Everest high passes trek (20 days)

When you arrive in Kathmandu, our representative will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to rest after your flight or take a short walk around the lively streets of Thamel, known for its trekking shops, cafés, and colorful atmosphere. In the evening, we gather for a welcome dinner where you will meet your trekking guide and get a short briefing about the adventure ahead.

Today is the day to learn about Kathmandu's history and culture and get ready for the walk. We see some of the valley's most famous sights in the morning. These include the holy Hindu temple of Pashupatinath, the huge Buddhist stupa of Boudhanath, and the high Swayambhunath, which is also known as the Monkey Temple. You can get a feel for Nepal's spiritual life at these places. Later in the day, your guide will check your trekking gear, suggest any last-minute purchases, and answer your questions about the trek. This is also a good time to adjust your body clock before heading to the mountains.

After an early breakfast, we take a scenic 30-minute flight to Lukla, where the Himalayan adventure truly begins. The view from the plane is breathtaking as you fly above green hills and snowcapped peaks. From Lukla, the trail is easy and descends gradually through charming villages and forests of pine and rhododendron. Prayer stones and fluttering flags line the path as we follow the Dudh Koshi River towards Phakding. Overnight at a cozy teahouse with dinner.

We continue along the river, crossing several suspension bridges, including the famous Hillary Bridge decorated with colorful prayer flags. The trail is dotted with villages and mani walls (Buddhist stone carvings), and if the weather is clear, we may catch our first glimpse of Mount Everest. The final stretch is a steep climb that takes us into Namche Bazaar, the bustling Sherpa capital and trading town. Here, you’ll find shops, bakeries, internet cafés, and mountain gear stores. Overnight in Namche.

To adapt to the increasing altitude, we spend the day in Namche. A short hike up to Everest View Hotel rewards us with spectacular views of Everest, Ama Dablam, Lhotse, and other peaks. Another option is to explore Khumjung village, where you can visit a monastery that displays a legendary “Yeti Skull.” In the afternoon, you can relax, shop, or explore the vibrant Namche market. Overnight in Namche with dinner.

The trail to Tengboche is one of the most beautiful parts of the trek, with views of Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam keeping us company. We walk through forests of pine and rhododendron, especially colorful in spring. After crossing the Dudh Koshi River, we climb steadily to reach Tengboche. The highlight here is the Tengboche Monastery, the largest in the Khumbu, where evening prayers create a peaceful atmosphere. The sunset view over Ama Dablam from here is simply unforgettable.

We descend through a forest to Debuche and cross the Imja Khola River before gradually climbing up through villages like Pangboche, known for its ancient monastery. As we move higher, the scenery changes to open fields with fewer trees and wider mountain views. Dingboche is a beautiful village surrounded by stone walls that protect the potato fields from the cold wind. Overnight at a teahouse.

Another acclimatization day helps our body adjust before we climb higher. A popular hike is to Nagarjun Hill, a steep but rewarding climb that offers panoramic views of Makalu, Lhotse, Island Peak, and Ama Dablam. You can also take a gentle walk around the village to see how Sherpa families live in these high-altitude settlements. Rest in the afternoon and enjoy warm meals in your teahouse.

Today’s walk is shorter but important for acclimatization. We head up the Imja Valley, passing stone huts and fields, until we reach Chhukung, the last settlement before the Kongma La Pass. From here, you can see Island Peak and glaciers in the distance. Overnight in a teahouse.

This is a challenging day as we cross the highest pass of the trek—Kongma La. The climb is steep and rocky, but from the top, the view of Everest, Makalu, and Lhotse makes the effort worthwhile. The descent is equally demanding, leading us down to the small village of Lobuche. After a long day, we rest and refuel with a hot dinner.

We trek along the Khumbu Glacier to Gorakshep, the last teahouse settlement before Everest Base Camp. After a short rest, we continue towards the base camp, walking on rocky and icy terrain. Finally, we reach the world-famous Everest Base Camp, where climbers set up their tents during expedition season. Standing at the foot of the highest mountain in the world is a special moment to remember. Overnight in Gorakshep.

We wake up early for a steep hike to Kalapathar, the best viewpoint for sunrise over Mount Everest. The view of the golden peaks glowing in the morning light is breathtaking. After enjoying the scenery, we descend back to Gorakshep for breakfast and then trek to Dzongla, a small settlement near Cho La Pass. Overnight in Dzongla.

Another tough but rewarding day as we cross Cho La Pass. The climb is steep, often with icy patches that require careful steps. At the top, the views of the surrounding peaks and glaciers are magnificent. The descent takes us to Thangnak, where we rest for the night.

Today’s trek is short but exciting as we reach the beautiful Gokyo Valley, home to a series of turquoise lakes. The reflections of snowcapped mountains on the water make this place truly magical. Overnight at a lakeside teahouse.

We start the morning with a climb to Gokyo Ri, one of the best viewpoints in Nepal. From the top, you’ll see Everest, Cho Oyu, Lhotse, and Makalu, as well as the sparkling Gokyo Lakes below. Later, we spend time exploring more of the lakes and the village. Overnight in Gokyo.

We cross the final high pass of the trek—Renjo La. The climb is steady but rewarding, with sweeping views of Everest, Rolwaling, and Gokyo Lakes. Descending into the quiet valley of Lungden feels peaceful after the busy trails. Overnight in Lungden.

The trek today follows an ancient trade route once used by Tibetan traders. We pass small settlements and reach Thame, a traditional Sherpa village famous for its monastery and mountaineering legends. Overnight in Thame.

We walk through forests and river valleys, gradually descending back into the lively town of Namche Bazaar. After days in remote areas, Namche feels lively, with bakeries, internet cafés, and shops. It’s a great place to relax before the final leg of the trek. Overnight in Namche.

Our final trekking day takes us back through familiar villages, forests, and suspension bridges until we reach Lukla. In the evening, we celebrate the successful completion of the Everest High Passes Trek with our guide and porters. Overnight in Lukla.

We take an early morning flight back to Kathmandu, enjoying one last view of the Himalayas from the air. After checking in at your hotel, you’ll have free time for shopping or sightseeing. In the evening, we host a farewell dinner with cultural music and dance to celebrate your incredible journey. Overnight in Kathmandu.