The route to Everest Base Camp is said to be one of the most grueling treks around, covering over 60km and climbing up to 28,000 ft, and none are more challenging than our 14-day trek. Test yourself by trekking with us through the high passes – Renjo La, Cho La and Kongma La – which tower at over 5,000 metres each and aren’t featured on the standard Everest Base Camp (EBC) trek.
Approaching Everest from the West, you’ll climb Gokyo Ri and Kala Pattar, peaks which reach 5,500 metres and will test even the most experienced trekker. The summit of Chukhung Ri, under the Lhotse-Nuptse Wall may not be as renowned, but offers equally breathtaking views of Everest. Now well into the clouds, you can observe your unique view of snow-peaked mountains and untainted, blue sky.
As Mount Everest is the highest mountain in the world, the other peaks which surround it are often forgotten. Our trek will ensure that you get the most from your time on the trail. You’ll see mountains such as Cho Oyu, which ranks number 6 in the world’s highest mountains, amongst other peaks and astounding views.
This once in a lifetime journey begins in Lukla, where you’ll fly to from Kathmandu. The flight itself is incredibly short and rarely takes more than 35 minutes; this gives you time to take in the glorious green, peaked terrain and promises to be an exhilarating flight that you won’t forget.
Once you reach Lukla, the trek begins. Firstly, you’ll visit Namche Bazaar; this unique hillside village is the perfect place to become acclimatised to the altitude, as it stands at just over 11,000 ft above sea level, making it higher than most people are used to without reaching the dizzying heights of the trek to come. The trek then heads towards Thame and then Nangpa Valley.
After this, you’ll encounter Renjo La – the first of the three high passes - which is particularly challenging. A good level of fitness when trekking to EBC is vital; it’ll ensure you can enjoy the trek and appreciate your humbling surroundings, all the while, relishing the physical test.
Moving on from Renjo La, you can get your breath back with a stroll down to the postcard-perfect Gokyo Lakes. Here you will rest, recharge your batteries and have time to either put your camera to use or simply take in the sapphire blue lakes, which are incredibly deep at 62.2 metres.
The first peak you’ll encounter is Gokyo Ri, which is 17,575 ft above sea level. You’ll then move on over the Ngozumpa Glacier and carry on until you reach the base of Cho La. This part of the trek is tricky, as it involves a steep, often-icy, scree to get to the top of the pass. However, you can rest assured that, on our treks, your safety is always paramount and no risks will be taken.
The trek then rejoins the main Everest trail and heads towards Kala Pattar - the base camp itself. You’ll then trek downwards to Lobjue, before making your way to Kongma La, the last of the high passes, followed by the summit of Chukhung, the final peak. Here, the views of the North Ridge, the surrounding area and Cho Oyu are unrivalled.
Coming round in a full circle, the trek brings you back to Lukla through many villages rich in culture and tradition, such as Thyangboche. Once back at Kathmandu, you’ll have a chance to discover the city properly, get a hotel to rest in or simply allow yourself to take in what you’ve just achieved.
Can we do this trek in July / August? Yes, you can. However, July - September is monsoon period in Nepal and the airport in Lukla might be closed due to bad weather. Thus, you should allocate more than 20 days for this trek incase of bad weather.