Exploring the Everest Base Camp trek is one of the most adventurous things. The important thing is to know how to access this place and safely return. Here is a short guide to lead you through the different routes to Everest Base Camp without excluding any significant activities on your itinerary.
EBC Cho La Pass Gokyo Trek
EBC Cho La Pass Gokyo Trek route takes you through Lukla to Namche and Tengboche. After crossing other destinations like Chhukung and Base Camp, you will set your hike towards Cho La Pass at 5420 meters above sea level.
This is one of the three high passes in the Everest Region. It connects Everest Base Camp to the Gokyo region, from where you can traverse through the five lakes of Gokyo, experiencing Gokyo Ri, Mount Everest, and Ama Dablam.
During the trek, you will also hike to Kala Patthar, and from Gorakshep, you will head toward Gokyo afterward. So, you will pass across Thangna and Lobuche in the middle of your journey.
Everest Three High Passes Trek
The Everest Three High Passes Trek route is one of the most strenuous. Unlike the Base Camp trek, it is challenging and longer, with high risks and altitude. This route takes you to over 5000 meters above sea level, which might not be easy for all trekkers. You will traverse through three high-altitude passes on the verge of this journey. They are:
- Kongma La (5,535m / 18,154ft)
- Cho La (5,420 m / 17,782 ft)
- Renjo La (5,360 m / 17,560 ft)
Renjo La Pass
Renjo La Pass sits 5,360 Meters above sea level, and you can experience glaciers and tropical tundra climate around it. This pass is the place you should cross to reach Gokyo Lakes. You can experience the ultimate experience of the Everest region that comes with cold temperatures, views of Everest (8848m), Makalu (8481m), Cho Oyu (8201m), Ama Dablam, and Lhotse (8516m).
Cho-La Pass
Cho La Pass is 5,420 meters above sea level. It is one of the passes in the Everest region that connects Gokyo Lake with the Everest Base Camp route.
Kongma-La Pass
Kongma-La Pass is at 5535 meters above sea level. To reach this spot, you will start your journey from Chhukung at 4730 meters and trek uphill through the green forest and rocky terrain.
Everest Base Camp Classic Trek
Everest Base Camp Trek follows the standard route – you will start your journey from Lukla airport, Phakding, Namche, Tengboche, Dingboche, Gorakshep, and Base Camp.
As it is a classic trek to EBC, you will have the standard itinerary that includes your food and accommodation services at different stops. As this is one of the most thrilling treks in Nepal, you will experience the local Sherpa culture and tradition with the spectacular views of Mount Everest, Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Nuptse, and other peaks.
EBC Trek With A Helicopter Return
EBC Trek with a helicopter return follows the route of the classic EBC trek until you reach Kala Patthar, the Gate to Everest. The trek starts from Lukla, after which you will trek uphill through Phakding, Tengboche, Dingboche, Lobuche, and Everest Base Camp.
From EBC, you will traverse the rugged terrain leading to Kala Patthar, where your helicopter will await you. From Kala Patthar, you will fly back to Lukla, exploring the beauty of the peaks like Mount Everest, Cho Oyu, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam and local settlements.
