Take the high route into the heart of the Khumbu on an elite Himalayan expedition led by mountaineering legend Tim Macartney-Snape, as part of World Expeditions' 50th Anniversary celebrations. This is a journey for experienced trekkers and mountaineers looking for a serious challenge, traversing one of Nepal’s most remote and rewarding crossings—the Tashi Labsta Pass at 5,760 metres (18,897 feet)—on an extraordinary route from the Rolwaling Valley to Everest’s doorstep.
This demanding itinerary is a classic example of World Expeditions’ ‘paths less travelled’ philosophy, tracing an ambitious and rarely used route into the Everest region, far removed from the crowded main trails. We begin in the lower Rolwaling Valley, trekking through rhododendron and pine forests, ascending remote passes like Daldung La at 3,976 metres (13,045 feet), and staying in wilderness campsites that allow access to untouched landscapes. From the culturally rich village of Na at 4,200 metres (13,780 feet), we enter the wild alpine world of Tsho Rolpa, one of Nepal’s largest glacial lakes, with views stretching to Melungtse in Tibet at 7,181 metres (23,560 feet).
We then prepare for our crossing of the Tashi Labsta—one of the most remote and least accessible high passes in the Himalaya. This section requires crampons, ice axe, rope work, and expert guidance. From high camp, we cross crevassed snowfields, glacial moraines and icy slopes to the pass itself, with unforgettable views of peaks such as Pachermo and Tengi Ragi Tau. Upon reaching the Khumbu, we descend to Namche Bazaar at 3,440 metres (11,286 feet) and continue on to the Sherpa heartland of Thyangboche for a 50th Anniversary Banquet, celebrating World Expeditions' long-standing legacy with fellow pioneers and Himalayan icons.
This is a fully supported expedition with a strong focus on safety, acclimatisation, and expert leadership. The itinerary includes gear checks, climbing pack distribution, and guidance from highly experienced climbing staff. World Expeditions has been pioneering trekking in the Himalaya since 1975 and this journey reflects our deep operational expertise and commitment to immersive, challenging adventure. We provide a comprehensive Trek Pack including down jacket, sleeping bag and gear bag, all meals on trek, and fully serviced wilderness campsites. Unlike teahouse treks, our camping-based model allows access to remote locations while ensuring quality, hygiene and comfort. We also uphold a strong responsible travel ethos, with a Pioneering Porter Policy that ensures our crew are properly equipped, paid fairly, and cared for, and all trips are 100% carbon offset.
This is a rare chance to walk with a legend, tackle one of Nepal’s most thrilling and least-travelled crossings, and mark five decades of pioneering Himalayan adventure on a route that only a few will ever experience.
