highly sacred Hindu temple, Kathmandu Durbar Square; formal royal palace during ancient period and Bouddhanath; one of the biggest Buddhist pagoda are included in the sightseeing. Followed by trip meeting and meeting with your trekking guide we will give you some free time to enjoy the nightlife and beauty of Thamel.
Accommodation: Standard Hotel Basis
Included Meals: Breakfast
Mode of transport : Private Vehicles as per group size.
Escorted by: Tour Guide

Enjoy breathtaking views of Himalayas on the your flight to Lukla. It's one of the most adventurous flight rated by top rated websites and travel magazines. The flight takes approximately 30 minutes. Once we reach Lukla we will transfer to one of the lodges to enjoy first breakfast in the Himalayas. Here we will introduce you to the porter. Once we enjoy our breakfast we will start our walking to reach Monjo or Jorsalle. Our trek will pass through different villages like Chaurikharka, Chheplung, Ghat, Phakding, Toktok and Banker before we reach Monjo. We will enjoy our lunch in Phakding which is also the overnight stop for many trekkers passing this way. The trail from Lukla goes down gently and takes us through pleasant views. Once we reach Phakding and eat our lunch we will start moving to our final destination. The trail is flat until we cross Dudh Koshi River and then will start gentle climbing. It will take about two and half hour from Phakding to reach Monjo or Jorsalle. In total we will be trekking about four to five hours in total.
Accommodation: Mountain Lodge
Included Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Transport: Private transport
Flight: Kathmandu to Lukla flight
Escorted by: Guide

Enjoy your breakfast in the Himalayas and get prepared to start one of the most memorable adventure of your life. If we stayed in Monjo then we will pass through national park check post and if we stayed in Jorsalle we will pass through Army passport check post. The train goes little flat and then we will cross Dudhkoshi River once more then will start walking through another side of river. It is a pleasant walk with beautiful green hill views. We will again cross Dudh Koshi river before we start steep climbing uphill. Until we reach Top Danda the trail is pretty steep! Once we reach Top Danda we will have some far distance views of Himalayan peaks including Everest along with Nuptse and Lhotse on a clear day. After taking rest for a we will again start climbing to reach Namche Bazaar. From here the trail is easier and less steep comparing to the one before.
Namche is considered as the gateway of Khumbu / Everest region. It is pretty big town with numerous activities available. Pool House, Nescafe Cofee, Bakery, Modern Lodges, Internet, Telephone, Laundry, Bank, Money Changer, Equipment shop etc., it got everything. Enjoy your time in this small modern town.
Accommodation: Mountain Lodge
Included Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Escorted by: Guide

You can sleep as much you want. If interested then you can go to visit Khumjung and Khunde villages, They are considered as twin villages in Khumbu region. There are few other options available if you want something else. You can also go to Thame to visit this beautiful village or you can go to Everest View Hotel to see some views of Everest including some other peaks. Alternatively, you can just walk up to the army camp area and enjoy beautiful Himalayas in front of you. You can spend rest of your time easily exploring around the Namche Bazaar. Explore the shops, try some bakery items or go for a Nescafe coffee. Enjoy this beautiful town, take some rest and prepare for adventure of next day.
Accommodation: Mountain Lodge
Included Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Escorted by: Guide

Enjoy your breakfast in the Himalayas before we start trekking to Tengboche; another magnificent village of this region. The trek starts with short climbing before we reach the army camp. Then the trek is flat until we reach Kenjoma. You can give some rest to your legs in front of magnificent and huge Amadablam mountain. From here the trail to Gokyo Lake and the trail to Everest Base Camp separates. The trail on the left hand side takes you to Gokyo Lake where the trail on the right hand side takes you to Everest Base Camp, so we follow the right trail. From here the trail steeps down until we reach Phunki Tenga for our lunch. This place has very few lodges with basic services available. Once we finish our breakfast we again cross Dudhkoshi River before ascending to reach Tengboche. The trail again goes steep up through beautiful forests with numerous views of villages in the horizon. As the trail ascends up we will also reach Tengboche in about an hour where we will be stopping for overnight. Tengboche offers close views of Amadablam which is considered as one of the beautiful peaks in the world. If you are keen about photography then this will be a good stop for taking some pictures in the horizon. Tengboche also got one of the biggest Buddhist monasteries in this region where you can also attend daily praying of Buddhist monks.
Accommodation: Mountain Lodge
Included Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Escorted by: Guide

We will descend to Dibuche and the trail takes us through gentle uphill until we cross Imja Khola. From here the climbing becomes little steeper until we reach another village called Pangboche. Pangboche is home of many Everest climbers. The views of Amadablam mountain from this village becomes immense. The views of other Himalayan peaks will look prettier as well from this point. If interested you can take a tea or a coffee in front of those beautiful Himalayan peaks else continue to our lunch spot called Somare. Somare is tiny town with basic lodges and numerous tea houses available for lunch. Most travelers / trekkers heading to Dingboche or Pheriche stops here for their lunch. Even after Somare the trail is pretty easy and mostly gentle uphill. After walking for awhile we will reach Orsho and from here the trail to Pheriche and Dingboche will separate. Continuing further for less than an hour we will reach Dingboche valley. It's gorgeous valley surrounded by majestic peaks. Dingboche is also the gate for Island Peak Climbing. Island Peak is one of the most popular trekking peaks of Nepal which is climbed by numerous climbers every year.
Accommodation: Mountain Lodge
Included Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Escorted by: Guide

It is pleasant walk from Dingboche to Chhukung. The trail will take us through high alpine terrains along the stone walled fields. The trail follow near the Imja Khola which comes all the way from the glacier of Island Peak and other peaks nearby. Along with the towering Himalayas right next to us it's memorable and beautiful walk in the Himalayan countryside. The walk from Dingboche to Chhukung is reached for lunch; means it's not long. Several snow covered Himalayan peaks like Lhotse, Amadablam and Island Peak will be following us all the way. These peaks are awesome and feels as close as touching. The views of these Himalayas are as clear as crystal on a clear day. We will reach Chhukung in about 3-4 hours. This place is surrounded by high Himalayan glaciers and stunning peaks.
Accommodation: Mountain Lodge
Included Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Escorted by: Guide

An acclimatization day in Chhukung is highly recommended before heading towards 5,500 meter pass on the follow day. We can wake up late and then have breakfast before we go to climb Chhukung RI. Chhukung RI offers stunning Himalayan views of Lhotse, Amadablam, Island Peak, Makalu and Baruntse Himal including several other towering peaks. After spending sometime in Chhukung RI we will return down to our lodge where we will enjoy hot meal. You can walk around the village in the afternoon. Save some energy as we have tough day coming. Stay overnight Chhukung.
Accommodation: Mountain Lodge
Included Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Escorted by: Guide

This is our first big day of the trek. This is also one of the toughest day. We will be carrying required amount of water and some packed meals as there are no lodges / tea shops along the route. Lobuche has few houses and all of them are only for commercial purposes i.e. guest houses, lodges, small tea shops etc. Once we climb like 5-6 hours we will reach the top of Kongma La Pass; a small area covered with Buddhist praying flags. We know it feels good to be here.It is a difficult day and shouldn't underestimated even by professional trekkers. The descending from the top is quite tough even it's descending. Moreover, in case the trail is covered with ice or snow then it will surely be exhausting. Finally, we will reach small place with few lodges; Lobuche. We will enjoy magnificent views of Pumori and Nuptse from this village.
Accommodation: Mountain Lodge
Included Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Escorted by: Guide

We will enjoy hot breakfast in Lobuche before we start hiking to Gorakshep; one of the major places of our adventure. The majestic mountains will be following us all the way till we reach the destination. Peaks become closer and fantastic. The trek is do not have any steep climbing though it will be difficult and tiring due to high elevation. We will be walking in between 4,900 meters to 5,300 meters on this day. The trail is quite wide and easy to walk. It is short hike to reach Gorakshep.
Once we reach Gorakshep we will keep our belongings in the lodge before we have our lunch. Once we get our lunch we will start our hiking to Everest Base Camp before it's too late. The hike is about 5/6 hours in total. It is one of the longest, hardest and important days in our adventure. The route from Gorakshep to Everest Base Camp includes numerous short ups and downs. The trail condition is not satisfactory everywhere and includes many small rocks along the route. Be careful while walking so the rocks won't slip you and make fall down. Enjoy breath taking views of Everest, Pumori, Nuptse, Lhotse along with several other peaks. On a lucky day you will also be able to enjoy some of the avalanches on the another side of Khumbu glacier; one of the biggest glaciers in the world. Once we reach Everest Base Camp we will enjoy taking some pictures. Give some time to enjoy and play with nature because you won't find Everest Base Camp anywhere else in the world. After finishing our activities around the base camp we will return back to Gorakshep through same trail and prepare for another day.
Accommodation: Mountain Lodge
Included Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Escorted by: Guide

Honestly, the hike to Kalapatthar is not easy. It is early morning cold walking and in the dark but trust us it's enjoyable and it will be one of the memorable time of your life. Don't get slipped in the icy trail. Depending on the sunrise time your guide will give you time to start hiking to reach this beautiful hill top. Wake up on time and prepare cloths that won't let you be cold. The hike from Gorakshep to Kalapatthar is about an hour steep climbing. Depending on your walking speed it may take a little more or less.
Kalapatthar is the same place where world's highest cabinet meeting was held by Nepal Government to aware world global warming and about the speedily melting Himalayas. Kalapatthar gives authentic and magnificent views of Himalayas just in front of you. It's wonderful view point that only few people have seen it. Congratulations to witness this heavenly place with Himalayan Leisure, Inc. Take some shots of you and peaks, enjoy your photography in this place before we will again return back to our lodge to start walking down to Lobuche. We will follow the same route that we used while going up. It's quite short walking. We will need to save some effort as another pass is coming in few days. Once we reach Lobuche we will stroll around the cliff if we feel OK else stay and rest around the lodge.
Accommodation: Mountain Lodge
Included Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Escorted by: Guide

Here we come for another short and easy day. The trail is almost flat during the whole walk. Leaving peaks in behind and welcome new peaks in front we will have pleasant want around here. Once we walk about 1.5 hours from Lobuche we will come to a point from where people going down to Pheriche - Dingboche and people going to Dzongla - Chola Pass separates. The views of peaks in front specially Amadablam, Cholatse and Tabuche are excellent during the whole day, words simply fail to describe them properly. Finally we will reach Dzongla and spend a night here before ascending towards the second pass; Chola.
Accommodation: Mountain Lodge
Included Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Escorted by: Guide

The trail starts with short gentle walk but once we reach the base of the pass we will have to start climbing. We will have to start early in the morning to avoid strong wind hitting us on the top of the pass. This is another toughest day that we have conquer in this trip. The views are still excellent here, several high Himalayan snowy peaks will be around us all the time which includes Thamserku, Kangteng, Amadablam, Cholatse, Tabuche and Cho Oyu. Though it's tough day, we will be blending our tiredness with Himalayas and with unforgettable memories. We may need to be careful all the time as rocks might be falling down once the ice melts. The final climbing can be little tricky as it curves on the last. Here we come to a small space with some praying flags. This is how Chola looks like. We are coming to another difficult part. Going down from Chola is difficult, slippery and often dangerous once sun comes out. Be careful walking around and be cautious as stones can be falling down from the cliffs. Once we finish descending we will reach small place called Thaknak. We may have some lunch here before we start climbing gentle uphill to Gokyo Lakes. The trail after Thaknak is mostly over glaciers. Some blue ices are spotted along the route. Finally, we will reach Gokyo valley on the side of blue glacial lakes and majestic peaks in the front. Gokyo Lakes are known for several fabulous high altitude lakes in the region. These lakes are also the origin of Dudh Koshi river. Here, we will be surrounded by 360 degree Himalayan panorama. It's excellent place for spending an overnight.
Accommodation: Mountain Lodge
Included Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Escorted by: Guide

Gokyo Ri [5,403M / 17,726FT] is known for it's amazing views of most mountains in Everest region. This is simply an amazing viewpoint. Hiking to this viewpoint for sunrise or sunset is undoubtedly magnificent. We are heading for sunrise early in the morning. The guide will let you know the time that we will be starting to hike. We will wake up, prepare our things and start climbing to this small peak. Gokyo Ri will no doubt give us unforgettable memories for lifetime. It is one of the most spectacular or indescribable places of our adventure. The walk is about 3/4 hours from Gokyo Lakes. Count as many as peaks you like but you will never finish counting. Once we reach the top we will take enough time to take shots for our memories before we will descend down to Gokyo Lakes again.
Once we get down we will take awhile for our lunch. If interested and have extra strength then we will also head to explore other lakes around the valley. This is optional and if we are tired we can simply skip it.
Accommodation: Mountain Lodge
Included Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Escorted by: Guide

Today is one of the hardest day of our adventure. Crossing Renjo La is quite hard because of small rocks along the route. The trail from Gokyo starts will gentle climbing and comes with steeping climbing before we reach the top of Renjo La. Renjo La pass offers some excellent views of Gokyo valley and uncountable number of close Himalayan peaks. The trail from Renjo La pass descends down to Lungden. Lungden is the only village that we will meet after Gokyo and Renjo La pass. This is small village with few basic lodges for the facilities of trekkers.
Accommodation: Mountain Lodge
Included Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Escorted by: Guide

The trail from Lungden to Namche is mostly downhill. We will walk via Marulung village [4,210M / 13,812FT] before reaching Thame [3,820M / 12,532FT]. Thame is one of the popular villages of this region. This village also got a hundreds of years old monastery. This is a beautiful Sherpa village hosting world famous mountaineers situated on the west of Khumbu region. From here we may have some good views of Rolwaling Himalayan peaks. Continuing our trek further we will reach Namche Bazaar.
Accommodation: Mountain Lodge
Included Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Escorted by: Guide

We are coming to conclude our memorable trekking. This is the last day and our final night in the Himalayas. Like the previous day there is no rush to reach Lukla. We can sleep till late morning and start the trek before noon. The trail from Phakding to Lukla is mostly gentle uphill. On the way we can enjoy stunning vilages of villages in the horizon. We will also have sights of flights coming to Lukla and flights taking off from Lukla. They look awesome when we are close to Lukla. Once we reach Lukla we can enjoy some beers or cocktails. Lukla is one of the major towns in this area. Your Sherpa helper will no longer be with you from tomorrow so it's time to give them some gratitude [tips] if you are happy with their services. It will be expected from your staffs and we also recommend you to tip them according to your satisfaction and ability.
Accommodation: Mountain Lodge
Included Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Escorted by: Guide

We take the earliest possible flight back to Kathmandu. Enjoy another breath taking flight to Kathmandu. The flight is about 30 minutes and will give you some thrilling experience for sure. You can relax and stay in hotel or explore around the town for some shopping to your friends and family members. Once your guide will drop you in hotel he may left you. You can also give him some gratitude if you are happy with his services. Some trekkers / our customers also invite guides for a dinner together in Kathmandu. This can be the last day that you will meet your guide. Enjoy your last days around the valley. If you are willing about other activities like Jungle Safari or Rafting or Paragliding then we will assist you accordingly.
Accommodation: Standard Hotel Basis
Included Meal: Breakfast and Lunch
Transport: Private transport
Flight: Lukla to Kathmandu
Escorted by: Guide

We will drop you in the airport by our private vehicle according to your airport time. Nepal airport often has hassles for travelers so it is good if you reach airport at least two hours prior to departure.
Included Meal: Breakfast
Transport: Private transport

Trip Cost Details

Cost Include

  • Arrival and departure and all land transfer as per itinerary.
  • One day city tour with our city guided tour with private transport
  • Three night deluxe hotel in Kathmandu with bed and breakfast basis.
  • Breakfast, lunch and dinner whilst on trekking ( Local hygienic food )
  • Local guest house accommodations in trekking on twin sharing (bathroom outside)
  • Applicable trekking fees (National park permit and TIMS).
  • Trekking / Tour leader English speaking
  • Porters (one porter between two trekkers is provided to carry the clients personal effects)
  • Domestic flight to and from Lukla including guide.
  • Duffle bags for porters are provided
  • Insurance for the trekking staff (insurance as per state law)
  • All the government tax and Mount Trails service charges.

Cost Exclude

  • International flights and Visa.
  • Personal trekking equipment
  • Extra accommodation, meal and sightseeing in Kathmandu.
  • Your travel insurance (for travel, cancellation, accident, health, emergency evacuation and loss of life, theft of or damage to personal effects).
  • Tips and gratuities (crew frequently receives some recognition for good service)
  • Costs arising from unforeseen events outside the control of Mount Trails
  • Personal expenses such as alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, mineral water, monuments entrance fees, postage, laundry, battery charge, video, camera, phone, etc.
  • All other services not included in the "cost includes" section above.

Trip Map

Everest High Passes Trek Map

Useful Info

Meals

Eating is a big part of Holiday. Travelling with Mount Trails , you experience the vast array of wonderful local  fresh Nepalese , Chinese, Continental, Italian and several local cuisines. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner are included in the package. Your guide will suggest delicious, hygienic and each place special food during your trip. Mountain restaurant owner prefer not to order many dishes and waste food as they would like to cater more trekkers with limited food before run off stuck. Its a week or more days hard work to porters and caravans to bring food to these places. During this trek you will usually have breakfast and dinner at the same Lodge, lunch will be eaten at one of the trail side restaurants en-route.

Accommodation

A Local Tea House is the combination of guest house in Himalayas, restaurant. Private rooms are available in most Tea Houses, except for high altitudes ones where it will be just dormitories. The lodges are fairly basic and the rooms are spare with twin beds and very little additional furniture. Blankets are generally provided at the local lodge. There is a large dining room-cum-lounge, warmed by the bukhara stove (an iron cylinder, fitted with a chimney duct, in which a log fire is lighted. There is normally no electric lighting in the rooms unless the village has hydroelectric power. The dining room usually hassolar lighting. Most teahouses now also have electricity for charging mobile phones and cameras and it will be extra chargech which will be minimun

Drinking water

Mount Trails provides unlimited chlorine/Iodine treated water during the trek. All tea houses have mineral water and boiled water for trekkers upon additional cost. We discourage the purchase of Mineral water and bottled water while on the Trek as plastic bottles aredifficult to dispose off and have become an environmental problem

Route Map

Mount TrailsnTrekking and adventures offers you complementary route map of the trekking region.

Trip Note

What to take

This is a very active trip, meaning you will be on the move most of the time, so pack as lightly as possible. We provide one porter for every two travellers. Your trekking gear will be carried by the porter in a duffel bag that we will provide. The maximum the porters are allowed to carry 15 kgs per trekker means 30 kgs from 2 trekkers . Unnecessary luggage can left in Kathmandu Hotel and its absolutely free of cost. .

Important to note

Please read the Checklist section of this trip notes for additional details of what you need to bring for the trek on this trip. You will need to bring a comfortable medium sized day pack to carry the things that you will need during the day. This should have a waist strap or (better) a padded waist belt. The weather is subject to change in high altitude so layered clothing is recommended throughout the year.