Overview
Everest High passes Trek is also called Mount Everest Three Passes Trail. The three passes that the trek includes are Renjo La (5360m), Cho La (5420m) and Kongma La (5535m). Everest Base Camp Trekking heads into the Everest Region in the Eastern part of Nepal and is a popular trekking area. With a landscape broken into deep gorges and glacial valleys, during the trek you will be treated to breathtaking views of Mt. Everest along with Lhotse, Cho Oyu, Nuptse, Pumari, Thamserku, Amadablam, etc. The trekking area is covered by Sagarmatha National Park with a total area of 1148 sq. km.
Program Highlights
The region has vegetation graduating from pine, hemlock, fir, juniper, birch, rhododendrons and shrubsto alpine plants and then to bare rock and snow. It is the home of the Himalayan Tahr, Ghoral,Serow and Musk Deer. Common birds are the Impeyan, Pheasant, Blood Pheasant, Red-Billed Cough and the Yellow-Billed Cough.
Trip Highlights
If you are interested in a shorter tour, please also take a look at the Mount Everest Gokyo Trek. There exist different tour alternatives which vary in terms of duration and difficulty. Consider the Everest Panorama Trek if you want to focus in a short and easy trekking tour!
Inclusion
- Pickup / Drop international airport and Domestic airport by private tourist vehicle.Car, van or bus. (Depends on size of group)
- Flight ticket to Kathmandu – Lukla – Kathmandu. And Domestic airport tax.
- Everest National Park fee.
- TIMS (Trekking information management system) Fee.
- Lodge trek with all meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) and accommodation in tea house lodge.
- Service of English speaking trekking guide. And Porters. We provide 1 porter for 2 Persons (Maximum weight carried by one porter is total 25 Kg).
- Allowance, all food, accommodation, flight ticket Kathmandu – Lukla – Kathmandu. And domestic Airport tax of guide.
- Allowance, all food, and accommodation of Porters.
- Insurance of guide and porters.
- All applicable government taxes and service charge.
Exclusion
- Any accommodation, meals and other services in Kathmandu
- Personal Travel Insurance (Compulsory).
- Bottle Drinks (Mineral waters, any cold drinks and alcoholic drinks) during your trek.
- Expenses of personal nature such as tips for guide, porter and driver, laundry, bar bill, Telephone calls etc.
- Nepal Visa fee.
- Any other cost not mention above in cost includes.
Day 1Fly Kathmandu – Lukla (2,804 m. / 9,253 ft.) Above the sea level. (35 Minute fly) then Trek to Phagding. (2,652 m. / 8,751 ft.) Approx. 4 hrs.
During the 40-minute flight from Kathmandu to Lukla (9,186ft), we enjoy one of the most beautiful air routes in the world culminating on a hillside surrounded by high mountainous peaks. When arriving in Lukla, a gateway destination from where our trek begins. We meet our other crew members and begin packing and arranging with them. From Lukla, we start trekking.
At one hour’s gradual descent, we will be at a Cheplung village from where we have a glimpse of Mt. Khumbila (18900 ft), a sacred mountain which has never been climbed. Then from Cheplung, we gradually descend until we reach Phakding and spend the night.
Day 2Phagding to Namche Bazar (3,440 m. / 11,352 ft.) Approx. 6 hrs.
Walking through a beautiful pine forest, we follow the trail north up the valley of Benkar. Then we cross Dudh Koshi River and go on passing Chumoa to Monjo, the entrance to Everest National Park. After crossing a suspension bridge, we pass Jorsale village and walk alongside of the Dudh Koshi and Bhote Koshi rivers. Further a steep ascent brings us to the prime heartland of Sherpa village – Namche Bazaar. At one hour’s distance reaching Namche Bazaar, we can view the sights of Mt. Everest and Mt. Lhotse. Overnight in Namche Bazaar.
Day 3Acclimatize day around Namche Bazar.
There are plenty of things to do around Namche Bazaar, and we can spend a day here acclimatising. Namche Bazaar is the main centre of the Khumbu region and has a government offices, ATMs, Internet cafes, shops, restaurants, and a colourful market. Our guides can take us to explore the real charm of Namche Bazaar.
Especially hiking to Sagarmatha National Park rewards trekkers with a sunrise view and the views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Kongde and so on. If we are interested in a day hike, we trek to Khumjung village (12401 ft) – a beautiful village with a Sherpa settlement. When exploring Namche Bazar, we observe traditional Sherpa life, Khumjung Hillary School, and enjoy flora and fauna found in such altitude. Overnight in Namche Bazaar.
Day 4Namche to Thame (3,820 m. / 12,606 ft.) Approx. 5 hrs
We take a different route from the regular Everest Base Camp Trek while walking to Thame today. The walk is typical through the peaceful trail. Thame is one of the ancient settlements in the Everest region. This route was used as a trade trail to Tibet. We also explore the Thame Gumba. Overnight in Thame.
Day 5Thame to Lumde (4,315m. / 14239 ft.) Approx. 7 hrs.
As the Trekking heads up to alpine territory, it becomes more challenging. The thinner air makes our walk adventurouse. When we reach Marlunge we get a fantastic view of Ngozumba glacier. It is a steep uphill trek with a stunning view of Kongde peak. Overnight in Lumde.
Day 6Lumde to Gokyo (4,790m. / 15,807 ft.) Via Renjo La pass. (5,345 m. / 17,638 ft.) Approx. 5 hrs.
We are walking through the first high pass of the trek – Renjo La. Further we enjoy the views on the Renjo Lake and Relama Tsho. From the top we can explore the fabulous Kongde view, alpine landscape, Makalu, Tengi Ragi Tau, Rolwaling Range and trek down the picturesque Gokyo valley. The first pass offers us some incredible adventure experience of crossing a high pass. We enjoy our evening besides Gokyo Lake. Overnight in Gokyo
Day 7Excursion to Gokyo Ri (5,357 m. / 17,678 ft.) 04 hrs. Or Excursion to 5th lake (Approx. 7 hrs.) Then Back to gokyo and rest.
We can spend this day taking a rest in the Gokyo Valley or hike to the 5th lake. If the weather is good, another option could be to climb Gokyo Ri, a popular viewpoint to enjoy stunning views of the mountain vista.
We walk 3 km north of Gokyo to reach the fourth lake, also called Thonak Tsho. When arriving we take pleasure in the lake’s serene beauty and continue to the 5th lake, also called Ngozumba Tsho. If we want to, we can climb a hill, also called the Scoundrel’s Viewpoint, which is located at the edge of the 5thlake. From here we get astounding views of Cho-Oyu, Gyachung Kang, Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Makulu mountains. We can also see Cho Oyu base camp. In fact, Cho Oyu and Gyachung Kang seem just a stone’s throw away. Another treat for us is the view of the biggest glacier of the world, the Ngozumba Glacier. We trek back to Gokyo and spend the night.
Day 8Gokyo to Thangnak (4,700 m. / 15,510 ft.) Approx. 4 hrs.
If we did not climb the Gokyo Ri the previous day, we can do that today. Climbing to the top of Gokyo Ri is demanding as it is steep and takes about 3 to 4 hours to reach the top. But the scenery of Gokyo village, on the edge of third lake overlooked by Cholatse and the broad Nogzumpa Glacier, is magnificent. Correspondingly we are surrounded by panoramic mountains like Kusum Kanguru, Thamserku, Kangtega, Taboche, Cholatse, Makalu, Lhotse, Nuptse, Everest, Changtse, and Pumori. The sight of sun rays kissing Everest which towers over all the surrounding peaks is astounding. We trek through the Ngazumpa Glacier to the mountain on the other side. Next, traverse along the edge of that mountain and then meander into Thagnak. It will be a short hike today with an afternoon of rest which will prepare us for long hiking days and elevation gain to come.
Day 9Thangnak to Dzongla (4,830 m. / 15,939 ft.) via Chola Pass (5,320m. / 17,556 ft.) Approx. 8 hrs.
Today is going to be one of the toughest days of the trip. The Cho La pass is not itself difficult, but it is steep and involves a glacier traverse on the eastern side. In fact, we need to be careful as the trail is vertical and the rocks glazed by ice may cause trouble by making the trail slippery. The trail from Phedi climbs through a ravine and a rocky trail.
While trekking through the side of a frozen lake, we reach at the top of the pass decorated with prayer flags. The pyramidal Ama Dablam presides over a range of mountains on the south even as Cholatse soars to the west and Lobuche East and Baruntse rises sharply to our right. We need to pass some crevasses before we reach Dzongla Village. The village provides great views of Cholatse, Ama Dablam, Lobuche mountains along with the Pheriche Village far below.
Day 10Rest at Dzongla
From Dzongla we are surrounded by a very beautiful landscape which goes up slowly. On the one hand we can use this day as a rest day to gather strenght for the next days and we can do a little hike in Labuche East valley. On the other hand we can challenge ourselves with climbing to Lobuche East Peak. From there we are getting rewarded with a great view of Arakam Tse, Cholatse and Tabuche Peak. Overnight in Dzongla.
Day 11Dzongla to Labuche (4,930 m / 16,269 ft.) Approx. 4 hrs
This will be a very short trek so we have a lot of time to relax and enjoy the beauty that surrounds us. We climb down from Dzongla and walk through a grassy trail while enjoying the view of Lobuche Peak. The trail curves through the wide river bed before reaching Lobuche. We can spend the rest of day taking a rest which will help us prepare for the next day’s long trek. Overnight in Lobuche.
Day 12Labuche to Everest Base Camp (5,364 m. / 17,701 ft.) Then Back to Gorakship (5180m.) Approx. 7 hrs.
We take the trail to Everest Base Camp through the once vast Gorak Shep Lake. Continuing straight ahead, we come across the Indian army mountaineers’ memorials. The path from here can be misleading; hence, it is important that we follow our lead Sherpa diligently. The walk is strenuous due to thin air in the high altitude. We pass through rocky dunes, moraine and streams before reaching the Everest Base Camp. Upon reaching the Everest Base Camp, we see tents of mountaineers that stand out in bright colors against the monotony of gray surroundings (especially in the spring). To clarify Nuptse, Khumbuste and Pumori are the mountains we can view from the base camp. We get back to Gorak Shep for a good night’s rest. Overnight in Gorak Shep.
Day 13Excursion to Kala Patthar (5,545m. / 18,298 ft.) Then back to Labuche. Approx. 5 hrs.
We prepare for an early morning departure, amid pre-dawn darkness and cold temperatures (-10 to -14 C). In addition, there is always the potential for chilly winds which are quite common. Familiar peaks such as Lingtren, Khumbutse, and Changtse tower to the east even as Everest begins to reveal itself. But, it is upon reaching Kala Patthar that we get to see 360 degree view and up-close and formidable views of Mt. Everest. We take pictures, enjoy the magnificent mountain panorama, and then return back to Labuche for a good night’s rest. Overnight in Labuche.
Day 14Labuche to Chhukung (4,730 m. / 15,609 ft.) via kongma la pass (5,535m. / 18,265 ft.) Approx. 8 hrs.
About seven hours of walk today takes us to Chhukung via high Himalayan pass of Kongma La which is 5535 meters in elevation. This route to Chhukung is the most suitable one as it takes us via a high pass which gives us good acclimatisation for the summit of island peak. The walk today goes along the Khumbu glacier towards the Kongma La pass passing through its base at the altitude of 5000 meters above sea level. After crossing the cairn marked Kongma La pass, we start our descent towars Imja Khola valley and further to Chhukung. Overnight in Chhukung.
Day 15Excursion to Chukung Ri (5,544 m. / 18,295 ft.) Or Excursion to Imja valley then back down to Pangboche (3,960m. / 13,068 ft.) Approx. 7 hrs.
Chhukung Ri is being open from year 2015 for the free trekking peak which used to be a NMA peak required climbing permits to scale it. Now you don’t require any specific climbing gear and skills to summit this trekking peak. The view of Mt. Nuptse, Lhotse, Makalu, Baruntse, Amadablam, Cholaste, Thamerku, Kantega and Tawache peak is simply breathtaking. After that we descend the windy trail to Pangboche passing the beautiful village Dingboche set on the Imja valley. Overnight in Thangboche.
Day 16Pangboche to Namche (3,440 m. / 11,352 ft.) Approx. 6 hrs
There can be a tendency to rush as everyone long been waiting for proper hot showers however can’t prevent to visit Tengboche Monastery awesomely setting on the lap of snowy peaks. After visiting Monastery we walk down to the bottom of riverside and we continue hiking towards Namche. Overnight in Namche.
Day 17Namche to Phagding (2,610m. / 8,613 ft.) Approx. 4 hrs
Today we descend all the way to that high bridge over the Imja Tse River. Then we take a slightly different route down to Phakding.
Day 18Phagding to Lukla (2,840m. / 9,372 ft.) Approx. 4 hrs
The trek continues along the Dudh Kosi River to the small mountain airstrip at Lukla which will seem like a lifetime ago. Finally enjoy the time to reflect on the trek as a group and the personal achievement of all those who took part. Also you have time to explore the town last night in the Himalayan mountains. Stay overnight.
Day 19Fly back to Kathmandu
Take a 35 minute scenic flight back to Kathmandu. We have to fly to Kathmandu in the morning time, because of the wind problems to fly the aircraft in the afternoon. Sometimes the flight time can be delayed due to bad weather and other unprecedented reasons that are beyond our control. After reaching Kathmandu and transfer to the hotel you can rest and enjoy. When the trip ends, our airport representative will drop you at the Kathmandu International Airport for your flight departure from Nepal.
Visa
You can get a visa in Kathmandu airport upon your arrival at USD 25 (or equivalent in other major currencies) for a 15 days visa, USD 40$ for a 30 days visa and USD 100$ for a 90 days Multiple visa, and you can also extend it later on if you wish. They have newly installed technology (visa machine) which makes it no longer necessary to have a passport photo.
Booking your International flight
Besides trekking packages and tour operation, we arrange international air tickets to the major airports of all over the world. Skypark Travel and Tours is the one-stop travel solution company; we offer all travel related product at the best possible rates with excellent services.
Airport Condition: -
Please keep this thing in your mind that there are some airport touts and scam artists who take advantage of tourists. They might offer to carry your luggage and they want a large amount of money. Sometimes they intimidate our drivers and even take away their signs. Anyway...if you want someone to help you with your luggage you can give them NOT MORE THAN 1 - 2 DOLLARS. This is a small hassle that tourists sometimes face upon arrival at the airport. Doesn't stress about this but just be aware not to give more than a few dollars for their luggage handling if you choose to take someone's services. Nepalese in general are very kind and hospitable people.
Which currencies are accepted in Nepal?
Some major currencies (USD, AUD and EURO) are accepted for both visa and in general. There are plenty of ATM's in both Kathmandu and Namche and credit cards are accepted in limited shops and many restaurants. Please note that only Nepali rupees are accepted on the trek.
When and where should you arrive?
You will arrive at Tribhuwan International airport in Kathmandu on the trip starting day or earlier. You will be received outside the Kathmandu international airport terminal gate by our representatives holding a Skypark Travel signboard and he will escorts you to the Hotel.
