Everest High Passes
This is perhaps the ultimate Everest experience. A challenging adventure traversing two major passes and exploring the five valleys of the Everest region. You cross the Cho La (5420 m) and Renjo La (5345 m)passes, ascend Kala Patar and Gokyo Peak and enjoy the hospitality and culture of the Sherpa villagers. The mountain views are spectacular with the highlight of the trip visiting Everest Base Camp
Itinerary
Day 1 - KATHMANDU (1360m)
Kathmandu, the incredibly diverse capital of Nepal is a fascinating blend of centuries old Hindu and Buddhist shrines, traditional architecture and a city embracing the 21 century. Upon arrival, your leader will transfer you to your hotel from the airport. Your hotel is in the heart of the city close to Thamel, a popular choice with tourists, with colourful handicraft stalls, trekking gear shops and excellent restaurants. In the evening, after your trek briefing, you have the option of going out for a group dinner with your trek leader.
Day 2 - PHAKDING (2650M)
Flight time: 35mins. Trekking: 3 hours
The early morning flight from Kathmandu to Lukla (2830m) is spectacular with sensational views of the Himalayan range. The airstrip is the gateway to the Everest region and was built by Sir Edmund Hillary and the Sherpas in the mid-sixties From Lukla you begin trekking and descend towards the Dudh Kosi River where you join the main trading trail to Namche Bazaar, at Chaunrikharka (2720m). The walking is delightfully easy and after passing through the small village of Ghat (2550m), you cross the river to our lodge at Phakding (2650m) and our overnight stop.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 3 - NAMCHE BAZAAR (3440m)
Trekking: 7 hours
From Phakding you cross the river and head up the valley, following porters from the south that are ferrying supplies to Namche Bazaar. The trail keeps close to the river valley and is lined with blue pine and rhododendron forest that is very spectacular in the spring months, when the flowers are in bloom. You cross the Dudh Kosi River at Benkar, where there are tantalising glimpses of the snow-capped peaks of Kusum Kanguru (6369m) and Thamserku (6623m). From here it is only a short walk to Monjo (2835m), where we arrive in time for lunch. In the afternoon the walking is a little tougher and includes the steep ascent to Namche Bazaar. From Monjo it is a short walk to the entrance of the national park, before we cross the Dudh Kosi River to Jorsale (2805m). The trek continues upstream on generally flat terrain, crossing back to the right bank to the confluence of the Bhote Kosi and Dudh Kosi Rivers, where you start the steep climb to Namche Bazaar. After crossing a large and stable suspension bridge high above the river, you slowly ascend at a steady pace. There are some fantastic photographic opportunities as the peaks of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse and Taweche (6542m) come into view for the first time.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 4 - NAMCHE BAZAAR (3440m)
Acclimatisation day
You remain at Namche Bazaar for two nights to allow for proper acclimatisation. Namche is a prosperous village situated in a large protected hollow. It gained its importance during the period when Tibetan salt was traded for the lowland grains of Nepal. Today a limited amount of trade still exists at Namche and Tibetans are often seen in the village trading rugs and Chinese-made goods, clothing, salt and dried meat. It is recommended that you take the opportunity to see both the sunrise and sunset views from the national park headquarters above the village. The stunning vista includes a superb panorama of the Khumbu peaks and great views of Everest. After breakfast, a variety of options exists. Perhaps a walk towards Thame (3810m) above the beautiful Bhote Khola River Valley or a visit to the national park headquarters to see the interesting exhibits on the flora, fauna and the unque culture of the Khumbu.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 5 - KUNDE (3810m) – Yeti scalp at Khumjung Monastery
Trekking: 3 hours
For the next few days we will head away from the main trail and follow a route used by few trekkers. There will be a later departure today and from Namche Bazaar, you climb above the village with fine mountain views of the Kongde, Thamserku and Kantega mountain range to the small airstrip at Shyangboche where we take a short tea break. It is then a short climb to reach the ridge where the holy peak of Khumbilya (5761m) looms above and the village of Khumjung can be seen below. From here the trail descends past a long mani wall, close to the Sir Edmund Hillary school, where stones are carved with religious scriptures. From here the trail ascends gradually and within half an hour we reach Kunde village and our lodge located close to the Sir Edmund Hillary hospital. WE will arrive in time for lunch. In the afternoon we will take a short walk to the monastery in Khumjung where the Yeti scalp is housed.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 6 - PHORTSE (3820m)
Trekking: 6 hours
You rise early in the morning to walk below the Kunde monastery and then ascend, through forest, to the memorial for Sir Edmund Hillary and his wife and daughter. Few trekkers make this side trip where there are sensational views of the peaks of the Khumbu region including Everest, Ama Dablam and the nearby Kongde range. You return to your lodge for breakfast and then you descend through the walled fields of Kunde and Khumjung villages to Shanasa where we ascend on the main trail to Gokyo to the ridge line at Mongla (3975m) from where there are superb views of the surrounding mountains and the village of Phortse, seen across the valley amid a patchwork of stone-walled fields. From the pass the trail descends steeply over 300 metres into the Dudh Kosi Valley. At Phortse Bridge we take lunch and then cross the river to make a short ascent to our overnight stay in the village of Phortse.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 7 - DINGBOCHE (4350m)
Trekking: 6 hours
From Phortse the trail ascends gradually, high above the Imja Khola valley, with views of the monastery at Thyangboche below. Do look out for the Himalayan Thar, a large mountain goat, that is often seem on this part of the trek. The mornings walk traverses the hillside before a short descent leads directly into the village of Pangboche where you re join the main trail to Everest. Here you enjoy lunch with the peak of Ama Dablam towering above the skyline. In the afternoon you ascend gradually, passing through the small settlement at Orsho before leaving the main trail to head into the Imja Valley and your lodge at Dingboche. Everest cannot be seen from here but there are spectacular views of Lhotse, Island Peak and Ama Dablam before you. The walking is quite tiring and to aid our acclimatisation you will enjoy a further rest day in Dingboche.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 8 - DINGBOCHE (4350m)
Acclimatisation day
Dingboche is a beautiful patchwork of small fields enclosed by stone walls protecting the crops of barley and potatoes from the cold winds. It is occupied mainly through the monsoon months, when large numbers of yaks are brought here to graze in the valley pastures. Behind your lodge the huge rock faces of Taweche seem to soar to the heavens. Your trek leader will advise on activities for the day, but the short excursion up the valley towards Chukung is a worthwhile option. The views are fantastic in this valley; the towering south face of Lhotse to the north, Island Peak in the centre of the valley and the fluted ice walls of unnamed peaks that line the southern end of the valley, all form a hauntingly beautiful sight. In the afternoon an optional hike up the hill behind your lodge will enable us to view the world's fifth highest mountain, Makalu (8481m), which is not visible from the valley.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 9 - LOBUCHE (4930M)
Trekking: 6 hours
In the morning you ascend the small ridge behind the village above Pheriche Valley. From the chorten at the top, Taweche and Cholatse (6440m) make for a striking scene as they seem to lean forwards from across the valley in the west. To the north, Lobuje Peak (6119m) and the snowfields of Cho La dominate the skyline. The walking is now generally fairly flat on wide-open fields, but do take your time and ensure you are well hydrated. Late in the morning you cross the Khumbu Khola at Dughla (4620m) and take a light lunch at the foot of the huge terminal moraines of Khumbu Glacier, which flows off Everest. In the afternoon, there is a solid and quite steep climb on a rocky trail to the top of the moraines. On the crest of the ridge, you pass a line of memorial cairns, built in memory of Sherpas and other climbers who have died on the various Everest expeditions over the last 50 years. From here the view is spectacular - Pumori (7145m), Lingtren (6697m), Khumbutse (6623m) and, across the border in Tibet, Changtse (7550m), are seen at the head of the valley whilst Everest remains hidden behind the towering walls of Nuptse and Lhotse. You then follow the valley stream to your lodge at Lobuje, arriving early afternoon. Today is a tiring day but the fantastic scenery makes it all very worthwhile. If you still have some energy and conditions are clear, a walk, taken gradually, up on to the large ridge at the rear of the lodge can reward you with even more spectacular views.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 10 - EVEREST BASE CAMP(5364m) & GORAKSHEP (5160m)
Trekking: 8 hours
After breakfast you follow the broad valley that runs parallel to Khumbu Glacier. A gradual ascent enables you to build the slow, steady rhythm required when walking at high altitude. When you reach the moraines of Changri Nup Glacier, you make a series of small ascents and descents over a rocky trail lined with cairns that leads eventually to the surprising glacial sands of Gorak Shep (5160m) - reached after about three hours of walking. After a well earned drink and an early lunch you head off towards Everest Base Camp. The trek to the base camp can be achieved in around three hours and if trekking in the climbing period of April to May, you will almost certainly encounter yaks and porters supplying food and equipment to expeditions here. From Base Camp the views of Everest are foreshortened, but you are able to see the notorious Everest Ice Fall that flows from the Western Cwm, which is regarded as technically the hardest and most dangerous section of the mountain. The return journey from the Base Camp to Gorak Shep takes the same amount of time. You have an early dinner so that you are able to get up early the next day for awe-inspiring views of the Himalayan giants from Kala Patar.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
DAY 11 - KALA PATHAR (5600m) & DZONGLA (4850m)
Trekking: 8 hours
You wake up early the next day for the trek to Kala Patar (5545m) to experience sensational sunrise views from this amazing vantage point. From the lodge the ascent is quite steep, so start very slowly and try to ascend at a steady rhythmic pace. Pumori, Nuptse, Changtse, Ama Dablam, Taweche, Kantega and Everest, the highest mountain in the world, surround us. About three kilometres away and some 200 metres below, the area of the Everest Base Camp can be seen in a bowl at the bottom of the Khumbu Ice Fall. After a late breakfast you set off to Lobuche where you take lunch. In the afternoon you retrace your steps before bearing right to head to Dzongla. Upon arrival you settle into your lodge and prepare for the crossing of the snowfields that lead to the top of Cho La Pass.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 12 - TAGNAC (4600m)
Trekking: 6 hours
The day begins early in order to reach the top of the pass in the best possible conditions. From camp you ascend steeply passing large boulders keeping to the left of the main glacier. There are a number of cairns lining the route to the snowfield and, while the trail is well-defined, it does involve a little scrambling. Once on the snowfield the angle eases off and you soon reach the top of the pass (5420m), where the views are spectacular and include Baruntse (7220m) and Ama Dablam, as well as a sea of lesser peaks. Do not wander around the snowfield as there are crevasses. The descent from the pass is steep and care should be taken as you follow the narrow rocky trail down to the Nymagawa Valley. From the valley you cross rocky scree and boulders and ascend the short distance to a small saddle that leads downhill all the way on an easy trail to our lodge at Tagnac.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 13 - GOKYO (4720m)
Trekking: 4 hours
You cross the Ngozumba Glacier where you do a touch of boulder hopping on the rough trail. The views are astounding as Cho Oyu and adjacent mountains bordering Tibet come into view on the right. The trail emerges from the glacier it takes another 45 minutes to reach the lakeside settlement of Gokyo. You have lunch at Gokyo and then have the afternoon to relax and rest. There is an option to head off to Gokyo Ri in the afternoon for spectacular sunset views. It is a steady climb to the top of Gokyo Ri and takes about 2½ hours to reach the top. From the top there are views of four 8000-metre peaks - Everest (8848m), Cho-Oyo (8153m), Lhotse (8511m) and Makalu (8481m). After taking photos, you head back down to the lodge but with fading light the descent can be tricky and a headtorch will come in handy.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 14 - GOKYO (4720m)
Exploration day
Those who have opted for the morning views at Gokyo Ri have to rise early for an ascent of Gokyo Peak (5360m), while others can have a late breakfast and possibly take an optional walk up the Gokyo Valley to enjoy further magnificent scenery.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 15 - LUNGDE (4440m)
Trekking: 7 hours
The trail skirts around north of Gokyo Lake and then climbs up though scree slope as you reach an alpine yak grazing pasture. Looking back, you enjoy excellent views of Gokyo village and Everest. At the top of the Renjo Pass (5345m), marked by prayer flags, you view the Nangpa Valley and, again, views of Everest and Makalu. You descend on a rocky trail that’s leads to a glacial lake from where the valley opens up. You continue to head down the valley through open pastures for sometime before bearing right to reach the small settlement of Lungde, on the main trade route to Tibet.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 16 - THAME (4290m)
Trekking: 5 hours
You have a late start and descend following the Bhote Kosi River downstream passing through a number of small settlements to finally reach the village of Marlung, where you stop for lunch. From Marlung the trail continues to descend passing through the village of Taranga to reach Thame Og and then Thame Teng, the birth place of Tenzing Sherpa. Thame is quite a famous village with many Everest summiteers living here, including Appa Sherpa who has climbed Everest an incredible 21 times.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 17 - PHAKDING (2650m)
Trekking: 6 hours
After breakfast you leave Thami and descend to cross the Bhote Khola on a sturdy suspension bridge. There are some impressive Buddhist rock paintings in the area and, from here and on the cliffs above and below, Himalayan tahr are often seen. Your route continues through the village of Thamo and back to Namche Bazaar where you take a welcome break for lunch. In the afternoon you descend steeply down to the large suspension bridge over the Dudh Kosi River. You follow the trail through Jorsale and back to Monjo, fromhere it is a short walk via Benkar through blue pine and rhododendron forest, with great views of Kusum Kangaru and back to your lodge in Phakding.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 18 - LUKLA (2800m)
Trekking: 3 hours
This is your last day of trekking, where it is only a short walk on the valley before making the final climb up to the airstrip at Lukla. You take lunch at your lodge and the afternoon is free to wander around, relax or perhaps enjoy a hot shower! In the evening you enjoy a farewell dinner, followed by a few celebratory drinks with your Sherpa companions.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 19 – FLY LUKLA TO KATHMANDU (1360m)
Flight time: 35 mins
Usually the flight to Kathmandu leaves early in the morning. Weather permitting, you have exceptional mountain views as you fly parallel to the Himalayan range. On arrival in Kathmandu you are met and transferred back to your hotel with the rest of the day free to do souvenir shopping or further sightseeing. Enjoy a final evening out tonight.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 20 – KATHMANDU (1360m)
We have allocated a full day in Kathmandu for you to relax and explore after your trek in the Everest region. This also serves as a contingency day in case of delays in Lukla due to inclement weather. There is an option to see the heritage city of Bhaktapur or Patan. Please ask your leader for sightseeing options and arrangements.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 21 – DEPART KATHMANDU (1360m)
Your trip ends today after breakfast. Your leader will be on hand to advise and assist with your onward travel arrangements. A departure transfer to the airport is included.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Dates and Price
Dates | Price | Single Sup | Status | Book/Enquire |
---|---|---|---|---|
- | On Request | Available | Any Date | Book Now |
If the trip dates don't match your available dates we can run a private departure for just your friends or family. Just fill up this form and we can discuss the options
Price Includes
- 3 nights accommodation in a 5 Star Hotel in Kathmandu on BB
- 17 nights lodge accommodation with All Meals on trek
- Experienced English speaking local leader
- Porters with appropriate clothing, boots and insurance
- International Airport Arrival & Departure Transfers
- Domestic Airport Transfers
- All Domestic Transfers in a private Vehicle as per Itinerary
- Medical Kit, Portable Altitude Chamber and Medical Oxygen
- Trekking and national park permits
- Flights Kathmandu – Lukla – Kathmandu
- Pre departure Trek Dossier
- Trekking map
Price Excludes
- International flights
- Nepal visa
- Travel insurance
- Lunches and dinners in Kathmandu where not indicated
- Tips
Information
Everest High Passes April 2018
"The whole trip to Everest Base Camp and High Passes in April 2018 was fantastic, thanks for organising it! Dil is top class, and was extremely helpful and professional throughout - we couldn't have asked for a better guide. Moti, the porter was brilliant and chipped in with some guide responsibilities too. They both took great care of us and made sure we were happy every day, whilst also pushing us to do our best! This was an amazing trip, organised by a highly experienced team, and it exceeded all expectations we had."