Are you looking for a challenging trek in the Everest region? We have a trekking package that is strenuous, adventurous, and thrilling- the Everest High Passes Trek. Whether it be a solo or a group trek, the journey on which you'll embark for this trek will be unforgettable.
For the Everest High Passes Trek, you'll be hiking in the northeastern part, known as the Khumbu or Everest regions. This region is home to the Sherpas, who are famous for their incredible mountaineering skills and high level of endurance in the mountain region.
The trek is made of 22 days which includes sightseeing tours in Kathmandu. Even though the trek is graded as complex, with enough acclimatization and guidance from our experienced trekking leaders, you'll be confident and complete the trek successfully.
Highlights of the Everest High Passes Trek
- Explore the UNESCO sites in Kathmandu - Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, and Pashupatinath Temple.
- Hop on a thrilling flight from Kathmandu to Lukla and admire the beautiful landscapes of Nepal.
- Walk around Namche Bazaar and stop by the Sherpa Museum to check out the artifacts.
- Admire flora and fauna in the Sagarmatha National Park. Also, look out for endangered species like Snow Leopard and Indian Tiger.
- Visit the largest Buddhist stupa- Tengboche Monastery, and spend time with the monks.
- Cross three high passes of the Khumbu region that are above 5,000 meters — Kongma La Pass, Cho La Pass, and Renjo La Pass.
- Explore the famous Everest Base Camp.
- Hike to Kala Patthar and catch the sunrise and views of splendid mountain ranges like Mount Everest and the Khumbu Glacier.
- Indulge in the rich culture and cuisines of the Sherpa and Tibetan groups.
- Enjoy the views of the highest peaks ( Mt Everest, Ama Dablam, Lhotse), the Khumbu glacier, and many other snow-capped mountains.
Route Overview
The route overview for the Everest High Passes Trek is as follows,
Firstly, you'll arrive at the Tribhuvan International Airport, where our staff will greet and escort you to the hotel. After briefing about the next day's plans, you can have the rest of the evening by yourself and prepare for the amazing trek.
We'll start the trek with a flight from Lukla to Kathmandu. The hike begins from Lukla to Phakding. From Phakding, you'll hike to Namche Bazaar (a total of 6 hours). You'll stay one extra day to acclimate your body. You'll hike to the Everest View Hotel and enjoy the 360 degrees of mountain peaks.
From Namche bazaar, the hike goes from Tengboche, Dingboche, and then Chhukung. At Chhukung, you'll take a rest day and hike up to Chhukung Ri to acclimatize your body at 5540m.
Next, the hike will begin from Chhukung to Lobuche via Kongma La Pass. Then, we'll hike to Everest Base Camp and return to Gorakshep.
Then, you'll enjoy the sunrise at Kala Patthar and trek to Dzongla. After Dzongla, you'll cross the Cho La Pass and walk towards Dragnak. From there, the trek begins at the Gokyo Lakes, where you'll also be hiking till Gokyo Ri. You'll hike towards Lunden the next day by crossing the Renjo La Pass.
After completing the passes, the descent begins from Thame to Namche Bazaar and finally finishes the trek at Lukla. You'll fly back to Kathmandu from Lukla and bid farewell to Nepal.
Best Time to Visit
The part that most trekkers focus on is the weather conditions. This is true, a crucial part that affects most hikers and trekkers. We would like to give some suggestions to you about the ideal time for the Everest High Passes Trek.
The trek includes rocky, slippery, and snowy paths ( Cho La Pass). Considering this, the best times for this trek are the Spring ( April-May) and Autumn ( September- November).
In the Spring season, the weather conditions will be clear, and you can enjoy the views of the peaks perfectly. Also, while hiking, the day won't be too hot; it will be moderate, making the hike enjoyable.
Likewise, the other season suitable for the trek is the autumn season. You can relish the pleasant mild temperature during this time of the year. The air will be clear, and like in April-May, the mountain views will surely be spectacular.
During the winter season, the passes will be closed due to heavy 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 season.
Difficulty Level
While rating the difficulty level of this three-week trek on a scale of 0-10, it ranges from 7-8.
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 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 up to areas above 4000m, there is a chance of being susceptible to high altitude sickness. Acute mountain sickness is dangerous and needs to be seriously addressed.
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 Acetazolamide or Diamox, an oximeter, and another essential kit.
Therefore, please be assured of your safety.
Alternative Treks
If you want to explore the Khumbu region but want to look for other trekking packages with few exceptions, then consider looking at some alternatives below.
The first trekking package we've got is the Everest Base Camp Chola and Renjo La Pass Trek. The trek lasts up to 21 days, and you'll visit the Chola and Renjo La Pass, leaving out just Kongma La Pass.
We always ensure a safe trek and excellent service regardless of which package you choose. Our team will work exceptionally well to make your trip one you can cherish forever.