Everest High Passes Trek

Altitude above sea level: 1,302 m / 4,269 ft.

Driving Time: Approx. 30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.

Accommodation: Hotel Tibet or similar

Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu,, you will be warmly welcomed by our representative, who will be holding a “Nepal Sanctuary Treks” sign outside the terminal to greet you.

You will be transferred to your hotel in a private vehicle. After checking in and freshening up, our representative will meet you to give a detailed briefing on the upcoming itinerary, along with important safety guidelines and hygiene practices to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trek.

Altitude above sea level: 493 m/1,617 ft.- Mulkot
Accommodation: Hotel
Drive Duration: Approx. 3 hrs.

After breakfast, spend a leisurely morning preparing for your upcoming trek. In the afternoon, drive to Mulkot, just 37 km from Manthali Airport.

Altitude above sea level:

• Lukla: 2,840m /9,315ft.

• Phakding: 2,610m/8,563ft.

Driving Duration: Approx. 1 hour (Mulkot to Ramechhap)
Flight Duration: Approx. 25 minutes
Flight Time: 6:15 AM
Hiking Duration: 4-5 hours
Accommodation: Tea House Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Start your day with an early breakfast, then head to Ramechhap Airport for an unforgettable scenic flight to Lukla, renowned for its thrilling mountain airstrip. During the flight, enjoy breathtaking views of towering Himalayan peaks like Cho Oyu (8,153m/26,781ft), Lhotse (8,516m/27,940ft), Gauri Shankar (7,145m/23,444ft), and Menlungtse (7,181m/23,557ft).

Upon your arrival in Lukla, the real adventure begins as you trek toward Phakding. The trail follows the picturesque Dudh Koshi River (Milk River), known for its milky-blue waters that flow from glaciers high above. As you walk, you’ll pass through traditional Sherpa villages, suspension bridges, prayer wheels, and carved Mani stones, immersing yourself in the local culture and breathtaking scenery.

After passing through charming villages like Chaurikharka and Ghat, you’ll reach Phakding, a serene village by the Dudh Koshi River. This is the first stop on your epic journey to Everest Base Camp.

Altitude above sea level: 3,445m/11,302ft.-Namche
Hiking Duration: 6-7 hours approx.
Accommodation: Tea House Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

After a hearty breakfast, your trek today will involve crossing and re-crossing the powerful Dudh Koshi River, famously known for its milky color, which originates from glaciers. The trail takes you through lush pine forests and open clearings that reveal stunning terraced fields and diverse crops. Along the way, you will encounter groups of donkeys and yaks transporting goods and trekking gear.

You will pass through the villages of Benkar, Monjo, and Jorsale, before beginning the steep ascent of 2,000 feet to the bustling town of Namche Bazaar.

Namche is the largest town in the Khumbu region, nestled between mountain ranges, with views opening towards the Dudh Koshi River. This lively town is the central hub for the region, where you can find everything from food and supplies to mountain climbing gear. Historically, Namche has served as a crucial meeting point for Hindu traders from the lowlands and Tibetan yak caravans, making it a vibrant cultural melting pot in the heart of the Himalayas.

Altitude above sea level: 3,790 m /12,434 ft.-Khumjung
Hiking Duration: 4-5 hours approx.
Accommodation: Tea House Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Namche is the perfect spot for acclimatization, offering stunning views and plenty of exciting activities. The surrounding landscape is breathtaking, making it an excellent base for exploration. Start with a short hike above Namche to enjoy panoramic views of Mount Everest. Hiking to the nearby villages not only offers stunning views but also help your body acclimate before you venture higher toward Everest Base Camp.

We hike to the picturesque village of Khumjung, a hidden gem in the Khumbu region. Khumjung is home to a monastery said to house a Yeti scalp, the historic Hillary School founded in 1961, and charming homes with signature green roofs. This cultural stop enriches your Everest journey, blending natural beauty with Sherpa heritage.

After exploring Khumjung, we trek back to Namche Bazaar, completing a rewarding day of acclimatization and cultural discovery.

Altitude above sea level: 3,770 m / 12,369 ft — Debuche
Hiking duration: Approximately 5–6 hours
Accommodation: Tea house lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Leaving Namche Bazaar, you hike to Debuche, which is about a 30-minute walk from Tengboche, home to the largest monastery in the region. This monastery hosts the vibrant Mani Rimdu festival every autumn shortly after the full moon, featuring religious ceremonies, traditional songs, dances, and legendary performances. Visitors are warmly invited to participate in the festivities. The trail to Debuche passes through rhododendron forests and follows the Dudh Koshi River. Although steep, the path offers breathtaking views of Everest, Lhotse, and Nuptse. Along the route, colorful prayer flags and smaller gompas add a rich cultural and spiritual atmosphere to your journey.

Altitude above sea level: 3,875 m / 12,713 ft — Pangboche
Hiking duration: Approximately 2–3 hours
Accommodation: Tea house lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

After breakfast, you follow winding trails alongside roaring rivers and through lush forests, gradually moving into a more rocky and barren landscape. The scenic path from Debuche crosses the Imja River and leads you to Pangboche. In the afternoon, you can relax or explore the nearby monasteries in Pangboche. The village offers a peaceful atmosphere and stunning views across the Everest trekking region. From here, the magnificent peaks of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Thamserku, Kangtega, and Ama Dablam can be admired in all their glory.

Altitude above sea level: 4,350 m / 14,268 ft — Dingboche
Hiking duration: Approximately 3–4 hours
Accommodation: Tea house lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Leaving Pangboche behind, the uphill trail continues to Dingboche, offering spectacular views of Lhotse, Island Peak, Ama Dablam, and the surrounding deep valleys. Trekking along dry, rocky paths through typical Sherpa villages, you gradually ascend, with a chance to spot wildlife such as musk deer, mountain goats, and various bird species. As you approach Dingboche, you’ll be greeted by a Buddhist stupa marking the village’s entrance. Nestled at the foot of the towering Ama Dablam and other peaks hidden from Namche’s view, Dingboche also serves as the gateway to Chukung Village and Island Peak.

Altitude above sea level: Nagajun Hill 5,050 m / 16,565 ft or Chukung Village 4,730 m / 15,518 ft
Hiking duration: Optional 2-hour hike to Nagajun Hill (viewpoint); approx. 2 hours to Chukung Village
Accommodation: Tea house lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Today is an acclimatization day during your Everest Base Camp trek, giving your body time to adjust by hiking to a higher elevation. A popular option is to hike up to Nagajun Hill, located above Dingboche on the edge of the Chukung Valley. This short trek rewards you with panoramic views of peaks such as Lobuche East (6,119 m / 20,069 ft), Lobuche West (6,145 m / 20,157 ft), Kangtega (6,685 m / 21,942 ft), Taboche (6,367 m / 20,892 ft), Thamserku (6,608 m / 21,680 ft), and Ama Dablam (6,856 m / 22,493 ft). Alternatively, you can take a roughly two-hour hike to Chukung Village, the gateway to Island Peak, offering spectacular views of Ama Dablam, Makalu, and the surrounding Himalayas.

Altitude above sea level: 4,931 m / 16,181 ft — Lobuche
Hiking duration: Approximately 5 hours
Accommodation: Tea house lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

After an early breakfast, the trek begins with a gradual uphill walk along a plateau dotted with yak herder shelters. The trail offers stunning views of Everest, Cholatse, Lobuche, and Pumari mountains, set against a striking and varied landscape. After about two and a half hours, you reach Thugla, located beneath the terminal moraine of the Khumbu Glacier—the highest glacier in the world. From Thugla, the path climbs directly up the glacier’s terminal moraine before veering left just past the climber and Sherpa memorial. This memorial honors those who lost their lives on Everest, with some markers detailing achievements and others marked by simple piles of stones. Now above the tree line and into the glacial moraine, you get your first view of Kala Patthar. The trail then gently descends and leads to the western side, arriving at the valley of Lobuche.

Altitude above sea level: Gorak Shep 5,288 m / 17,349 ft, Everest Base Camp 5,360 m / 17,585 ft
Hiking duration: 7 hours approx
Accommodation: Tea house lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Today is a highlight of your trek as you reach Everest Base Camp (EBC). After breakfast, prepare for the hike along the rocky terrain beside the Khumbu Glacier. The trail from Lobuche to Gorak Shep is remarkable, winding through rocky moraines and undulating paths. Following a light lunch at Gorak Shep, you continue onward to Everest Base Camp, trekking across rocky ground toward the colorful prayer flags that mark this iconic spot. Excitement fills the air as you arrive at base camp, surrounded by towering snow-capped peaks. From here, you get spectacular, close-up views of the famous Khumbu Icefall. After spending memorable time at base camp, you descend back to Gorak Shep for the night.

Altitude above sea level: 5,545 m / 18,192 ft — Kala Patthar
Hiking duration: Gorak Shep to Kala Patthar approx. 3 hours; Kala Patthar to Lobuche approx. 3–4 hours
Accommodation: Tea house lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Early in the morning, you begin the challenging hike to Kala Patthar, the prominent black rock hill near Gorak Shep. The name ‘Kala’ means black and ‘Pathar’ means rock, referring to this striking vantage point. At 5,545 meters (18,192 feet), the ascent is demanding but well worth the effort. From the summit, you are rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of Mount Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Pumori, and several other majestic peaks. The sunrise and sunset here are particularly spectacular, making Kala Patthar one of the most memorable highlights of the Everest Base Camp trek. After soaking in the stunning views, you descend back to Gorak Shep for breakfast, then continue trekking down to Lobuche.

Altitude above sea level: 5,200 m / 17,060 ft — Dzong La
Hiking duration: Approximately 4 hours
Accommodation: Tea house lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

After breakfast, you leave Lobuche behind and make your way toward Dzong La. The trail follows a gentle descent along the right bank of the Dudh Koshi River. Along the way, you pass through local villages and the beautiful Chola Tso Lake before reaching Dzong La. This village sits at the base of the Cho La Pass, which connects the main Everest Base Camp trek with the Gokyo region. During summer, Dzong La serves as grazing land for yak herders. From here, you can enjoy stunning views of Ama Dablam and Taboche, along with a distant glimpse of Cholatse Lake.

Altitude above sea level: Cho La Pass 5,400 m / 17,717 ft, Thangnak 4,620 m / 15,157 ft
Hiking duration: Approximately 7–8 hours
Accommodation: Tea house lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

After an early breakfast, you set off for a long but rewarding day with stunning views of Cholatse. The trail begins with a lateral ascent along moraines and past small rushing lakes. The breathtaking scenery along the way provides great motivation to keep going. After several hours of uphill trekking, you reach Cho La Pass. From the summit, you can enjoy magnificent panoramic views of snow-capped peaks such as Taboche, Cholatse, Baruntse, and Thamserku. After soaking in the vistas, you descend toward the Ngozumpa Glacier, known as the longest glacier in Nepal. Continuing further, you arrive at Thangnak, a small Sherpa settlement nestled beneath towering rock walls and just a short distance from the Ngozumpa Glacier.

Altitude above sea level: 4,800 m / 15,748 ft — Gokyo
Hiking duration: Approximately 2 hours
Accommodation: Tea house lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

After breakfast, you cross the Ngozumpa Glacier and climb along the lateral moraine valley. On the way, you pass the first Gokyo Lake, Longponga Tsho, followed by the larger second lake, Taboche Tsho, where green-brained ducks are often seen swimming in the chilly waters. Continuing onward, you arrive at the scenic village of Gokyo, located on the shore of the third Gokyo Lake, Dudh Pokhari (Milk Lake), surrounded by majestic mountains.

Altitude above sea level: 5,486 m / 18,007 ft — Gokyo Ri
Hiking duration: 4–5 hours
Accommodation: Tea house lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Early in the morning, you begin a steep ascent to the summit of Gokyo Ri. From this vantage point, enjoy stunning views of the serene Gokyo Lakes, the Gokyo Valley, and the entire Khumbu Himalayan range, including giants like Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, and Gyachung Kang. Afterward, you’ll visit the fourth Gokyo Lake, located about 3 km north of Gokyo village, and the fifth lake, which lies a bit further beyond. A short hike up a nearby hill offers outstanding views of the beautiful Gokyo Valley, the massive Ngozumpa Glacier, and panoramic vistas of the Khumbu Himalayas, featuring the world’s highest peaks. After soaking in the breathtaking scenery, you descend back to Gokyo village.

Altitude above sea level: Renjo La Pass 5,092 m / 16,703 ft; Lungden 3,867 m / 12,687 ft
Hiking duration: Approximately 7–8 hours
Accommodation: Tea house lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Today you leave Gokyo behind for a long and challenging hike. The trail takes you over the Renjo La Pass with several ups and downs along the way. You gradually ascend through grassy areas and rocky terrain, following a winding path that becomes steeper as you approach the pass. Upon reaching Renjo La, you’re rewarded with breathtaking views of Cho Oyu, Nuptse, Everest, Cholatse, Makalu, and surrounding peaks. After enjoying the panorama, you descend steeply on the west side into a remote valley with stunning landscapes. Continuing downhill through lush meadows toward the Bhote Koshi Valley, you then follow the river as you make your way to Lungden.

Altitude above sea level: 3,445 m / 11,302 ft — Namche Bazaar
Hiking duration: Approximately 7–8 hours
Accommodation: Tea house lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

After a hearty breakfast, you begin your descent from Lungden to Thame. Today’s hike includes downhill stretches, flat paths, and some short uphill sections. You’ll follow a trail along the east side of the river, passing through several charming villages. The route continues steadily downhill to Marulung, where you cross a bridge over the Bhote Koshi River. From there, you navigate a series of ups and downs until you reach Taranga. You then trek through dense forests rich with diverse flora and fauna. Along the way, you’ll encounter several traditional Sherpa villages with distinctive stone walls. Continuing downhill, you arrive at the village of Thame, home to an ancient monastery where you can join evening prayers. Afterwards, you have time to explore the valley and take in spectacular views of Teng Kangpoche and Kwangde peaks.

Altitude above sea level: 2,840 m / 9,317 ft — Lukla
Hiking duration: Approximately 7 hours
Accommodation: Tea house lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

After breakfast, you begin descending to Monjo, then continue down through the Dudh Koshi Valley, passing villages like Phakding, Ghat, and Cheplung. The sound of the rushing Dudh Koshi River accompanies you throughout the trek. Along the way, you cross several suspension bridges and pass by monasteries and local villages. The landscape is below the tree line, dotted with terraced farms and picturesque settlements. Once you reach Chaurikharka, you tackle the final climb to Lukla, completing your trek.

Altitude above sea level: 1,302 m / 4,272 ft — Kathmandu
Flight time: Approximately 25 minutes
Driving duration: Approximately 4 hours
Accommodation: Hotel Tibet or similar
Meals: Breakfast

After an early breakfast, you’ll take a flight from Lukla back to Ramechhap airport. Upon arrival, you will drive for about four hours back to Kathmandu, completing your journey.

Accommodation: Hotel Tibet or similar

Meal: Breakfast

It’s also a spare day in case of bad weather in Lukla if we could not fly on the scheduled date and time, or we can organize a guided day tour in or around Kathmandu. You can spend your leisure time shopping for souvenirs for your beloved ones or simply relax after an exhausting but momentous adventure.

Meal: Breakfast

It is time to fly back home, keeping all the incredible experiences of Nepal in mind. The representative from Nepal Sanctuary Treks will transfer you to TIA airport, where you should check in 3 hours prior to your scheduled flight.