• Duration 18 Days / 17 Nights
  • Price from $1599 / person
  • Difficulty Level Very Strenuous
  • Max Altitude 5545 Meter

Three Passes Trek Overview

Everest Three Passes Trek also well-known as Everest High Passes trekking is one of the best extreme adventures through an astonishing rugged high-altitude mountain trail that offers the best adventure trekking holidays in Nepal. Everest three passes trek covers Kongma la (5,535m), Cho La Pass (5420m), and Renjo La (5,360m) making a loop (round) itinerary rewards you with the most spectacular mountain scenery in the world and thrilling lifetime adventure experience. If 3 passes are not challenging enough, you can add side trips of 3 trekking peaks: Gokyo Ri (5,483m), Kala Pattar (5,545m), Chukkung Ri (5,550m), Pokalde Peak 5806m (19,048ft) is an option, too and it doesn't require climbing permit as does the much more popular Island Peak 6,189 m. The sacred Gokyo Lakes is a superb side trip.

The rough and harsh trek of Everest three passes including Everest Base Camp is a thrilling and most daring trek among all other tea house treks in Nepal Himalaya. The Journey includes high altitude, steep and rocky terrain, snow, and ice. Your journey begins from Kathmandu followed by an exciting mountain flight and land at Lukla (2800m); a mountain town after landing at Tenzing Hillary airport (officially named in 2008). The journey goes through delightful Sherpa villages, prayer walls, Buddhist monasteries; ever flowing glacial rivers. We acclimatize before following the trail taken by many of the great Everest climbers and tackle some of the most unbelievable passes and summits one can trek in the Himalayas. During this Everest round trip, we are thrilled repeatedly by amazing views of the highest peaks in the world, glacial lakes, and serene valleys. With most of the walking above 3600m, this is not for the novice but will appeal to those who are fit and have previously trekked at high elevations. You should have a good level of fitness and are looking for a physically challenging holiday. Previous experience is important for activity-based trips.

If you are a real adventurer looking for more of a challenging trek crossing some of the most famous high passes in the world, you need to consider Wilderness Excursion's Everest High Passes Trek. If you are looking for a trek slightly less adventurous than this involves suburb views of Gokyo Lakes along with Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar, "Everest Base Camp Trek via Gokyo Lakes - 18 Days" would be best for you! Wilderness Excursion's "Everest Base Camp Trek with 12 Days" itinerary would be perfect for you if you are young, energetic, physically fit, and yearn to hike up to  Base Camp and Kala Pathar but will have a limited amount of time to trek. If you are a novice trekker and want an easier itinerary but want to visit the Everest Base Camp, Wilderness Excursion can customize a tailor-made tour for you, especially at a reasonable cost. We will assign the best experience local Sherpa Guide for your Everest high passes trek to make your holiday ever the best trip.

Highlights

  • Reach the iconic Everest Base Camp and enjoy incredible views of Everest and other Himalayan giants.
  • Cross 3 high altitude passes and ascend 5 summits, Trekking at altitude in remote areas.
  • 17 days of walking, Altitude maximum 5545m, average 3900m.
  • One of the most Extreme Airports, broadcast on The History Channel in 2010.
  • Wonderful photographic opportunities. It’s fun to leave the main trails; and take to the paths less traveled very little gear is needed.
  • Sherpa culture, Buddhist Monasteries, and Religious monuments.
  • Wildlife such as muck deer, Thar (Mountain Goat), Longur, Himalayan griffin, etc.
  • The all-inclusive package costs just US$ 1589 per person

Itinerary

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This is our standard itinerary making loop (round) starting and ending at Namche also can be customized or change slightly  if required considering your pace and trekking habit. 

Early morning drive to Manthali (130km -4 hours) Take exciting and adventurous flight of 25 minutes To Lukla from Kathmandu with beautiful views of landscape and snow capped mountains and start our trek to Phakding. It is pleasant walk of 3 hours today passing many Tibetan Buddhist prayer walls, monasteries and monuments. We have a tea or lunch trek on the way to Phakding. Stay overnight in lodge.

  • Lunch & Dinner
  • Trekking Lodge
  • 2610m
  • Phakding

After hot breakfast; we start our trek to Namche viaToktok, Benkar, Monjo and Jorsalle. After 3 hours hike passing many suspension bridges with good view of Mt. Thamserku and we should entry our Sagarmatha National Park entry permit and will have lunch in Jorsalle. Then we start to climb steep up slowly passing high suspension bridge till Namche Bazaar which takes about 2 and half hour. Stay overnight in lodge. 

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Trekking Lodge
  • 3440m
  • Namche

As it is very important for the trekkers to schedule an ‘acclimatization day’ to acclimatize our body and to avoid AMS further up the trail. This never means we have to stop walking but it is always recommended to hike to higher elevation and sleep at lower so we can hike up to Everest view hotel for panoramic and spectacular view of mountains, walk to twin Sherpa village (Khumjung and Khunde) and vist Sherpa museum or hang around at Namche Bazar. There are many hotels, lodges, restaurants, bars, cyber café, boutiques, souvenir shops and groceries at Namche. This place is nice to hang around. Stay over in lodge.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Trekking Lodge
  • 3440m
  • Namche

Trek continues to straight until reaching Kyanjuma and it takes about 1 & half hour walk and then the trail climbs down to the Dudh Kosi River and cross by suspension bridge. We can see a series of picturesque water driven prayer wheel. Then we will have lunch in Phungi Thengna. The steep ascent brings us to Tengboche village. Explore the region’s most active Buddhist monastery which is region’s most active monastery. The monks open Gompa at 4pm for the visitors and we can also visit sacred land exhibition center. The views of the mountains are fabulous in the morning and evening. Stay overnight in Lodge.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Trekking Lodge
  • 3870m
  • Tengboche

Trek continues to straight until reaching Kyanjuma and it takes about 1 & half hour walk and then the trail climbs down to the Dudh Kosi River and cross by suspension bridge. We can see a series of picturesque water driven prayer wheel. Then we will have lunch in Phungi Thengna. The steep ascent brings us to Tengboche village. Explore the region’s most active Buddhist monastery which is region’s most active monastery. The monks open Gompa at 4pm for the visitors and we can also visit sacred land exhibition center. The views of the mountains are fabulous in the morning and evening. Stay overnight in Lodge.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Trekking Lodge
  • Dingboche

After breakfast we set up for Chhukung. It is a short day today so we can trek leisurely. We can have stunning sun set view over Mt. Lhotse and Kwangde in south from Chhukung. And stay overnight in lodge.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Trekking Lodge
  • 4730m
  • Chhukung

It is strongly recommended before setting off for the Kongma La Pass. We can hike up to Chhukung Ri which is at the height of 5546 meter and 800 meter hike from the hotel. The mountain view is brilliant from there, return to same hotel, stay overnight in same lodge.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Trekking Lodge
  • 4730m
  • Chhukung

To cross Kongma La in a single day, we start early morning. Carry plenty of water and snacks. There is no tea house facility between Chhukung and Labuche. You have an amazing view from top of the pass. Walk down to Labuche and stay overnight in lodge.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Trekking Lodge
  • 4900m
  • Lobuche

After breakfast hot breakfast in the morning, we continue our trek in the left bank of Khumbu glacier and steep climb up till Changri glacier, and then short descend to reach Gorak shep. It takes about 2 and half hour. We take lunch break there, book room and dropped stuffs then hike to Everest Base Camp. Stay overnight in lodge.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Trekking Lodge
  • 5160m
  • Gorakshep

Early in the morning, hike up to Kala Pathar/5545m; meaning black stone. It is 400m ascends to Kala Pathar view point from hotel, takes max. 2 hours. Now the view is 360˙degreet view of Mt. Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Khumbutse, Pumori, Lingtren, Amadablam, Thamserku, Lobuche peak and other peaks all around. There is also unobstructed view of sunrise and sunset. Then we walk down to hotel after breakfast continues our trek to Dzongla via Lobuche. It takes about 4 hours to Dzonglha from Gorakshep. Stay overnight in lodge.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Trekking Lodge
  • 4830m
  • Dzonglha

We should take a heavy breakfast because there is not any tea shop between Dzonglha and Thakna. We have to carry some snacks, dry food, cookies and enough water. It is better to start to trek very early in the morning as it is windy at day time. Our guide or porter carries tea or hot water to keep you rehydrate on the way. It takes 7-8 hours to get to Thakna from Dzonglha via strenuous Chola Pass/5417m. Stay overnight in lodge. 

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Trekking Lodge
  • 4700m
  • Thakna

After breakfast, the trail continues gently up and down by crossing Nzojumba glacier until reaching Gokyo which takes about 2 and half hour. Now you have a great view of Cho-Oyu and other peaks. You can see the second lake during the trail before reaching Gokyo. Gokyo Lake is third lake which is also known as Dudh Pokhari; meaning milk pond. You have lunch break and take rest. After lunch walk to fourth or fifth lake with your guide to explore. Stay overnight in lodge. 

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Trekking Lodge
  • 4750m
  • Gokyo

Hike up to Gokyo Peak or Gokyo Ri/5357m. About 2 hours climb up; for sun rise view and incredible mountain. The view is far better thanr Kala Pathar in your trekking. You have an excellent view of four of eight, eight-thousanders including Mt Everest/8848m, Mt. Lhotse/8510m, Mt. Makalu/8463, Cho Oyu/8153m, Pumori, Amadablam and other peaks. You have also unobstructed view of Sunrise from the top. Come back to hotel and stay there overnight. 

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Trekking Lodge
  • 4750m
  • Gokyo

Early in the morning, we start our trek to Lungden via Renjola Pass (5417m); last pass of 3 high passes in our trek. The is now tremendous from top of Renjo La. World’s highest peak Mt Everest (8848m), Mt. Lhotse (8510m), Mt. Makalu (8463m), Cho Oyu (8153m), Amadablem And many other peaks are seen.. Stay overnight at lodge 

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Trekking Lodge
  • 4350m
  • Lungden

We walk down to Thame village which is beautiful Sherpa village. It is an easy walk down to the village and we can explore the area upon reaching there. Stay overnight in lodge.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Trekking Lodge
  • 3800m
  • Thame

Trek to Namache - Monju from Thame. An easy walk of about four hours takes us to Namche Bazaar. You can treat yourself with bottle of beer. Yes you deserve it! And hang around in at Monju as your trek is about to end after one day. Stay overnight at lodge. 

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Trekking Lodge
  • 2800m
  • Monju

After breakfast set off to trek to Lukla via Jorsalle, Manjo, Phakding, Ght and Chhplung. Hang around in Lukla Bazzar. There are bars, cyber café, banks, restaurants, curio shops and groceries. Stay overnight in lodge. 

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Trekking Lodge
  • 2800m
  • Lukla

After hot breakfast at Lukla fly back to Manthali then drive to Kathmandu (130km / 4 hours drive). Overnight in Kathmandu. Trip ends with Wilderness Excursion

Customized Trip

What's Included

  • An experienced, government registered and friendly guide and 
  • 1 Sharing high altitude porters for 2 trekkers to carry the luggage.
  • Meal: 17 Breakfasts, 17 Lunches and 17 Dinners during the trekking.
  • Sharing twin bed room in mountain/teahouse lodge accommodation during the trek.
  • Lukla round flight fare (cost USD 432.00) per person and airport taxes.
  • Flight ticket of your Everest three passes trek guide.
  • All necessary trekking permit with National park fee,
  • Guide and porters fee with all their expenses during the trek
  • Insurance and trekking gear for guide and porter.
  • Office service charge and government taxes and vat etc

What's Excluded

  • Accommodation, meals and transfers  in Kathmandu.
  • Bar bills, beverages such as coke, fanta, mineral water
  • Hot shower, battery charging and hot water during the trekking
  • Personal travel insurance, internet, phone calls and laundry service.
  • Rescue operation charge in case of emergency.
  • Additional porters hire if needed.
  • Tips for guide and porters.

Availabilities

Check our fixed departure dates for the trip start dates and cost for Everest Three High Passe Trek. If it does not suit your dates and length of trip, please kindly contact us for your customized departure date, itinerary and the price. As Wilderness Excursion is a local tour and trekking operator based in Kathmandu; we guaranty your small private group departure any date you select that meets your travel needs. Thank you and Namaste!
Start Date End Date Status Note Price  
March 23, 2024 April 09, 2024 Available US$1599
March 30, 2024 April 16, 2024 Available US$1599

Useful Information

Nepal Government Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal has announced an issue for the flight operation to Lukla. Most of the flights to Lukla will diverted from Manthali at Ramechhap until further notice to avoid the serious traffic congestion in Kathmandu airport. The airport in Ramechhap is located 130km from Kathmandu (approximately 4 hours drive).

As an alternative, helicopter arrangements can be made on 5 people sharing basis with the addition of USD 500 for one way flight per person to change your airplane flights to the helicopter. We will try to coordinate and figure out groups at the airport for this arrangement, but we cannot promise it. The drive to Ramechhap and flight to Lukla is almost always guaranteed unless the flight is canceled due to bad weather situation.

Travelers are requested to inform us on the preferred alternatives for the flights to/from Lukla affected due to possible delays or disruptions.

FAQs

As it is titled “Everest ultimate trek” the three passes trek is labeled “demanding”. It is a serious adventure trek crossing over high altitude passes (Kongma la 5535m, Cho La (5420m and Renjo La 5417m) .

It requires previous trekking experience in Himalaya or Alps, to be in a good physical shape. If you are not well acclimated and needing to make yourself fitter then Wilderness Excursion suggests you to start the trek lower at Phaplu (see our Phaplu to Namche Bazaar Everest Base Camp Trek). This trek is not technical but sometimes it may require some basic equipments such as ice gripper, ice-axe and trekking poles if you are trekking in late October, November or early March.

Best time to trek to Everest three passes is September and early October and from Mid March to June. Trekking in November is still not bad. Heavy snowfall blocks the trail and warn to go back so check the weather forecast before heading to trail head.

Monsoon rain may affect the views if you are trekking in June, July and August. Lukla flights may get delayed and cancelled in rainy season. Everest region gets extremely busy during the month of April from mountaineering expedition teams.

Everest Three Passes Trek is some 167 km and 104 miles approximately. The trek start at Lukla followed by a sceinc flight from Kathmandu and trek also ends at Lukla the catch a light to KTM again. Nepal is the country where trekking duration is measured in days so Three Passes Trek aka Everest ultimate trek’s length depends on from where you start the trek. Still many people start this trek at Jiri and walk to Lukla / Namche. Also you could start this trek from Phaplu. Then your trek will be some three weeks long or more. We also offer tailored made itinerary that suits your requirements. 

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