- 16 Days
- 234 kilometers
- 6-7 hrs
- Spring/Autumn
- Flight/Public/Private Vehicle
- Hotel/Lodge/Tea House
- Moderate
- Kala Patthar
- 5643 m
Overview
Everest Two Passes Trek is one of the most thrilling and demanding adventures in Nepal. The route is incredible, with two intersecting high pass crossings, Cho La Pass (5,420m) and Renjo La Pass (5,360m), which takes you into the heart of the Himalayas. With a combination of adventure, isolation, and natural beauty, it is a great choice for trekkers who want to go beyond the Everest Base Camp trail.
Unlike standard Everest treks, we have a chance to visit the serene Gokyo Valley and its famous Gokyo Lakes, followed by the superb Ngozumpa Glacier. In addition, you will have the thrill of climbing iconic viewpoints such as the Gokyo Ri and Kala Patthar, bringing you an unmatched view of Everest and surrounding peaks.
It takes you to one of the most lovely, less traveled places in the Khumbu region, and there is nothing like walking into this serene beauty.
The solitude and adventure make up for the unique view of the Everest Two Passes Trek. Parts of the route are on the traditional Everest Base Camp trail, but making your way across the passes gets you where only a few trekkers have ventured. Given that this trek consists of steep ascents, icy trails, and high altitudes, it is ideal for testing your physical and mental strength.
The trek also has its cultural filling aspect with stops in a fun Sherpa village like Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche, and Gorakshep, and heavenly viewpoints like the one at Kala Patthar.For a seasoned trekker seeking the challenge of a lifetime, the Everest Two Passes Trek combines stunning landscapes, jaw dropping views, and marvelous cultural diversity. It is an unforgettable adventure that tests your limits while taking you on Himalayan with memorable experiences.
Key Highlights of the Everest Two Passes Trek
- Breathtaking views of mountains like Everest and Ama Dablam, from spots like Renjo La Pass (5,345m), Cho La Pass (5,420m).
- Go to the wonderful Gokyo Lake, the world’s biggest freshwater source.
- Trek across Ngozumpa Glacier, the longest glacier in the Himalayas.
- You can get a close up view of Mount Everest from Kala Patthar.
- Visit the Tengboche monastery, one of the sacred spots in the region.
- Acclimatization and exploration in Namche Bazaar, a famous and lively village on the trek.
- A thrilling flight to Lukla with broad views of the surroundings.
- Hike through various forests, glaciers, and suspension bridges at Namche and Phakding.
- Chance to immerse in the Sherpa culture and remote Himalayan villages like Namche Bazaar, and Gokyo Ri.
Detailed 16 days Itinerary of Everest Two Passes Trek
Max Altitude: 2,860 m
Total Distance: 137 km
Trek Duration: 3 to 4 hours
Flight Time: 30 minutes
When you arrive in Kathmandu on your first day, we will board you for an exciting flight up to Lukla. The views on this flight are jaw dropping, without a doubt, you’ll be amazed at getting the first views of Mount Everest. Your trek officially starts reaching Lukla. From Lukla, you start the adventure across the Dudh Koshi River, crossing suspension bridges and taking in the environment of high altitudes.
You hike upwards in the north direction from the Dudh Kosi Valley and reach Phakding. Phakding is between the heart of green nature, where you will rest for the upcoming treks. Here you witness the serene views of rivers such as Dudh Koshi and Thadakoshi.
Max Altitude: 3,440 m
Total Distance: 7.4 km
Trek Duration: 5 to 6 hours
Today’s trip takes you to Namche Bazaar, a crowded Sherpa town with a lively market and great Sherpa culture. Dense forests of pine and rhododendron, together with occasional glimpses of snow covered peaks above and several suspension bridges, make this section thrilling.
You will also enter Sagarmatha National Park, a restricted area where you can glimpse rare wildlife like Himalayan monal and musk deer. The trail is steady, but it has some major uphill and tougher sections before Namche. You will have incredible views of Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam. Once you arrive you have the lively atmosphere of Namche Bazaar with tea houses and local shops. Once you have a long day of trekking the lodge will rest for the night.
Max Altitude: 3,440 m
Total Distance: 500 m
Trek Duration: 3 hours
Today is an acclimatization day so that your body can adjust to the increasing altitude. This means we are neither having any exhausting hikes nor resting at one spot, rather taking small hikes to Syangboche with amazing views of Everest and surrounding peaks like Ama Dablam, Lhotse, and Thamserku. Alternatively, you can also visit the Everest View Hotel, where views of spectacular mountains can be seen.
Namche Bazaar is a lively tourist hub where you can see the cultures of ancient chortens and explore the daily lives of the Sherpa people. Later, you will have a good night’s sleep and rest your body for the challenging treks ahead.
Max Altitude: 3,860 m
Total Distance: 5.9 km
Trek Duration: 6 to 7 hours
After you have finished eating, our trip starts again and moves towards Tengboche. Today, the hike will vary from pine forest to open meadow. Throughout the trek, you can see many chortens, waterfalls, and rhododendron forests, showcasing the region’s cultural and natural beauty.The main highlight comes after the steep and long climb and reaches Tengboche Monastery. This is one of the most sacred and religious sites, where locals and Buddhists have their cultural events with prayer flags, dances, and meals.
Max Altitude: 4,410 m
Total Distance: 9.1 km
Trek Duration: 4 hoursThe trek today will take you deeper into the Khumbu region, and provide views of the Imja Valley and mountains like Lhotse and Island Peak. Along the trail, you’ll also get a view of the local way of life in small Sherpa villages with fields of barley and potatoes. After some hiking, you will find yourself at Dingboche where you can rest and spend the night at a local tea house.
Max Altitude: 4,410 m
Total Distance: 4.1 km
Trek Duration: 5 to 6 hours
At Dingboche, we have another acclimatization day on the Everest Two Passes Trek. As the air gets thinner, you must let your body adjust to it, for which you need to explore around the high altitude, not just in one resting spot.We take short hikes to Nagarjung Hill, where Himalayan ranges like Langtang and Annapurna can be seen at their best. This area is filled with the Nepalese Army, so our guide becomes your safety here. After taking in the amazing scene, you will return back to Dingboche.
Max Altitude: 4,940 m
Total Distance: 6.6 km
Trek Duration: 5 hours
The altitude keeps increasing and today’s trek to Lobuche is a bit more challenging. The trail is an ascent through rugged terrain, over small streams, and through rocky bits. As you approach Lobuche, you’ll see views of two significant peaks, Mount Nuptse and Pumori.
The trek here is a little bit more remote and each step feels like it’s more of a challenge in the thin air. After some hiking, you’ll reach Lobuche, a small settlement with local tea houses that has fewer accommodations and basic facilities. Here you are going to stay for the night.
Max Altitude: 5,545 m
Total Distance: 12.1 km
Trek Duration: 6 to 7 hours
It is one of the highlights of the Everest Two Passes Trek. You’ll be going for a hike to Gorak Shep. The Lobuche to Gorak Shep trek is not the longest, and you will start the hike with a filling lunch. You’ll have a short break here at Gorak Shep to rest and take in the views of Khumbu Glacier.You will then go higher, where thin air can cause difficulties, but the views of Khumbu Glacier and Khumbu Icefall will be worth it. After some exploration, we go back to Gorak Shep and spent the night there, as there were no accommodations or meals at the Base Camp.
Max Altitude: 5,634 m
Total Distance: 3.5 km
Trek Duration: 4 hours
You will have an early start after breakfast to witness an unforgettable adventure. We set off for a hike to Kala Patthar, the highest altitude to reach on the Everest Two Passes Trek. Here you will get one of the best views with the golden hues of the surroundings, striking Mount Everest. Kala Patthar is another main highlight of the trek, taking amazing pictures of beautiful sights that will be embedded in your memories forever. Soaking in the sunrise over the mountains, you will start your descent to Dzongla for the night.
Max Altitude: 5,420 m
Total Distance: 8.6 km
Trek Duration: 6 to 7 hours
Today, you are on one of the tougher parts of the trek, over the Cho La Pass. At an impressive 5,420 meters, the pass isn’t going to be easy moving across rocky and snow covered lands, rather it will be hard but not impossible. Reaching the top, you will take in the views of some tall mountains including Everest, Lhotse, and Cho Oyu. Although the section is strenuous, with proper preparation, expert guidance from our guide, and suitable weather, the trek is as easy as the lower sections. After crossing the Cho La Pass, you’ll get back down to rest in Tagnag, also known as Dragnag.
Max Altitude: 4,790 m
Trek Duration: 5 hours
Today’s trek will be towards the stunning Gokyo Valley. The route to Gokyo is beautiful through high altitude meadows and lakes surrounded by mountain views. There we will have lunch and explore the surrounding area, and later we hike towards the turquoise Fifth Lake flowing from the Gokyo mountain. You will then move back towards Gokyo, which has an amazing scene of mountains and lakes, and stay the night there.
Max Altitude: 5,333 m
Trek Duration: 4 hours
Yet another acclimatization day, to allow your body to rest and function properly. Again this won’t be a rest sitting at one spot, you will have exploration or a short hike to Gokyo Ri. At an altitude of 5,333 meters, Gokyo Ri provides an amazing sunrise view where we can view the beautiful Ngozumpa Glacier and surrounding mountains such as Lhotse, Nuptse, and Cho Oyu.
Max Altitude: 5,300 m
Trek Duration: 4 hoursHere will be our final main highlight of the Everest Two Pass Trek. Today, you will go for the Renjo La Pass, at 5,300 meters, where you get the gorgeous views as well as the views of surrounding snow covered peaks. The summit to Renjo La Pass marks the accomplishment of our trek, after which you descend towards Lungden Valley to spend the night and have dinner.
Max Altitude: 3,300 m
Total Distance: 8.5 km
Trek Duration: 4 to 5 hours
You start your trek downwards to Namche by going through the charming village of Thame after crossing Renjo La Pass. At Thame, you can visit the sacred religious Buddhist Monastery where you can see the local culture of Sherpas. We slowly reach Namche Bazaar, marking the end of our trek. You get to see the lively culture of the local community one last time here, visit marketplaces to buy various souvenirs, and spend leisure time interacting with locals or exploring around the area.
Max Altitude: 3,440 m
Total Distance: 13.5 km
Trek Duration: 7 to 8 hours
Making our way back to Lukla, which was our starting point, marks the final end of the Everest Two Passes Trek. You will get to see the final views of mountains such as Lhotse and Mount Everest, and local villages like Namche Bazaar. You will leave Namche with not just souvenirs, but also the astonishing and once in a lifetime moment on the Himalayas.
Max Altitude: 2,860 m
Total Distance: 137 km
Trek Duration: 30 minutes
You start the flight back to Kathmandu, signaling the end of your Everest Two Passes Trek. This flight back to Kathmandu will allow you to retrace your entire adventure and give you a different perspective on the routes you had taken by foot.
An alternative would be taking a route to Ramechhap and then a drive back to Kathmandu. This will provide even new experience in the landscapes of Nepal and more time to reflect on your adventure.
With all the great memories we had, we ended our trip here. We hope to see you again in the future for another trip to Nepal.
Cost Inclusions
- Three meals including breakfast, lunch, and dinner a day during the trek.
- Quality accommodations during the trek in tea houses or lodges.
- All necessary documents like the Sagarmatha National park entry permit & Trekker’s Information Management System (TIMS) permit.
- Round trip flight charges from Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu with airport pickup and drops
- English speaking professional Government license holder guide with all his salary, food, drinks, accommodation, Transport and insurance.
- Strong helpful porter shared between two trekkers
- Medical supplies like emergency first aid kit with altitude sickness and other necessary medicines
- Emergency helicopter rescue arrangements with your travel insurance
- Government taxes, service charge and official expenses.
Cost Exclusions
- Airport pick up and drop for international flight.
- Accommodation and food in Kathmandu.
- Nepal visa fee which costs around $40 for 30 days visa.
- Your Travel medical insurance charges which is highly recommended for the rescue operations
- Your personal expenses
- International airfare.
- Any kind of Alcoholic and non alcoholic cold and hot drinks.
- Hot shower and battery charging during the trekking in the teahouses will not be paid by the company.
- Tips for the guide, porter and driver which should be around 10 % of their charge
- Excess baggage for the Lukla flight.
FAQS
The Everest Two Passes Trek usually takes 16 days. This includes acclimatization and rest days with amazing chances to see the nature and culture of Sherpa.
The main two passes in the Everest Two Passes Trek are the Renjo La Pass (5,300m) and Cho La Pass (5,420m).
Everest Two Passes Trek is slightly challenging trek suitable for beginners. You need to be prepared or have prior high altitude experience to complete the trek.
Well, guides are a must according to the Nepalese government’s April 1, 2023 rule, which banned independent trekking. But porters are optional but important when you have loads of heavy backpacks.
It depends on the season. In spring and autumn, you will have smooth and clear skies that with perfect views of the surroundings, but there will be occasional rains. Monsoon and winter, however, have the worst climate, with continuous rain and thick snowfall affecting not just trekkers’ health but also the blockages of the trail.
The short hike to Kala Patthar is the highest altitude on the Everest Two Passes Trek, reaching around 5,545 meters. Here, you get wide views of Mount Everest and Ama Dablam, making it the highlight of the trek.
Without a doubt, at high altitudes like this, there is bound to be high risks of altitude sickness. At the summit of the two passes, or on the trail, you can face symptoms like headaches, dizziness, and nausea.
The Everest Two Passes Trek in the winter is only for the most experienced trekkers. But even for experienced trekkers, it is not recommended after December 15 due to the risk of snowstorms and avalanches.
You need to train yourself 2 to 3 months before physically. Start with cardiovascular exercises like running, cycling, and swimming, and also with strength training of your legs and core with exercises like planks, lunges, and squats.
Most tea houses along the route of the Everest Two Passes Trek will have charging facilities available. However, as the area is remote and has limited electricity, tea houses can charge an extra fee, $1 to $2 per hour, for charging electronics.
The same goes for charging. Facilities like Wi-Fi and hot showers are available, but they come at an extra cost. Wi-Fi costs around $8 per day.
While you can be prepared and motivated, with the rules of the Nepalese government, you are banned from trekking solo in Nepal.
Yes, emergency evacuations like helicopter rescues are available. Remember to have travel insurance, as the price of emergency evacuation and medical coverage goes from $2000 to $5000, which is insanely more expensive than the insurance cost.
Difficulty and Challenges
Everest Two Passes Trek is a strenuous trek that needs to be prepared for and hikes with a moderate level of physical fitness. Both the Renjo La Pass and Cho La Pass, cross over 5,000 meters, making this trek a difficult one to trek. Altitude sickness or Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is something that must be taken care of when going to such altitudes. Trekkers should have slow and gradual ascents and be alert about any symptoms of altitude sickness.
The trek demands proper physical fitness. It covers high altitude treks to passes like Cho La and Renjo La, which need to be navigated carefully. Besides the rocky trails and uneven paths, you will require strength and endurance. You’ll have to engage in such as running, swimming, and cycling, and also in blike lunges, squats, and planks. Improving your stamina and strength will ease the difficulty of your trek.
But on top of the tough region, the unpredictable weather here will continue to wear you down. At higher altitudes, temperatures can go down drastically in regions like Renjo La Pass, Cho La Pass, and Kala Patthar, as cold as -25°C. Also, it can be warmest on lower altitudes like Lukla, around 25°C.
The snow and unexpected rain can make the trail slippery and difficult to walk. In addition to the rocky paths of the two passes, the Ngozumpa glacier is one of the most strenuous and long glacial sections to trek.
The weather conditions for the Everest region can vary quickly. While such treks can take you through some of the most beautiful scenery in the world, the difficulty isn’t to be forgotten at all. The weather can be clear one moment, and filled with dark clouds or snow the next. Seasons like winter and monsoon will have continuous snow and rain, making the trail unable to hike, and sometimes even blocked.
Monsoon can make the lower altitude swamp with leeches and the muddy paths make it highly uncomfortable to trek. Winter too results in snow and extreme cold, which can lead to injuries and altitude sickness. Autumn and spring are the times however with the calmest weather where you can enjoy the trip, but do be aware of occasional rains now and then.
Best Time to Trek
Autumn (September to November)
Autumn is the ideal season for trekking for the Everest Two Passes Trek as it has stable weather. Temperatures are from 20°C to -3°C which is moderate but also cold during the night for crossing high passes like Renjo La and Cho La Passes. Golden hued forest and crisp mountain air above with clear views of Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam makes this one of the best times to trek.
Cultural festivals during the seasons are also active. The main one to be celebrated is the Mani Rimdu festival, honoring Guru Rinpoche and making your trip culturally diverse.
Spring (March to May)
Another great season for this trek is spring, with temperatures ranging between 10°C and 20°C, this makes it extra cozy while trekking in the cold region. The trails are more lively, with rhododendrons blooming and wildflowers shining out along the trails. Nature advocates will enjoy seeing more birds and wildlife such as Himalayan tahr and musk deer that are active more than in other seasons.
The skies remain mostly clear and Gokyo Lakes reflect surrounding peaks making for amazing photographic opportunities. It can be cold at night, dropping below zero, but the scenery and biodiversity make up for it.
Winter (December to February)
Winter is a tough time to trek with temperatures that can go as low as -20°C. The trails on the high passes become icy, slippery terrain, making them dangerous to walk in if you don’t have the proper gear and experience. Yet the snow covered peaks and the warm villages bring an unforgettable feeling with fellow trekkers in cozy tea houses giving a sense of camaraderie.
High passes are often inaccessible due to blockades and extreme cold, and trekking is only possible around lower regions like Namche Bazaar or Tengboche.
Monsoon (June to August)
It brings heavy rainfall, muddy trails, and many landslides at monsoon time. Humidity is high and very warm with temperatures from 15°C to 25°C. Huge waterfalls spilling off of cliffs and thick green trails can be seen. Trekking to mountainous areas during this time isn’t the best as your views are obstructed by the poor visibility of rain clouds. Another uncomfortable thing in monsoon is the leeches on the lower trekking altitude, where paths are moist.
What to Pack
The Everest Two Passes Trek is no easy walk and packing smart will be very important. Layered clothing, base thermals, trekking trousers, an insulated jacket, and a waterproof windproof outer layer are required. For cold nights, a down jacket is a must have. Warm gloves, a fleece hat, and UV protective sunglasses are necessary for comfortable and safe days. Notable items will include trekking boots that are sturdy, well designed, have good ankle support, and should go with gaiters, for going on dusty trails and snowy passes.
Specific equipment like crampons is required on this strenuous trek as the trails are slippery, exhausting, and snowy, requiring a better grip. When ascending or descending, trekking poles give you extra stability for balance. Carry a 40 to 50 liter backpack to store all the essentials as you travel. As tea houses can sometimes be unreliable, it’s better to bring a sleeping bag rated for -10°C with extra insulation.
Hydration and energy are important, so pack hydration bottles and carry snacks such as trail mix, nuts, chocolates, and energy bars. You also need to protect yourself from harsh sunlight, which means you need sunscreen and lip balm with UV protection. An early start or an emergency requires a headlamp with spare batteries.
A proper first aid kit with medications like Diamox for altitude sickness, ibuprofen, and paracetamol for pain relievers, and blister treatments with bandages and adhesive tapes are also needed. A bug repellant would also be good from Lukla to Namche at lower altitudes.
Lightweight sandals for lodge evenings, a camera for memorable snaps, and a power bank for recharging devices as electricity is scarce can aid your trip. To pack well, carefully pack these essentials and not unnecessary things like laptops and books.
Tips for packing light but efficiently
- Don’t pack unnecessities like a laptop or numerous books.
- To avoid bottled water, take water filters or purification tablets (it also reduces cost)
- Don’t pack nice or pretty, try to pack warm for comfort.
- Pack insulated clothing and not fashion clothing, so that you stay cozy even on cold days.
- Have a sturdy backpack of 30 to 50 liters.
- Minimize toiletries like soap, toothpaste, and brush.
- Pack multipurpose items like buff.
- Pack high calorie and nutritious snacks like nuts, energy bars, and dried fruits.
- Only bring one sturdy trekking boots, and one comfort camp shoes or sandals for teahouses.
Accommodation and Food
Accommodation along the Everest Two Passes Trek are mostly teahouses, a simple yet cozy resting place. They are family run lodges where you get a bed, food, and possibly hot showers. It feels welcoming for trekkers to interact with locals and fellow travelers. Rooms have single or twin beds with blankets. Private bathrooms are very rare unless it’s luxury, you would rather have shared bathrooms outside.
In popular and lively places like Namche Bazaar, you can have Wi-Fi facilities, hot showers, and private bathrooms. In tea houses, there are communal dining areas, where you can share experiences and interact firsthand with locals and other trekkers. This lively and cozy moment with traditional meals makes it the best part of tea houses, which not even luxury provides.
On the Everest Two Passes Trek, you will eat all three meals of the day: breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You can choose from various options, from traditional Nepali food to Western-style dishes and Tibetan food.
Starting with breakfast, you get enough porridge, muesli, oats, egg, and and Tibetan bread to start the trip. During lunch, you have a filling and tasty traditional Nepali dish, dal bhat (rice and lentils), vegetable curries, Tibetan-influenced thukpa (noodles), or Western dishes, like a sandwich. Finally, for dinner, you again have dal bhat for nutrients, momo (Tibetan dumplings), and pizza (a Western dish) for dinner.
Whether you are vegetarian or not, you just need to inform us while booking, and we will find you the proper tea houses for your preferences of meals.
But when visiting during peak seasons, accommodation limitations, like tea houses shutting down and meals being canceled, can be present. This can significantly affect the type of tea houses meals we get, or even none. It is better if you book through us, as we contact the tea houses on the trail and prepare them for you.
Permits and Regulations
For trekking to Everest Two Passes Trek, you’ll need a Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit and a Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit.
The Everest Two Passes Trek connects with the Sagarmatha National Park, a conservation and protected area, for which you need to obtain Sagarmatha National Park Permit. For the Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit, foreigners are charged $25, $13 for SAARC nationals, and for Nepalese, it’s NPR 100.
It protects the area’s ecosystem and helps finance the conservation of rare plants, animals, and landscapes. This UNESCO World Heritage Site established the permits in 1976 to maintain trails, waste management, and eco-preservation.
For the Everest Two Passes Trek, the previously required TIMS card is now replaced with a Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit. This permit costs NPR 2000 (approximately $16) and accounts for the Khumbu region’s local development of roads, bridges, and healthcarein.
These combined permits control the number of trekkers, protect the environment, and boost local livelihoods, assuring the sustained nature of this iconic place. You can obtain the Sagarmatha National Park Permit from the Nepal Tourism Board office, and for the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit, you can obtain it from the the Lukla checkpoint.
To avoid the hassle and the price, you can directly take our package and book from Radiant Treks. We manage all the required permits without you having to run around.
Recent changes in local regulations or rules for trekkers
Previously, on the Everest Two Passes Trek, you were required to have a TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) card. This TIMS card was used to track the moment of all the trekkers on the trek. It was not only for the safety of trekkers but also for the safety of the environment.
Usually, trekkers could get lost on the trail, making it difficult to find them in remote regions like Everest. The TIMS card assists the Nepalese government in knowing where the trekker is and provides immediate help.
These lost lost trekkers usually follow an undefined trail, meaning they go off the designated trail. Going on new trails isn’t adventurous; rather, it affects nature and the surrounding lands with new trail marks that weren’t supposed to be.
However, on October 1, 2018, the TIMS card was replaced with the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entry Permit. This change in the permits was to provide better resources to the local communities. The government would use the funds collected to give them resources to support and build infrastructure, conserve the environment, and provide emergency services when required.
The introduction of the Khumbu permit regulates traffic flow and provides a serene and environmentally friendly trekking experience.
Cultural and Environmental Considerations
When going for the Everest Two Passes Trek, you must maintain goodwill with the Sherpa culture. Greet local people with a nice “Namaste” and say “Dhanyabad” when you thank them, also ask for permission before taking photos. Some basic words in the local language can show cultural appreciation and interest. Dress modestly without revealing much body when visiting monasteries, for instance, the Tengboche Monastery.
Sherpa religious sites, like stupas and mani walls, have important spiritual significance, so always walk around them clockwise as a sign of respect. Don’t be shy about showing up at local customs or festivals like Dashain, Tihar, Lhosar, or the Mani Rimdu festival whenever you are invited. It will help you better understand the area’s rich heritage.
Trekking ecologically is responsible for protecting the fragile Himalayan environment. Follow the Leave No Trace principles by carrying all waste, not littering around, and ensuring campsites are clean. Stay on marked trails so you don’t destroy native vegetation and prevent erosion. Instead of purchasing bottled water, which is a considerable factor in pollution, use reusable water bottles and purification tablets to have safe drinking water.
Don’t buy single use plastic containers, use a multi-use container. For personal hygiene, and prefer biodegradable soap and tissues. Wood resources can become very scarce, so use fuel efficient stoves instead.
Sustainable tourism uplifts local communities. By hiring local guides, porters, and cooks, you ensure that money stays in the community. Try purchasing supplies, souvenirs, or handmade crafts from local vendors rather than buying them imported.
All the money for the permits, accommodations, and meals goes directly to the local community, which can further be used to improve the area’s infrastructure and amenities. It is also better to provide fair wages to locals and tips to guide and porter for their effort, this signifies your respect for their hard work.
Why Choose the Two Passes Trek?
Cruising across the Renjo La (5,360m) and Cho La (5,420m) passes in the Everest Two Passes Trek is an exhilarating alternative to the classic Everest Base Camp (EBC) Trek. The Everest Two Passes Trek is more remote, adventurous, and suitable for seasoned trekkers who want a greater challenge and solitude, but it is much less trafficked than many.
The Everest Two Passes Trek is far more technically difficult and demands proper acclimatization and and endurance than the EBC trail, however, it offers one of the best views without excessive crowds.
The trek promises to be an experience for adventure seekers. High altitude passes and their colorful routes to navigate over rocky, icy, and snowy terrain bring thrills to you. You feel accomplished after reaching the top of these passes. On the way, trekkers see Everest base camp and Kala Patthar (5,545m), enjoying stunning high views of Everest, Lhotse, and Nuptse.
Another big highlight is the ascent of Gokyo Ri (5,357m), where you peer over to the shimmering Gokyo Lakes and get your first views of Renjo La and Cho La. The trek includes an opportunity to see the longest Himalayan glacier, Ngozumpa Glacier, and some dramatic ice formations for some photo opportunities.
The landscape and wildlife provide the best opportunities for photography. Renjo La Pass offers a stunning panorama of the Gokyo Valley, with its turquoise lakes between the snowy peaks. Peaks like Thamserku and Kangtega’s early morning reflections in the lakes make the photographs more charming.
The forests near Thame are home to Himalayan tahr, musk deer, and colorful Danphe pheasants. Rare birds of prey such as Himalayan griffons, red pandas, and snow leopards can also also be seen in the high-altitude meadows and barren landscapes.
Also, Sherpa villages like Lungdem, Thame, and Machhermo can give you a feeling of serene Sherpa villages. These villages provide an insight into cultural life along with calm moments that make the adventure, nature, and culture blend a delight.
