Everest High Passes Trek22 days - From 1675 €
Travel in Asia - Majestic view over the Chola Valley in Nepal featuring featuring the snow-capped peaks of Cholatse and Ama Dablam
Trip Nepal

Everest High Passes Trek

See itinerary
Duration
Duration
22 days
Trip highlights
  • The most beautiful mountain landscapes of the Himalayan world
  • An original itinerary as well as exceptional
  • The encounter with the Sherpa population and its legendary welcome

Just next to Tibet, this trekking that requires a very good physical condition, takes some unused paths.

By this original itinerary, we first go up to the beautiful Gokyo lakes and the Gokyo Ri peak (5360 m), from where the view on the Cho Yu, the Cholatse, the Everest or even the Ama Dablam peaks is unbelievable. Then we take the Renjo pass (5493 m), access door to the mineral valley of Ladze Sumna that we will climb up to the Nangpa La (5716 m), highest point of our trek, from where the view on the Cho Oyu, the immense Tibetan plateau, is exceptional...

The Nangpa La is an altitude pass dividing the Nepal and the Tibet. Located at the bottom of the Cho Yu (8153 m), one of the most impressive peak of the Himalayas, it has been for long the main point of commercial trade between Khumbu (Everest area) and the Tibetan plateau.

After more than 40 years of borders’ closure, the exchanges have started again recently : the Sherpas bring their Dzos to the Tibetan plateau, from where they bring back their yaks. Same as the Tibetan who slope down their plateau with their great yaks caravans loaded with « made in China » manufactured products that they sale to the daily market in Namche Bazar, the capital of Khumbu,

An hyperbaric chamber is systematically provided for this itinerary, in case of high altitude sickness.

Everest High Passes Trek

day 1

Kathmandu Airport - Kathmandu

A first taste of Nepal

After going through immigration, collecting your luggage and passing through customs, you will head towards the exit of the terminal where you will see people waiting for you. Among them will be your driver who will meet you and accompany you to the hotel.

 

The ancient city of Kathmandu was built by the daughter of Emperor Ashoka in the third century. Kathmandu has been the capital of several dynasties like Licchavis, Guptas, Shahs and Mallas still represented by plenty of palalces palaces and many Hindu temples and statues. The rest of the day is free for you to immerse yourself in the city's history. Possibility to go to Thamel, the biggest touristic and commercial hub of Nepal.

day 1

Kathmandu Airport - Kathmandu

the-high-passes-of-the-everest

A first taste of Nepal

After going through immigration, collecting your luggage and passing through customs, you will head towards the exit of the terminal where you will see people waiting for you. Among them will be your driver who will meet you and accompany you to the hotel.

 

The ancient city of Kathmandu was built by the daughter of Emperor Ashoka in the third century. Kathmandu has been the capital of several dynasties like Licchavis, Guptas, Shahs and Mallas still represented by plenty of palalces palaces and many Hindu temples and statues. The rest of the day is free for you to immerse yourself in the city's history. Possibility to go to Thamel, the biggest touristic and commercial hub of Nepal.

the-high-passes-of-the-everest
day 2

Kathmandu - Phakding

In the himalayan sky

Altitude gain & loss : + 300 m | Estimated hiking time : 3h30

You leave your hotel early to reach the airport where you take a domestic flight to Lukla.

Here is where the adventure begin. Hordes of porters, cooks, guides, horses and yaks load and unload food in very heavy bundles. In the midst of this fervor and bustle, start gently with a few hours of walking along the Dudh Kosi river to arrive at the village of Phakding (2610 m).

day 2

Kathmandu - Phakding

the-high-passes-of-the-everest

In the himalayan sky

Altitude gain & loss : + 300 m | Estimated hiking time : 3h30

You leave your hotel early to reach the airport where you take a domestic flight to Lukla.

Here is where the adventure begin. Hordes of porters, cooks, guides, horses and yaks load and unload food in very heavy bundles. In the midst of this fervor and bustle, start gently with a few hours of walking along the Dudh Kosi river to arrive at the village of Phakding (2610 m).

the-high-passes-of-the-everest
day 3

Phakding - Namche Bazaar

The capital of Khumbu

Altitude gain & loss : + 700 m / - 60 m | Estimated hiking time : 4h30

You hike along the Dudh Kosi river on an excellent path where you can see your first glimpses of the high summits of Khumbu. You come accross some steep sections in the forest and traditional hamlets and terraced fields before reaching the town of Namche Bazar (3445m), capital of Khumbu located at the crossroads of several valleys. Many Tibetans cross the border with caravans of yaks laden with Chinese tea, clothes, salt, to sell their products at the weekly market.

day 3

Phakding - Namche Bazaar

the-high-passes-of-the-everest

The capital of Khumbu

Altitude gain & loss : + 700 m / - 60 m | Estimated hiking time : 4h30

You hike along the Dudh Kosi river on an excellent path where you can see your first glimpses of the high summits of Khumbu. You come accross some steep sections in the forest and traditional hamlets and terraced fields before reaching the town of Namche Bazar (3445m), capital of Khumbu located at the crossroads of several valleys. Many Tibetans cross the border with caravans of yaks laden with Chinese tea, clothes, salt, to sell their products at the weekly market.

the-high-passes-of-the-everest
day 4

Namche Bazaar

Acclimatization day

After a good night's sleep, enjoy the Sherpa Capital and do your final shopping for your expedition. This day is very important for your Trek, in order to adapt well to the altitude. Share a famous Tibetan salted butter tea with your Sherpa team. You will discover during your Trek a more meditative and solitary Sherpa world. For those who wish, you can walk to Sengboche or Thamo.

day 4

Namche Bazaar

the-high-passes-of-the-everest

Acclimatization day

After a good night's sleep, enjoy the Sherpa Capital and do your final shopping for your expedition. This day is very important for your Trek, in order to adapt well to the altitude. Share a famous Tibetan salted butter tea with your Sherpa team. You will discover during your Trek a more meditative and solitary Sherpa world. For those who wish, you can walk to Sengboche or Thamo.

the-high-passes-of-the-everest
day 5

Namche Bazaar - Thyangboche

5 h of walk

Balcony path that slightly goes down to the river. We cross it at Phunki village (3250 m), then steep ascent in direction of the monastery of Thyangboche (3867 m). Night in a camp.

day 5

Namche Bazaar - Thyangboche

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5 h of walk

Balcony path that slightly goes down to the river. We cross it at Phunki village (3250 m), then steep ascent in direction of the monastery of Thyangboche (3867 m). Night in a camp.

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day 6

Thyangboche - Pangboche

4 h of walk

Slope down through a rhododendrons forest and we go through Imja Khola. We get to Pangboche village and its monastery (3985 m). Night in a camp.

day 6

Thyangboche - Pangboche

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4 h of walk

Slope down through a rhododendrons forest and we go through Imja Khola. We get to Pangboche village and its monastery (3985 m). Night in a camp.

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day 7

Pangboche - Thare

4 h of walk

Ascent to Phortse, village perched at the crossing of the Dudh Kosi and the Imja Hola, then to Thare village (3950 m). Night in a camp.

day 7

Pangboche - Thare

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4 h of walk

Ascent to Phortse, village perched at the crossing of the Dudh Kosi and the Imja Hola, then to Thare village (3950 m). Night in a camp.

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day 8

Thare - Gokyo

5/6 h walk

Ascent of the Dudh Kosi valley, through mountain pastures and few villages. Walking along the last moraine of Ngozumba glacier, we reach the Gokyo lakes. Overnight camp.

day 8

Thare - Gokyo

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5/6 h walk

Ascent of the Dudh Kosi valley, through mountain pastures and few villages. Walking along the last moraine of Ngozumba glacier, we reach the Gokyo lakes. Overnight camp.

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day 9

Gokyo - Dragnak

5/6 h of walk

Early (and optional), 2/3 H walk up to the Gokyo Peak (5300 m). We leave the first lake, the Dudh Pokhari, by zigzagging paths. After lunch, short stage to Dragnak (2 H). Overnight camp.

day 9

Gokyo - Dragnak

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5/6 h of walk

Early (and optional), 2/3 H walk up to the Gokyo Peak (5300 m). We leave the first lake, the Dudh Pokhari, by zigzagging paths. After lunch, short stage to Dragnak (2 H). Overnight camp.

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day 10

Dragnak - Renjo Pokhari

7 h of walk

Gradual ascent to the Renjo Pass (5493 m). Slope down through the Ladze Sumna valley. Camping in the mountain pastures and at the Renji Pokkhari lake.

day 10

Dragnak - Renjo Pokhari

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7 h of walk

Gradual ascent to the Renjo Pass (5493 m). Slope down through the Ladze Sumna valley. Camping in the mountain pastures and at the Renji Pokkhari lake.

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day 11

Renjo Pokhari - Thochumba

4 h of walk

We reach the shore of the Bhotse Kosi to Thochumba (4500m). Camping.

day 11

Renjo Pokhari - Thochumba

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4 h of walk

We reach the shore of the Bhotse Kosi to Thochumba (4500m). Camping.

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day 12

Thochumba - Lunag

5 h of walk

We continue the ascent of the valley. Half way, we reach the base of the last glacier' spur of ice. Camping at Lunag (4800 m). Camping.

day 12

Thochumba - Lunag

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5 h of walk

We continue the ascent of the valley. Half way, we reach the base of the last glacier' spur of ice. Camping at Lunag (4800 m). Camping.

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day 13

Lunag - Nangpa La base camp

4 h of walk

The ascent continues : we're in the heart of a high mountain universe, and walk on the glacier to the Nangpa La base camp (5300 m). Camping.

day 13

Lunag - Nangpa La base camp

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4 h of walk

The ascent continues : we're in the heart of a high mountain universe, and walk on the glacier to the Nangpa La base camp (5300 m). Camping.

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day 14

Nangpa La

7 h of walk

We walk on the ice, then on the moraine The Cho Oyu suddenly appears and finally, the pass. There, in front of you, just a stone's throw from here, here is Tibet... Return to the base camp. Camping.

day 14

Nangpa La

the-high-passes-of-the-everest

7 h of walk

We walk on the ice, then on the moraine The Cho Oyu suddenly appears and finally, the pass. There, in front of you, just a stone's throw from here, here is Tibet... Return to the base camp. Camping.

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day 15

Nangpa La base camp - Bakuche

6 h of walk

Return by the same itinerary in this large bare valley. Night at Bakuche (4500 m). Camping.

day 15

Nangpa La base camp - Bakuche

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6 h of walk

Return by the same itinerary in this large bare valley. Night at Bakuche (4500 m). Camping.

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day 16

Bakuche - Thame

6 h of walk

Slope down along the river. We go through Marlung, and spend the night in Thame (3800 m). Camping.

day 16

Bakuche - Thame

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6 h of walk

Slope down along the river. We go through Marlung, and spend the night in Thame (3800 m). Camping.

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day 17

Thame

Exploring toward Trashi Labsa

Day of exploration in direction of Trashi Labsa. (Buffer day in case of problems in the Nangpa La valley). Visit of Thame gompa. Camping in Thame, typical Sherpa village.

day 17

Thame

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Exploring toward Trashi Labsa

Day of exploration in direction of Trashi Labsa. (Buffer day in case of problems in the Nangpa La valley). Visit of Thame gompa. Camping in Thame, typical Sherpa village.

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day 18

Thame - Namche Bazaar

4 h of walk

We walk on the way back to the Sherpa capital. Night in a lodge and a well-deserved hot shower !

day 18

Thame - Namche Bazaar

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4 h of walk

We walk on the way back to the Sherpa capital. Night in a lodge and a well-deserved hot shower !

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day 19

Namche Bazaar - Lukla

6/7 h of walk

Long slope down along the Dudh Kosi to Lukla. Night in a lodge.

day 19

Namche Bazaar - Lukla

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6/7 h of walk

Long slope down along the Dudh Kosi to Lukla. Night in a lodge.

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day 20

Lukla - Kathmandu

Flight back and a free afternoon

Flight to Kathmandu and transfer to the hotel. Free afternoon. Night at the hotel.

day 20

Lukla - Kathmandu

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Flight back and a free afternoon

Flight to Kathmandu and transfer to the hotel. Free afternoon. Night at the hotel.

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day 21

Kathmandu

Free day in the capital

Free day in Kathmandu. Night at the hotel. Extra charge for a guided visit.

day 21

Kathmandu

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Free day in the capital

Free day in Kathmandu. Night at the hotel. Extra charge for a guided visit.

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day 22

Kathmandu - Kathmandu Airport

End of the trek

Transfer to the international airport. End of our services.

day 22

Kathmandu - Kathmandu Airport

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End of the trek

Transfer to the international airport. End of our services.

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