Package overview

The Three Passes trek is the ultimate Everest experience. This route takes in all the highlights—both in terms of mountain views and local Sherpa culture and combines them into a complete journey through the Everest region. The Three Passes Trek is quite challenging as it involves traversing very high passes over 17 days of trekking. The trek is more challenging than the classic Everest Base Camp Trek and its other variations as it involves traversing the three high passes that lend the trek its name – Renjo La, Cho La and Kongma La – each over 5,000m. The Everest Region is one of Nepal’s top trekking destinations, and the Three Passes Trek is its ultimate trekking adventure, each offering amazing scenery and views.

The trek begins in the popular starting point of Lukla. Here the route turns west as it separates from the main promenade and heads towards the Dudh Koshi Valley, where you will meet the first of three passes: Renjo La (5,370 m). After reaching the high point, the trail descends to the Gokyo Lakes. The route then turns east as you make your way to Everest Base Camp by crossing the second pass called Cho La Pass (5,420m). The interior part of the walk consists of crossing the final of the Three Passes - Kongma La Pass (5,545 m). During this trail you will have the opportunity to explore the intricacies of Everest Base Camp life as well as soaking up some of the best views of Everest and the surrounding peaks.

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Trip Duration

17 Days

Max Altitude

5000M

Best Time

Spring Time

Trip Highlights

  1. Trek a circuit around the entire Everest region

  2. Amazing views of the highest mountains in the world

  3. Cross three challenging 5,000 m passes: Renjo La, Cho La and Kongma La

  4. Along with the adventure, discover into the life of the Himalayan Sherpa people

  5. Explore the finest views of Mt. Everest from Kala Patthar (5545 meters)

  6. Explore the 5 glacial lakes of the Gokyo valley

  7. Adventurous yet, challenging time while crossing these passes


Details Itineries


Upon aarival at Tribhuvan International Airport(Kathmandu) you will be greeted by our airport represenatative. Afterwards we leave for Lukla airport. It will be an adventurous ride as the Tenzing/Hillary airport is a steep airstrip that is actually hanging off the side of a mountain.  After reaching Lukla, we meet the rest of our trekking staff and begin trekking to Phakding. Overnight in Phakding.

Our course progress along the Dod Kochi river. During the course we cross several suspension bridges and pass through many villages, monasteries and towns. We can enjoy a amazing view of Mt. Thamserku from Benkar village along our trek. A step-by-step outing takes us to Jorsale, the last city to Namche Bazaar. The walk is enjoyable across the riverbed and we reach the Hillary suspension bridge. As we climb up towards Namche Bazaar, the magnificent sights of Kwangde Peak, Kusum peak, Kangaru peak, Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Tawache, and many other fabulous mountains greet us. Overnight in Namche Bazaar.

Acclimatization is important for us to adapt to a gradual change in the environment. It helps us to prevent catching Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). There are many things to do in Namche Bazaar, and we can spend a day acclimating. Namche Bazaar is the main center of the Khumbu area and includes government offices, ATMs, cybercafes, local shops, restaurants and a colorful market. Our guides can take us to discover the true charm of Namche Bazaar. Trekking in Sagarmatha National Park rewards us with sunrise views and views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Kongde, etc. As we explore Namche Bazar, we observe the traditional Sherpa life, the Hillary Khumjung School, and enjoy the flora and fauna found at such a high altitude. We will spend the night in the Namche bazaar.

After breakfast our trail heads west along the valley of the Bhote Koshi River. The views of the Himalayas including Kongde Ri (6187 m), Khumbi Yul La (5765 m), Kusum Kanguru (6,373 m) are amazing. The first village we pass through is Phorte where a nursery was established by Sir Edmund Hillary's Himalayan Trust. After descending to the river, we cross a bridge before making a steep climb to Thame. Overnight in Thame.

After breakfast we visit Thame Gompa which is a 350-year-old monastery beautifully located in the cliffs above Thame. After spending a little time here, we continue our trek towards Lumde. The path climbs gently on the moraine and continues our ascent to Lumde. We follow the route used for centuries by Himalayan merchants who transported salt and grains through the passage from Nangpa-La to Tibet. Night in Lumde.

It is the second day that is reserved for us to acclimatize to the height thus avoiding any symptom of AMS. Taking the time to acclimatize today should help us climb the next day on the Renjo La pass. We can spend the day resting and hiking. There are many places in the area that guarantee a breathtaking view of the surroundings and, of course, the view of the Himalayas. Overnight in Lumde.

Today we cross the first of three passes, Renjo-La. It's a difficult climb, but the view from the top is priceless.  As we trek further we see prayer flags that signal the pass. The view from the top of the pass is spectacular. We see Gokyo Lakes, Ngozummpa Glacier, Everest, Lhotse and other Himalayas. From here we descend to Gokyo. Overnight in Gokyo.

We spend another day in Gokyo to acclimatize to the high altitude and today we climb Gokyo Ri as well. From the top of Gokyo Ri we admire the Himalayan vista and the tranquil Gokyo lakes. We also hike to the fourth and the fifth Gokyo lakes. At Gokyo Ri we are surrounded by more than 10 mighty Himalayas. The sight of sunrays kissing Everest which towers over all the surrounding peaks is astounding. A climb up a nearby hill will guarantee us remarkable views of Cho-Oyu, Gyachung Kang, Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Makulu - the spot is called Scoundrel's Viewpoint. From the northern part of the 5th lake we see the Cho Oyu base camp and Ngazumpa Glacier. We retrace to Gokyo valley to spend the night.

After breakfast, we climb out of the Gokyo village to a ridge then trek through the Ngazumpa Glacier to the mountain on the other side. Next, traverse along the edge of that mountain and then meander into Dragnag. It will be a short hike today with an afternoon of rest which will prepare us for long hiking days and elevation gain to come. Overnight in Dragnag.

Often considered the hardest day of the trek, today involves traversing the second pass of Cho La. At over 5,300m, reaching the top will require some effort. We need to be careful as the trail is vertical and the rocks glazed by ice may cause trouble by making the trail slippery. While trekking through the side of a frozen lake, we reach at the top of the pass which is decorated with prayer flags. We need to pass through some crevasses before we reach Zongla, another beautiful place with a complete view of Mt. Cholatse, Mt. Ama Dablam, Lobuche Peak and the Pheriche Village far below. The trail curves through the wide river bed before reaching Zongala. Overnight in Zongala.

After yesterday's long demanding walk today looks like it will be a lot easier. The path from Zongla undulates gently above a small glacial lake and passes along the beautiful summit of Cholatse and Taboche and the small Chola glacier. One of the major stops during our trail on the way is classic Everest Base Camp Trek. We pass through rocky dunes, moraine and streams before reaching the Everest Base Camp. Upon reaching the Everest Base Camp, we see tents of mountaineers that stand out in bright colors against the monotony of gray surroundings. Join up with the crowds of trekkers as you make your way to Gorak Shep.  You will be afforded great views of the famous Khumbu Glacier as well as the peaks of Everest, Lhotse and Nuptse. Overnight in Gorak Shep.

We prepare for an early morning departure, amid pre-dawn darkness and cold temperatures. There is always the potential for chilly winds which are quite common. The trail follows windy and rocky path with crest of north ridge to Everest along with Mt. Pumori, Mahalangur, Lingtern, Khumbutse, Nuptse, etc. But it is upon reaching Kala Patthar that we get to see 360 degree up-close and formidable views of Mt. Everest. We take pictures, enjoy the magnificent mountain panorama, and then return back to Lobuche for a good night's rest. Overnight in Lobuche.

After breakfast, we trek via Khumbu Glacier to Kongma La Base Camp (5,000 m/16,404 ft). Climbing Kongma La Pass is the most difficult part of our hike today. At Kongma La, we see cairns wrapped in prayer flags to mark the pass. Then we gradually descend to the Imja Khola valley, followed by another descent to Chhukung, a small summer village. Overnight in Chhukung.

Chhukung is also the starting point for the Island Peak Climbing. Now we are getting closer to the Himalayan civilization of the Khumbu Region. The Imja Khola joins the Dudh Koshi River a little above the Pangboche Village. There is a famous monastery at Pangboche believed to have been the oldest in the Khumbu region. From Pangboche, we descend down the alpine desert and back into greenery of pine forests. The path leads to a steep uphill climb into Tengboche. We pay our visit to the famous Tengboche Monastery. Overnight in Tengboche.

From Tengboche we retrace our steps down to the Imja Khola and up through the forest to Namche Bazaar. We keep a lookout for wildlife such as mountain goats, snow leopards, colorful pheasants, etc., while passing through the forest. After passing a Chorten, we reach the army camp at of Namche Bazaar where we want to take a long last look back to Lhotse, the tip of Everest and Tengboche. The final steep climb traverses the hill side take us to Namche Bazaar. Overnight in Namche Bazzar.

The trail descends steeply downward so we need to walk slowly and under control as our shaky legs continuously battle the rocky terrain. After crossing the suspension bridges over the fast flowing Dudh Koshi and its tributaries the trail becomes more level and natural. Although we are travelling the same route down, we feel completely different views. We snap a mixture of open plains, rhododendron and pine forests, and in the distance snow covered peaks. We walk through the Sherpa villages’ noticing impressive faith in Buddhism and culture of prayer stones and prayers flag while we walk through the villages. Our trek in the mountain ends after arriving in Lukla. We spend our time reminiscing about our time spent in the mountain. Overnight in Lukla.

We fly back to Kathmandu on the earliest possible flight. After reaching Kathmandu we have the rest of the time off to rest untill our scheduled flight. We bid you a good farewell untill next time. On the way back, you will have plenty of time to plan your next adventure in the wonderful country of Nepal.



What's Included

  • Airport/Hotel pickups and drops in a private luxury vehicle
  • Accommodation 3-star hotel in Kathmandu or in twin sharing bed and breakfast basis.
  • All ground transportation by private vehicles.
  • All accommodations in a standard guest house during the treks in twin sharing bed and breakfast basis.
  • An experienced, helpful and friendly Guide, porters
  • Salary, Food, Drinks, Accommodation, Transportation and Insurance for the Guide and Porter.
  • Farewell dinner in Kathmandu in a typical Nepali restaurant with the cultural dance performance in the evening.
  • Medical kit (carried by your trek leader)
  • Luxury Holidays Nepal's sleeping bag, T-shirt, duffle bags, city and trekking routes maps - if necessary.
  • All government taxes and official expenses including  entry permit fee.

What's Excluded

  • International airfare (See the international flights page)
  • Nepal entry visa; you can obtain a visa easily upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu. (See the Visa & Entry Procedure of Nepal page)
  • Travel insurance (See the travel insurance page.)
  • Soft drinks including water
  • Snacks and other personal expenses
  • Hot showers during the trek.
  • Personal trekking equipment
  • All the alcoholic and non-alcoholic Drinks.
  • WiFi internet and phone call unless its free.
  • Tips for the guide, porter & driver. (Tipping is Expected).