Everest High Passes Trek - 19 Days

  • Duration19 Days
  • DestinationNepal
  • Difficulty LevelStrenuous
  • Max Altitude5,545m

About Trip

The little-known Everest High Passes Trek is the best trek in the Everest region. For those who can withstand roughly three weeks on the trail, take this epic journey. Relatively recently, trekking trails have been developed in order to connect each pass, including the Chola Pass that connects Everest Base Camp to the Gokyo area. Trust us, if you have the time and ability, take the unmatchable Everest region adventure – the Everest High Passes Trek.

Each high pass, Kongma La Pass (5200m),Chola Pass (5330m), and Renjo La Pass (5,360m), offers unique and incredible views of the expansive Khumbu region. You will feel like you are at the top of the world whilestanding at each of these passes. Beyond the three passes, there are two more high points that have equally stunning, if not more stunning, mountain views: GokyoRi (5357m) and Kala Patthar (5545m).

If you are looking to trek in the Everest region, but want to beat the tourists, this is the choice. We start of in Kathmandu, after a sightseeing tour around the valley. Take a flight to the world’s most dangerous airport – Tenzing-Hillary Airport in Lukla. The trail leads through lush forests, filling your lungs with fresh air. Spend a day and a half in Namche Bazaar, when you witness and participate in the interaction between Sherpa people and trekkers. After a much-needed acclimatization day, we head up to Tengboche Monastery. Get a spiritual feeling from the monastery nestled in the beautiful mountains.

Cross the first pass, the Kongma La, and head to the historic Everest Base Camp. See the colorful tents next to Khumbu Glacier, awaiting their turn to make their summit expedition. The next day, we hike up Kala Patthar (5,545 meters) for what is known as the number one view of Everest that exists.

Next up is Gokyo Valley. This place is otherworldly! Admire the emerald color of the lake, surrounded by snowy and rocky mountains. Take the rugged climb up to GokyoRi for views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Cho Oyu, and Makalu. How many other places can you see four of the world’s highest mountains in one sweeping view?

The third and final pass is the Renjo La Pass. Walk past the snow-covered boulders to the high pass and down to Lungden. Renjo La Pass is magnificent, giving a feeling that you are on another planet. From here, we descend back down. On the last bit of the trial, we retrace our steps back to Lukla for another amazing flight. Check out the spectacular views from the window! Join us on this unforgettable Everest region adventure.

It is possible to do the Everest Base Camp with GokyoRi Trek throughout the year. The best times, though, are spring (March to May) and fall (September to November). In the springtime, the colorful flowers are blooming. During the fall, the skies are usually clearer. Ashmita Trek and Tours arranges the trek with full management, including transportation, meals, etc. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have questions!

Highlights

  • Traversing three of the highest mountain passes in the world.
  • Discover the famous hub of Namche Bazaar.
  • Up-close view of Everest from Kala Patthar (5455 meters).
  • Reaching the world-famous Everest Base Camp (5364 meters).
  • Wandering the shore of the sacred Gokyo Lakes.

Itinerary

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Welcome to Nepal! Upon your arrival to TIA, we pick you up and take you to your hotel. In the evening, we brief you on the upcoming adventure. Overnight in hotel.

    Take breakfast in the hotel and then join us for a sightseeing tour of some of Kathmandu’s famous UNESCO World Heritage sites. Throughout the day, we visit Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, Swayambunath, and Kathmandu Durbar Square. Our knowledgeable guides will tell you all about the historical and cultural significance of each spot. Spend your evening as wish, wandering around and preparing for the trek. Overnight in hotel.

      Take the early flight to Luklaandstart the trek! From your seat, spectacular mountain views are all around. After the short flight, we start on the lovely trail. The route passes Sherpa villages and everything that comes with that – including their fields of crops and Tibetan Buddhist monuments. As we reach Phakding, KusumKanguru and other mountains make their presence known. Overnight at the guest house.

        The allure of the Everest region begins. Leave Phakding and trek through lush forests. Today we cross several exhilerating suspension bridges over the DudhKoshi River and its streams. Reach Monjo and check into Sagarmatha National Park. Follow the DudhKoshi as it rises in elevation. Before Namche Bazaar, Mount Everest pops into view and glorifies the scene. Overnight at the guest house. 

          We let our bodies adjust to the change in altitude by relaxing and going on a day hike. The change in elevation is hard on our bodies, but we can prevent problems by taking the ascent slowly. It’s best to climb high and sleep low. So, we climb up to Khumjung and check out the Sagarmatha National Park Museum. Also, from here we have awesome views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and AmaDablam. Then, spend time exploring Namche Bazaar, which is full of shops and bakeries. There is lots to see today! Overnight at the guest house.

            Wake up and take breakfast. Hike past Khumjung and again admire the mesmorizing views. As we reach PhungiThanga, the trail splits. One way goes to Gokyo and the other to Everest Base Camp. We of course take the latter and head uphill. Pine and rhododendron forests lie on each side of the path. Soon, we arrive to Tengboche, where there is a massive monastery. Overnight at the guest house. 

              We witness a stark change in scenery today. Move past the tree line to the desolate, rocky alpine area. Throughout the day, we enjoy sweet mountain vistas, including views of Everest, Lhotse, and AmaDablam. After passing the Imja River, we reach Pangboche, a beautiful place to have lunch. Further along the Imja Valley lies Dingboche, after one last ascent. Overnight at the guest house.

                Stay another night in Dingboche for acclimatization purposes. Again, we climb high and sleep low. Up the Chhukung Valley we go. During the hike, pristine peaks surround us. The hike is steep and strenuous, but well worth it. When we are finished, we head back down to Dingboche and rest. Overnight at the guest house. 

                  The trail leads us on a gentle rise to Chhukung. It’s a short and not too strenuous day, but the increasingly thin air makes it a bit difficult. The first of the three passes comes tomorrow so today helps us prepare for that. Chhukung lies at the base of some huge peaks. Relax and/or explore the rest of the day. Overnight at the guest house. 

                    We must leave in the early morning the cross the Kongma La Pass with the best chance for good weather. We cross the pass either with a trail over a hill to the northwest of Chhukung or by climbing over the Nuptse glacial moraines to Bibre and use the trail from there. After some tough climbing, we arrive to the top. Take some photographs at the top and begin the steep descent. Follow through the Khumbu Glacier to Lobuche. Overnight at the guest house. 

                      Today is a marvelous day! From Lobuche, we hike up to Gorakshep and stop at the guest house to drop our stuff off. Then, with our day packs, we move towards Everest Base Camp on the steep, rocky trail. Take some photographs and soak in the feeling of being at this historical place. Check out the Khumbu Icefall, Mt. Khumbutse and Pumori. When you have had your fill, descend back to Gorakshep. Overnight at the guest house.

                        Today is a memorable day of the trek. Kala Patthar provides the best view of Mount Everest. It might be a challenging hike getting there, but it is absolutely worth it. Besides Everest, you can see several more of the highest peaks in the world. Then, we descend to Dzongla. Overnight at the guest house.

                          Wake up early in the morning to cross the intimidating, yet beautiful Chola Pass (5,330m). Weather is best in the morning time. After some five hours of trekking up the rugged trail, we arrive to the pass. Take a moment to enjoy the scenic vista. Then, we take an equally steep downhill trail to Thaknak for lunch. 2.5 hours of trekking from here leads us to Gokyo village. This is one of the most magnificent places to sleep in the Everest region. Overnight at the guest house. 

                            Today we hike up to another jaw-dropping viewpoint of the Everest region – GokyoRi. Watch the sun light up several more of the world’s highest peaks from the top, including Everest, Cho Oyu, Lhotse, and Makalu. It is a spectacular sight! Spend the rest of the day exploring the other lakes or just relaxing. Overnight at the guest house. 

                              Get an early morning start and hike along the DudhPokhari. Walk on the slight incline for about two hours before a steep climb to the Renjo La Pass. Jaw-dropping views exist in every direction. See Gokyovllage, Ngozumpa Glacier, and of course the lovely lakes. Keep going down past RelamaTsho and Renjo Lake to Lungden, a boulder-filled village. Overnight at the guest house. 

                                Walk for about an hour from Lungden, to reach Marlungon the east bank of the BhoteKoshi River. Descend from Marlung to Thame along the route that has been used by Tibetan traders for centuries. We cross the BhoteKoshi River and descend to Taranga. The trail continues descending and we cross two bridges before reaching Thame. Overlooking Thame is its famous Gompa on a hill to the west. From here, we descend gradually, passing through a few small villages before reaching Namche Bazaar. Overnight in a guest house.

                                  The final day of trekking brings us back to Lukla as we enjoy the last mountain views. Cross six suspension bridges before reaching there, as well as typical Sherpa settlements. Stop in Phakding for lunch and then hike for a couple more hours to Lukla. Overnight at the guest house. 

                                    After breakfast, walk on over to Tenzing-Hillary Airport for the flight back to Kathmandu. Spend the rest of your day in Kathmandu as you wish! Farewell dinner in Kathmandu in the evening. Overnight at the hotel. 

                                      We pick you up from your hotel and take you to the Airport. Thank you for trekking with Ashmita Trek and Tours! We hope to see you soon.

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                                        What's Included

                                        • Transportation to and from Tribhuvan International Airport.
                                        • Three nights in a 2-3 star hotel in Kathmandu on bed and breakfast basis.
                                        • All transportation during the itinerary.
                                        • Guest house accommodation during the trek.
                                        • Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) fees
                                        • Sagarmatha National Park Fee
                                        • Government-authorized, experienced guide and porters
                                        • Insurance, food, accommodation, and wage for guides and porters
                                        • All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trek.
                                        • All necessary trekking equipment (sleeping bag, warm layers, etc.)
                                        • First Aid Kit
                                        • Maps
                                        • Service charge and government taxes
                                        • Farewell dinner in Kathmandu
                                        • International Airfare.
                                        • Meals in Kathmandu (besides breakfast).
                                        • Personal expenses (shopping, extra snacks, etc.)
                                        • Sightseeing entrance fees in Kathmandu.
                                        • Shower and electronic charging fees at guest houses.
                                        • Alcoholic drinks, chocolates, tea and coffee.
                                        • Tips for guide and porter.
                                        • Extra accommodation and meals outside of itinerary.
                                        • Costs from unexpected occurrences (i.e. cancellations, weather problems, damages of property, illness, etc.)

                                        Dates & Availability

                                        Request Private Trip
                                        Start DateEnd DateStatusPrice 
                                        24 Nov, 202412 Dec, 2024AvailableUS $1700

                                        Note

                                        Ashmita Trek and Tours does not take responsibility for any problems incurred by weather, damages to personal property, etc. We will do our best to prevent/handle any problems that happen. There is a chance that transportation to and from Lukla may be delayed due to road and weather conditions. Therefore, it is recommended to book your international flight with several days margin.  It is possible to fly to Kathmandu if necessary (for an additional cost).

                                        Customer Reviews

                                        • B

                                          Backes m, United Kingdom - October 25, 2019

                                          Really enjoy the wonderful EBC Trek with Ashmita Trek and Tours, especially with Mingma sherpa as a very helpful guide. We enjoy very nice scenery, although with cool weather. Clear sky and not much cloud. Mingma has done a good job to organize the trip for us. Its realy a worth value for money journey. The scenaries is really sensational. Recommended trip. Life time journey. One bucket list checked.

                                        • L

                                          Luisa de, United States - October 20, 2019

                                          We just completed our everest Base Camp Trek (EBC) Trek as a group of 4 family members with Ashmita Trek and Tours. This was a once in a lifetime adventure for us all and we could not have picked a better company then Ashmita Trek. Subash Upon arriving in Nepal he was there to personally greet us all at the airport and we all felt at ease and he would check with us daily in Kathmandu to point us in the right direction from restaurants to money exchange to buying any equipment and souveniers. Hats off to his dedication to client satisfaction.
                                          The three guides we had for our Trek were just simply amazing. Their experience and knowledge and looking after us all was just awesome.

                                          BIG THANK YOU for making these wonderful memories possible.
                                          If anyone wants to get in touch with me to talk or get advice about Ashmita Trek and these amazing people, please do not hesitate.

                                        • D

                                          David Allis, United Kingdom - September 20, 2019

                                          I just returned from the 16 day Everest Base Camp trek. I used the services of Ashmita Trek and tours organized the trip from start to finish from Tribhuvan International Airport without any hitches. We had a very good guide and sherpa - kind, experienced, caring. Accommodation, food, transport, everything was on time and of high quality. I will contact them again) Highly recommended!

                                        • J

                                          Jonas Miller, United States - September 15, 2019

                                          I went to Everest Base Camp with Ashmita Trek and Tours, We were 4 in the group, there was a 100 % success. Ashmita Trek gave us the best experience, and looked after our every needs we had. Our safety was their 1st priority, they ensured we were always comfortable at all times.

                                          I would certainly use Ashmita Trek again for future treks.

                                        • j

                                          james, Germany - September 04, 2019

                                          During the trek, all Accommodation and meals was also included. We recommend using Ashmita Trek and Tours and there services, our guide and porter met all our expectations and we are very happy with our trip. A busy hike, but an epic end result. If you are in Nepal and have 2 weeks to spare then you need to go Everest Base Camp Trek.

                                        Trip Advisor