“Everest Three High Passes Trek is one of the most challenging but rewarding treks in the Everest Region, which takes trekkers over Kongma La Pass (5,535m/18,159.4 ft), Cho La Pass (5,420m/17,782.15 ft), and Renjo La Pass (5,340m/17,519.69 ft).”
Highlights of Everest Three High Passes Trek:
- The Everest three high passes trek offers views of the astounding mountains including Mount Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Cho Oyou, & many other peaks.
- Get insight into the Traditional Sherpa Village & their day-to-day lifestyles, cultures, religion & cuisine.
- Full of beautiful Wildlife and vegetation, from lush forests to high alpine terrain to heal spiritually.
- Witness the iconic Monasteries & stupas including the Tengboche Monastery which is the largest Monastery in the Khumbu Region, prayer wheels & flags.
- Cover Renjo La, Cho La, and Kongma La Pass including the popular destination Everest Base Camp.
- One of the true adventure/trekking trails with numerous challenges that only few can take pride in.
Cost Inclusion & Exclusion in Package:
Here are the inclusions in the Everest Three High Passes Trek Package:
- Both International and domestic Airport Pick-Ups and drops via private vehicle.
- Two nights stay at a standard Hotel in Kathmandu on the basis of twin sharing with breakfast.
- Kathmandu – Lukla – Kathmandu flight ticket fees (From June to September and December to March the Lukla Flights are done from Kathmandu).
- Ramechhap – Lukla – Ramechhap flight ticket fees (From April to May and October to November the Lukla Flights are done from Manthali Airport).
- Private Vehicles will be provided for Kathmandu – Ramechhap – Kathmandu.
- Lodge accommodation during trekking | 5 nights stay including attached bathroom & Hot Shower facility (1 night at Phakding, 3 nights at Namche, and 1 night at Lukla) while remaining nights during trekking will be in basic accommodation.
- Full Board Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner | BLD during the trek.
- 3 cups of tea or coffee per day during trek.
- Seasonal fruits after dinner during the trek.
- An experienced licensed Trekking guide.
- An assistant trekking guide if more than 6 people in a group.
- 1 porter for every two trekkers from Lukla.
- All wages / Salary, insurance, food, documents, and fees of Guide & Porter.
- Sagarmatha National Park entrance fee, Pasang Lhamu Rural municipality entrance fee, & Trekker Card.
- Water purification tablet unlimited.
- A comprehensive medical kit.
- Pristine Nepal Treks duffle bag for trekking
- Pristine Nepal Treks T-Shirt & Cap as a souvenir
- Coordination in emergency cases
- Certificate of Trek Completion from Pristine Nepal Company
- A farewell dinner at a Nepali restaurant
Similarly, here are the exclusions in the three high passes trek package
- International flight fare.
- Nepal visa fee (US$ 30 for 15 days, US$ 50 for 30 days), renewal or any charges.
- Tips to guide, porter, and driver.
- Personal expenses such as WiFi, hot shower except for the attached bathroom, snacks, dessert, soft and hard drinks
- Extra nights stay in Kathmandu in the case of early arrival and late departure
Three Passes Trek Outline Itinerary
Here is the outline itinerary of Everest Three Passes Trek which covers Renjo La Pass, then Cho La Pass & then Kongma La Pass.
- Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu and received by Pristine Nepal Treks
- Day 02: Fly to Lukla 2,800m & Trek to Phakding
- Day 03: Trek to Namche Bazar 3,440m – 06 hrs
- Day 04: Acclimatization Day at Namche Bazar
- Day 05: Trek to Thame 3,750m
- Day 06: Trek from Thame to Lungden 4,500m
- Day 07: Trek from Lungden to Gokyo Lake via Renjo La Pass 5,446m
- Day 08: Trek from Gokyo to Thangnak 4,700m
- Day 09: Trek from Thangnak to Dzongla 4,855m via Cho La Pass 5,420m
- Day 10: Trek from Dzongla 4,855m to Lobuche
- Day 11: Trek from Lobuche 4,930m to Everest Base Camp and back to Gorakshep 5,185m
- Day 12: Hike to Kalapatthar 5,545m & Trek to Lobuche
- Day 13: Trek from Lobuche to Chhukung via Kongma La Pass 5,535m
- Day 14: Trek to Chhukung 4,730m to Tyangboche 3,855m
- Day 15: Trek from Tyangboche to Namche Bazar 3,440m
- Day 16: Trek from Namche Bazar to Lukla 2,850m
- Day 17: Fly back to Kathmandu from Lukla
- Day 18: Departure Day
Everest Three Passes Trek Map & Altitude Graph:
The journey begins in Kathmandu (1,350 meters) with a day for acclimatization and exploration of the city’s tourist destinations. A short flight then takes you to Lukla to commence the trek.
The route also includes visits to Gokyo-Ri, Everest Base Camp, and the highest point of the trip, Kalapather, at 5,643 meters, before returning to Lukla.
Frequently Asked Questions About Package:
Everest Three Passes Trek is a challenging trek and requires perfect planning to be ready for all types of challenges. One of the best ways to prepare is by asking questions, reading articles, or reading others’ answers.
Thus, here are some of the top frequently asked questions regarding Everest Three Passes Trek that you may find useful.
Compared to other treks how difficult is Everest Three Passes Trek?
Remember that there is a classic route from Jiri to Everest Base Camp, a normal route to Everest Base Camp, EBC via Gokyo, EBC via Cho La Pass, & Heli Ride. So, among them, Everest Three Passes Trek is one of the most challenging routes in the Everest Region.
The three high passes: Renjo La, Cho La & Kongma La Passes are not recommended for inexperienced trekkers. Check out the minimum fitness level for trekking in the Everest Region.
Is a Guide or a Porter necessary for the Everest Three Passes Trek?
While it depends upon your fitness level & experience, we highly recommend trekkers at least hire a Guide or a porter for a three-pass trek. It is for your own safety. Besides, this trek is a challenging trek and should not be done alone.
Physical & Mental Preparation Required for the Three High Passes:
As the Three High Passes Trek is one of the most challenging treks in the Everest Region, you need extra effort & good level of physical & mental health. A full guide about “Fitness for Everest Base Camp” is already there. Still, here are some extra tips for you to prepare for Three High Passes Trek:
- Start to work out 6 months prior to the trek, such as Cardio exercise, endurance training, hiking, and other exercise that builds stamina & strength.
- Get comfortable with carrying backpacks & using gear or equipment to better understand trekking.
- Get used to sleeping in a tent with sleeping bags having limited amenities at high altitudes if possible.
- Get used to walking with trekking poles
Mental Preparation for Three-High-Passes Trek:
- Have basic knowledge about Sherpa culture, environment, and Nepali Gestures to show respect.
- Meditate or do Yoga to relieve stress & anxiety.
- Set a mindset to be prepared for bad weather or a flexible itinerary in case of changes to the itinerary.
- Set a time to rest and walking speed to tackle altitude effects.
How is the trail marked? Is it easy to get lost in the trail?
First of all, the Everest Three High Passes trail is less crowded & the route is different from the classic route to Everest Base Camp. However, the trail is well-marked and easy to follow. Especially if you are with a guide, you won’t get lost.
The trails are marked with painted stones, prayer flags, rock piles, and wooden signboards that will indicate your next destination. However, during foggy weather, there is always a risk of getting lost.
It is always recommended to have a flexible itinerary for the worst case. Similarly, you should carry a map or compass, even if you are with a guide.
Options In case of an Emergency during Everest Three Passes Trek?
Trekking is a hardcore adventure and anything can happen during the trek. Thus, the guide is always fully prepared for any emergency situation. If anything happens to you that is potentially fatal then you will be immediately rescued. Local authorities such as the police or the Nepalese Army are also available for your assistance.
Note* = Travel Insurance is compulsory for any travelers/trekkers before leaving for trekking to issue helicopter evacuation when needed.
First of all, the guide will carry you to the nearest tea house or any spot where the helicopter can land if there is a fatal case. If you need an oxygen cylinder then the tea house will provide it for certain charges.
Satellite phones or other means of communication will be used for help. A first aid kit will be used to treat minor injuries.
Are there any local rules or culture that I should be aware of?
Indeed there are some specific cultural customers & rules that you should be aware of while trekking in not only the Everest region but other regions too. Here are the most important ones:
- Respect Local Traditions: Everest Region is the home of Sherpa people who follow Buddhism. Coming from different countries from different religions may find the local culture unique and amusing.
While trying to show respect, unknowingly some actions or behaviors can be seen as offensive. So, you need to be mindful of your actions & behavior, especially when visiting monasteries. The best way to avoid disrespecting local traditions is to ask your guide. Also, “Never touch the forehead of Sherpa people”. - Dress Modestly: It is considered appropriate to dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites or monasteries. Avoid dressing with offensive images or messages and clothes that are too revealing.
- Be mindful of litter: It is very important to be mindful of litter when trekking in any region of Nepal. Follow the “leave no trace” rules and minimize the impact on the environment. Dispose of waste properly, use eco-friendly products, respect wildlife, and do not let others impact the environment.
Still, Have Questions?
Why Trust Pristine Nepal Treks for Everest Three High Passes Trek?
Pristine Nepal Treks is a well-established trekking company in Nepal, known for its commitment to providing quality services, safe trekking experiences, & satisfaction. Similarly, here are the reasons why we are the best:
- Team of Experienced Guides who are trained and licensed for mountain rescue, using first aid, & a deep understanding of geography, history & culture.
- We are dedicated to responsible tourism, with a focus on minimizing impact on the environment & promoting sustainable & eco-friendly practices.
- High-quality services including comfortable accommodations, full board meals, & efficient transportation, ensure that clients have a comfortable & memorable trekking experience.
- Government-registered company with all updated legal documents.
- We also have a strong reputation among clients, who often provide positive feedback about their experience with us. You can see our Trip Advisor ratings.
EBC Three High Passes Trek Outline Itinerary
As per schedule, Pristine Nepal Treks representative will be there outside the exit door waiting for you with your name on the board. However, upon your landing at Tribhuvan International Airport, it can take an hour to get your luggage checked, immigration work, & other things.
So, if you want a Nepali Visa then you get your on-arrival visa in the immigration department located inside the airport. After finishing all your paperwork at the Airport, our representative will guide you to the Thamel area via private vehicle.
From the Airport to Thamel, it will take approximately 40 minutes to reach due to possible traffic jams. Upon arriving at the hotel, you will be assisted to your room. In the evening, Mr. Chin or a guide will come to meet you to provide you with further information and guidance for the trek. Also, the remaining processes like money exchange, renting gear, briefing, meeting guide, and other important factors are also done on this day.
Lukla flight is now operated from either Manthali Airport located in Ramechhap or from Kathmandu. During peak seasons like Spring and autumn season, the Lukla flight is operated from Manthali Airport.
Only during the off-season, the Lukla flight is done from Kathmandu Airport.
To reach Manthali Airport, you will have an early drive to Manthali Airport today to catch up on your morning flight for Lukla. It will take 5-6 hours to reach Manthali Airport from Kathmandu. Our guide will come to pick you up at your hotel as per the schedule.
Once you reach Lukla, you will meet your porter there at the Lukla airport. After a short tea break, the trek will start from Lukla until you reach Phakding. Reaching Phakding will be easy as it only takes 2-3 hours from Lukla.
You will also see the Pasang Lhamu statue which was the first woman to summit Mt. Everest from Nepal on 22 April 1993 at top of the exit gate before you leave Lukla.
As you start your trek, you will encounter the first Sherpa villages at Chaurikharka & Chheplung. From here, it is an old trekking trail to Thadokoshi village, Ghat, Chhuthawa, and finally Phakding.
On this day, you will also experience the first suspension bridge, and gain an altitude of 2,660m.
In Phakding, there are about 20 lodges/tea houses, guest houses, hotels, and restaurants, where almost all trekkers stay on this day.
After early breakfast in Phakding, you will continue along the Dudh Koshi River & cross several suspension bridges. Similarly, you will enter the territory of Sagarmatha National Park which is one of the UNESCO world heritage sites.
After trekking about 3-4 hours from Phakding, we will reach Jorsalle village where we will have a Lunch break. From Jorsalle, it will take approximately 4 hours to Namche Bazar while climbing steep uphill.
Before reaching Namche Bazar, you will have your first glance at Mount Everest and after a short walk, you will finally enter the Namche Bazar which is the biggest trading hub of the Khumbu region.
You will be provided with good rooms with attached bathrooms & hot shower services in Namche Bazar.
Today will be the rest day for you at Namche Bazar which is also called acclimatization day. The reason to have acclimatization in Namche Bazar is due to reaching an elevation of 3,440m which is a huge gain. Skipping acclimatization can get you the possibility of getting altitude illness.
During acclimatization day, you will have lots of free time to roam Namche Bazar. Similarly, Namche Bazar is a huge town that has all facilities like a cinema hall, cafe, restaurant, casino, bakery shop, museum, & many more.
The first thing we will do on this day is a hike to Everest View Hotel which offers stunning views of Mount Everest & other Himalayan peaks. Another activity that you can do in Namche Bazar is to visit the oldest Sherpa Culture Museum which will show the history & culture of the Sherpa people.
You can then explore the local market of Namche Bazar for traditional clothes, souvenirs, or trekking gear too. If you are a Yoga lover then you can also take a Yoga class today to relax your body & mind.
There are so many activities that you can do on this day & all these activities tend to help your body to adjust elevation & low oxygen levels.
After leaving Namche Bazar, we will walk along the Bhote Koshi River & through the beautiful Rhododendron forest. Close to Phurte, you will see some beautiful small stupas which are made from mud.
Continuing the trek, you will soon reach Thamp & Thamo Gompa. From Thamo Gompa, the path is all steep downhill till Khumbu Hydroelectric Plant, leading to the final destination Thame 3,750m.
Thame is a small village where most of the Sherpa are in mountaineering carriers. The well-known mountaineer Apa Sherpa from Thame holds the world record for summiting Everest 21 times. Even the Tenzing Norgay Sherpa is from Thame village.
The history & culture that Thame village holds are spectacular which makes this place famous.
Likewise, we will leave early in the morning from Thame to Lungden while enjoying the best landscape scenery, vegetation & mountains. Continuing the trek to last village Taranga, we will pass the village and head through Marlung village and finally to Lungden. During the spare time, we can visit the Nakpa Valley or hike to Cho Relmo Lake as well. Overnight in Lungden.
Our first Three high pass is today which is why we will start our trek early. Leaving Lungden, we will trek forward to Gokyo Lake region. After reaching Renjo La Pass, you will see the first best mountain views of highest peaks such as Mount Everest, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Makalu, & Mt. Cho Oyu. It is steeo high & down to enter Gokyo Valley. Overnight stay in Gokyo Lake.
Today, we will continue our trek walking past the Ngozumpa Glacier which is little bit rocky, slippery & steep. Walking down the valley on the glaciel moraine, the scenery will be much more rewarding and beautiful. Similarly, we will reach at Thangnak, and prepare for next high pass trek tomorrow.
Today, we will cross another high pass which is Cho La Pass that lies at 5,420m elevation. It will be challenging but rewarding for avid trekkers. Crossing Cho La Pass, we will then reach to Dzongla where we will stay for overnight.
Back to the track, we will trek to Lobuche today which is the classical route to Everest Base Camp. While trekking, you will be seeing some memorial statues of the climbers. Trekking to Lobuche is not so hard and rewarding. Following the trails of Imja Khola Valley, finally we will reach to Lobuche.
Walk this morning is gradual with few short steep up but can be tough due to high altitude gain with awesome views of Mt. Pumori, Lingtren, Khumbutse and Mt. Everest. After few hours of strenuous and scenic walk reaching at Gorakshep as the trek leads over moraine and glaciers to Gorakshep with few lodges, located beneath Kalapathar Hill and Pumori peak on route Everest base camp.
Gorakshep was the original base camp in early 1950’s to 1970’s, here with overnight stop after reaching our main highlight of this adventure at Everest base camp.
From Gorakshep few hours of walk leads to base camp over rocks, boulders, moraine and glacier on reaching world highest Everest base camp. Enjoy the surrounding views enclosed within Everest hidden behind high peaks of Lho-La-Nuptse with close views of notorious Khumbu Ice-Falls. In mountaineering high season April to June, this place will be flooded with hundreds of colorful tents, climbers, and staff. After base camp returns back to Gorakshep for last overnight stop on the eastern side of high Khumbu valley.
Early morning a steep climb to the top of Kalapathar for the fantastic panorama of surrounding giant peaks including Mt. Everest at close distance, this will be the highest point of the adventure at 5,545 m.
After enjoying view from Kalapatthar, we will descend to Gorakshep for breakfast and the trek to Lobuche.
Today, you will cross Kongma La Pass and then to Chhukung. The trek starts from Lobuche early in the morning. Eventually, today trek is rather easy than other high passes trek. From the pass, you can have more lear view of Lhotse Shar, Makalu, Ama Dablam & other peaks.
Descend down to Kongma La Pass & into the Chhukung Village for today.
Descend Down to the Imja Khola Valley through Dingboche Village, Pangboche Village and then finally to Tyangboche. Tyangboche is a famous place with Tyangboche Monastery. The monastery is the oldest monastery in the Khumbu region.
Morning walk with short descend to Bhote Kosi River and then 20 mins climb to reach the other side of the ridge, from here a gentle walk leading towards Namche Bazaar. Overnight stay in Namche Bazar.
After an exciting and fabulous Everest Three Passes trekking with loaded adventure, last day walk leads back on the same trail with last climb to Lukla for lunch and overnight stop, afternoon free with last night dinner celebration with fellow staff-guides and members.
From Lukla an early morning flight to Kathmandu, sometimes the flight time can be delayed due to bad weather conditions, as per your flight time board in a small plane for super, scenic flight back to Kathmandu, on reaching Katmandu domestic terminal. Pristine Nepal guide and staff transfer you back to your hotel with an afternoon free for individual activities.
Last day in amazing Nepal country of Himalayan wonders, as per your international flight time depart from the hotel where Pristine Nepal staff transfer you to the airport, after a greatly enjoyable and fantastic adventure on Everest Three High Passes Trekking with great services and guidance of Pristine Nepal expert guides.
