During the peak seasons for the Everest High Passes Trek -22 Days (March to May and September to November), all the Lukla flights will be operated from the Manthali Airport due to congestion at Tribhuvan Airport.
The Everest High Passes Trek is like a real-life adventure story in the incredible Khumbu region of Nepal. It is your opportunity to challenge yourself to this strenuous trek.
You'll walk along rugged trails, facing the challenge of crossing three high mountain passes. These passes are Renjo La, Cho La, and Kongma La. Kongma La is the highest, at 5,535 meters (almost 3.5 miles high!).
In this mountain paradise, you'll meet the amazing Sherpas. They are famous mountaineers, and you will learn about their unique culture and way of life. Sherpa people live their lives simply, but they have big hearts and provide warm hospitality to all trekkers.
Another main reason to do High Pass Trekking: you will see some of the most famous mountains in the world infront of you. Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam. The view of these peaks leaves you out of any words. The trek in Everest, including a high pass, is tough, but the memories you will create will be unforgettable.
Our experienced guide will help you successfully complete this trek, even though it is tough. Whether you go with your family and friends or on your own with grown-ups, the memory of the journey will remain forever.
Firstly, you will arrive in Kathmandu via Tribhuvan International Airport. Once there, our staff will transfer you to your hotel. After you reach the hotel, all the information about the trip will be explained to you. The following day, you will have a rest/preparation day to help you prepare for your High Pass trekking adventure.
The journey starts with a flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. You will rest, meet your guide, and trek to Phakding. To adapt to the high altitude and avoid sickness, you will have one more day in Namche Bazaar. This particular day will be spent trekking to the Everest View Hotel.
Followed by Tengboche, Dingboche, and then the last station before approaching is Chhukung. In the Chhukung area, you rest and take a short hike to Chhukung Ri to familiarise yourself with the elevation of 5,540m.
The journey continues to Chhukung from Lobuche through Kongma la Pass. After this, you will trek to Everest Base Camp. You will feel a special accomplishment as you get there. Then, you will move back to Gorak Shep.
At Kala Patthar, you will have the opportunity to view a magical sunrise. The next destination following Dzongla will be Dragnak via Cho La Pass. From Dragnak, the trek takes you to the Gokyo Lake and then to Gokyo Ri as part of the hike. The next day involves a trek to Lunden, passing through the Renjo La Pass.
From the high passes, you descend to Thame and then to Namche Bazaar. Finally, on day 20, your high pass tour ends. You will then return to Kathmandu by flight from Lukla, stay a day in KTM for leisure, and say goodbye to Nepal.
The part that most trekkers focus on is the weather and season. This is a crucial part that affects most hikers and trekkers. We would like to give some suggestions to you about the ideal time to do the High Pass trek in Everest.
The best times for this trek are spring (April- May) and autumn (September- November), as it includes rocky, slippery, and snowy paths (Cho La Pass).
In the spring, the weather is clear, and you can enjoy the views of the peaks perfectly. Also, while hiking, the day isn’t too hot; it will be moderate, making the hike enjoyable.
Likewise, the autumn can relish the pleasant mild temperature during this time of the year. The air is clear, and like in spring, the mountain views will be spectacular.
During the winter, the passes will be blocked due to extreme snowfall. The pass will remain closed till Early March and trekkers are encouraged to set off for this trek from mid-March in the spring.
There are three high passes that you need to cross, steep uphill and downhill terrains, and the altitude scaling all the passes and hiking points is above 5000m.
Hence, all these factors contribute to the strenuous level of the trek. A high physical fitness level is required to prepare for the Everest High Pass Trek. Beginners can also opt for this trek, but only with proper preparation. (Quick Tip: Beginners must include daily cardio exercises like jogging, walking, and running).
Another factor that makes the high pass trek challenging is the high altitude. While hiking to areas above 4,000 m, you may be caught by altitude sickness. Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is dangerous and needs to be handled seriously.
We take this matter very seriously and provide frequent training to our trekking staff. Your designated trekking guides will provide accurate information about the pace of your walk and how to acclimate to the high altitude. They'll also carry the necessary medications like Diamox, an oximeter, and another essential kit.
Therefore, please be assured of your safety.
If you want to explore the Khumbu region but want something different than the Everest High Pass Trek. Here are some alternative trekking packages for you:
First, we have got the Everest Base Camp Chola and Renjo La Pass Trek. The trek lasts up to 19 days, and you'll visit the Chola and Renjo La Pass, leaving out the Kongma La Pass.
Another trekking package is the Everest Chola Pass Trek. This 19 - day trek involves crossing only the Chola Pass, not Renjo La Pass or Kongma La Pass.
We at the Nepal Hiking Team ensure a safe trek and excellent service regardless of which package you choose. Our team will work well to make your trip one you can cherish forever.
You will be welcomed by our staff and transferred to your hotel. Our airport representative will explain the program upon arrival. Overnight at hotel
Today is a rest day to recover from jet lag. We'll brief you on the adventure, review your Everest High passes trek itinerary, collect paperwork, and finalize your trekking package payment
Early morning transfer to the airport for Lukla's flight. The flight to 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 an exceptional 60 meters only. Trek to Phakding with an arresting, green landscape with the view of Kusum Kangraru. Overnight at the guesthouse, breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.
IMPORTANT NOTE
In accordance with a decision by the Civil Aviation Authority, flights to and from Lukla will operate via Ramechap/Manthali Airport during the peak seasons from March to May and September to November. This adjustment is due to air traffic congestion at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA). For more information, click here.
We follow the Dudh Koshi, ascending through Himalayan pine and 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 splendid destination to shop for traditional crafts, Namche remains the central trading post in the Khumbu that attracts Himalayan and lowland merchants.
You will spend two days at 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, breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.
This day is especially sectioned for acclimatization. We will hike to Syangboche Airport (3700m), supposed to be the highest airport in the world, then continue climbing to Everest View Hotel for great panoramic views of the Everest, Lhotse, Amadablam, Tawache etc.
On the way back, we visit Sherpa Culture Museum and Everest Photo Gallery. Overnight at guesthouse, breakfast, lunch and dinner included
The uniform and easy trail leads us towards the view of Mount Everest, descending deep into the Dudh Koshi Valley at Pungki Thanka and from this point, it ascends the right flank of the Dudh Koshi valley to Tengboche Monastery (3860m).
It is the spiritual center of the Khumbu. The climb is lengthy, but is more than adequately compensated by gorgeous views of Mount Amadablam and on a clear day, views of Mt. Everest and its surrounding peaks. Overnight at guesthouse, breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Descend through a beautiful forest, 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, breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Trek to Chhukung (4703m/15416 ft) Duration: 2 hrs. Overnight at guesthouse, breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Hiking to Chhukung Ri (5550m/18209ft) and return Chhukung, duration 6 hrs. Overnight at guesthouse, breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
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 guesthouse, breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
After a short climb through meadows, look down at 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 a couple of hours we will get to Gorekshep, and continue our journey to the 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 an exhausting trek - but the journey is worth it. After approximately 3 hrs of hiking, you will arrive at the base camp and enjoy a magnificent view of the Khumbu glacier and icefall, where the Everest expeditions begin. Overnight at guesthouse, breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
The day starts with a hike up to Kalapattar (5545m/18188ft), 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, breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
We begin the day by climbing to Chola-la crossing over and descending once more to Thanga (4700m/15415ft). Overnight at guesthouse, breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
We trek to Gokyo Lake crossing over Ngozumpa Glacier (the large glacier in the Himalayan 36 Kilometers in Length). Gokyo village stands by the third lake and Cho-Oyu Mountain as a backdrop sets an amazing spectacular sight at this juncture. After lunch, you may explore around the Lake, Dudh Pokhari. Overnight at guesthouse, breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
This day early in the morning we have steep climb up to the top of Gokyo Ri 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, breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
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, breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
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, breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
We continue our trekking following the flat and descending to first resting place Thamo after heading towards to Namche bazaar. Overnight at guesthouse, breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
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, breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
30-minutes amazing scenic fly back to Kathmandu. Overnight at hotel, breakfast included.
Spend the day in Kathmandu, to rest or to explore, as per your inclination. Overnight at hotel, breakfast included.
Approximately 3 hours before the scheduled flight, a representative from the Nepal Hiking Team will take you to the airport. If you have more time you can do some shopping or sightseeing.
Trekking in Everest region without a guide is possible. However, even with prior trekking experience, we highly recommend hiring a guide for the Everest High Passes Trek.
A guide will assist you throughout the trip, including high-elevation passes such as Cho La and Renjo La, and manage permits and accommodations. And create backup plans if needed. Their familiarity with the locals also helps them communicate and adds a cultural layer to your trip.
Additionally, we only organize guided tours and treks in Nepal. Our trekking leaders are professional, experienced, and highly qualified. Many clients praise them for their expertise and also for the friendly, supportive bond they build during the trek.
The season matters a lot when planning this trek, as weather plays a big role in your experience. The best seasons to do Everest High Passes trek are Spring (late March-May) and Autumn (September-October-November).
Spring (Late March- April-May-early June): The clear weather makes for stunning mountain views. Daytime temperatures are moderate, which keeps the trek comfortable. This time of the year in Everest also brings blooming flowers like rhododendrons.
Autumn (September-November): Autumn offers crisp air and mild temperatures, perfect for trekking. The skies are clear, and the mountain scenery is as breathtaking as in spring.
Seasonal Notes:
We recommend this trek during favorable seasons only, as Winter (December-January-February) can be harsh in high-altitude mountain areas. Likewise, monsoon season (June-July-August) brings rainstorms, and trails slippery.
During this trek, trekkers need to cross three high passes (Kongma La (5,535 meters), Cho La Pass (5,420 meters), and Renjo La (5,360 meters), steep uphill and downhill sections, and the altitude scaling all the passes and hiking points is well above 5000m.
Hence, all these factors contribute to this high pass trek as the strenuous level. A high physical fitness level is required to prepare for the Everest High Pass Trek. Beginners can also opt for this trek, but only with proper preparation. (Quick Tip: Beginners must include daily cardio exercises like jogging, walking, and running).
Another factor that makes the high pass trek challenging is the high altitude. You may be caught by altitude sickness while hiking to areas above 4,000 m. Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is dangerous and needs to be handled seriously.
We take this matter very seriously and provide frequent training to our trekking staff. Your designated trekking guides will provide accurate information about the pace of your walk and how to acclimate to the high altitude. They'll also carry medications like Diamox, an oximeter, and another essential kit.
Therefore, please be assured of your safety.
Nepal Hiking Team, with over 15 years of experience, is one of Nepal's most trusted trekking companies. Choosing our Everest High Passes trip package is the ideal way to explore the breathtaking Everest region.
Our guides are locals—professional experienced, and they know the trails, Sherpa villages, and every detail of Everest region like the back of their hand.
Our 22-day Everest high pass hike itinerary is thoughtfully planned, leveraging over a decade of experience. The trip includes 2-day preparation days pre- and post-trek in kathmandu, as well as acclimatization stops in key spots like Namche and Dingboche.
It's not just our saying—our 27,000+ happy clients and over 2,000 glowing reviews on TripAdvisor and countless others on social media share stories that speak volumes about our service.
From the moment you arrive in Nepal, we handle everything: airport pickups and drop-off services, trek permits of Everest High pass, accommodations, first-aid kits, and even some complimentary gear (duffle bag, sleeping bag, trekking map, and down jackets). With us, your 22 days in Nepal will be a memorable trip, just the way it should be.
Booking with us is simple and hassle-free. First, before you book, take a good look at the Everest High Pass trip's detailed itinerary above.
How to Book:
It's that easy! If you are uncomfortable with this itinerary, customize it according to your needs. And if any questions, feel free to reach out via email at sales@nepalhikingteam.com or phone at +977 9851058678 (it is available on WhatsApp).
If you need to cancel your Everest three Pass trip, here's how it works:
The 20% deposit you make at the time of booking is non-refundable. This covers the upfront costs like Everest region permits, government taxes, flight arrangements to Lukla, and reservations.
If you've paid the entire trip amount, the remaining balance (after deducting the deposit) will be refunded via the same payment method.
We understand plans can change, so we recommend informing us as early as possible. If you want to reschedule instead of canceling, we're happy to work with you to shift your booking to a later date.
The Three High Passes Trek is a legendary trip. It challenges trekkers and hikers to cross Kongma La (5,535m), Cho La (5,420m), and Renjo La (5,360m). All these passes have their own challenge, and beauty, each delivering startling views of Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam, with a sense of victory and accomplishment at every pass.
You'll visit Gokyo Lakes (stunning turquoise lakes among the world's highest), and Kala Patthar (best point for Everest views and one of the top vantage points globally). And the foothills of Everest itself. Along the way, you'll experience Tengboche Monastery (a spiritual haven and an iconic landmark in the Everest region), adding cultural depth.
Meeting the Sherpa community and local Sherpas, who are famous for their climbing history and hospitality, is another noticeable feature of this 22-day trek. Their stories and traditions bring the mountains to life like no photos, videos, and guidebooks ever could.
This trek blends adventure, history, scenery, achievement and culture into an unforgettable journey through Nepal's most famous trails.
Yes, our guides speak English fluently. They will help you communicate with local Sherpas, teahouse owners, and shopkeepers. Along the way, they share trail details, give information about the standing Mountains, explain local culture, and answer any questions you might have.
Yes, getting a visa on arrival in Nepal is simple. When you land (Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu), you'll fill out arrival card & a visa form. You can complete the form online before your trip or use the kiosk machines at the airport if you forget to do so.
Once that's done, you'll make the payment (USD, EUR, NPR, or other accepted currencies), grab the receipt, and head to the immigration desk with your passport, form, and receipt. The officer will check everything and give you the visa.
Special Note: A few countries, namely Ethiopia, Nigeria, Palestine, and others, do not get visas from Nepal's immigration entry points. Check our blog section for more complete details of Nepal visa information.
No, we don't. We're a local trekking agency, and our focus is on organizing treks within Nepal. However, once you land in Nepal, we take care of everything for your Everest High Passes trip. From airport pickup to drop-off, hotel bookings, teahouse arrangements, flights to/from Lukla, permits, and government taxes—we've got it all covered.
Travel insurance is mandatory for the Everest High Passes Trek. This trek takes you to elevations as high as 5,500 meters, which comes with risks like altitude sickness, injuries, or emergencies. Your insurance must cover medical expenses and emergency evacuations, including helicopter rescues, as these are often the only ways to get help in remote mountain areas.
Coverage for trip cancellations, baggage delays, lost or stolen items, and missed departures can be incredibly helpful in managing unexpected situations.
There are no strict age restrictions, but it is a physically demanding trek that requires good health and determination. Prior trekking experience is not required, though it can be beneficial. What matters most is being in good physical condition and being enthusiastic to take on the challenge.
Packing for the Everest High Passes Trek doesn't have to be complicated—pack light and smart. Focus on essentials like a good-quality sleeping bag, a warm down jacket, sturdy footwear, a comfortable daypack (Wider straps, multiple sections and hip belts), and all necessary documents (passport, permits, and photos).
Check our complete guidebook for detailed information on what to pack for Everest High Passes Trek. If you're missing any items, you can rent them in the Thamel area near your hotel. They provide it at a reasonable price.
Yes, we provide some complimentary trekking gear. Items such as a 70-liter duffel bag, a four-season sleeping bag (suitable for temperatures down to -20°C), a down jacket (available in M, L, and XL, rated for -20°C), and an Everest High Pass Trek map will be provided on the second day (preparation day) if required. Please note that these four items must be returned after Everest high pass trip.
As a souvenir and gift to remember your 22-day adventure with us, Nepal Hiking Team also provides a T-shirt, a cap, and a trip completion certificate. The certificate includes your name, trip package name, and the highest point (5545m, Kala Patthar) reached during the Everest High Pass Trek.
The safety of our travelers is always our top priority. All our guides are highly experienced and certified by NATHM (Nepal Academy of Tourism and Hotel Management), with multiple years of trekking experience in high-altitude regions.
Our guides are equipped with first-aid medical supplies, Diamox for managing altitude sickness, an oximeter to monitor oxygen levels and heart rates above 3500m, and water purifying tablets. Minor health issues are addressed immediately on the trail. For severe conditions like AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness), our guides contact our head office in Nayabazaar, Kathmandu, to arrange helicopter evacuation if necessary.
For groups with more than four people, we assign an assistant guide to monitor each trekker's condition closely.
Our guides are also skilled in identifying alternative routes or backup plans if high passes are blocked due to weather or other conditions.
Toilets on the trail are pretty basic on Everest base camp trek with High passes. At lower altitudes, you can find Western-style/ flush toilets in some tea houses. However, as you ascend, there is a minimum number of tea houses that have squat toilets (Asian-based toilets), which are simple pans set into the floor with a bucket of water and a mug for cleaning.
We recommend bringing personal towels, Toilet Paper, Sanitizers, toothbrushes, etc.
When you're trekking between tea houses, there might not be any toilets around. During that time, find a private spot (behind large stone bushes far away from the trekking trail) where no one will see you. If nature calls, having a small, lightweight trowel can help you dig a small hole for waste or carry a plastic bag in a zip-lock bag and dispose of it at the next teahouse. Whatever you do, don't leave any waste behind.
The Everest High Passes Trek offers simple yet hearty meals that are perfect for keeping trekkers energized in the mountains. The menu is basic, but it is filling and nutritious.
Breakfasts: Options like Tibetan bread with honey or chocolate, or jam, warm porridge, eggs (boiled, fried, or scrambled), and pancakes made from wheat or buckwheat.
For drinks, tea (ginger tea, hot lemon with honey), coffee (various options), and hot chocolate are common, along with Sherpa tea (a salty butter tea), perfect for your morning meal.
Lunch and dinner revolve around meals like Dal Bhat (Rice, lentils with vegetable curry and pickle). You'll also find Sherpa stew, a thick noodle soup with vegetables, instant noodles, garlic soups, Momos (Nepalese Dumplings), and Thukpa. In more popular spots like Namche Bazaar, you might even find pizza, bakery items, and pasta for a change of pace.
For vegetarians, the options are plentiful, with fresh vegetables sourced locally. Vegans can also enjoy many dishes by requesting minor adjustments, like skipping butter or ghee. If you have special dietary requirements, our guides will assist in finding suitable meals wherever possible.
Yes, drinking water and hot water are available along the trekking route. Bottled water is an option, but we recommend using fresh spring or tap water, which is abundant. However, it's important not to consume it directly. Use the water purification tablets carried by your guide or bring a water filtration bottle. This approach is more affordable plus eco-friendly and supports sustainable tourism by reducing plastic waste in the mountains.
Hot water is also available at teahouses, but it comes with an additional cost. You can refill your water bottles/thermos with boiled water at available tea houses along the trail.
Start Dates refer to your arrival date in Nepal. End Dates correspond to your return date from Nepal.
The Everest High Passes Trek -22 Days set departure dates are tailored for the group joining option. If the 22 days Everest High Passes Trek -22 Days departure dates don’t fit your schedule, we can include alternative dates that better suit your needs.
Everest High Passes Trek -22 Days Photos
Read our genuine feedback from past travelers with Nepal Hiking Team sourced from TripAdvisor, Google, Facebook, and Trustpilot.
We did the Three Everest Passes together Everest Base Camp trek with Nepal Hiking Team and had an amazing time! The views were breathtaking, and our guide Rajesh was both informative and friendly. The teahouse accommodations were great throughout the trek, and we especially enjoyed the food.
- Guided by Rajesh Gurung
