Everest High Passes Trek

This trek is suitable for average people who are moderately fit, thus no previous experience is required. Some physical fitness programs such as running, swimming, hiking is recommended before you embark on your journey. Whilst on the trek, it is common to experience some discomfort before being fully acclimatized.

The trek along the three high elevation passes is considered to be a little challenging due to high altitude and changing weather conditions. If heavy snow fall occurs, the possibility of crossing the passes is not possible. The guide will let you know if the trek along the high passes is appropriate if such condition occurs. Especially in the months of November to January, there is high probability of heavy snowfalls thus you should be prepared for such unpredictable weather challenges. Crampons are recommended for an easy walk on the snow.

To prepare for a strenuous trek like this you should begin training at least two to three months before your departure. As a guideline, an hour of aerobic exercise three to four times per week would be considered a minimum requirement. The best preparation is bushwalking involving relatively steep ascents and descents. If you can manage a couple of valley floor to ridgeline ascents per comfortable and able to enjoy the trek to the fullest. They are physically strong, sharp-witted and have an incredibly positive attitude towards a life that we would consider extremely tough. There is something about a trek in the Himalaya that draws you back time and time again. For keen walkers it is a paradise and even avowed non-walkers find that one foot just seems to follow the other, drawn by the appeal of what lies beyond.

Price Includes

Airport / Hotel / Airport pick up & drop off service by a private tourist vehicle

Standard twin-sharing accommodation in a three-star hotel in Kathmandu including breakfast

Guided city tour in Kathmandu valley by a private tourist vehicle

All standard meals during the trek (Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Guesthouse accommodation during the trek in mostly twin-share and occasionally dormitory-style rooms

Local Ace the Himalaya licensed English-speaking trekking guide

The required number of local staff and porters to carry your luggage during the trek (We assign one porter for every two guests)

Food, accommodation, salary, insurance, equipment and medicine for all staff

Everest National Park permits and TIMS permit for trekking

Down jacket and sleeping bag by Ace the Himalaya (which need to be returned after the trek)

All domestic flights (From Kathmandu – Lukla or Manthali – Lukla and Lukla to Kathmandu or Lukla to Manthali) including airport departure tax and transfers. (Note: If you want to take a shared helicopter, it will cost you an extra amount.)

Free Ace the Himalaya duffel/kit bag and sun hat (yours to keep)

Sightseeing/Monument entrance fees in Kathmandu

Farewell dinner in a traditional Nepali restaurant with cultural performances

All our government taxes, vat, tourist service charges

Official expenses

Price Does not Include

Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu

Travel insurance which covers emergency high-altitude rescue and evacuation.

International airfare and airport departure tax.

Nepal entry visa; you can obtain the visa easily upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu (Tourist Visa with Multiple Entries for 30 days can be obtained by paying US $ 50 or equivalent foreign currency. Similarly, Tourist Visa with Multiple Entries for 90 days can be obtained by paying US $ 125. Please bring 2 copies of passport size photos).

Alcoholic, hot and cold drinks

Personal trekking equipment (Click on the Equipment tab).

Tips for trekking staff and driver (Tipping is expected)

Any others expenses that are not mentioned in the Price Includes section

YES, you can obtain the visa easily upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu (Tourist Visa with Multiple Entries for 15 days can be obtained by paying USD 30 or equivalent foreign currency. Similarly, Tourist Visa with Multiple Entries for 30 days and 90 days can be obtained by paying USD 50 and 125 respectively. Please bring 2 copies of passport size photos.)

Yes, our airport representative will be there to greet you at the airport. S/he will be displaying an Ace the Himalaya sign board outside the airport terminal. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel by our tourist vehicle.

Most of the tea houses do have western style flushing toilet however in higher elevation you could find the squat toilets made of either a ceramic basin on the ground or few planks precariously positioned over a hole in the ground which is always outside of the room.

Please bring a copy of your travel insurance, a copy of your passport and 3 photos (passport size) with you for your trip to Nepal. You would need photos for permits.

We use double or twin styled rooms at three star hotels in Kathmandu with breakfast included. Along the trekking routes, teahouses/lodges generally provide basic clean facilities with a mattress and a quilt or blanket. The nights prior to the day of trekking to the three high elevation passes, the stay will be in a guesthouse providing minimal facilities. This is because the high passes are located at remote areas thus providing basic accommodation. We can also offer you Ace the Himalaya sleeping bags if needed (to be returned after the trip) but it is a good idea to always have your own sleeping equipment. The lodges in trekking routes usually provide single and double rooms, or occasionally a dormitory. At times when possible, dining will be around a bon fire. In teahouses, food will be prepared in the kitchen, which you should not enter without permission.

At most cases you can use the toilet provided by the tea houses/lodges on the trail but normally in case of emergency, you just do toilet along the trail wherever you find privacy.

Substituting the accommodation or swapping from mountain guest house to Kathmandu is NOT possible. We only provide four nights’ accommodation in Kathmandu included in the package.

In case of flight cancellation or early arrival to Kathmandu due to any sickness in the mountain or any of your own personal reason or due to bad weather and you are unable to continue the trek, you will need an extra night accommodation/s in Kathmandu. We can make these arrangements for a supplemental charge.

All the guest houses sell the toilet paper so you can buy it there itself. Hand sanitizer and a towel you must bring your own.

During the trek, we will try our best but normally the lodges have twin sharing and dormitory styled room instead of a single room. The lodges will provide a private room for one person when the room is free and additional cost is not required.

In Kathmandu, USD 45 Per Room per Night would be added as a single supplement fee. The single supplements are always guaranteed in Kathmandu but not in the mountain especially during the peak time.

Most teahouses (lodges) in Everest region trails cook a delicious range of mostly vegetarian fare. Pasta, tuna bakes, noodles, potatoes, eggs, daal bhat(rice and lentils), bread, soup, fresh vegetables (variety depends on the season) and even some desserts like apple pies, pancakes, and some interesting attempts at custard. You will find a lot of garlic on the menu because it assists with acclimatization – eat some every day. In many larger villages you may find some meat items on the menu. You can always get hot chocolate, tea, and hot lemon drinks, as well as soft drinks, and treats like chocolate and crisps.

Each day dinner and breakfast will be at a lodge you’ll stay at while for the lunch you would be stopping by on the way where you can order your meals as per your choice. Guide will help you to stop by at best possible places to eat.

No problem at all because mostly, the lodges serve the vegetarian meals. We always recommend our clients to eat vegetarian meals to avoid the food poisoning, eating heavy meals and non- vegetarian meals at the high altitude is not really safe for the stomach.

YES, the food is very safe during the trekking and we recommend you to eat the vegetarian and local food. Please follow the suggestion of our guide on the trek.

At the lower altitude like Lukla, Phakding, Namche the guesthouses provide the facilities of hot shower.

And in rest of the places (at higher elevation), warm water in the bucket will be provided for shower.

For all above showers, it would cost you extra about USD 3-4 per shower. The higher you go the hot shower would be expensive.

Bottled water is easily available at the lodges and teahouses. You can buy bottled water at the cost of USD 2 at lower elevations to USD 4 to higher elevation per littler. More higher you go it would be expensive.

If you are planning to drink normal water, purifying water with any sort of purification tablets or drop is must.

One can purchase purification tablets or iodine in Kathmandu, Lukla or Namche.

It depends on your spending habits. Generally, in Kathmandu, you can allocate USD 10 to USD 15 for a lunch and a dinner. USD 15 to USD 18 per person a day will be enough to buy bottles of water, chocolates, pay for the hot shower and a few drinks during the trekking. Please note, higher you go the things would be expensive especially at higher altitude; all the goods are supplied either by helicopter, horse, mules or porters therefore the things are expensive.

During the trekking period, cash transaction is highly recommended. Please change the currency in local Nepali Rupees before you go to the mountains.

Especially in the Everest trail, ATM would be available only in Namche and relying on it is not a better idea as you never know when things stops working. Also if you try to exchange your foreign currency there you would be getting very less exchange rates. So changing money from Kathmandu and taking Nepalese cash is a wise idea, which we too recommend.

Depending on the nature of the travel, the transportation to and from the destination varies from domestic flights to vehicular transportation to even piggyback rides on mules and yaks. We provide you only those options, which enhance your local experience while allowing you to travel comfortably and efficiently. We use private tourist vehicles for sightseeing, city tours and pickups. Depending on the group size we use cars, minibus, vans or alternatively 4WD SUVs, more maneuverable in travelling along the narrow and bumpy roads of Nepal. All the vehicles are usually air-conditioned unless we are travelling in cooler areas.

For domestic flights (Kathmandu – Lukla – Kathmandu), we use Tara Air, Summit Air, Sita Air; all popular domestic airlines.

Well, it depends, and cannot be ensured ahead in peak trekking season, especially spring (March, April, May) and fall (September, October, November). Some airlines operate their first few flights in the early morning (6 to 7:30 am) directly from Kathmandu to Lukla. If it gets cancelled, there is less likely to reschedule your flight the next day due to limited number of flight operations from Kathmandu to Lukla. So, you will be flying to Lukla from Manthali airport. In general, it takes about 20 minutes to reach Lukla from Manthali airport.

However, there is an option to take a shared helicopter (private charter is also available and is expensive). It will cost you USD 500 per person extra for both ways (USD 250 per person for one way) in addition to the trip price. This cost is available only for those who do advance booking of the helicopter flight at least one week before the trip starts. The helicopter can take 5 passengers. Your guide will inform you about the time to leave for the airport one day before. The helicopter flights are scheduled from 6 AM to 1 PM. From the Kathmandu airport, you will reach Lukla within 40 to 60 mins depending upon the weather. This is a great option as you won’t have to worry about the Kathmandu to Manthali drive which starts around 2:30 AM. Plus the helicopters can fly in visibility as low as 1,500 meters when the weather isn’t favorable for the planes which need the visibility of 5,000 or more meters to fly.

On the other hand, besides peak trekking season, spring and fall, most airlines will operate their flight to Lukla from Kathmandu directly. You don’t have to get to Manthali to catch your Lukla flight.

You can fly back to Kathmandu directly from Lukla during monsoon (June, July, and August) and winter (December, January, February). These two seasons are considered off trekking time, and Lukla flight operates to and from Kathmandu during those times.

Similarly, during peak trekking season, spring (March, April, May), and fall (September, October, November), the Lukla flights operate directly to Manthali airport. During those times, there may be some last flights returning back to Kathmandu from Lukla directly under favorable weather conditions. Usually, the flight takes place after 11 am, and depends upon available landing slots in Kathmandu. But these aren’t guaranteed earlier. As the best available options, we recommend you to fly Manthali from Lukla in peak season.

However, there is an option to take a shared helicopter (private charter is also available and is expensive). It will cost you USD 500 per person extra for both ways (USD 250 per person for one way) in addition to the trip price. This cost is available only for those who do advance booking of the helicopter flight at least one week before the trip starts. The helicopter can take 5 passengers. Your guide will inform you about the time to leave for the airport one day before. The helicopter flights are scheduled from 6 AM to 1 PM. From the Lukla airport, you will reach Kathmandu within 40 to 60 mins depending upon the weather. This is a great option as you won’t have to worry about the Manthali to Kathmandu drive which takes around 4 to 6 hours depending on the traffic. Plus, the helicopters can fly in visibility as low as 1,500 meters when the weather isn’t favorable for the planes which need the visibility of 5,000 or more meters to fly.

The primary modes of air transport in mountain region are Twin Otter and Dornier. Sometimes, due to bad weather conditions or other technical issues, flights may get cancelled or delayed to and from Lukla. In this case, we can rebook your flight for the next day. We highly recommend you to prepare ahead for unforeseen circumstances (flight delay, bad weather) and schedule a couple of extra days for the trek.

Other possible option is to charter a private full-reserved helicopter to ensure you don’t miss deadline for the trek or your international flight. The helicopter takes 5 passengers at a time, and the cost of trekking guide should be shared by trekkers respectively.

The private helicopter charter between Kathmandu and Lukla will cost you extra USD 2,500 to reserve a private helicopter in addition to the domestic flight airfare. If you want to take a helicopter on a sharing basis, it will cost you USD 500 per person. This price is applicable during emergencies or when you have given us a notice in less than 24 hours. We will try to find a cheaper option but the average rate for quick arrangement of helicopter is USD 500 per person. Please note that when you request for a helicopter in a short time (i.e. less than 24 hours) for any reason except emergencies, you will have to be in queue to use the helicopter flight. There are a limited number of helicopters and they are used in a wide range of activities in the mountains. So, please keep in mind you won’t be able to fly at your requested time quickly if you book late. The earlier you book, the earlier and on time you can use the helicopter.

In case of emergency cancellation of flights due to weather condition at Lukla or in Kathmandu we recommend our clients to wait for some time for the weather to clear out. In case the weather fails to clear out and the flights are not likely to take place then in such cases we recommend to go for a helicopter charter. This facility can be provided if our clients are agreeing to pay the extra charges applicable for the heli ride. The helicopter takes 4 to 6 passengers at a time and the cost can be shared amongst the passengers. The cost must be paid by the participant, which can later be submitted for reimbursement through travel insurance company. We can help you with the necessary documents for a claim.

The cost of the helicopter is payable directly to our Kathmandu office in the event that this service is utilized. US cash, or credit cards (Visa Cards, Master Cards, American Express only) are accepted. You will be given a receipt upon payment so that you may claim the amount from your travel insurance. The extra charges incurred are approximately $2,500 to $3,000 USD per helicopter (minimum USD 500 to maximum USD 3,000 per person) would be applicable to you for the helicopter charter. Usually the helicopter takes only 4 to 6 passengers at a time. Therefore whatever the cost of helicopter is, the price is divided among the group members. Any card payment requires 4% bank fee while doing the transaction, which is taken by bank itself. (Ace doesn’t own any of those 4% amount)

Yes, you need to book your own International flights. We are a local agent and it would cost you significantly higher to book through us. Please find more information in the International Flight page.

The trip will be confirmed only when we receive the completed final booking form and 30% deposit payment. You can pay the rest of the balance when you arrive in Kathmandu by USD Cash, Credit cards (Master, Visa and American Express) any card payment requires 4% bank fee while doing the transaction, which is taken by bank itself. (Ace doesn’t own any of those 4% amount)

One of the most unpredictable elements of the Everest region
is the weather. If you’re not properly prepared for the twists, turns and
volatility of the conditions that can occur in this breathtaking region, you
might find yourself in an uncomfortable and unpleasant situation. Here are some
weather basics to help ensure that you come to the Himalayas as well equipped
and prepared to face anything. 

Generally speaking, the nights are much cooler than the
daytime hours in the Everest region. Many first-time trekkers are surprised to
learn about the incredible range that may occur in a given day. During the day,
the thermometer could reach temps as high as 25 degrees C (77 Degrees F), only
to dip down as low as -20 degrees C (-4 Degrees F) in less than 24 hours. While
there’s no way to know exactly what each day in the mountains will bring, the
weather and temperature ranges tend to be somewhat predictable based on the
month and season. 

Spring – March / April / May / June

Spring happens to be one of the best times of the year to
visit the Everest region, although because of this, it can become somewhat
crowded. One can meet many other Everest climbers during this season and base
camp is full of tents. The beautiful clear blue sky can be seen and the many different
species of flower are visible in the lower altitude. 

During springtime, the average temperature is 20 degrees C
(68 Degrees F), with a maximum of 25 degrees C (77 Degrees F), during sunny
days and a minimum of -15 degrees C (5 Degrees F), in the morning and at night
for areas above 4000 meters. 

July / August Through Mid-September is Monsoon Season

This season is not really recommended to travel as it rains
in the lower altitudes, below 3500 meters. In areas above 4000 meters, it rains
sometimes and although it is also sometimes dry, very few people travel during
this season. There are positive sides of trekking during the monsoon months as
the excess rainfall can provide ample chance to see spectacular views of the
waterfall and it’s also the best season to avoid the crowds. 

During Monsoon, the average temperature is 22 degrees C
(71.6 Degrees F), with a maximum of 30 degrees C (86 Degrees F), during sunny
days and a minimum of -5 degrees C (23 Degrees F), in the morning and at night
for areas above 4000 meters. 

Autumn – End of September / October / November

Similar to springtime, autumn in the Everest region is also
a crowded season, but it’s one of the best times to trek. While it lacks the
beauty of flowers, the clear blue sky can be seen, affording incredible views
from just about every angle. 

The average temperature during the fall is 17 degrees C
(62.6 Degrees F), with a maximum temp of 20 degrees C (68 Degrees F), during
sunny days and a minimum of -15 degrees C (5 Degrees F), in the morning and at
night, for areas above 4000 meters altitude. 

Winter- December/ January/ February

Winter start from mid December till mid February. People
still like to trek in this month due to fewer crowds. View is still good but
foggy so having extra days is highly recommended during this period. 

The average temperature during the winter is 10 degrees C
(50 Degrees F), with a maximum temp of 17 degrees C (62.6 Degrees F), during
sunny days and a minimum of -20 degrees C (-4 Degrees F), in the morning and at
night, for areas above 4000 meters altitude. 

The above temperature is based on outside of the guesthouse
temperature. No need worry about the cold temperature as we provide the
sleeping bag plus the extra blanket to make sure our clients are warm enough
during the time of need. 

The temperature rating of the sleeping bags we provide are about -10 deg C (14 Deg Fahrenheit), our guide can provide liner or extra blanket from the lodge in the mountain if the sleeping bag is not warm enough for you.

You can clear the remainder of the money upon your arrival in Kathmandu or even before you arrive in Kathmandu. You can use USD cash, American Express, Master or Visa cards for the payment options. There will be 4% bank levy when paying by credit cards.

Cancellation notice is required, minimum of 20 days prior to trip departure. If the reason is valid the Trip shall then be termed as cancelled and the cancellation charge of 30% of the trip amount would be deducted from the advance paid.

If you do not cancel your trip prior to 20 days due to whatsoever reasons, you must be aware that the trip you’ve already bought is completely non-refundable as per our terms and conditions. If you cancel the trip and need to submit a claim to your insurance company, we can help with the supporting documentation such as a receipt for monies paid. If your trip is cut short due to weather/illness/personal reasons, there is no refund for accommodations unused.

For more details please check this link. 

You don’t need to submit any immunization documents to enter Nepal however if you have been immunized with diphtheria TB, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, *malaria, typhoid, polio and tetanus then that is a plus point but it’s not mandatory.

We also recommend:

· A dental check-up prior to travelling.

· That you know your blood group in case of emergency.

If you have any pre-existing medical conditions, which might affect you on tour, you make these known to your tour leader and Ace the Himalaya at the time of your booking.

Yes, they have all received a 45-day training from the Hotel Management and Tourism Center in Nepal. The guides have also received high altitude first aid training from KEEP (Kathmandu Environmental Education Project). Please check our Trekking Guides Profiles and Training Certificates.

Our guides are 24 hours available for the services during the trek. They are trained to use first aid kit and have knowledge to use Oxy meter in order to track your oxygen level just to make sure you are fit enough to continue your high altitude walk.

Guides also carry local sim cards both Nepal Telecom and Ncell phones in order to update whereabouts and situation of our every client. During the time of emergency our guides are alert and keeps updated to head office in Kathmandu that is available 24 /7 to arranging from horse to mules or helicopters in the must needed cases especially when client is seriously sick in the mountain and needed to be hospitalized.

Also we have kept a satellite phone at Dingboche, which has poor connection for the network of phones. Our guide’s use it during the case of emergency and also clients can use them by paying its rental fee.

Our guides are 24 hours available for the services during the trek. They are trained to use first aid kit and have knowledge to use Oxy meter. They are very much aware that higher the altitude the oxygen level gets lesser so to get updated on the oxygen level of our client and to know whether they are fit enough or needs extra precautions to continue.

Guides carry local sim cards both Nepal Telecom and NCell in order to update the whereabouts and situation of our every client. Our guides will update us regarding any difficult situation through their mobile phones. If you want to make an international call, you can do so from the guide’s phone upon paying directly to the guide. Upon emergencies, our guides are alert and keeps updated to head office in Kathmandu that is available 24 /7 to arranging from horse to mules or helicopters in the must needed cases especially when client is seriously sick in the mountain and needs to be hospitalized.

Our Company insures all our trekking staff members, including guides, cooks, Sherpa and porters. Please browse though Company Information pages to view insurance details.

It totally depends on level of your sickness. Once you are sick in higher altitude you need to rest at lower altitude and it at least need 3 days to a week for the recovery.

If you are in private or solo trip you can discuss and decide with guide depending on your health status.

If you were in-group then this option would be limited so please make sure you discuss with guide and catch up the group later on.

Yes, we do have PAC but it is not necessarily required for the trek, which is around 5,000 m level. If someone requires oxygen cylinder then it can be hired from the guesthouses as we use the guesthouse that has facilities of oxygen cylinder.

If one needs PAC we will surely provide one if required and extra charge would be applicable for it.

Please note: Using oxygen in the mountain can be very expensive so please make sure you are covered with good travel insurance policies so that you can claim your emergency medical expenses.

These facilities will be available in most of the places in your hotel reception by paying some service charges. Remember to bring TWO and THREE pin travel adapters! You can also buy the adapters in the super markets or electronic shops in the Kathmandu. Our guide can help you with it.

There are telephones in some villages along the trekking routes from which you can make international calls. All our guides carry local sim cards both Nepal Telecom and Ncell in order to update whereabouts and situation of our every client. In case of emergency, our guides will update us regarding any difficult situation. In case you want to make an international call, you can do so from the guide’s phone upon paying directly to the guide.

For Lukla flights you are given only 15kgs as weight limit, which is equal to 33 Pounds; this includes both your duffel bag and daypack. So please pack and prepare wisely. If you exceed your limit additional cost of USD 2 to USD 5 Per Kgs would be applicable in the airport and this amount should be paid at the airport in airlines counter itself.

The hotel in Kathmandu does provide the free storage services. So you can leave all your items that are not required for the trekking at your hotel.

Whilst on the trek, our porter will take care of your luggage. All you need to carry is your small day bag for your personal belongings like camera, water bottle, sun cream etc.

Yes, there are a plenty of options and choices to extend your holiday before or after your main trip. Please go into our trip extension page for further information.

YES, all our trips are guaranteed to run. We never cancel the trip due to not having enough participants; we can arrange the trip for one person as well as a private trip at very minimum additional cost. Please inquire about this during the time of booking.

The above information is a guide and a standard template of what we provide. Our trip can be customized at your request to accommodate your specific requirements.

NOTE: Sometimes there may be slight changes in itinerary due to unforeseen circumstances that are beyond our control. For instance: last-minute change in government rules, local politics, health condition of trekkers, weather, natural disasters, flight delay/ cancellation etc. During these times, the lead trekking guide will decide the best alternative, upon considering the best interest of participants. While we do our best to minimize the effect, we are not liable for any extra cost and the inconveniences/results due to changes or delays.

This is a difficult thing to gauge. We have seen everything from USD 20 to USD 1000 per person for guides and porters. Tipping is not required, but a small gesture of thanks to your guides and local porters. The level of the tip should reflect the level of satisfaction from and personal involvement with your guide. However, we recommend you to spend minimum 10% of your total trip cost for tipping entire local staffs, the ratio of tipping guide and porter will be given to you at the pre-trip meeting in Kathmandu before starting the trek.

Holiday should never be about making it to the final point quickly. Along your trek we can add days at your request with additional costs to cover guides, porters, accommodation and food. Please consult with your guide and he will update our office in Kathmandu and we can make the arrangements accordingly.

If you are in private or solo trip it would be possible as your itinerary is very flexible or if you were in-group then this option would be limited so please make sure you discuss with your group and guide and your guide will update us accordingly.