How difficult is Everest high pass trek

  • Feb 19, 2024
  • Rajan Dahal
  • 585

Everest Three-pass trekking follows the Everest base camp classical route to Namche Bazar crossing the local village of Sherpa people, suspension bridges, some scenic viewpoints, and a local museum at Namche Bazar. The Everest high passes trek is rated “challenging” trekking in the Khumbu region of Sagarmatha National Park. This is more demanding than its sibling Everest Base Camp Trek and Gokyo Valley Trekking. A Trek from Lungden (4,500m) to Gokyo Lake (4,700m) via Renjo La pass (5,445) follows the steep sandy ridge to reach the top of the Renjo La. This trek route opulence with sky towering mountains including Cho Oyu (8,201 m), Everest (8,848 m), Lhotse (8,516 m), Cholaste (6,440 m), Taboche (6,315 m) including the Gokyo Lake on the basin. At the same time, you can see the longest Ngozumpa Himalayan Glacier with several snowcapped mountains and terrain. The high pass trek is known as the Everest three-pass trek in Nepal. Gokyo and Renjo La Pass is another beautiful pass in the Everest region.

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How hard is the Everest High Pass Trek?

As mentioned above, the Everest high pass trek is rated a “Challenging” trek and some steeps are like heaven as you will cover from 4,445 m to Renjo la (5,440 m) and descent to Gokyo Lake (4,700 m). Of course, it is hard but on your arrival at the top, you will be rewarded with a 360-degree panoramic mountain view and feel like you are above the Mountain.

What is the best route for the Everest high pass trek?

Different trekkers have different thoughts, However, the Namche-Thame-Lungden-Renjola top-Gokyo-Chola pass-Everest Base Camp and Kongma La pass trek route will be the convenient route for all. Please see the below itinerary.

Day 01: Kathmandu-KuKla and trek to Phakding (2,600 m)/8 km. Overnight at Guesthouse.

Day 03: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m)/5 hrs/12 km.

Day 04: Acclimatization day and explore the Khumjung village and Khumjung Monastery, Hillary School, and return to Namche Bazaar via Everest View Hotel.

Day 05: Trek to Thame Village and experience the Thame Dechen Chokhorling Monastery. 4hrs/3780m/6km.

Day 06: Trek to Lungden (4,500)/6hrs/8km.

Day 07: Trek to Gokyo Lake (4,700m) via Renjo La pass.9km/7hrs

Day 08: Explore the Gokyo Lake, Gokyo Ri, and Cho Oyu Base camp as per your interest.

Day 09: Trek to Dragnag 4700m/4hrs/6km.

Day 10: Trek to Dzongla over a Cho La pass (5,416m)/10km/8hrs

Day 11: Trek to Lobuche (4900m)/7km/5hrs.

Day 12: Trek to Gorak Shep then visit Everest base camp and back to Gorak Shep (5,130m)/3hrs/13km

Day 13: Morning hike to Kala Patthar (5,545m) and trek to Chukung over a Kongmala pass 16km/8hrs.

Day 14: Trek to Tengboche Monastery. 5hrs/10km

Day 15: Trek to Namche Bazaar 11km/5hrs.

Day 16: Trek to Lukla 20km/6hrs.

Day 17: Morning flight back to Kathmandu (Note: This flight may not go to Kathmandu directly due to the heavy air traffic in Kathmandu airport. So fly to Ramechap and bus to Kathmandu).

How hard are Chola pass and Kongma La pass?

After completing the Renjo La and Gokyo Valley, the trek to the Chola pass will be less hard anyway! Of course, you have to cross glacier moraine, a steeper hill and long downhill will ache your muscles but it is priceless. The Chola pass is a common pass for all trekkers and everybody made it! It is a less difficult pass comparing Renjola and Kongmala.

Kongmala pass could be much harder because this is not a common pass and there is not a regular trekking path due to the heavy snowfall in winter. The top of the Kongmala Pass (5,550 m) is higher than the Everest base camp and similar height of Kala Patthar. Kongma La top offers the most picturesque with exciting Himalayan scenery including Mt. Makalu (8,463m), Everest (8,848m), Lhotse (8,516m), Cho Oyu (8,201m), and many other small mountains. For sure this is the most difficult but scenic pass in Sagarmatha National Park. Crossing Glacier Moraine and Glacier Lake, a narrow and windy path will make you “why I chose this trek” but this is what you are looking for! Remember not to forget to take a professional Mountain Guide with you to achieve your goals.

What is the best time for the Everest high pass trek?

Nepal is open all around the year. However, the Mountain is not always and you have to have good weather to go. Autumn (Late September to early December) and spring (March to May) are the best times to go for any high pass trek and Mountaineering in Nepal. The weather is warm and visibility is clear most of the time for mentioned time.

How many days are required for the Everest high pass trek?

The Everest High Pass trek is demanding in the Khumbu region. The 16 days is the best length of time to meet your goals. If you are an advanced trekker and looking for a challenging trek in the Everest region, then you may accomplish it within 14 days by escaping some leisure/acclimatization days in various places.

Is it possible to change the route of the Everest pass trek, if I get sick?

Everest high pass trek is a challenging trek and you should be physically fit, if you have a passion and dedication to reach the height of the Himalayas, then you can do it without any problems. Choose the legal and certified trek company where you can find a trusted guide. Your safety and satisfaction are the Global Adventure motto. A professional guide can twist the trek itinerary as per requirement. Yes, if you get altitude sickness or something happens while on the trek we can change the trek itinerary to make your holiday safe.

What if I cancel the trip, do I get a refund?

Global Adventure offers a lifetime deposit policy which allows you the flexibility to change the date, transfer to another booking, or if you wish to cancel the trip certain cancellation charge may apply as per company policy.

What should I pack for Everest trekking?

The higher you go the colder you get! This 16-day Everest High Pass trek is a tea house trek in the Everest region. You are staying in a nice and warm guest house every night. The rooms are comprised of blankets, pillows, and mattresses. however, it is recommended to take a private sleeping bag. You will have evening meals and breakfast at the same place where you are spending the night. The meals are warm delicious and hygienic. Please see here for details of the necessary trek gear.

Do I need crampons for Everest high pass trekking?

Prevention is better than cure! Generally, crampons are not required for this trek. But if you planning a trek in winter then you are suggested to have it. The weather is unpredictable all over the world so even in autumn and spring there might be heavy snowfall. It is not like Yes or No! Better to have it just in case.

Will I get phone reception while on the trek?

Yes, in almost every place you will have the cell phone coverage of NTC or Ncell except in some places. In some places, you may not have coverage at all.

The Everest High Pass trek is a challenging high-altitude trek in the Everest region. However, climbing experience is not required. It is recommended to have training like walking a long distance with a 5/7kg bag pack daily before you start. You will be led by a professional guide who is already familiar whttps://www.globaladventuretrekking.com/gokyo-lake-and-renjo-la-pass-trekith local people, and high altitude and knows about handling the emergency.