The Everest High Passes Trek is among the most challenging ventures of the Everest region. The trek is a rewarding journey, taking you deep into the region’s heart, hidden valleys, and foothills of Mount Everest. It is an excellent alternative for Everest Base Camp Trek. For any adventurers out there seeking a once-in-a-lifetime trekking experience, our 15 Days Everest High Passes Trek is perfect.
Also known as the Everest Circuit Trek, the journey begins with a scenic flight to Lukla. You will then start trekking on the picturesque trails within the Sagarmatha National Park. It goes from subtropical forests of rhododendrons, oaks, firs, and birches to alpine meadows, semi-arid landscapes, and past glacial moraines. During the trek, you will cross high mountain passes above 5000 meters, the Renjo La Pass (5360 m) and the Cho La Pass (5420 m).
You will travel through traditional Sherpa villages and into the hidden Gokyo Valley. Similarly, you will climb up to the world-popular Everest Base Camp (5364 m), Kala Patthar (5555 m), and Gokyo Ri (5400 m). They are also perfect viewpoints to witness gorgeous views of the world’s highest mountain, Mount Everest, and other surrounding Himalayas.
The steep and rugged trails of the Everest High Passes are physically and mentally demanding. However, they are also rewarding. In addition to the spectacular mountain views, you will observe the serene and picturesque turquoise-colored Gokyo Lakes. En route, you will also witness the country’s longest glacier, Ngozumpa Glacier, and one of the world’s highest glaciers, Khumbu Glacier. During the 15-day Everest High Passes Trek, you will also get to immerse in the rich culture and traditions of the Sherpa ethnic group. En route, you will come across several ancient monasteries, gompas, and stupas that reflect the region’s religious and spiritual beliefs. You will stay at small, cozy teahouses that offer warm hospitality and a window to peek at the local lifestyle. Join us on this extraordinary journey that perfectly blends challenging adventure with a rich cultural experience.
Lukla is the gateway to our trek, so we must first get there. The direct way to Lukla is by taking a 40-minute flight from Tribhuvan Airport, Kathmandu. Another alternative is to take a 5-hour drive to Ramechhap and take a 20-minute flight from Manthali Airport, Ramechhap. After landing at Lukla, we will begin our trek.
Since it is the first day, our trek will be short and relatively easy. We will trek on gentler trails, passing through the subtropical and pine forests. The trail also goes alongside the Dudh Koshi River and past the Chaurikharka village. After around three hours of hiking, we will reach Phakding. There are several hotels, restaurants, cafes, and shops here. Similarly, you can also visit the age-old Rimishung Monastery in Phakding.
Flight Time:
40 min (Kathmandu – Lukla),or 20 min (Manthali – Lukla)
Trek Time:
3 hrs/day (optional)
Distance:
6.2 km (3.8 miles)
Altitude:
2850 m (9,350 ft)
Accommodations:
Lodge
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (B.L.D)
Place:
Lukla
Drive Time:
5 hrs/day
After breakfast, we will continue our journey from Phakding to Namche Bazaar. The trail goes alongside the Dudh Koshi River’s northern bank. En route, we will cross several suspension bridges decorated with colorful prayer flags. Similarly, we will also cross the famous Hillary Suspension Bridge. After trekking for a while, we will reach the beautiful Monjo village. A short distance from the village lies the Sagarmatha National Park Entrance. Here, we will show our permits to continue trekking forward.
From here, the trail begins to pass through dense forests of rhododendrons, oaks, firs, and birches. As we approach Namche Bazaar, we must trek on the stone-paved path and make a steep uphill climb. We will also catch our first glimpse of Mount Everest. We will stay at a lodge in the village.
Trek Time:
6 hrs/day
Distance:
7.4 km (4.6 miles)
Altitude:
3440 m (11,286 ft)
Accommodations:
Lodge-to-Lodge
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (B.L.D)
Place:
Namche Bazaar
Today is a rest day for us. Since we will be ascending to higher altitude regions from here onwards, it is important to acclimatize. Acclimatization allows our bodies to adapt to growing elevation and changing surroundings. However, it is crucial to keep moving and stay active.
Thus, we will take short excursions around Namche Bazaar. You can stroll around the town and its narrow alleys. Similarly, you can take a short hike to Sagarmatha National Park Center and Khumjung (3790 m). At Khumjung village, you can visit the Hillary School and the famous Khumjung Monastery, which houses a mysterious yeti scalp. You can also hike to Khunde, Syangboche Airport (3780 m), and Everest View Hotel. After a whole day’s excursion, we will return to Namche.
Altitude:
3440 m (11,286 ft)
Accommodations:
Lodge-to-Lodge
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (B.L.D)
Place:
Namche Bazaar
We will have breakfast at Namche before we continue our trek to Thame. The trail mostly takes us through barren landscapes with sparse vegetation. Similarly, we will trek past several age-old Sherpa villages and the Thamo Gumba. It is a relatively short trek that will take us to Thame. The beautiful Thame village is home to famous Sherpa mountaineers. Apa Sherpa, who famously summited Mount Everest 21 times, was also born here. Upon reaching Thame, we can get incredible panoramic mountain views. The Thame Dechen Chokhorling Monastery, one of the oldest monasteries in the Everest region, also lies in Thame. We will stay overnight at the village lodge.
Trek Time:
6 hrs/day
Distance:
6.8 km (4.2 miles)
Altitude:
3750 m (12,303 ft)
Accommodations:
Lodge-to-Lodge
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (B.L.D)
Place:
Thame
From Thame, we will begin trekking in the northern direction. We will pass by barren and dry landscapes along the way. En route, we will also pass by rocky peaks, traditional stone houses, stupas, chortens, and mani walls. The trail goes along the Bhote Koshi and past highland green pastures. You can see yaks grazing leisurely on the pastures. Right before you reach Lungden, you will pass by the Marlung, a larger village in Thame Valley. The trail begins to get gentler as you get closer to Lungden. We will rest at a lodge in Lungden for the night.
Trek Time:
6 hrs/day
Distance:
8.2 km (5 miles)
Altitude:
4500 m (14,763 ft)
Accommodations:
Lodge-to-Lodge
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (B.L.D)
Place:
Lungden
On the sixth day, the most exciting part of our journey begins. Today, we will cross one of the three passes- the Renjo La Pass to reach Gokyo Lake. Waking up early, we will start hiking toward the Gokyo Lakes region. As we continue, the vegetation and terrain start to change. We might also encounter people herding Yaks and other wild animals. With a final push on a steep climb, we will reach Renjo La Pass.
At the pass, we will have stunning views of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu. After taking in the view, we will start descending towards Gokyo Valley to view the Gokyo Lakes. The descent might be a bit challenging due to snowy paths. In the evening, we will reach Gokyo Valley and spend the night in a lodge or a teahouse.
Trek Time:
8 hrs/day
Distance:
9 km (5.6 miles)
Altitude:
5360 m (17,585 ft)
Accommodations:
Lodge-to-Lodge
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (B.L.D)
Place:
Gokyo Lake
We will spend another acclimatization day at Gokyo Village. On this day, we will take a short hike from Gokyo village to Gokyo Ri. This beautiful vantage point offers a panoramic mountain view of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and the surrounding Himalayas. You can also witness the spectacular view of the turquoise Gokyo lakes and glaciers, including the country’s longest glacier, Ngozumpa Glacier. After our whole-day excursion, we will trek back to Gokyo Village.
Trek Time:
1–1.5 hrs/day
Distance:
1.5 km (0.9 miles)
Altitude:
5400 m (17,716 ft)
Accommodations:
Lodge-to-Lodge
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (B.L.D)
Place:
Gokyo
After an acclimatization day at Gokyo, we are ready to continue our trek. We will leave the serene Gokyo Village and the turquoise-water lakes and head toward Thangnak. The trail requires us to cross a few glaciers and trek on steep and rocky terrain. The entire landscape is semi-arid and desert-like, without vegetation. After hiking for a while, we will reach Thangnak. You will notice that the village has only a few teahouses. We will stay overnight here.
Trek Time:
5 hrs/day
Distance:
3.7 km (2.3 miles)
Altitude:
4790 m (15,715 ft)
Accommodations:
Lodge-to-Lodge
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (B.L.D)
Place:
Thangnak
We will cross another high mountain pass today. So, after breakfast, we will set right off. We will begin with a trek towards a small valley on rocky terrains. Then, we will cross a small moraine to get to Cho La Pass. Compared to Renjo La Pass, the trail of Cho La Pass is steeper and more intense. We must climb on loose, rocky terrain and snowy, icy trails up to the Cho La Pass. The top of the pass also offers a spectacular view of the Himalayas and surrounding landscapes. After relishing the view for some time, we will gradually descend towards Dzongla. It will be our overnight stop for the night.
Trek Time:
6–7 hrs/day
Distance:
16 km (9.9 miles)
Altitude:
5420 m (17,782 ft)
Accommodations:
Lodge-to-Lodge
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (B.L.D)
Place:
Cho La Pass
After conquering the Cho La Pass, we will leave Dzongla and follow a moraine. The path is relatively easier, with no steep climbs. There is also no need for glacier crossing on this day either. After following the moraine, we will hike downhill to Chola Lake. From here, we will trek on a winding trail towards Lobuche. We will also get to see the stunning Khumbu Glacier and a glimpse of Everest Base Camp. Lobuche is a beautiful village with some famous bakeries. The village also offers panoramic views of spectacular mountain views.
Trek Time:
4 hrs/day
Distance:
8.3 km (5.2 miles)
Altitude:
4910 m (16,108 ft)
Accommodations:
Lodge-to-Lodge
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (B.L.D)
Place:
Lobuche
Today is one of the most challenging and exciting days for us. It will also be our longest trek as we finally climb to the Everest Base Camp. We will start early and leave Lobuche after breakfast. The trail takes us past several glaciers, including the beautiful Khumbu Glacier. Similarly, we can witness the gorgeous Khumbu Icefall beyond the glacier. We will also pass by the Army Mountaineers Memorial to reach Gorak Shep.
After reaching Gorak Shep, we will leave our luggage and begin ascending from Gorak Shep to Everest Base Camp. The trail leading to the base camp is challenging, and we must trek on rocky and icy terrain. Similarly, we will cross glacial moraine and debris to finally reach Mount Everest’s foothills. You will get a grand and up-close view of Mount Everest. After enjoying the view, we will return to Gorak Shep.
Trek Time:
6–8 hrs/day
Distance:
15 km (9.32 miles)
Altitude:
5364 m (17,598 ft)
Accommodations:
Lodge-to-Lodge
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (B.L.D)
Place:
Gorak Shep
We will wake up before dawn and begin an uphill hike to Kala Patthar. It is the highest point of our trek and the most challenging climb. Kala Patthar is a famous vantage point and offers a stunning 360-degree view of the surrounding mountain vistas. After enjoying the view, we will descend to Gorak Shep. We will continue descending through alpine meadows and subtropical forests to Pheriche. It will be our stop for the day.
Trek Time:
5 hrs/day
Distance:
9.6 km (6 miles)
Altitude:
5555 m (18,225 ft)
Accommodations:
Lodge-to-Lodge
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (B.L.D)
Place:
Kala Patthar
The trail from Pheriche descends through dense rhododendron grooves. We will then trek past the famous Tengboche Village, home to the ancient Tengboche Monastery. The village sits on a hilltop, and we will continue descending on a gentle uphill climb. Then, we will cross the Imja Khola on a wooden suspension bridge. The trail then takes us through pine and juniper forests towards Namche Bazaar.
Trek Time:
6–7 hrs/day
Distance:
14.3 km (8.8 miles)
Altitude:
4250 m (13,943 ft)
Accommodations:
Lodge-to-Lodge
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (B.L.D)
Place:
Namche Bazaar
Today is the final trekking day. We will say goodbye to Namche Bazaar and mostly climb downhill through dense subtropical forests. The trail takes us through familiar forest paths and suspension bridges. Similarly, we will also exit the Sagarmatha National Park. En route, we will pass by villages like Monjo, Benkar, Phakding, and Toktok to reach Lukla. We will spend our last night in the Everest region in Lukla.
Trek Time:
6–7 hrs/day
Distance:
13.5 km (8.3 miles)
Altitude:
3440 m (11,154 ft)
Accommodations:
Lodge-to-Lodge
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (B.L.D)
Place:
Lukla
After breakfast, we will catch an early flight to Kathmandu or Ramechhap. If you take a flight to Ramechhap, you must take a 5-hour drive back to Kathmandu. We hope you have a wonderful time trekking with us. Thank you for choosing us for your dream trek to the Everest region.
Flight Time:
40 min (Lukla to Kathmandu), 20 min (Lukla to Manthali)
Distance:
138 km (85.7 miles)
Altitude:
1324 m (4,343 ft)
Accommodations:
Not included
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Farewell Dinner (B.L.D)
Place:
Kathmandu
Drive Time:
5 hrs/day
Dates for 2025 - 2026
If you want a thrilling trek adventure, Everest High Passes offers you precisely what you wish for. It is one of the strenuous treks of the Everest region. You will traverse the iconic trails to famous villages like Phakding, Namche Bazaar, Thame, Lungden, and more. You will climb up and downhill on steep and narrow paths and ridges. The trails are off-beat and rough and get rougher as you go higher. You must also cross rivers on suspension bridges, icy paths, and glacial moraines. Hence, the trek offers an adventurous journey deep into the Himalayas.
During the Everest High Passes Trek, you will conquer two of the three highest mountain passes in the Khumbu region. You will cross the Renjo La and Cho La Passes.
The Renjo La Pass sits at an altitude of 5360 meters. Compared to Cho La Pass, it is relatively easier to climb. However, it is by no means a walk in the park, as you must climb uphill on rocky terrain. There are also a few steep sections that may test your physical abilities. Upon getting on top of the Renjo La Pass, you will get a spectacular view of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu.
The Cho La Pass is slightly higher than the Renjo La Pass. Hence, it is also more demanding. The trail leading you up to the pass has several steep sections. Similarly, you must cross the glacier morain. Due to its high altitude, snow covers the pass and its trails almost throughout the year. The iconic pass connects the Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Valley. Cho La Pass gives you a crystal clear view of Everest, Ama Dablam, Lobuche, and Cholastse.
The Everest High Passes Trek also allows you to witness the stunning, towering vistas of some of the world’s highest mountains. During the trek, you will come across several vantage points, including the Renjo La Pass, Cho La Pass, Everest Base Camp, and Kala Patthar. You can enjoy enchanting views of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Cho Oyu, Pumori, Cholatse, Lobuche, and many more. The gorgeous snow-capped peaks also accompany you throughout the trek.
You will stay at basic but charming teahouses during the Everest High Passes Trek. They offer a glimpse of the local culture and traditions. Sherpas live in most of the higher regions of the trekking route. Similarly, you will also come across several Tibetan settlements along the way. There is a massive influence of Tibetan Buddhism in higher areas of the Everest region. In the lower area, you can witness the culture and lifestyle of Rai, Brahmin, Chettri, etc. Therefore, the trek is a rich cultural experience where you can see different ethnic communities living harmoniously. You can see a blend of unique cultures that influence the lifestyle of the locals.
Your trek begins with a flight to Tenzing Hillary Airport in Lukla. You can also fly from Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu or Manthali Airport in Lukla. Your trek will begin at Lukla (2850 m). On the first day, you will trek past the Chaurikharka Village to reach Phakding (2650 m). It is a short and relatively easy day as you hike on gentler trails through alpine meadows.
The trail from Phakding begins to get more adventurous. It goes alongside the Dudh Koshi River’s northern bank, and you will cross several suspension bridges along the way to Monjo village. The entrance of the Sagarmatha National Park is a short distance from Monjo. From here onwards, you will start trekking through dense subtropical forests. The climb gets gradually steeper and more demanding as you get closer to Namche Bazaar (3440 m). You will also have an acclimatization day here, during which you can take excursions to nearby places.
After an acclimatization day at Namche, you will head towards Thame (3750 m). The trail goes past several ancient Sherpa villages and monasteries. From Thame, the landscape becomes more barren, with rocky peaks and cliffs. The trail is gentle until you reach Lungden (4500 m). You will climb steeply on sandy ridges to reach the Renjo La Pass (5360 m). It is moderately demanding, and the top of the pass offers a stunning view of the surrounding Himalayas. Then, it is a short descent towards Gokyo Lake (4750 m) and Gokyo Village (4800 m). You will take another rest day at Gokyo Village.
From Gokyo Village, you will again start ascending to higher elevations. You will trek through barren and semi-arid landscapes on steep rocky trails. The vegetation becomes more sparse when you reach Thangnak (4700 m). From Thangnak, you will cross another high mountain pass, Cho La Pass (5420 m), overcoming the steep and rocky trail.
The pass is covered by snow, so the trails are icy throughout the year. Finally, you will reach Dzongla (4855 m). The winding trail from Dzongla takes you past the glacial moraine and Chola Lake. Similarly, you will also see the Khumbu Glacier as you get closer to Lobuche (4910 m). Your trek to the Everest Base Camp (5364 m) begins here.
First, you will head to Gorak Shep (5185 m) from Lobuche. Then, you will trek on rough and rocky terrains, passing by the Khumbu Glacier and watching the Khumbu Icefall view to reach Everest Base Camp. It sits at the foothill of Mt. Everest, and you can witness a grand view of Mount Everest and other surrounding peaks. Then, you will descend back to Gorak Shep. From here, you will take an early morning hike to Kala Patthar (5555 m) to watch the sunrise and the surrounding Himalayas. After enjoying the view, you will return to Pheriche (4250 m).
You will trek through dense rhododendron forests, crossing the Imja Khola on a suspension bridge. Similarly, you will pass by the village of Tengboche to get to Namche Bazaar. The scenic stretch from Namche Bazaar to Tengboche is especially breathtaking. Then, you will retrace your steps on familiar paths, passing by Phakding to reach Lukla. You will catch a flight to Kathmandu or Ramechhap from Lukla.
The trekking trails of Everest High Passes lie in the Khumbu region and go through the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality. Hence, it is mandatory to obtain a permit to access the municipality.
The Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit costs NPR 2000 (around USD 20) per person for the first four weeks. After the first four weeks, the permit costs NPR 2500 per person. Trekkers can obtain the permit after arriving in Lukla.
The next permit necessary for the Everest High Passes Trek is the Sagarmatha National Park Entry. From Monjo, you must start trekking through the trails within the national park. Hence, you will need an entry permit to access the trekking trails.
The Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit costs NPR 1500 per person for SAARC residents and NPR 3000 per person for non-SAARC residents. Children under the age of ten are eligible for free entry. Trekkers can obtain a permit in Kathmandu from a registered trekking agency or at the Sagarmatha National Park entrance in Monjo.
The best trekking season for the Everest High Passes is autumn. It has ideal and stable weather with a crisp sky and clear visibility. Since there is very little rainfall, the trails are dry. The temperature is mild and ranges from 15°C to 20°C during daytime. Meanwhile, the nights are a bit colder, and the temperature at higher altitude regions can drop up to -10°C.
Autumn is perfect for a comfortable trekking experience. You can witness the best views of the autumn foliage and snow-capped mountain panoramas. The biggest festivals of Nepal, Dashain and Tihar, fall at this time of the year. Similarly, other significant festivals include Mani Rimdu, Pachali Bhairab, Sita Bibaha Panchami, etc. Therefore, you can enjoy the festive atmosphere while trekking in autumn.
Spring is also one of the best trekking seasons. The weather is bright, sunny, and clear. The daylight hours are also longer than in other seasons. During early spring, there can be light snowfall in higher areas. Hence, you can see some remnants of snow, and the trails can be icy. The temperature gradually becomes warmer as the season progresses. The daytime temperature can range from 17°C to 25°C. However, the nights are colder and can drop up to -15°C.
Due to the warm weather conditions, the flora and fauna become active during spring. Therefore, trekkers can catch sight of rare flora and fauna during the Everest High Passes Trek. The rhododendron adorning trails also come into life as they bloom in different colors of red, pink, and white. You can witness other exotic Himalayan floras and wildflowers in full bloom. Moreover, there is minimal rainfall, so the visibility is brilliant during spring. It is undoubtedly a great time for trekking.
During the Everest High Passes Trek, trekkers may experience altitude sickness. Many succumb to this medical condition while ascending to higher altitudes. At an altitude of 2500 meters, the oxygen level and atmospheric pressure begin to decrease, causing the human body to suffer altitude sickness. The lack of oxygen can lead to various symptoms.
Altitude sickness symptoms can range from mild to severe. There are three types of altitude sickness, which are as follows:
Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS): It is the mildest form of altitude sickness. Over 25% of trekkers ascending to an altitude above 2500 meters experience AMS. Its symptoms include headache, nausea, fatigue, dizziness, appetite loss, shortness of breath, and rapid heartbeat.
High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE): It is more severe than AMS and occurs when the lack of oxygen in the body results in fluid accumulating in the lungs.
Usually, trekkers experience HAPE after ascending 2500 meters. Its symptoms include chest pain, profuse coughing, chest tightness, difficulty breathing, extreme fatigue, disorientation, rapid breathing, and cyanosis (lips, skin, or nails turn bluish).
High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE): It is the most severe and dangerous form of altitude sickness. It occurs when the lack of oxygen in the body leads to fluids accumulating in the brain or brain swelling. Trekkers may experience HACE when they ascend to an altitude above 3600 meters. It is also known as mountain madness. The symptoms of HACE include disorientation, nausea, severe headache, extreme weakness, hallucination, loss of coordination, slurred speech, and seizures.
There are several ways trekkers can minimize or avoid the risk of altitude sickness. Some of the preventive measures are as follows:
The Everest High Pass Trek is one of the most challenging treks in the Everest region. It is a high-altitude journey that takes you through diverse landscapes on rough and rugged terrains. The trek requires good health and reasonable fitness, as the trails are physically and mentally demanding. During the 15-day Everest High Pass Trek, you will climb up and down steep trails and cross two of the highest mountain passes in the country: Renjo La Pass and Cho La Pass.
Each day, you will trek for 4 to 6 hours on average. It is strenuous to ascend to higher elevations on rough paths. Trekkers must trek on rugged and icy terrains and also past glacial moraines. The high altitude also makes the journey more challenging. Lower oxygen levels may lead trekkers to experience altitude-related sickness. Similarly, the metabolism also increases, which can cause over-exertion and extreme fatigue. The weather also becomes unpredictable in higher regions. It can further add more challenges during the trek.
Remote trekking trails take you to areas that lack proper infrastructure and facilities, which can isolate many trekkers from the rest of the world. The physically demanding journey and unpredictable changes can also cause mental stress. Hence, trekkers must prepare physically and mentally for the Everest High Pass Trek.
Packing is essential for a successful trek. Carrying only what you need ensures comfort and safety. Keeping your pack light, ideally under 9 kg, helps prevent fatigue and allows you to move easily. Proper packing also helps you stay organized and prepared for any situation. Here is a short list of what you can pack for a safe and enjoyable trekking experience:
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