Everest Base Camp High Pass Trek

Everest High Pass Trek Overview

In the Everest region of Nepal, the Everest High Pass Trek is a well-known trekking adventure that features one or two famous high mountain passes, Cho La Pass and Renjo La Pass, in the Nepalese Himalayas. Unlike the full Three High Passes Trek, this one has a flexible and shorter route which encompasses exploring spectacular Himalayan landscapes, visiting landmark tourism destinations such as Everest Base Camp or the Gokyo Lakes, and experiencing Sherpa culture within a shorter time frame. Because of this, it best serves those who wish to experience a manageable trek but with extreme mountainous views on all sides, without dedicating too much time to an extensive stretch trek circuit.

Some of the most popular sights to see on the Everest High Pass Trek include crossing the breathtaking passes, which bestow travelers with awe-inspiring views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu, while also exploring the magnificent Gokyo Lakes and historical Sherpa settlements at Namche Bazaar and Tengboche. Additionally, the trek provides opportunities to see Everest Base Camp, Kala Patthar, which is famous for its close-up view of Mount Everest, and other stunning sites. Because the passes are over 5000 meters in altitude, there is a moderate to high level of difficulty due to high altitude, containing rugged terrain and long trekking days, which means good physical stamina coupled with adequate pacing is essential, along with proper acclimatization to prevent altitude sickness.

Everest Base Camp High Pass Trek Highlight

Crossing spectacular high mountain passes like Cho La (5,420 m) and Renjo La (5,360 m) provides majestic panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu.
Sailing Gokyo Lakes, which are surrounded by high peaks of the Himalayas, and the clear, calm waters give a heavenly aesthetic.
Along with other places, the iconic Everest Base Camp with Kala Patthar gives eye-level views of Mount Everest.
Sherpa culture comes to life in colorful places like Namche Bazar and Tengboche, where old monasteries are found.
The trek includes various environments from gentle slopes of rhododendron forests to alpine and valley glaciers with valleys filled with bones.

Everest base Camp HIgh Pass Trek

Why choose Nepal Horizon Treks

We provide experienced local guides who are deeply familiar with the region’s terrain, culture, and weather, ensuring both your safety and an enriching experience.
Our itineraries are carefully designed to include all three high passes—Kongma La, Cho La, and Renjo La—while allowing enough time for proper acclimatization.
From your arrival in Nepal to your final departure, we offer personalized services that cater to your individual needs and preferences.
We use high-quality trekking equipment to ensure your comfort and reliability throughout the journey.
Our team provides hygienic and nutritious meals along with comfortable, handpicked accommodations on the trekking route.
Your safety is our top priority, with daily health checks, emergency protocols, and 24/7 support during the trek.
We are committed to responsible travel by supporting local communities and practicing eco-friendly trekking methods.
Our pricing is transparent and honest, with no hidden charges—everything is clearly outlined before your trip.
We are proud to have consistently positive reviews from trekkers around the world who appreciate our professionalism and care.
Our dedicated support team is available around the clock to assist you with any questions or needs throughout your journey.

How to get prepared for this trek

1. Physical Preparation

Start training at least 8–12 weeks before the trek.
Focus on cardio exercises like hiking, jogging, cycling, or stair climbing to build stamina.
Include strength training (legs, core, and shoulders) to carry a backpack comfortably.
Practice hiking with a loaded backpack and long walks on uneven terrain to simulate trail conditions.

2. Mental Preparation

Prepare for long, strenuous days with changing weather and basic facilities.
Stay mentally flexible and expect the unexpected (altitude symptoms, delays, or fatigue).
Visualize your success and stay motivated—mental toughness is as important as physical fitness.

3. Altitude Acclimatization Knowledge

Learn about Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), its symptoms, and prevention.
Be ready to follow a gradual ascent plan and take acclimatization days seriously.
Understand the importance of staying hydrated, walking slowly, and not skipping meals.

4. Gear & Packing Checklist

Invest in quality gear: waterproof hiking boots, layered clothing, a down jacket, a sleeping bag (rated -10°C or lower), and a good backpack.
Don’t forget essentials: sunglasses, sunscreen, water purification tablets, trekking poles, gloves, and a headlamp.
Bring a basic medical kit with altitude, cold, and digestive medicines.
Pack light but smart—your duffel bag should ideally be under 15 kg.

5. Permits & Documents

You’ll need: Sagarmatha National Park Permit, Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit, and sometimes a TIMS Card.
Carry a few passport-sized photos and copies of your passport and travel insurance.
Ensure your travel insurance covers high-altitude trekking (up to 5,600m) and emergency helicopter evacuation.

6. Nutrition & Hydration

Get used to simple meals and drinking 3–4 liters of water daily.
Avoid alcohol and caffeine during the trek—they dehydrate you and increase altitude risk.
Carry energy bars, nuts, or chocolates for quick snacks on the trail.

7. Book with a Trusted Trekking Company (Nepal Horizon Treks)

Choose a company that offers reliable guides, porter support, acclimatization plans, safety equipment, and a flexible itinerary.
Make sure the company is government-registered and has good reviews from past trekkers.

8. Stay Calm and Positive

The Everest High Pass Trek is tough but deeply rewarding.
Stay open-minded, enjoy the breathtaking views, and connect with fellow trekkers and locals.

Everest High Pass Trek Map Overview

Location	Altitude (m)	Key Highlights / Notes
Lukla → Phakding	2,860 → 2,610	Scenic flight, easy downhill trek
Phakding → Namche Bazaar	2,610 → 3,440	Cross suspension bridges, enter Sagarmatha NP
Acclimatization Day	3,440	Hike to Everest View Hotel, explore Namche
Namche → Dole	3,440 → 4,200	The trail splits toward Gokyo Valley
Dole → Machhermo	4,200 → 4,470	Alpine views, glacier-fed streams
Machhermo → Gokyo	4,470 → 4,800	Gokyo Lakes, stunning views of Cho Oyu
Gokyo Acclimatization	4,800	Optional Gokyo Ri hike (5,357m)
Gokyo → Thagnak	4,800 → 4,700	Glacier walk across Ngozumpa Glacier
Thagnak → Cho La Pass → Dzongla	4,700 → 5,420 → 4,830	Challenging pass, glacier & ice crossing
Dzongla → Lobuche	4,830 → 4,940	Easy short day with amazing views
Lobuche → Gorak Shep → Everest Base Camp	4,940 → 5,164 → 5,364	EBC hike, night at Gorak Shep
Gorak Shep → Kala Patthar → Pheriche	5,164 → 5,545 → 4,371	Sunrise view, descent begins
Pheriche → Tengboche	4,371 → 3,867	Visit the famous Tengboche Monastery
Tengboche → Namche	3,867 → 3,440	Downhill trek with forested path
Namche → Lukla	3,440 → 2,860	Final descent, celebration night in Lukla

Altitude elevation of Everest base camp high pass trek

The Everest High Pass Trek is a thrilling adventure that takes you through some of the most stunning and remote regions of the Khumbu. Starting with a scenic flight to Lukla, the journey winds through Sherpa villages, dense forests, and high alpine valleys. You'll cross three dramatic passes—including the icy Cho La Pass—while exploring Gokyo Lakes, hiking to Everest Base Camp, and summiting Kala Patthar for sunrise views of Everest. With acclimatization stops and cultural highlights like Tengboche Monastery, this trek offers a perfect blend of challenge, beauty, and tradition.

Everest Base Camp High Pass Trek Itinerary Overview

Days	Itinerary	Distance / Duration	Highlights
Day 1	Arrival in Lukla – Trek to Phakding	8 km / 3-4 hrs	Scenic flight, easy trek along Dudh Koshi River
Day 2	Phakding to Namche Bazaar	9 km / 5-6 hrs	Suspension bridges, forest, and Sherpa town
Day 3	Acclimatization in Namche Bazaar	Hikes around town	Everest View Hotel, Sherpa culture, and acclimatization
Day 4	Namche Bazaar to Dole	10 km / 5-6 hrs	Scenic trail to Gokyo valley entrance
Day 5	Dole to Machhermo	6 km / 3-4 hrs	Alpine landscape, cool mountain air
Day 6	Machhermo to Gokyo	6 km / 3-4 hrs	Gokyo Lakes, stunning views of the Everest region
Day 7	Acclimatization and Gokyo Ri hike	6 km round trip / 4-5 hrs	Panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu
Day 8	Gokyo to Thagnak	4 km / 2-3 hrs	Walk on Ngozumpa Glacier
Day 9	Thagnak to Dzongla via Cho La Pass	8-10 km / 7-9 hrs	Challenging Cho La Pass crossing, glacier & ice
Day 10	Dzongla to Lobuche	9 km / 5-6 hrs	Easy walk with magnificent views
Day 11	Lobuche to Gorak Shep to Everest Base Camp	14 km / 7-8 hrs	EBC hike, overnight at Gorak Shep
Day 12	Gorak Shep to Kala Patthar to Pheriche	15 km / 7-8 hrs	Sunrise at Kala Patthar, spectacular views
Day 13	Pheriche to Tengboche	10 km / 5-6 hrs	Visit Tengboche Monastery
Day 14	Tengboche to Namche Bazaar	10 km / 5-6 hrs	Forest trail downhill
Day 15	Namche Bazaar to Lukla	18 km / 6-7 hrs	Final trek, celebration

Everest High Pass Trek Itinerary

After an early morning flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, you arrive at the bustling mountain airstrip surrounded by towering peaks. From Lukla (2,860 m), you begin your trek by descending gently alongside the fast-flowing Dudh Koshi River to reach Phakding (2,610 m). The trail passes through pine and rhododendron forests, and you’ll spot local villagers and yaks transporting goods. The day is relatively easy, perfect for settling into the trekking rhythm and adjusting to the altitude gradually.

MEALS

Breakfast, dinner, Lunch

Today, the trail becomes more challenging as you steadily gain altitude walking through lush forests and across multiple suspension bridges spanning icy rivers. The walk is scenic, with occasional glimpses of snow-capped peaks. After about 5-6 hours, you reach Namche Bazaar (3,440 m), the vibrant Sherpa capital and a busy trading hub. Here, you’ll find teahouses, markets, and cafes that provide a lively contrast to the wilderness, and it’s the perfect place to rest and prepare for higher altitudes ahead.

MEALS

Breakfast, dinner, Lunch

This day is dedicated to acclimatization to reduce the risk of altitude sickness. You can explore the town’s vibrant market, visit the Sherpa Museum, or take a steep hike to the Everest View Hotel for spectacular panoramic views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam. The fresh mountain air and cultural richness make this rest day both enjoyable and essential. The slow pace helps your body adjust to the increasing elevation.

MEALS

Breakfast, dinner, Lunch

From Namche, you leave the bustling town behind and climb higher into the alpine zone. The trail winds through mixed forests before opening to rocky terrain and wide mountain vistas as you approach Dole (4,200 m). The air becomes thinner, and the landscape more rugged and serene. This leg marks your gradual entry into higher altitudes and brings you closer to the Gokyo valley, renowned for its pristine beauty.

MEALS

Breakfast, dinner, Lunch

The trek from Dole to Machhermo (4,470 m) traverses through a remote and less populated section of the trail. You’ll pass through alpine meadows dotted with wildflowers during spring and cross small streams fed by glaciers. The views of looming snow peaks become more dramatic, and the trail offers a sense of solitude as you climb higher into the Himalayas.

MEALS

Breakfast, dinner, Lunch

Today’s hike takes you to Gokyo (4,800 m), a picturesque village famous for its stunning turquoise lakes nestled among towering peaks. The journey is filled with breathtaking views of Cho Oyu and other Himalayan giants. Gokyo is a peaceful place where trekkers can enjoy the calm beauty of high-altitude lakes and prepare for the challenging passes ahead.

MEALS

Breakfast, dinner, Lunch

Another acclimatization day, this time with an optional climb to Gokyo Ri (5,357 m), which rewards you with some of the best panoramic views in the Everest region. From the summit, you’ll see Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu in a magnificent mountain panorama. The hike is steep but manageable and well worth the effort. After descending, you relax in Gokyo village, soaking in the crisp mountain air.

MEALS

Breakfast, dinner, Lunch

Leaving Gokyo behind, you trek along the edge of the Ngozumpa Glacier, the largest glacier in Nepal. The terrain is a stark, rugged mix of ice and moraine with fewer trees and more rocks. You arrive at Thagnak (4,700 m), a small settlement where trekkers rest before tackling the challenging Cho La Pass. The views here are dramatic, and the environment feels remote and wild.

MEALS

Breakfast, dinner, Lunch

This is the most demanding day of the trek. You start early to cross Cho La Pass (5,420 m), involving glacier travel with snow and ice, requiring surefootedness and sometimes crampons. The climb is steep and tiring but rewarded with stunning views of surrounding peaks and glaciers. After crossing the pass, you descend into the Dzongla valley (4,830 m), where you can rest and recover from the day’s exertion.

MEALS

Breakfast, dinner, Lunch

The trek from Dzongla to Lobuche (4,940 m) is shorter and easier compared to the previous day but still takes you through rocky, high-altitude terrain surrounded by impressive mountain peaks. The trail follows along ridges and valleys, offering incredible photo opportunities and a chance to reflect on the challenging pass you’ve crossed.

MEALS

Breakfast, dinner, Lunch

From Lobuche, you trek to Gorak Shep (5,164 m), the last settlement before Everest Base Camp (EBC). After a short rest, you make the final trek to EBC (5,364 m), standing at the foot of the world’s highest peak. The atmosphere is humbling, surrounded by towering glaciers and jagged peaks. You return to Gorak Shep to spend the night, preparing for the next day’s early start.

MEALS

Breakfast, dinner, Lunch

An early morning hike up to Kala Patthar (5,545 m) offers the most spectacular sunrise views of Everest, Lhotse, and Nuptse. The ascent is tough but well worth it for the panoramic vistas. After descending, you trek down to Pheriche (4,371 m), passing through serene mountain villages and enjoying a well-earned rest in a lower-altitude settlement.

MEALS

Breakfast, dinner, Lunch

Leaving Pheriche, you trek through rhododendron forests and small settlements to Tengboche (3,867 m), known for its famous monastery. This spiritual site is a center of Sherpa Buddhism and offers breathtaking views of Everest and Ama Dablam, providing a peaceful and cultural contrast to the rugged mountain trekking.

MEALS

Breakfast, dinner, Lunch

The trail descends gently through beautiful forested landscapes back to Namche Bazaar. You’ll pass through villages and farmland, enjoying the greenery and familiar surroundings after days in alpine terrain. This day allows for reflection and relaxation amidst the lively Sherpa town’s shops and cafes.

MEALS

Breakfast, dinner, Lunch

On the final day, you trek back down to Lukla (2,860 m), retracing your steps through forests and river valleys. The descent is long but easier on the legs, and arriving in Lukla marks the successful completion of your trek. It’s a time for celebration and preparation for your return flight to Kathmandu.

MEALS

Breakfast, dinner, Lunch

Cost Includes/Excludes

What are Included In My Package ?

Airport Transfers – Pick-up and drop-off in a private vehicle
Domestic Flights – Round-trip Kathmandu–Lukla airfare
Trekking Permits – Sagarmatha National Park Permit, Khumbu Rural Municipality Fee
Experienced Guide – English-speaking, government-licensed trekking guide
Porter Service – One porter for every two trekkers (max 20 kg per porter)
Accommodation – Twin-sharing teahouse lodgings during the trek
Meals – Breakfast, lunch, and dinner during the trek (set menu)
Safety Gear – First aid kit and oximeter (carried by guide)
Map – Route map of the Everest Region
Trekking Certificate – Completion certificate from Nepal Horizon Treks
Company Service Charge – All logistics and administrative charges
Government Taxes & VAT – All applicable taxes included

What are excluded from the package ?

International Flights – To/from Kathmandu
Nepal Visa Fee – Payable on arrival
Travel Insurance – Must include emergency evacuation
Personal Expenses – Snacks, drinks, laundry, phone charging, Wi-Fi
Accommodation in Kathmandu – Available on request
Hot Showers / Battery Charging – Available at some teahouses for a fee
Tips for Staff – Expected but not mandatory (guide, porter, etc.)
Extra Nights – In case of flight delays or early return
Optional Activities – Like Gokyo Ri hike or additional sightseeing

FAQs

The Everest High Pass Trek is a challenging multi-day trekking adventure in the Everest region of Nepal. It crosses three major high-altitude passes—Kongma La (5,535m), Cho La (5,420m), and Renjo La (5,340m)—offering spectacular views of Mount Everest, Gokyo Lakes, and the Khumbu Glacier. It’s the ultimate trek for thrill-seekers looking to experience the Himalayas.

The Everest High Pass Trek difficulty is rated as challenging and requires good physical fitness, prior trekking experience, and acclimatization to high altitudes. Expect steep climbs, long days, and tough terrain. It’s recommended for experienced trekkers looking for an adventurous trek in Nepal.

The best time to trek the Everest High Pass is during spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November). These seasons offer clear skies, stable weather, and stunning mountain views. Winter can be extremely cold and summer brings monsoon rains that make the trails slippery.

The typical Everest High Pass Trek itinerary lasts 18 to 21 days, depending on your pace and the number of acclimatization days. Some itineraries combine Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lakes for a more comprehensive experience.

Yes, a licensed guide is highly recommended for safety and navigation on the Everest High Pass Trek. You’ll also need permits:

Sagarmatha National Park Permit
Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entry Permit.

These are required to trek legally in the Everest region.

Traveller Useful Information

The Everest High Pass Trek is not just a trek—it's a life-changing journey through some of the most dramatic and inspiring landscapes on Earth. With three challenging passes, panoramic Himalayan views, and rich Sherpa culture, it’s an adventure for true explorers.

At Nepal Horizon Treks, we don’t just guide you—we walk beside you every step of the way, ensuring safety, comfort, and unforgettable memories. If you’re ready to test your limits and experience the real heart of the Himalayas, join us for this once-in-a-lifetime trek.

Let’s make your Everest dream a reality—together.# NepalHorizonTreks

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