What is the Everest High Passes and Island Peak trip?

The Everest High Passes and Island Peak trip is an adventurous journey that combines trekking through high mountain passes in the Everest region with climbing Island Peak, a popular trekking peak.

What are the high passes included in this trip?

Everest High Passes and Island Peak typically include crossing three high passes: Kongma La Pass, Cho La Pass, and Renjo La Pass, each providing stunning mountain views and unique experiences. However, this trip only involves Renjo La and Cho La with EBC and eventually Island Peak.

Is Island peak with High Passes difficult? Who can join?

Island peak 6189 m / 20,305 feet with Renjo Pass and Chola Pass is no doubt an Alpine PD+ grade expedition which is physically challenging and demanding. However, it’s not something unattainable; anyone with reasonable health can accomplish the goal. All we need is a proper acclimatization strategy, besides, the Nepal Pyramids itinerary for Island Peak Climbing with high passes is so designed that anyone can benefit with ample time for acclimatization which matters most in the environment with less oxygen. Anybody with sensible fitness can join but anyone with personal ailments, ankle problem, heart, lung, or knee problems need to seek the consent of your doctor which is mandatory before you sign up for this trip. Little homework in regards to knowing what you are doing and physical preparation is MUST.

What equipment’s Nepal Pyramids provide for High passes and Island Peak Trip?

Nepal Pyramids provides you with a very warm sleeping bag with fleece liner and wind-stopper duvet jackets with attached hoods. We also provide you with a Nepal Pyramids duffel bag to fit all your gear in, a plastic bag to separate your clean clothes from the dirty ones. To make it hassle-free and less expensive we provide all the climbing gear including two two-member sharing tents, ropes, boots, crampons, ice-axe, etc. HOT BAGS AT ISLAND PEAK BASE CAMP DURING NIGHT TIME.

Is Lukla airport dangerous to fly in?

It is always very tricky to predict the weather in the mountains and anyone flying high to these high-altitude airports must be aware of the fact that the delays and cancellations are common episodes. Besides, our airport has one single airstrip for both international and domestic the probability of delays is high. In a similar way, anyone flying Lukla must be prepared to take these circumstances with patience. However, it’s not a daily story. And it’s always very wise to have a contingency day in Kathmandu to cushion any cancellation situation. Though listed as a Dangerous Airport in the world the pleasure of flying to Lukla is an experience of a lifetime that is not to be missed. In fact, what’s the point of living a life in fear?

What permits are required for Island Peak climbing?

For Island peak climbing you would require: National Park permit, Pasang Lhamu Municipality Permit and Island Peak The Climbing permits issued by NMA (Nepal Mountaineering Association). Furthermore, $20 additional permit if you are trekking from Jiri however, NOTE: Nepal Pyramids takes all the hassle of obtaining the permit prior to your arrival in Kathmandu.

What is the best time for Everest High Passes and Island Peak?

The best time is usually in the pre-monsoon (spring) season from March to May and the post-monsoon (autumn) season from September to November.

Is climbing experience required for Island Peak?

While prior climbing experience is beneficial, it's not mandatory. However, some basic mountaineering skills and physical fitness are essential.

What kind of accommodation can I expect during this Trip?

Accommodation varies, from comfortable lodges and tea houses in the lower regions to camping at higher altitudes, especially during the Island Peak climb.

What is the difficulty level of Everest High Passes and Island Peak Trip?

The trip is considered challenging due to the high-altitude trekking, technical aspects of Island Peak, and crossing the high passes.

Is it safe to undertake Everest High Passes and Island Peak Trip?

Safety is our foremost concern when it comes to any extreme trips like this. We prioritize the well-being of our climbers above all else. Our experienced guides and support staff are meticulously trained to ensure that every aspect of the expedition, from equipment checks to acclimatization schedules, is designed to minimize risks. We follow strict safety protocols and continuously monitor weather conditions and the physical condition of our trekkers. Island Peak may be an adventure, but the safety and security of our participants are non-negotiable, ensuring that your climb is not only thrilling but also a secure and memorable experience.

How can I prepare for the Island Peak climbing?

Preparation for Island Peak climbing is a must, it's essential to start early and follow a comprehensive plan. With the right physical conditioning, technical skills, equipment, and a reputable guide, you can embark on this challenging adventure with confidence. Start your training well in advance. Aim for cardiovascular fitness, strength training, and endurance exercises to prepare for the demanding trek and climb. Choose an experienced guide or expedition operator with a good safety record. They will handle logistics, safety, and support throughout the climb. Mentally prepare for the challenge. Island Peak climbing can be physically and mentally demanding. A positive attitude and determination are key. Consider doing some high-altitude training climbs or trekking to build experience and confidence before attempting Island Peak. Pay close attention to your guide's instructions and obey their advice on safety and climbing techniques.

What are the highlights of this Everest High Passes and Island Peak Trip?

Highlights include crossing high mountain passes, stunning vistas of Everest and neighboring peaks, Sherpa culture, and the challenging yet rewarding experience of summiting Island Peak.

Everest High Passes and Island Peak

Everest High Passes and Island Peak Trip Highlights

Most thrilling and scenic flight to the exceptional mountain airport of Lukla.
Walking into the deep valley of traditional Sherpa village.
Going over the picturesque Renjo La Pass offers spectacular panoramic mountain views and aerial views of the Gokyo lakes.
Overnight at Gokyo with its turquoise blue lake and close view of Cho Oyu, the 6th highest mountain in the world.
Crossing the Ngozumba Glacier, the largest glacier in the Himalayas.
Going over the icy Cho La Pass (5,420 meters /17,782 feet).
Staying at the alpine settlement of Drangnak and Dzongla which is utterly out of the world.
Ascend Everest Base Camp, 5,360 meters, and Kala Patthar, 5,545 meters.
Crossing the technical Kongma La Pass (5535 meters / 18,159 feet).
Opportunity to experience wilderness Camping at Island Peak Base Camp.
Enjoy delicious Camping food.
Follow the footsteps of Eric Shipton and conquer Island Peak which is 6,198 meters / 20,305 feet.
Conclude our trip with another scenic flight from Lukla to Kathmandu.

Everest High Passes and Island Peak Trip Overview:

Everest High Passes and Island Peak trip concludes three of the most prominent high mountain passes in the region with climbing the most popular Island Peak.

The Three Everest High Passes are:

Renjo La Pass - 5,360 meters / 17,560 feet
Cho La Pass - 5,420 meters /17,782 feet
Kongma La Pass - 5,535 meters / 18,159 feet
Island Peak - 6189 m / 20,305 feet

Everest High Passes and Island Peak is unquestionably an ideal pick for true adventure seekers. If you are looking for a challenging trek to uncover your outdoor curiosity this strenuous ++ trip will be a great choice. This Three High Mountain Passes with Island Peak Expedition will provide anyone with a beautiful experience of both wilderness trekking and mountain climbing.

Furthermore, this epic Everest Circuit trip isn't like the traditional Everest Base Camp Trek route which goes and comes the same way. It takes you through the diverse valleys of Thame, Gokyo, Cho La, EBC, and finally the valley of Imja. Despite being strenuous this wilderness trip will surely give you the best of the Everest region.

This 24-day expedition through three high passes Renjo La Pass, Cho La Pass, and Kongma La Pass is certainly more of a secretive trek. It takes you deep into the untouched magnanimous lofty valleys that give anyone a genuine wilderness experience.

Furthermore, it delivers an off-the-beaten-track experience away from the traditional and commercial Everest routes. Going over these high-altitude passes is undeniably very challenging but very worthwhile with its exceptional beauty. Moreover, the accomplishment of being at the top of them is very appealing.

Everest Three High Passes Trek with Island Peak Climbing certainly gives anyone more of a chance to know, understand, believe, and trust themselves. Challenging these magnanimous high mountain passes with the most splendid views and conquering the famous Island Peak is simply phenomenal. It is to test your mental and physical endurance and to see how far can you go to prove your patience.

There are beautiful reasons why you should do Everest High Passes Trek CLICK HERE for the blog post that gives you 10 beautiful reasons. Likewise, if you are looking for an alternative route to Everest High Passes you can also do Everest 3 High Passes Anti Clockwise.

Everest Three High Passes Trek with Island Peak Trip Profile:

Our 24-day expedition to Everest Three High Passes Trek with Island Peak starts with a beautiful welcome dinner at Thamel. Shortly, the next day we will drive 132 km to Ramechhap District to get to the airport of Manthali. We will spend a night at Manthali and take the most scenic flight to Lukla the next day.

This short 18-minute flight to Lukla (2840 meters) will surely be one of the most beautiful experiences of a lifetime. Lukla airport is not in reality the most dangerous airport in the world. It in reality is the most thrilling mountain airport with a very unique short inclined runaway. As you take off from Manthali airport this small aircraft cruises in the air giving you a spectacular aerial view of Nepal's landscape.

From the craft, you will witness the deep gorges, vibrant hills, terraced farming fields, traditional villages, dramatic forests, and of course the soaring mountain view. The landing at the Lukla airport is very thrilling and it is considered one of the best mountain flight experiences in the world.

We will walk the town of Lukla and gradually enter the buffer zone of Sagarmatha National Park. Taking the legendary trail, we will pass through several traditional SHERPA settlements and terraced fields. Following the Dudh Koshi Gorge we will eventually get to our first destination of Phakding.

The next day we will head out to the popular town of NAMCHE BAZAAR, the capital of the Khumbu region. The trail leading to Namche is the legendary trail that Eric Shipton's team took during the 1950s and the successful John Hunt expedition team took in 1953. Following their footsteps and crossing ample suspension bridges including the famous Hillary Bridge we will get to Namche Bazaar.

After Namche, we will leave the traditional EBC trail and head out to the valley of Thame. Thame is said to be the first settlement of the Sherpas when they migrated from Tibet. From Thame taking the ancient route, we will trek to Lumde cross the most picturesque Renjo La Pass, and descend to Gokyo Lake.

Gokyo is yet another paradise-like place where you will witness turquoise Gokyo Lake and the soaring Cho Oyu, the 6th highest mountain in the world. Crossing the Ngozumpa Glacier, the longest glacier in the Himalayas we will not head towards our second mountain pass of Cho La. Cho La Pass is very popularly known as the glacier walking pass. After Cho La, we will now start our adventure towards the famous Everest Base Camp.

Walk to Everest Base Camp, the base of the world's highest mountain is indeed an experience. Here you are completely surrounded by Everest and its neighboring mountains. This 360-degree view is certainly a natural amphitheater where you will find peace and connection to nature. Soon we will prepare for your final high mountain pass of Khongma La. Crossing Kongma La we will get to the Imja Valley and soon get ready for your Island Peak ascent.

At Island Peak base camp you will have completely a new experience of CAMPING, unlike the teahouse trek. A clinical course will be conducted by your climbing guide and that very night at midnight you will get a wake-up call and start for the summit earliest in the morning. When you reach the summit you will be amazed by the view that Island Peak delivers you. No wonder why Eric Shipton named it ISLAND PEAK in the year 1951.

After summiting Island Peak we will take a different valley of Dingboche and visit the famous Tengboche Monastery. We will spend a night at Namche Bazaar once again where we will celebrate our accomplishment with our crew members. The next day we will retrace our trail back to Lukla and dance to our final celebration and Tipping culture. The trip concludes with yet another scenic flight back to the city of Kathmandu

Renjo La Pass (5,360 meters / 17,560 feet):

The Renjo La Pass is one of the most picturesque high mountain passes at an altitude of 5,360 meters (17,560 feet). This beautiful pass offers the most stunning views of Mount Everest and the surrounding mountains. It is said that among most high mountain passes in the Everest region, Ranjo La boasts of delivering the most spectacular views.

Besides stunning mountain views, one of the main attractions of Renjo La is the breathtaking beauty of the surrounding landscape. The views of the snow-capped peaks include the prominent world's highest peaks of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Cho Oyu, and Makalu.

Furthermore, we will also see majestic peaks like Gyachung Kang, Chumbu, Pumori, Lobuche, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Kangtega, Thamserku, Cholatse, and many more. The other highlight is the view of the turquoise-blue Gokyo Lakes which adds more to its beauty. In simple, the views from the summit of Renjo La are simply breathtaking and make it a truly unforgettable experience.

Gokyo Lake (4,790 meters /15,715 feet):

The settlement of Gokyo town is located at an elevation of (4,790 m/15,715 feet). You wouldn't imagine the beauty of Gokyo Lake is truly breathtaking. This beautiful& town of Gokyo is considered one of the most picturesque places in the region. It certainly has a paradise-like setting with a blue lake, alpine meadows, and surrounding snow mountains.

The crystal-clear blue and green waters of the Gokyo lake in contrast with the rugged terrain and white mountains are truly magical. Gokyo Lake creates a stunning mirror that reflects the surrounding mountains adding to the beauty of the area.

The Gokyo Lake is surrounded by pristine wilderness with a stunning view of Cho Oyu, the 6th highest mountain in the world. In the afternoon it will be very rewarding to go on a short hike to view 36 kilometers long Ngozumpa Glacier, the longest glacier in the Himalayas.

Trekkers usually climb Gokyo Ri for the spectacular views of the surrounding landscape and mountains. But after Renjo La we highly recommend saving your energy for the other high passes and Island Peak summit. From the summit, you can see the six Gokyo Lakes, as well as the panoramic view of the mountains that you witnessed from Renjo La.

Gokyo Lake also has a religious significance because of which it is considered holy. However, now in the winter when the lake is frozen, ice skating has become a popular sport in Gokyo.

Cho La Pass (5,420 meters /17,782 feet)

This high mountain pass connects the Gokyo Valley and the valley of Everest Base Camp. It stands as a beautiful bridge between these two different valleys and offers a challenging but rewarding trekking experience.

The height of Cho La Pass is 5,420 meters (17,782 feet) above sea level. It is one of the three main high mountain passes in the Khumbu region and is very popular. The pass is located between the peaks of Cholatse and Lobuche East and it possesses the name from the 6000-meter mountain Cholatse.

Cho La Pass is commonly known as the Glacial Walking Pass. This blue glacial pass is stunning on its own with its distinctive beauty. Since the pass is right over the blue glacier, the trail over the pass changes every year with the movement of active glaciers. Walking over this prominent Cho La pass gives you a memorable wilderness trekking experience.

Trekkers have the flexibility of doing Cho La pass Clockwise or Anti Clockwise. Clockwise will lead you to the iconic Everest Base Camp and Anti Clockwise will take you to the picturesque town of Gokyo.

Kongma La Pass (5,535 meters / 18,159 feet)

Our last high Himalayan pass is Kongma La Pass which takes us to the small remote settlement of Chhukhung. Kongma La which stands at a height of 5,535 meters isn't as popular as Renjo or Cho La Pass. However, it is getting trendy these days for trekkers who are looking to go the extra mile in doing extreme trekking.

This high mountain pass being relatively less trodden is considered technical as compared to other popular passes. Not many trekkers do Kongma La due to which with the slightest snowfall there can be a high chance of skipping this pass and taking the other en route. However, walking over this pass is yet another great experience and the view of Lhotse, the 4th highest mountain in the world is simply incredible.

Furthermore, Kongma La is typically one of the most difficult Passes. The trail is a steep ascent at many points and there are technical terrain trails due to which porters are sent the other way to Chhukhung.

Island Peak Expedition - 6189 m / 20,305 feet:

Island peak climbing offers anyone a great climbing experience with its challenges and breathtaking views from the summit. This peak was named 'Island Peak' (6189 m / 20,305 feet) in 1951 by Eric Shipton, a distinguished British Mountaineer. It is said that Island Peak was given the local name 'Imja Tse' in 1983.

Island Peak has always served as a preparation ground for mountaineers before scaling any high peaks. No wonder why it has always become a favorite among aspiring mountaineers. Since it is an ideal introduction to mountain climbing thousands of people climb this mountain every year.

The summit of Island Peak offers spectacular 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains. As you stand at its summit you will realize why Eric Shipton named it 'Island Peak'. It is certainly an island that stands in the middle of the white mountain ocean. The panoramic view cannot be compared with anything else.

Island Peak offers diverse terrain to climbers from crossing crevasses, ascending steep technical terrain, vertical icy slopes, etc. It gives climbers the genuine taste of mountain climbing experience. This unique combination of challenge, location, and stunning scenery makes Island Peak the most prominent 6000-meter peak.

Likewise, also check Best Trekking Peaks for Beginners in Nepal and Top Seven 6000 meters Trekking Peaks in Nepal.

Though Everest High Passes and Island Peak are physically demanding its beauty cannot be denied.

To make your peak-climbing hassle-free we resource you with the entire facility of issuing permits, organizing equipment to providing reliable climbing Sherpas. Worrying is out of the question since we are here to craft your peak climbing dreams into reality.

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Everest High Passes and Island Peak Detail Itinerary:

Please keep in mind that the provided Everest High Passes and Island Peak Detail itinerary serves as a general guideline only. While we make every effort to follow this plan, trekking in the Himalayas can be influenced by varied factors like weather, trail conditions, and the health and acclimatization of the group. Our experienced guides prioritize your safety and will make necessary adjustments as needed. This might involve changes in the daily schedule or rest days for better acclimatization. Your trekking experience is our top priority, and we're committed to providing you with the best adventure while ensuring your well-being. Thank you for your understanding and flexibility.

Flight Delay/Cancellation in Kathmandu and Lukla:

The unpredictability of Flights flying to and from Lukla Airport, the gateway to Mount Everest, and the world’s most electrifying airport is pretty evident from its history of delays and cancellations. Diverse factors lead to the situation of cancellation including the weather, technical issues, poor visibility, etc. In such conditions, Nepal Pyramids will charter a helicopter to make certain that you don’t miss your trip or your international flight. But again under these circumstances, the possibility of flying a helicopter depends on the Nepal Civil Aviation flying rules.

Travelers are to pay the cost of the chartered helicopter which is payable through cash, traveler’s cheques, or credit cards (Visa and Master Cards only). Travelers will be provided with a receipt upon payment so that they may claim the amount from their travel insurance. The cost per person is governed by the number of people taking this facility.

However, it is always very wise to have an extra day in your hand in case of bad weather, delays, or flight cancellations. Though in such cases, we always come up with a possible alternative depending on the situation, however, an extra day always cushions for any such uncertainty that truly redeems you from all the international flight hassles.

Why our clients adore us!

1 AuthenticTraveler Reviews

Chrish DonaghyAustralia,October 01, 2023
Fantastic Trip
We had an amazing 3 weeks trekking with our guide Arjun. The trip was exactly as described but exceeded our expectations in so many ways. Arjun’s knowledge, support, and attention to detail helped ensure we had a great time.