Everest High Passes Trek

Everest High Passes Trek Highlights

• The ultimate Himalayan trekking experience which encompasses most of the Everest region
• Cross three High Passes Over 5000m, which are: Renjo La (5464 m), Cho La (5420 m) and Kongma La (5535 m)
• Explore the Sagarmatha National Park, home to hundreds of species of flora and fauna
• Includes side trips to the breathtaking Gokyo valley
• Treks to Everest Base Camp and Kala Pattar
• Magnificent views of most peaks and glaciers in the Khumbu region, including Everest

Everest High Passes Trek is the ultimate trekking experience in the Khumbu region that includes three passes over 5300m, namely Kongma La (5535m), Cho La (5430m) and Renjo La (5355m). It explores the most of the Everest region in terms of locations, scenery and cultural experience. 

The Everest High Passes trek begins with a scenic flight to Lukla, and further trek to Namche Bazaar for a rest and acclimatization day. Make your way through the villages of Tengboche, Pangboche and Dingboche to the settlement of Chhukung. Have a rest day here before crossing the first high pass, Khongma La (5535m). The next day, set out early and Khongma La to arrive at Lobuche, the stop for the night. Spend the next couple of days making trips to Everest Base Camp and Kala Pattar, witnessing breathtaking sights and scenery on both occasions. Next, descend south through Dzongla towards Gokyo valley. Cross the second high pass, Cho La (5430m) next and make your way into the pristine Gokyo valley. Take a day off to explore the valley and its glacial lakes, along with an optional hike to Gokyo Ri. Finally, cross the third high pass Renjo La (5355m) on your way to Lungden the next day. From Lungden, simply retrace your steps through Namche and Monjo, back to Lukla. End the Everest High Passes Trek with a short scenic flight back to the capital.

Everest High Passes Trek Difficulty

The Everest High Passes Trek is a challenging trek where you’ll be crossing multiple Himalayan passes at over 5000m. While technical climbing skills are not required for this trek, prior trekking experience will be useful. Also, good physical fitness and stamina is an absolute necessity. Some other factors you need to consider for the Everest High Passes Trek are:

Elevation:

With the starting point of the trek lying at almost 3000 meters, it is quite obvious that elevation plays a major part in making the trek so strenuous. You’ll trek up to Everest Base Camp, Kala Pattar and the three high passes, all lying over 5000 meters. Thus, it is important that you ascend at a steady pace, stay hydrated and take adequate rest / acclimatization days.

Length:

The High Passes Trek can be performed in clockwise or anti-clockwise manner. This is a lengthy trek that covers most of the Everest region, and generally takes around 3 weeks to complete. On average, you will trek for 6-7 hours per day over rough and semi mountainous terrain. So, we recommend preparing your body with running, HIIT or hiking itself, prior to the trek.

Best Season for Everest High Passes Trek

The best time to perform the Everest High Passes Trek are during the spring (March – May) and autumn (September – November) seasons. With the clearest views, stable weather and moderate temperatures, these seasons offer the best experience. The weather during monsoon tends to be unstable with the occasional downpour. As for winter, the temperature can drop quite low along with the possibility of snowfall severe enough to block off the pass.