The Everest High Passes Trek also popularly known as Everest Transverse Trek is a superb trail in Khumbu that takes you through the world famous demanding passes Kongma La (5,535), Cho La (5420m) and Renjo La (5,340m) along with classical route to make complete high-level circuit. Thus, Everest High Passes Trek is an ultimate trekking in Everest region for true adventurers. The Everest High Passes Trek program obviously provides the opportunity to visit the Everest base camp, Kalapattar, Gokyo Valley and its serene Lakes, the best view point of Gokyo Ri and more especially introduces a route to the remote and untouched Nangpa La Valley, the Sherpa village of Marlung, the monastery village of Thame as well through other major remote Sherpa villages and valleys. Cho La Pass has become a commonly used pass, but Kongma La and Renjo La are less visited passes. Renjo La pass is much majestic than other passes as you can shoot pictures of north and south ridge of Mt. Everest from the top of Renjo La! Just imagine Gokyo village with a charming blue lakes, a huge glacier nearby, Chola Pass in the Lap of Everest and Mt Makalu including numerous other mountains in one shot.

We begin our Everest high passes trek program with a brief exploration of the temples, shrines, bazaars and restaurants of Kathmandu. Landing at Tenzing-Hillary Airport at Lukla on the following day the trek is started along the classical route through Sagarmatha National Park playing with potent Dudh Koshi River, colorful landscapes, forests, villages, Gompas and monasteries in the land enclosed by the soaring peaks.  We leave the classical trail at Dingboche and proceed northwards to Chhukung. A day’s rest at Chhukung is used to visit Chukkhung RI to help acclimatize before attempting Kongma La Pass. After reaching the summit of Kongma La, as we compose our way towards the Everest Base Camp through Khumbu glacier we wonder at the sight of Khumbu icefall tumbling from the Western Cwm.  Our trek to the view point of Kalapather is followed by the tough Climb through Cho La that finally takes us to the tranquil lakes at Gokyo valley.  After enjoying awe inspiring views from Gokyo Ri, we make our way to the next great pass, the Renjo La. Making a night in Marlung we follow a little of the route used for centuries by the Tibetan Traders via Nangpa La to get to the large Sherpa village of Thame. Again, following the classical route we drop down to Namche and thence we to Lukla hence complete the Everest high passes trek program with a brief flight back to Kathmandu.

The Everest high passes trek is guaranteed to quench the wanderlust of even the most intrepid adventurer.  Thus, one can imagine the difficulty level of Everest high passes trek, so this is not for the novice, but will appeal to those who are fit and have previously trekked at altitude.

Itinerary in Details

Day 01: Arrive at Tribhuwan International Airport (TIA) Kathmandu
You will be welcomed by our staff and transferred to your hotel. Our airport representative will explain the program upon arrival. Overnight at hotel, inclusive of breakfast

Day 02: Trek preparation and Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing Tour
Sightseeing of World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu Valley including: Kathmandu Darbar Square, Swayambhunath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa and Pasupatinath Temple. Overnight at hotel, inclusive of breakfast

Day 03: Fly to Lukla and Trek to Phakding (2652m) 3 hrs
Early morning transfer to airport for Lukla flight. The flight into Lukla is a lifetime experience in itself. The airfield is at high evaluation and the difference between the two ends of the runway is about 60 meters! Trek to Phakding with green landscape & view of Kusum Kangraru. Overnight at guesthouse, inclusive of full board meals

Day 04: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3440m) 6 hrs
We follow the Dudh Kosi, ascending through Himalayan pine and Doedar cedar forests, to the celebrated village of Namche Bazaar. The village of Namche is a historic trading post where Nepalese and Tibetan traders exchange salt, dried meat and textiles. Besides being a superb place to shop for traditional crafts, Namche remains the central trading post in the Khumbu, attracting Himalayan and lowland merchants. You will spend two days in Namche for acclimatization, visit local markets and spend time with your team. On the hike we capture our first glimpses of Everest and neighboring peaks. Overnight at guesthouse, inclusive of full board meals

Day 05: Namche Bazar - Khumjung and return
This day is reserved for acclimatization and a very slow ascent into thin air. After breakfast you will start the ascent towards Khumjung. The trail ascends above Namche Bazar and passes through Syangboche (3720m) – this is where the local airport is located. From a hill top above the airport, you will get your first views of Taboche Peak (6 367m), Lhotse (8 414m), Peak- 38 and Ama Dablam (6856m). On arrival at Khumjung (3 780m), you could visit the Hillary School before stopping for lunch at one of the tea houses ‐ the walk takes about 3 hours. After lunch you will continue ascending the foot path to Khunde (3 840m), here you could visit the local hospital before the 2 hour ascent back to Namche Bazar. This day is physically demanding at times and you should be prepared as the weather is very unpredictable. Namche Bazaar is known as the gateway of the Everest Region, visit the local museum where you can see the traditional custom of the Sherpa peoples. You will spend a second night in Namche. Overnight at guesthouse, inclusive of full board meals

Day 06: Trek to Tengboche (3860m) 5 hrs
The flat and easy trail leads towards the view of Mt. Everest, then descends deep into the Dudh Kosi Valley at Pungki Thanka; from here it ascends the right flank of the Dudh Kosi valley to Tengboche Monastery (3860m). It is the spiritual center of the Khumbu; the climb is long, but more than adequately compensated by views of Mt. Amadablam and on a clear day, views of Mt. Everest and its surrounding peaks. Overnight at guesthouse, inclusive of full board meals

Day 07: Trek to Dingboche (4410m) 5 hrs
Descend through a beautiful forest then cross the Imja Khola and trek through the village of Pangboche (3900m); perhaps today is the most interesting trekking because you will not lose altitude like on other days and you will enjoy views of Mt. Amadablam, Mt. Lhotse & other peaks; the route continues through pastures to Dingboche, known as the 'summer valley'. Overnight at guesthouse, inclusive of full board meals

Day 08: Trek to Chhukung 4700m, 2 hrs.  Overnight at guesthouse, inclusive of full board meals

Day 09: Hiking to Chhukung Ri 5540m and return 5/6 hrs. Overnight at guesthouse, inclusive of full board meals

Day 10: Trek to Lobuche (4910m) 6 hrs via Kongma La pass 5535m
We start at first light from Chhukung as we have to conquest highest pass of the trip today. We carry plenty of water and some snacks and a packed lunch as there is no tea shops on the way. We really enjoy the remoteness of the area and absolute nature!! We can select to go via any of the possible trails- either taking a climb over the hill northwest of Chhukung over the moraine of the Nuptse Glacier or we might walk back down the valley to Bibre and follow a high trail above the Niyang Khola. Just after some walk there are great views of Island peak valley and jagged ridge of Amphu Lapcha. Ascending along the east side of Niyang Khola valley, we turn west and walk through the sloppy stony trial. We enter a wide basin dotted with small frozen lakes. The trail rises over loose scree gaining the Kongma La after about five hours we leave Chhukung. Upon reaching the top, we seen cairn wrapped in prayer flags,-marks of the pass. Behind us is the landscape of icy lakes ahead down of which is the Khumbu Glacier. The final descent is the most difficult stage of the trek today, upon climbing the moraine on the far side, the trail turns north through Khumbu Glacier which takes us to Lobuche. Overnight at Lobuche, inclusive of full board of meals

Day 11: Trek to Everest Base Camp (5400m) then back to Gorekshep (5181m) 8 hrs
After a short climb through meadows, look down on the Khumbu Glacier. Straight ahead is Kalapattar - the best vantage point to view the entire south face of Mt. Everest and the surrounding peaks. After couple of hours we will get at Gorekshep, and continue our journey to Everest Base camp. There is not much elevation gain, but there are a lot of ups and downs and, combined with altitude, this can be a tiring portion- but the journey is worth it. After approximately 3 hrs of hiking you will arrive at Base Camp and enjoy views of the Khumbu Glacier and icefall, where Everest expeditions begin. Overnight at guesthouse, inclusive of full board meals

Day 12: Hiking to Kalapattar (5545m) - Gorekshep - Dzongla (4710 meters) 7 hrs
The day starts with a hike up to Kalapattar (5545m), the best viewpoint to witness Mt. Everest and the spectacular Himalayan range. Then trek back to Gorekshep for hot breakfast and then descend to Dzongla. Overnight at guesthouse, inclusive of full board meals

Day 13: Trek to Dragnak/Thangna via crossing Cho La pass (5370m) 7 hrs
We begin the day by climbing to Chola-la crossing over and descending once more to Thanga (4500m). Overnight at guesthouse, inclusive of full board meals

Day 14: Trek to Gokyo lakes (4790m) 3:30 hrs
Today takes the trek to our final destination, Gokyo (4790m). We will make this camp our base for 2 nights. Overnight at guesthouse, inclusive of full board meals

Day 15 Hiking to Gokyo RI and back to Gokyo Lake, 4:30 hrs
This day early in the morning we have steep climb up to the top of Gokyo Ri (5483m/19083ft) ample rewards to one attempts this trip. There are stunning views of the supper Gokyo valley, the massive Ngozumpa Glacier and an incredible panoramic view of the whole Khumbu Himalayas, such as giants as Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Makalu (8481m), Cho-Oyu (8153m) and Gychung Kang (7922m) can be seen. Those who explore the glacier and Gokyo peak are rewarded. This day we have for acclimatization and after noon back to the camp. Overnight at guesthouse, inclusive of full board meals

Day 16: Trek to Lunden (4300m) via crossing Renjo La pass (5340m) and. 7 hrs
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 will 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 at guesthouse, inclusive of full board meals

Day 17: Trek to Thame (3800m) 4 hours
After taking breakfast, we trek down to Thame more amazing snow peaks. We may meet Tibetan trader encampments along the way for pictures of a rare lifestyle. About 150 meters above Thame, there is a Thame Monastery, a picturesque monastery set among the many homes of monks and lay people. It's perched on the side of a hill overlooking the valley. This is the site for the spring celebration of the Mani Rimdu festival, held about the middle of May each year. Overnight at guesthouse, inclusive of full board meals

Day 18: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3440m) 4 hrs
We continue our trekking following the flat and descending to first resting place Thamo after heading towards to Namche bazaar. Overnight at guesthouse, inclusive of full board meals

Day 19: Trek to Lukla (2800m) 7 hrs
The trek continues along the Dudh Kosi River to the small mountain airstrip at Lukla where you will catch your return flight to Kathmandu. Overnight at guesthouse, inclusive of full board meals

Day 20: Fly back to Kathmandu (1310m)
30-minutes amazing scenic fly back to Kathmandu. Overnight at hotel, inclusive of breakfast

Day 21: Final departure to your onward destination. "Farewell!"

OUR SERVICES INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING DURING THE TRIP:

1. Airport / hotel / airport pick up & transfer by private vehicle
2. Three nights accommodation with breakfast at a 3-star category hotel in Kathmandu
3. Kathmandu city tours, inclusive of all entry fees, tour guide and private vehicle
4. Full board meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) during the trek
5. Best available twin sharing lodge to lodge accommodation during the trek; we provide private bathrooms at Phakding, Namche and Lukla.
6. One highly experienced, helpful and friendly guide, porters (1 porter for 2 people) and their food, accommodation, salary, equipment, and accidental insurance for all staff
7. Round trip flight to/from Kathmandu inclusive domestic departure tax
8. Nepal Hiking Team duffle bag, down jacket and sleeping bag during the trek

9. Nepal Hiking Team T - shirt, trekking map and trip achievement certificate

10. First aid medical kit
11. Sagarmatha National Park Permits fee
12. TIMS Fee- Trekkers' Information Management System (Please bring 2 passport size photos for permit)
13. Government taxes & office service charge

OUR SERVICES EXCLUDE THE FOLLOWING DURING THE TRIP:

1. Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
2. Travel insurance
3. International airfare
4. Nepal entry visa: you can obtain a visa easily upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu. (a multiple-entry tourist visa good for 30 days can be obtained by paying US $ 40 or equivalent foreign currency. Similarly, multiple-entry tourist visas for 90 days can be obtained by paying US $ 100. Please bring 2 copies of passport-size photos.)
5. Drinks (hot,cold and alcoholic)
6. Hot and cold showers during the trek
7. Personal shopping and laundry
8. Personal trekking equipments
9. Tips for trekking staff and driver (Tipping is appreciated but it is not mandatory)