Everest High Passes Trek – Three Pass Trek 18 Days

Overview of Three Passes Trek, Everest High Passes Trek

Region: Himalayan ranges in Nepal.
Trek type: Group adventure.
Group size: 1 to 16 people per group.
When is the best time to trek: March to May, and Sep to mid-December.
Not a good time to trek: mid-December to the beginning of March.
Trek begins and ends at: Kathmandu.
Trekking duration: 17 nights / 18 days.
The difficulty level of the trek: Challenging.
Maximum altitude gain: 5, 645 meters.
Daily altitude gain: 200 to 400 meters.
Type of accommodation: Hotel / Mountain Lodge / Tea houses on a twin-sharing basis.

The glorious Three Passes Trek or Everest High Passes Trek is a must-do trek in every trekking enthusiast’s mind. World over, trekkers aspire to be part of this spectacular and challenging trekking expedition. The passes are challenging hikes and it instantly rewards you with views that are literally from the top of the world. In this trek, we can see the 4 biggest mountains of our planet, Mount Everest-No 1, Mount Lhotse-No 4, Mount Makalu-No 5, and Mount Cho Oyu-No 6.

The 3 passes that we will cross are Renjo La (5, 417 meters), Cho La (5, 420 meters), and Kongma La Pass (5, 535 meters). In addition to these passes, we will be hiking to Gokyo Ri (5, 357 meters), and Kala Patthar (5, 645 meters). This trek will also take you through the huge glaciers of Khumbu and Ngozumpa. We will see the famous and beautiful Gokyo Lakes that are part of the highest freshwater lake systems.

The Everest High Passes Trek challenging expedition starts from Lukla. The trail goes past many villages to a place called Thame. Once we cross Thame the landscapes change. The surroundings suddenly become treeless and appear to be a cold desert. The trail leading to Gokyo will cross Lumde village and the Renjo La pass. We will hike the Gokyo Ri, and hike to the 5th Gokyo lakes when we are at Gokyo. Before we reach Gorakshep, we will cross the Ngozumpa glacier and the Cho La Pass. On the day we reach Gorakshep, we will trek to Everest Base Camp and hike to the Kala Patthar mountain the next day. Thereafter, we will pass by the Khumbu glacier, Kongma La pass, and descend to Chukung village. We will return Lukla via Dingboche, Tengboche, and Namche Bazaar.

Itinerary of Three Passes Trek

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1, 400 m / 4, 593 ft).

Upon arrival, our representative will meet you and take you to the hotel. We will brief you about the trek today then it is a leisure day for you. In the evening you can visit Thamel Street, it is a popular place. It has a lot of restaurants, casinos, and plenty of shops to buy trekking gear and accessories. You can also visit the Darbar Marg.

Day 2: Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla (2, 800 m / 9, 184 ft) and trek to Phakding (2,651 m / 8, 700 ft): 3 hours.

After breakfast, we will proceed to the Tribhuvan Domestic Airport, Kathmandu. We will take a flight to Lukla. The total flying time is of 35 minutes. The experience of flying on this route will be one of your best. The flight will be passing through valleys and presenting some breathtaking views of the mountain ranges and the Nepali villages atop. Once you arrive in Lukla, our representatives will receive you. Immediately we will start our trekking and trek to Phakding. It is at an altitude level of 2652m. It is a simple trek for 2.5 hours. The trail will pass via many small villages and green mountains. We will stay overnight at a mountain lodge.

Day 3: Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3, 438 m / 11, 280 ft): 6-7 hours.

After breakfast, we will start our trek for Namche Bazaar. Namche is at an altitude of 3438m. The route is surrounded by huge green mountain ranges. The Dudh Koshi river flows along the side till Namche. We will be having lunch on the route at Jorsale as that is the last point to get food before Namche. The route between Jorsale and Namche is a gradually inclining trail amidst the thick green forest. You will be able to get a glimpse of Everest and Lhotse just before Namche, though not noticeably clear. Overnight stay at mountain lodge.

Day 4: Namche Bazaar to Khumjung (3, 790 m / 12, 434 ft): 1 – 2 hours.

Today we will start a little late and visit the Namche Museum which is extremely popular for the statue of Tenzing Norgay. After the museum we will do a short hike to Syangboche Airport which is just above Namche Bazaar, then follow a trail towards Khumjung Village. The view from Syangboche is very spectacular as you can see a magnificent view of Everest, Lhotse, and Amadablam. Khumjung is a big village situated at the foothill of sacred mountain Khumbila, in the 1970s mythical creature Yeti was spotted in the same village. You can visit Khumjung Monastery to see a Yeti Scalp (local monks claims it as a Yeti Scalp).

Day 5: Khumjung to Thame (3, 800 m / 12, 467 ft): 4 – 5 hours.

This is comparatively a less crowded trekking route. The route is very scenic. You will pass through village Thamo which has a beautiful Monastery. Before reaching Thame you will get a bridge and underneath a stream, water flows this is a very beautiful sight and the sound that it makes is something never heard off. It will take 5 hours to reach Thame. It is a very beautiful village where Tenzing Norgay spent his childhood. Overnight in a mountain lodge.

Day 6: Thame to Lumde (4, 137 m / 13, 573 ft): 5 – 6 hours.

Another day of moderate trekking, the trail goes alongside the Bhote Koshi River once we start from Thame. The trail is treeless and gives you a feel of high altitude. We will cross Taranga and the Marlung village before arriving in Lumde. Lumde is a small settlement with few Tea Houses. Overnight in a mountain lodge.

Day 7: Lumde to Gokyo (4, 800 m / 15, 748 ft) via Renjola Pass (5, 465 m/17, 929ft): 7 – 8 hours.

Today’s trek will be strenuous as we will hike to Renjo La Pass (5, 465 meters). The trail goes uphill once we start from Lumde then it becomes flat for a distance. You can see two lakes from the trail. We will start our final hike after the second lake which will be strenuous as we need to reach the top of the pass after crossing many steps! Once you arrive at Renjo La the reward is out of the world! 180-degree views of mountains like Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, Pumori, Nuptse, and few others. You can see the 4 biggest mountains of the world from this mountain pass. Renjo La Pass provides the best view in the entire region the view of Gokyo Lake with Ngozumpa glacier is breathtakingly beautiful. After spending some time on the top, we will get down to Gokyo which is a fully downhill trek. Overnight at a mountain lodge.

Day 8: Gokyo Acclimatization Day and visit 5th Gokyo Lake.

Today we will visit 5th Gokyo Lake which will take 3 hours to reach, it is a tiny glacial lake. On the way, we can see the 4th lake which 2nd biggest lake in the lake system. The trail goes alongside the Ngozumpa glacier with a moderate difficulty level. Once you reach 5th lake the view is spectacular as you can see a 100% view of Mount Everest, this is the only place in the region from where you can see a full view of Mount Everest. Cho Oyu is also very close to this place so you can have a gigantic view of this mountain. After spending some time, we will back to Gokyo and stay overnight.

Day 9: Gokyo to Thangnak (4,750 m / 15,580 ft) after hiking Gokyo Ri (5, 357 m / 17, 575 ft): 7 – 8 hours.

Today we will hike to Gokyo Ri which takes 3 hours to reach on top. The view is similar to Renjo La pass. From here you can see a 180-degree view of mountains, the view of Gokyo Lakes looks spectacular from the top! We will return to Gokyo after spending some time on the top and trek further for 2 to 3 hours to reach Thangnak. The trail goes up and down on the Ngozumpa glacier which is the longest glacier in the Himalayas. Once we cross the glacier, the trail is mostly flat. Overnight in a mountain lodge.

Day 10: Thangnak to Zongla (4, 830 m / 15, 850 ft) via Chola Pass (5, 368 m / 17,611 ft): 7 to 8 hours.

Another tough day of our trip as we will cross the mighty Cho La Pass (5420m). The trail gradually uphill from the beginning, you must carry packed lunch with you as nothing is available on the way to eat. You can see many beautiful glaciers from the trail there is a big chance of seeing Himalayan Ibex from the trail. The final ascent is tough as it is steeper at many places, you need to be careful as it may slippery so follow the guide and support team. Once you reach the top the view is rewarding, spend some time on the top and capture some beautiful pictures and get down. While getting down you need to little careful as you are crossing the Cho La glacier, it is always better if you use a micro spike as it is slippery at many places. Once you cross the glacier it is a fully downhill trek till Zongla / Dzongla. Overnight in a mountain lodge.

Day 11: Zongla to Lobuche (4, 940 m / 16,207 ft) 2 – 3 hours.

This will be a very pleasant walk for you. It is one of the simple routes to trek. It will take us about 2 to 3 hours to reach Lobuche. The view of Mount Amadablam is magnificent when you walk alongside Cho La Lake. After some distance, we will meet the main trail of EBC then follow the same trail till Base Camp. From Lobuche, the view of Mount Nuptse is breathtakingly beautiful especially during sunset. Overnight in a mountain lodge.

Day 12: Lobuche (4, 940m) to Gorakshep (5, 170m) to EBC (5, 364m) and come back to Gorakshep.

This will be a complete glacier route. The trek to Gorakshep (5170m) and Everest Base Camp (5364m) is likely to be a moderate to difficult trek. Once we arrive at Gorakshep we will start our trek to EBC after a light meal. The trail is similar to what we cross before Gorakshep and you will not get a clear view of Mount Everest from the base camp however the Khumbu Icefall will be very clearly visible. This part of the trek will surely feel like you are in heaven amidst the glaciers and see the gigantic mountain up-close. We will get to see the peak of Everest very clearly tomorrow from Kala Patthar. The total trekking time will be 6 hours from Gorakshep and will be moderate difficulty level. Overnight stay in a mountain lodge.

Day 13: Lobuche after Kala Patthar Hike (5, 645 m / 18, 519 ft): 6 – 7 hours.

The hike to Kala Patthar is the most rewarding one. You will be able to see a close view of Mount Everest. You can see a 360-degree view of mountains and glaciers, the view of Mount Pumori is monstrous. It will take about 2.5 to 3 hr to reach Kala Patthar from Gorakshep. After Kala Patthar, it will be all descending from now on and the trek becomes very simple, though you have to be careful about the decline. We will need another 3 hours to reach Lobuche (4, 940m). Total trek time will be 7 hours max with only one steep incline and rest simple and easy trek.

Day 14: Lobuche to Chukung village (4, 750 m / 15, 580 ft) via Kongma La pass (5, 535 m / 18, 159 ft): 7 – 8 hours.

Today we will start early. We will be crossing our last and highest mountain pass Kongma La in this trekking expedition. It is also the toughest mountain pass to cross. The trail will go through several ups and downs while we are crossing the Khumbu Glacier. Once we cross the glacier, we will get a complete uphill trek to reach atop the Kongma La. The view of Lhotse is massive from the pass also you can see a close view of Mount Makalu. Once we get down of Kongma La, we will get a complete downhill trek up to Chukung village, on the way you will get the best and spectacular view of Mount Ama Dablam.

Day 15: Chukung to Namche Bazaar.

Today’s trek will be moderate. We will cross many villages like Dingboche, Pangboche, and Tengboche which have the biggest and beautiful Monastery in this region. After Tengboche, it will be a fully downhill trek till Phungi Thanga. Only one portion between the village of Phungi Thanga and Namche Bazaar is a little tough.

Day 16: Namche Bazaar to Lukla.

It is our last of trekking, the entire trail is an easy one, baring the portion just before Lukla is a little tough as we will have to climb several steps to reach Lukla.

Day 17: Fly to Kathmandu.

We will fly back to Kathmandu in one of those small aircraft that we had taken while coming to Lukla. Flying time is 35 minutes to reach Kathmandu.

Day 18: Departure.

End of the most challenging trek on the planet. Check out by 11 AM and we will drop you at the airport. We will also hand over your trek completion certificate today.

Inclusions of Everest High Passes Trek

• Airport pick up and drop at the international terminal.
• Kathmandu domestic airport transfers for Lukla flights.
• Accommodation in a standard hotel at Kathmandu on a twin share basis (2 nights).
• Accommodation during the trekking period, in local mountain lodges, called Tea House on a twin share basis (15 nights).
• Domestic return flight tickets (Kathmandu- Lukla – Kathmandu).
• All necessary paperwork and trekking permits (National Park Permit, Khumbu Permit).
  Government Certified guide.
• Assistance guide (for 5 or more people).
• Porter service (2 trekkers: 1 porter).
• Staff costs including their salary, insurance, equipment, domestic airfare, food, and accommodation.
• Medical kit (carried by your trek leader).
• All government and local taxes.
• Trek Completion certificate from Sagarmatha National Park Authority (Nepal govt).
• Please Note: For a single trekker, we provide a porter cum guide.

Exclusions of Everest High Passes Trek

• Travel expenses to reach and return from Kathmandu.
• Food and drinking water throughout the trip.
• Anything not specifically mentioned under the inclusions section.
• Additional accommodation and food expenses if trek gets delayed due to weather, flight cancellation, health, or any other reason.
• Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters,
  bottle, or boiled water, shower, etc.).
• Health Insurance, Personal Insurance, and other travel insurance.
• Expenses for evacuation and rescue operations due to natural calamity, mishaps, injury, or any health problem.
• Nepal visa fee (if applicable).
• Tips for guide(s), porter(s).