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 5,000 m, the Renjo La Pass (5,360 m) and the Cho La Pass (5,420 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 (5,364 m), Kala Patthar (5,545 m), and Gokyo Ri (5,357 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 the Everest Three Pass Trek, so we must first get there. The direct way to Lukla is by taking a 40-minute flight from Tribhuvan Airport, Kathmandu. However, in peak season, we must drive to Ramechhap and take a 20-minute flight from Manthali Airport to Lukla. The flight offers aerial views of deep river valleys, terraced farmlands, and rural villages before entering the towering Himalayan range.
A 20–25 minute flight from Manthali Airport takes us to Lukla. After landing, we’ll meet with the trekking group, and depending on time, we’ll have a meal and make our way toward Phakding. Since it is the first day, our trek will be short and relatively easier.
We will trek on gentler trails, passing through the subtropical and pine forests. The trail also runs alongside the Dudh Koshi River and passes through the Chaurikharak village. After approximately three hours of hiking, we will reach Phakding, our destination for the day. 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), 20 min (Manthali–Lukla)
Trek Time:
3 hrs/day
Trek Distance:
7.5 km (4.6 miles)
Sleep Elevation:
2,610 m (8,562 ft)
Accommodations:
Lodge-to-Lodge
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (B.L.D)
Place:
Phakding
After breakfast, we will continue our journey from Phakding to Namche Bazaar. The trail goes alongside the Dudh Koshi River’s northern bank. Along the way, 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 entrance to Sagarmatha National Park. 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:
5–6 hrs/day
Trek Distance:
7.4 km (4.5 miles)
Sleep Elevation:
3,440 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 the growing elevation and changing surroundings. However, it is crucial to stay active and keep moving, so instead of just being idle, we’ll go for a day hike to Everest View Hotel, Khumjung, and Kunde village.
We’ll leave Namche Bazaar after having breakfast early for the Everest View Hotel. The hotel is known for being the highest placed hotel in the world at an elevation of 3,880 m. The hotel offers a stunning view of Mount Everest along with other peaks, including Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Nuptse, and Kongde Ri. Moreover, Everest View Hotel is a paid-entry hotel, and many groups do not stay long unless they order something.
Similarly, we can take a short hike to Sagarmatha National Park Center and Khumjung (3790 m). At Khumjung village, we can visit the Hillary School and the famous Khumjung Monastery, which houses a mysterious yeti scalp. We can also hike to Khunde, Syangboche Airport (3780 m), and the Everest View Hotel. Additionally, we can stroll around the town and its narrow alleys. After a whole day’s excursion, we will return to Namche.
Trek Time:
3–4 hrs/day (optional)
Trek Distance:
8 km (4.9 miles)
Sleep Elevation:
3,440 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 trek begins by climbing out of Namche along a zigzag trail that wraps around the hillside. As we walk, Mt. Ama Dablam, Thamserku, and Kongde Ri come into view, which motivates you to climb even in the tough sections. Likewise, the route passes through several small Sherpa settlements, including Phurte, Thamo, and Samde. Also, we’ll pass through Thari Gompa, where we can stop to pray.
Continuing the trek, we’ll reach Thame village, a beautiful location that is home to famous Sherpa mountaineers. Apa Sherpa, who 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
Trek Distance:
8.5 km (5.3 miles)
Sleep Elevation:
3,800 m (12,467 ft)
Accommodations:
Lodge-to-Lodge
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (B.L.D)
Place:
Thame
From Thame, we will begin trekking in the northern direction towards Lungden (also known as Lundgen). The route takes us deeper into the upper Bhote Koshi Valley, toward one of the least-traveled corners of the Khumbu. Leaving Thame, the route takes us via a gentle climb along the western side of the valley, following the river’s milky glacial flow. The sound of the Bhote Koshi becomes our constant companion, which becomes louder as we climb higher.
As we gain altitude, 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. We can see yaks grazing leisurely on the pastures. Right before we reach Lungden, we will pass by the Marlung, a larger village in Thame Valley. The trail becomes gentler as we approach Lungden. We will spend the night at a lodge in Lungden.
Trek Time:
6 hrs/day
Trek Distance:
8.2 km (5 miles)
Sleep Elevation:
4,380 m (14,370 ft)
Accommodations:
Lodge-to-Lodge
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (B.L.D)
Place:
Lungden
Today is one of the most exciting days for us, which takes us to the first high pass among the 3 high passes trek. After breakfast, we will start our steep uphill climb on the sandy ridge to the top of the Renjo La Pass before dawn. The trail is challenging, and we must climb up to an altitude of 5,360 m. As we continue climbing, the landscape becomes rugged with loose moraine, stone steps, and boulder-strewn slopes.
Upon conquering the trails and reaching the summit, the Renjo La Pass offers spectacular views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Taboche, Chalotse, and many other peaks. We will enjoy the stunning sunrise view over the mountain peaks along with the fresh mountain air. Below, the shimmering turquoise waters of Gokyo Lakes appear in their finest form.
The descent toward Gokyo is steep at first, following a zigzagging path of stone steps. If there is snow and ice along the route, we must walk carefully. Once the trail levels slightly, you traverse through sections of glacial moraine. Walking for a while, the shimmering blue surface of the first Gokyo lake becomes visible. Continuing the trek, we soon reach Gokyo Village, located beside the third lake, Dudh Pokhari. It takes approximately three hours to reach Gokyo Village, where we will spend the night.
Trek Time:
8 hrs/day
Trek Distance:
9 km (5.6 miles)
Sleep Elevation:
4,750 m (15,583 ft)
Accommodations:
Lodge-to-Lodge
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (B.L.D)
Place:
Gokyo Village
We will spend another acclimatization day at Gokyo Village. On this day, we will take a short hike from Gokyo village to Gokyo Ri early in the morning for a mesmerizing sunrise view. The ascent to Gokyo Ri is steep but steady, and the route begins right at the edge of Dudh Pokhari. The terrain consists of loose gravel, stone steps, and zigzagging paths that quickly gain altitude. Near the top, the ridge narrows, and the route becomes slightly steeper; however, the prayer flags at the summit come into sight, which motivates one to reach the top.
Reaching the Gokyo Ri summit feels like a moment of victory. We find ourselves surrounded by 360-degree mountain peaks along with a view of Gokyo Lakes below and the Ngozumpa Glacier. The most unforgettable sight from the Goyo Ri top is when the sun rises behind the giants of the Mahalangur range; the entire view shifts into golden light over Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu. After appreciating the view from the summit and your victory, we’ll descend to Gokyo village for a warm breakfast.
The rest of the day is our own. We can stroll along the lakeshore, where the waters of Dudh Pokhari reflect the surrounding peaks like a mirror. Fifth and Sixth Lakes are also other options to visit around the Gokyo Village. Moreover, the afternoon is best spent resting and watching the shifting colors on the lake as clouds drift in and out. Overnight stay at Gokyo village.
Trek Time:
2–4 hrs/day
Trek Distance:
2 km (1.2 miles)
Sleep Elevation:
4,750 m (15,583 ft)
Accommodations:
Lodge-to-Lodge
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (B.L.D)
Place:
Gokyo Village
After an acclimatization day at Gokyo, we are ready to continue our trek. We will leave the peaceful Gokyo Village and the turquoise-water lakes and head toward Thangnak after a hearty meal. As we leave Gokyo, we begin walking along the eastern shore of Dudh Pokhari. The path turns toward the grey, moraine-covered mass of the glacier. The trail requires us to cross several glaciers and trek through steep and rocky terrain.
Crossing the Ngozumpa Glacier is the highlight of the trek. Although the glacier is not technically difficult, the uneven footing requires care and a slow pace. Moreover, 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:
3 hrs/day
Trek Distance:
4 km (2.5 miles)
Sleep Elevation:
4,700 m (15,419 ft)
Accommodations:
Lodge-to-Lodge
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (B.L.D)
Place:
Thangnak
We will cross another high mountain pass among the 3 passes trek today. So, after breakfast, we will set right off. We will begin with a trek towards a small valley on rocky terrain. As we’ll be conquering one of the highest passes, the day begins early at around 4–5 AM. The route begins with an ascent up a rugged valley filled with boulders, loose scree, and steep ridgelines. After about an hour, the first major climb begins: a steep slope of rock and gravel that leads toward the upper basin below Cho La.
As we approach the base of the pass, the terrain gradually flattens to a plateau, which is often covered in snow or ice, depending on the season. The final ascent to Cho La involves steep, icy terrain that requires the use of microspikes for safe footing. Standing at the top of Cho La is victory in itself, and the surrounding peaks add to the excitement of the journey. The view of Everest, Cho Oyu, Makalu, Ama Dablam, Cholatse, and Lobuche from the Cho La top is jaw-dropping.
After relishing the view for some time, we will gradually descend towards Dzongla. The descent requires a careful walk as the trail drops steeply down a rocky hillside, which demands slow movement due to loose moraine and uneven boulders. Dzongla is our overnight stop for the night.
Trek Time:
8 hrs/day
Trek Distance:
9.5 km (5.9 miles)
Sleep Elevation:
4,830 m (15,846 ft)
Accommodations:
Lodge-to-Lodge
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (B.L.D)
Place:
Dzongla
After conquering the Cho La Pass, we will make our way from Dzongla, following a moraine toward Lobuche. The path is relatively easier, with no steep climbs. There is also no need for glacier crossing on this day, either. Leaving Dzongla, the route begins with an easy, gradual walk across open alpine meadows. The combination of grassy patches, rocky outcrops, and the golden light of the early hours creates a peaceful atmosphere after yesterday’s toughness.
Slowly, the trek descended to the junction near Thokla, where the route from Pheriche meets the main Everest Base Camp route. This area marks the beginning of the Thokla Pass, a slope with memorials dedicated to climbers who lost their lives on Everest and other surrounding peaks.
From the top of the Thokla Monument mountain, the path leads into a wide valley surrounded by the rocky faces of Lobuche East and Lobuche West. It takes only 4 hours to get to Lobuche, which allows us to get proper rest at high altitude before heading to EBC. Lobuche is a beautiful village with some famous bakeries. The village also offers panoramic views of the spectacular mountains. Overnight at Lobuche.
Trek Time:
4 hrs/day
Trek Distance:
6 km (3.7 miles)
Sleep Elevation:
4940 m (16,207 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 trek to Everest Base Camp. We will start early and leave Lobuche after breakfast. The walkway 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 have lunch, leave our luggage, and begin ascending to Everest Base Camp. The trail from Gorak Shep to Everest Base Camp is challenging, and we must trek on rocky and icy terrain. We start by walking along a rocky path that follows the side of the Khumbu Glacier. Sometimes we can hear loud sounds from the glacier, such as ice cracking or rocks falling.
The route goes up and down small hills on the glacier’s edge. As we move, we experience difficulty breathing, so we must stop from time to time to catch our breath. After about two hours, we finally see prayer flags and rocks that mark Everest Base Camp. Reaching the foot of the world’s highest mountain peaks feels special and emotional to many.
The most stunning views we can get from the EBC are Khumbu Icefall, which is indeed beautiful yet a bit scary due to how dangerous it seems. Likewise, Mount Nuptse appears to be the closest to Everest Base Camp. Other surrounding peaks visible from there include Pumori, Lingtren, and Khumbutse. After enjoying the view and success, we will return to Gorak Shep for an overnight stay.
Trek Time:
7–8 hrs/day
Trek Distance:
12.5 km–14 km (7.7 miles–9 miles)
Sleep Elevation:
5,164 m (16,942 ft)
Accommodations:
Lodge-to-Lodge
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (B.L.D)
Place:
Gorak Shep
Today is another extraordinary day. We will wake up before dawn and begin an uphill hike to Kala Patthar, a vantage point that offers a spectacular view of Mount Everest and the sunrise. It is the highest point of our trek and the most challenging part of the climb. As we start walking, the route gently rises along a sandy, rocky ridge. At first, the trek is steady, but the lack of oxygen makes our even steps heavy.
After about 15–20 minutes, the route becomes steeper and more challenging. This section is a long, zigzag ascent over loose stones and rock slabs. Reaching the summit of Kala Patthar is an unforgettable moment. From here, we finally see Mount Everest in its full majesty. By the time we reach Kala Patthar, the sun rises that scatter its rays all over the mountain peaks that create an eye-appalling sight that no one can forget. Along with Mt.Everest, the view of Nuptse, Lhotse, Pumori, and Khumbu glacier is stunning from the viewpoint.
After enjoying the view, we will descend to Gorak Shep, where we’ll have lunch. After lunch, we’ll make our descent towards Pheriche. The path begins by descending gently from the sandy, rocky walkway of Gorak Shep. After about 1.5 to 2 hours, we’ll arrive at Lobuche. From Lobuche, the route continues downward toward Thokla, which follows the edge of the glacier. Soon, we’ll reach Pheriche, where we’ll stop for the day.
Trek Time:
7–8 hrs/day
Trek Distance:
13 km (8 miles)
Sleep Elevation:
4,371 m (14,340 ft)
Accommodations:
Lodge-to-Lodge
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (B.L.D)
Place:
Pheriche
We’ll have a hearty morning meal at Pheriche while reflecting on our high-altitude treks and appreciating how strong we are. After breakfast, we should leave from Pheriche for Namche Bazaar. The route slowly descends along stone walls and open meadows, with a view of Ama Dablam to our left. A short walk brings you to the river crossing near the village of Orsho that connects us with Pangboche village. There, we can visit Pangboche Gompa before continuing our walk.
From Pangboche, the scenery begins to change from a dry alpine environment to green shrubs and small trees. We pass through Debuche village, cross the suspension bridge, and reach Tengbcohe, a home to the ancient Tengboche Monastery. At Tengboche, we will visit the monastery, take a short rest, and have lunch. Then, we will continue trekking by crossing the Imja Khola on a wooden suspension bridge. The trail then takes us through pine and juniper forests towards Namche Bazaar, our overnight stay point.
Trek Time:
6–7 hrs/day
Trek Distance:
19 km (11.8 miles)
Sleep Elevation:
3,440 m (11,286 ft)
Accommodations:
Lodge-to-Lodge
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (B.L.D)
Place:
Namche Bazaar
Today is the final trekking day. We will bid farewell to Namche Bazaar and mostly descend 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 through villages such as Monjo, Benkar, Phakding, and Toktok to reach Lukla. We will spend our last night in the Everest region in Lukla.
Trek Time:
8–9 hrs/day
Trek Distance:
14.9 km (9.2 miles)
Sleep Elevation:
2,860 m (9,383 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 we take a flight to Ramechhap, we will have to take a 5-hour drive back to Kathmandu. However, if we take a direct flight to Kathmandu, which takes around 35 minutes, we’ll land at Tribhuvan International Airport.
In the evening, enjoy a warm farewell dinner with our office representatives and your guides at a traditional Nepali restaurant. During this special gathering, we celebrate your journey and give you a chance to share final moments with the team that supported you throughout the trip. The dinner also features cultural performances with dances and songs from various ethnic communities of Nepal. This means you get an authentic and memorable cultural experience before your departure. We hope you had a wonderful time trekking with us. Thank you for choosing us for your dream trek to the Everest region.
Flight Time:
40 min (Lukla–Ktm), 20 min (Lukla–Manthali)
Sleep Elevation:
1,400 m (4,593 ft)
Accommodations:
Not Included
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Farewell Dinner (B.L.D)
Place:
Kathmandu
To respect the varied accommodation preferences of our guests, the Kathmandu stay has been kept optional, so you can freely choose a hotel that best suits your comfort and budget. However, if you would like us to arrange your accommodation, we would be more than happy to assist. Let us know your preference (3-star, 4-star, or 5-star) at the time of booking, and we will include it as an add-on without any hassle.
Dates for 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 5,360 m. 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 (2,860 m). On the first day, you will trek past the Chaurikharka Village to reach Phakding (2,610 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 (3,440 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 (3,800 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 (4,380 m). You will climb steeply on sandy ridges to reach the Renjo La Pass (5,360 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 (4,750 m) and Gokyo Village (4,750 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 (4,700 m). From Thangnak, you will cross another high mountain pass, Cho La Pass (5,420 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 (4,830 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 (4,940 m). Your trek to the Everest Base Camp (5,364 m) begins here.
First, you will head to Gorak Shep (5,164 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 (5,545 m) to watch the sunrise and the surrounding Himalayas. After enjoying the view, you will return to Pheriche (4,370 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 2,500 m, 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 2,500 m 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 2,500 m. 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 3,600 m. 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.
For the Everest High Pass trek, you should plan for several extra costs that are not included in most packages. Prices rise with altitude, so budget enough cash for drinks, hot showers, device charging, and internet access. Hot drinks can cost NPR 150–300 per cup, showers range from USD 3–8, and charging electronics can cost USD 2–5 per device. Wi-Fi is available but low and pricey, often costing USD 3–10.
Visit a doctor or travel clinic 4–6 weeks before your trip to update routine vaccines and get recommended ones like Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Hepatitis B, and Rabies. Malaria and Japanese Encephalitis are not concerns in the Everest region. A full medical check-up is important to confirm you are fit for long walking days.
Basic words like Namaste for hello and Dhanyabad for thank you help you connect with locals, guides, and teahouse owners. Using common phrases such as Sanchai hunuhuncha (How are you?) and Kripaya (Please) shows respect and effort. Saying ‘Dai’ and ‘Didi’ to address locals politely also creates warm interactions.
Hiring a guide is essential for safety, navigation, and altitude management. Guides handle teahouse bookings, permits, and local communication. Porters carry your main luggage (15–20 kg per person), leaving only a light daypack for you. Guides and porters both will share cultural insights about the Khumbu region.
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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