Everest High Passes Trek

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Group size: Min:2, Max: 8+ Max-Altitude: 5550m
Destination: Nepal
Arrival on: Kathmandu Departure from: Kathmandu
Meals: All meals during Trek
Accommodation: Mountain Lodges
Fitness level: Challenging

Trip Introduction

Everest High Passes Trek is the immensely superb itinerary for the trekkers willing to experience complete trekking in the Everest region. After arrival in Kathmandu, trip officially begins with an electrifying flight to the airport at Lukla. The trek turns to anticlockwise route including the destination- Tengboche from Namche with an intention to cross Kongma-la pass moving on towards Everest Base Camp and Kalapatthar. The adventure continues crossing other two passes: Cho-la and Renjo-la along with Climbing up to Gokyo-Ri. On the way, experience the culture, tradition, and lifestyle of highland Sherpas, monastic life, and the ancient trading route.
 

Outline Itinerary

Day 01: Arrive Kathmandu
Altitude: 1350/4428 ft.

Day 02: Fly to Lukla (Altitude: 2860 m), trek to Phakding
Altitude: 2610 m/8613 ft. | Flight: 30 minutes | Trek: 3/4 hrs. | Meal: BLD

Day 03: Trek to Namche
Altitude; 3440 m/11352 ft. | Trek: 5/6 hrs. | Meal: BLD

Day 04: Rest day for acclimatization
Altitude; 3440 m/11352 ft. | Meal: BLD

Day 05: Trek to Tengboche
Altitude: 3860 m/ 12738 ft. | Trek: 5/6 hrs. | Meal: BLD

Day 06: Trek to Dingboche
Altitude: 4410 m/14553 ft. | Trek: 5/6 hrs. | Meal: BLD

Day 07: Trek to Chhukung
Altitude: 4750 m/15675 ft. | Trek: 5/6 hrs. | Meal: BLD

Day 08: Rest Day
Altitude: 4750 m/15675 ft. | Meal: BLD

Day 09: Trek to Lobuche via Kongma-la pass
Altitude: Kongma-la: 5535 m/18265 ft. Lobuche: 4910 m/16203 ft. | Trek: 6/7 hrs. | Meal: BLD

Day 10: Trek to Everest Base Camp
Altitude: 5357m/17678 ft | back to Gorekshep - Altitude: 5140 m/16960 ft. | Trek: 6/7 hrs. | Meal: BLD

Day 11: Trek to Kalapatthar back to Dzongla
Altitude: Kalapatthar: 5550 m/18315 ft. Dzongla: 4830 m/15939 ft. | Trek: 6/7 hrs. | Meal: BLD

Day 12: Trek to Tragnang via Cho-la pass
Altitude: Cho-la pass: 5330 m/17589 ft. | Tragnang: 4700 m/15510 ft. | Trek: 5/6 hrs. | Meal: BLD

Day 13: Trek to Gokyo
Altitude: 4790 m/15805 ft. Trek: 4/5 hrs. | Meal: BLD

Day 14: Gokyo Valley: Acclimatization Day - Optional Hike to 5th Lake
Altitude: 5000 m/33000 ft. | Trek: 5/6 hrs. | Meal: BLD

Day 15: Trek to Lumde via Renjo-La Pass
Altitude: 5360 m/17685 ft. | Lumde - Altitude: 4380 m/14455 ft. | Trek: 5/6 hrs.  | Meal: BLD

Day 16: Trek to Thame
Altitude: 3800 m/12540 ft. | Trek: 4/5 hrs. | Meal: BLD

Day 17: Trek to Namche
Altitude: 3440 m/11352 ft. | Trek: 4/5 hrs. | Meal: BLD

Day 18: Trek to Lukla
Altitude: 2840/ 9372 ft. | Trek: 4/5 hrs. | Meal: BLD

Day 19: Fly to Kathmandu
Altitude: 1350/4428 ft. | Flight: 30 minutes | Meal: B

Day 20: Departure transfer
Altitude: 1350/4428 ft. | Meal: B

Day to Day Itinerary

Day 01: Arrive Kathmandu, (Altitude: 1350/4428 ft. )
On your arrival at Kathmandu International Airport, one of our representatives will pick up you and escort you to the hotel as well as help you to check-in at the hotel. After your refreshment, you will be briefed about the next day trip. 

Day 02: Fly to Lukla (2840 m), trek to Phakding (Altitude: 2840/ 9372 ft. Phakding: 2610 m/8613 ft. Flight: 30 minutes Trek: 3/4 hrs. Meal: BLD)
On a clear bright morning, you will fly over the snowcapped mountains to one of the most electrifying high altitude airports, Lukla at an altitude 2900 m. Your guides and porters will accompany you here for the trek. Hence, the trekking adventure kicks off. Beginning the trek, you will slide down almost 500 meters to Dudh Koshi River. Then, the trek winds along the trail beside the River towards Phakding. Passing several mani-walls and boulders engraved with Buddhist prayers, you will arrive at Phakding where you will spend the first night of your trek.

Day 03: Trek to Namche (Altitude; 3440 m/11352 ft. Trek: 5/6 hrs. Meal: BLD)
The trek chases the northern trial up the Dudh Kosi valley to Monjo. At Monjo, the trek officially enters Sagarmatha National Park where you have to issue Sagarmatha National Park Permit Card. Continuing the trail along the steep uphill climb while savoring the first glimpse of Everest, you will arrive at the hub of Sherpa- Namche Bazaar.

Day 04: Rest day for acclimatization (Altitude; 3440 m/11352 ft. Meal: BLD)
It is a day to acclimatize you with higher elevation. On this day, you can go for a short hike to Khumjung, a beautiful settlement of Hospitable Sherpas. OR, you can roam around the Namche that offers Internet Cafes, restaurants, ATMs, and colorful markets. Even, you can enjoy the traditional living of mountain dwellers that is getting complimentary by the awe-inspiring surrounding and high altitude flora/fauna.

Day 05: Trek to Tengboche (Altitude: 3860 m/ 12738 ft. Trek: 5/6 hrs. Meal: BLD)
With a delightful breakfast in Namche, you will walk on the side of the valley above the Dudh Koshi River. Passing by several villages and numerous tea shops, you will descend steeply to a bridge over the river at Phunki Tenga; you can see the water driven prayer wheel. Also, it is an ideal stopover for lunch where you will take rest for a while before making the steep climb to Tengboche. Along the trail, you can enjoy the beautiful rhododendron bushes, birds and superb mountains that let you forget about the tiring zigzag trail. You will get the first view of spectacular mountains including Mt. Everest, Ama Dablam, Lhotse Shar, Tawache, Kangtega, Thamserku, Nuptse. Once you reach Tengboche, you can explore the Khumbu largest monastery- the Tengboche Monastery.

Day 06: Trek to Dingboche (Altitude: 4410 m/14553 ft. Trek: 5/6 hrs. Meal: BLD)
Starts your trail passing through lush forests of birch, confer and rhododendron trees. On the trail, you can have mesmerizing views of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam. You can slowly steep down to Deboche, then cross the Imja River to Pangboche. Ascend toward the upper Pangboche, you will visit one of the oldest monasteries of Khumbu- the Pangboche Monastery. You will continue your hike to the Imja valley and Lobuche River on the way to Dingboche. It is an attractive village that is beautified with the field of barley, potatoes, and buckwheat along with grazing animals. 

Day 07: Trek to Chhukung (Altitude: 4750 m/15675 ft. Trek: 5/6 hrs. Meal: BLD)
Today you will have an easy walk, climbing up gradually towards the small valley surrounds by the glaciers and mountains called a Chhukung valley.  It will be a short walk of around 4 hours and let you properly acclimatize with the altitude. On the way, you will see some scores of small huts made to store livestock during summer. You will spend your overnight at the local lodge.

Day 08: Rest Day (Altitude: 4750 m/15675 ft. Meal: BLD)
Just staying at lodge might bore you. Hence, we suggest you go for a short hike to Chukung Ri (5550 m).  From here, you can catch the best view of Cho Oyu, Pumori, Lhotse wall, Makalu, Amphu Lapcha, Imja Tse, Baruntse... Alternatively, you can also make your journey towards Island peak base camp.

Day 09: Trek to Lobuche via Kongma-la pass (Altitude: Kongma-la: 5535 m/18265 ft. Lobuche: 4910 m/16203 ft. Trek: 6/7 hrs. Meal: BLD)
Today will be the most adventurous walk as you are going to cross the highest pass of this trip, the Kongma-La pass. You will start walking just after breakfast, ascending towards Kongma-la pass until you reach to the top that is decorated with the cairns and Buddhist flag. From here, you will descend your feet towards north to stop at Lobuche. The trail would be long without any tea shop and water sources, hence, you should carry a water bottle and some snacks. On the trail, you can catch the best view of Mt. Kongma Tse (5820 m), Mt. Pokalde (5806 m), Mt. Lhotse (8516 m), Mt. Lhotse Shar (8383 m), Mt. Makalu (8463 m), Mt. Baruntse (7220 m) and Mt. Ama Dablam.

Day 10: Trek to Everest Base Camp (5357m/17678 ft.), back to Gorekshep (Altitude: EBC: 5357m/17678 ft. Gorekshep: 5140 m/16960 ft. Trek: 6/7 hrs. Meal: BLD)
Here comes the most interesting and the highlight of this region that starts with a mixture of excitement and anxiety. Today, you will hike up to the Everest base camp at an altitude of 5364 m and return back to Gorekshep for an overnight stay. You will walk through the horizontal moraine of the Khumbu Glacier. On the way, you will witness the north ridge of Mt. Everest, Mt. Pumori, Mt. Mahalangur, Mt. Nuptse and many more. Further climbing through the Changri Glacier, you can have the first glimpse of Kalapatthar. You will stop at Gorekshep for a lunch; then continue to walk for your ultimate destination- the Everest Base Camp. The splendid views of the mountains and scenarios make the journey livelier, even snubbing all the tiresome walk on the steep route. The trail will last for approximately 3 hours from Gorekshep. Once you reach base camp, you can actually see the deadliest route to the Everest that makes the journey more adventurous. You will get to spend quality time exploring the base camp and surrounding areas and return to Gorak Shep to spend the night.

Day 11: Trek to Kalapatthar back to Dzonglha (Altitude: Kalapatthar: 5550 m/18315 ft. Dzongla: 4830 m/15939 ft. Trek: 6/7 hrs. Meal: BLD)
Next, to Everest Basecamp, this day is too exciting and adventurous hiking to Kalapatthar. You will get an early morning call from our guide to get ready to hike first at Kalapatthar. The reason is to catch the sparkling yellowish snowcapped mountains especially Mt. Everest by the strike of every ray during sunrise. Every second becomes an exciting moment of the lifetime; well, don’t forget to capture in camera. Then, you will return back to Gorekshep with refreshing mood and descend back towards Dzonglha where you spend your overnight.

Day 12: Trek to Tragnang via Cho-la pass (Altitude: Cho-la pass: 5330 m/17589 ft. Tragnang: 4700 m/15510 ft. Trek: 5/6 hrs. Meal: BLD)
Another interesting day that starts with full of excitements and needed a bit technical is crossing Cho-la pass. The presence of steep glacial section makes this pass a technically demanding walk. Ice covered rocks make day’s trek tricky with slippery attributes. Beginning the trek, you should walk through a rocky ravine to the top of the pass, which is marked by fluttering prayer flags and chortens. You should stay on the left side while crossing the glacier. The pointed Ama Dablam along with Cholatse soars Lobuche East and Baruntse is extremely beautiful vistas from the top. Once you reach the top, you have to walk on the slippery trail, even have possibilities of rocks falling down from where you will descend towards Tragnang. Overnight at local lodge.

Day 13: Trek to Gokyo (Altitude: 4790 m/15805 ft. Trek: 4/5 hrs. Meal: BLD)
After your tricky walk, you will now follow an easy trail begins with an uphill walk to a ridge that caters a fantastic view of the Himalayas. The trail follows the Ngozumba glacier and when you reach the Gokyo, you can view the stunning Dudh Kunda (Milk Lake). Overnight at local lodge.

Day 14: Gokyo Valley: Acclimatization Day - Optional Hike to 5th Lake (Altitude: 5000 m/33000 ft. Trek: 5/6 hrs. Meal: BLD)
This is a day for proper acclimatization before heading for Renjo-la Pass. However, it does not means just to sit in a teahouse with books & coffee. Today, you can go for a hike to Gokyo Ri- an ideal vantage point to sight extremely the beautiful vistas of Everest and its closest neighbor; fourth lake and fifth lake that caters the demanding views of Cho-Oyu, Gyachung Kang, Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Makulu.

Day 15: Trek to Lumde via Renjo-La Pass (Altitude: Renjo-la Pass: 5360 m/17685 ft. Lumde: 4380 m/14455 ft. Trek: 5/6 hrs. Meal: BLD)
The final but exciting part of this trek is when reach at Gokyo is and get ready to pass Renjo-la. You will walk uphill in a smooth trail for a while, then once you reach at the ridge of Renjo-la, taking some picturesque views of Everest Himalayan range, Makalu, Tengi Ragi Tau, Rolwaling Range and Gyachung Kang. Then onwards, you will descend your feet in a slippery trail that required to be a bit tricky. You will pasture through the valley settled behind the Bhote Koshi River. You can even see some yak caravans coming down from the Tibet heading to the Lumde. Spend your overnight at local lodges.

Day 16: Trek to Thame (Altitude: 3800 m/12540 ft. Trek: 4/5 hrs. Meal: BLD)
Today, you will hike down crossing several villages settled by the traditional Sherpas. The trail carries beautiful Gompa, Chortains and even it is the land of famous climbers- Tenzing Norkey (first climber to summit Mt. Everest with Sir Edmund Hillary) Apa Sherpa, who climb Mt. Everest for 21 times. Once you enter the valley, you can visit the oldest Gompa of Khumbu valley where the festival Mani Rimdhu is held. You can see the fascinating views of mountains- Thamserku, Kantenga, Kusum Kangguru, kongde,

Day 17: Trek to Namche (Altitude: 3440 m/11352 ft. Trek: 4/5 hrs. Meal: BLD)
It will be an easy walk slightly sloping down towards the village Thamo having a beautiful Khare Gompa. This is a trail of the monastic area, hence, you can observe several monasteries in between. Your destination would be Namche where you can refresh yourself hanging around the market and sophisticated services. 

Day 18: Trek to Lukla (Altitude: 2840/ 9372 ft. Trek: 4/5 hrs. Meal: BLD)
Today will be the final day at Everest. You will follow the Dudh Koshi River down to Lukla. You will cross several wooden suspension bridge and villages including monasteries while reaching Lukla. Once you reach Lukla, you can plan for an evening celebration with guides and porters, even taste local beer (Chang), enjoy party beating legs on Sherpa Dance steps.

Day 19: Fly to Kathmandu (Altitude: 1350/4428 ft. Flight: 30 minutes Meal: B)
You will board a plane back to Kathmandu. Arriving at Kathmandu you will be transferred to your hotel and rest of the day will be your leisure time. You can go for shopping, message, or rest at the Hotel. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 20: Departure transfer (Altitude: 1350/4428 ft. Meal: B) 
Depart Kathmandu with lots of adventurous memories of the Everest Base Camp trek via 3 Passes.

Important Note

Included / Exclude

Service Includes:

  • Airport Pick up/Drop off in a private vehicle escorted by Treks Planner Nepal office representative
  • 2 nights’ accommodation at Tourist Standard Hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast on a sharing basis
  • Accommodation at well and comfortable Mountain Lodge available en-route during trek (Few nights’ at during trek with attached bathroom/toilets)
  • English speaking, First Aid and Eco-trained local trekking guide, Assistance guide as per the group size, porters (2:1)
  • All the expenses for guide and porters along with Insurance
  • Domestic Airfare for the sector: Kathmandu/Lukla/Kathmandu
  • Sagarmatha  National Park Fees and Khumbu Permit
  • Exclusive medical kit bag, Duffle Bag, Trekking T-shirt, Trekking Maps
  • Sleeping Bag and Down Jacket during Trek (upon request)
  • All government and local taxes as applicable

Service Excludes:

  • Nepal Visa - (Cost- US$- 25 for 15 days & $- 40 for 30 days)
  • International Airfare
  • Lunch & evening meals while in Kathmandu (Except welcome/farewell dinner)
  • Travel insurance
  • Cost of personal nature expenses, Beverages (Mineral water or coca cola), cost of extra meals, snacks, phones bills, Internet, WiFi, laundry etc.
  • Cost incurred during emergency, evacuations, 
  • Tips for Guide, porters, driver ...
  • Anything other than not mentioned in "Service Includes"

Best time to travel

Feb/Mar/Apr/May/June and Sept/oct/Nov/Dec

Physical Condition and requirement

Additional info

Important notes


Source:www.treksplannernepal.com