Everest High Passes Trek

Trip ID: UM4466
Destination Everest
Duration 21 Days
Difficulty Moderate to Challenging Persons
Group Size 2-16
Maximum Altitude 5535m.
Best Time Spring and Autumn
Activities Trekking / Hiking
Accommodation Hotel & Tea House
Meals Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Transportation Private
Start from Kathmandu
End at Kathmandu

Trip Overview

The Everest High Passes Trek is the most thrilling, scenic, and demanding trekking experience in the Everest region of Nepal. Also referred to as the Everest Three Passes Trek or Everest Circuit Trek, this challenging route takes you through three iconic high mountain passesKongma La (5,535 m), Cho La (5,420 m), and Renjo La (5,340 m) — each offering distinct terrain, breathtaking views, and cultural encounters. This trek is ideal for seasoned trekkers with excellent physical fitness, looking to go beyond the classic Everest Base Camp trail. The route connects the Gokyo Valley, Everest Base Camp, and the lesser-traveled Chhukhung and Thame Valleys, showcasing a rare mix of glacial crossings, remote Sherpa villages, and jaw-dropping Himalayan vistas of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, and more. Whether it’s the tranquility of Gokyo’s turquoise lakes, the thrill of crossing glacial passes, or the cultural immersion in Khumbu's Sherpa heritage — this is not just a trek, but a life-changing adventure.

Trip Highlight

  • Full Package Trek with 3 Meals a Day – Best Price Guaranteed
  • Average Weight Loss: 8–12 lbs during the trek
  • Trek over three high passes: Kongma La (5,535 m), Cho La (5,420 m), and Renjo La (5,340 m)
  • Spectacular panoramic views of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Ama Dablam, Cho Oyu, and more
  • Iconic photo ops at Renjo La Pass with Everest in the background
  • Visit Gokyo Lakes, the largest freshwater lake system in Nepal
  • Explore Ngozumpa Glacier, the longest glacier in the Himalayas
  • Avoids the crowded EBC trail for much of the trek
  • Experience authentic Sherpa culture in remote villages like Thame and Chhukhung
  • Enjoy traditional Nepali meals and cultural dinners with dance shows in Kathmandu
  • Traverse diverse landscapes: alpine meadows, forests, glacier moraines, and high-altitude passes
  • A true bucket-list challenge for physically fit and adventurous trekkers

Detailed Itinerary

  • Day 1 : Arrival in Kathmandu (1,300m)

    Meet our team at the airport and transfer to your hotel.
    Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu

  • Day 2 : Kathmandu Sightseeing & Trek Preparation

    Explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, or Kathmandu Durbar Square. Final gear check.
    Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu

  • Day 3 : Fly to Lukla (2,840m) – Trek to Phakding (2,610m)

    A 45-minute flight followed by an easy downhill walk along the Dudh Koshi River.
    Trek Time: 3–4 hours
    Overnight: Lodge in Phakding

  • Day 4 : Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440m)

    Cross multiple suspension bridges and climb steeply to the Sherpa capital.
    Trek Time: 6 hours
    Overnight: Lodge in Namche

  • Day 5 : Acclimatization in Namche Bazaar

    Hike to Everest View Hotel or Khumjung Village and visit the Sherpa Museum.
    Overnight: Lodge in Namche

  • Day 6 : Trek to Tengboche (3,860m)

    Enjoy views of Ama Dablam and visit the iconic Tengboche Monastery.
    Trek Time: 5 hours
    Overnight: Lodge in Tengboche

  • Day 7 : Trek to Dingboche (4,410m)

    Gradual ascent into alpine terrain. Beautiful views of Lhotse and Island Peak.
    Trek Time: 5 hours
    Overnight: Lodge in Dingboche

  • Day 8 : Acclimatization Day in Dingboche

    Climb Nangkartshang Peak (5,083m) or rest in the village.
    Overnight: Lodge in Dingboche

  • Day 9 : Trek to Chhukung (4,730m)

    A short and gradual hike to a quiet village close to Island Peak Base Camp.
    Trek Time: 3–4 hours
    Overnight: Lodge in Chhukung

  • Day 10 : Cross Kongma La Pass (5,535m) – Trek to Lobuche (4,910m)

    First major pass with incredible views of Makalu, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam.
    Trek Time: 7–8 hours
    Overnight: Lodge in Lobuche

  • Day 11 : Trek to Everest Base Camp (5,364m), return to Gorakshep (5,180m)

    Walk along the Khumbu Glacier and visit the famed Everest Base Camp.
    Trek Time: 7–8 hours
    Overnight: Lodge in Gorakshep

  • Day 12 : Sunrise at Kala Patthar (5,545m) – Trek to Dzongla (4,830m)

    Panoramic sunrise views from Kala Patthar, then descend to Dzongla.
    Trek Time: 6–7 hours
    Overnight: Lodge in Dzongla

  • Day 13 : Cross Cho La Pass (5,420m) – Trek to Thangnak (4,700m)

    A glacier crossing requiring good footing; incredible views of Cholatse.
    Trek Time: 6 hours
    Overnight: Lodge in Thangnak

  • Day 14 : Trek to Gokyo (4,790m)

    Cross the Ngozumpa Glacier to reach Gokyo Lakes and village.
    Trek Time: 3–4 hours
    Overnight: Lodge in Gokyo

  • Day 15 : Gokyo Ri Climb (5,357m) and Lakes Exploration

    Climb to Gokyo Ri for unmatched views of Everest, Cho Oyu, Makalu, and Gokyo Valley.
    Overnight: Lodge in Gokyo

  • Day 16 : Cross Renjo La Pass (5,360m) – Trek to Lunde (4,380m)

    Enjoy a scenic descent into a less-traveled part of the Khumbu.
    Trek Time: 6–7 hours
    Overnight: Lodge in Lunde

  • Day 17 : Trek to Thame (3,800m)

    Visit the serene Thame Monastery and enjoy the tranquility.
    Trek Time: 4–5 hours
    Overnight: Lodge in Thame

  • Day 18 : Trek to Namche Bazaar

    Descend through ancient Sherpa villages and rhododendron forests.
    Trek Time: 4–5 hours
    Overnight: Lodge in Namche

  • Day 19 : Trek to Lukla

    Celebrate the end of your high-altitude journey.
    Trek Time: 6 hours
    Overnight: Lodge in Lukla

  • Day 20 : Fly to Kathmandu

    Early morning scenic flight. Free day to relax or shop in Thamel.
    Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu

  • Day 21 : Final Departure

    Transfer to the airport for your flight home.

Trip Cost Inclusion

  • International and domestic airport pick-up and drop-off in Nepal
  • 3-star hotel accommodation in Kathmandu on a Bed & Breakfast (BB) plan – twin-sharing basis
  • Accommodation in local teahouses during the trek (twin-sharing basis)
  • Local Government Entry Permit (Trek Card)
  • Sagarmatha National Park Permit (Everest Permit)
  • TIMS Card (Trekkers’ Information Management System)
  • Daily breakfast at the hotel in Kathmandu
  • All meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) – vegetarian and non-vegetarian options available from the teahouse menu
  • 1 farewell dinner in Kathmandu at a traditional Nepalese restaurant with a cultural dance show, hosted by the Adventure Friendship Team
  • First-aid kit carried by Adventure Friendship team
  • 1 duffel bag provided by Adventure Friendship to carry your trekking luggage
  • Experienced, English-speaking licensed trekking guide
  • Insurance for guide and porter, including emergency evacuation and medical expenses
  • All meals for guide and porter during the trek
  • Guide and porter salary as per industry standards, recommended by tourism associations
  • Porter service for luggage carrying (1 porter per 2 guests, max 20 kg per porter)

Trip Cost Exclusion

  • International flight tickets
  • Domestic flight tickets (Kathmandu or Ramechhap to/from Lukla)
  • Nepal visa fees (payable upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu)
  • Tips and gratuities for guides, porters, drivers, and staff
  • Expenses incurred due to extra days beyond the scheduled itinerary (due to weather, flight delays, etc.)
  • Personal expenses, including drinks, laundry, souvenirs, gear rental, hot showers, WiFi, and electronic charging
  • Any other expenses not mentioned in the 'Cost Includes' section
  • Travel insurance (must cover both medical and emergency evacuation, with a minimum coverage of USD 100,000)
  • Extra transfer costs for transportation between Kathmandu and Ramechhap (in case of Lukla flight via Ramechhap)

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