Everest Three High Passes Trek
Trip Highlights of Everest Three High Passes Trek
- Cross Kongma La, Cho La and Renjo La in one trekking adventure.
- Trek to Everest Base Camp and hike to Kala Patthar.
- Visit serene Gokyo Lakes and Gokyo Ri.
- Trek through traditional Sherpa villages and Sagarmatha National Park.
- Explore famous Tengboche Monastery.
- Watch Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, Ama Dablam and many other Himalayan peaks.
Overview of Everest Three High Passes Trek
The Everest Three High Passes Trek is a complete trekking adventure that explores the most popular and remote trails of the Everest region. It includes the three high mountain passes of the Kongma La, Cho La and Renjo La with the Everest Base Camp, Kala Patthar and the beautiful Gokyo Lakes all in one rewarding trip. This trek is ideal for experienced trekkers who want to experience more than the classic Everest Base Camp route while enjoying diverse landscapes, traditional Sherpa villages, and outstanding Himalayan views.
It starts with a scenic flight to Lukla and then runs along the Dudh Koshi River through Phakding and Namche Bazaar. Further up the mountain we will visit Tengboche Monastery and explore the Imja Valley and take time to acclimatize until we cross the first mountain pass. The route passes through forests, alpine meadows, glaciers and isolated valleys while offering views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, Ama Dablam and many surrounding Himalayan peaks.
The Everest Three High Passes Trek Itinerary has been designed to ensure slow increase in altitude with fixed acclimatization days to enhance safety and allow you to get accustomed to the high altitude. We will cross all three high passes, visit Everest Base Camp, climb Kala Patthar for close views of Everest, explore the peaceful Gokyo Lakes and hike to Gokyo Ri for another spectacular mountain panorama.
During the Three Passes Trek Nepal, we will be accommodated in local teahouses, have freshly cooked meals and experience the warm hospitality of the Sherpa community.
Itinerary of Everest Three High Passes Trek
Arrival at Kathmandu Airport (1,400 m)
After you arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport, our representative will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel in Kathmandu. Once you have checked in, you can either rest in the hotel or take some time to visit the surrounding streets provided you arrive in time.
During the evening, we will hold a trek briefing where our guide will explain the route, check your trekking equipment, and answer any questions before the Everest Three High Passes Trek begins.
Fly to Lukla (2,840 m) and Trek to Phakding (2,610 m)
We will begin our trek by a scenic flight to Lukla early in the morning. Flights to Lukla during the busy spring and autumn trekking seasons can be made between Ramechhap and Kathmandu, based on airline schedules and weather conditions.
We will start walking along the Dudh Koshi River, after meeting our porter group and completing the final arrangements. We will cross prayer wheels, small villages and suspension bridges before we arrive at Phakding where we will spend our first night in the mountains.
Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,446 m)
Today’s walk follows the Dudh Koshi River while crossing several suspension bridges before reaching Monjo. In this case, our guide will take care of the permit formalities at the entrance of Sagarmatha National Park and then proceed to the further part of the Everest region.
The path ascends through woodland and small villages till it leads to Namche Bazaar. When weather is clear we can even have the first distant sight of mount Everest and reach the bustling Sherpa town that is the main trading place of the Khumbu region.
Acclimatization Day
Today is an important acclimatization day to help our bodies adjust to the increasing altitude. We will climb up to Hotel Everest View where the clear weather will give us great views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam and a number of the nearby peaks. After enjoying the views we will continue to Khumjung Village to visit the monastery and learn about Sherpa culture before returning back to Namche Bazaar. This gradual hike helps with safe acclimatization whilst enabling us to enjoy the beautiful surroundings included in the Everest Three High Passes Trek Itinerary.
Trek from Namche Bazaar to Tengboche (3,867 m)
Leaving Namche Bazaar, we will take a picturesque path and see the mountain views and then go down the Dudh Koshi River. Once across the river, the trail ascends gradually through pine and rhododendron woods to Tengboche.
Our destination is famous for Tengboche Monastery, the largest monastery in the Everest region. With time, we will visit the monastery and have a glimpse of Everest, Ama Dablam, Lhotse, and Thamserku and then sleep.
Trek from Tengboche to Dingboche (4,410 m)
We will then go down through a forest to Debuche after breakfast and cross the Imja Khola on a suspension bridge. The route then crosses the Pangboche Village where we get close observation of Ama Dablam as we move through the Imja Valley which is open.
The higher we go, the more rocky the scenery is and the more mountainous the scenery. A gradual climb brings us to Dingboche, a peaceful settlement surrounded by stone walls and high Himalayan peaks where we will stay for the night.
Acclimatization Day in Dingboche
Today is another important acclimatization day before we continue to higher elevations. We will make a gradual ascent to Nagarjun Hill or a nearby vantage point and our bodies would get time to adapt as we are treated to expansive panoramas of Makalu, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Island Peak and the mountains around them.
Once back in Dingboche, the afternoon is to relax or visit the village or get ready to go higher in the Everest Three High Passes Trek.
Trek from Dingboche to Chhukung (4,730 m) and Hike to Chhukung Ri (5,550 m)
After breakfast we will leave Dingboche and walk along a slow path along the upper Imja Valley to the little village of Chhukung. The walk is short, allowing us to save energy for the afternoon hike.
After checking into our teahouse, we will ascend Chhukung Ri, one of the best viewpoints in the Everest region. Looking down, we will see panoramic views of Lhotse, Makalu, Ama Dablam, Island Peak and other numerous surrounding peaks and then go back to Chhukung.
Cross Kongma La Pass (5,535 m) and Trek to Lobuche (4,910 m)
Today is the first major challenge of the Everest High Passes Trek. We will begin early and steadily climb toward Kongma La Pass. The mountain landscape is rugged and challenging, yet the mountainous terrain around us gets even more spectacular as we ascend.
Having seen the scenery on the pass, we will then take our slow way down over rocky ledges, and then pick up the main trail to the Everest Base Camp around Lobuche. We will spend the night here and prepare for tomorrow’s visit to Everest Base Camp.
Trek to Gorak Shep (5,140 m) and Visit Everest Base Camp (5,364 m)
Following breakfast, we will proceed to Gorak Shep which is the last settlement before the base camp of Everest. Following a short rest, we will leave our larger bags at the teahouse and continue across rocky glacial terrain to Everest Base Camp.
We will spend some time at Everest Base Camp, take photographs, enjoy the surrounding views and then return to Gorak Shep to spend the night. Visiting this famous destination is a major highlight of the Everest Three High Passes Trek Itinerary.
Hike to Kala Patthar (5,644 m) and Trek to Dzongla (4,830 m)
Before sunrise, we will hike to Kala Patthar, the highest viewpoint of the trek. From here, we will enjoy close views of Mount Everest, Nuptse, Pumori, and many surrounding peaks before returning to Gorak Shep for breakfast.
We will then make our way down Lobuche after breakfast and proceed on a less travelled path towards Dzongla. The reduced afternoon walk will afford us the opportunity to have rest before traversing Cho La Pass the next day.
Cross Cho La Pass (5,368 m) and Trek to Thangnag (4,700 m)
Today we will cross Cho La Pass, the second of the three high Passes. We will begin early, and gradually ascend rocky areas which can be topped with snow or ice based on the season.
After reaching the top of the pass, we will enjoy the surrounding mountain views before descending carefully toward Thangnag. The route crosses rough glacial terrain before reaching the small settlement where we will stay overnight.
Trek from Thangnag to Gokyo (4,790 m)
Leaving Thangnag, we will cross part of the Ngozumpa Glacier before following the trail toward the beautiful Gokyo Valley. Today the route is shorter and we have time to observe how the scenery changes.
In a short time we will reach Gokyo on the side of the third Gokyo Lake. The peaceful surroundings and mountain views make this one of the most enjoyable stops during the Three Passes Trek Nepal.
Hike to Gokyo Ri (5,360 m) and Explore Gokyo Lakes
Early this morning, we will climb Gokyo Ri before sunrise for panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, and the vast Ngozumpa Glacier. It is considered one of the finest viewpoints in the Everest region.
The remainder of the day is free to relax or visit the local lakes as the rest of the team prepares to climb the last high pass of the trek after breakfast in Gokyo.
Cross Renjo La Pass (5,360 m) and Trek to Marlung (4,210 m)
We will begin the climb to Renjo La Pass early in the morning. The gradual climb treats us with panoramic scenes of Everest, Gokyo Lakes, and numerous other Himalayans in the surrounding area before we start the descent.
The path leads down through isolated valleys and yak pastures to the silent village of Marlung. This completes all three high passes of the Everest Three High Passes Trek.
Trek from Marlung to Namche Bazaar (3,446 m)
Today’s trail follows the Bhote Koshi Valley through traditional Sherpa villages before joining the main trekking route near Thame. It is a comfortable walk in a gradual descent following several days at high altitude.
Continuing through forests and villages, we will return to Namche Bazaar where we can enjoy a comfortable evening after completing the challenging sections of the trek.
Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla (2,840 m)
Today is our final day on the trail. We will walk down through forests, on suspension bridges, and along the Dudh Koshi River upstream to Lukla, past well-known villages on the route.
Once we arrive in Lukla we will celebrate the successful completion of the Everest Three High Passes Trek Itinerary in the presence of our trekking crew before our last night in the mountains.
Fly to Kathmandu from Lukla
If Weather permits, we will have an early morning flight back to Kathmandu. During peak trekking seasons, flights may be operated to Ramechhap instead of Kathmandu depending upon the airline schedule. On arrival in Kathmandu, we will transfer you to your hotel. In the evening, we will gather for a farewell dinner to celebrate the successful completion of the Everest High Passes Trek.
Final Departure from Kathmandu
This is the last day of your Everest Three High Passes Trek. Based on your flight schedule, our representative will transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport where you will continue your journey.
We wish that you leave Nepal with a good experience of the Himalayas and we will see you again in the future on another adventure.
Includes/Excludes
What's Included?
- Airport pickup and drop off by private vehicle.
- Two nights hotel accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast.
- Round trip domestic flights between Kathmandu and Lukla.
- Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit.
- Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit.
- An experienced, government licensed English speaking trekking guide.
- One porter for every two trekkers during the trek.
- Guide and porter salary, food, accommodation, insurance, and transportation.
- Accommodation in local teahouses during the trek.
- Three meals a day during the trek, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
- Seasonal fresh fruits after dinner during the trek.
- Tea or coffee with breakfast during the trek.
- First aid kit carried by the guide.
- Duffel bag for use during the trek.
- Official trekking completion certificate.
- Farewell dinner in Kathmandu.
- All government taxes and company service charges.
What's Excluded?
- International airfare to and from Nepal.
- Nepal entry visa fees.
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu, except the farewell dinner.
- Travel insurance, including emergency helicopter evacuation.
- Personal trekking gear and clothing. Extra nights in Kathmandu due to early arrival, late departure or flight delays.
- Hot and cold drinks, bottled water, alcoholic drinks and snacks.
- WiFi, charging fees, hot showers and personal laundry during the trek.
- Tip for guide, porter and driver.
- Personal expenses and any services not mentioned in the cost includes section.
Essential Information - Everest Three High Passes Trek
Best Time for the Everest Three High Passes Trek
Everest Three High Passes Trek is ideal in spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). The seasons are normally stable with clear mountain scenery and pleasant temperatures in the daytime to do trekking at the high altitudes. The trails are generally dry, making it easier to cross Kongma La, Cho La, and Renjo La Passes. Winter brings cold temperatures and snowfall, while the monsoon season is usually rainy with cloudy skies and slippery trails.
With proper planning and the appropriate equipment, the Three Passes Trek Nepal can still be done in other seasons. Our team pays close attention to weather conditions and suggests the most appropriate dates of departure to offer a more safe and enjoyable trekking journey.
Everest Three High Passes Trek Difficulty
The Everest Three high passes Trek is a difficult trek as it involves three mountain passes above 5,300 metres, long trekking days, and high altitude nights. Trekkers should have good physical fitness and be prepared to walk between 5 and 8 hours on most days of the trek.
Our Everest Three High Passes Trek Itinerary is developed keeping in mind the gradual increase of the altitude and planning of acclimatization days to reduce the chances of altitude sickness. You will also have guides who will monitor your condition, maintain a comfortable pace and provide support to you during the trip.
Altitude and Acclimatization
The peak of the Everest Three High Passes Trek is 5644 m Kala patthar and 5535 m Kongma la pass. Hiking up such heights involves the necessary acclimatization, gradual strolls and frequent rehydration. In Namche Bazaar and Dingboche, we will have some acclimatization days and we will also climb Chhukung Ri before we cross the first high pass.
These rest days are highly scheduled to allow your body to adapt to the rising altitude as well as to prepare you to take on the tough parts of the Everest High Passes Trek.
Permits
In order to achieve the Everest Three High Passes Trek, trekkers require two permits, Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit and Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit. These permits are required to all visitors visiting the Everest region.
All the necessary permits will be obtained by our team in advance, and you will not have to think about the documents and the process of application when the trek starts.
Travel Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance is highly recommended for the Everest Three High Passes Trek because of the remote mountain environment and high altitude. This policy should include climbing to at least 6,000 metres, emergency treatment, and helicopter evacuation.
We will request you to give your insurance information before the trek begins. During the Three Passes Trek Nepal, our team will help in making the relevant arrangements in case of an emergency.
Most Asked Questions by Travellers
This trek is suitable for experienced trekkers with good physical fitness. The three high passes, long walking days and high altitude make it more difficult than the traditional Everest Base Camp Trek.
The trek crosses Kongma La Pass (5,535 m), Cho La Pass (5,368 m) and Renjo La Pass (5,360 m). Each pass offers different mountain views and landscapes.
Yes. We highly recommend the travel insurance including high altitude trekking, emergency healthcare and helicopter evacuation. It provides important protection while trekking in the remote Everest region.
The highest point of the trek is Kala Patthar at 5,644 m, and offers one of the nearest perspectives of the Mount Everest.
Previous experience in multi day trekking is strongly recommended. Physical fitness and endurance training will make the trek easier and more enjoyable.
Yes. We provide one porter per two trekkers which is included in our package. This allows you to carry only your daypack during the trek.
Yes. Most teahouses have power supply at a fee. It is advisable to carry a power bank, particularly when in elevated areas of the trek.
Yes. Whenever possible, it is possible to modify the Everest Three High Passes Trek Itinerary to suit your schedule, fitness, and travel plans.
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