Everest Three Passes Trek

Trip Facts

  • Duration 17 Days
  • Trip Difficulty strenuous
  • Max. Altitude 5,555m
  • Start and End Kathmandu - Kathmandu
  • Best Time February – June and September – December.
  • Accommodation Hotel/Lodge/Tea House during the trek.

Trip Highlights

  • Wonderful view of mountains from the three high passes (Kongma La, Cho La, & Renjo La).
  • A scenic flight to Lukla and Nepal’s highest airport at Syangboche.
  • Famous Sherpa town in the Everest region – Namche Bazaar.
  • Ancient monastery in Tengboche and UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

The Everest Three High Passes Trek takes you deep into the Everest region and it is one of the most adventurous treks in the world. You get to see how the geography elevates to give rise to the world’s highest mountain. The trekking is great which provides a detailed picture of the cold climate, harsh terrain, and constant human struggle in high altitudes.

Mount Everest is not the only one mountain that rise alone. In fact, several high mountains lies around the Everest region i.e. Makalu (8,16m), Ama Dablam (6,812m), Lhotse (8,516m). UNESCO listed “Sagarmatha National Park” region is a place where Everest Three High Passes Trek is carried out. The national park is home to many endangered species of flora and fauna. The vegetation of this region stop growing at altitudes above 5,750m.

The Everest High Pass Trek begins with a breathtaking 45-minute flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. After you drop at the Lukla airport, you will be trekking to Phakding. It is a place where you will spend your night today. Next morning, you will head towards Namche Bazaar crossing several suspension bridges over the fast-flowing white rivers.

Namche Bazaar is a small market with full of shops, restaurants, and internet cafes. It is a place where we will stay for acclimatization. You will visit nearby monasteries including the Khumjung Monastery. To observe the traditional Sherpa settlement, you have to trek for an hour. You will hike up to Everest View hotel from where you get a chance to capture the first glances of Mt. Everest.

After a rest day at Namche you will trek to Thame. From Thame, our path separates from classic Everest Base Camp Trek, which continues to Tengboche. To reach Thame, we follow the Bhote Koshi River. On the way to Thame, you will pass a small hydroelectric plant. The following morning we brace for another day of trek towards Lungden. You need to trek for about six hours to reach Lungden and the paths are quite challenging. Tonight, you will stay at Lungden.

After leaving Lungden behind, we will head for the Gokyo Lakes region. Today, we will cross the “Renjo La Pass” which lies in between Lungden and Gokyo. You can observe a fascinating views of the Gokyo Lake and many Himalayan peaks including Mt. Everest(8,848m), Lhotse(8,516m), Makalu(8,481m), Ama Dablam(6,812m), and Cho Oyu(8,201m) from the Renjo La Pass. Tonight, we will stay at Gokyo, and spend the next day acclimatizing.

While acclimatize in Gokyo, you will visit the Gokyo Ri (5,483m). From Gokyo Ri, you can see four among the six highest mountains of the world i.e. Everest (8,848m), Lhotse (8,516m), Makalu (8,485m), and Cho Oyu (8,188m). The sights from the Gokyo Ri is wonderful to capture the scenes. The following day we will continue our journey from Gokyo to Thagnak, crossing Ngozumpa Glacier. The route offers you an awesome Himalayan terrains and a yak pastures.

Today, we will cross the Cho La Pass (5,420m) while heading towards our destination Dzongla (4,855m). This is the second major pass of this trek, and you will be walking through the Cho La Pass. The pass connects the Everest region and Gokyo region. We will entered the Everest Region after we cross the Cho La Pass, heading towards Everest Base Camp. Before reaching EBC, we will stop at two places – Lobuche and Gorak Shep.

On the way to Lobuche from Dzongla, you will get to see the memorial statue of travelers who succumbed to the harsh conditions. The next day, you will head to Gorak Shep (5,185m) from the Lobuche. It takes about eight hours to reach Gorak Shep. In Gorakshep you will leave your goods and climb to Everest Base Camp (5,364m). In spite of the harsh terrain, challenging climate, and high altitude, you succeeded in reaching the EBC and it is a huge achievement.

After spending moment at EBC, we will descend back to Gorak Shep, where we will stay overnight. Next morning, we will make our journey to Kala Patthar (5,555m), from where you will have a wonderful views of the majestic mountain Mt. Everest and a sunrise at Mt. Everest. We will immerse in the wonderful picturesque and get back to Gorak Shep. We will descend to Lobuche to spend the night.

After breakfast, we will head to Chhukung (4,730m) from Lobuche, and in between lies Kongma La Pass (5,535m). It is our last pass out of three major passes and it is the highest pass among the three passes. You will be spending the night at Chhukung for that day.

Today, we leave Chhukung behind and head to Tengboche (3,855m). On the way, you will pass Dingboche and Pangboche. The route offers you to see cultivated lands, surrounded by the stones. Also, you get to see spectacular scenes of Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, and Amadablam. You will also visit the famous Tengboche monastery.

The next day trek will take us back to Namche Bazaar. The trial is uneven and passes through dense forest where you will get a chance to see Himalayan pheasants, mountain goats, snow leopard, and musk deer, if you are lucky enough. You will spend your night at Namche Bazaar.

The following day, we return down to Dudh Koshi valley, and trek for about seven hours to reach Lukla, crossing Hillary Suspension Bridge on our way. We will spend our night at Lukla. On the last day, in the morning, you will board a plane back to Kathmandu. You will left the Everest region behind with new experiences, and fresh memories.

Outline Itinerary

Day 1: Flight from Kathmandu (1,400m) to Lukla (2,850m) Trek to Phakding (2,650m) – 3 hrs.

Day 2: Trek from Phakding (2,650m) to NamcheBazaar (3,440m) – 6 hrs.

Day 3: Rest day to acclimatize at Namche Bazaar

Day 4: Trek from Namche Bazaar (3,440m) to Thame (3,750m) – 6 hrs

Day 5: Trek from Thame (3,750m) to Lungden (4,500m) – 6 hrs.

Day 6: Trek from Lungden(4,500m) to Gokyo Lake (4,750m) via Renjola Pass (5,446m) – 8 hrs.

Day 7: Rest day to acclimatize at Gokyo. Early morning at Gokyo Ri (5,400m) viewpoint – 1.5 hrs.

Day 8: Trek from Gokyo (4,790m) to Thangnak (4,700m) – 5 hrs.

Day 9: Trek from Thangnak (4,700m) to Dzongla (4,855m) via Cho La Pass (5,420m) – 7 hrs.

Day 10: Trek from Dzongla (4,855m) to Lobuche (4,910m) – 4 hrs.

Day 11: Trek from Lobuche (4,930m) to Everest Base Camp (5,364m) and back to Gorak Shep (5,185m) – 7 hrs.

Day 12: Hike to Kala Patthar viewpoint (5, 555m), trek to Lobuche (4,910m) – 3 hrs.

Day 13: Trek from Lobuche(4,930m) to Chhukung (4,730m) via Kongma La Pass (5,535m) – 8 hrs

Day 14: Trek from Chhukung (4,730m) to Tengboche (3,855m) – 5 hrs.

Day 15: Trek from Tengboche (3,855m) to Namche Bazaar (3,440m) – 5 hrs.

Day 16: Trek form Namche Bazaar (3,440m) to Lukla (2,850m) – 7 hrs.

Day 17: Fly back to Kathmandu (1,400m) from Lukla (2,850m) – 40 mins.

What's included

What's not included

Detailed Itinerary

  • Day 1: Flight from Kathmandu (1,400m) to Lukla (2,850m) Trek to Phakding (2,650m) – 3 hrs.

    The trek begins with a 40-minute domestic flight to Lukla from TIA. The flights provide you an amazing views of Annapurna and the Langtang Himalayan range. At first, we take a trial down from Lukla to the Thado Koshi River. We will pass through few suspension bridges before reaching Phakding. The trek will be short but very enjoyable. We will visit the Rimishung Monastery, in Phakding.

    Altitude: 2,650m

  • Day 2: Trek from Phakding (2,650m) to NamcheBazaar (3,440m) – 6 hrs.

    We start our trek early in the morning heading towards north along the banks of Dudh Koshi River. We will pass many suspension bridges – including Hillary Suspension Bridge. Our trail takes us through Monjo village, dense forests, and rocky trails to Sagarmatha National Park Check Post. In the check post, we will register our permits and climb up into the forest. For the first time, you will see the Mt. Everest from the forest. We will continue the trek until we reach Namche Bazaar for overnight stay.

    Altitude: 3,440m

  • Day 3: Rest day to acclimatize at Namche Bazaar

    Today is a rest day at Namche for acclimatization. Namche bazaar is a small market where you will find Wi-Fi linked cafes, restaurants, trekking gear shops, and guest house. We suggest you to explore Namche Bazaar. Other options you can do in Namche is, visit the Sagarmatha National Park visitor center, Hillary school, traditional Sherpa settlements, Dingboche Airport, Khumjung monastery, and Everest Hotel.

  • Day 4: Trek from Namche Bazaar (3,440m) to Thame (3,750m) – 6 hrs

    Early morning, we will head to Thame following Bhote Koshi River. We will past through the pine and rhododendron forests. On the way, you will see the mud-plastered stupa at Phurte. After you reach Thamo Gompa, the path drops steeply to Khumbu Hydroelectric Plant, ultimately leading to the Thame. Thame is a home to many famous Sherpa mountaineers, Aapa Sherpa, who holds the world record for summiting Everest 21 times.

    Altitude: 3,750m

  • Day 5: Trek from Thame (3,750m) to Lungden (4,500m) – 6 hrs.

    Today you will be walking around the villages passing through the beautiful landscape, vegetation, and mountains. During sparkling morning’s lichens, yaks, light-painted rocks, and snow-capped peaks look surreally realistic. We continue the hike through Marulung (4,200m) village and finally to Lungden, the destination for the day. You can visit Nakpa valley, the old trade route to Tibet.

    Altitude: 4,500m

  • Day 6: Trek from Lungden(4,500m) to Gokyo Lake (4,750m) via Renjola Pass (5,446m) – 8 hrs.

    Today is the most exciting days for you as you will be walking through the first pass in the route – Renjola Pass. By leaving Lungden behind you will continue your journey forward to the Gokyo Lakes region.

    From the Renjo La Pass, you can observe the beautiful views of several peaks like Mt. Everest, Mt. Makalu, Mt. Cho Oyu, and Mt. Lhotse. You will also see the Gokyo Lake, and the Gokyo village lies alongside the lake. You will enter the Gokyo valley after you descends the path, at the same time you need to be alert because the trial might be icy.

    Altitude: 5,446m

  • Day 7: Rest day to acclimatize at Gokyo. Early morning at Gokyo Ri (5,400m) viewpoint – 1.5 hrs.

    In your acclimatization day, you can explore nearby surroundings. You can climb to the Gokyo Ri viewpoint from where you can observe mesmerizing views of the Khumbu region – including Ngozuma Tsho Lake and the Thonak Tsho Lake.

    Three kilometers north of Gokyo lies Ngozumpa Tsho glacier (5,000m), and within five minutes’ walk lies Scoundrel’s viewpoint, from where you can see brilliant views of Everest, Nuptse, Makalu, Lhotse, and Cho Oyu.

    On the north of the fifth Gokyo Lake, you can see astonishing views of Ngozumpa Glacier – the longest glacier in the Himalayas.

    Altitude: 5,400m

  • Day 8: Trek from Gokyo (4,790m) to Thangnak (4,700m) – 5 hrs.

    After breakfast, you will head towards the Thangnak past the Ngozumpa glacier, but the trial is passes through several ups and downs. As you will walk down the valley on the eastern glacial moraine, the scenery becomes inspiring for you to move forward. Eventually, you will arrive at the Thangnak which lies in a serene setting optimally placed for Cho-La high pass crossing.

    Altitude: 4,790m

  • Day 9: Trek from Thangnak (4,700m) to Dzongla (4,855m) via Cho La Pass (5,420m) – 7 hrs.

    Today, we will be trekking on rocky trails and the glacial moraines before reaching Dzongla. The most exciting part today is – you will be crossing Cho La Pass (5,420m) that connects Dzongla and Thagnak. The pass provides wonderful views of Everest and the other peaks. After capturing the moments in photo, you will be descending to Dzongla for overnight stay.

    Altitude: 5,420m

  • Day 10: Trek from Dzongla (4,855m) to Lobuche (4,910m) – 4 hrs.

    We will wake up the following day and continue our trek from Dzongla to Lobuche. At Lobuche, we will rejoin the classical Everest Base Camp trek. Before we join the classical EBC route, we start the day by following the moraine and descending alongside Chola Lake. Furthermore, we will be seeing memorial statues of the climbers who passed away in this region. To reach Lobuche, we will just follow the trails of Imja Khola Valley.

    Altitude: 4,910m

  • Day 11: Trek from Lobuche (4,930m) to Everest Base Camp (5,364m) and back to Gorak Shep (5,185m) – 7 hrs.

    Today, you will reach the Everest Base Camp. You begin your trek by walking through the lateral moraine of Khumbu Glacier until you arrive at Gorak Shep. You will leave your belongings at Gorak Shep and climb up to Everest Base Camp.

    By reaching EBC, you have shown how determined you are because to reach Everest Base Camp, (EBC) it is not easy. It is a victory over yourself – a triumph of perseverance, a positive attitude, and a determination. You will stay on EBC for some time soaking in the breath taking views of mountains. After taking numerous pictures, you will descend back to Gorak Shep, where you will stay for the night.

    Altitude: 5,364m

  • Day 12: Hike to Kala Patthar viewpoint (5, 555m), trek to Lobuche (4,910m) – 3 hrs.

    Today trekking provides you the chance to see Mt. Everest up-close and in all glory, although you were at Everest Base Camp the previous day. To catch the sunrise view, we wake up early in the morning and hike to Kala Patthar (5,555m) – the famous Everest View Point. Capture the photos of sunrise view over Mt. Everest, and descend back to Gorak Shep for breakfast. After completing breakfast, you will hike back to Lobuche, the last destination for today.

    Altitude: 5, 555m

  • Day 13: Trek from Lobuche(4,930m) to Chhukung (4,730m) via Kongma La Pass (5,535m) – 8 hrs

    Today, you will cross the final or third passes that lie on your trail. Out of three pass, this pass is considered the most difficult pass. The path to Kongma La Pass is ascending and easy with the path dotted with frozen lakes. From the pass, you will see Lhotse Shar, Makalu, Baruntse, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam.

    From Kongma La Pass you will descend to the eastern side of Nigyang Khola Valley and into the Chukhung village. Although there is no permanent habitation, Sherpas use this area as a yak pasture. Trekkers often use Chhukhung for acclimatization purposes.

    Altitude: 5,535m

  • Day 14: Trek from Chhukung (4,730m) to Tengboche (3,855m) – 5 hrs.

    You will trek through the village of Dingboche, descending the Imja Khola valley. Dingboche is famous for its stone-walled potatoes fields and alpine pastures. You will see Kharkas (highland sheds) at Tsura, Orsho, and Shomare.

    As you continue forward, you will reach Pangboche village – the place for year-round settlement in the valley, and then to Tengboche. You will be visiting Tengboche Gompa – the oldest monastery in the Khumbu region. You will also see the breath taking views of distinctive peaks like Amadablam (6,856m), Nuptse (7,861m), Everest (8,848m), and Lhotse (8,501m) from Tengboche viewpoint.

    Altitude: 3,855m

  • Day 15: Trek from Tengboche (3,855m) to Namche Bazaar (3,440m) – 5 hrs.

    To reach Namche Bazaar, we will be walking through the forest, inhabited by highland wildlife, and if you are lucky then you will get a chance to see musk deer, pheasants, mountain goats, or even snow leopards. You will be climbing on the steep slopes around which lie prayer flags and chortens. The route offers the view of the tip of Everest and the backside of Lhotse.

    Altitude: 3,440m

  • Day 16: Trek form Namche Bazaar (3,440m) to Lukla (2,850m) – 7 hrs.

    Today, we will head to Lukla from Namche Bazaar. The trail lead us to the Hillary Suspension Bridge, and continue walking, passing through several local villages in the Dudh Koshi River valley until we reach Lukla. We hope you enjoyed the whole trek thoroughly. Overnight stay at Lukla.

    Altitude: 2,850m

  • Day 17: Fly back to Kathmandu (1,400m) from Lukla (2,850m) – 40 mins.

    We will be flying back to Kathmandu in the early morning on your last day of trek. It takes about 40 min. to reach Kathmandu and your flight indeed be a relaxing one. You most probably will be looking back at the time spent during the trek.

    Altitude: 1,400m

Dates and Prices

All our published dates are guaranteed departures. If this dates don’t match with your travel plans, we will plan your trip as per your requirement. Let us know what kind of trip you are looking for and our travel experts will help plan your tailor-made trips in your dream destination.

Dates
Arrival - Departure
Availability
Spaces
Prices
Per Person

FAQs of Everest Three Passes Trek

  • 1. I have never trekked before. Can I complete Everest 3 / 2 High Passes Trek?

    Yes, of course, you can. You just need to be fairly fit. You should be able to walk for 5-6 hours a day. You need to trek/hike a few uphill’s, and you will complete the trek.

  • 2. How to avoid altitude sickness in Everest High 3 Passes and Everest High 2 Passes Treks?

    Everest 3 and Everest 2 High Passes Trek are challenging due to high elevation, like any other Everest Treks. However, if you avoid certain types of food and do a light exercise for a few weeks before the trek, then you will be able to complete the trek. We advise you to cut off alcoholic, and smoking items. You should drink at least 4 liters of water a day. You should trek slow and do proper acclimatization in your rest day. You can use Diamox, if any symptoms show up. Drink Garlic soup.

  • 3. How safe are Everest 3 High Passes and Everest 2 High Passes Trek?

    Our company guarantees the safety, security, and satisfaction of all trekkers. Our crew has highly trained at first aid and they carry all necessary gear, equipment, and first aid kits. To monitor the blood oxygen levels of trekkers at high altitudes, we use an oximeters. If a trekker gets symptoms of AMS, the trek leader will decide whether to continue the trek or descend. In case of emergencies, our Company deploys a helicopter to bring you back to the lower elevation.

  • 4. What if my flight to and from Lukla is canceled or delayed?

    Due to unpredictable weather at Lukla, we recommend you to allocate extra 2/3 days for the hike to account. In bad weather, flights from Kathmandu to Lukla or vice versa get canceled. If the flights get canceled, the flight is automatically rescheduled for the next possible day. You can charter a helicopter, if you have a very tight schedule to make sure you are on schedule either for the trek or your flight back home. However, the helicopter cost should be bear by you. It is also impossible to operate a helicopter, if the visibility is less than 1,500 meters, in such case our company will reschedule the flight.

What Other Travellers' Say

Trip You May Like

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim

Langtang Valley & Ganja-La Pass Trekking

Duration: 14 Days Trekking
USD $

Nar-Phu & Annapurna Semi Circuit Trek

Duration: 20 Days Trekking
USD $2790

Khopra Ridge & Khair Lake Trek

Duration: 12 Days Trekking
USD $1450

Mardi Himal View Point Trek

Duration: 12 Days Trekking
USD $1190

Annapurna Circuit Trek

Duration: 16 Days Trekking
USD $1920

Poon Hill Sunrise & Annapurna Panorama Trek

Duration: 9 Days Trekking
USD $1144

Our Affiliations

We are proudly affilliated with following organizations.

Planning a Trip?

Our travel experts who are working in this industry for more than a decade will help you. Consult to get started.
Sonam
Nepal, Tibet and Bhutan

If you are looking for travel in Nepal, Sonam will help you to make your perfect trip plan. He has been working on this industry for more than 10 years

Call Me: +977 - 9849735717 Send us a Message Tailor-made Trip