Everest Three Pass Trek

Everest Three Pass Trek: Three High Passes Trekking in Nepal

  • Destination
    Nepal
  • Region
    Everest
  • Duration
    15 Days
  • Transportation
    Flight
  • Max Height
    5545m.
  • Activities
    Trekking
  • Trip Grade
    Adventure
  • Accomodation
    Hotel/Lodge
  • Group Size
    Mini. 1 Pax
  • Best Season
    Sep-Nov & Mar-May
  • Meals
    B.L.D.
  • Start / End Point
    Lukla to Lukla

Trip Overview

Three High Passes Trek is an adventure and ideal trekking route in the  Khumbu region. Challenge your endurance and perseverance against the lofty high altitude Himalayan passes of the Everest region. Embark on the arduous journey of the Khumbu Circuit Trail. Experience the mini mountaineering adventure while trekking in Nepal. Are you an adventure freak? Do you crave adrenaline rush and wilderness thrill in your life? If yes, try the Everest Three Pass Trek in Nepal. Cross three iconic high-altitude passes and reach the base camp of the world’s tallest mountain Mt. Everest. Trekking to Everest Base Camp is the most famous trekking trip. However, it doesn’t include most of the attractions of Khumbu. However, Three High Passes Trekking offers the overall experience of mountains, Sherpa village, lakes, and glaciers.

Nepal High Trek & Expedition is a reliable trekking agency in Nepal. We offer quintessential and diverse trekking packages. These walking holidays range from easy to arduous and short to long. Therefore, our valued clients can choose the trekking package of their liking. As for the challenging trekking route, Everest Three Pass Trek tops all. It is the epitome of challenging commercial trekking routes.

Khumbu region of Nepal hosts the Everest Three Pass Trek. It is the same locale where there is the famous Everest Base Camp Trek. So, some people argue the value of these two trekking trips.

Everest Base Camp Trek vs Everest Three Pass Trek

Trek to Everest Base Camp lasts generally for 14 days. However, the Three High Passes Trek lasts for 15 – 20 days. Everest Base Camp Trek is the individual trekking trail that takes trekkers to one single destination of Khumbu. Likewise, the trip solely focuses on reaching the base camp of the world’s tallest mountain. However, the Three Pass Trek consists of Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Valley too along with three high passes.

If you have ample time, doing the Everest Three Pass Trek is more worthwhile than the Everest Base Camp Trek. It has covered the mesmerizing three passes Kongma La, Chola, and Renjo La Pass. Besides, you can soak into gorgeous Gok Lake too.

Highlights of the 15 Days Everest Three Passes Trek

  • Everest Base Camp
  • Kongma La Pass (5535m)
  • Chola Pass (5420m)
  • Renjo La Pass (5360m)
  • More than 3 dozen mountains
  • Sunrise from Kalapathar
  • Gokyo Ri (5367m)
  • Sherpa Villages of Everest Summiteers
  • Tengboche Monastery & Pagodas
  • Green Lush diverse vegetation
  • The world’s largest Khumbu glacier
  • The world’s longest Ngozumpa glacier
  • Gokyo Lakes
  • Namche Bazaar
  • World’s Most Extreme Airport the Lukla Airport

Kongma La Pass (5535 m)

The anti-clockwise trekking is the normal route of the high passes trek. The first high-altitude pass on this trekking journey is the Kongma La Pass. It is located between Lobuche and Chhukung Valley. Even if it is the first pass on the trail, it is considered the toughest one because of the terrain. During winter or snowy seasons walking on the trail is very technical and arduous. The narrow trail in the steep ridge line and icy lakes as well as the rugged trail make it harder for the trekkers to walk.

Everest Base Camp (5364 m) & Kalapathar Hike (5545 m)

After crossing the Kongma La Pass, trekkers reach the Everest Base Camp via Lobuche and Gorakshep. The place is a legend in itself. Mere words are not enough to describe the grandeur of this place. Moreover, the thrill of being at the foothill of Mt. Everest (8848.86 m) is extraordinary.

Trekkers can get orgasmic bliss while experiencing the sunrise from the top of Kalapathar (5545 m).

Chola Pass (5420 m)

The most popular high-altitude pass in the Everest region of Nepal is the Chola Pass. It is located between Lobuche Valley and Gokyo Valley. Crossing the pass offers the mini mountaineering feeling. Throughout the year, the pass is covered by snow. Trekkers need to heed the instructions of the trekking guide while walking on the trail. There are many crevasses as the trail is on the shores of the icy frozen lake. From the top of the pass, you can witness the majestic panoramic view of the mountains.

Gokyo Valley (4700 m)

At the foothill of Gokyo Ri (5357 m) and on the shores of 3rd Gokyo Lake lies the beautiful hamlet of Gokyo village. The blue turquoise lake mirroring the image of lofty snowcapped mountains is a sight to behold. There are five lakes in the Gokyo Lake System. These lakes are within the Ramsar-listed sites. So, the Government of Nepal has preserved it as well. The lake is also regarded as the sacred site of the Sherpa people. Therefore, trekkers can understand the spiritual side of the locals as well.

During the Everest Three Pass Trek, Gokyo Ri hiking is not done. Trekkers trek the Renjo La Pass which is similar to the Gokyo Ri height as well as in terms of the scenery.

Renjo La Pass (5360 m)

Overlooking the beautiful Gokyo Village and lake, trekkers trek on the narrow rocky rugged trail to the top of the Renjo La Pass. The panoramic view of mountains seen from the top of the pass is unmatchable. One can get the sight of Mt. Makalu as well from the top. Moreover, the village beyond this pass is equally famous. It is the Thame Village. The village is the home of numerous Everest Summiteers. Every house in the village has a record-breaking mountaineer. Therefore, exploring the village endows an everlasting impression of people’s magnificence and intrepidity. Moreover, it will motivate trekkers to work harder and be satisfied in their life.

Everest Three Pass Trek Itinerary and Cost

The cost of the Everest Three Pass Trek ranges from 1400 to 1900 USD per person. It depends upon the includes and excludes of the amenities. People argue about the execution of the itinerary. They get confused about doing the trek anti-clockwise or clockwise. Both ways of trekking are possible. However, the anti-clockwise way of following the itinerary of the Everest Three High Passes Trek in Nepal is the best.

Reward yourselves with the fantastic perspectives of mountains. Challenge the mighty Himalayan landscape of the Everest region. Explore the Sherpa Villages of Everest Summiteers. Cleanse your soul in the monasteries and bask in the morning sun ray coming out of lofty mountain peaks. Book the Everest Three Pass Trekking in Nepal with us. Embark on the arduous yet magnificent trekking journey up in the Himalayas of Nepal.

Details Itinerary

Morning flight to Lukla with scenic views of Himalayan peaks during 35 35-minute flight with Everest. On reaching Lukla with time to refresh, the trails continue to walk to beautiful Phakding village. The trail is easy with the separate Sherpa villages, river, monastery, and beautiful peaks. Phakding is an amazing Sherpa village where you can explore the local culture with a marvelous valley.

Today our journey will be quite longer than a precious day. We must walk between 6 to 8 hours but it depends on your pace. The trail goes gradually up to the Dudh Kosi River with traditional Sherpa villages. We cross the Monjo and Sagarmatha National Park, Jorsalle, Hillary suspension bridge then uphill to Namche Bazar.  After Hillary's Bridge the trail gradually uphill and it takes 2 hours to reach at Namche. Namaste Bazar is an unbelievable Himalayan town surrounded by magnificent peaks with local Sherp culture too. Where you can get most of the amenities in the Namche Bazar.

Namche is a perfect spot and the best place to rest days to support acclimatization. The place is highly recommended to discover the hidden gems of nature and culture. If you are feeling well hike up to hotel Everest view and Khumjung village. From the Everest view, you can see the Everest, Lhotse, Amadablam, Thamserku, and panoramic scenarios of Khumbu Valley. However, acclimatization is very crucial to adjust to high altitude and to complete a trip without hassle.

From Namche, the trail heads through the Kyanjuma, Sanasa village, and downhill to Phungi thanga.  This place is a perfect place for lunch and after lunch completely uphill to Tengboche. You should climb up more than 600 meters to reach at Tengboche and the trail goes inside the rhododendron and fine forest with might scenic view of Thamserku. Thyangboche Monastery is surrounded by a series of peaks with views of Everest and Amadablam. At the evening you can visit to monastery and participate at the evening worship.

Morning with grand views of peaks then downhill to a river, after crossing a bridge with slow climb towards Pangboche village. With scenic close views of Amadablam peak, the walk continues to reach a scenic Imjatse Valley where our overnight stops at Dingboche located with views of Amadablam and Island peaks.

Another acclimatize day in Dinboche for a hike to Nagarjung Hill or walk around the valley. We prefer to hike up to Nargarjung hill for the acclimatization and spectacular scenery of Amadabalm, Lhotse Shar, Tauche, Thamseku, Khangtenga and Khumbu Himalayas ranges too.

From Dingboche a short day walk to Chhukung heading east of the last settlement of Khumbu valley. In Chhukung afternoon hike to Chhukung Ri for more super views of the mountains and preparation for the next early morning adventure towards Kongma-la pass.

After Chhukung, the adventure starts by crossing the first high pass with an early morning climb uphill for an hour leading over the icy path, here onwards on a rocky trail to Kongma-la Pass. It's close to Kongma or Mehra peak, after rest cross Kongma-la Pass located between Mt. Nuptse, Mehara, and Pokalde peaks. After a tough climb walk towards Khumbu Glacier with a short steep climb up at terminal debris of Khumbu Glacier to Lobuche village. In compassion, the Kongma la pass is tougher than the other two passes. An overnight stay in Lobuche village and you can find the popular Everest base camp trail.

After Lobuche, the trail takes you to our highlight at Everest base camp via Gorakshep. As our route leads with a slow uphill and above Khumbu Glacier and moraine to reach a flat field at Gorakshep where we'll stay overnight. The Gorakshep is the world's highest tea house and where is available the 5 guest houses.

From Gorakshep continue to walk toward the east to reach Everest base camp, on reaching our target enjoy views of giant peaks with Khumbu Ice-Fall and glaciers, and then walk back to Gorakshep for an overnight stop.

Early morning take a hike on a steep uphill to reach on top Kalapathar at above 5,545 m, the highest point of the adventure facing wonderful views of a mountain range with Everest and Pumori and giant Himalayas of views of Khumbu Valey

After visiting Kalapathar viewpoin descend to Gorakshep and walk downhill to Lobuche, walking above Thugla to reach Dzongla a small settlement located beneath Cho-la Pass for an overnight stop.

In the early morning, our journey ahead to the Chola Pass and its second high pass throughout our journey. The trail takes you on the adventure to cross over Cho-la pass, glacier, and ice lake with the rocky trail on the top. The Chola Pass would be quite challenging to cross in a heavy snowfall the requires crampons, and trekking poles with warm gears too. From the top descend carefully to Thanknak for an overnight stop at a small isolated spot with few small lodges.

After a great crossing of the Chola Pass, we'll head to the magnificent Gokyo Lake while crossing the massive Ngozumpa glacier. The trail is easy to Gokyo walking beneath Ngozumba glacier, slowly heading to the first lake and second lakes of Gokyo, and then reaching a third lake also called Dudh Pokhari near the bank where the summer settlement of Gokyo is located. After lunch, if the weather gets clear hike to Gokyo ri and discover the world's numerous peaks and Gokyo lakes too.

The morning hike to Gokyo Ri at 5,357 m is one of the highlights of this adventure with a panorama of the world’s highest mountains Mt. Cho Oyo, Gyachung Kang, Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotse, Cholatse, Taweche and to the east views of Mt. Makalu. After a great exciting time descend back to Gokyo for lunch with an afternoon free to enjoy the surrounding beautiful views.

The Renjo La Pass is the last high pass of our journey and it's quite easy than Chola and Kongma La. In the early morning, the trail takes you uphill to Renjo La Pass. It takes a maximum of 4 hours to reach the top of the Renjo la and this pass also requires crompons and trekking poles. From Renjo-la, we can see the beautiful Gokyo Lakes, facing views of Everest, Lhotse, Cholatse, Cho Oyu, Makalu, and Taboche. After Renjo La top the trail descends to the Lungden village through remarkable scenarios of Thame Valley with a delightful sherp culture.

After completing all three great high passes of Khumbu within Everest, a morning walk downhill to Marlung village. The trail continues to the sleepy and quiet village at Thame located west of Namche Bazaar, at Thame with time to visit its old monastery believed to be more than 500 years old. This village is known as the Everest summiters village and where Kami Rita Sherpa was born here with many more legendary mountaineers.

An easy walk today heading back into tree lines with views of Kwangde peaks all the way to Namche. The trails lead past a nice Thamo village with a small Hydro station above the Bhote Kosi River which supplies electric power to Khumbu villages. As well as from Thamo a few hours of good walk reaching Namche for the last overnight stop before Lukla.

Today a long walk to reach our last stop in the Khumbu area at Lukla and it takes 7 to 8 hours to reach the Lukla.  From Namche on downhill to a river with a short climb to Monjo and then on a good trail to Phakding village via separate traditional Sherp villages. The Phakding is a beautiful village and a perfect lunch place before heading to Lukla. From Phakding the trail gradually up to Lukla through the Ghat, Thadokoshi, and Chiplung and reaches to the massive Lukla village. Eventually back to Lukla after completing of Everest Three High Passes.

Morning as per your flight time transfer to Tenzing-Hillary air terminal in Lukla, boarding in a smaller aircraft for a scenic flight back to Kathmandu and then to your hotel, after a most amazing time on Everest base camp trekking.

Last day in the land of Himalayan Wonders, as per your international flight time depart from the hotel for the airport for your international flight back to your home countries or other respective destinations.

Cost Includes

  • All ground transportation (Airport Pickup and drop off drop off by private car)
  • Two-night Hotel in Kathmandu with Breakfast
  • Meals During Trek: (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner)
  • Government license holder mountain guide.
  • Trekking permits: Khumbu rural municipality entrance fee & Sagarmatha National Park permit.
  • Domestic airfare (Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu)
  • 14-night tea house/lodge Accommodation throughout the trek.
  • 3 cups hot tea/coffee per day during the trek.
  • Fresh fruit during the trek
  • Trekking gears down jacket, sleeping bag, and duffle bag.
  • The arrangement of Emergency Helicopter service will be paid for by your Travel insurance company.
  • Medical kit bag.

Cost  Excludes

  • Nepal entry visa fee.
  • Your Travel insurance.
  • All the Food in Kathmandu. Also in the case of early return from the mountain (due to any reason) then the scheduled Itinerary.
  • All the expenses in the mountain over than scheduled itinerary (due to strike, delay, or canceled flight)
  • Extra night Hotel in Kathmandu if arrive early or late departure than scheduled Itinerary.
  • All the Bar bills and personal expenses (phone call, laundry service, battery recharge, a bottle of water, hot water, shower.
  • Personal porter.
  • Tips for the guide.

Everest Three High Passes Trek Route Map

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