Trip Overview

A challenging off the beat trekking trail is a less visited and crowded trail but offers ultimate trekking experience in the Everest Region. Kongma La and Cho La pass Trek is for experienced trekkers and are popular being Himalayan High Passes. The trek lies above the Khumbu glacier opposite of Lobuche in the Everest Trek region, and it’s also a place of several small summits.

Offering you the stunning views of certain peaks and valleys, the trek takes you from easy trails to rugged high passes. The trekking trail is incomparable and unforgettable that needs to be experienced by every trekking enthusiast.

Highlights:

  • Witness the breathtaking panoramic view of the Himalayas of the Everest region from the world’s highest passes.
  • Kongma-La and Cho-La Pass Trek are popular Himalayan high passes.
  • The trek trail connects the major trekking routes in the Khumbu Valley.
  • View of Three major Valley of Everest region - Gokyo Valley, Chhukung Valley, and Everest Base Camp Valley.
  • Get to know the local culture, people, and their customs.
  • Chance to relish local food and Nepalese Cuisine.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival at Kathmandu

After arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, where you’ll be welcomed by a Sherpa Expedition Trekking staff and transferred to a 3-star hotel. The day is followed by a briefing about the trek program. The day includes Breakfast.

Day 2: Morning Flight from Kathmandu to Tenzing and Hillary Aiport in Lukla. Trekking from Lukla to Phakding

You board an early flight after having breakfast at the hotel. The company guide will pick you and escort to the domestic airport in a car. During the flight, enjoy a stunning view of the Himalayas, and after landing, you meet your porter. Now you’ll start the trek of 4-5 hours covering a distance of 2610m. The trek trail passes a Kani and steeply descends then ascends Kyangma Village, which has a large Gompa. As you enter Cheplung Village, the trail descends taking you through a forest accompanied by the Dudh Koshi stream. After crossing a suspension bridge, take a short climb around the ridge to Ghat, as you leave Ghat you pass through prayer wheels. Then you climb to the hamlet of Chautala, from Chhuthawa you reach to Phakding, where you’ll be staying overnight at a Mountain Lodge.

Day 3: Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar

Start your day with a morning walk, and then after the breakfast begins the trek crossing bridges over Dudh Kosi River and several intriguing villages of Tok-Tok, Bankar, and Monjo. You then arrive at Sagarmatha National Park entrance, and from here you walk on the river bed crossing bridge taking a steep uphill to reach Namche Bazaar crossing 3450m distance in 5-6 hours.

Day 4: Acclimatization/Rest at Namche Bazzar, Hike to Everest View Resort

Rest and explore the area, or take a day hike to Thame or visit Khunde. Namche Bazaar is the main center of the Mt. Everest region and surrounded with facilities that includes government offices, ATMs, cyber cafes, restaurants, a bakery, market, and more. Here you can also observe an assortment of things associated with the primary Mt. Everest ascenders, Asian culture, and study of local animal and plant life. 

Day 5: Trek to Tengboche

You continue the trek walking along the flowing glacial waters of Dudh Kosi with the magnificent view of the mountains. The trek reaches Tengboche covering a distance of 3860m in 4-5 hours. The place is famous for Tengboche monastery decorated with ornate wall ganging, 20-foot Buddha sculpture, and the musical instruments and robes of the Lamas. You will be taken to the cluster to observe a player ceremony takes place in the morning and evening.

Day 6: Trek to Dingboche

The trek starts in the afternoon, a trek of 4-5 hours covering a distance of 4460m to reach Dingboche where altitude bites. The trail takes you to the Village of Somare and then Orsho, and later the trail divides the left path goes up to Pheriche, and heads to a bridge. Lastly, you steep climb to the village of Dingboche for an overnight stay at a lodge/guest house.

Day 7: Acclimatization/Rest at Dingboche

It is advised to take rest before you trek towards the higher altitude. The day is for acclimatization and an amazing opportunity to take a short hike up to the valley to Chukkung and on towards Island Peak. Take a short trip to Nagkartshang Gompa, above Dingboche, or head to Pheriche for a lecture on altitude sickness. The trail for Chhikung leaves Dingboche for the cluster of Bibr is encircled with spectacular Peaks of Taboche, Lhotse (fourth highest in the world), and Nuptse. You also cross Amphu Labtsa Pass and Ama Dablam. After rest, you can walk head up a grassy slope towards the peak of Chukkung Ri to view Makalu.

Day 8: Trek to Chhukung

Start the walk from Dingboche to Chhukung - the last settlement of the Khumbu region around Imjaste Valley. The area is encircled with grand scenery of snow-clad mountains with Mt. Makalu towards the East. You can take rest or further hike to Chhukung Ri to witness the most supreme view of the mountains and other natural embellishments.

Day 9: Trek to Kongoma-la and Lobuche

The day starts early before dawn with a climb through the icy path and walking through a rocky trail beneath Kongma-la and its peak Kongma or Mehra, then take rest for a while. Now cross over Kongma-la pass hidden between great Nuptse Wall, Mihara, and Pokalde peaks. The climb is tough towards Khumbu glacier and moraine. Be careful once you start descending from this point and then steep climb walking for short distance up to the terminal debris of Khumbu Glacier to reach Lobuche. The day ended after a good 7-8 hours of walk, covering a distance of 5535m, you stay here at a guest house for an overnight.

Day 10: Trek to Gorakshep--Everest Base Camp—Return to Gorakshep

The trek to Gorakshep passes through the lateral moraine of the Khumbu Glacier and Pyramid signpost. The trail moves further, and we see the crest of the north ridge of Everest along with Mt. Pumori, Mt. Mahalangur, Mt. Lingtern, Mt. Khumbutse, Mt. Nuptse, etc. Take a small ascent to Thangma Riju to witness the 360 degree vista of breathtaking snowy mountains. Climb steeply up to the top through Changri Glacier, where you catch the first glimpse of Kala Patthar (grey-green knoll) beneath Mt.Pumori. Trekking for 6-7 hours, covering the distance of 5,364m as you reach Gorakshep you can enjoy the scintillating view of snow-covered mountains looming all around including the world’s highest- Mt. Everest.

Day 11: Hike to Kalapatthar- Walk to Dzongla

Early hike to Kalapatthar hilltop, a black rocky ridge at 5545 meters high, to witness the panoramic surrounding giant peaks with Mt. Everest offered by the trail of 6 hours. Then head back to Gorakshep, continuing a downhill trek to reach the base of Cho-la pass at Dzongla for a night over.

Day 12: Dzongla to Cho-la pass- Walk Down to Thangnak

The trek starts early in the morning to Thangnal while witnessing the fantastic views of Cholatse Mountain. At the beginning of the trek, you walk a steep path up the westward side from Dzonglha and will be toughest than what you have done before. Reaching the top, you then prepare to cross the Cho-La pass passing through Cho-la Lake and Mt. Amadablam. The trek becomes difficult as the rocks start to be glazed by ice. Be careful with the final trek of the day, which can be difficult as the trail curves around. Once you reach the top after crossing distance of 5367m, start walking downhill to Thangnak covering a distance of 4750.

Day 13: Trek to Gokyo

After a restful sleep, start the early morning with breakfast and then begin your trek to Gokyo. Once you reach longponga, continue ascending the trail to Gokyo with the view of Tanjung Tsho Lake. Take a short walk on the edge of Ngozumpa glacier to enjoy the view of Gokyo Lake. Waking for 4-5 hours covering the distance of 4750, the trek trail is indeed easy for the day.

Day 14: Trek to Gokyo Ri- Trek down to Machhermo or Dole

Trek to Gokyo Ri or the Gokyo peak, a mountain peak in the Khumbu region of Everest and is famous for its panoramic Himalayan views and view of several mountain summits in the Khumbu region. After observing fascinating sight from Gokyo Ri, start your descend back to Machhermo, after a blissful walk of 6-7 hours covering a distance of 4470m.

Day 15: Trek to Namche Bazaar

Journey back to Namche from Machhermo begins early after mouth-watering local breakfast. This trail is easy and comfortable, where you need to walk for 5-6 hours to reach the destination. You traverse through several Sherpa settlement areas and villages you reach Namche.

Day 16: Trek to Lukla

Last day of your trekking spree, from here you walk to Lukla where the trek began. You can explore the place or take rest. In evening take part in a small celebration enjoying drinks and dance with your fellow trek mates.

Day 17: Fly back to Kathmandu

An early morning flight will take you back to Kathmandu, and at the airport, you meet the staff of Sherpa Expedition and Trekking who transfers you back to 3-star hotel. You can explore the place or go shopping.

Day 18: International Departure Homeward Bound

Last day in Nepal, with great experience and memories go back home to prepare for new adventure amidst the Himalayas. The staff if Sherpa Expedition and Trekking transfer you to the airport for your final departure.

Included

  • Hotel and Airport pick-up and drop off by private car/bus/van.
  • Accommodation in 3-star hotel in Kathmandu, breakfast included.
  • Stay at lodge/guest house during the trek with all three meals.
  • Accompanied by a local guide who speaks English, and other language speaking guides.
  • Flight from Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu.
  • Local Staff and Porter to carry luggage during the trek.
  • Down jackets- sleeping bags and medical kits.
  • Food, accommodation, salary, insurance, equipment, and medicine for staff.
  • Inclusive of Government Tax.
  • Official Expenses.
  • Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS).
  • Sagarmatha National Park Permit Fee.

Excluded

  • All meals (lunch and dinner) in City or the Capital.
  • Travel Insurance (Compulsory).
  • International Airfare.
  • Visa Fee.
  • Wi-Fi and Battery Charge.
  • Alcoholic, cold and hot drinks, laundry, and chocolate.
  • Personal trekking types of Equipment.
  • Certain Sightseeing/Monument Entrance Fee.
  • Any other expenses which are not mentioned in the above section.
  • Tips for Trekking Staff and Driver. (Note: Tipping is expected).

Good to Know

It is well-versed and facilitated trekking experience that includes accommodation for all days, all meals during trek and breakfast during the hotel stay at Kathmandu. The trekking is for the experienced and physically fit trekkers due to the challenging off beaten trekking trails. The best time to travel is from October-November and March-April. Also, during your stay in Kathmandu you’ll be accommodated in a 3-star hotel on a twin sharing basis.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival at Kathmandu

After arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, where you’ll be welcomed by a Sherpa Expedition Trekking staff and transferred to a 3-star hotel. The day is followed by a briefing about the trek program. The day includes Breakfast.

Day 2: Morning Flight from Kathmandu to Tenzing and Hillary Aiport in Lukla. Trekking from Lukla to Phakding

You board an early flight after having breakfast at the hotel. The company guide will pick you and escort to the domestic airport in a car. During the flight, enjoy a stunning view of the Himalayas, and after landing, you meet your porter. Now you’ll start the trek of 4-5 hours covering a distance of 2610m. The trek trail passes a Kani and steeply descends then ascends Kyangma Village, which has a large Gompa. As you enter Cheplung Village, the trail descends taking you through a forest accompanied by the Dudh Koshi stream. After crossing a suspension bridge, take a short climb around the ridge to Ghat, as you leave Ghat you pass through prayer wheels. Then you climb to the hamlet of Chautala, from Chhuthawa you reach to Phakding, where you’ll be staying overnight at a Mountain Lodge.

Day 3: Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar

Start your day with a morning walk, and then after the breakfast begins the trek crossing bridges over Dudh Kosi River and several intriguing villages of Tok-Tok, Bankar, and Monjo. You then arrive at Sagarmatha National Park entrance, and from here you walk on the river bed crossing bridge taking a steep uphill to reach Namche Bazaar crossing 3450m distance in 5-6 hours.

Day 4: Acclimatization/Rest at Namche Bazzar, Hike to Everest View Resort

Rest and explore the area, or take a day hike to Thame or visit Khunde. Namche Bazaar is the main center of the Mt. Everest region and surrounded with facilities that includes government offices, ATMs, cyber cafes, restaurants, a bakery, market, and more. Here you can also observe an assortment of things associated with the primary Mt. Everest ascenders, Asian culture, and study of local animal and plant life. 

Day 5: Trek to Tengboche

You continue the trek walking along the flowing glacial waters of Dudh Kosi with the magnificent view of the mountains. The trek reaches Tengboche covering a distance of 3860m in 4-5 hours. The place is famous for Tengboche monastery decorated with ornate wall ganging, 20-foot Buddha sculpture, and the musical instruments and robes of the Lamas. You will be taken to the cluster to observe a player ceremony takes place in the morning and evening.

Day 6: Trek to Dingboche

The trek starts in the afternoon, a trek of 4-5 hours covering a distance of 4460m to reach Dingboche where altitude bites. The trail takes you to the Village of Somare and then Orsho, and later the trail divides the left path goes up to Pheriche, and heads to a bridge. Lastly, you steep climb to the village of Dingboche for an overnight stay at a lodge/guest house.

Day 7: Acclimatization/Rest at Dingboche

It is advised to take rest before you trek towards the higher altitude. The day is for acclimatization and an amazing opportunity to take a short hike up to the valley to Chukkung and on towards Island Peak. Take a short trip to Nagkartshang Gompa, above Dingboche, or head to Pheriche for a lecture on altitude sickness. The trail for Chhikung leaves Dingboche for the cluster of Bibr is encircled with spectacular Peaks of Taboche, Lhotse (fourth highest in the world), and Nuptse. You also cross Amphu Labtsa Pass and Ama Dablam. After rest, you can walk head up a grassy slope towards the peak of Chukkung Ri to view Makalu.

Day 8: Trek to Chhukung

Start the walk from Dingboche to Chhukung - the last settlement of the Khumbu region around Imjaste Valley. The area is encircled with grand scenery of snow-clad mountains with Mt. Makalu towards the East. You can take rest or further hike to Chhukung Ri to witness the most supreme view of the mountains and other natural embellishments.

Day 9: Trek to Kongoma-la and Lobuche

The day starts early before dawn with a climb through the icy path and walking through a rocky trail beneath Kongma-la and its peak Kongma or Mehra, then take rest for a while. Now cross over Kongma-la pass hidden between great Nuptse Wall, Mihara, and Pokalde peaks. The climb is tough towards Khumbu glacier and moraine. Be careful once you start descending from this point and then steep climb walking for short distance up to the terminal debris of Khumbu Glacier to reach Lobuche. The day ended after a good 7-8 hours of walk, covering a distance of 5535m, you stay here at a guest house for an overnight.

Day 10: Trek to Gorakshep--Everest Base Camp—Return to Gorakshep

The trek to Gorakshep passes through the lateral moraine of the Khumbu Glacier and Pyramid signpost. The trail moves further, and we see the crest of the north ridge of Everest along with Mt. Pumori, Mt. Mahalangur, Mt. Lingtern, Mt. Khumbutse, Mt. Nuptse, etc. Take a small ascent to Thangma Riju to witness the 360 degree vista of breathtaking snowy mountains. Climb steeply up to the top through Changri Glacier, where you catch the first glimpse of Kala Patthar (grey-green knoll) beneath Mt.Pumori. Trekking for 6-7 hours, covering the distance of 5,364m as you reach Gorakshep you can enjoy the scintillating view of snow-covered mountains looming all around including the world’s highest- Mt. Everest.

Day 11: Hike to Kalapatthar- Walk to Dzongla

Early hike to Kalapatthar hilltop, a black rocky ridge at 5545 meters high, to witness the panoramic surrounding giant peaks with Mt. Everest offered by the trail of 6 hours. Then head back to Gorakshep, continuing a downhill trek to reach the base of Cho-la pass at Dzongla for a night over.

Day 12: Dzongla to Cho-la pass- Walk Down to Thangnak

The trek starts early in the morning to Thangnal while witnessing the fantastic views of Cholatse Mountain. At the beginning of the trek, you walk a steep path up the westward side from Dzonglha and will be toughest than what you have done before. Reaching the top, you then prepare to cross the Cho-La pass passing through Cho-la Lake and Mt. Amadablam. The trek becomes difficult as the rocks start to be glazed by ice. Be careful with the final trek of the day, which can be difficult as the trail curves around. Once you reach the top after crossing distance of 5367m, start walking downhill to Thangnak covering a distance of 4750.

Day 13: Trek to Gokyo

After a restful sleep, start the early morning with breakfast and then begin your trek to Gokyo. Once you reach longponga, continue ascending the trail to Gokyo with the view of Tanjung Tsho Lake. Take a short walk on the edge of Ngozumpa glacier to enjoy the view of Gokyo Lake. Waking for 4-5 hours covering the distance of 4750, the trek trail is indeed easy for the day.

Day 14: Trek to Gokyo Ri- Trek down to Machhermo or Dole

Trek to Gokyo Ri or the Gokyo peak, a mountain peak in the Khumbu region of Everest and is famous for its panoramic Himalayan views and view of several mountain summits in the Khumbu region. After observing fascinating sight from Gokyo Ri, start your descend back to Machhermo, after a blissful walk of 6-7 hours covering a distance of 4470m.

Day 15: Trek to Namche Bazaar

Journey back to Namche from Machhermo begins early after mouth-watering local breakfast. This trail is easy and comfortable, where you need to walk for 5-6 hours to reach the destination. You traverse through several Sherpa settlement areas and villages you reach Namche.

Day 16: Trek to Lukla

Last day of your trekking spree, from here you walk to Lukla where the trek began. You can explore the place or take rest. In evening take part in a small celebration enjoying drinks and dance with your fellow trek mates.

Day 17: Fly back to Kathmandu

An early morning flight will take you back to Kathmandu, and at the airport, you meet the staff of Sherpa Expedition and Trekking who transfers you back to 3-star hotel. You can explore the place or go shopping.

Day 18: International Departure Homeward Bound

Last day in Nepal, with great experience and memories go back home to prepare for new adventure amidst the Himalayas. The staff if Sherpa Expedition and Trekking transfer you to the airport for your final departure.

Included

  • Hotel and Airport pick-up and drop off by private car/bus/van.
  • Accommodation in 3-star hotel in Kathmandu, breakfast included.
  • Stay at lodge/guest house during the trek with all three meals.
  • Accompanied by a local guide who speaks English, and other language speaking guides.
  • Flight from Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu.
  • Local Staff and Porter to carry luggage during the trek.
  • Down jackets- sleeping bags and medical kits.
  • Food, accommodation, salary, insurance, equipment, and medicine for staff.
  • Inclusive of Government Tax.
  • Official Expenses.
  • Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS).
  • Sagarmatha National Park Permit Fee.

Excluded

  • All meals (lunch and dinner) in City or the Capital.
  • Travel Insurance (Compulsory).
  • International Airfare.
  • Visa Fee.
  • Wi-Fi and Battery Charge.
  • Alcoholic, cold and hot drinks, laundry, and chocolate.
  • Personal trekking types of Equipment.
  • Certain Sightseeing/Monument Entrance Fee.
  • Any other expenses which are not mentioned in the above section.
  • Tips for Trekking Staff and Driver. (Note: Tipping is expected).

Good to Know

It is well-versed and facilitated trekking experience that includes accommodation for all days, all meals during trek and breakfast during the hotel stay at Kathmandu. The trekking is for the experienced and physically fit trekkers due to the challenging off beaten trekking trails. The best time to travel is from October-November and March-April. Also, during your stay in Kathmandu you’ll be accommodated in a 3-star hotel on a twin sharing basis.