You will be met by Kumar at Airport and transferred to the hotel. Remainder of the afternoon at leisure. A pre-trek briefing will be given around 5-6pm where arrangements will be made for the distribution of kit bag. This evening we will head out for dinner, this is a great opportunity to get acquainted with your fellow group members. Overnight: Hotel
Dinner: Host by KTH
Depending on the season, you will either have a free day to explore Kathmandu's bustling streets and significant landmarks or embark on a bus ride to Ramechap, a small town that operates flights to Lukla, the gate way trekking in the Everest region. Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu or Lodge Domestic flights to/from Lukla during spring and autumn trekking seasons (March-May and October-December) may operate from Manthali Airport, Ramechap. This is determined by the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal and dates are subject to change. Kumar will brief you on flight arrangements locally.
Meals: BDL
Today we cross and re-cross the thundering glacial river, the Dudh Kosi. Sections of today's walk are through pine forest and cleared areas reveal terraced fields and a variety of crops. We pass groups of donkeys, yaks and Dzopko carrying trading goods and trekking gear along the trail. A Dzopko is a yak-cow crossbreed while a yak is a full-blood long haired male, more commonly found at higher altitudes. Spectacular mountain peaks unfold above us and seem to hover above the tree-line as they rise above the deep river valley. Shortly after leaving Lodge middle of the Phagding village right away we cross the Kusum Khola, another tributary stream to the Dudh Kosi. At a turn of the trail, Thamserku (6808 m) rises majestically, seemingly from the river floor. The allure of the mountains is hard to resist, but we must be patient, as it is very important to acclimatise slowly and thereby fully appreciate our time at higher altitude. Today's walk is not a long one, slow down, and enjoy every step of the way. Overnight Chhumoa.
Meals: BLD
This morning we cross the green/aqua waters of the Dudh Kosi and pass through the gates of the Sagamartha National Park. The establishment of this national park is a significant attempt to stem the use of fire-wood in the area. Self-contained trek groups must use only kerosene fuels for cooking, a philosophy we follow everywhere in Nepal, whether we are in a national park or not. Tea-houses and lodges are encouraged to use kerosene, yak dung or electricity but unfortunately continue to use mostly fire-wood for cooking, heating and for hot water for trekker's showers. This practice continues to deplete the forests. We follow the river course to the confluence of the Dudh Kosi and the Bhote Kosi and cross a spectacular high bridge before commencing our ascent to the village of Namche Bazaar, the Sherpa "capital" of Nepal. It is a tough climb as the trail passes through forest of pine to a vantage point that provides our first view of Mt Everest. The Topdanda, trail continues to climb and meander to Namche and the sight of this prosperous village spread within a horse-shoe shaped valley opposite the beautiful peak of Kongde Ri is worth every step. After lunch you may wish to peruse the Tibetan trader's stalls or the Sherpa shops in search of a bargain. Overnight: in lodge
Meal:BLD
Our trek will start with an incline to Syangboche airstrip and along the ridgeline towards Everest View Hotel. We are welcomed with magnificent views of the surrounding mountains including Everest, Lhotse, Thamserku, Khangtega, Ama Dablam and many more. After a quick break, we continue towards Khunde hospital visit and then to Khumjung where the Sir Edmond Hillary’s famous “Schoolhouse in the clouds.”This school was the first in the entire Khumbu region being built in 1961 with the help of the Sir Edmund Hillary and the Himalayan Trust. The school originally opened with only two classrooms but has since expanded to cater for over 350 students. Overnight: Lodge
Meals: BDL
We descend through splendid rhododendron, Himalayan blue pine and Birch forests to Phungi Tenga. From there we cross the Dudh Kosi and begin the ascent to Thyangboche Monastery. This is one of the largest monasteries in the region and follows the oldest Nyinmapa Sect. This monastery has been standing more than 100 years and has been visited by trekkers and expedition members from all over for good luck and blessings from the lama. Overnight in Lodge.
Meals: BLD
Today also we with an descend through splendid rhododendron forest to Dingboche continue and cross Imja River and ascend through a wide open trail to Pangboche village and pass potato fields and visit Pangboche Monastery. As we continue our walk toward the second commercial settlement, great landscape and mountain views will be on display including the giant face of Lhotse. We are now completely above the tree line and walk among alpine shrubs and terrain. Before reaching Dingboche we head down the valley and cross Pheriche river before climbing to the other side of the meadow. Upon our arrival we finally get a glimpse of Dingboche resting beneath the impressive Ama Dablam. Overnight: Lodge
Meals: BLD
An important acclimatization/rest day today with the option of hiking high up to the ridge overlooking the village, or perhaps up to Chhukung Village. We spend the day exploring or relaxing and taking in the mountain scenery. Excellent views of Nuptse, Lhotse, Chhukung Peak and Imja Tse (6189 m) are had from both in the valley or from the ridge above the camp. Massive glaciers drape beneath cliffs that soar up to 3,500 metres in this dramatic valley. It is from here that we will prepare to make our first crossing of a high pass, the Kongma La at 5300 meters. Overnight in Lodge.
Meals: BLD
We trek towards the pass, a gentle stroll along the valley at first, followed by a steep ascent into the deep valley between Pokalde Peak and Chhukung. We set camp below the pass, ready for an early start the following day. Overnight wilderness camp.
Meals: BLD
This will be a big day as we ascend to the Kongma La pass amid the crags of this outlying ridge from nearby Nuptse. From the pass we descend steeply to the Khumbu Glacier which we cross, clambering up the moraines on the far side to reach the meadow by the Italian high altitude research pyramid where we plan to camp the night. The difficulty of today's trek should not be underestimated, particularly in snow conditions where the trek across the glacier at the conclusion of the day can be quite exhausting. Our camp is at the village of Lobuche. We enjoy spectacular views of Pumori and Nuptse. The hill above the town affords fine sunset views of Nuptse. Overnight lodge.
Meals:BLD
We trek over rocky moraine towards the settlement of Gorak Shep. We are high, among the glaciers and peaks of the world's highest mountains. At the junction of two large glaciers and nestled in an amphitheatre of peaks, this location is spectacular. Pumori (7145 m), Lingtren (6697 m), Nuptse (7745 m) and of course Everest (8848 m) surround us. The air is clear and the sun is strong but as the sun sets it becomes very cold. Sunsets here can be stunning. In the afternoon there is the option to trek to Kala Pattar or you may prefer to just sit back, relax and take in the mountain scenery. Kala Pattar is not a Nepali name but a Hindi name and translates to "black rock". From these black rocks atop the hill the views are spectacular. Most eyes are locked on the mass of Everest, its rocky buttresses immediately before us. Overnight lodge.
Meals: BLD
We have an early start to make the most of the clear weather and also to avoid other adventurers converging at Everest Base Camp. We trek alongside the Khumbu Glacier as the path winds over the rocky moraine. We descend back to our campsite in Gorak Shep for lunch and start descending down to our camp at Lobuche. Overnight lodge.
Meals: BLD
Early mornings in the Himalayas generally offers the clearest views. The views of the peaks are excellent all day and words fail to describe the beauty and the sense of achievement. Our camp is beside the steep north face of Cholatse and also offers views of Ama Dablam. Overnight at Lodge
Meals: BLD
The views today are magnificent as we leave the Everest watershed and enter that of Cho Oyu, the sixth highest mountain in the world. The crossing is hard work, involving a steep scramble up rock boulders and then a walk across the gently ascending, snow-covered glacier that caps the pass. However, the views of the route ahead, and of the glacier itself, are breathtaking. We descend steep boulder strewn slopes to the Gokyo valley below. This is a valley of turquoise lakes and great glaciers. For the first (and steepest) part of the descent there are discernible paths that zigzag down the mountainside – slippery in snow! The ground then levels out and the path all but disappears as we hop across a field of boulders. Finally we climb a gentle slope to the top, from where its all downhill (for today at least!), following a narrow river valley all the way to its base where we overnight at Thagnak, a small Sherpa settlement nestled beneath great rock walls, just a stone's throw from the Ngozumba Glacier. Overnight lodge.
Meals: BLD
We cross the glacier and ascend the lateral moraine valley past beautiful lakes with Siberian ducks swimming across the mirror-calm surface to the village of Gokyo. Today is an easy day and for those with the energy levels a sunset walk to the summit of Gokyo Ri (5400m) may be in order, for those not so inclined we will make the climb early the next morning. Overnight lodge.
Meals: BLD
An early start offers the best opportunities to really appreciate the magnitude and enormity of the surrounding Himalaya. Today there will be an option of either ascending Gokyo Ri (5483m) or walk alongside Nepal’s largest glacier, the Ngozumpa glacier to Ngozumba Tsho, known amongst locals as the 5th Lake. Both offer spectacular views with the latter considered as Nepal’s best as it looks towards the western cwm of Everest and other 8000m+ peaks. The 5th lake is a local favourite away from other tourists, a truly spectacular experience and viewpoint seen by not many. Gokyo Ri is the classic postcard view of snow capped mountains and vibrant turquoise waters of Gokyo Lake completing a picturesque scene. Just like the 5th lake, you will be surrounded by Cho Oyu (8153m), Gyangchung Kang (7922m), Lghotse (8501m), Makalu (8475m), Cholatse (6440m), Taweche (6542m), Kantega (6685m), Thamserku (6808m), Lobuche (6145m) and Mt Everest (8848m). Although further from Everest than Kala Pattar, the traditional viewing point, we are positioned to see more of the mountains and enjoy a more relaxed environment. Your guide will leave it to the group to unanimously decide between Gokyo Ri and the 5th Lake for today’s expedition but we assure you that neither will be a compromise. Overnight: eco-lodge at Gokyo
Meals: BLD
The crossing of the Renjo La Pass will be exciting and challenging as we descend into remote northern valley where access is restricted and the landscape is progressively that of the Tibetan Valleys beyond the border. There is a chance we might meet Tibetan Traders descending from the Nangpa La pass that leads through the Himalayas from Tibet with their caravans of woolly yaks laden with goods. Overnight: in lodge
Meals: BLD
Venturing south we return to civilization and as we approach the end of our trek. We can start celebrating a challenging yet satisfying and rewarding expedition. We slowly walk to Thame and cross suspension bridges till we see the giant painting of Milereppa on the rock face, known as an ancient magician and scholar of Tibet. The remainder of our walk will be through different villages and rhododendron forests until we reach our overnight at Namche. Overnight: in lodge
Meals: BLD
Retracing our steps along the valley, we pass through a variety of settlements and forests before a gentle climb to Lukla. We savour our final mountain sunsets of the trek as we complete this exhilarating journey. Our last evening of the trek is a perfect time to celebrate a successful journey and say thanks to the team, especially the porters who will return to their villages from here. Overnight: in lodge.
Meals: BLD
This morning we take a stunning morning flight over forests and villages and fly to Kathmandu or return via Ramechap. Upon arrival, you be will be transferred back to the Hotel with the remainder of the afternoon at your leisure to relax or embark on some last minute shopping/sightseeing. Overnight: In hotel
Meals: B
After breakfast arrangements cease unless further ones have been made. Those people departing by aircraft will be transferred to the airport.
Meals:B
The Everest High Passes Trek is one of the most challenging and rewarding trekking adventures in the Everest region. It includes trekking across three high-altitude passes: Renjo La (5,340 meters), Cho La (5,420 meters), and Kongma La (5,535 meters). These passes provide breathtaking views of the Himalayas, including Mount Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Ama Dablam, and many more iconic peaks. The trek also includes a visit to Everest Base Camp (5,364 meters), offering a complete experience of the Everest region, combining both the challenge of high-altitude trekking and the beauty of remote, pristine landscapes. This is an ideal trek for those seeking adventure and solitude in the Himalayas, beyond the crowds of the classic Everest Base Camp Trek.
The Everest High Passes Trek is considered strenuous to very challenging due to the high-altitude passes, demanding trekking days, and technical aspects of some of the passes. The trek involves crossing passes above 5,300 meters, with some sections requiring climbing over rock and ice. The trek also includes long and tough days, including 8–10 hours of walking. Proper physical fitness and mental strength are required to complete this trek, along with the ability to handle high altitudes. Prior trekking experience in high-altitude environments is recommended, and climbers should be prepared to deal with the rigors of long days and high-altitude conditions. Adventure Trans Himalayan Treks ensures a careful acclimatization schedule, professional guides, and support staff to help you successfully navigate this demanding trek.
The Everest High Passes Trek generally takes 18 to 21 days, depending on the pace and the chosen route. This includes ample time for acclimatization to the high altitudes, as well as rest days in places like Namche Bazaar and Pheriche. The trek also includes time to visit Everest Base Camp and to cross the three high passes. Adventure Trans Himalayan Treks can tailor the itinerary to ensure proper acclimatization, a slower pace, and a better experience for trekkers who need additional flexibility in their schedules.
The best time to do the Everest High Passes Trek is during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). These months provide the best weather conditions with clear skies, stable temperatures, and good visibility of the majestic mountain peaks. Spring also brings vibrant rhododendron blooms along the trekking route, while autumn offers clear air and stunning views of the Himalayas. The winter months (December–February) bring cold temperatures and snow, making the passes more challenging and often impassable, while the monsoon season (June–August) brings rain, which can make trekking difficult and dangerous.
To trek in the Everest region, you will need several permits:
Sagarmatha National Park Permit – required to enter the Everest region.
TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System) card – needed for all trekkers in Nepal.
Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit – required for the Everest region.
Special permits for the passes – Sometimes, special permits for the Renjo La, Cho La, and Kongma La may be required depending on the route and regulations.
Adventure Trans Himalayan Treks takes care of all necessary paperwork and permits, ensuring that your trek is hassle-free and fully compliant with local regulations.
Accommodation during the Everest High Passes Trek will primarily be in teahouses or lodges along the route. While teahouses in lower elevations are more comfortable, the accommodation becomes more basic as you ascend. Rooms are typically shared with twin beds, and bathrooms are usually shared or located outside. In higher altitudes, the teahouses become simpler, and conditions are more basic, but they provide much-needed shelter and warmth.
Regarding food, the meals on the trek will primarily consist of Nepalese and Tibetan dishes, including dal bhat (lentils and rice), noodles, soup, Tibetan bread, and other vegetarian options. As you ascend, the food choices become more limited, but you’ll always have access to nutritious meals to fuel your trek. In Namche Bazaar, Lukla, and other larger villages, you can expect a more varied menu, including Western options like pasta, pancakes, and eggs.
Altitude sickness is a major concern when trekking at elevations above 3,000 meters, and the Everest High Passes Trek reaches altitudes of 5,300 meters and higher. Adventure Trans Himalayan Treks follows an acclimatization schedule to give you plenty of time to adjust to the altitude. We include rest days in key locations like Namche Bazaar and Pheriche to allow for proper acclimatization. Our guides are highly trained in recognizing the signs of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) and are equipped with emergency medical kits, including diamox and oxygen tanks. If symptoms of AMS become severe, we have plans for emergency evacuation via helicopter or other means, ensuring your safety.
For this challenging trek, you will need a combination of trekking gear and high-altitude equipment. Essential items include:
Trekking boots and gaiters
Down jacket for warmth
Waterproof outer layers (jackets and pants)
Thermal layers (top and bottom)
Sleeping bag (rated to -20°C)
Headlamp with extra batteries
Trekking poles
Sunglasses and sun protection
Climbing gear for the passes (crampons, ice axe, harness, ropes)
Adventure Trans Himalayan Treks provides a detailed packing list and can assist with renting or buying climbing and trekking gear in Kathmandu if needed.
Yes, the Everest High Passes Trek is suitable for both solo travelers and female trekkers. The Everest region is one of the most popular trekking destinations in Nepal, and the local Sherpa people are extremely welcoming. At Adventure Trans Himalayan Treks, we prioritize safety and personalized care for all trekkers, including solo and female travelers. Our guides ensure that each trekker is well taken care of and supported throughout the journey, offering a safe and enriching experience.
At Adventure Trans Himalayan Treks, we are committed to providing an exceptional trekking experience, combining local expertise, professionalism, and a deep respect for Himalayan culture. Our experienced guides are well-versed in navigating challenging high passes and high-altitude conditions. We offer personalized itineraries, ensuring you get the most out of your trek while taking your safety and comfort seriously. We handle all logistics, from permits to accommodation, so you can focus on the adventure. Whether you’re looking to test your limits, enjoy spectacular views, or experience the cultural richness of the Everest region, Adventure Trans Himalayan Treks ensures a truly unforgettable trek.
