Nepal Ancient Passes Trek Tour
Scenic Himalayan Paths with Everest Views
- Available: April, May, October, November
- Activity: Level 4
- Accommodations: Rustic Lodging
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Group Size:
4-12 Guests
Min Age: 16
Highlights
- Experience the Gokyo Valley's sacred pristine lakes, authentic Sherpa culture, and native wildlife
- Spend unforgettable days trekking amidst the Himalaya's mightiest iconic mountains, including Everest and Lhotse
- Summit the challenging Gokyo Ri, and follow in ancient traders' footsteps across Renjo La Pass
Itinerary
Arrive in Nepal
Day 1
Welcome to Kathmandu! Meet your MT Sobek guide and transfer to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you may opt to stretch your legs and explore the area around the hotel, which is situated in the heart of the city. Come evening, receive a briefing on the trek and a festive welcome dinner with the group.
Accommodation: Yak and Yeti Hotel
Meals: Dinner
Tour the Kathmandu Valley
Day 2
Kick off your Nepal adventure with a tour of Bhaktapur, a medieval city-state in Kathmandu Valley. Incredibly preserved, Bhaktapur was tragically devastated by the 2015 earthquake. The city is still in recovery mode, but some simple meandering reveals the remaining stunning medieval squares lined with towering temples, and narrow cobbled streets dotted with brick buildings, hidden squares, and hawking artisans. In the afternoon, enjoy some free time to relax, wander, or pack for your upcoming trek. This evening, enjoy an Everest summit talk given by a Nepalese female Seven Summiteer.
Accommodation: Yak and Yeti Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Fly to the Khumbu
Day 3
This morning, depart Kathmandu on a small plane bound for Lukla (9,382'), a popular stop for Everest-bound visitors. This short but spectacular flight offers unparalleled views over the mighty Himalaya. From here, lace up your boots and begin your trek, making our way about 3.5 miles through pine and cedar woods to Phakding village (8,563'). Phakding sees many travelers and thus is full of many guesthouses and warm Nepalese hospitality - which you experience tonight. While you may feel eager to walk more today, stop here to help your body acclimatize.
Accommodation: Yeti Mountain Home-Phakding
Activity: 3 hours/3.5 miles hiking with 819' elevation loss
Transportation: 30-minute flight
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hike to Monjo
Day 4
Today enjoy an easy, acclimatizing walk to Monjo (9,428'). En route, cross several picturesque suspension bridges, and pass mani walls (boulders inscribed with Buddhist prayers), small villages, terraced hillsides, and likely quite a few working yaks. With Khumbila (18,800'), sacred peak of the Sherpas, looming above, arrive in Monjo, nestled in mountainous blue pine and rhododendron forest. Overnight and acclimatize at Everest Summit Lodge - Monjo, where the lodge chef prepares a welcome dinner.
Accommodation: Everest Summit Lodge-Monjo
Activity: 3.5 hours/3 miles hiking with 865' elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Catch Your First Glimpse of Everest!
Day 5
Get your cameras ready! Today you enter Sagarmatha National Park en route to Namche Bazaar (11,286'). More rocky terrain, suspension bridges, and yak crossings make for a strenuous day. But all becomes worth it when you pause on the steep ascent for the rewarding, spectacular first glimpse of Mount Everest! Arriving in Namche Bazaar - the gateway to Everest and the high Himalaya - early allows you to spend a relaxing afternoon strolling around the bustling village. Colorful prayer flags adorn this amphitheater of shops, Internet cafes, eateries, and lodgings.
Accommodation: Hotel Namche
Activity: 4.5 hours/3 miles hiking with 1,858' elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Trek to Tashinga via the Hillary School
Day 6
Above Namche Bazaar, the trail to Tashinga follows the classic approach to Everest. A steep uphill hike takes you to beautiful Khumjung village, where you'll have a chance to visit the first Hillary school. Founded in 1961 by legendary mountaineer Sir Edmund Hillary, the institution - with just over 300 students - is the only high school in the Khumbu region. After visiting the school, descend down to Tashinga (11,350').
Accommodation: Tashinga Lodge-Tashinga
Activity: 4 hours/6 miles hiking with 1,116' elevation gain & 1,052' elevation loss
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Follow the Flags to Phortse
Day 7
From Tashinga, follow sacred stones and colorful prayer flags to Phortse (12,959'), a traditional Sherpa village off the main trail. A terraced knoll dotted with stone buildings, this hamlet is seldom visited - leaving a pristine, genuine experience for those who veer off the beaten path to explore it.
Accommodation: Riverside Lodge
Activity: 4 hours/6 miles hiking with 1,609' elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ascend to Dole
Day 8
A gradual uphill hike, with only the occasional section of steep steps, takes you up and along the shady side of a valley through mossy rhododendron forest. The wooded trail emerges above the tree line and into the village of Dole (13,248'), home to musk deer, a variety of Himalayan birds, and a cluster of trekking lodges.
Accommodation: Yeti Inn-Dole
Activity: 4.5 hours/5 miles hiking with 289' elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Climb to Machermo
Day 9
Today you trek only about 2.5 miles but gain about 1,200 vertical feet - so it feels like a very significant 2.5 miles! Exiting Dole there is a slight descent (tricky if snow-covered), but it quickly shifts to a steep climb up a hillside covered in tundra grasses and scrub junipers. Continuing up through the valley, mountain views abound, including of Cho Oyu (26,906'), the world's sixth-highest peak. The slope eases as you approach Luza, then it's an easy walk into Machermo (14,665') - where in the 1975 a villager and her yaks were allegedly attacked by a yeti!
Accommodation: Namgyal Lodge-Machermo
Activity: 4 hours/2.5 miles with 1,400' elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Behold Gokyo Valley, Nepal's Land of Sacred Lakes
Day 10
Today's views are incredible! Head up into the desolate, high-mountain tundra and breathtaking Gokyo Valley and Gokyo Lake (15,419'). Wedged between soaring peaks and awesome glaciers, six main (and 19 total) emerald-green lakes comprise the world's highest freshwater lake system. They are sacred to both Buddhists and Hindus, and traditional beliefs that wildlife should remain unharmed have long protected the region's fauna. Soak in the beauty of three Gokyo lakes before pushing to the village of Gokyo, your home for two nights as you explore this magical area.
Accommodation: Fitzroy Inn-Gokyo
Accommodation: Himalayan Eco Lodge-GokyoActivity: 5 hours/4 miles hiking with 1,000' elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Summit Gokyo Ri
Day 11
Today's hike is optional. But if you're game to climb Gokyo Ri, the Himalayan views - and the feeling of accomplishment - from atop are truly unforgettable! Rise early, cross a stream, and start climbing. Respect the altitude and take it slow, resting often if only to appreciate the spectacular surroundings: endless sky above, mighty mountains around, the enormous Ngozumpa Glacier and holy Gokyo Lakes below. After a few hours, summit Gokyo Ri (17,575') and revel in the awesome beauty of some of the world's highest mountains: Cho Oyu, Makalu, Lhotse, and, of course, Everest.
Accommodation: Fitzroy Inn-Gokyo
Accommodation: Himalayan Eco Lodge-GokyoActivity: 5 hours/8 miles hiking with 1,991' elevation gain & loss
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Cross Renjo La Pass into Thame Valley
Day 12
Today you'll feel your proximity to Tibet as you cross Renjo La Pass (17,585'), an adventurous and challenging route that affords more unforgettable mountain and lake views. Descend into the little-known Thame Valley, a former "salt route" along which traders would journey from Tibet to Namche Bazaar. Thame, the largest village in the valley, is also known for being home to Tenzing Norgay, the first Sherpa to climb Mount Everest with Sir Edmund Hillary in 1953. Today's hike ends in Lungden (14,370'), a tiny village comprising little more than several lodges.
Accommodation: Lungden View Lodge-Lungden
Activity: 9 hours/8 miles hiking with 1,952' elevation gain & 3,166' elevation loss
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Experience Hinduism in Kathmandu
Day 13
Your weary feet and wobbly legs appreciate today, as all they have to do is climb aboard a scenic helicopter flight bound for Kathmandu. Spend two leisurely days exploring this magical city, including the sacred Pashupatinath Temple. Straddling the Bagmati River, Kathmandu's oldest Hindu temple is an architectural marvel. It is also the most important temple dedicated to the god Shiva. Elderly and ailing Hindu worshippers arrive from near and far to find shelter in their final weeks, as it is believed that those who die here are reborn as human, regardless of any accumulated bad karma. There may also be time to visit Kathmandu's Durbar Square and shop in the local bazaar.
Accommodation: Yak and Yeti Hotel
Transportation: 1-hour helicopter flight
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Explore More of Kathmandu
Day 14
Continuing your time in Kathmandu, explore Boudhanath Stupa, Nepal's largest temple and one of its holiest sites. Boudhanath is Kathmandu's center of Tibetan culture and rich in Buddhist symbolism: five statues representing the five elements (earth, fire, air, water, and ether), nine levels representing Mount Meru (the mythical peak at the center of the Buddhist cosmos), and 13 rings from its base to its apex (representing the steps to enlightenment). Lunch is on your own. In the afternoon, visit the King's Palace and Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple - try to catch the sunset here!), before joining the group for a farewell dinner.
Accommodation: Yak and Yeti Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Depart for Home
Day 15
This morning we bid a fond farewell to our new friends and this magical country, then transfer to the airport for our homebound flights.
Transportation: Transfer to airport
Meals: Breakfast
Dates & Prices
- 2023
- 2024
- Go Private
- Go Custom
- Inclusions
2023
Scheduled Dates
The earlier you book, the more choice of available dates you’ll have and once you book, your price is guaranteed.
- $7,595 price per person dbl occ+$350 internal airfare+$900 single supplementCheck for AvailabilityConfirmed
- $7,595 price per person dbl occ+$350 internal airfare+$900 single supplementCheck for Availability
- $7,595 price per person dbl occ+$350 internal airfare+$900 single supplementAvailable
- $7,595 price per person dbl occ+$350 internal airfare+$900 single supplementAvailable
2024
Scheduled Dates
The earlier you book, the more choice of available dates you’ll have and once you book, your price is guaranteed.
- $6,995 price per person dbl occ+$350 internal airfare+$900 single supplementAvailable
- $6,995 price per person dbl occ+$350 internal airfare+$900 single supplementAvailable
- $6,995 price per person dbl occ+$350 internal airfare+$900 single supplementAvailable
- $6,995 price per person dbl occ+$350 internal airfare+$900 single supplementAvailable
- $6,995 price per person dbl occ+$350 internal airfare+$900 single supplementAvailable
- $6,995 price per person dbl occ+$350 internal airfare+$900 single supplementAvailable
- $6,995 price per person dbl occ+$350 internal airfare+$900 single supplementAvailable
- $6,995 price per person dbl occ+$350 internal airfare+$900 single supplementAvailable
Go Private
Go Private
Gather your favorite travel companions to share an MT Sobek adventure on an easy-to-book Private departure.
Call or email us to get the ball rolling.
*Private trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit.
Private Trip Pricing:
2023 Pricing
4 to 5 guests from $7,695 per person double occupancy
6 to 10 guests from $7,595 per person double occupancy
2024 Pricing
4 to 5 guests from $7,595 per person double occupancy
6 to 9 guests from $7,395 per person double occupancy
10 guests from $6,995 per person double occupancy
Additional Costs:
Internal Airfare: $350
Private pricing excludes potential additional costs such as internal airfare, single supplement, or any park fees that may be required for the trip.
*Private trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit.
Take Over One of These Dates
- May 01 - 15, 2023
- Oct 01 - 15, 2023
- Apr 01 - 15, 2024
- Apr 16 - 30, 2024
- May 01 - 15, 2024
- Oct 04 - 18, 2024
- Oct 20 - Nov 03, 2024
- Nov 06 - 20, 2024
- Nov 22 - Dec 06, 2024
- Dec 08 - 22, 2024
Make Your Own Dates in These Months
-
April, May, October, November
Go Custom
Create Your Very Own Adventure
Dreaming of an adventure designed exclusively for you? With insider access and decades of experience, our travel experts create custom tailored adventures that are perfect for families, couples, and large groups. MT Sobek's custom adventures are designed to our exacting standards and led by our award-winning adventure guides.
When to start planning? Earlier is always better when designing a custom trip. More time allows for better availability of preferred accommodations, guides and your desired activities. Ideally, start the conversation with us at least 6 months before you want to travel. If you are looking for a custom trip that departs within three months, chances are greatly diminished in securing requested accommodations and the best guides.
*Custom trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit once an itinerary is agreed upon.
Start PlanningInclusions
Price Includes
- Expertise and services of our experienced adventure guides
- All accommodations as noted in the itinerary
- All breakfasts, almost all lunches and dinners as noted in the itinerary
- Snacks and water between meals
- Additional regional guides and experts on many trips
- Comprehensive Trip Planner with detailed pre-trip information
- Private guided tours at historic sites, museums, wineries and other select attractions as noted in the itinerary
- Special events and other select attractions as mentioned in the itinerary
- All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
- Equipment and experienced guides for activities as described in the itinerary
- Park and other entry fees (unless otherwise noted)
- Fares for trains, ferries and other modes of travel as listed in the itinerary
- Select transfers as mentioned in the itinerary
- Baggage transfers and porterage
Price Does Not Include
- International airfare, airport taxes, and excess baggage fees
- Alcoholic beverages (MT Sobek provides wine at select events)
- Gratuities for MT Sobek guides and guide-drivers
- Travel Protection Program
- Personal expenses
Need help picking your next adventure? Call us to answer your questions.
Your Guides
The best people to immerse you in a destination are the ones who live there, which is why we feature local Adventure Guides on our trips. Here are a few that you might meet on this adventure.

Pranoy Rai
Pranoy Rai was born in Nepal, studied in Darjeeling, India, and has always been a travel enthusiast. Since 1999, he has led numerous treks and tours to Nepal, Tibet and India, and has enormous experience in the field. Pranoy successfully completed his basic mountaineering course at the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute of Darjeeling with grade 'A' certificate and is trained in wilderness medicine. In addition to being fluent in English, Nepali, and Hindi, he speaks basic Tibetan and Chinese. Pranoy is very keen on birds, plants, and flowers, and he looks forward to sharing his knowledge with you on the trek.

Binoy Rai
Raised in the Himalayas and schooled in Darjeeling, Binoy Rai has always been passionate about trekking and mountaineering. In addition to being a top guide on MT Sobek's Everest Base Camp and Everest Lodge to Lodge adventures, he has undertaken an Advance Mountaineering Course from the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute in Darjeeling and is well-versed in Wilderness First Aid. Binoy has climbed many peaks in the Nepal and Sikkim Himalaya, and enjoys studying the region's flora and fauna. Above all, he is eager to share the wonders of his home country with you.
Activity Level
This trip is rated activity level 4. On this trip, you will be hiking five to eight hours a day, up and down mountain trails that are steep and rocky, and mostly at elevations above 10,000 feet. Previous experience is recommended, and you should be in good physical condition.
Learn more about activity levels here.
Activity Snapshot
Day 3
3 hours/3.5 miles hiking with 819' elevation loss
Day 4
3.5 hours/3 miles hiking with 865' elevation gain
Day 5
4.5 hours/3 miles hiking with 1,858' elevation gain
Day 6
4 hours/6 miles hiking with 1,116' elevation gain & 1,052' elevation loss
Day 7
4 hours/6 miles hiking with 1,609' elevation gain
Day 8
4.5 hours/5 miles hiking with 289' elevation gain
Day 9
4 hours/2.5 miles with 1,400' elevation gain
Day 10
5 hours/4 miles hiking with 1,000' elevation gain
Day 11
5 hours/8 miles hiking with 1,991' elevation gain & loss
Day 12
9 hours/8 miles hiking with 1,952' elevation gain & 3,166' elevation loss
Accommodations
Scenic and comfortable mountain accommodations in Nepalese inns and lodges, plus two nights at Kathmandu\'s comfortable Yak & Yeti Hotel.
Weather
Autumn daytime temperatures: 45°F - 65°F; autumn nighttime temperatures 10°F - 35°F. Rain or snow possible. Spring temperatures 5°F-10°F warmer than autumn.
FAQs
Who will meet me on arrival?
Your trip leader will meet you in Kathmandu.
Do I need a visa for Nepal?
Yes, and you can get a 30-day visa on arrival for $40.
Do I need to bring a sleeping bag for this trip?
No, we can provide a Mountain Hardwear 0° bag free of charge.
Will I have cell coverage on this trip?
It's best not to count on it, as coverage is spotty.
Are there any baggage weight restrictions on the flight to Lukla?
Yes. You can bring 15 kg/33 lb baggage per person-including checked and hand-carry baggage. It's not possible to pay for overweight baggage.
Does this trip contribute to any local philanthrophy efforts?
Yes! This trip helps support the introduction of technology into the educational system of the Nepalese village of Deusa. In just two years, funds from this program advanced the school's computer lab by donating 20 laptops and hiring a computer teacher.
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Guest Reviews
"Congratulations for organizing our fabulous trip in Nepal. We enjoyed a wonderful mix of cultures as well as spectacular hiking led by your extremely qualified on the ground team. Pranoy Rai is a fantastic leader."
Karen H.
MT Sobek Guest, Nepal Ancient Passes Trek
"This is a great trip! Care was taken to ensure proper pacing and acclimatization so that we could enjoy the fantastic (and challenging!) last days heading to the top of Gokyo Ri and over Rinjo-La."
Kyle F.
MT Sobek Guest, Nepal Ancient Passes Trek