Everest Three Passes Trek

Duration

18 Days

Difficulty

Strenuous

Max. altitude

5545 M

Group Size

1-15

Trip Starts

Kathmandu

Trip Ends

Kathmandu

Group Style

Private & joint Group

Best season

March -May, Sept – Nov

Overview and Highlights

The Everest Three Passes Trek is the quintessential Everest experience, full of adventure and thrills with some of the best scenic trails.

The Everest Three Passes 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 are simply enthralling. The hike to the Everest Base Camp and Kalapathar makes this trek an unforgettable experience with a feeling of accomplishment.

Our 19-day Everest Three Passes Trek Itinerary is planned by experts, ensuring safety with the utmost level of experience. It is one of the tough treks in the Everest region. However, the experience one gets is simply breathtaking and worth the difficulty. The trek starts from Lukla after a short scenic flight from Kathmandu and ends at the same place, Lukla.

ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu (1350 M)

Upon your arrival in Kathmandu, you will be warmly welcomed at the airport by our representative and transferred to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you may relax after your journey, explore the lively streets of Thamel, or make any final preparations for your trek. In the evening, you will meet your trekking guide for a detailed trip briefing and equipment check before the adventure begins.

Accomodation: Hotel

Day 2: Flight Kathmandu- Lukla or transfer Kathmandu - Ramechhap than flight Ramechhap - Lukla

The early morning flight from Kathmandu to Lukla offers panoramic views of the eastern Himalayas: Langtang, Gauri Shankar, Numbur, Manglungtse, and finally Everest appear during this spectacular 35-minute flight.

Upon arrival in Lukla (2,800 m), after breakfast or a packed breakfast, we begin our trek with a descent to Surke, where we cross a river before climbing to the village of Paiya.

Flight Options:

Kathmandu – Lukla 35 minutes.

Or:

Transfer to Ramechhap (4–5 hours by road)

Flight Ramechhap – Lukla 20 minutes.

This scenic flight only operates in good weather conditions. Depending on the weather or congestion at Kathmandu Airport (which handles both international and domestic flights), the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) may decide to operate all Lukla flights either from Kathmandu or from Ramechhap. In the latter case, departure from Kathmandu is very early, between 3:00 and 4:00 a.m. Breakfast is served on the road.

Flight time: 15 minutes

Walking time: 4 hours

Elevation gain: 600 m

Elevation loss: 600 m

Accommodation: Lodge

Day 3: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3440 M)

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

Walking: 5–6 hours

Elevation Gain: 950 m
Elevation Loss: 200 m
Accommodation: Lodge

Day 4: Acclimatization Day

It is the day of acclimatization. You 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 the surrounding mountains. Later in the day, you will visit the Sherpa Culture Museum and Everest Photo Gallery.

Accomodation: Same Lodge

Day 5: Trek to Thame (3800 M)

Today, you 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 famous Sherpa 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, you will arrive in Thame.

Walking: 4 hours
Elevation Gain: 700 m
Elevation Loss: 350 m
Accommodation: Lodge

Day 6: Trek to Lungden (4380 M)

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

Walking: 4 hours

Elevation Gain: 600 m
Elevation Loss: 70 m
Accommodation: Lodge

Day 7: Trek to Gokyo (4790 M) via Renjo La Pass (5360 M)

Starting early in the morning, you will head towards Renjo La Pass, the first pass on this trek. You will gradually ascend till Renjo La Pass, where you will pass by small glacial lakes and cross small rivers. From Renjo La, you can observe the panoramic views of the massive peaks of Cho Oyu (8201 M), Lhotse (8516 M), Everest (8848.86 M), Cholatse (6335 M), Taboche (6367 M), and many others. After spending some time enjoying the stunning views, you descend slowly to Gokyo Valley, passing by the beautiful third Gokyo Lake.

walking: 7-8 hours

Elevation gain: 1050 m

Elevation loss: 600 m

Accomodation: Lodge

Day 8: Early morning climb to Gokyo Ri (5360 M) and trek to Dragnag (4700 M)

You will 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 you will descend to Gokyo and continue our trek to Thangnak. You will walk on the icy and slippery path while crossing the massive Ngozumba Glacier before arriving in Thangnak.

Walking: 3 hours (plus optional Gokyo Ri hike)
Elevation Gain: 100 m
Elevation Loss: 200 m
Accommodation: Lodge

Day 9: Trek to Dzongla (4830 M) via Chola Pass (5365 M)

Early in the morning, you will start to ascend gradually on the steep rocky trail leading us to the second pass of the trek, Cho-La Pass (5420 M). Your ascent to the top of Cho La Pass will be a bit steep and difficult as you 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 a breathtaking panoramic view of Ama Dablam (6856 M) and Cholatse (6440 M). From the pass, you will descend to Dzongla slowly and carefully as you will have to walk on a slippery trail behind the pass for some time.

Walking: 7–8 hours
Elevation Gain: 770 m
Elevation Loss: 610 m
Accommodation: Lodge

Day 10: Dzongla-Labuche (4900 m)

A shorter trekking day allows recovery after the challenging pass. Join the main Everest Base Camp trail and enjoy impressive views of Pumori and

Walking: 3 hours

Elevation Gain: 250 m
Elevation Loss: 150 m
Accommodation: Lodge

Day 11: Trek to Gorak Shep (5140 M) and hike to Kalapatthar (5550 M)

In the morning, you will begin trekking towards the lap of the world’s highest mountain, Mt. Everest. The trail gradually ascends following a rugged path. On the way, you will get to see an amazing view of the Khumbu glacier. You will reach Gorakshep, have lunch, and hike to Kalapatthar in the late afternoon to witness the magical view over Mt. Everest. After spending some time, you will descend to Gorakhshep.

Walking: 4 hours and Optional Gorak Shep to Klapathar and come back 3:30 hours
Elevation Gain: 400 m +500 m for Kalapathar
Elevation Loss: 150 m -500 m for Kalapathar
Accommodation: Lodge

Day 12: Trek to Lobuche (4900 M)

You will take a morning hike to Everest Base Camp, the main objective of the trek. After spending some great time, you will hike back to Gorakshep and continue your trek down to Lobuche.

Walking: 6 hours
Elevation Gain: 500 m
Elevation Loss: 550 m
Accommodation: Lodge

Day 13: Trek to Chhukung (4730 M) via Kongma La Pass (5535 M)

Early in the morning, you will start our trek to Chhukhung via the third and last pass of this trek, Khongma-La Pass (5535 M). You 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, you descend to Chhukhung, where you pass by several small lakes.

Walking: 7–8 hours

Elevation Gain: 700 m
Elevation Loss: 900 m
Accommodation: Lodge

Day 14: Trek to Tengboche (3860 M)

After breakfast, you will start your trek to Tengboche. You will descend slowly on a rocky trail until Bibre. Passing through huge pastureland and Dingboche village you will reach Somore where you will have lunch. Then by descending all the way to a bridge over Imja Khola after Pangboche village, you 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, you will visit a monastery in Tengboche which is the biggest in the Everest region.

Walking: 5–6 hours

Elevation Gain: 100 m
Elevation Loss: 1,000 m
Accommodation: Lodge

Day 15: Trek to Monjo (2835 M)

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

Walking: 5-6 hours

Elevation Gain: 400 m
Elevation Loss: 1,050 m
Accommodation: Lodge

Day 16: Trek to Lukla (2840 M)

After having breakfast, you 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.

Follow the Dudh Koshi River back to Lukla, completing the trekking adventure.

Walking: 6 hours

Elevation Gain: 350 m
Elevation Loss: 350 m
Accommodation: Lodge

Day 17: Flight Ramechhap and drive Kathmandu (1350 M)

In the morning, you will fly back to Manthali after a delicious breakfast and then drive to Kathmandu.

Flight: 20 minutes & Private Vehicle 4-5 hours

Accommodation: Hotel

Day 18: Extra day in case of flight cancellation due to bad weather

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

Day 19: Final Departure

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

INCLUSIVES

One porter for two people (maximum weight: 12 kg per client) and an assistant guide for a group size above 4 people.
4 nights of accommodation in a 3-star category hotel in Kathmandu on a B/B basis.
Three meals a day (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner with hot drinks) during the trek.
Kathmandu valley sightseeing with a tour guide in a private vehicle.
Government taxes, VAT, service charges, and official expenses.
Rescue and evacuation arrangements in case of emergency.
Round flight Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu with airport tax.
All Staff’s salary, insurance, and accommodation.
Tea house/lodge accommodation during the trek.
All the necessary permits and paperwork.
Professional English-speaking guide.
All airport and hotel transfers.