Everest High Passes trekking is off-beaten trekking in the Everest region. Everest high pass trekking is under the strenuous category. This is normally trekked by those who love to do adventure at the high altitude. The trekking days depend on your physical fitness and acclimatization days in the itinerary. You must aware of rest days in your itinerary while planning for this trekking. There must be three to four days separated for acclimatization. It takes a 20-22 days trek to complete EBC trekking combined with three high passes.
The gateway to Everest is the Lukla airstrip these days. Following the traditional trail to cross these passes, we complete Everest Base camp trekking combined with high passes. There are multiple options to trek high passes combined with an Everest base camp trek. Either we start from Renjo-la pass, Gokyo Lake, Cho la pass, Kongma la pass, and Everest Base camp or can follow the regular route of Everest base camp and cross Kongma la pass and then Cho la pass Gokyo Lake and finally Renjo la pass to complete the trek. Our recommendation route is as follows:
Trekking To EBC from Kathmandu: Lukla fly – Phakding – Namche Bazar – Thame- Lungden—Gokyo Valley via Renjo la pass- Dzongla via Cho la pass– Lobuche – Gorakshep – EBC- Gorakshep- Kala Patthar- Gorakshep – Lobuche- Dingboche via Kongma la pass- Tengboche— – Namche Bazar-Lukla – Kathmandu
Trekking to Everest Base Camp is always fascinating as most people are attracted by the Everest region's wilderness and its height, i.e 8848m which is now measured as 8849m the official height given by the government of Nepal. Getting ready for Everest Base camp along with three high passes trekking is the toughest trekking available in the Everest region. Our determination is the primary factor to conquer such difficult trekking. We must prepare mentally to face any difficulties during the trip. At the same time, we must work for physical fitness. There are hundreds of lists for preparation before trekking starts. A few of them are listed below:
If you do regular exercise and fitness training, it is easy for you to walk in the remote villages of the Khumbu region. Even if you are an athlete, please follow the guidelines given by your guide because those who guide in the Everest region are normally from the Sherpa community of Everest region. They know the geography and weather of that place very nicely. If you are not doing any physical exercise, start physical fitness at least one month before trekking to Everest Base camp. In Nepal, 3- 5 days short hiking destinations are available so that you can habitual by doing such short trekking before going to Everest trekking. Mardi Himal Trekking, Langtang valley trekking, and Kori Khapuche lake trekking will provide you with an excellent opportunity to experience trekking in the wilder zone. But it is not mandatory to do trekking in other regions before going to Everest. The primary thing is your willpower and determination to do Everest base camp trekking even if you are doing it for the first time.
Different people have different versions of trekking in solo mode or in a group. From our experience of several years, we recommend joining a group so that it becomes easy to trek in multiple aspects. First, when you join a group, the cost of your trekking reduces as it is divided into groups. Second, you can get assistance whenever it is needed. Third, you can learn about newer cultures and new communities by doing this trek. Usually, when we operate group tours, there will be several people involved in this tour program. Porters and guides regularly assist you from the beginning of the trek till the completion. If you wish to solo trek, we also provide support for you by providing a porter and guide. Even if you can go without a porter and guide, there is no more compulsion for this. But remember you are trekking in a high altitude area where supports are difficult to get when you are in trouble. For the safest tour, it is highly recommended to use a guide and porter from the registered agent. We provide competent tour guides and well-equipped and physically fit porters for Everest trekking. If you like to know the details of our Team please write to us.
The extreme weather and high altitude make Everest Base camp trekking extra strenuous. The elevation of Lukla airport is 2846m which is one of the toughest airstrips in the world since the weather in Lukla changes in no seconds. Altitude sickness can be a serious problem and you may need emergency rescue. The gradual increment in elevation may lead you to Altitude sickness. We must walk slowly and steadily with sufficient rest and water. If you become dehydrated, the chance of altitude sickness is higher. Because of this reason, within the trekking itinerary, there are 2 days left for acclimatization one in Namche Bazar(3410m) and Dingboche(4410m). The main purpose of this acclimatization day is to adapt to high altitudes by hiking short duration and back to the same place, which makes our body habitual to higher elevations.
Trekking in the Everest region is best suited in the spring season (March-April-May) and in the autumn season (September-October-November). During spring, days are long and sunny and the weather is warm but sometimes it is windy and stormy. The thick rhododendron forest creates surroundings colorful as rhododendron blooms in the entire forest. When you are walking through a glacier you must be more cautious since avalanche is common these days. Autumn is very beautiful with a variety of flowers and a great festive season. The weather is pleasant neither too cold nor too hot. Most of the expeditions occur in this season. The clear blue sky and fresh and mesmerizing mountains spellbind you throughout the trek.
Khumbu Rural Municipality Permit and Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit are required to trek in the Everest region. Whether it is Gokyo valley trekking, Everest high passes trekking, or Everest Base Camp trekking both permits are required. Trekkers from Europe, America, Australia, Africa, and Asia including SAARC (India, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Pakistan) citizens, can get Khumbu Rural Municipality Permit, paying a fee of Rs. 2,000 per person for the first four weeks. For more than four weeks, the permit fee is Rs. 2,500 per person. Only the document you need is your passport. You can get this permit after landing at Lukla airport. Your guide will manage everything and no worries. You can directly visit the permit issuing counter on the trekking trail to Phakding.
Sagarmatha National Park Entry permit is available in Kathmandu from the Nepal tourism Board office at Pradarsani marg. We take it from Kathmandu during the preparation for Trekking. Even it is available in Monjo at the Sagarmatha National Park Entry gate. It costs Rs. 3000/- for international trekkers however for SAARC nationals only Rs. 1500/- is charged. From 1st October 2018, the provision of a TIMS(Trekkers Information Management System) card is no longer used in the Everest region. Khumbu Rural Municipality Permit card replaced the TIMS card however TIMS is still used in other parts of the trekking region such as Annapurna and Manaslu.
We are a government-registered company based in Kathmandu. We provide a customized tour and travel itinerary based on your interest, requirements, budget, and time. We have experienced trekking guides and porters usually involved in climbing and expedition. We ensure your safety and comfort to the possible extent while having an adventure in the wilderness of the Everest region. The experience and knowledge of our guide make trekking more convenient and interesting. You trust us, we visualize it in reality.
Our guide and porters have insurance to ensure their safety. That's the reason, we charge a standard amount for Everest trekking. We do not compromise on hospitality, your comfort, and the safety of all support staff in trekking.
Everest Base camp trekking is under the strenuous category. The maximum elevation of EBC trekking is 5545 m i.e. Kala Patthar. Normally strenuous category of trekking is above 5000 m higher. Therefore, EBC trekking needs sound physical fitness since you are going to begin your trekking from 2800 m high to 5545 m up to Everest Base Camp. This is in terms of elevation and wilderness, one of the toughest trekking. Please be sure of your health condition. Those who are chronic patients of asthma, Blood pressure, and heart disease are not recommended to trek EBC. For 12 days we trek between 3000 m to 5545 m which is a high elevation of remote mountain villages. So, we suggest focusing on your fitness before going trekking in Nepal. Acclimatization and rest days are essential for such a hard level of trekking.
There are variations in cost for EBC trekking. There are a few things that determine the cost of your trekking such as the plane fair from Kathmandu- Lukla, and Lukla - Kathmandu which is USD 390 in total. The plane fare of your Guide is USD 100. The daily wage of Guide is USD 360 (12 days X USD 30 per day ) and the daily wage of Porter is USD 240 (12 days X USD 20 per day). Guide and Porter's insurance fee, (USD 200) which is mandatory for the agency. Your daily meal and accommodation during trekking is USD 540 (12 days X USD 45 per day). Finally, the Permit charge is USD 50 per person. These days flights are operating from Manthali airport which is 140 km from Kathmandu. The two-way vehicle cost is around USD 150. The cost of a Kathmandu hotel for three nights and lunch and dinner is USD 210 in total. Everest Base camp trekking normally starts from USD 2240 per person. if you join a group or you are in a group, the wages of porters and guides and vehicle charges are divided into groups so it reduces the cost up to USD 2000. Whenever you decide to trek in Everest Base camp or any other trek in Nepal, you must understand the cost associated with the entire package. What we assure is there will be no compromise on your safety and standard since you have paid to get the best of the best service. To know our standard procedure to operate EBC trekking please write to us, we provide every detail of trekking activities.
Everest Base camp trekking is under the strenuous category. The hardness of trekking is unpredictable since the high-altitude mountain terrain has vulnerable weather. No one can judge it, in no seconds it changes. If somebody trek solo without any guide and porter, there is always a higher chance of getting in trouble as you are unaware of culture, language, food, and weather. Due to the Internet, things are quite easy but everywhere you will not get the internet easily. In such a situation, the agency always assists you and traces you, and tracks you throughout the journey. Whenever you are with a guide, the guide will assist you with the possible best service available there locally.
The Everest Base camp trekking entry point is Lukla so we must know the weather of Lukla to fly from Kathmandu. There are higher chances of flight cancellation because of weather fluctuation. Throughout the year, Lukla has the highest temperature is around 8.5 celsius during July. It means the increment of altitude, lowers the temperature which is hardly difficult for anyone. We must prepare ourselves for the freezing temperature of the Everest region. To continue our trekking activities smoothly, we must know the weather in certain areas like Lukla airport, Namche Bazar, Dingboche, Pheriche, Everest Base Camp, and Kala Patthar.
Everyone knows Everest Base Camp trekking is in high altitude mountain. The freezing temperature of this region may lead you to Acute Mountain Sickness i.e. high altitude sickness. We must wear warm clothes during the Everest trekking. There are hundreds of clothes items that can be listed here but one thing please be sure of is to take warm and dry clothes. Those clothes may be of the following types:
There are so many things that you may like to take with you during trekking. But if you are carrying your travel equipment by yourself, think wisely and decide to carry the most essential items with you. The list of equipment follows:
During trekking all the time you are not going to talk with your friend or guide. Some of the personal nature items you may carry while trekking. Like a water bottle definitely, you will carry, ear pod, and many of the following items which are optional but it may suit your personal need:
Most of the departmental stores have similar products that you are familiar with in your country. For Trekking equipment, you can get standard and branded quality to the normal local products that you can select which one to purchase. The cost may vary from your home country, if you have time you can buy in your own country before coming to Nepal. Especially Trekking boots, duffel bags, and sleeping bags, if you buy in your country, you can save money comparing Nepal.
Food is easily available with different tastes and varieties. Non-vegetarian food and vegetarian food with multiple options are available. But we recommend vegetarian food during trekking since the non-veg item may lack hygiene. To supplement your nutrition during the trek you may carry Chocolate bars, dry fruits, nuts, energy bars, and electrolytes for a water mix drink.
Getting a visa in Nepal is quite easy. you can get it in your country from the diplomatic mission of Nepal/Embassy of Nepal or you can get it on arrival at Kathmandu airport. For more information click the link given
To book this trek, click here.
There are many ways to settle payment while you book this trek to Everest base camp. We have provided details of our associate bank in Nepal and the procedure to transfer the amount whenever you proceed to book this trek. Whenever the transfer success, the confirmation slip, and invoice will be mailed to you.
Upon your arrival at Kathmandu airport, one of our representatives will greet you and assist you to reach the hotel. You will be served with welcome dinner with a Nepali cultural show. Few discussions about the entire travel plan during dinner. Overnight stay in hotel.
Kathmandu valley comprises unique traditions and cultures with beautiful world heritage sites. Within the valley, there are six world heritage sites: Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swoyambhunath, Bouddhanath, Pashupati, Bhaktapur Durbar Square, and Patan Durbar square. You have choices among these heritage sites to visit in a day tour. Patan Durbar square, Swoyambhunath, and Bouddhanath can be visited or you can think of the organic town Bhaktapur and Pashupati one of the greatest temple of Hindu. Even Kathmandu Durbar square can be visited in the evening or the morning. It is near- Thamel. The Durbar Square of Kathmandu holds many old palaces, buildings, temples, and statues from medieval times. Overnight stay in hotel.
Note: you can directly fly to Lukla for trekking without doing a city tour. Usually, it is planned in the itinerary due to higher chances of flight cancellation of the KTM- Lukla section. Weather is unpredictable in the Himalayan region that’s why the second day is taken as a trekking management day. We can also fly on the second day depending on the flight schedule and weather.
We fly in the early morning to Lukla from the domestic terminal of Tribhuwan international airport. The flight is a short and thrilling one as it crosses hills and a narrow pass-way between mountains and hills. The Lukla Airport is located on a hill and contains a short runway which has ends towards the deep valley. Lukla is surrounded by high mountains and barren hills. The magnificent Himalayan range immediately makes us excited and changes the entire scene. We then start trekking to Phakding via Cheplung village. The superb view of Mount Khumbila can be observed from the village of Cheplung. Gradual downwards from Cheplung village leads to Phakding, where several lodges and guest houses are available. Stay in one of the guest houses, and stroll around Phakding village.
Today we trek to Namche Bazar, the center of Solukhumbu. After having breakfast, we started to walk towards Namche Bazar via Jorsale and Monjo village. Monjo is the entry point of Sagarmatha National Park which lies north of Phakding. Walking along the trekking route through the Sagarmatha National Park presents various flora and fauna. The thick forest of pine and cedar presents a pleasant environment. Namche is a commercial hub for this region. There are several choices of lodges and guest houses to stay overnight. Only Thamserku and Kongdi Ri Himal can view from Namche Bazar.
The best place to acclimatize is Namche Bazar. During this day, you can visit the highest airstrip in the world Syangboche airstrip which is located on a hill above the town. Explore Syangboche observe the entire Namche Bazar from the top hill and visit one of the highest hotels in the region. Everest view hotel has unique features that the views of mountain Everest can be observed from every window of that hotel. Back to Namche Bazar and visit around Market. You can visit the Everest Photo Gallery and Sherpa Culture Museum. Overnight in a lodge or guest house.
We start to trek towards Thame village which is different from the Everest base camp trail. We will learn about Sherpa's culture and traditions there. Explore around the village and stay overnight in the lodge.
We trek to Lungden from Thame. While ascending, we will notice mesmerizing snow-capped mountains. Be well managed and handle your camera and battery carefully since in high altitudes due to cold battery down so quickly. Overnight stay in lodge.
We’re headed towards Gokyo lake today, at 4700m, and the trail remains beautifully Himalayan. Today we start to ascend from 4380m and rest at 4700m via Renjo la pass(5340m). Renjo la pass is the first pass among three high passes having less than the other two. The beautiful valley with beautiful scenery. The magnificent view of Cho-Oyu (8201m) and other mountains can be captured. It’s a steep climb up the moraine, switch backing alongside the stream to the first small Lake at (4650m), where a family of green Brainy ducks resides.
Before crossing the Renjo-La pass, we test our fitness by climbing Gokyo Ri. We will wake up early and climb up to the Gokyo-RI for a panoramic view of the Mahalangur Himalayan range. From this point, Mount Everest is viewed as splendid with other mountains. It takes approximately 2 -3 hours to climb to the top of the peak, providing a panoramic view of Cho-Oyu, the GyachungKang, Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cholatse, and the Tawache. It also provides a great view of the Ngozumpa glacier- the largest glacier in Nepal. Then descend to Gokyo valley.
Today, our journey is quite a harder one so we must have full of commitment and patience. We begin early in the morning to climb Cho-la pass and descend to Thangnak. During Cho La pass climbing, We will walk through the ice so we need to be considered one of the riskiest and thus most adventurous spots in the Everest region once the trekkers are supposed to pass through, few even turn their way back with the thought of giving up. But heading tactfully listening to the instruction of the guide carefully, you will have no problem doing so. Overnight stay at the lodge.
Today, our journey is quite a harder one so we must have full of commitment and patience. We begin early in the morning to climb Cho-la pass and descend to Thangnak. During Cho La pass climbing, We will walk through the ice so we need to be considered one of the riskiest and thus most adventurous spots in the Everest region once the trekkers are supposed to pass through, few even turn their way back with the thought of giving up. But heading tactfully listening to the instruction of the guide carefully, you will have no problem doing so. Overnight stay at the lodge.
The way to Lobuche contours the grassy slopes above a lake, the Tshola Tsho, to join up with the main Everest trail from Pheriche and Tengboche. The trail flattens out and follows the valley on the west side of the Khumbu Glacier to Lobuche.
Today we walk slowly but steadily to avoid altitude sickness. A slow walk further on from Lobuche runs alongside the sight of the world’s highest glacier- the Khumbu Glacier, to the right. Walking for about 2-3 hours from Lobuche, we will get to Gorakshep (5181m/16994ft), a tranquil location dotted with some lodges. From here, the path moves to the top of the edge, finally arriving at the Everest Base Camp. Here, the sight of the Khumbu Icefall and the view of the Khumbutse and Lingtren mountains are quite heavenly. After spending some time at the base camp enjoying the sights and the environment, we return to Gorakshep. Overnight stay at the Guesthouse/lodge.
We will hike early morning to Kalapatthar from Gorakshep which is one of the main highlights of the trip. Kalapatthar is popular for its panoramic Everest, Nuptse, Chagatse, Lhotse, and the Pumori view among many other peaks. The hike to Kalapatthar is done early at dawn because the sight of the rising sun seen from the viewpoint is amazing. During the sun rises from the Mountains, it changes the color of the mountains from silver to gold. After capturing the stunning moment at Kalapatthar, we will return to Gorakshep and walk down to Lobuche. Pheriche and Dhugla are visible from this route as well as other snowcapped mountains. Overnight stay at the Guesthouse/lodge.
Again we leave the regular route of Base camp as we trek towards the east via Khumbu Glacier to cross Kongma la pass. This is the toughest pass among all whose height is 5535m. After we cross the pass, we descend to Chukung valley. . overnight stay at the lodge.
Today, we descend pretty much to reach Tengboche. After breakfast, we start to descend via Dingboche. Overnight stay at the lodge.
We will continue our trek, following the flat and descending from Tengboche after heading towards Namche bazaar. The trek back is very beautiful. Overnight at guesthouse/lodge
The trek continues along the Dudh Koshi River to the small mountain airstrip at Lukla, where you will catch your return flight to Kathmandu. Overnight at guesthouse/lodge.
A 30-minute flight back to Kathmandu from Lukla ends the trekking part of the journey. You can revel in the changing sights of the landscapes one last time while on the flight. After landing at the Kathmandu airport, you will be transferred to the Hotel, freshen up, and relax in the daytime or you may explore Thamel. Evening joins Farewell dinner organized by us.
One of our office representatives transfer you to airport before two hours of your flight.
Everest High Pass Trekking is one of my evergreen trekking destinations. When I was 19 years old, I got an opportunity to trek this sacred place. Though I was unaware of trekking activities in high-altitude mountains. I learned the basics of trekking on that trip to Everest Base Camp. I understood the challenges of high-altitude trekking, food, Sherpa culture, tea houses, and their standard.
When I returned from the Everest trek, I joined a climbing school in Kathmandu. I defined my career path as a trekker. Around the late 90s, I trekked several in Nepal, India, Bhutan, and Tibet. Everest Trekking regularly attracts me as it is my first choice to trek.
At present, globally people come to Nepal to trek the Everest region, Annapurna region, Langtang region, Makalu region, and many other beautiful destinations. Around 40,000 trekkers only trek in the Everest region annually. I had a different experience every time trekking in the Everest region. I have noticed different difficulties of trekkers during trekking. I want to share my experiences and suggestions through this article today.
Everest trekking has two high altitude sections: 2600m to 3500m and 3500m to 5500m. If you are from low land and have no idea of high altitude, it is very risky for you since altitude sickness may catch you. Whether you go solo or in a group, please check your trek plan to know the acclimatization day within the trip plan. Adaptation is very essential when the altitude is increased. Therefore, gradual ascent is a must to adapt to high altitudes. Acclimatization is planned in the itinerary to familiarize with high altitudes. On acclimatization day, we should plan to visit a nearer hiking destination to check our fitness and adaptability to high altitudes. We return to the same elevation that helps us to adapt to the context. If Altitude Sickness symptoms are noticed, immediately we must descend to a lower height as it may be dangerous for you. But it is not always necessary to go down as we can rest. A few things must be noticed to understand altitude sickness such as your breathing will become more rapid and lengthy as your body aims to maintain the same oxygen intake per unit of time, and your lung's ability to absorb oxygen from the air will increase that helps to supply more oxygen in the blood. So ascent gradually and take rest at a defined altitude as the first phase of acclimatization. Another hidden part of Khumbu trekking is the enriched Sherpa culture. You will notice Gompas and the monastery on your way to Everest. You can learn and enjoy their hospitality during your trip. There are mainly two seasons to trek in the Everest region Spring and Autumn. Both seasons have their unique features and advantage of trekking there. I recommend trekking with an experienced and equipped agency and a competent Trekking guide so that a hassle-free trip will be there. Enjoy your Everest Base Camp trek. Cheers!
Indra Khanal
Trekking Organizer/Expert