the-three-pass-of-everest-trek
Trip Code : TETNTE-72 | Trip Duration : 22 Days |
Trip Level : Strenuous | Trip Max Altitude : 5600 |
Trip Start Location : Kathmandu | Trip End Location : Kathmandu |
Trip Route : Lukla-Kalapather- Renjo La-Cho La-Kongma La-Lukla | Trip Best Season : September-December & March-June |
Trip Highlights
Jaw-dropping views of the highest mountain in the world, Mt. Everest
Hiking around the entire Everest region
Walking through the least crowded trail of the Everest region
Crossing the three challenging passes above 5,000 meters; Renjo La, Cho La, and Kongma La.
Visit ancient Tibetan monasteries and learn about the ancient Tibetan culture
Chances to soak into the lifestyle and cultures of the unique Sherpa people
Trip Information
Everest Region trekking is one of the popular and most demanded treks. Three Passes of Everest Trek is a most challenging yet adventure trekking in the route among the Everest Region. The classic trekking route takes us through different valleys and combines with three high passes in the Khumbu region. During this ultimate adventure trek, we will get stunning and unparalleled mountain views including Mt. Everest, Mt. Lobouche, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Ama Dablam, and Mt. Pumori. Despite the challenging trek trail, we’ll get plenty of opportunities to indulge ourselves in breathtaking mountain vista than in regular Everest Base Camp Trek.
However, our trekking journey will come across different Sherpa settlements, ancient Buddhist monasteries, Chorten, Stupas, Parayar flags, and prayer wheels. Visiting these wonderful places will offer an insight into culturally vibrant Sherpa culture with lifestyle. Challenging this trekking trail into Khumbu is often known as Everest High Pass Trek or Everest three passes trek. The main attraction of this trek is series of High passes in the Khumbu that is Renjo La Pass at the altitude of 5465m., Chola Pass 5420m., and Kongma La Pass 5535m. Likewise, we can complete this trek either clockwise or anti-clockwise. The Trek start with Lukla or Jiri. If you like to add more adventure and challenge to three passes to the Everest trek, then you have an option for Kala Patthar 5545m and Chukung Ri 5550m. In the end, this trekking provides us opportunities to explore the entire Everest ranges.
Trip Itinerary
Day 1 - Pick up from Airport and drive to your hotel (1,300m/4,264 fit), Hotel Accommodation.
Once you arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport, our representative will pick you up via private vehicle and drop you at the respective hotel. After checking in, you’ll have a small team meeting at our head office. Our guide will brief you about Three Passes of Everest Trek. Overnight stay at Kathmandu.
Day 2 - Half day sightseeing tour of Kathmandu. Hotel Accommodation.
On this day, you’ll do sightseeing of cultural world heritage sites in Kathmandu valley. You’ll visit the pilgrimage sites of Hindu temple Pashupatinath and the world's biggest Boudhanath stupa. Similarly, you’ll also visit the Swayambhunath stupa known as the monkey temple. After exploring these places you’ll visit historical and culturally rich Kathmandu Durbar Square. In the evening, you’ll have time for trek preparation. Overnight stay at Kathmandu.
Day 3 - : Fly to Lukla from Kathmandu Airport and trek to Phakding (2,651m/8,695 ft) 3 – 4 hours, Tea House Accommodation.
Your adventure begins at Kathmandu International Airport with your 45 minutes scenic flight to Lukla (2,800 m). After resting for some time, you’ll start your trek passing via several Sherpa villages. En route, you’ll pass several suspension bridges decorated with colorful prayer flags. After 3 to 4 hours of walk, you’ll reach Phakding (2,652 m), a dense settlement of Sherpa people for an overnight stay.
Day 4 - Phakding to Namche Bazaar Trek (3,430 m/11,283 ft), 5 – 6 hours, Tea House Accommodation.
On this day, you’ll continue your trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m) through a bank of the Dudh Koshi river. You’ll cross it over a small suspension bridge twice before reaching Monjo village, the main entrance of the Sagarmatha National Park. Further, the trail gradually descends towards the suspension bridge over the Bhote Koshi river and you’ll reach Jorsalle village. This is the last village till Namche Bazaar. You’ll cross the high Tenzing-Hilary suspension bridge. On the way, you’ll get a jaw-dropping view of Mt. Everest next to Nuptse-Lhotse ridge. Again, after walking for 3 hours through beautiful pine forests you’ll finally reach Namche Bazaar. Overnight stay at Namche Bazaar.
Day 5 - Acclimatization Day at Namche Bazaar (3,430 m/11,283 ft), Tea House Accommodation.
On this day, you’ll take a rest day in order to acclimatize to the high altitude. But don’t think you’ll spend your whole day boringly! Instead, you’ll hike to a nearby viewpoint to enjoy the spectacular views of Mt. Everest, Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Thamserku, and other surrounding peaks. On the way back, you’ll explore Khumjung valley and visit the Hillary School and Khunde Hospital. Remaining of the day, you can explore Namche Bazaar visit Sherpa Museum. It is a great place to learn the history of mountaineering and Sherpa culture as well. Overnight stay at the teahouse of Namche Bazaar.
Day 6 - Trek to Thame village (3,880 m/ 12,726) 4 – 5 hrs, Tea House Accommodation.
On this day, you’ll trek from Namche Bazaar to Thame village which will take around 4-5 hours. Thame village lies at 3,880 m on the way to the old trade route to Tibet via Nangpa La Pass. En route, you’ll enjoy the mountain views, waterfalls, and picturesque villages. Today’s walk is easy mostly on flat land with few short uphills. Thame is the home of various famous Sherpa mountaineers including Apa Sherpa. After crossing Thamo, Gumba, and the Same village you’ll finally reach Thame village for an overnight stay.
Day 7 - Trek to Mingbo (3,900 m/ 12,792 ft) after visiting the monastery 3 – 4 hrs, Tea House Accommodation.
On this day, leaving behind Thame village you’ll enter into the absolute wilderness near towards Tibet border of Nangpa La, where most of the Tibetans enters Nepal to trade. After a 3-4 hours walk, you’ll reach Mingbo (3,990 m), a small herder’s village for an overnight stay.
Day 8 - Trek further to Marulung (4,200 m, 13, 776 ft) 5 – 6 hrs, Tea House Accommodation.
On this day, you’ll leave Mingbo after having breakfast. You’ll continue your trek towards Marlung through a winding trail. Enjoying the surrounding views of high barren hills and snow-capped peaks you’ll reach Marlung at 4,200 m of altitude. It’ll take around 5 hours to reach Marlung.
Day 9 - Trek to Sumna (4,900 m / 16,072) 5 – 6 hrs, Tea House Accommodation.
On this day, you’ll continue your walk on the grassy meadow with the great views of distant mountains and valleys. After 5-6 hours of walk, you’ll reach Sumna (4,900 m) small yak herders. This place is a small and beautiful yak herders temporary settlement. You’ll spend a night at Sumna.
Day 10 - Trek to Chulung (4,380 m / 16,644 ft) 5 – 6 hrs, Tea House Accommodation.
Today, you’ll walk towards Renjo with breathtaking scenery. After 6 hours of walk, you’ll reach a small summer pasture at Chulung (4,380 m) for the overnight stay.
Day 11 - Trek towards Renjo Pokhari (pond) at approx (4,600 m / 15,088 ft) 4 – 5 hrs, Tea House Accommodation.
On this day, you’ll walk almost 5 hours before reaching Renjo Pokhari at an altitude of 4,600 m. Although this is a shorter day compare to other trekking days it will be a bit tiring as you’ll ascend most of the day with occasional descends.
Day 12 - Trek and cross Renjo-la at (5,345 m / 17,531 ft) and camp at Gokyo (4750 m/15,580 ft ) 5 – 6 hrs, Tea House Accommodation.
On this day, you’ll cross one of the first passes of the Everest trek. After trekking for the 4 hours you’ll reach the top of the pass, Renjola at an altitude of 5,345 m. From the top, you can see the astonishing view of Mt. Cho Oyu. It is the sixth highest mountain in the world. After enjoying the view you’ll go down to the other side to Gokyo for an overnight stay.
Day 13 - Morning at Gokyo for local hike and trek to Thagnag, (4,700 m / 15,416 ft), Tea House Accommodation.
On this day, you’ll go for an early morning Gokyo Ri hike. It is one of the major highlights of the Three Passes of Everest Trek. It lies at an altitude of 5,357 m and offers a fabulous 180-degree mountain view of the Everest region including Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Gyachung Kang, and Taweche. It will take around a couple of hours to reach the top via a steep trail. You’ll again come back the same way and continue your trek towards Thagnag (4,830 m) for an overnight stay.
Day 14 - Cross Cho-la 5,400m and camp at Dzong-la (4,850 m / 15,908 ft) 5 – 6 hrs, Tea House Accommodation.
On this day, early in the morning, you’ll start your trek towards Dzong La (4,850 m) which will take around 5-6 hours. At first, you’ll climb on a steep trail and then the trail descends to the bottom of the Chola. After that, the trail leads you via the rock toward the top which is also steep climbing. Cho La Pass lies at an altitude of 5,400 m and at the top, there are some Buddhist prayer flags. After enjoying the great mountain views from the top you’ll return back to Dzongla for an overnight stay.
Day 15 - Trek to Lobuche (4940 m/16,203 ft) 4 – 5 hrs, Tea House Accommodation.
On this day, early in the morning, you’ll start your trek with an easy downhill walk for a while. After a few up and downhill treks, you’ll reach Lobuche for an overnight stay. It’ll take around 4-5 hours to reach Lobuche village which lies at 4,930 m of altitude. It is a beautiful settlement of stone houses sitting in the middle of the icy wilderness.
Day 16 - Trek towards Kongma-la (5,150 m/ 16,892 ft) 4 – 5 hrs, Tea House Accommodation.
Today, you’ll trek via the trail that leads towards more wilderness away from the main trekking trail. The trail follows the upper moraine and will take you towards the Khumbu Glacier. Walking on a zig-zag path is totally challenging and adventure as well. Further, you’ll climb steadily towards the other side of the glacier nearby the Nuptse wall. After 4-5 hours of a slow walk, you’ll reach the base of Kongma La at 5,200 m.
Day 17 - Trek and cross Kongma-la (5,535 m / 18,154 ft) and camp at Bibre 5 – 6 hrs, Tea House Accommodation.
Today, you’ll trek towards the top of the Kongma La Pass (5,335 m). It is the highest point of the trek. It is also a less crowded trail as it is one of the challenging passes in Nepal. After crossing the pass, you’ll descend to Bibore for overnight camp. Bibore is also the junction where the path from Dingboche and Chukung meets. After 5-6 hours of challenging walk, you’ll reach Bibre for overnight camp.
Day 18 - Trek to Dingboche (4,360 m/14,300 ft), 3 – 4 hrs, Tea House Accommodation.
You’ll start your trek from Bibre to Dingboche, (4,350 m). After one hour of walk, you’ll reach Chukkung village. Today’s hike is relatively easy through stone wall fields and alpine landscape. Further, you’ll walk through the Imja Khola valley on glacier moraines with towering mountains on both sides; Mt. Lhotse on your right and Mt. Ama Dablam on your right. The views are just breathtaking! After 2-3 hours of a pleasant walk, you’ll reach the beautiful Sherpa settlement Dingboche for an overnight stay.
Day 19 - Trek to Namche (3,430 m/11,283 ft) 6 – 7 hrs, Tea House Accommodation.
From Dingboche, we descend steeply through beautiful forests of juniper, rhododendron, and fir to Phunki Tenga. After a welcome break and a cup of tea, we cross the Dudh Kosi River and climb to Trashing. From here the trail contours high above the valley through to Shanasa, where we have the option of visiting Kunde and Khumjung villages before returning to Namche Bazaar – our stop for the night.
Day 20 - Trek to Lukla (2860 m / 9380 ft) 6 – 7 hrs, Tea House Accommodation.
Today is our last day of trekking as we return to Lukla where the trek began. We enjoy this time to reflect on the trek as a group and the personal achievement of all those who took part. The afternoon is free, so you can wander about, relax and enjoy a hot shower! In the evening, have a few celebratory drinks and dance with your trek mates. You’ll trek via the forests of rhododendron and pine until you reach the Sherpa village. Once you reach Lukla you can relax and celebrate the success of your adventurous Three Passes of Everest Trek. Overnight stay at a teahouse of Lukla Airstrip.
Day 21 - Morning flight back to Kathmandu. 30 minutes, Hotel Accommodation.
Today, you’ll take an early morning flight to Kathmandu. Upon your arrival at Kathmandu International Airport, our guide will drop you at the respective hotel. You’ll have enough time to relax and in the evening you can explore Thamel and purchase some souvenirs to take back home. Overnight stay at Kathmandu.
Day 22 - Final Departure.
According to your flight scheduled time, our representative will transfer to Kathmandu International Airport. Hope to see you again and wish you a safe journey!
Trip Includes
Price Includes
Pick up from the airport and drive to the hotel.
Accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast (3-star level hotel.)
Half-day Kathmandu sightseeing
Airport Drop for Lukla Flight
Flight Ticket Kathmandu–Lukla
A professional Sherpa Guide with Government License.
Sherpa porter who will carry your baggage (2 people 1 Sherpa porter max 20kg)
All Accommodation during Trekking (guest House/lodge)
Food during Trekking (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Sagarmatha National Park Permit
TIMS (Trekkers Information Management system) card
Food, salary Transport, clothing for Guide and Porter
First aid kit from The Great Adventure Treks and Expedition.
Insurance for Guide and Porter
Rescue Help in case of emergency (paid by your travel insurance)
Lukla – Kathmandu flight ticket
Airport to the hotel by car
Government tax and service charge
Airport departure to your sweet home
All programs as per Itinerary
Price Does not Include
Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu.
Any kinds of Drinks (soft and Hard Drinks)
Visa, international flight ticket
Personal Nature expenses
Tips for Staffs
Trekking Equipment
Rescue and Evacuation cost
Trip Departures
The price per person for the Small group Journey is fixed as stated below. There is also the option of private and tailor made journey best suited for you, your family and friends. The discount is subjected to increase with the number of people in your group. Bigger the group better the discount so group bookings are highly encouraged.