Everest High Passes Trek

Arrival Kathmandu (1,400 m) and Transfer to Hotel

Once you landed on Kathmandu, our agency representative will welcome and greet you there. Then, he will drive you towards your hotel at Thamel. After refreshment, we will meet you at our office for a short meeting on an upcoming trip. Overnight at Thamel.

Accomodation: Hotel Duration: 30 min drive to hotel Distance: Around 6 km

Fly from Kathmandu (1,400 m) to Lukla (2,860 m) and Trek to Phakding (2,610 m)

The second day of Everest High Passes Trek starts with an early flight towards the gateway of Everest, which is land to one of the World’s Most Dangerous Airports. This 30 minutes scenic flight offers wonderful outlook at the hilly region of Nepal, which display beautiful villages, valleys, springs, forests, etc.

Once you land at Tenzing Norgay Airport, Lukla, you can take a moment to observe your first glance at Everest. Meeting your porters there, the trek starts along the dusty pathway on the edge of the DudhKosiriver until you reach Phakding. Phakding is a beautiful village in Khumbu District where you will stay overnight.

Accomodation: Lodge Duration: 30 min flight and 3-4 hours trek Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Ascent: 250 m Descent: 500 m Distance: Around 8 km

Trek from Phakding (2,610 m) to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m)

With an early breakfast, you start walking through an alluring forest of rhododendrons, oaks, and pines and finally arrive at Monjo village. A few more distance of the walk, you will arrive at the TIIMS Card check post also the entrance gateway of Sagarmatha National Park.

Entering this preserved area need permits. After getting permits, you walk in one of the UNESCO Heritage sites of Nepal, which provides shelter to numerous rare species of flora and fauna. You stop at one of the teahouses for lunch after that you cross the highest suspension bridge over the Dudh Kosi River. From here, you climb steeply until you meet the streets of Namche Bazaar.

Overnight at Namche Bazaar.

Accomodation: Lodge Duration: 5-6 hours trek Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Ascent: 830 m Distance: Around 9 km

Excursion to Everest View Hotel (3,880 m) and Return to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m)

Today you take a day off for acclimatization and rest as it is a must for health safety. Beginning the day with a delightful breakfast at Namche while staring at the Himalayas is a wonderful feeling.

Namche is famous for local markets, Tibetan Handicraft shops, bakeries, cafes, museums, etc. You can visit these places for refreshment and relaxation.

Besides that, you can have a short visit to Nepal’s Highest Altitude Hotel located at Syanboche for breakfast or lunch. It is a popular destination for Everest View Trek. After that, you return to Namche for overnight.

Accomodation: Lodge Duration: 2 hour hike Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Ascent: 440 m Descent: 440 m Distance: Around 4 km

Trek from Namche Bazaar (3,440 m) to Tengboche (3,860 m)

Today’s target is to reach the largest monastery of the Khumbu region. You start walking among the rhododendrons and pines forest until it brings you to the village of Sansa. Sansa is a point from where Everest Gokyo Valley Trek and Everest Base Camp Trek trails divide.

You then cross several suspension bridges that bring you to PhungiTanga where you have lunch. From here, you take a steep climb to the village of Tengboche. You can visit the monastery to explore and get blessings from Lamas but remember to follow their rules and regulations. Overnight at Tengboche.

Accomodation: Lodge Duration: 5-6 hours trek Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Ascent: 420 m Distance: Around 8 km

Trek from Tengboche (3,860 m) to Dingboche (4,360 m)

From Tengboche, you start with a downhill-forestedwalk; crossing suspension bridges next, you will ascent gradually over dry land until you arrive village of Pangboche.

Pangboche has a 16th-century monastery that claims to have a skull of Yeti. A few more walking, you reach the remote village of Dingboche. Dingboche is a popular destination for ImaTse or Island Peak Climbing.

It acts as a major point that separates Mount Everest Base Camp Trek and ImaTse Peak Climbing routes. Overnight at Dingboche.

Accomodation: Lodge Duration: 5-6 hours trek Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Ascent: 500 m Distance: Around 9 km

Trek from Dingboche (4,360 m) to Chhukung (4,730 m)

Today’s trek starts with a gradual ascending towards the Chhukung village. On the way, you can see small animals huts built to keep animals during the grazing season.

From the valley of Chhukung, you can experience wonderful views of Everest, Nuptse, ImaTse, AmaDablam, Thamserku, etc. Overnight at Chhukung.

Accomodation: Lodge Duration: 4-5 hours trek Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Ascent: 370 m Distance: Around 6 km

Trek from Chhukung (4,730 m) to Lobuche (4,940 m) via Kongma La Pass (5,535 m)

Today, you embark on one of the most challenging and rewarding sections of the Everest High Passes Trek — crossing Kongma La Pass at 5,335 meters, one of the three famous high passes in the Everest region.

Your day begins with a trek across the relatively gentle valley floor, where you can enjoy the serene landscapes, scattered rock formations, and distant views of snow-capped peaks. As you approach the base of the pass, the trail becomes steeper, marking the start of the ascent to Kongma La Pass.

The climb is demanding but incredibly rewarding. Along the way, you pass rocky ridges, moraine fields, and patches of snow, experiencing firsthand the rugged beauty of the high Himalayas. Upon reaching the summit, you are greeted with breathtaking panoramic views of some of the world’s tallest peaks, including Mount Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, and surrounding glaciers stretching into the horizon. This is one of the best vantage points for photography and truly a highlight of your trek.

After soaking in the views, the trail descends steeply towards the Khumbu Glacier, the highest altitude glacier in Nepal. The descent requires careful footing as you navigate rocky terrain and glacial moraine. Walking over the glacier itself is an unforgettable experience, offering dramatic ice formations, deep crevasses, and a sense of the sheer scale of the Himalayas.

After several hours crossing the glacier, the trail leads you to Lobuche, a small settlement at the foot of towering peaks. Here, you will spend the night at a cozy lodge, reflecting on the achievement of crossing one of the most iconic high passes in the Everest region.

Accomodation: Lodge Duration: 6-7 hours trek Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Ascent: 805 m Descent: 100 m Distance: Around 12 km

Trek from Lobuche (4,940 m) to Everest Base Camp (5,400 m) and Back to Gorakshep (5,181 m, 8 hours)

Today is the ultimate day of this trek as you visit the base camp of Mount Everest. The trails start along the Khumbu glacier with a gradual ascend then a downhill walk until you reach a large moraine of Changri glacier.

From here, you take the steep climb to the small village of Gorakshep, the last human settlement before reaching EBC. On the way to Gorakshep, you have wide and close views of the Himalayas where Pumori and AmaDablam are dominating the views. After keeping your bag at the hotel, you then start hiking towards the base camp of Everest.

The trails are full of rocky scrambled rocks, glaciated pathway with a slight inclination. The trails are moderate and short but the main thing that affects the most is elevation and oxygen level.

You will walk along the Khumbu icefall while enjoying the glimpse of Pumori and Everest. A few hours of hard work, you reach the base camp of Everest, which is embellished with religious prayer flags, country flags, messages and more. Exploring the base camp, you then head back to Gorakshep for overnight.

Accomodation: Lodge Duration: 7-8 hours trek Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Ascent: 460 m Descent: 220 m Distance: Around 14 km

Hike to Kala Patthar (5,545 m) – Gorakshep (5,181 m) – Dzongla (4,830 m)

Today, you take an early hike around 4 am to experience a once in a lifetime sunrise views from Kala Patthar. Kala Patthar is one of the most visited destinations in the Himalayas; as it offers a 360-degree wide picture of entire Himalayan ranges.

Besides that, it offers one of the best sunrise and sunset views over the Himalayas. After that, you head back to Gorakshep from here you move to Dzongla.

Walking over the rocky and dust trails for hours you arrive near CholaTshoLake and a few more walking you reach the Dzongla. Overnight at Dzongla.

Accomodation: Lodge Duration: 7 hours trek Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Ascent: 610 m Descent: 890 m Distance: Around 12 km

Trek from Dzongla (4,830 m) to Dragnak/Thangna via Cho La Pass (5,370 m)

Today, you will cross the second pass of Three High Pass, the famous Cho La Pass (5,370 m), one of the most challenging and scenic high passes in the Everest region.

The trek begins from Dzongla (4,830 m) with a steady climb toward the base of Cho La Pass. The trail passes through rocky ridges, moraine fields, and snow patches as you gain altitude.

Crossing the pass requires careful footing, especially on icy sections, but the effort is rewarded with stunning views of Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and the surrounding glaciers.

Once you reach the summit of Cho La Pass (5,370 m), you can enjoy breathtaking 360° Himalayan vistas and take memorable photographs. The descent from the pass is steep and leads toward the alpine valley of Dragnak/Thangna, passing by glacial streams and rugged landscapes.

The trail gradually flattens as you approach the lodge, where you will stay overnight, reflecting on the achievement of crossing another legendary high pass.

Accomodation: Lodge Duration: 7 hours trek Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Ascent: 540 m Descent: 1,000 m Distance: Around 10 km

Trek from Dragnak/Thangna (4,700 m) to Gokyo Lake (4,750 m)

Today’s trek takes you from Dragnak/Thangna to the beautiful Gokyo Lake (4,750 m), part of the pristine Gokyo Valley. This relatively moderate day allows you to enjoy the serene alpine landscapes, turquoise glacial lakes, and sweeping views of surrounding Himalayan peaks.

Along the way, you pass through high-altitude meadows, scattered boulders, and small streams, offering plenty of opportunities to observe Himalayan wildlife such as Himalayan Thar and danphe (Himalayan monal). The calm waters of Gokyo Lake reflect the towering peaks, making it a perfect spot for photography and relaxation.

Once you arrive, you can explore the area, enjoy the tranquility of the lake, and rest at your lodge. This is a peaceful day to soak in the beauty of the high Himalayas before the descent journey begins.

Accomodation: Lodge Duration: 4-5 hours trek Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Ascent: 50 m Distance: Around 6 km

Hike to Gokyo Ri (5,357 m) and Back to Gokyo Lake (4,750 m)

Today, you hike to Gokyo Ri (5,357 m), one of the most spectacular viewpoints in the Everest region. The climb is moderately steep but manageable, offering trekkers an incredible reward: 360° panoramic views of the Himalayas, including Mount Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, and the Ngozumpa Glacier, the largest glacier in the region.

The trail passes through alpine meadows, rocky terrain, and moraine ridges, giving trekkers a close-up look at the high-altitude environment. Wildlife sightings along the trail may include Himalayan Thar and danphe (Himalayan monal).

Upon reaching the summit of Gokyo Ri, you can take your time to soak in the unmatched vistas, capture photos, and enjoy a sense of accomplishment. Afterward, you descend carefully back to Gokyo Lake (4,750 m), where you spend another night at the lodge, surrounded by the serene turquoise waters of the lake and towering peaks.

Accomodation: Lodge Duration: 5 hours hike Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Ascent: 607 m Descent: 607 m Distance: Around 7 km

Trek from Gokyo Lake (4,750 m) to Lungden (4,450 m) via Renjo La Pass (5,360 m)

Today, you tackle the final of the three high passes, the Renjo La Pass (5,360 m), offering spectacular views and a sense of achievement.

You begin your trek with a lovely breakfast at Gokyo.  Then, you will trek from Gokyo Lake (4,750 m), ascending steadily through rocky terrain and patches of snow toward Renjo La Pass.

The climb is challenging but rewarding, with panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, and the surrounding Himalayan peaks. From the summit of Renjo La, you can enjoy a 360° vista of the high Himalayas, including the turquoise lakes of Gokyo far below.

After spending time at the pass, you descend toward Lungden (4,450 m). The descent is long but scenic, taking you through alpine meadows, glacial streams, and small hamlets. Overnight in Lungden allows you to rest after a challenging day while enjoying the serenity of the high mountains.

Accomodation: Lodge Duration: 6-7 hours trek Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Ascent: 610 m Descent: 910 m Distance: Around 12 km

Trek from Lungden (4,450 m) to Thame (3,820 m)

Today, you begin your descent from the high alpine regions toward the Sherpa villages of the lower Khumbu valley. The trek starts with a short ascent of approximately 610 meters, followed by a longer descent into Thame (3,820 m).

The trail takes you through alpine meadows, rhododendron forests, and small Sherpa settlements, offering an immersive experience of local culture and traditional Himalayan lifestyle. You may also spot wildlife such as Himalayan Thar or birds like danphe along the way.

Thame is a quaint village with monasteries and traditional stone houses, providing a peaceful overnight stop after the challenging high-pass sections of the trek.

Accomodation: Lodge Duration: 5-6 hours trek Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Ascent: 610 m Descent: 1,240 m Distance: Around 12 km

Trek from Thame (3,820 m) to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m)

Today’s trail is a mixture of uphill and downhill walk to Namche Bazaar. At Namche, you can visit local markets and can buy items at a cheap price to take home as a gift from Nepal. Overnight at Namche.

Accomodation: Lodge Duration: 4 hours trek Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Descent: 380 m Distance: Around 7 km

Trek from Namche Bazaar (3,440 m) to Lukla (2,860 m)

From Namche, the trails are mostly a downhill walk as it passes through Sagarmatha National Park, suspension bridges, forest, etc which you had crossed earlier. At Phakding, you stop for a while to have lunch. Then, you follow the easy walking over the flat routes to Lukla. Overnight at Lukla.

Accomodation: Lodge Duration: 5-6 hours trek Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Ascent: 580 m Distance: Around 11 km

Fly Back from Lukla (2,860 m) to Kathmandu (1,400 m) or Ramechap (550 m)

With the last breakfast at Lukla, you take a scenic flight back to Kathmandu.

Today marks the end of your Everest High Passes Trek. After breakfast at your lodge in Lukla (2,860 m), you take a scenic flight either to Kathmandu (1,400 m) or Ramechap (550 m).

During the flight, enjoy breathtaking aerial views of the Himalayas, including snow-capped peaks, deep valleys, and glaciers. This is a perfect time to reflect on your trek across the three high passes — Kongma La, Cho La, and Renjo La — and all the amazing experiences of the trek.

Upon arrival, you are transferred to your hotel for rest, relaxation, and celebration of completing this unforgettable high-altitude adventure.

Later, we meet again to gain some idea about your experiences from this trip. Overnight at Thamel.

Accomodation: Hotel Duration: 30 to 40 min flight Meal: Breakfast Ascent: 1,460 m (Kathmandu) and 2,310 m (Ramechap) Distance: Flight distance approx. 138 km

Final Departure

Today marks the conclusion of your Everest High Passes Trek journey.  On your last day at Kathmandu, one of our agency representatives will drop you to the Kathmandu International Airport on your schedule. Lastly, we say goodbye to you by wishing a safe flight back home.

This is the perfect time to reflect on the incredible trekking experience, the breathtaking Himalayan scenery, and the cultural immersion you’ve enjoyed along the trail. The memories of crossing Kongma La, Cho La, and Renjo La passes, visiting Everest Base Camp, hiking Kala Patthar and Gokyo Ri, and exploring remote Sherpa villages will stay with you forever.

Duration: 30 minute drive to airport Meal: Breakfast Distance: Around 6 km