based on The Everest High Pass Trek is the most adventurous and challenging trek in the Khumbu region, specially designed for those who are seeking more than just a classic trek. Also known as the Everest Two High Pass Trek, the venture is popular as an amazing journey in Nepal's Himalayas that includes trekking on prominent Everest trails as well as exploring the Khumbu region's distinctive gems. The Everet Two High Passes Trek takes you to the remote part of the region, where you get to explore hidden villages, fine valleys, high passes, narrow gullies, and beautiful moraines.
As the name suggests, you will cross the 2 high and challenging passes of the Khumbu region, Cho La Pass, and Kongma La Pass. Crossing these passes takes a lot of work. However, the views you get to witness from the top of them are sensational. The high pass trekking is a perfect way to explore the Khumbu region and its unspoiled beauties.
The rugged landscape of the high passes is populated by the famous high mountain people named "the Sherpas," following a customary way of life. The trek offers a chance to witness the land of the Sherpa and visit Buddhist monasteries, along with occasional sightings of rare wildlife like musk deer, Himalayan Tahr, snow leopards, pheasants, and snow cocks. And the most legendary Yeti is believed to have lived in this region as well.
In addition, this trek brings you to two of the most popular viewpoints of the Everest region, Gokyo Ri and Kala Patthar. Kala Patthar, at 5545m above sea level, is the highest point on the trek. You can obtain a 360-degree view of the mountains from the summit of this viewpoint, which includes Mt. Everest, Pumori, Lingtren, Nuptse, and Changtse. The Gokyo Valley and the Gokyo Lakes add another perspective of natural beauty to this Himalayan trek.
Outfitter Nepal has extensive expertise in conducting treks in Nepal's Himalayas. Our 16 days Everest Two Pass Trek itinerary package allows you to go on the most thrilling adventure of your life. Join us on one of our Everest High Pass Trek departure dates, or get in touch with us to tailor an Everest trek to your specific needs.
Enjoy this exhilarating, breathtaking journey knowing that our qualified, experienced guides and porters will be ready to assist you at every turn. At Outfitter Nepal, we go to great lengths to ensure your trekking aspirations come true. We look forward to assisting you in creating lifelong memories on your holiday.
What to expect from the Everest High Pass Trek of 16 days?
The High Pass Trek in the Everest Region allows you to experience the spectacular beauty of the world's highest mountain, Mt. Everest, and several other gems like Gokyo Valley and Two high mountain passes. The tour begins with a scenic Himalayan flight from Kathmandu to Tenzing Hillary Airport in Lukla. The Everest region route begins in upper Phakding and follows the Dudh Koshi valley, turning in the direction of Sherpa's "bustling Namche Bazaar," surrounded by beautiful Himalayan views.
The beauty of the village surroundings, such as the exquisite Rhododendron, Magnolia, and enormous fir forest, will astound you while trekking. If you're fortunate enough, you might encounter some endangered wildlife. This journey will take you through the exhilarating Gokyo Valley, which is located adjacent to the Khumbu, as well as the Everest Base Camp.
During the trek, you get to witness the grand vistas of the mountain peaks all around you. The grandeur you get to observe from the Two high passes seems something out of a fairytale. In addition to Mt. Everest, you'll also see other peaks such as Lhotse, Cho Oyu, Pumori, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Kwangde, Kangtaiga, and Gyachyung Kang.
Is the Everest Two High Passes Trek right for me?
Let's be honest! The Everest region trekking that includes the Two high passes is not for everyone! You must be physically fit, strong stamina, and endurance to go on this trek. From tempting landscape views to the panoramic Himalayas, the rich culture and tradition of the locals, adventure, challenges, bright rushing days, and calm starry nights, the trek is an enriching venture. And it's not an easy task to achieve those rewards. It needs vigorous hiking for 3 long weeks in the rugged Himalayan terrains at high altitudes.
Trekking high passes in the Everest region is suited for serious adventurers searching for an arduous trek in Nepal's Everest region. In its 16 days length, this journey takes you to indigenous Sherpa cultures, a primitive lifestyle, breathtaking mountains, and high passes. At some places, you will find yourself surrounded by other fellow trekkers and locals talking, smiling, and exploring, whereas, at some point, there will be only you and the Himalayas alone, staring at each other.
How to prepare for the Everest High Pass Trek?
A prior high-altitude trekking experience is extremely helpful in accomplishing this trek successfully. Why? Because you'll be spending almost 2 weeks in the cold Himalayas, walking 5-7 hours every day, sometimes in the dark before sunrise and sometimes in the scorching daylight. It doesn't matter if you're a marathon runner; the dedication it takes to hike in the remote Himalayas with frequent ups and downs cannot be compared to any other adventure sport. The decreased oxygen level in the thin Himalayan air becomes the most challenging thing when you're trekking at high altitudes. Hence a shorter high-altitude trek, even up to 4,000 meters, would give you an idea of what it's like.
We understand that not everyone can access the Himalayas for several treks. So, to prepare yourself for the trek from your home, you can engage in high-intensity cardiovascular exercises. Hit the gym several months before the beginning of the trek if you're not used to working out. In addition to a strong physique, you'll also need mental strength to pursue the trek, so be prepared both physically and mentally.
Best Features of the Everest High Pass Trek
- Sightseeing tours of historical UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu
- Scenic mountain flight to and from Lukla
- Visiting Khumbu's oldest and largest Tengboche Monastery
- Exploring Namche and Khumjung Village
- Unforgettable views of Khumbu Ice Fall and Khumbu Glacier
- View of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Amadablam, Thamserku, etc.
- Pass over the Kongma La, Cho La
- Stunning view from Gokyo Ri
- Visit Gokyo Valley and Gokyo Lakes
Major Attractions of the Everest High Pass Trek
Thrilling yet scenic Lukla flight
A short 35 minutes flight will take you to the starting point of the ultimate Everest Trek, Lukla. Flying to Lukla is amazing, and it takes a lot of courage to stay on that short trip. The flight will be breathtakingly beautiful and exciting. One of the greatest pleasures of trekking in the Everest region is the flight. What is it about this flight that makes it so thrilling?
It is, in fact, the landing strip of Lukla Airport. It has one of the world's shortest runways of 525 meters (1,729 feet) long and is one of the world's highest airports at 2,845 m (9,334 feet). The steepness of the runway, which dangles from the side of a mountain, makes Lukla Airport an interesting airport to land in.
Sagarmatha National Park
The Everest Two Pass Trek takes you through a range of climate zones and vegetation. From Monjo on, you pass through Sagarmatha National Park, which is home to hundreds of different types of flora and fauna. The national park is also a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site. The hike involves a lot of uphill and downhill walking, as well as crossing several creeks and dense forests.
Animals and birds in danger of extinction have long found refuge in Sagarmatha National Park. The national park is home to two endangered species, the Red Panda and the Snow Leopard. Visitors have always been drawn to Sagarmatha National Park because of its abundant birds. If you're fond of watching birds, do yourself a favor and pack a set of binoculars in your backpack. You won't regret it.
The most significant Sherpa residence, Namche Bazar
Namche Bazaar is a significant stop on the High Pass route. It's a great place to visit if you want to explore Nepal's Himalayan area and mountains. The first view of Everest can be seen along the paths from Monjo to Namche Bazaar. Namche Bazaar, at 3,500 meters above sea level, is the beginning point for treks in the Everest region. It's a bustling market town with everything from trekking and climbing equipment to Tibetan trinkets.
The picturesque Namche serves as the Everest region's entrance. It also serves as a memorial to previous mountaineering trips and gives information on Sherpa culture and lifestyle. Yak cheese and butter are well-known in Namche. Namche was once a major trading center in the Khumbu region, located on the side of an arch-shaped mountain with panoramic views of the Himalayan peaks from all points in the valley. Trekkers usually remain here for several days to acclimate.
The oldest and biggest Tengboche Monastery in the Khumbu region
Throughout the Everest trek route, the Tengboche Monastery is the main attraction for trekkers, mountaineers, and everyone else. This old monastery, which is also a very important religious holy site in Khumbu, offers breathtaking views of Mt. Amadablam and the surrounding Himalayas. It is believed that Guru Rinpoche will bless all pilgrims and visitors who enter this hallowed site.
Lama Gulu erected the Tengboche monastery in 1961, but it was devastated by the 1934 earthquake. The monastery was later restored in the same year. However, the monastery was destroyed by fire in 1989 and had to be rebuilt. Regardless of these tragedies, the Tengboche monastery remains the Khumbu region's oldest and largest.
Everest's 2 high passes: Kongma La Pass, Cho La Pass
The Everest High Pass Trek Itinerary takes you through Two high passes: Kongma La Pass, Cho La Pass, as well as Everest Base Camp. It is considered a difficult journey and is favored by adventure seekers who want to experience everything. The trail to these passes is tough, steep, and rocky. However, upon reaching the top of all these Two passes, you can see the fantastic landscape views. Every drop of sweat and each step upwards and downwards in the rugged terrain is justified by the mesmerizing sceneries one can observe from these mountain passes.
Exploring the Everest Base Camp
What can be more intriguing than reaching the base of the world's highest mountain, Mt. Everest, along with the high passes of the region? Reaching Everest Base Camp itself is a huge achievement. From here, you can see panoramic views of numerous Himalayan mountains like Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Nuptse, Mt. Pumori, Mt. Baruntse, and Mt. Ama Dablam, Mt. Thamserku, etc. Similarly, beautiful views of the Khumbu Glacier and Khumbu Ice Fall can be seen from Everest Base Camp.
Picturesque Gokyo Lake Valley
Located in the stunning Gokyo Valley, Gokyo Village presents a calm and peaceful environment.
The trek in the Two High Pass region is an exciting excursion to a remote settlement in the magnificent Gokyo Valley, where only a few trekkers get by. The views you'll get here are magnificent. Surreal beauty includes the high Himalayan mountains, massive glaciers, icefalls, chilly streams, and shimmering lakes. This tiny Himalayan settlement of Gokyo village is truly one of a kind.
Stunning Gokyo Lakes
The Gokyo Lakes, located in the Sagarmatha National Park and close to the Everest Base Camp, is a fantastic place to relax and enjoy a peaceful and exciting atmosphere. At an altitude of 4,700m to 5,000m above sea level, these lakes are the world's highest freshwater lakes. The Gokyo Lakes comprise six lakes, the largest of which is Thonak Lake. The lakes receive fresh water from the Ngozumpa glacier, which is also the largest glacier in the Himalayas. The turquoise blue color of the lake, surrounded by snow-covered mountains under the blue sky, is mesmerizing to see.
