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Everest Three Passes Trek

22 Days
9 Reviews in TripAdvisor Recommended by 99%
  • English, Chinese, French
  • Kathmandu
  • 2-16
  • 5545 M
  • Hotel & Guesthouse
  • March to May & Sep to Dec

Everest Three Passes Trek Overview

Embark on an epic journey through the Everest Region, where you can explore and challenge yourself on the epic adventure “ Everest Three Passes Trek: Kongma La Pass (5535m), Cho La Pass (5429m) and Renjo La Pass (5349m). Each summit presents a unique taste of your resilience and rewards you with panoramic views of snowcapped giants. Get ready to witness the unmatched beauty of Everest base camp, and the authentic culture of Sherpa and learn the rhythm of life by connecting to the mountains.

During this 22-day adventure, you will connect with the Everest Three Passes Trek in the Everest region, Kongma La Pass, Cho La Pass, and Renjo La Pass. Stand face to face with the majestic beauty of nature which holds the capacity to swipe you off your feet. Nevertheless, this part of the trek is equally challenging to conquer. Navigating the cold and enchanting terrain of the Himalayas this journey will push your physical and mental boundaries, leaving you invigorated and humbled by the raw beauty of the mountains.

Our adventure begins with the Luka airport. From here a road leads us to the Dudh Koshi River, a constant companion throughout the trek. Continuing the well-established trial we reach the Namcher Bazzar, popularly known as the gateway to the Himalayas. This village gives perfect blends of traditions with modern amenities. As we leave the Namche Bazaar and move forward, the Khamdu Himalayan Unveil their magic.

Every step carries significance, demanding respect and caution as we navigate shifting ice, rocks, and landscapes.  Ascending towards Gokyo Valley, it reveals beautiful views of clear sky, lush meadows, and snowcapped peaks. A valley nested beside the beautiful lake. The adventure continues with the jaw-dropping views towering over the landscape at a staggering 8481m of Makalu, the fifth-highest mountain in the world.

Distance and duration

Trekking through Everest Three Passes is one of Nepal’s longest routes, spanning a total distance of 160 -185km. though the trek may seem challenging,  Although the trek sounds daunting the team of tidy Himalayas will guide you till the end. On the 30-minute flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, covering an Actual distance above 138m you will witness the iconic peaks of the Himalayas. The distance depends upon the route you choose and the side trip you make. Kongma La Pass (5535m) is the highest and most challenging pass among others. Cho La Pass (5420m) offers dramatic views of mesmerizing landscapes. Renjo La Pass (5340m) is the easiest trek above all which gives the most beautiful views of Gokyo Valley.

Unlike the popular Everest Base Camp trek, this Expedition searches deeper into the Everest region. Coping with the sudden change in the atmosphere and ensuring proper acclimatization necessitate more time. The exact duration is determined by the role altitude plays Typically, the expedition spans 16 to 23 days, with 21 days considered the gold standard.

Points of interest and views

Gokyo Lakes Renjo la Pass, Kongma la Pass, and Cho La Pass are known as the Everest base trek or high passes trek in Nepal. Witness the unmatched beauty of the Everest region where the Himalayas like Lhotse, Nuptse, Cho Oyu, and Makalu dominate the skyline. Explore the world’s longest glacier and ice falls. 360-degree panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and valleys, the spiritual center of the Khumbu region offers a stunning glimpse into Buddhist culture and traditions and many more. If you happen to trek during the spring season you might witness the many festivals of Buddhists showcasing colorful costumes, masked dances, and traditional rituals.

Best season to visit three pass treks

Spring( march-may) and Autumn (September –November) are the best seasons for trekking to enjoy the clear views of the sky, lush green forests, and mostly the safe route unlike winter(December-February) and monsoon season where there is a slippery, muddy path, unpredictability of the weather. Accommodates are difficult to get since it’s a peak season. Lodges can get booked up quickly. In winter trials are less crowded, and accommodation can be easily available with lower but the trek is equally challenging during the off-season.

Difficulties of Everest Three Pass Trek

The trek isn’t for the faint of heart; trackers must endure at least four hours of walking. For experts, seven hours of walking per day is recommended, demanding strong willpower and stamina. Be prepared for steep hills and passes that will test your ability and push you to the edge, altitude kicks in adding to the exhaustion. The bottom line is that trekking to three-pass treks isn’t a walk in the park but rather it demands both physical and mental preparations, especially if you’re not experienced. If you are up for the adventure, be ready to endure the cold and harsh wind.

Top of Form

Permit for Everest Three Pass Trek

To explore the majestic magic of mountains, the permit is mandatory. Especially the Sagarmatha National Park permit and Khumbu Pasang Lhamu rural municipality permit. This permit is easily obtained in Kathmandu or at Lukla airport upon arrival.

Travel Insurance

The trip to the Himalayas is not easy, travel insurance will back you up in case of any medical emergencies like escorting you to health care in time of need through a helicopter. Experiencing altitude sickness is normal in higher altitudes but for some people, it requires medical attention. Most of the travel insurance plan covers

Passport loss

Travel Delay

Expenses on medical emergencies

Losses of baggage

Itinerary

Our staff will Escort you from Tribhuvan international airport as you land in Kathmandu. Overnight stays in hotel.

A trip to UNESCO world heritage site, Swyambhunath temple (monkey temple), Kathmandu durbar square, Buddhanath stupa and pashupatinath temple including overnight stay at hotel with breakfast included.

Early morning flight to Lukla (2652m/ 8699ft) this short journey is dramatic in itself. This descends into Lukla renowned tenzing- Hillary airport, nestled at the Himalayas. The journey begins with a gentle trek to phakding (3 hrs.). Rest the night at the comfortable guest house and enjoy a delicious breakfast. Prepare for the next exciting sate of your trek.

Continuing the journey from phaking, our path depends as we follow dudh khola koshi, guiding us through fragrant Himalayan pine and cedar forest. As we ascend we notice the vibrant beauty of the Namche Bazzar which reviles its history of greater bustling trade pot where Nepalese and Tibetan culture intervene. It is a sanctuary for acclimatization, where we spend a day adjusting to the thin mountain air, explore local market and delve into the Sherpa life.

Ascending through thin air, scaling to the legendary syangboche airport for the panoramic views of Lhotse and Everest is the main theme of the day. Trekking to Everest view hotel is just breathtaking opening for trekkers.

Our journey begins on a gentle and straight forward path, which gives a glimpse of Mount Everest. We cross the Dudh koshi valley towards the Tengboche monastery, nestled at 3860m. This ascend might be challenging but the breathtaking panoramic of mount Ama Dablam will be more than making up for the effort. After a long and hectic day spend a day at a cozy guest house where breakfast, lunch and dinner are included.

Trek to Dingboche offers a different vibes instead of steep climbing or descents you will be trekking through the loss vibrant forest complete with a refreshing crossing over the Emja khola.
You will be treated with the delightful stroll to the charming village of phangboche, perched at 3900m which is completely soak with a panoramic view of mount Everest, stunning vista unfolding around every blend. Settle into a cozy guest house knowing conquer another leg of your epic Everest three pass trek journey.

Trek to Chhukung is a day of diverse landscapes and laid back trekking on your own. The path is gentle up and down hills waving through the time to admire the scenario of traditional stone farms and fences dotting the landscapes.
As you pass the Imja khola you will definitely reach to Chhukung village, nestled at amidst towering peaks. It will be the resting place for you till the night pass where you can unwind and savor a well- deserve lunch enjoying the majestic Himalayas vista

Brace yourself for challenging yet spiritual ascend on day 9, as you attempt hiking to Chukung Ri. Above the Chukung village the view of khumbu village looks even more beautiful. Overnight rest at chukung Ri valley to cop up with the change in atmosphere. Lunch and dinner are included.

Today, get ready to meet the true Himalayan gift. Since there are no any hotel, tea house, or shops in this rugged adventure, pack your own lunch and water for sustenance. As you conquer the kongma la pass, you will have two options: a challenging adventure over Nuptse glacier or route via Bibre and the Niyang khola tribe.
As we ascend the khumbu glacier unfolds with the stunning Buddhist prayers flags and spiritual significance of pass. Upon climbing on the far side, turn north and Descend toward lobuche. Overnight stayS at the guest house.

The day starts with a short climbing through meadows, where you will be rewarded with stunning views of the khumbu glacier sprawled beneath you. The path leads to kalapathar, the best spot to witness the entire south face to mt. Everest and its surrounding peaks in all their glory.

Crown jewels of the day are hike up to the kala pathhar. It’s the best possible view point to witness Mount Everest. Then trek back to the Gorekshep for hot breakfast and then descend to Dzongle. Overnight stays at hotel where breakfast, lunch and dinner are included.

The trek begins with the ascending to cho la pass and descending again to thagna.

The journey will lead you to the Ngozumna glacier, ice giants up to 36 km and the whispering tales of Ancient Mountain. Finally we will arrive at the charming village of gokyo, Nestled beside the third lake with the majestic cho oyu mountain. Enjoy the postcard perfect vista and soak in there tranquility of the Himalayan vista. Overnight stays at the guest house.

Today’s crown jewel is to climb to Gokyo Ri. Witness the beautiful valley of Gokyo, the mighty Nrozyumpa glacier and beautiful lines of Himalayan giants: Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Makalu, cho oyu and gvchung kang perching into the sky. However the thin air make the journey even more challenging so, remember acclimatization is the key. Return to the guest house at noon for the overnight stay.

Today’s journey is up to the lunden via crossing rancho la pass. Descend into a secret valley near Tibet where we might meet the Tibetan traders and descending from the legendary Nangpa La pass, a historic route connecting Nepal and Tibet. Overnight stay, breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Trek to thame is comprised with a amazing snow peaks and monastery. The picture perfect and rare life style of the monks lay people will amaze you. Cherish this moment, for it steals your Himalaya journey with a breathtaking memory to carry forever.

Our trek continues, leaving the phakding behind as we descend to first resting place thamu, after heading towards Namche Bazzar. Overnight at the guest house including breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Our final farewells for the mountains as we reach lukla the end where you will catch your return flight to Kathmandu. Overnight at the guest house. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

30 min flight to Kathmandu from Lukla. Overnight stay at hotel, breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 21 :
Leisure day

Stay at Kathmandu to rest and explore the uniqueness of the local people.

Day 22 :
Farewell

Tidy Himalaya will escort you to the airport on time; there will be plenty of time for you to shop.

Cost Includes

  • All ground transports in private vehicle including airport transfers
  • Four nights’ accommodation with breakfast at a 3-star category hotel in Kathmandu
  • Kathmandu city tours including all entry fees, tour guide and private vehicle
  • Full board meals with tea/coffee (breakfast, lunch and dinner) during the trek
  • Best available twin sharing lodge to lodge accommodation during the trek; we provide private bathrooms with hot shower at Phakding, Namche and Lukla
  • Seasonal fruits during the trek
  • One highly experienced, helpful and friendly guide, porters (1 porter for 2 people) and their food, accommodation, salary, equipment, and accidental insurance for all staff
  • Round trip flight Kathmandu – Lukla and Lukla – Kathmandu including departure taxes
  • Duffle bag for the trekking
  • Down jacket and sleeping bag during the trek
  • Trekking map and trip achievement certificate
  • First aid medical kit
  • Sagarmatha National Park Permits fee
  • TIMS Fee- Trekkers' Information Management System (Please bring 2 passport size photos for permit)
  • Government taxes & office service charge

Cost Excludes

  • Meals not specified in the 'Meal Inclusions' in the itinerary'
  • Travel insurance
  • International airfare
  • Nepal entry visa: you can obtain a visa easily upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu. (a multiple-entry tourist visa good for 30 days can be obtained by paying US $ 40 or equivalent foreign currency. Similarly, multiple-entry tourist visas for 90 days can be obtained by paying US $ 100. Please bring 2 copies of passport-size photos.)
  • Cold drinks Inc. coke, water, Fanta etc.
  • Snacks and other personal expenses
  • Hot shower during the trek except Phakding, Namche and Lukla
  • Personal trekking equipments
  • Tips and gratuities for trekking staff and drivers

FAQ on Three Passes Trek

How hard is the Three Passes Trek?

The Three Passes Trek is considered one of the most challenging treks in the Everest region. The trek requires high physical fitness, endurance, and altitude acclimation. The trail is strenuous but enjoyable because of its steep ascents and descents, glacier crossings, and rough terrain.

What are the three passes in Everest Base Camp?

The three passes in the Three Passes Trek are:

  • Kongma La Pass (5,535 meters/18,159 feet)
  • Cho La Pass (5,420 meters/17,782 feet)
  • Renjo La Pass (5,360 meters/17,585 feet)

How long does the Three Passes Trek take?

The Three Passes Trek typically takes around 18 to 22 days to complete. This duration includes rest days and exploration of critical destinations such as Everest Base Camp, Gokyo Lakes, and Kala Patthar.

What is the Three Mountain Pass in Nepal?

The “Three Mountain Pass” refers to the Three Passes Trek in the Everest region, which includes crossing the Kongma La, Cho La, and Renjo La passes. This trek is renowned for its challenging nature and the opportunity to experience the diverse landscapes and cultures of the Khumbu region.

How do you train for the Three Passes Trek?

The Passes Trek requires training to enhance cardiovascular endurance, strength, and stamina. This includes cardio activities like running, cycling, swimming, and hiking; strength training like squats, lunges, and planks; hiking practice at higher altitudes; acclimatization; and mental preparation for long days and challenging conditions.

Traveler Reviews

These genuine and honest reviews are provided by travelers who have previously journeyed with Tidy Himalaya and its team. The testimonials and firsthand experiences showcased here are sourced from well-known travel platforms such as TripAdvisor, Google, Facebook, and Trust Pilot etc.

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Everest Three Passes Trek
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