Days: 24
Difficulty: Difficult
Activity: Hiking/Trekking
Highest Altitude: 18,192 ft.
When to hike Everest Base Camp: Mid Feb – May & Mid Sept - Dec
Closest airport: Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM)
Kathmandu Altitude: 4,600 ft.
Lukla Altitude: 9,186 ft.

This is the ultimate circuit of the Everest region, crossing high passes and ascending to spectacular viewpoints. The trek starts by visiting some of the more familiar trails of the Everest area around Namche Bazaar and Thyangboche, trodden for years by the various expedition parties on their way to the highest place on earth. There is a constantly changing panorama of the massive mountains around Everest, including some relatively low peaks like Ama Dablam (a mere 6,856m) and Tawoche (6,367m) which are, nevertheless, most spectacular. Our first peak is Chhukung Ri, at 5,546m, where we look directly onto the face of Nuptse. We then leave the main trail and head off over our first high pass, the Kongma La. Descending to Lobuje we ascend Kala Pattar for magnificent views of Everest before crossing the Cho La into the quieter Gokyo valley with its string of glacial lakes. Here we climb Gokyo Peak with spectacular views of Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyu. Our last pass is the splendid Renzo La from where the views are even more impressive. We end our trek by walking down the seldom-visited Thame Valley where we may well meet Tibetan traders. The highlights of the trek are the crossing of the Kongma La, Cho La and Renzo La passes and the ascent of Chhukung Ri, Kala Pattar, Awi Peak and Gokyo Peak, from all of which we get superb views of this beautiful mountain wilderness. For the fit, experienced walker this really is a fantastic chance to get as close as possible to the highest mountains on earth.

Trip Profile

The High Passes of Everest is a tough trek. It is graded D with 18 days walking. The maximum altitude we reach is 5,545m and the average is 3,900m. It is only recommended for those who have been walking at high altitude before, are physically fit and have a lot of stamina. Some of the trails, particularly over the passes, can be difficult but not technical, and there are some steep and exposed ascents and descents. The rewards include the best views possible of the world's highest mountains, short of climbing them yourself. Acclimatisation time is built in to maximize the chances of success of achieving the major aims of the trek. This is a fully supported camping trek and we provide spacious two-person tents, dining and toilet tents, stools, tables, cooking and kitchen gear and a team of support staff. Groups of 6 or more clients will be accompanied by an Exodus leader, who will be supported by a sirdar (chief guide), porters and assistant guides. Smaller groups will be led by one of our highly competent English-speaking sirdars (i.e. the sirdar will act as leader and chief guide). Whilst on trek we will wake you up with a cup of hot tea and will also provide a small bowl of warm washing water. We can also provide a small bowl of warm washing water in the evenings too, on request. All our leaders are trained in the use of a PAC bag (Portable Altitude Chamber) and this is carried on all treks that go above 3800m. The PAC bag is used in an emergency only to treat altitude sickness in the mountains. A First Aid kit is carried with the group and all our leaders are First Aid trained.

Itinerary:

Day 1
Depart home airport

Day 2
Arrive in Kathmandu and transfer to hotel.

Day 3
There will be a half-day tour of Kathmandu , led by a trained local guide. The tour visits the Durbar Square in the heart of the old city. The old Royal Palace , with its intricate woodcarving and four fine towers is a fascinating place to visit. Next to it is Kumari Chowk, home of the Kumari, the young virgin who is revered as a "Living Goddess". All around is a maze of temples and images, such as the terrifying Black Bhairab, and Shiva and Parvati gazing benignly down on their subjects. Leading away from the square in all directions are narrow alleys, full of the most amazing variety of shops and stalls. In the afternoon we will take you for sightseeing. Major sites are the so-called "monkey temple" atop the sacred hill at Swayambunath with its panoramic views, Bodnath which one of the largest Buddhist Stupas in the world thronged with red-robed monks and Tibetan pilgrims, or Pashupatinath the most important Hindu temple in the valley. There will also be a full trek briefing today. Hotel.

Day 4
We fly to the mountain airstrip of Lukla (2,800m), and set off on the first short leg of our trek, heading northwards up the valley of the Dudh Kosi (or "milk river"). We descend from the small plateau, which only just manages to hold Lukla airstrip, down into the forested valley. The trail crosses several tributary streams and we have some tantalizing views before reaching the small settlement of Phakding (2,650m).

Day 5
Namche(3440m)

Day 6
We spend today acclimatising to the altitude, either exploring Namche Bazaar or taking an optional day walk. There are several possibilities including visiting the large Sherpa villages of Kunde and Khumjung with excellent views of Everest and many of the surrounding mountains. We can perhaps stop for tea at the spectacularly situated Everest View Hotel. Returning to Namche there is time to see the National Park museum with interesting displays.

Day 7
From Namche Bazaar the trail climbs eastwards and follows the Dudh Kosi again, high above the riverbed. Passing through Sanasa we descend gradually to the village of Teshinga, after which the trail drops more steeply to the river to cross it at the small settlement of Phunki Tenga at 3,250m Here the flow of water is used for both secular and sacred tasks, turning several flour mills as well as a series of prayer wheels. Climbing steeply beyond these we enter the forest and continue up to the saddle where in a clearing surrounded by rhododendrons and conifers we come to Thyangboche at 3,870m. From here we have a fantastic panorama of mountains surrounding us including Everest, Lhotse , Nuptse and Ama Dablam. Thyangboche has long been considered a sacred spot. Lama Sange Dorje, who first brought Buddhism to the region, is said to have flown from his monastery in Tibet over the Himalayas , landing and leaving his footprints here at Pangboche. Visitors should be careful to respect the spirit of this sacred place, particularly observing the ban on killing or hurting any living creature in the area. Because of the ban the wildlife is usually unafraid and previous groups have spotted musk deer in the area.

Day 8
The trail from Thyangboche leads downhill through a forest of conifers, birch and rhododendrons. The trail passes the nunnery at Deboche to cross a wooden bridge over the rushing Imja Khola, whose valley we now follow. We begin to climb again, passing some beautifully carved walls. The trail then enters Pangboche, at 3,900m, the highest permanent settlement in this valley. We are above the tree line now passing through an alpine meadow landscape where we may catch a glimpse of the rare Impeyan pheasant, the national bird of Nepal. Following a ledge above the river, the trail crosses a wooden bridge at the confluence of the Khumbu and Imja Kholas. A short steep climb brings us to Dingboche, at 4,530m. Dingboche is a summer settlement and here the great peaks of Ama Dablam, the ridge of Nuptse-Lhotse, Tawoche and Chalotse surround us.

Day 9
We spend this day at Dingboche to continue our acclimatisation. Those who are adapting well to the altitude can climb Nangkartshang Peak at 5,100m. From this hill behind camp the views are even more spectacular; Chalotse and Tawoche tower above us, Ama Dablam rears up across the valley and in the distance we can see Makalu .

Day 10
The trail ascends the valley towards Island Peak and we make camp at Chhukung, a small settlement at 4,730 m. Whilst the camp is being set up we will ascend Chhukung Ri at 5,546m. From here we can look directly across the valley to the fantastic snow and ice formations on Ama Dablam and the Amphu Labsa. Right behind us rears the whole of the Nuptse face and this incredible wall of rock and snow fills the whole horizon.

Day 11
Turning away from the main valley we head off towards our first pass, the Kongma La. As we ascend the scenery becomes even more spectacular and the ridge of Nuptse rears up above us as we make our camp below the pass. In the afternoon we can acclimatise by scrambling up some of the smaller peaks surrounding our campsite.

Day 12
The ascent of the Kongma La is slow because of the altitude with a short scramble just below the pass. From the top, (5,535m), we are surrounded by peaks and glaciers in all directions. A steep descent brings us to the Khumbu glacier, which we cross to Lobuje (4,930m), a tiny yersa with a few teahouses in the summer. The sunset on Nuptse towering above us is not to be missed.

Day 13
We are now surrounded by giant Himalayan peaks; Everest, Nuptse, Ama Dablam and Pumori tower above us, and the sight of their snows glowing gold and pink at sunrise and sunset is quite unforgettable. We follow the Khumbu Glacier northwards to Gorak Shep (5,288m) and climb the small peak of Kala Pattar (black rock) at 5,545m to look down over the base camps of the various Everest expeditions. This climb affords a most magnificent view of the Khumbu Glacier and, towering above, a close-up sight of the world's highest mountain peak. The British in the 19th century named this peak after Sir George Everest, the head of the Survey of India, but to the Nepalese it is Sagarmatha (Head of the Waters) and to the Sherpas it is Chomolungma ("Mother of the World").

Day 14
Following the terminal moraine of the Khumbu glacier we head off down the valley a short way before turning off above the Chola Cho lake towards our next pass, the Cho La. Above us are the twin peaks of Tawoche and Chalotse. Passing the small yersa (yak pasture) at Dzanghla we camp at the base of the pass. For the energetic there will be chance today to ascend Awi Peak , 5,245m.

Day 15
The ascent of the Cho La is quite steep and not easy, especially in heavy snow conditions. At the top of the pass (5,420 m.) we cross the smooth, gently sloping surface of the glacier itself--a true mountain experience--as snow peaks and glaciers now surround us. The descent is steep at first on the rubble of the moraine.

Day 16
We now climb onto the terminal moraine of the Ngozumpo Glacier, which is the largest in the Nepal Himalaya. After crossing the glacier we reach Longpongo, the first of the glacial lakes. A short walk then brings us to the summer houses and walled meadows set next to the azure blue lake at Gokyo (4,750m).

Day 17
A free day to explore the magnificent scenery at Gokyo. There is chance to ascend Gokyo Peak (5,360m.) set above the lake to enjoy probably the most magnificent mountain panorama in the Khumbu. Mountains surround us and include four of the seven highest peaks in the Nepal Himalayas: Cho Oyu , Everest, Lhotse and Makalu . It is also possible to visit some more glacial lakes.

Day 18
Leaving this wonderful desolate mountain arena we climb up the barren rocky path to our last pass, the Renzo La (5,345m). From the top the views are truly magnificent. We can still see Everest in all its glory surrounded by Nuptse, Lhotse and Makalu . Gokyo Lake is a tiny pinprick way below us and, looking over the pass are the peaks of Rolwaling. Descending into the hanging valleys that spill into this corner of Nepal , the landscape is progressively that of the Tibetan valleys beyond the border.

Day 19
We descend further to meet the trail from the Nangpa La, which leads into Tibet , and we may well meet Tibetan traders who cross this pass into Nepal , with their caravans of yaks laden with carpets, salt and hides. Following the Bhote Kosi Valley we head south to Thame with its spectacular monastery.

Day 20
From Thame we follow the valley down through Thamo and Namche to reach Monzo.

Day 21
We follow the main trail back down the valley to Lukla.

Day 22
We fly back to Kathmandu and spend the rest of the day at leisure. (In case we experience difficulty flying out of Lukla today we can try again on the morning of day 23). Hotel.

Day 23
We have some free time this morning in Kathmandu for last minute sightseeing or shopping. Depart Kathmandu.

Day 24
Arrive home airport

Accommodations while at Kathmandu
Accommodations while trekking
Kathmandu/Lukla/Kathmandu airfare with airport tax and flight insurance surcharge
Qualified local guides and porters

Flight to Kathmandu
Lunch and Dinner while in Kathmandu
Cost of Meals: Average price for food is $25 US dollar per day per person
Nepal Visa Fee
Emergency Evacuation if Needed
Donation/tip for the guides $5 per day