Everest High Passes Trekking: EBC with Kongma La, Cho La & Renjo La

16 +

Age

Nepal

Country

Dec-Mar

Dates

19 Days

Duration

Trekking

Activities

Everest High Passes Trekking is challenging and famous trekking trail in Everest region with most scenically stunning areas. Everest High Passes Trekking includes crossing of the Kongma La pass (5535m), Cho La pass (5330m), and Renjo La pass (5445m), linking the five major valleys in the Everest region. This is the ultimate high-altitude trek, in the world’s most spectacular mountain terrain. It’s undoubtedly tough – but the scenery provides more than ample rewards. Especially combined with the ascents of Kala Patthar (5545m) and Gokyo Ri (5357m), it is perhaps the ultimate Everest experience in the Khumbu region. Think of this not just as a trek but more as one of the finest mountain journeys you are ever likely to undertake in your lifetime.

From Kathmandu you will fly to Lukla and follow the classic Everest trail through Namche Bazaar, Tengboche and Dingboche to the Kongma La pass surrounded by dramatic views of Ama Dablam, Makalu and the Lhotse, Nuptse face. From the Kongma La pass, you will descend to the Khumbu glacier and then ascend Kala Patthar for breathtaking close-up views of Mt. Everest. You traverse the glaciated Cho La pass to Gokyo, where we explore the valley and climb Gokyo Ri to enjoy more excellent mountain views including another angle of Mt. Everest, and Cho Oyu on the Tibetan border to the north. Then bear west to scramble across the Renjo La, dramatically back-dropped by the Everest range, to enter the Bhote Kosi valley, where you walk along grazing pastures and a trading route used by yak trains from Tibet to Thame. It is a short day from Thame to Namche Bazaar, where you will re-trace your earlier steps to Lukla and then fly back to Kathmandu.

Itinerary Outline:

01 Flight to Lukla (45 minute flight), trek to Phakding (2610m) – 4 hrs walk

02 Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3446m) – 5 hrs walk

03 Acclimatization day in Namche Bazaar

04 Namche Bazaar to Tengboche (3867m) – 4 hrs walk

05 Tengboche to Dingboche (4410m) – 5 hrs walk

06 Dingboche to Chhukung (4730m) – 2-3 hrs walk

07 Chhukung via Kongma La Pass (5535m) to Lobuche (4930m) – 8-9 hrs walk

08 Acclimatization day in Lobuche

09 Trek to Gorak Shep (5140m) & Everest Base Camp (5364m)– 8 hrs walk

10 Excursion to Kala Patthar (5545m), trek to Lobuche – 5 hrs walk

11 Lobuche to Dzongla (4830m) – 3-4 hrs walk

12 Cross Cho-La pass (5330m), descend to Thagnag Kharka (5025m) – 7 hrs walk

13 Thagnag Kharka to Gokyo (4790m) – approx 3 hrs walk

14 Excursion to Gokyo Ri (5357m), back to Gokyo

15 Cross the Renjo La (5345m) and trek to Lungden in the Thame valley – approx 6 to 7 hrs walk

16 Lungden to Thame – approx 4 to 5 hrs walk

17 Thame to Namche Bazaar (3446m) – approx 4 to 5 hrs walk

18 Namche Bazaar to Lukla (2840m) – approx 7 hrs walk

19 Fly back to Kathmandu and transfer to hotel

Additional information

Difficulty	Experienced Trekkers

Flight to Lukla, Trek to Phakding (2610m)

After an adventurous 45 minute flight above the breathtaking white mountains, we reach the Tenzing-Hillary Airport in Lukla, Solukhumbu. This is said to be one of the most beautiful air routes in the world. The stunning views and the dramatic landing on a hillside surrounded by high mountains peaks make this a very special experience. Upon arrival at Lukla, after some packing and arrangements, we start our trek through the prosperous village of Lukla until we reach Phakding. To assist in acclimatization, we only have a short hike today. However, if interested in additional activities we can take a side trip to a nearby monastery. Overnight stay at hotel.

Walking time: around 4 hours

Trek to Namche Bazaar (3446m)

From Phakding we trek to Namche Bazaar today. Once a small village, it since has grown in size to accommodate the influx of trekkers to the area. Nowadays it’s called the unofficial capital of the Sherpas, but definitely is a buzzling hub or trekkers. It was once an important trading centre on the route from Tibet to Nepal. However, nowadays it’s been largely taken over to catering to the needs of trekkers. For acclimatization, we suggest you to spend 2 nights in or around Namche.

Walking time: 5 hours

Namche Bazaar - Rest

We take a rest day at Namche Bazaar to acclimatize, which gives us the opportunity to explore some of the less developed and more traditional villages in the area. Easy options for passing the acclimatization day can be found by visiting the twin Sherpa villages of Khumjung and Khunde, which are about a 2 hour walk above Namche. While in Khunde, visit the hospital, which was established and funded by Sir Edmund Hillary’s Himalayan Trust. Khumjung monastery is interesting as being the store place of one of the alleged Yeti scalps that are to be found in the region. Having lunch in Everest view hotel and enjoy with gorgeous view of Mt. Everest and Amadablam are all things that will make you enjoy the day free in Namche Bazaar.

Trek Namche Bazaar to Tengboche (3860m)

Moving on from Namche Bazaar the trail follows the valley of the Imja Khola with some spectacular views of the mountains including Thamserku, Kangtega and Amadablam. Dominating the skyline ahead, Everest and Lhotse. The most common night stop after Namche is at the top of a steep climb from the Imja Khola, at Tengboche. This is the site of one of the most significant Buddhist Monastery in Solukhumbu Region and a visit is well recommended.

Walking time: 4 hours

Trek Tengboche to Dingboche (4410m)

After breakfast, we will trek downhill for the first part, through a beautiful rhododendron forest. After crossing a bridge, we arrive in the cute village of Pangboche. The trail continues to Dingboche as Mt. Amadablam gets closer and closer. After 5 hours pleasant walking, we finally arrive in Dingboche which is also the gateway to Chukung Village and Island peak.

Walking time: 5 hours

Dingboche to Chhukung (4730m)

Today we trek up from Dingboche to Chhukung. It’s not a very long walk today as we will save our energy for the pass crossing tomorrow.

Walking time: 2-3 hours

Chhukung via Kongma La Pass (5535m) to Lobuche (4930m)

Today we are going to cross the first pass, a real highlight of the whole journey! Be prepared, it’s gonna be a tough and long day, but also one of the most beautiful ones! You’ll be rewarded with views on Gorak Shep, Khumbu Glacier on the lap of Everest to the left, and Island peak, Makalu, Lhotse, Nuptse, Amadablam, Thamserku, Taboche and surrounding Sherpa settlements to the right. We’ll arrive Lobuche and enjoy the rest.

Walking time: 8-9 hours

Acclimatization day in Lobuche

After yesterday’s strenuous walk we take a rest today to acclimatize and get our bodies used to the altitude. Of course, there are many options to explore the surroundings of Lobuche.

Trek to Gorak Shep (5140m) & Everest Base Camp (5364m)

After having breakfast early in the morning, we continue our trek to Gorak Shep. This village is not inhabited all year round and is the original Base Camp for Everest excursions. After having wonderful walk about 3 hours in a windy and rocky path, we arrive in Gorak Shep. After check in at your lodge and lunch, we are finally going to explore the Everest Base Camp! Of course our trip also includes taking a look at the Khumbu Icefall. After exploring base camp and its surroundings glacier, we return back to Gorak Shep. Wonderful view of Mt. Pumori, Mt. Nuptse and other magnificent peaks, we complete our adventure for today.

Walking time: 8 hours

Excursion to Kala Patthar (5545m), trek to Lobuche

Early in the morning, we start hike up to Kala Patthar for the most wonderful sunrise views of Mt. Everest. After a little climbing, we arrive at the famous view point, the top of Kala Patthar. Now we have the best view of Mt. Everest, Nuptse, Pumori and Ama Dablam along with the entire mountain views of Khumbu Himalayan range. Spending some time here to take stunning photographs and enjoy the moment, we hike back down to Gorak Shep. After breakfast, we will have an easy walk down to Lobuche for another overnight stay in the mountains.

Walking time: around 5 hours

Lobuche to Dzongla (4830m)

We are slowly getting closer to the Cho-La Pass. Our way to Dzongla is relatively short today. The perfect opportunity to relax and safe some energy for tomorrow – it’s gonna be strenuous but surely rewarding!

Walking time: 3-4 hours

Cross Cho-La pass (5330m), descend to Thagnag Kharka (5025m)

After having an early breakfast at the lodge, we start our trekking as we are going to cross the Cho La pass (5370m) today! The high pass over the Cho La is a steep and somewhat difficult ascent of a rocky ridge for a few hours. We start by crossing a small glacial stream and then start climbing up the pass. From the top, we are treated to views of Ama Dablam, Kantai Ga, Thamserku, Taboche, Cholatse and Baruntse, Pasang Lhamo, and Numbur and on the Gokyo side. Once up on top of the glaciated pass, we trek across the snow. Iit’s a scramble back down the pass, a rocky, hilly trail across the valley, and a descent to Thangnag Kharka.

Walking time: 7 hours

Thagnag Kharka to Gokyo (4790m)

You made the Cho-La Pass, isn’t that an incredible feeling? On our way to the next pass, we come across Gokyo, where we will take a rest for 2 days. After yesterday’s challenging day, the short walk today is perfect to relax in the afternoon.

Walking time: around 3 hours

Excursion to Gokyo Ri (5357m), back to Gokyo

Let’s get up early and conquer Gokyo Ri! From this amazing viewpoint you will see outstanding Everest, Cho Oyu, Lhotse and Makalu, among others. We will hike to Fifth Lake from where the view of peaks is even better. We will then descent to Gokyo and spend the another night in Gokyo.

Cross the Renjo La (5345m) and trek to Lungden in the Thame valley

Today we gently walk uphill over the lush grassy lands. Then, the trek becomes quite complex as it is very steep. However the view from the top is rewarding: We can view the stunning panorama of Rolwaling, Tengi Ragi Tau Mountains and small Remo Pokhari Lake to the west and Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Gyachung Kang and Gokyo lakes to the east. Along the Dudh Pokhari lakes, we trek downhill through the beautiful meadow towards the Bhote Koshi Valley to continue besides the river. Luckily, we will come across yak caravans coming from Tibet heading towards Lungden. We will spend the night at Lungden.

Walking time: approx 6-7 hrs

Lungden to Thame

From here we start our way back down, slowly towards Kathmandu. Our first stop on the journey back is Thame – a beautiful monastery and traditional Sherpa village.

Walking time: 4-5 hours

Thame to Namche Bazaar (3446m)

Back to familiarity – today we continue walking down until we finally reach Namche Bazaar again. Can you believe it’s only been 12 days since we left this place to explore the mountain passes? We have seen so much since then and collected a lot of everlasting memories.

Walking time: 4-5 hours

Namche Bazaar to Lukla (2840m) - approx 7 hrs walk

We descend from Namche Bazaar and will have lunch in Monjo, from where we finally leave Sagarmatha National Park behind us. If the weather is clear, take plenty of photos of your final views of the great peaks we’ve enjoyed so much along the way. After trekking down from Monjo, we reach to Phakding. After a cup of tea,we take an easy and beautiful walk through the blue pine and Rhododendron forests with the views of Kusum Kanguru and Mt. Kwangde, and finally reach Lukla. If time allow, it is advisable to take a look at the small village of Lukla. You can explore the city visiting the local “School of Thangka Painting” and see the beautiful religious paintings as well. Overnight stay at hotel.

Walking time: 7 hours

Fly back to Kathmandu and transfer to hotel

The flight to Kathmandu from Lukla takes 45 minutes. In Kathmandu the day is yours. Enjoy strolling or ambling round the tourist hub. Or you can go for sightseeing with your guide. Overnight stay in the hotel.

Everest Base Camp

For foreign travelers, Everest Base Camp has become one of the most popular trekking destinations in Nepal, offering the chance to gaze on the magnificent north face of the world’s highest peak Mount Everest. Famous for its amazing mountain peaks and the loyalty and friendliness of its inhabitants Sherpa, the Everest Region is one of the most famous destinations for tourists in Nepal. While several routes through the mountains are difficult, there are plenty of places to rest and enjoy meal along the way. Trekking is possible the whole year round in this area. The best time to trek is from the beginning of March to May and from September to November. The winter is very cold and snow may make it difficult to travel higher than Tengboche, and lodges may be closed above this altitude. Summers, are wet and the spectacular peaks are often lost in the clouds. April and early May is a good time to view the hedgerows and trees stuffed into bloom, with Rhododendron, in particular, adding a spectacular spray of color to the landscape.
Everest Base Camp is a term that is used to describe two base camps which are on opposite sides of Mount Everest. South Base Camp is in Nepal side with an altitude of 5,364 m. and North Base Camp is in Tibet side at 5,150 m. These camps are basic campsites on Mount Everest that are used by mountain climbers during their ascent and descent.

The Kongma La Pass

The Kongma La Pass is situated between Chhukung and Lobuche, at an altitude of 5535m. As is lies a little off the Everest Base Camp route, not many trekkers cross Kongma La, wherefore this are is a little off the beaten path, until we join the main EBC route again in Lobuche. It is the highest of the three passes of this trek and on a clear day you will be rewarded with astonishing views.

The Cho-La Pass

Cho La is a summit pass located 5,420 m. in the Solukhumbu District in northeastern Nepal. It connects the village of Dzongla (4830 m) to the east and the village of Thagnak (4700 m) to the west. The pass is on Gokyo trail, one of the popular and challenging trekking trails in Khumbu Everest Region in Nepal. To the West the trail continues to the Gokyo Lake crossing Ngozumpa glacier on the way. To the East the trail joins Everest Base Camp trek. The pass can be physically demanding and may require crampons on the top of a slippery glacier. The boundary of the glacier is unstable.

The Renjo La Pass

To the west of Gokyo the spectacular Renjo La Pass provides a rarely used crossing to the Bhote Koshi valley above Thame. By this a return to Namche could be made in 2 very long and demanding days;thus creating a challenging circuit. Explore Renjo La Pass, Everest Panorama views , along the Pass and Gokyo Ri Top are wonder, inspiring, encounter highland Sherpa people’s daily life and their distinctive cultural hospitality. Probably it is one of the world’s most famous destination visit. Renjo La Pass trekking is total mountain adventure journey to roof of the world, opportunity for outstanding photographic and many chaos encounter of typical culture in the highlands. Among of them Renjo La Pass trekking takes you to visit popular places like – Namche Bazar, Gokyo Lake (4700m).

DEPARTURE/RETURN LOCATION

Kathmandu

JOIN GROUP

1 before departure from Kathmandu.

SERVICE INCLUDES

Transportation to trekking starting point and from ending point

Trekking Information Management System Fee (TIMS Fee)

National park Conservation Fee

Lodge trek with all meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) and accommodation in tea house lodge.

Services of English speaking trekking guide and porter (one porter for two people and the maximum weight carry by one porter is total 25kg)

Accommodation, meals, insurance, equipment and allowance of guide and porter.

Sleeping bag and down jacket if necessary.

All applicable government taxes and service charges.

SERVICE DOES NOT INCLUDE

Any accommodation and meals in Kathmandu

Any sightseeing tour in Kathmandu.

Any international and domestic airfare

Your personal travel insurance and medical.

Bottled drinks (mineral water, any cold drinks, and alcoholic drinks).

Expenses of personal nature such as tips for guide, porter, and driver, laundry, bar bill, telephone calls etc.

Liability for expenses against sickness, flight cancellation, road blockage, accidents, and other occurrence, beyond our control.

Nepal visa fee.

Any other optional services not mentioned above as included.

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Everest High Passes Trekking

Itinerary Outline:

Additional information