Everest High Passes Trek – 20 Days

Welcome to Kathmandu. After your flight lands, one of our representatives will greet you outside the arrival gate of the Tribhuvan International Airport. He will escort you to your pre-arranged hotel in Kathmandu via private transport and help you through the check-in formalities. He will let you know about the timing and location of the meeting with the trekking guide and also provide details regarding the full-day sightseeing scheduled the following day.

After that, you will have the rest of the day for yourself. So, make the most out of it, take some rest, and get rid of the jet lag. In the evening, you will have a short meeting with your trekking guide, where he will provide all the necessary details about the trek.

Highlights:

• Pick up and greet at the Tribhuvan International Airport
• Transfer to the hotel via a private transport 
• Briefing about the day-to-day activities on the trek

Special Note:

We highly recommend you to attend the meeting as your trekking guide will provide all the essential details about the Everest High Passes Trek, including the itinerary, flight schedules, accommodations, food, culture, packing list, etc. Please feel free to ask as many questions as possible and be informed about all the queries regarding the trek. Additionally, if you plan to leave the hotel premises during the day, make sure to inform the hotel reception.

On this day, you will have a leisure day to make the necessary preparations for the trek and to go on a full day sightseeing around the heritage sites of Kathmandu. After breakfast, your tour guide will pick you up at the hotel and take you for the full day heritage tour around Kathmandu. 

Your guide will be taking you through some of the most popular UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, Kathmandu Durbar Square, and Swayambunath Stupa (Monkey Temple).

After the program, the tour guide will drop you back at your respective hotel. After that, you’ll have the rest of the day for yourself to prepare for the trek. Make sure to check all the gears and pack your bags before going to sleep. If there’s anything you’ve missed out on your way to Nepal, you can take advantage of this time and go for the last minute shopping.  

Highlights:

• Explore Kathmandu
• Visit the heritage sites of the valley, including Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, Kathmandu Durbar Square, and Swayambunath Stupa (Monkey Temple)

Special Note:

Once you get back from the guided city tour, make sure to do the gear check as early as possible. That way, even if you’ve missed out on a few essentials, you’ll have enough time for last-minute shopping. Additionally, we recommend you pack your bags before bedtime. If there’s anything that you want to leave behind at the hotel, pack them in a separate bag.

Early in the morning, you’ll drive to the domestic terminal of Tribhuvan International Airport and catch a flight to Lukla. The 40-minute flight from Kathmandu to Lukla is one of the major highlights of Everest High Passes Trek and rightly so. You can glance out of the window and enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the hills and mountains from the aerial perspective.

Once your flight lands at Lukla Airport, you will get to meet the porters and rest of the team who will assist you throughout the trek. After that, you’ll begin the adventure on a fairly comfortable trail towards Cheplung village. Upon reaching the village, you’ll be greeted with a distant sight of Mt. Khumbila. Furthermore, you will continue the gentle walk alongside the raging Dudh Koshi River until you reach Phakding.

Highlights:

• Exhilarating flight for Kathmandu to Lukla
• Enjoy the aerial sight of the surrounding mountains and landscapes 
• Get the first glimpse of Mt. Khumbila from Cheplung village
• Enjoy a pleasant walk on the shore of Dudh Koshi River

Special Note:

Generally, the weather in the mountains is unpredictable. Lukla Airport is located on a small hilltop at an elevation of 2,610 meters. Surrounded by mountains in three directions, Lukla is prone to high winds, rainfall, thick clouds, and changing visibility. In such unforeseeable circumstances, the flights are most likely to be delayed or even canceled, in the worst-case scenarios.

After breakfast, you’ll begin the trek on a narrow path on the bank of Dudh Koshi River. The first half of the trail passes through beautiful pine forest and occasional yak pastures. On the way, you walk past several rustic villages, including Benkar, Chumoa, and Monjo. Once you reach Monjo, you cross a high suspension bridge over the raging Dudh Koshi River to arrive at the entrance gate of Sagarmatha National Park.

After entering the national park, you will cross another suspension bridge decorated in prayer flags and head gradually uphill towards Joralle village. As you continue the walk, you’ll be greeted with a distant glimpse of Kusum Kanguru, Thamserku, Everest, and Nuptse in the backdrop.

From the village of Jorsalle, the route suddenly leads to a steep climb towards Namche Bazaar. It takes about six hours from Phakding to reach the village of Namche Bazaar. Considered as the Sherpa capital of the Khumbu region, Namche Bazaar is surrounded by colorful markets, fancy restaurants, cafes, trekking stores, and local shops. From Namche Bazaar, you will also get to witness the close-up view of towering Kongde Ri and Thamserku.

Highlights:

• Cross several suspension bridges
• Enter Sagarmatha National Park
• Take a walk around the bustling streets of Namche Bazaar
• Enjoy the marvelous view of Kusum Kanguru, Thamserku, Everest, and Nuptse

Special Note:

Namche Bazaar is the most prominent commercial hub in the entire Khumbu region. It is filled with markets, gear shops, grocery stores, restaurants, and cafes. Bear in mind, if you forgot to buy any trekking gears, chocolate bars, medicines, or treats in Kathmandu, you can do the last minute shopping at Namche Bazaar. It is highly likely for you to get any of those things in the village higher than Namche Bazaar.

Acclimatization day! On this day, you’ll have a leisure day at Namche Bazaar to acclimatize with increasing elevation. It is essential to have an acclimatization day before heading higher to the Himalayas because it provides much-needed rest to your body and helps to minimize the possibilities of altitude sickness.

To stay a little active and keep the feet moving, you’ll take the opportunity to hike up to the beautiful village of Khumjung. On the way to Khumjung, you’ll also visit the Everest View Hotel, one of the world’s highest luxurious hotels. You can enjoy the stunning views of Everest, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Nuptse, Lhotse, Kangtega, Taboche, and Kwangde from the balcony of Everest View Hotel. 

After spending a while glancing at the mountains, you’ll continue the gradual walk towards Khumjung village. In the village, you’ll get to visit a local school built by Sir Edmund Hillary and an ancient monastery of the village, home to a purported Yeti scalp. In the evening, you’ll return back to Namche Bazaar to spend the night.

Highlights:

• Much-needed leisure day to acclimatize to high altitude
• Visit the world’s highest luxurious hotel at Everest View Hotel
• Take an excursion to Khumjung village
• Visit Khumjung school built by Sir Edmund Hillary
• Visit Khumjung monastery and witness the purported Yeti scalp
• Enjoy the breathtaking glimpses of the Himalayas

On this day, you’ll leave the classic route to Everest Base Camp behind and take the north-western route towards Thame. You’ll begin the day alongside Bhote Koshi River and walk past the dense forest of rhododendron and pine. At Phurte, you’ll also pass through a mud-coated white stupa, decorated in prayer flags and mani walls. Furthermore, you’ll descend steeply all the way to the Khumbu Hydroelectric Project Plant before reaching Thame.

At an altitude of 3,820 meters, Thame is a traditional Sherpa settlement that escapes the flock of trekkers heading to Everest Base Camp. This small village sits directly under the wall of Kongde Peak and accommodates one of the oldest monasteries of the region. 

Thame is also home to three of the best mountaineers around the world — Tenzing Norgay (spent most of his childhood in the village), Apa Sherpa (21 times Everest summiter), and Apa Rita Sherpa (11 times Everest summiter).

Highlights:

• Walk under the shade of rhododendron and pine trees
• Visit the mud-coated white stupa at Phurte
• Visit the ancient Thame monastery
• Explore the homeland of the legendary mountaineers of Nepal

After breakfast, you’ll begin the walk on a relatively easy trail towards Taranga. Walking past the barren dry land and occasional stone houses, you’ll reach Marulung village, located on the eastern bank of Bhote Koshi River. Furthermore, the trail follows a narrow valley surrounded in boulders and gradually descends to Lungden.

Lungden is a popular teahouse stop for trekkers who are determined to scale Renjo La Pass. At an elevation of 4,375 meters, this teahouse settlement offers a fascinating view of lesser-known peaks, such as Thyangmochen, Chhupu, and Dragkya.

Highlights:

• Enjoy the off the beaten track to Lungden
• Marvel at the lesser-known mountains like Thyangmochen, Chhupu, and Dragkya

On this day, you will be crossing Renjo La Pass at 5,360 meters, the first of the three high passes of Everest. Initially, the trail heads steeply upwards through a large sandy terrain. You’ll continue the strenuous uphill on a stone staircase which leads to the summit of Renjo La Pass. 

You’ll see a bundle of prayer flags decorated in the summit of Renjo La Pass. From here, you’ll witness an outstanding vista of the entire Rolwaling Range along with Mt. Everest, Makalu, and Gyachung Kang. After spending some time at the top, you’ll descend towards the third Gokyo Lake, widely known as Gokyo Tsho. The trail further continues along the shore of Gokyo Tsho towards the Gokyo Valley.

Highlights:

• Cross over Renjo La Pass at 5,360 meter
• Marvel at the majestic sight of Rolwaling Range, Mt. Everest, Makalu, and Gyachung Kang
• Stand at the shore of mesmerizing Gokyo Tsho

A much-needed rest day after completing the challenge of crossing Renjo La Pass at 5,360 meters. On this day, you’ll be hiking up to the fourth and fifth Gokyo Lakes and the surrounding villages.

After breakfast, you’ll be heading northwards from the Gokyo Valley and climbing the gradual uphill towards the fourth lake. After about two hours of gradual climb, you’ll arrive at the fourth lake, also known as Thonak Tsho at an elevation of 4,840 meters. Furthermore, you’ll continue the walk up towards the fifth lake, widely known as Ngozumpa Tsho at an elevation of 4,956 meters.

From here, you’ll get a close glimpse of Ngozumpa Glacier, the longest glacier across the Himalaya. It also offers a panoramic view of the mountains, including Mt. Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Cho Oyu, and Gyachung Kang. Along with that, you also get to relish the serene scenery of Thonak Tsho and Ngozumpa Tsho. After spending some time at the fifth lake, you descend back to Gokyo Valley for the overnight stay.

Highlights:

• Let your body acclimatize to the thin air
• Explore the Thonak Tsho (fourth lake) and Ngozumpa Tsho (fifth lake)
• Get a close-up view of Ngozumpa Glacier
• Breathtaking panorama of Mt. Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Cho Oyu, and Gyachung Kang.

You begin the day early as you hit the road to scale one of the most prominent viewpoints in the Everest Region — Gokyo Ri. Even though the trail does not require any technical climb, it is quite a challenge, considering that the entire way is steep and rock-strewn. Upon reaching the summit of Gokyo Ri at 5,360 meters, it greets you with a sensational spectacle of Gokyo Valley, Gokyo Lakes, Ngozumpa Glacier, and encircling mountain peaks, including Cho Oyu, Makalu, and Mt. Everest. 

After marveling at the panoramic view of the Himalayas, you’ll descend towards the Gokyo Valley and continue the walk towards Dragnag. Once you depart from the valley, you’ll find yourself walking over the glacial path of Ngozumpa Glacier. Make sure to stay cautious in this section as there are a lot of crevasses on the glacial path. After crossing the glacier, the route changes into relatively gradual ups and downs until you reach the village of Dragnag.  

Highlights:

• Early morning hike to Gokyo Ri — one of the most popular vantage point of Khumbu region
• Enjoy the stunning view of Gokyo Valley, Gokyo Lakes, Ngozumpa Glacier, and surrounding mountains from the summit of Gokyo Ri
• Walk over the glacial path of Ngozumpa Glacier

Another remarkable day of Everest High Passes Trek as you’ll be crossing the second Himalayan pass of the trek at Cho La Pass. You’ll begin the day descend from Dragnag to the small settlement of Thangnak. From the village, you’ll climb a vertical uphill towards Cho La Pass. Be aware that the route to the summit of the pass remains slippery most of the time. Therefore, we suggest you stay cautious while crossing this section.

From the top of the pass, you get a close glimpse of Cho La Glacier, Ama Dablam, and Cholatse. After that, you’ll descend through a challenging path across Cho La Glacier. Since the glacial path mostly consists of icy slopes, we highly recommend you to carry crampons or spikes. After descending the vertical section of the glacier, you’ll cross a narrow stream to reach Dzongla.

Highlights:

• Cross Cho La Pass at 5,420 meters, the second high pass of the trek
• Witness the close-up view of Cho La Glacier, Ama Dablam, and Cholatse
• Walk across the icy slopes of Cho La Glacier

After breakfast, you’ll begin the day with a gradual descend before reaching a small stream. Once you cross over the stream, the route gradually ascends in the midst of the arid landscape. An enormous sight of Lobuche West rises directly above you. After a short while, the icy blue lake of Chola Tsho unfolds below, with a vertical face of Cholatse and Taboche towering straight above.

Compared to the last few days, the trail is relatively easy on this day. You’ll continue the walk further from the lake towards Lobuche Kharka. As you’ll walk towards the teahouse settlement of Lobuche from Lobuche Kharka, you’ll be greeted with the majestic sight of Avi Peak. Upon reaching Lobuche, you’ll get to witness a captivating sight of Khumbu Glacier.

Highlights: 

• Relatively easy walk
• Marvel at the sight of mountains, including Lobuche West, Cholatse, Taboche, and Avi Peak
• Stand at the shore of icy blue Chola Tsho Lake
• Enjoy the sight of Khumbu Glacier

On this day, you’ll be making your way to the Everest Base Camp. Early in the morning, you’ll be leaving the teahouse settlement of Lobuche and walk through the rough and rock-strewn terrain. On your way to Gorak Shep, you’ll be passing through occasional ups and downs through the glacial path. You’ll also get to marvel at the wonderful sight of Nuptse, Pumori, and other encircling massifs.

Once you reach Gorakshep, you’ll drop your daypack at the teahouse and hit the rocky trail further towards the popular Everest Base Camp. Along the way, you’ll come across several tiny streams and glacial moraine. When you reach the Everest Base Camp, you will have accomplished your mission to stand at the foothills of the world’s highest mountain. 

Not only that but from the base camp, you’ll also get to witness a close-up sight of Pumori, Nuptse, Khubutse, along with the Khumbu Icefall. After spending a delightful time at the base camp, you’ll retrace your route through the rocky terrains back to Gorak Shep.

Highlights:

• Meander through the tranquil glacial route
• Hike up to the famous Everest Base Camp
• Accomplish the mission of standing at the shore of Mt. Everest
• Relish the close-up view of Pumori, Nuptse, Khubutse, along with the Khumbu Icefall.

This day marks another major highlight of this trek as you’ll be making your way to Kala Patthar, the highest elevation point of the trek at 5,643 meters. You’ll begin trekking early before sunrise at a relatively steep trail. Kala Patthar is by far the most famous vantage point in the Everest region. 

Even though the hike from Gorak Shep to Kala Patthar does not extend over a considerable distance, it is quite demanding as the route to the summit is vertical and rock-strewn

Once you reach the summit of the landmark, you’ll get a once in a lifetime opportunity to witness the most aesthetic sunrise gleaming over the Himalayas. Along with glorious sunrise, you’ll also get to enjoy a 360-degree panorama of some of the highest mountains in the world, including Mt. Everest, Mt. Pumori, Lingtren, Khumbetse, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and Thamserku.

After spending a short and splendid time at the summit, you’ll head back to Gorak Shep. After collecting your backpacks, you’ll descend back to Lobuche on a fairly gradual route.

Highlights:

• Excursion to the famous vantage point of Kala Patthar
• Witness the majestic sunrise over the towering massifs
• Relish the 360-degree panorama of some of the highest mountains in the world

Special Note:

Bear in mind that you will start your hike to Kala Patthar at pitch dark before sunrise. Therefore, it is advisable to carry a headlamp or a torch before you start trekking to help you keep an eye on the route. We also recommend you wear warm clothes in layers, gloves, a beanie, and a neck gaiter to keep yourself warm in the cold morning in the Himalayas.

Massive day! On this day, you’ll be crossing over Kongma La Pass at 5,535 meters, the final pass of Everest High Passes Trek.and the highest pass of Khumbu region. You’ll need to wake up as early as possible and hit the trail before sunrise. You’ll first make your way towards the Khumbu glacier and walk over the icy terrains. 

It is advisable to stay careful while trekking over these icy terrains as there might be several crevasses along the way. From here, you’ll climb a steep uphill on a route that is surrounded by loose rocks and boulders towards the summit of Kongma La Pass.

From the top of Kongma La Pass, you’ll get to witness a majestic Himalayan panorama of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Makalu, Gauri Shanker, and Pumori. After a while, you’ll descend through rocky terrain towards Imja Khola and cross the river to reach Chukung valley. You’ll continue the walk on a gradual trail from the valley to Dingboche village. From the village, the sight of Ama Dablam seems like a stone’s throw away.

Highlights:

• Cross over Kongma La Pass, the highest pass of Khumbu region
• Enjoy the great spectacles of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Makalu, Gauri Shanker, and Pumori from the top of Kongma La Pass
• Witness the close-up view of Ama Dablam from Dingboche village

A relatively comfortable walk after one of the longest and most challenging days of Everest High Passes Trek. On this day, you will be departing from the settlement of Dingboche and trek towards Tengboche. Upon crossing the stone walls of the village, you’ll walk past pleasant trails decorated in mani walls, chorten, and occasional villages. 

Most part of this day, you will be walking under the shades of rhododendron, birch, and conifer trees. The trail gradually heads towards the barren land of Orsho before reaching the Dudh Koshi River. Upon crossing a small suspension bridge, you’ll reach the beautiful village of Tengboche. 

At an elevation of 3,860 meters, Tengboche is a tiny settlement located in a grassy saddle directly under the shades of a crescent-shaped ridge. Once you reach the village, you will get the opportunity to visit Khumbu’s largest Buddhist monastery. From the village, you will also get to relish the spectacular view of Ama Dablam, Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, and the surrounding massifs.

Highlights:

• Pleasant walk under the shades of rhododendron, birch and conifer trees
• Cross the raging Dudh Koshi River via a suspension bridge
• Visit the old Tengboche Monastery — the largest gompa in Khumbu region
• Enjoy the majestic sight of surrounding mountains, including Ama Dablam, Everest, Nuptse, and Lhotse.

After breakfast, you’ll leave the village of Tengboche behind and make your way towards Jorsalle. The trek begins with a steep downhill towards the small settlement of Phunki Tenga. Once you reach this village, the trail abruptly leads uphill. After about an hour-long climb from Phunki Tenga, the trail slowly descends towards the Dudh Koshi River.

Crossing a suspension bridge over the river, you’ll continue the walk towards Namche Bazaar via Kyangjuma village. Along the way, you get to marvel at the magnificent view of Ama Dablam, Thamserku, and Kangtega. After Namche Bazaar, the trail descends abruptly towards the small Sherpa village of Jorsalle. Here, you will have the opportunity to visit a small Buddhist monastery and stupa.

Highlights:

• Cross over an exhilarating suspension bridge
• Enjoy the glorious view of Ama Dablam, Thamserku, and Kangtega along the way
• Walk past the colorful village of Namche Bazaar
• Visit the Buddhist monastery at Jorsalle

The route on this day is comparatively much easier, comfortable, and straightforward. On this day, you’ll be walking through a pleasant path under the shades of rhododendron and pine forest. You’ll be accompanied by the ever-flowing Dudh Koshi River for the most part of the day. As you continue the walk, you’ll get to enjoy the final glimpse of Kusum Kanguru, Thamserku, Everest, and Nuptse in the distance.

After a short while, you’ll reach a small Sherpa village at Phakding where you will cross yet another suspension bridge over Dudh Koshi River and continue your journey. You’ll walk past several small settlements, Buddhist monasteries, well-decorated chortens, and mani walls. 

You’ll reach Lukla in the afternoon after approximately six hours of gradual walk from Jorsalle. You’ll get to enjoy the rest of the day relaxing at the hotel or taking a walk around the village. In the evening, you will celebrate the triumph of Everest High Passes Trek along with your trekking guide and rest of the team before heading back to Kathmandu.

Highlights:

• Walk along the pleasant trail in the midst of rhododendron and pine
• Cross another high suspension bridges over Dudh Koshi River
• Enjoy the last glimpse of Kusum Kanguru, Thamserku, Everest, and Nuptse on the way
• Celebrate the success with the entire team members

Your final day in the Himalayas! On this day, you’ll bid farewell to the mountains and head to the airstrip of Lukla. Here, you will also wave goodbye to the porters and all the local staff who have assisted you throughout the trek. You’ll then catch a flight from Lukla airport and fly back to Kathmandu. The 40-minutes flight from the alpine world to the bustling city of Kathmandu offers a breathtaking view of the Himalayas and surrounding landscape.

Once your flight lands at Tribhuvan International Airport, the representative of Nepal Social Treks will receive you at the domestic terminal and transfer you to the hotel. You will have the rest of the day for yourself. Therefore, you can either take some rest back at the hotel or wander around the street of Thamel. 

You can also buy some souvenirs or gifts for friends and family back home. In the evening, the representative of Nepal Social Treks will pick you up at your respective hotel and take you for the farewell dinner.

Highlights:

• Exhilarating flight from Lukla to Kathmandu
• Peek out of the window to witness the majestic view the mountains and surrounding landscapes
• Farewell dinner in the evening

Your adventure of Everest High Passes Trek will end on this day as you’ll make the final preparation for departure! On this day, the representative of Nepal Social Treks will pick you up from the hotel and drop you to the Tribhuvan International Airport for the final departure. He will escort you to the airport as per the schedule of your flight and help you figure out your check-in terminal.

Special Note:

Before you check out of the hotel, look over the entire room and make sure that you have not left anything behind. Instead of rushing in the last hour, we suggest you pack your bags a day prior to the international departure.