Everest’s 3 High Passes Trek: Map, Cost and other Essentials

More than 50,000 trekkers make a point to visit Everest region every year. The popular Everest base camp trek attracts adventure enthusiasts from around the world. Equally intriguing but least traveled regions of the Everest are its 3 high passes; Renjo La, Cho La and Kongma La, respectively. Here, you will cross some of the highest passes in the world, along with traversing the greater Khumbu valley.

Crossing high passes is considered an ordeal, which toughens you physically and mentally by showering upon you its harsh weather and unmerciful terrains. However, if you wish to trek the high passes, then there isn’t any treks in the world as adventurous as this!

∞Overview∞

Everest’s 3 passes are some of the highest passes in the whole world. Located at close proximity to Everest, the 3 passes require more time, skill and strength to explore the entire region. Encountering the uneven terrains, sea of snow and ice and bitter cold is common.

One must be accompanied with a guide during the trek, as the region still consists of unbeaten tracks. The wider and barren landscape, most of the times, is taken as a Ghostly town.

#1 Renjo La

Chukhung valley seen from the Renjo La

Renjo La is one of the high passes located in Khumbu valley at an elevation of 5,360 m (17,585 ft). It follows the path leaving Gokyo to the west and is in the eastern front of Lungden.

The path to Renjo La is quite strenuous; snowfall during winter makes it difficult to attempt the pass. Renjo La and surrounding regions are culturally Tibetan. Enjoying close panorama of some of the highest mountains in the wold is the major attraction of the trek. Through Renjo La, you can reach the exquisite valley of Gokyo and make your way further west to Cho La Pass.

#2 Cho La 

Cho La Pass 5,420 m (17,782′) at khumbu is one of the highest pass in the world, also connecting Gokyo valley with Khumjung

 

Cho La 5,420 m (17,782 ft) is a high pass located along Gokyo trail in Khumbu valley. It connects the village of Dzongla to the east and the village of Thagnak  to the west.

One can cross Ngozumpa glacier on the way to Cho La. To the east the trail joins the classic Everest Base Camp route.

Ascending Cho La can be physically demanding and may require crampons for slippery paths. One can get best view of Lobuche peak from the top.

#3 Kongma La

Kongma la overlooking Ama dablam

Kongma La 5,535 m (18,160 ft) is another high pass located between Chukhung village and Lobuche. Trekkers can attempt Kongma La on a  return route from the base camp.

It is the highest pass among 3 Everest passes. The panorama of surrounding mountains is quite amazing when seen from Kongma La.

∞Map & Trek Seasons∞

 

Pre-monsoon (March-June) and Post-monsoon (September-November) are two of the great seasons for trekking in Khumbu valley. The weather is clear; days are warm and nights are cold.The higher regions and passes may receive snowfall during post-monsoon and winter.

∞Standard Itinerary∞

Day 01: Fly to Lukla (2,800 m/9,186 ft) & trek to Phakding (2,652 m/8,700 ft), 3-4 hrs walk

Day 02: Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m/11,283 ft), 5-6 hrs walk

Day 03: Acclimatization day at Namche Bazaar

Day 04: Trek to Thame, (3,800 m), 3 to 4 hours

Day 05: Trek to Marlung, (4,137 m), 4 to 5 hours

Day 06: Trek to Lungdeng (4,600 m), 3 to 4 hours

Day 07: Trek to Renjo- La (17,929 ft?5465 m) to Gokyo Lake (4,800 m)

Day 08: Relax Day at Gokyo Lake

Day 09: Hike to Gokyo RI (5,330 m/17,483 ft), and trek to Thaknak (4,750 m/15,580 ft), 6-7 hrs walk

Day 10: Trek to Cho-la Pass (5,367 m/17,604 ft) to Dzongla (4,850 m/15,908 ft), 5-6 hrs walk

Day 11: Trek to Gorakshep (5,160 m/16,929 ft), 5-6 hrs walk

Day 12: Trek to Everest Base Camp (5,357 m/17,575 ft) and return to Lobuche for overnight. 6 to 7 hrs

Day 13: Lobuche – Kongma La (5,535 m/18,159 ft) – Chhukung (4,730 m/15,518 ft): 6-7 hrs

Day 14: Trek to Tyangboche (3,867 m/12684 ft), 4-5 hrs walk

Day 15: Trek to Monjo ((2680 m/8,791 ft), 5-6 hrs walk

Day 16: Trek to Lukla (2,800 m/9,186 ft), 6-7 hrs walk

∞Montage∞

∞Gears & Equipment∞

• Pair of hiking boots (well broken in) – One could spend over 5 to 6 hours a day on the trail, therefore, long-lasting boots are essential. The boots can range from light to medium, high or low. If one plans to trek during the months when it snows, the high boots become essential for proper hiking.
• Soft and light shoes (sneakers) – Carrying light-weight sneakers for ‘after the day hike’ serves comfort.
• Crampons – it may become essential to carry crampons along because the high passes and the surrounding are quite difficult terrains with snow and ice covering the field. Using crampoon during the ascent may help climb easier.
• Lightweight knapsack - It is useful for short trips away from one’s lodge, and will save you from carrying large backpack along. It should be large enough to fit a camera, spare clothes and a sleeping bag, if one plans to spend a night away.
• Lightweight sleeping bag - Essential during peak seasons (October-December). Lodges do offer blankets, but are scarce during the peak season, therefore carrying a sleeping bag (-10 C°) can be a great precaution.
• Fabric band-aids - Blisters are common due to rigorous walking. A good alternative to band-aids is duct tape. Works great for blisters and also proves invaluable in many other ways.

Costs & Permits

The permit cost for entering Sagarmatha National Park (UNESCO Heritage Site) is:

• SAARC Nationals – Rs. 1,500 per person (Approx. US $15)
• Non-SAARC Nationals – Rs. 3,000 per person (Approx. US $30)

Resources

• Everest 3 Passes Trek -21 Days
• Gokyo Valley Trek -14 Days

PhotoSource : Google Search /Article