Everest Three Passes Trek

Duration: 19 Days
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About Everest Three Passes Trek

The Everest Three Passes Trek is the quintessential Everest experience that surpasses the usual Everest Base Camp Trek and even the Gokyo Lake Trek in terms of natural sceneries and the Sherpa culture. This tough trek passes through some of the most spectacular landscapes in the Himalayas including the three high passes of Renjo La (5388 M), Cho La (5380 M), and Kongma La (5535 M) with an added hike to the high altitude viewpoints, Gokyo Ri (5483 M), Kalapathar (5545 M) and Everest Base Camp (5364 M).

An adventure-packed trek combined with the beautiful settlements and rich culture of the Sherpa people, a diverse range of flora and fauna, Buddhist monasteries, stupas, chortens and mani walls, glaciers, and stunning views of mountains while passing through the trail. Four of the world's highest peaks; Everest (8848 M), Cho Oyu (8201 M), Makalu (8463 M), and Lhotse (8516 M) including many other peaks that can be seen in this trek which is simply enthralling. And hike to the Everest Base Camp and Kalapathar makes this trek an unforgettable experience with the feeling of accomplishment.

The Everest Three Passes Trek is the most difficult among the other treks of the Everest region. However, the experience one gets on this trek is simply breathtaking. Our 19-day Everest Three Passes Trek Itinerary is carefully planned by experts ensuring safety with the utmost level of experience. The trek starts from Lukla after a short scenic flight from Kathmandu and ends at the same place Lukla.

Highlights

  • Three challenging high passes Renjo La (5360 M), Cho La (5420 M) and Kongma La (5535 M) with magnificent views 
  • Stunning sceneries of Mt. Everest (8848 M), Lhotse (8516 M), Cho Oyu (8201 M), Mt.Makalu (8463 M) and other peaks below 8000
  • Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO world heritage site known for its rich wildlife and vegetation
  • Rich culture and tradition of the Sherpa people which is similar to the Tibetan people
  • Ancient Tibetan Buddhist monasteries and beautiful Sherpa villages

Itinerary

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Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu (1350 M) and transfer to hotel

One of the members of our company will welcome you at the international airport terminal gate and take you to the hotel. You will have a few hours to rest. Later, in the evening, you will meet with the guide in your hotel lobby. He will brief you on further programs.

  • B&B
  • 3 star category hotel
  • Kathmandu
  • 1350 M

We will go on a guided sightseeing tour to several UNESCO World Heritage. We will visit one of the holiest temples of Hindus, Pashupatinath temple. Nearby this temple is located the largest of Nepal, Boudhanath stupa. After visiting these places, we will head to Swayambhunath and Kathmandu Durbar Square. In the evening, you can explore the vibrant streets of Thamel by yourself and prepare for the trek.

  • B&B
  • 3 star category hotel
  • Kathmandu
  • 1350 M

Early in the morning between 2 am to 4 am, we will drive to Ramechhap airport from where we will take the flight to Lukla. This short and thrilling flight will present us with the magnificent views of the Himalayas. From Lukla, we will start our trek to Phakding village through the forested trail passing through numerous Sherpa villages mainly Cheplung, and Nurning with a superb view of Mt. Khumbila, Kongde, and Kusum Khangkaru. Today, the trek will be quite easy.

  • B,L&D
  • Lodge
  • Phakding
  • 2652 M
  • 7-8 hours

After having breakfast, we will head towards Namche Bazar. On the way, we will pass by several villages like Jorsale and Monjo. Monjo is the entry point of Sagarmatha National Park. From here, we will trek through the national park crossing several small streams, rivers, alpine forests, and small settlements. Upon reaching Namche Bazar, we will be welcomed with excellent views of Mt. Thamserku (6623 m) and Kongdi Ri Himal (5115 M).

  • B,L&D
  • Lodge
  • Namche Bazaar
  • 3440 M
  • 5 hours

It is the day of acclimatization. We will spend the day exploring the village and its nearby areas. We will go on a hike to Syangboche Airstrip or Everest View Hotel for a stunning view of Mt. Everest (8848 M) and surrounding mountains. Later in the day, we will visit the Sherpa Culture Museum and Everest Photo Gallery.

  • B,L&D
  • Lodge
  • Namche Bazaar
  • 3440 M

Today, we will leave the classic route of Everest Base Camp and take the left route to Thame Village which was also an ancient salt trade route to Tibet. Thame village is well known for being the home of the famous Sherpas climbers like Tenzing Norgay (the first person to climb over Mt. Everest), Apa Sherpa (21 times Everest summiteer) and many others. Trekking through several villages, Chortens, prayer flags, awesome Buddhist rock paintings, monasteries and finally crossing a bridge over Bhote Koshi River, we will arrive in Thame. 

  • B,L&D
  • Lodge
  • Thame
  • 3800 M
  • 4 hours

After breakfast, we will start our trek which will be mostly uphill following the trail of NangPa La Pass (Tibetan Border) till a bridge near Marlung where we will have our lunch. The trail passes through old and small Sherpa villages and yak pasturelands mostly following the Bhote Koshi River. We will encounter many Yak grazing and Yak Caravans carrying goods of the villagers on the trail. From Marlung, we gradually ascend until reaching Lungden.

  • B,L&D
  • Lodge
  • Lungden
  • 4600 M
  • 5 hours

Starting early in the morning, we will head towards Renjo La Pass, our first pass of this trek. We will gradually ascend till Renjo La Pass where we will pass by small glacial lakes and crossing small rivers. From Renjo La, we can observe the panoramic views of the massive peaks of Cho Oyu (8201 M), Lhotse (8516 M), Everest (8848 M), Cholatse (6335 M), Taboche (6367 M) and many others. After spending some time enjoying the stunning views, we descend slowly to Gokyo valley passing by the beautiful third Gokyo Lake.

Note - We will need to take pack lunch as there are no settlements on the way

  • B,L&D
  • Lodge
  • Gokyo Valley
  • 4800 M
  • 7-9 hours

We start the ascent of Gokyo Ri early in the morning to view the amazing sunrise over the majestic snow-capped peaks. The stunning views of Everest (8848 M), Lhotse (8516 M), Makalu (8481 M), Nuptse (7861 M), Cho Oyu (8201 M), Pumori (7161 M), Ama Dablam (6856 M), and other peaks. Then we will descend down to Gokyo and continue our trek to Thangnak. We will walk on the icy and slippery path while crossing the massive Ngozumba Glacier before arriving in Thangnak.

  • B,L&D
  • Lodge
  • Thagnak
  • 4700 M
  • 7 hours

Early in the morning, we will start to ascend gradually on the steep rocky trail leading us to our second pass of the trek, Cho-La Pass (5420 M). Our ascent to the top of Cho La Pass will be a bit steep and difficult as we will have to walk on a slippery path with a difficult icy crossing in some parts. There are sometimes possibilities of rocks falling as well. The top of the pass provides us with a breathtaking panoramic view of Ama Dablam (6856 M) and Cholatse (6440 M). From the pass, we will descend to Dzongla slowly and carefully as we will have to walk on a slippery trail behind the pass for some time.   

Note - We will need to take pack lunch as there are no settlements on the way

  • B,L&D
  • Lodge
  • Dzongla
  • 4830 M
  • 7-9 hours

Today, we will trek to Gorakshep rejoining with the classic Everest Base Camp Trek trail from a huge riverbank near before Lobuche. With the stunning views of the surrounding Himalayan range in the background, we will continue our trek to Gorakshep. Following the trail on the left side of Khumbu Glacier and ascending slowly we will reach Gorakshep by crossing Changri Nup and Changri Sar glacier.

  • B,L&D
  • Lodge
  • Gorakshep
  • 5160 M
  • 5 hours

We will take an early morning hike to Kala Patthar for the amazing panoramic views of the Himalayas. The viewpoints offer a stunning view of Everest (8848 M), Nuptse (7861 M), Lhotse (8516 M), Khumbutse (6636 M), and many other peaks of Khumbu region. Then, we will hike back to Gorakshep and continue our trek Lobuche by crossing Changri Nup and Changri Sar Glacier. 

  • B,L&D
  • Lodge
  • Labuche
  • 4910M
  • 7 hours

Early in the morning, we will start our trek to Chhukhung via our third and last pass of this trek, Khongma-La Pass (5535 M). We will cross the Khumbu Glacier and continue to gradually ascend towards Kongma-La Pass. The top of the pass provides magnificent views of different Himalayan ranges. After spending some time, we descend to Chhukhung where we pass by several small lakes. 

Note - We will need to take pack lunch as there are no settlements on the way

  • B,L&D
  • Lodge
  • Chhukung
  • 4730 M
  • 7-8 hours

After breakfast, we will start our trek to Tengboche. We will descend slowly on a rocky trail until Bibre. Passing through huge pastureland and Dingboche village we will reach Somore where we will have lunch. Then by descending all the way to a bridge over Imja Khola after Pangboche village, we will reach Deboche from where we will take a short ascent to Tengboche. Today, the trail will pass by different types of monasteries, chortens, mani walls and the alluring forests of Pine and Rhododendrons. Later, we will visit a monastery in Tengboche which is the biggest in the Everest region.

  • B,L&D
  • Lodge
  • Tangboche
  • 3860m
  • 6 hours

Leaving behind the village of Tengboche by descending through the forested trail we will reach Phunge Tenga. Then we will cross Dudh Koshi River and ascend to Kyangjuma before reaching Namche through a straight trail. From Namche, we will descend to Monjo following the same trail that we took on the beginning of this trek crossing bridges three times over the Dudh Koshi River.

  • B,L&D
  • Lodge
  • Manju
  • 2835 M
  • 7 hours

After having breakfast, we will begin descending steeply and cross a suspension bridge. Further, the trail will pass by colorful prayer flags, chortens, mani walls, and small gompas. Trekking through lush forests of pine & rhododendron, small villages, and crossing various streams, you reach Lukla. 

  • B,L&D
  • Lodge
  • Lukla
  • 2840 M
  • 5-6 hours

We will wake up early in the morning and fly back to Ramechhap airport then drive to Kathmandu.

  • B,L&D
  • 3 star category hotel
  • Kathmandu
  • 1350 M
  • 7-8 hours

In the case of flight cancelation or delay due to various unexpected circumstances like bad weather, political strike or natural calamities, we always keep one extra day as a security/reserve day

  • B&B
  • 3 star category hotel
  • Kathmandu
  • 1350 M

After having breakfast, one of the members of the company will escort you to the airport for your flight back to your home.

  • B&B
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What’s Included

  • Airport pick up and drop.
  • 4 nights accommodation in 3-star category hotel in Kathmandu on B/B basis ( A single supplement room will be served on request with an additional cost).
  • Three meals a day (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner with hot drinks) during the trek.
  • Round flight Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu with airport tax.
  • Tea house/lodge accommodation during the trek.
  • English speaking guide (French-speaking guide available with an extra additional cost if needed).
  • One porter for two people (maximum weight: 12 kg per client) and assistant guide for group size above 4 people.
  • All the necessary permits and paperwork needed for the trek.
  • Government taxes, VAT, service charges, and official expenses.
  • Kathmandu valley sightseeing with a tour guide in a private vehicle.
  • All Staff’s salary, insurance, and accommodation.
  • Meals while you are in Kathmandu, Lunch, and Dinner.
  • Nepal entry visa fee.
  • Your Travel Insurance (Compulsory).
  • International airfare.
  • Your personal expenses.
  • Sightseeing/Monument entrance fees.
  • Tips for the guide, porter, and driver (Tipping is expected).
  • Laundry, telephone and personal trekking equipment.
  • Excess baggage charges during domestic flights (only 15kg altogether).
  • Medical evacuation (In case of emergency).

Useful Information

Note: Since Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu is the only international airport in Nepal operating all the domestic and international flights, Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) has decided to operate all flights to Lukla from Ramechhap (Manthali) airport from the spring of 2019 till further notice as a measure to reduce the air traffic. The distance between Kathmandu and Ramechhap is around  135 km which takes a minimum of 4 hours of drive. 

If you would like to avoid the hassle of driving early in the morning to Ramechhap airport and taking the flight to Lukla, we have options to fly to Lukla from Kathmandu directly by taking a helicopter that fits 5 people. However, it is a little costly about 2500 USD per one way flight.