Everest Three Passes Trek:
This is one of the most challenging and spectacular treks in the entire Khumbu region. After a week trekking up to Chukkung (4600m) you will start this grand traverse of three of the highest mountain passes in Nepal – Kongma La, Cho La, and Renjo La. Along the way you will have close-up views of several of the highest peaks in the Himalayas, visit Everest Base Camp, enjoy the sublime scenery at Gokyo Lakes, and visit fascinating Sherpa villages and monasteries.This is a challenge for fit and experienced trekkers and will leave you with memories to last a lifetime. The Three Passes trek is the ultimate Everest experience. This route takes in all the highlights—both in terms of mountain views and local Sherpa culture—and combines them into a complete journey through the Everest region.
Keep in mind, this trek is one of the most challenging teahouse treks in Nepal. In this trek, you will not only reach the Everest Base Camp but also pass through the three highest passes in the Khumbu region – Kongma La Pass (5,535/18,159ft)Cho La Pass (5420m/17,782ft), and Renjo La Pass (5,340m/17,520ft). The three pass trek is the ultimate Everest experience. Amazing view of the world's highest mountain.
TREK DETAILS:
Trek Duration: 19 Nights 20 Days
Max Altitude: 5,545 meters
Grade: Moderate - Difficult
Trip Starting/Ending Point: Kathmandu
Trek Category: Adventure
Best season: Sep-Oct-Nov/ Apr-May –June –July
Highlight of Everest Three Passes Trek:
- A scenic flight to Lukla
- Spellbinding view of mountains from the three high passes (Kongma La, Cho La & Renjo La)
- Famous Sherpa town in the Everest region - Namche Bazaar
- Nepal's highest airport Syangboche
- Stunning views from Gokyo Ri
- One of the world's highest hotels - Everest Hotel
- Gokyo Lakes
- Ancient monastery in Tengboche
- UNESCO World Heritage Sites
- Prayer wheels, colorful flags, Mani stones, high suspension bridges
- The wide range of flora and fauna
- Wildlife like musk deer, colorful pheasants, snow leopard, and Himalayan Thar
- Highest glacier on Earth- Khumbu Glacier (4900m)
- Amazing panoramic view from Kala Patthar (5,555m)
Outline Itinerary:
| DAYS | DESCRIPTION | OVERNIGHT | ALTITUDE+HRS |
| Day 1 | Arrival at Kathmandu | Kathmandu(Hotel) | 1,300m |
| Day 2 | Trek preparation day and drive to Manthali |
Manthali(Tea house) |
474m |
| Day 3 | Flight from Manthali to Lukla and trek to Phakding |
Phakding(Tea House) |
2,651m(35min) |
| Day 4 | Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar |
Namche Bazaar (Tea House) |
3,440m(5-6hrs) |
| Day 5 | Acclimatization day in Namche Bazaar |
Namche Bazaar (Tea House) |
3,440m(4-5hrs) |
| Day 6 | Trek from Namche Bazaar to Tengboche / Deboche |
Tengboche/Deboche (Tea House) |
3,820m(5-6hrs) |
| Day 7 | Trek from Tengboche/Deboche to Dingboche |
Dingboche (Tea House) |
4,380m(4-5hrs) |
| Day 8 | Trek from Dingboche to Chukkung |
Chukkung (Tea House) |
4,730m(3-4hrs) |
| Day 9 | Acclimatization day in Chukkung |
Chukkung (Tea House) |
4,730m |
| Day 10 | Trek from Chukkung to Kongma La – Lobuche | Lobuche(Tea House) | 4,938m(6-7hrs) |
| Day 11 | Trek from Lobuche to Gorakshep to Everest Base Camp / KalaPathhar - Gorakshep |
Gorak Shep (Tea House) |
5,160m(7-8hrs) |
| Day 12 | Trek from Gorak shep / Kalapathhar to Everest base camp to Lobuche | Lobuche(Tea House) | 4,938m(6-7hrs) |
| Day 13 | Trek from Lobuche to Dzongla | Dzongla(Tea House) | 4,800m(3-4hrs) |
| Day 14 | Trek from Dzongla to Chola to Thangnak to Gokyo | Gokyo (Tea House) | 4,870m(4-5hrs) |
| Day 15 | Rest Day in Gokyo and to Gokyo Ri | Gokyo( Tea House) | 4,870m |
| Day 16 | Trek from Gokyo to Renjo La to Marlung |
Marlung (Tea House) |
4,210m(4-5hrs) |
| Day 17 | Trek from Marlung to Namche Bazaar |
Namche Bazaar (Tea House) |
3,440m(7-8hrs) |
| Day 18 | Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla | Lukla (Tea House) | 2,860m(7hrs) |
| Day 19 | Flight from Lukla to Kathmandu | Kathmandu ( Hotel) | 1,300m(35min) |
| Day 20 | Kathmandu |
Itinerary Details:
Day 1: Arrival at Kathmandu:
Arrive at Kathmandu International airport. Meet, welcome, and assist by our office representative & transfer to hotel. Welcome drink, followed by tour briefing. Get refreshed, free time for your own & Overnight at Hotel.
Day 2:Trek Preperation day in Bhaktapur:
A half-day sightseeing tour of UNESCO heritage site Bhaktapur includes different temples and shrines reflecting ancient local traditions. There is time to explore the city’s many places of interest on your own or take a rest while trekking permits are finalized. We will escort you with our trekking guide for program briefing of the trek.
Day 3: Flight from Manthali to Lukla and trek to Phakding:
Our Everest 3 Passes Trek begins with a 40-minute domestic flight from Manthali to Lukla. This scenic flight provides you with amazing views of Langtang and the Annapurna Himalayan range.At first, we will climb down from Lukla to the Thado Koshi River and cross a few suspension bridges before reaching Phakding. The trek will be short and enjoyable as we will also be acclimatizing. In Phakding, we will not miss our chance to visit Rimishung Monastery.
Day 4: Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar:
We will begin early in the morning at Phakding and move north along the banks of Dudh Koshi River, passing many suspension bridges -including Hillary Suspension Bridge.Our path also takes us through Monjo Village, deep forests, and rocky trails to Sagarmatha National Park Check Post, where we will register our permits and climb up into the forest. From this forest, you will see Mt. Everest for the first time. However, we will continue the trek until we reach Namche Bazaar - the destination for the day.
Day 5: Acclimatization day at Namche Bazaar:
Today will be an acclimatization day at Namche. We recommend you to explore Namche Bazaar. This town contains numerous Wi-Fi-linked cafes, restaurants, souvenirs, and gear shops. There are other options - visit the Sagarmatha National Park visitor center, traditional Sherpa settlements, Hillary School, Khumjung monastery, Dingboche Airport, and Everest Hotel.
Day 6:Trek from Namche Bazaar to Tengboche/Deboche:
We leave Namche Bazaar and head to Thame following Bhote Koshi and past the pine and rhododendron forests. On the way, you will also get to see the mud-plastered stupa at Phurte.
Day 7: Trek from Tengboche/Deboche to Dingboche:
From here the level trail passes many mani walls in a deep rhododendron forest. This is the highest year-round settlement in the valley, and the Pangboche gompa is the oldest in Khumbu and contains relics that are said to be the skull a yeti. We will cross the Khumbu Khola river then head northwest toward the Chukkung Valley and arrive in Dingboche at the foot of the valley
Day 8: Trek from Dingboche to Chukkung:
The hike is relatively easy as we leave Dingboche through stone walled fields and alpine landscape. We take the trial from Dingboche through the Imja Khola valley on glacier moraines with towering mountains on both sides – Lhotse on our left and Ama Dablam on our right. The trail ahead is intersected by icy streams. We reach Chhukung in less than an hour from Bibre, and are surrounded here by glaciers and massive snowy mountains. We have the to hike up to Chhukung Ri which offers stunning views of Lhotse, Island Peak, Ama Dablam, Makalu and Baruntse. Overnight in Chhukung.
Day 9: Acclimatization day at Chukkung:
An acclimatization day in Chhukung is necessary before doing the Kongma La pass.The views are tremendous from Chhukung and further up the valley near Island Peak (6189 m). To the southwest, the eastern face, of Ama Dablam provides an unique view of this picturesque peak. Overnight in Chhukung.
Day 10:Trek from Chukkung to Kongma La/Lobuche:
We start early in the morning from Chhukung to have enough time to cross highest pass of the trip. Along the way there are great views of Island peak valley and jagged ridge of Amphu Lapcha. Ascending along the east side of Niyang Khola valley, we turn west and enter a wide basin dotted with small frozen lakes. The final descent is challenging, requiring crossing some ice at times along the Khumbu Glacier which takes us to Lobuche. Overnight in Lobuche.
Day 11: Trek from Lobuche to Gorakshep to Everest Base Camp / KalaPathhar – Gorakshep:
The trek begins by trekking through the lateral moraine of Khumbu Glacier until we arrive at Gorak Shep. We will leave our belongings at Gorak Shep and climb up north to Everest Base Camp. The camp itself forms the base for mountaineers ascending or descending the Everest mountain.
Reaching Everest Base Camp (EBC) is not easy, and by reaching EBC, you have shown how determined you are. In a way, it is a victory over yourself -a triumph of determination, a positive attitude, and perseverance. We will stay on EBC for some time soaking in the magnificent views that only a few on earth ever will. After clicking several pictures, we will descend to Gorak Shep, where we will stay for the night.
Day 12: Trek from Gorak shep / Kalapathhar to Everest base camp to Lobuche:
You were at Everest Base Camp the previous day, but despite reaching EBC, you couldn't really see Mt. Everest. So this day provides you the chance to see Mt. Everest up-close and in all glory.To catch the dawn breaking at Everest, we wake up early in the morning and hike to Kala Patthar (5,555m) - the famous Everest View Point. We will stay at Kala Patthar for some time, enjoy the sunrise over Mt. Everest and then descend to Gorak Shep for breakfast. After having breakfast, we will hike back to Lobuche, the destination for this day.
Day 13:Trek from Lobuche to Dzongla:
Today we start the crossing of the Cho La pass to Gokyo. The route to Dzongla branches off from the main trail some distance from Lobuche. The lake stays with us over a long stretch until we descend to a wide basin. After crossing the basin and a shaky bridge, we reach Dzongla.
Day 14: Trek from Dzongla to Chola to Thangnak to Gokyo:
Today is one of the most challenging of the trek. The walk begins as we transverse through a spur extending westward from Dzongla. The path descends to a basin across which meanders a murmuring stream crusted with ice at places. In about an hour, we reach the top of the basin readying for the triumph on ChoLa. We need to be alert as rocks can be glazed by ice. The trail brings us to the Ngozumpa glacier edge after short walk, which is longest glacier in Nepal. Reaching the other side of the glacier, we get view of the second of the Gokyo lakes on the series of six lakes. A short distance away is the third Gokyo Lake. On the edge of this lake stands the Gokyo Village where we finally give rest to our tired body. Overnight in Gokyo.
Day 15: Rest Day in Gokyo and to Gokyo Ri:
Acclimatization provides us time to climb the Gokyo Ri Viewpoint from where you can see the mesmerizing views of the Everest region - including Thonak Tsho Lake and the Ngozuma Tsho Lake. Three kilometers north of Gokyo lies Ngozumpa Tsho glacier (5,000m), and within five minutes walk lies Scoundrel's Viewpoint. From here, you get fantastic views of Cho Oyu, Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Makalu.On the north of the fifth Gokyo Lake, you can see astonishing views of the Cho Oyu Base Camp and the Ngozumpa Glacier - the longest glacier in the Himalayas.
Day 16: Trek from Gokyo to Renjo La to Marlung:
We need to start at dawn today as we have to trace our trail up to Marlung today after conquest of Renjo La. As there is no alternative to Marlung for overnight today, we need to start early. Down from the Gokyo Valley, we leave the main trail and turn to Renjo La trail by Dudh Pokhari. After about 3 hours, we gain the Renjo La where a dazzling vista awaits. We walk almost for an hour from Lumde to get to Marlung on the east bank of the Bhote Kosi. Overnight in Marlung.
Day 17: Trek from Marlung to Namche Bazaar:
The descent from Marulung to Thame follows a traditional route used for centuries by the Tibetan traders. Down from the Marulung we cross the Bhote Kosi and descend to Taranga. The place offer breathtaking views. We eventually reach Namche again through some Gompas, colorful player flags, Mani stones, and Chortens for the night rest.
Day 18: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla:
Our final day of trekking will lead us back to Lukla. After breakfast, we will be hiking down a steep trail that descends to the Hillary Suspension Bridge. However, we continue walking through several local villages in the Dudh Koshi River Valley until we reach Lukla. It is your sixteenth day of trekking, and your trekking is almost over. We hope you enjoyed the whole trek thoroughly.
Day 19:Flight from Lukla to Kathmandu:
If everything goes according to the schedule, we will be flying back to Kathmandu in the early morning on our seventh day of the trek. Your 40-minute flight back to Kathmandu will indeed be a relaxing one, and you most probably will be looking back at the time spent during the trek.
Day 20:Kathmandu:
We are confident that you have enjoyed one of the best holidays ever & will go back home with lasting memories of this amazing country. Our escorts & vehicles will be on standby at your hotel to take you to the airport for your final departure.
Cost Includes:
Government registered,well experienced and friendly local trekking guide.
Accommodation on sharing basis
Meal Plan Based on ( Breakfast , Lunch , Dinner) during the trek
All Transportation service
- International arrival and departure transfer
-Drop and Pick up at Manthali
- Manthali – Lukla – Manthali Air Transport
- Half day Sightseeing
1 Porter for 2 people during the trek
All necessary permits
Local municipality entrance fees
Accommodation based on BB plan during Bhaktapur and Kathmandu stay.
Cost Excludes:
All bar bills, beverages such as coke, fanta, sprite and mineral water.
Travel insurance, Nepal Tourist Visa fees, Items and expenses of personal nature.
Personal Trekking Equipments and rescue operation in case of emergency.
Any expenses which arise due to a change of the itinerary, because of landslides, Political trouble and strike etc.
Laundry, phone calls, internet, heater charge, hot shower and wifi services.
Tips for guide, porters, driver.
Entrance fees during Kathmandu , Bhaktapur sightseeing
