Everest High Passes Trek

The Everest High Passes Trek is considered challenging. Crossing three high-altitude passes (Kongma La, Cho La, and Renjo La), all above 5,000 meters, requires good physical fitness, stamina, and prior trekking experience. Daily walking ranges from 5 to 7 hours, often on steep, rocky, or icy terrain. It is a rewarding adventure suited to experienced trekkers comfortable with demanding trails and thin air at high altitudes.
Tips: Prepare with endurance training, stair climbing, and practice hikes carrying a backpack before starting this trek. Mental preparation and patience are equally important as physical readiness.

Along the trekking route, accommodation is provided in teahouses and lodges. These are basic but comfortable, offering twin-sharing rooms, blankets, and communal dining areas. Meals are usually traditional Nepali dishes such as dal bhat, momos, and thukpa, alongside international options like pasta, noodles, Pizza, and pancakes. In higher altitudes, the variety of food decreases, and prices rise due to transportation challenges.
Tips: Carry some snacks or instant foods to supplement meals, especially for energy during long high-pass days. A thermos for hot drinks is also helpful in cold weather.

To trek in this region, you need two permits: the Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit and the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit. These can be arranged in Kathmandu or on the trail itself, usually through your trekking agency. Carry extra passport-sized photos and a photocopy of your passport for these formalities.
Tips: Keep permits safe and accessible, as they will be checked at multiple checkpoints along the trek. Store them in a waterproof pouch to protect them from damage.

The trek offers deep cultural immersion into the Sherpa community, known for its mountaineering legacy and Buddhist traditions. Along the route, you can visit monasteries such as Thame Monastery and Tengboche Monastery, both important centres of spirituality in the Khumbu region. Prayer flags, mani walls, and chortens enrich the cultural atmosphere of the trails. These elements make the trek not only adventurous but also spiritually fulfilling.
Tips: Always walk clockwise around stupas and mani walls as a sign of respect to local traditions. Take time to observe rituals quietly to appreciate the cultural depth.

The trek involves climbing to elevations above 5,500 meters, making acclimatisation essential. Rest days in Namche Bazaar and Gokyo are included to allow your body to adapt. Trekkers should ascend gradually, stay hydrated, avoid alcohol, and be aware of symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) such as headaches, nausea, and dizziness. Carrying Diamox or consulting with your guide about altitude precautions is highly recommended.
Tips: Trek at a slow, steady pace and remember the golden rule: climb high, sleep low. Notify your guide immediately if you experience any serious AMS symptoms.

Equipment Packing List

A well-prepared packing list ensures comfort and safety. Essentials include:

1. Warm down jacket and layered clothing for varied temperatures
2. Sleeping bag rated for –15°C or lower
3. Waterproof trekking boots and trekking poles
4. Gloves, hats, neck gaiters, and thermal innerwear
5. Headlamp with extra batteries
6. Sunglasses with UV protection and high SPF sunscreen
7. Reusable water bottle or hydration bladder
8. Water purification tablets or a filter bottle
9. First-aid kit including AMS medication, bandages, and blister care
10. Power bank or solar charger
11. Snacks, energy gels, and dried fruits for long days
12. Lightweight slippers for evenings in teahouses
13. Waterproof backpack cover or dry bags
14. Personal toiletries and a quick-dry towel
15. Map, compass, or trekking app for navigation

Tips: Test your gear before the trek. Breaking in boots and adjusting your backpack in advance prevents discomfort on the trail.

Travel insurance is mandatory for the Everest High Passes Trek. It should cover high-altitude trekking (above 5,500 meters), medical emergencies, helicopter evacuation, accidents, and trip cancellations. Double-check the fine print of your insurance to ensure the Everest region trekking is specifically included. Having the right coverage provides peace of mind in such a remote region.
Tips: Carry both digital and printed copies of your insurance policy and emergency contact details at all times. Share them with Us for safety.

The trek begins with a domestic flight from Kathmandu or Ramechhap (Manthali) to Lukla, which takes about 30 to 40 minutes. Depending on the season and air traffic, flights may operate either directly from Kathmandu or from Manthali airport, which is a 4- to 5-hour drive from the capital. Ground transfers between airports and hotels are usually included in trek packages. Flight delays are common due to mountain weather.
Tips: Always keep one or two buffer days in your schedule for flight cancellations or delays. Travel with flexibility in your itinerary.

Electricity is available in most villages, but charging electronic devices often incurs a small fee. Internet access is limited; some lodges provide Wi-Fi through Everest Link cards, but the signal can be unreliable at high altitudes. Mobile networks work in lower areas but weaken as you ascend. A power bank or solar charger is strongly recommended.
Tips: Store phones and batteries inside your sleeping bag at night to prevent them from draining quickly in the cold.

Safe drinking water is essential. Bottled water is available, but it becomes more expensive at higher altitudes. To reduce waste, trekkers are encouraged to use water purification tablets, filters, or UV purifiers to treat tap or stream water. Most lodges also offer boiled water for a small fee. Carrying your own solution ensures both safety and sustainability.
Tips: Hydrate frequently, even when you do not feel thirsty, to help prevent altitude sickness.

Hiring a licensed guide and porter is highly recommended for safety, navigation, and cultural insight. Guides share local knowledge, manage logistics, and handle emergencies. Porters help carry loads, allowing trekkers to conserve energy for high-altitude climbs. Trekking with their support not only eases the journey but also supports the local economy.
Tips: Pack light and keep your porter’s load within 15 to 20 kg to ensure fair working conditions.

During peak trekking seasons, flights to Lukla often operate from Ramechhap (Manthali) Airport, about 130 km east of Kathmandu. This requires a road transfer of around 4 to 5 hours before the flight. In off-peak months, flights generally depart directly from Kathmandu. It is best to confirm the airport with your trekking company in advance to plan accordingly.
Tips: If your flight is from Manthali, consider travelling there the night before to avoid early-morning road stress.

Physical and mental preparation are vital for this trek. Regular exercise, such as jogging, cycling, stair climbing, and long hikes, helps build stamina. Breathing exercises or yoga can also improve lung capacity for high altitudes. Mental resilience ensures you stay positive and motivated through challenges like fatigue or cold conditions.
Tips: Begin training at least two to three months before the trek. Gradually increase the weight of your backpack during training hikes to simulate real conditions.

Trekking in the Everest region comes with a responsibility to protect the environment. Trekkers are encouraged to carry reusable bottles, avoid plastic waste, and dispose of garbage properly. Supporting eco-friendly lodges and respecting wildlife helps maintain the fragile Himalayan ecosystem. Responsible trekking also includes respecting local customs and contributing to the local economy.
Tips: Follow the principle of “leave no trace.” Dispose of all non-biodegradable waste and avoid overusing firewood to protect forests.

Dear Guests and Travellers to Nepal and other Himalayan destinations, please make sure that you have understood our Terms and Conditions after carefully reading the mutual contract and legal process, which will help maintain our long-term friendly relationship.

After selecting the trip of your choice from our varied programs and itineraries, the first step in the booking procedure is to fill out our booking form and send it upon completion, with a 20% deposit for entire Nepal Trips and Tibet & Bhutan trips, and a 40% non-refundable deposit.

Along with the completed form, you are required to email us a copy of your passport and flight Ticket with all details to the Kathmandu office at Team Himalaya ([email protected]).

Upon receiving your passport copy and details, the completed booking form, and your non-refundable deposit, we will proceed to send you a final affirmation receipt with acknowledgement.

All deposits are required for selected and chosen trips on a personal basis. We will inform you by email regarding the direct deposit procedure and details.

As per the booking and Trip money transfer, service charges of the respective banks may apply and should be paid at the time of deposit.

We will email you the details for making payments by credit card once you have filled out the Booking form.

We accept Visa or MasterCard only with a 4% surcharge added as a processing fee on credit cards and wire Transfers as a service charged by the Banks.

The Condition for clearing the remaining balance as per the trip booked is as follows:

The remaining due balance for all Nepal Trips should be paid and cleared upon arrival.

The remaining balance for other Himalayan countries like Bhutan and Tibet, as well as all multi-country tours, needs to be cleared within 35 days of your trip departure date.

Team Himalaya Treks & Expeditions (P) Ltd reserves the right to cancel your trip if the full amount is not paid on time.

In certain circumstances, we will accept your last-minute booking at least a week before the tour departure date for all trips; in this case, full payment is required.

02: How to pay your selected trip deposit:

Credit Card (Visa & Mastercard):

Please call us at 00977-9841824281 to pay over the phone.

Payment:

Please deposit by  wire Transfer  to Team Himalaya (P) Ltd and post it to the address below:

Company Address: Team Himalaya (P) Ltd

Bank Transfer:

Bank Address: Himalayan Bank Limited.

Bank address: Tridevi Marg, Thamel, Kathmandu

Account No:01908416120019.

Account  Type: Foreign Currency  (USD)

Bank SWIFT code: HIMANPKA.

03: Refund & Cancellation:

No refund will be made by the company for the 20% deposit in the event of cancellation of your trip for any reason.

After paying the full amount for any selected trip, you are entitled to a refund if you cancel your trip by informing us as soon as possible, subject to the company's rules and regulations.

Still, the cancellation charge is invoiced to you. Written notification of your cancellation is required to cancel any trip. Nevertheless, you have imposed a cancellation charge as advised below:-

60 days or more deposit retained
45 – 50 days before departure 50%
30 – 40 days before departure, 75%
20 days before departure, 100%

04: Extra Supplement Charge:

Team Himalaya Treks & Expeditions (P) Ltd tour/trek packages, rooms, or tents are provided on a twin-sharing basis. Thus, a single room supplement charge will be imposed as extra for the client who does not have another tour participant to share a room/tent with. It also applies to clients who need a single supplement in tents/rooms in a hotel or lodge.

05: Early return from any Tours or Treks:

No refund will be entertained for clients returning early from our trips due to personal, domestic/medical, or other personal problems, regardless of any unused portions of the itinerary.

06: Amendment in Trip Cost:

Team Himalaya Treks & Expeditions (P) Ltd. reserves the right to revise or change the trip costing rate posted on our website, under any circumstances, or on the pressure of various external factors beyond our control, for instance, changes in exchange rate, government action, etc. inflation, however assuring that we will put our effort as much possible to keep the present cost rate as it is.

07: Unforeseen Circumstances:

If the company has to cancel the trip due to unforeseen circumstances such as natural disasters, political conflict, unfavourable weather, or trail or road closures, we will refer you to an alternative trip of a similar type and standard.

Even if this doesn’t suit your likes and interests, all trip prices you paid to our company will be refunded, with an administration and trip arrangement charge of 15 to 20%, depending on the trip chosen.

Please note that any other expenses incurred by you as a result of this booking are entirely your responsibility.

08:  Travel / Medical Insurance:

We strongly recommend that all booking Clients acquire Travel and Medical Insurance as a compulsory requirement for all our tours, trekking, and climbing trips. It should include adequate protection for tour/trekking/climbing/rafting or any other adventure sports, with a duration that covers personal injury, death, medical expenses, and repatriation or emergency evacuation expenses by any means of transportation, such as helicopter rescue or air ambulance, and adequate cover for baggage.

09: Health & Fitness:

All our Treks and Tours require good health and a level of fitness before you sign a booking with us. Clients should always check with their local Doctor or Physician regarding their health and fitness before departing for Himalayan destinations.

It’s solely the client’s responsibility to inform Team Himalaya Treks & Expeditions of any pre-existing medical condition or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your required medical attention, which may affect your capability to travel on the trips booked with us.

Children and Elderly people:

An authorised guardian by the parents must accompany all travellers under the age of sixteen.

A person of more than 70 years of age, although in good health, still needs a partner, family member, or friend to accompany he/she.

If you have any queries regarding age and suitability, please contact us for further information.

10: Nepal / Tibet Visas & Passport Conditions:

All clients must have a valid passport with at least 6 months' validity from the return date of travel.

Nepal visas can be obtained from the Nepal Consulate or Embassy in your country or upon arrival at Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport. The costs of Nepalese visas are the sole responsibility of clients. All clients must have a valid passport with at least 6 months of validity from the return date. As you are unable to obtain visas for Tibet, you need to send your passport details to Team Himalaya Treks & Expeditions for visa applications to travel there. We require this information at least three weeks before departure.

11: Risk and Liabilities:

Team Himalaya's main concern is your safety and satisfaction, as well as our staff's welfare. We carry out all our assignments sincerely & honestly to ensure your holiday is hassle-free.

Nevertheless, unless stated otherwise, the trip may be changed due to uncertain and inherent circumstances such as landslides, roadblocks, floods, heavy snow, political unrest, flight cancellations, delayed arrivals, sickness, or accidents. Any extra cost incurred there is your responsibility and should be borne on the spot.

Flight Delay/Cancellation:

Possibility of domestic flight delay or postponement due to bad weather in the Himalayan regions, which sometimes happens, in particular around the Everest region, Lukla, Phaplu, Annapurna / Mustang / Manang region, Humde, Jomsom, and on the Far West Dolpa, Simikot, and Jumla region, and on the Far East sector, Tumlingtar, and Taplejung area.

When trekking in remote areas or as described above, especially during the off-season, you are strongly advised to reserve extra days to account for delays and avoid frustrating consequences.

In case of a flight cancellation, pre- or post-tour, you need to cover the accommodation and food costs yourself.

12: Our Responsible Adventure Policy:

Our entire tour/trekking guide representing Team Himalaya Treks & Expeditions deserves full authority during tours, trekking/rafting, or climbs.

Team Himalaya Treks & Expeditions will make every effort to ensure all our trips are comfortable and satisfactory, but one must understand that the Himalayan region, Third World, and Developing Countries like Nepal cannot afford many Western and highly developed facilities, sometimes depending on the area of travel. However, we will do our best to make your travel enjoyable and memorable with us.

Weather is another factor that directly impacts some trips; hence, patience in mind, enthusiasm, and proper preparation before heading out are a must.

Your personal belongings:

On any account, we’re not responsible for any loss or damage to your baggage/luggage or property, even when it is shouldered by our porters, ponies, or vehicles. Our trip escorts and guides will provide the necessary safety precautions so that this does not arise while you are with us.

Papers & Documents:

All necessary papers and documents should be presented in sequence, for example, to issue visas and permits. We’re not accountable if any trip formalities aren't completed in time before the trip departs due to missing essential papers and documents.