Everest Three Passes Trek

01 / THE EXPERIENCE

Discover the journey

The Everest Three Passes Trek takes you beyond the typical trekking routes in the Everest region, leading you over some of the most scenic and highest passes in the world. This challenging 20-day trek pushes you beyond the standard routes, taking you over three of the highest passes of the Everest Region: Kongma La (5,535 m), Cho La (5,420 m), and Renjo La (5,360 m). Each high pass offers its own unique set of challenges and spectacular rewards, including awe-inspiring views of the world’s tallest peaks—Mount Everest (8,848 m), Lhotse (8,516 m), Cho Oyu (8,188 m), and Makalu (8,485 m). The three pass trek begins with a short flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, a gateway to the Everest region. From Lukla, you trek through picturesque Sherpa villages, dense forests, and rugged high-altitude terrain. You’ll first acclimatize in Namche Bazaar, the vibrant hub of the Khumbu region, where you can soak in early views of Everest, Ama Dablam, and Thamserku. Them, you gradually make your way towards the high passes. The three high passes are the trek’s highlights. Kongma La, the highest of the three, delivers breathtaking vistas of Lhotse and Makalu. From here, we trek towards Everest Base Camp, where we stand at the foot of the world’s tallest mountain, soaking in the legendary atmosphere. Next, we cross Cho La Pass, which links the Khumbu region with the Gokyo Valley. Known for its icy terrain, Cho La offers breathtaking views of Ama Dablam and the massive Ngozumpa Glacier as we make our way into Gokyo. Finally, the Everest three passes trek takes us over Renjo La Pass, which provides access to the remote and serene Gokyo Valley. From the top of Renjo La, we’re greeted with spectacular panoramic views of Everest and the shimmering Gokyo Lakes. In addition to crossing these high passes, you will visit Everest Base Camp and hike to Kala Patthar (5,555 m), renowned for its 360-degree views of Mount Everest and surrounding peaks.

02 / WHY GO

The memorable moments

Scenic flight to and from Lukla. Step inside and experience life as the “mountain people” live, in the heart of Himalayas. Everest Base Camp and walking on the Khumbu glacier. Encounter the turquoise water of Gokyo Lake. Hike up to Kala Patthar and Gokyo Ri, the astounding viewpoints in the Everest Region. Witness the remarkable views of super Gokyo valley, massive Ngozumpa glacier and incredible view of Khumbu Himalayas. Visit Tengboche Monastery – one of largest Buddhist Monasteries. Wonderful staying Experience in remote region. Cross the 3 beautiful high elevation passes- Kongma La Pass, Cho La Pass and Renjo La Pass of Everest Region.

03 / YOUR ROUTE

Journey at a glance

Day Day 1: Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu and transfer to hotel — Max. Altitude: Kathmandu (1,400 m)One of our officials will greet you at the Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, upon your arrival. We will take you to the hotel in our private tourist vehicle. Pre-trip meeting will be done and you will meet with your trip guide. Make sure to confirm your queries about trekking in the mountains. Arriving at Tribhuvan International Airport, KathmanduArrival in NepalAirport ArrivalOvernight at a HotelMeals not included Day Day 2: Fly to Lukla from Kathmandu or drive to Manthali (Ramechhap) & flight to Lukla and then, trek to Phakding — Max. Altitude: Lukla (2,840 m)Duration: 35 mins flight from Ktm, 5-6 hrs drive & 20 mins flight from Manthali, & 3-4 hrs trekManthali to Lukla Flight (March, April, May, October, and November)During peak seasons, such as March, April, May, October, and November, the flight to Lukla will be operated from Ramechhap/Manthali due to air traffic expansion. The Manthali/Ramechhap airport is about a 5 to 6 hours drive away from Kathmandu. On this day we wake up at 1:30 to 2:30 am and take an escorted shuttle to Manthali airport on a shared tourist vehicle and board a 20-minute flight to Lukla. Kathmandu to Lukla Flight (January, February, June, July, August, September, and December)The flight to Lukla is typically operated from Kathmandu during nonpeak seasons, which include January, February, June, July, August, September, and December. Please be aware that the decision regarding the operation of flights solely depends on the airline and is influenced by the volume of travelers during a specific month. On this day we wake up at 5 to 6 am. Our staff will escort you to the domestic airport terminal in Kathmandu and board a 35-minute flight to Lukla. Helicopter Option Helicopter OptionYou have the option to book a direct helicopter flight from Kathmandu to Lukla for an extra charge of USD 550 per person. This price is quoted on a 5-people sharing basis. This is the best alternative to avoid the long drive to Manthali airport during peak season (March, April, May, October, and November). Flight to Tenzing-Hillary Airport usually takes place early in the morning. We suggest you make all the sorting and packing the day before, so there is no rush on Day 2. Once you reach Lukla, have your breakfast while our guide will make an arrangement for porters. We assign one porter to every two clients. Begin the trek by descending towards the Dudh Kosi River where you join the main trail to Namche Bazaar, located just above Chaurikharka(2,713 m/8,900 ft). The walking is easy and after passing through the small village of Ghat (2,550 m/8,366 ft), it is a short walk to Phakding. Lukla AirportPhakdingPhakding village with mount Kongde Ri, Everest Three Passes TrekOvernight at a GuesthouseBreakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included Day Day 3: Trek to Namche Bazaar from Phakding — Max. Altitude: Namche Bazaar (3,440 m)Duration: 5-6 hrs trekWe continue trekking along the banks of the Dudh Kosi, crossing the river multiple times on exciting suspension bridges decorated with prayer flags, including the famous Hillary Suspension Bridge, an exhilarating highlight of our journey. Today, we enter Sagarmatha National Park. After lunch in Jorsalle, the trail climbs steeply towards Namche, offering breathtaking views. Hillary Bridge on the way to NamcheJorsalle village, on the banks of Dudhkoshi RiverNamche BazaarOvernight at a GuesthouseBreakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included Day Day 4: Acclimatization Day at Namche Bazaar. Hike to Hotel Everest View and back — Max. Altitude: Hotel Everest View (3,880 m)Duration: 4-5 hrs hikeWe will spend a day in Namche Bazaar in order to acclimatize and adjust to the thinning air. We will trek a short distance to a museum that is celebrated for its exhibits of the traditional customs of the Sherpa people. We will also hike up the Syangboche Airport and the Everest View Hotel, one of the highest-placed hotels in the world. From this point, we can see rewarding views of the Himalayas including Mt Everest. Hotel Everest ViewNamche Bazaar AcclimatizationAcclimatization hike to Hotel Everest View from Namche BazaarOvernight at a GuesthouseBreakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included Day Day 5: Trek to Tengboche from Namche Bazaar — Max. Altitude: Tengboche (3,860 m)Duration: 5-6 hrs trekThe views of Khumbi La and Taboche are magnificent throughout the day. We should dress warmly because cold wind blows throughout the trail. In the middle of the trek, there are two trails which divides into lower and upper trail. To continue our journey, we take left. In Phorste Thanga there are few houses and lodges. After some hours of walking we reach our today’s destination Tengboche. It is inhabited by Sherpa’s where their main source of income comes from tourism. There is an important and largest Buddhist Monastery, Tengboche Monastery where Ama Dablan lies behind. TengbocheTengbocheView of Everest, Lhotse and Amadablam from TengbocheOvernight at a GuesthouseBreakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included Day Day 6: Trek to Dingboche from Tengboche — Max. Altitude: Dingboche (4,410 m)Duration: 5-6 hrs trekAfter breakfast we start our trek towards Dingboche. Today’s trek covers 9.1Km and its easy trail with going downhill on a fairly wide path covered with beautiful rhododendron trees. After few hours of walk and crossing bridge over Imja River, it takes us to Pangboche. In the whole trek, we can see wide open areas where trekkers can view more beautiful landscapes. Walking trail above Pangboche, we get a magnificent view of Himalayas and Pangboche Monastery. We move ahead towards the Imja valley and finally we reach Dingboche. DingbocheDingbocheDingboche village on a clear dayOvernight at a GuesthouseBreakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included Day Day 7: Acclimatization Day at Dingboche. Hike to Nangkartsang Peak and back — Max. Altitude: Nangkartsang Peak (5,083 m)Duration: 4-5 hrs hikeDingboche is a popular stop for trekkers and climbers headed to Mt. Everest, Ama Dablam and Imja Tse. It is a Sherpa village. According to the 2011 census, its population was around 200. There is also a helicopter landing pad with internet café (using satellite technology) and one of the world’s highest billiard parlors. One can see great view of many Himalayas from Nagarjung Hill which may take some hour of hike from Dingboche. Dingboche Acclimatization HikeDingboche Acclimatization HikeNangkartsang Peak acclimatization hikeOvernight at a GuesthouseBreakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included Day Day 8: Trek to Chhukung from Dingboche — Max. Altitude: Chhukung (4,730 m)Duration: 4-5 hrs trekToday, the trail is combined with some uphill and downhill climbs. After breakfast in Dingboche, we move towards Chhukung and have our lunch over there. As our last destination is Chhukung for the day you can slowly and steadily walk on the trails. Along the trail, you can see several traditional farms and fences built from local stones. And then pass through Imja Khola valley, Bibre (which is a yak herdsman place). After half an 4 to 5 hours of walking, we reach to Chhukung where we will have lunch and stay overnight. Trekking team at Chhukhung with Mt Amadablam in the backgroundChhukhung VillageChhukungOvernight at a GuesthouseBreakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included Day Day 9: Trek to Lobuche via Crossing Kongma La Pass — Max. Altitude: Kongma La Pass (5,535 m), Lobuche (4,910 m)Duration: 8-9 hrs trekToday we climb for about 8-9 hours to reach the top of Kongma La pass. There are two trails for Kongma La pass; one is to the northwest of Chhukung over the Nuptse Glacier moraines and another one is back to Bibre and trek on the trail above the Niyang Khola. As there aren’t any hotels, shops and tea houses, we carry our own packed foods and water. At the top of Kongma La pass, we can see beautiful Buddhist prayer flags. By turning north of Khumbu Glacier, we reach Lobuche. View of Mt Makalu with prayer flags from Kongma la during Everest Three Passes TrekKongma La PassTrekkers taking photo at Kongma La Pass, Everest three passes trekOvernight at a GuesthouseBreakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included Day Day 10: Trek to Everest Base Camp and then back to Gorak Shep — Max. Altitude: Everest Base Camp (5,364 m), Gorak Shep (5,164 m)Duration: 8-9 hrs trekToday the trail is of average level up to Gorak Shep. Before heading off to Everest Base Camp, we take lunch and rest at Gorak Shep which takes around 2 hours. If the weather is good, we will be able to see beautiful Himalaya’s all-round. Then we head towards Everest Base Camp. Everest Base Camp is the closest you can get to Mt. Everest without mountaineering equipment and also highest altitude that most will reach without a climbing permit. The view of the Khumbu Icefall from Base Camp is spectacular. The earthquake which occurred on 25th April 2015 caused some damage on the route of the Everest Base Camp. We return back to Gorak Shep for the night. Everest base campGorakshepGolden hour at Gorakshep during Everest Three Pass TrekOvernight at a GuesthouseBreakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included Day Day 11: Early morning hike to Kala Patthar and then, descend to Lobuche — Max. Altitude: Kala Patthar (5,555 m)Duration: 8-9 hrs trekThis will be one of the most difficult yet rewarding days of the trek. Most of this day is spent climbing Mt. Kala Patthar at 5,555 m. From Mt. Kala Patthar one can see the superlative views of Everest. After spending some time in Kala Patthar we move downwards toward Lobuche. It is a small village surrounded by the Rocky Mountains and the Himalayas. There is a mostly old ancient types of lodges but in recent years more facilitated lodges have been opened where some of them provide internet as well as oxygen serves. KalapattharKalapattharDescending to Gorakshep after hiking to Kalapatthar during EBC TrekOvernight at a GuesthouseBreakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included Day Day 12: Trek to Dzongla from Lobuche — Max. Altitude: Dzongla (4,830 m)Duration: 4-5 hrs trekFrom Lobuche we start to walk downwards where after few hours, trail divides into two and we take right side for Dzongla. We can see stupa and tombstones in the distance. After that we trek upwards where we can see Chola Tsho Lake nearby. We continue to trek by crossing Chola Khola on a bridge before reaching Dzongla. DzonglaDzonglaDzongla village, Everest three passes routeOvernight at a GuesthouseBreakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included Day Day 13: Trek to Gokyo from Dzongla via Crossing Cho La Pass — Max. Altitude: Cho La Pass (5,420 m)Duration: 8-9 hrs trekToday we have to start our trek before 4-5 am so we can cross Cho La pass before mid-day and re-assess the hike when the weather turns bad. Today the route maybe little difficult due to high altitude and steeply loose rock. Snow may cause some problem while crossing Cho La pass and rock fall can also be the problem although weather is good. As a result you can see magnificent view from the top of Cho La Pass then we will descend to our destination, Gokyo (4,800 m). We have to cross Khara, Pangka, and Ngozumpa glacier (which is the longest glacier in Nepal). We can see the beautiful view of Kantaga and big Mountain Cho-oyu. There are series of six lakes where third one is the Gokyo Lake. There is a small village near the Gokyo Lake where we will stay 2 nights as we will have sightseeing and hiking trip around Gokyo. Trekkers at Chola Pass summitChola PassGokyo LakeOvernight at a GuesthouseBreakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included Day Day 14: Climb Gokyo Ri and return back to Gokyo — Max. Altitude: Gokyo Ri (5,483 m)Duration: 3-4 hrsEarly in the morning, we have a steep climb up to the top of Gokyo Ri at an elevation of 5,483 m. There are ample rewards for those who attempt this trip. You get stunning views of the super Gokyo valley, the massive Ngozumpa glacier and an incredible panoramic view of the whole Khumbu Himalayas, including the giants; Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Makalu, Cho-Oyu and Gychung Kang. Gokyo RiGokyo RiView from Gokyo Ri with Gokyo LakeOvernight at a GuesthouseBreakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included Day Day 15: Trek to Lunden from Gokyo via Crossing Renjo La Pass — Max. Altitude: Renjo La Pass (5,340 m), Lunden (4,300 m)Duration: 7-8 hrs trekToday we start our trek in the morning. Our trek for today is long but on the normal trail. We can see amazing view of Mt. Everest from the top of the Renjo pass. Then we descend down to Lunden for our today’s final destination. Himalayan Panorama from Renjo La PassTrekkers at Renjo La Pass during Everest Three Passes Trek Overnight at a GuesthouseBreakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included Day Day 16: Trek to Thame from Lunden — Max. Altitude: Thame (3,800 m)Duration: 4-5 hoursWe start our trek after breakfast. Today, the trail will mostly descend down to to Thame. While on the trail we can see amazing snow peaks. About 150 meters above Thame, there is a Thame Monastery, a picturesque monastery set among the many homes of monks and lay people. It resides on the side of a hill overlooking the valley. This is the site for the spring celebration of the Mani Rimdu festival, held about the middle of May each year. Thame villageA stupa in in Thame villageThame village with mountains and prayer flagsOvernight at a GuesthouseBreakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included Day Day 17: Trek to Namche Bazar from Thame — Max. Altitude: Namche Bazaar (3,440 m)Duration: 4-5 hrs trekThame is a traditional Sherpa village that has escaped the crowds trekking to Everest and has one of the oldest monasteries in the region. The village is notably the hometown of Apa Sherpa who has made it to the summit of Everest 21 times! The walk itself is peaceful with excellent views of the mountains as it winds in and out of the forest on the side of the canyon. This day, we continue our journey walking down the hill from Thame. The trek will be easy and short and the final destination for the day and the trip will be at Namche Bazar. Namche Bazaar AcclimatizationWide angle view of Namche Bazaar on a clear dayHappiness meets Himalayas at Namche BazaarOvernight at a GuesthouseBreakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included Day Day 18: Trek to Lukla from Namche Bazaar — Max. Altitude: Lukla (2,840 m)Duration: 6-7 hrs trekFinally we return back to Lukla where the trek began, which will seem like ages ago. It will give you time to reflect on the trek also giving you time to explore the town. Chheplung village enroute to Lukla from Namche BazaarLukla Night LifeLukla AirportOvernight at a GuesthouseBreakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included Day Day 19: Fly back to Kathmandu or Manthali from Lukla and same day drive to Kathmandu — Lukla to Manthali Flight (March, April, May, October, and November)The flight from Lukla to Manthali is a 20-minute flight. After that, it is about a 5 to 6 hour drive to Kathmandu. Please note that the driving hours may vary according to the highway traffic condition. You’ll be transferred to the hotel in Kathmandu on a shared tourist vehicle. Lukla to Kathmandu Flight (January, February, June, July, August, September, and December)The flight from Lukla takes about 35 minutes. After arriving at the airport, you will be transferred to the hotel in Kathmandu via a shared tourist vehicle. Please be aware that the decision regarding the operation of flights solely depends on the airline and is influenced by the volume of travelers during a specific month. Helicopter Option Helicopter OptionYou have the option to book a direct helicopter flight from Lukla to Kathmandu for an extra charge of USD 550 per person. This price is quoted on a 5-people sharing basis. This is the best alternative to avoid the long drive to from Manthali airport to Kathmandu during peak season (March, April, May, October and November). You might want to stay a little more in Nepal. If you are looking for extending your trip, there are options such as a visit to Chitwan National Park, known for wildlife viewing, and to Pokhara, considered one of the most beautiful cities in Nepal. You can also extend your trip to Tibet, India, or Bhutan. You will be served a farewell dinner in a fine restaurant. Airplane taking off from Lukla airport runwayLukla Airport take off early morningLukla to Kathmandu FlightOvernight at a GuesthouseBreakfast, Lunch, and Farewell Dinner included Day Day 20: Transfer to the International Airport for Your Final Departure — The trip concludes – our airport representative will drop you to Kathmandu’s Tribhuwan International Airport for your flight departure from Nepal. Breakfast included

YOUR DAY-BY-DAY ROUTE

Day-by-day itinerary

Day 1Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu and transfer to hotel — Max. Altitude: Kathmandu (1,400 m)+