Everest Three High Passes Trek

01 / THE EXPERIENCE

Discover the journey

The Everest Three Pass Trek is one of the most challenging treks on the planet. This trek takes you through three high mountain passes: Renjo La Pass (5,360m), Cho La Pass (5,420m), and Kongma La Pass (5,535m), each offering stunning views of the mountain landscapes in the Everest region. The trek starts with a 5 hours drive from Kathmandu to Ramechhap and a short flight to Lukla which follows the classic Everest Base Camp Trek route until Namche Bazaar. From there, the trail heads towards the less traveled areas of the region, including the three passes, the Gokyo Valley, and the remote villages of Thame and Marlung. The trek also offers an opportunity to explore the pristine Gokyo Lakes, stunning glaciers, and the iconic view of Mt. Everest and other towering peaks. The Everest Three Pass Trek is considered a challenging trek and requires prior experience with high altitude trekking. The trekking route involves long, steep climbs, and descents, and trekkers should be physically fit and mentally prepared for the challenges ahead. It's also important to acclimatize properly to the altitude and to carry appropriate trekking gear and equipment. Overall, the Everest Three Pass Trek is an unforgettable adventure that offers trekkers the opportunity to experience the natural beauty and cultural richness of the Everest region while testing their physical and mental limits

03 / YOUR ROUTE

Journey at a glance

Day Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu — Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m/4,593ft) Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be picked up by our representative at the airport and taken to the hotel. You will meet your guide, discuss the trek program, and make final preparations for the trek. If you have an early arrival, we will take you for a sightseeing trip in the UNESCO world heritage site in Kathmandu and later, in the evening, you’ll have dinner in the hotel. From 20th March 2020 due to heavy congestion, all flights to and from Lukla depart from Ramechhap airport, 130km, a 4-hour drive from Kathmandu. It means now it’ll take an extra day to get to Lukla from Kathmandu though the flight price is the same. Day Day 2: Drive to Ramechhap (439m/1440.28) and Flight to Lukla (2,800m/9,186ft) — Kathmandu - Ramechhap via Road- Lukla by air You should travel to Ramechhap from Kathmandu to catch your Lukla Flight and follow the same route for returning to Kathmandu. After having breakfast in the morning, you’ll have to take a bus ride to Ramechhap which is around 5 hours and have lunch on the way to where you can try various Nepali cuisines. After you reach Ramechhap, you’ll take a flight to Lukla from Manthali Airport which lies at an altitude of 439 m above sea level and is located at a distance of 132 km east of Kathmandu.A flight to Lukla is the most unpredictable part of Everest Three Pass trek itinerary and if the flight takes place as scheduled, you’ll reach Lukla in the evening or else you’ll need to wait for the next day to proceed to Lukla. There are several airlines operating flights to Lukla; Tara/Yeti Air, Summit Air,etc. and you can choose the one you like. Moreover, the best views of the mountains can be seen on the way to Lukla. Dinner will be ready at the hotel and your guide will give you the brief about the itinerary for following day. Distance from Kathmandu to Ramechhap: 132 km/82mi and Ramechhap to Lukla: 73.4km/45.6mi Time: 5 hrs drive, 40 min flight Day Day 3: Trek to Phakding (2,652m/8,698ft) or Monjo (2,800m/9,186ft) — Lukla – Chheplung – Ghat – Phakding – Bengkar – Monjo In the early morning, you will have breakfast at the hotel and walking part of the trek begins. The trail starts from Lukla and descends to the Dudh Kosi River in Phakding and lunch will take place on the way. The first day gets difficult due to cold, high altitude and backpacks. You will get the view of picturesque sherpa villages, Tibetan Scriptures engraved Mane Walls and Chhortens and monasteries throughout the trails. Chhortens are like temples and often have relics of buddha in them. You’ll reach Phakding or Monjo exploring the trail and have dinner and overnight stay at hotel. Distance from Lukla to Phakding - 9km and Lukla to Monjo– 13 km/8 mi Time – 3-4 hr Total ascent – 530 m/1738 ft Total descent – 543 m/1781 ft Day Day 4: From Phakding or Monjo, Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440m/11,283ft) — Monjo - Jorsale - Namche Bazaar The trek from Phakding continues after breakfast, along the Dudh Kosi River, passing through pine forests and crossing several suspension bridges to Monjo. In Monjo, there is a national park checkpost. We will cross the river twice and reach Larcha Dovan, the confluence of two major rivers in Everest Valley and lunch will be in any small hotels or restaurants on the way. Here, we will cross the most iconic suspension bridge and follow a steeper trail to the historic trading town of Namche Bazaar which is surrounded by scenic mountains. From Phakding it's an 8 hrs trek and from Monjo, it's about 5-6 hrs. Dinner will be at Namche Bazar and rest for overnight. Distance – 6.5 km/4 mi Time – 4-5h. Total ascent – 662 m/2171 ft Total descent – 70 m/230 ft Day Day 5: Acclimatization Day in Namche Bazaar — Namche - Khumjung - Khunde - Namche You will take a rest day to acclimate at the high altitude. You can hike to the Everest View Hotel for a panoramic view of the Mt. Everest with delightful breakfast and tea or coffee. Then hike to the beautiful sherpa village of Khumjung and Khunde, have lunch there and return back to Namche via yak farm above Syangboche Airport. There is a newly opened Himalayan Museum and Sustainable Park in Syangboche. You can also explore the town, visit the local markets and Sherpa Cultural Museum if time permits. Make sure to charge all your electronic devices in Namche from there on you’ll have to pay extra for charging. Overnight stay at hotel. Day Day 6: Trek From Namche to Thame (3,800m/12,467ft) — Namche - Phurte - Theso - Thamo - Thame From Namche Bazaar, the trail heads north towards Thame, passing through the pine and rhododendron forest and small villages of Theso and Thamo. You will get the grand view of Kongde throughout the trail. Also, There are small Buddhist temples known as Chortens throughout the trail. One of the most important and oldest monasteries in Khumbu Valley is a 25 minute hike from Thame Village. You may encounter a visit of the national bird of Nepal called Lophophorus and native Deers in the forest and trail. Tree lines end in Thame and the land is more barren but the scenic beauty adds on. Distance: Approximately 17 kilometers/10.5 miles Trekking Time: Approximately 5-6 hours Total Ascent: Approximately 540 meters/1,772 feet Total Descent: Approximately 180 meters/590 feet Day Day 7: Trek from Thame to Lungden (4,400m/14,435ft) — Thame - Thame Teng - Chainakpa - Marlung - Lungden You will pass a small village of Chainakpa and Marlung (4,200m/13,779ft) on our way to Lungden, where we will spend the night. We will make a brief stop to have lunch in Marlung and continue our trek across the river to Lungden. As you start to gain altitude, you should get some great views of the snow-capped peaks in the region. Overnight stay at hotel. Distance: Approximately 9 kilometers/5.6 miles Trekking Time: Approximately 4-5 hours Total Ascent: Approximately 640 meters/2,100 feet Total Descent: Approximately 160 meters/525 feet Day Day 8: Cross Renjo La Pass (5,360m/17,585ft) and Trek to Gokyo (4,800m/15,748ft) — Lungden - Renjo La Pass - Gokyo Lake We will wake up very early, have some tea and soup to start our uphill trek. After a 4-5 hrs trek, you'll cross Renjo La Pass, the first of the Three Passes, today. The trail is easy to follow at first but becomes difficult as you get closer to the top of Renjo La's rise. If you try to focus, stunning views of the mighty Everest and surrounding mountains in Khumbu Valley, you will be motivated to move forward. The view of Gokyo Lake and the Glacier from Renjo la Pass is also stunning. After taking photos and videos at the pass, we will start the 500m downhill trek to Gokyo Village, situated between the massive Ngozumba Glacier and Lake Gokyo. Dinner and overnight stay at Gokyo. Distance: Approximately 14 kilometers/8.7 miles Trekking Time: Approximately 7-8 hours Total Ascent: Approximately 560 meters/1,837 feet Total Descent: Approximately 760 meters/2,493 feet Day Day 9: Rest day in Gokyo (4,800m/15,748ft) — This day is spent acclimatizing and exploring Lake Gokyo and other lakes in Gokyo Valley. Early in the morning, you can hike to Gokyo Ri for panoramic views of Mt. Everest and the surrounding mountains. It is one of the best place to see the Everest in the trek. We recommend following options (doing both can be very tiring): Wake up at 4 am and hike up to Gokyo Ri (5360 meters) and back to Gokyo Lake (4790 meters). Distance: 4 km/ 2.4 miles. Walking 3/4 hours. Hike to 4th Lake (4870 meters) and 5th Lake (4990 meters) and back to Gokyo Lake (4790 meters). Distance: 14 km/ 8.6 miles. Walking 6/7 hours. Also, you can simply laze around, sip tea, eat, and rest on your acclimatization day. Take it easy, rest, hydrate with enough water or tea, and take advantage of your free day. Day Day 10: Trek to Thagnak (4,700m/15,419ft) — Gokyo - Thagnak You will cross the massive Ngozumba Glacier, the largest glacier in Nepal, with the view of Mt. Cho Oyu and Mt. Gyachung Khang and reach Thagnak. It’s a 2 -3 hrs trek mostly through the glacial moraine across Gokyo village. On arriving in Thagnak, you'll take a little acclimatization hike before going to the place to stay the night. Distance: Approximately 6 kilometers/3.7 miles Trekking Time: Approximately 4-5 hours Total Ascent: 0 Total Descent: 0 Day Day 11: Cross Cho La Pass (5,420m/17,782ft) and Trek to Dzongla (4,830m/15,846ft) — Thagnak - Cho La Pass - Dzongla On this day, the trek involves negotiating Cho La's second pass, which is frequently regarded as the toughest day of the trek. It will take some work to get to the top at more than 5,300m. You'll cross Cho La Pass, which is known for its challenging climb, and then trek to Dzongla, where you'll have stunning views of the surrounding Mt. Cholatse and Mt. Tobuche in the west and Mt Nire Khang, Lobuche West and East and Mt. Nuptse, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Amadablam, and Mt. Makalu. Distance: Approximately 9 kilometers/5.6 miles Trekking Time: Approximately 7-8 hours Total Ascent: Approximately 590 meters/1,935 feet Total Descent: Approximately 590 meters/1,935 feet Day Day 12: Trek to Lobuche (4,930m/16,175ft) — Dzongla - Lobuche You will trek to Lobuche going around Mt. Nire Khang and Lobuche. Along the trail, you will pass beautiful landscapes and with amazing view of Mt. Cholatse, Mt. Arkamtse, Mt. Tobuche, Mt. Lobuche , Mt. Nuptse, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Pumori, Mt. Lingtren, Mt. Khumbutse, Mt. Lho La in Nepal Side and Mt. Chnsgtse in Tibet. The view extends to Mt. Amadablam, Island Peak and Imja Valley and Mt. Makalu in the east and Mt. Thamserku, Mt. Kusum Kanguru, Khang Teka to the south. You will also see memorials at Lobuche Pass, directly below the Khumbu Glacier on the eastern ridge of the trail to Lobuche dedicated to climbers who died climbing the mountains. Distance: Approximately 6 kilometers/3.7 miles Trekking Time: Approximately 4-5 hours Total Ascent: Approximately 100 meters/328 feet Total Descent: Approximately 200 meters/656 feet Day Day 13: Trek from Lobuche to Gorakshep (5,140m/16,863ft) and Everest Base Camp (5,364m/17,598ft) — Lobuche - Gorakshep - Everest Base Camp - Gorakshep You'll trek to Gorak Shep and then hike to Everest Base Camp on the rocky ridges of Khumbu Glacier. Upon reaching the base camp monument, you may take photos and videos with surrounding views of Mt. Everest, Mt. Nuptse, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Pumori, Mt. Lingtren, Mt. Khumbutse, Mt. Lho La in Nepal Side and Mt. Chnsgtse in Tibet. EBC is an iconic destination and a major milestone for adventurers and trekkers all over the planet. However, the trekking groups are not allowed to stay overnight at the base camp; you'll need to descend later to Gorak Shep for sleep. Distance: Approximately 8 kilometers/5 miles Trekking Time: Approximately 6-8 hours Total Ascent: Approximately 224 meters/735 feet Total Descent: Approximately 224 meters/735 feet Day Day 14: Hike to Kala Patthar (5,545m/18,192 ft) in the Morning and Trek back to Lobuche (4,930m/16,175ft) — Gorak Shep - Kala Patthar - Gorak Shep - Lobuche Kala Patthar is the highest point in this trek and from here, the 360 degree view of of the Mountains is breathtaking. It is from Kala Patthar, visitors will get the best view of the Everest. This is a strenuous 4 hrs turnaround hike from Gorak Shep and head back to Gorak Shep for a quick meal before descending further to Lobuche for the night which is almost 2 hrs trek. Distance: Approximately 10 kilometers/6.2 miles Trekking Time: Approximately 6-7 hours Total Ascent: Approximately 615 meters/2,018 feet Total Descent: Approximately 415 meters/1,362 feet Day Day 15: Cross the Kongma La Pass (5,535m/18,159 ft) and trek down to Chhukung (4,750m/15,584 ft) — Lobuche - Kongma La Pass - Chhukung It is a 8-9 hours trek passing the highest pass among the three passes after crossing Khumbu Glacier. After the pass on Chhukung side, there is a beautiful Kuongma Lake and the trail is gradual from there. You will ascend 600m from Lobuche and descend 800m to Chhukung. In a clear weather, You will see great view of Nuptse, Lhotse, Island Peak, Mt. Makalu in the east. Distance: Approximately 10 kilometers/6.2 miles Trekking Time: Approximately 7-8 hours Total Ascent: Approximately 705 meters/2,313 feet Total Descent: Approximately 785 meters/2,575 feet Day Day 16: Trek from Chhukung (4,750m/15,584 ft) to Pangboche (4000m) – 5 hrs — Chhukung - Dingboche - Pangboche From Chhukung, we will descend down to Dingboche village, summer settlement of Sherpas who also have home in Pangboche. The Monastery in Pangboche is the oldest in Khumbu valley and is directly below sacred Mt. Tobuche. Pangboche is also the village of revered mountaineers like Sungdare Sherpa (mountaineer of historical proportion) and Pasang Dawa Sherpa (25 times Everest Summiter and 35 times Amadablam summiter). Pangboche boasts the best view of Mt. Lhotse and Mt. Amadablam. Mt. Everest peeks out a little on top of Mt. Lhotse. The trek from Chukkung to Pangboche has multiple ups and down with muddy path down to Pangboche. Dinner and overnight stay at hotel. Distance: Approximately 12 kilometers/7.5 miles Trekking Time: Approximately 5-6 hours Total Ascent: Approximately 50 meters/164 feet Total Descent: Approximately 750 meters/2,461 feet Day Day 17: Trek from Pangboche to Namche Bazaar (3,440m/11,283ft) – 5-6 hrs — Pangboche - Milinggo - Deboche - Tengboche - Phungi Thanga - Leushyasa - Kyangjuma - Namche Bazaar We will start after breakfast and reach the most important Tengboche monastery in couple of hours. We will visit the monastery and then continue a 400m descent to Phunki Tenka, cross the Imja river and continue uphill for another 300m reaching the upper trails of Namche. We will have lunch along the way. Distance: Approximately 12 kilometers/7.5 miles Trekking Time: Approximately 5-6 hours Total Ascent: Approximately 80 meters/262 feet Total Descent: Approximately 580 meters/1,903 feet Day Day 18: Trek from Namche(3,440m/11,283ft) to Lukla (2,800m/9,186ft) — Namche - Lukla It’s a long and final day of trek back to Lukla. It is about 20 km but mostly downhill with occasional uphill climb. The last couple of hours is uphill climb. We will retrace our steps on the left bank of Dudh Koshi river passing through lush forests and villages of lower Khumbu valley en route to Lukla. It will take about 8-9 hrs. Dinner and overnight stay at Lukla. Distance: Approximately 18 kilometers/11.2 miles Trekking Time: Approximately 6-7 hours Total Ascent: Approximately 460 meters/1,509 feet Total Descent: Approximately 1,530 meters/5,020 feet Day Day 19: Drive to Ramechhap and fly to Kathmandu (1,400m/4,593ft) — You’ll need to fly back to Ramechhap and drive to Kathmandu. After reaching, we will transfer you to a hotel. In the evening, you can go shopping for souvenirs, trying Nepali or Newari Cuisine (Ethnic group and native people of Kathmandu Valley. We will organize a farewell program for you to create memories with us. Day Day 20: Fly out of Kathmandu — If your flight is in the evening, we will take you for sightseeing in one of the Buddhist stupa; Boudhanath/Swayambhunath which is also listed in UNESCO World Heritage Site. Then, Our representative will receive you from hotel and drop you at the airport for your return journey back home.

YOUR DAY-BY-DAY ROUTE