Everest 3 Passes Trekking

18 Days Everest 3 Passes Trekking

Background
One of the most popular and sought-after trekking regions of the country, the Everest region is home to the world’s tallest mountain peak. It is home to the legendary Sherpa culture. Trekking in the Everest region is one of the most unforgettable journeys not only in Nepal but the whole world. Akin to this, the Everest 3 Passes Trekking is a beautiful journey that encapsulates all the best features of Khumbu.

As such, the diverse alpine and trans-Himalayan landscape of Khumbu is beguilingly ornamented with deep river valleys. White rivers originating from the peaks drain the hillocks and Sherpa villages are scattered throughout. Everest 3 Passes Trekking presents you with the chance to experience the Himalayan lifestyle.
Starting the trek from Lukla, the Everest 3 Passes Trek has a trail that winds through the gorgeous alpine terrains of Khumbu. This includes highlights such as Namche Bazaar, Kalapatthar’s, and Gokyo RI’s vantage points, as well as Khumbu’s three high mountain passes – Renjo La, Cho La, and Kongma La.

Everest 3 Passes Trek is a beautiful journey where amazing Himalayan views are flaunted at every turn of the trail. The trek initially takes the same route as the Everest Base Camp Trek, but it diverts to the villages of Thame to reach the Himalayan holy Gokyo Lakes. It is a journey full of the best aspects of the region, even more so than other Everest Treks.

Additionally, the Everest 3 Passes Trek is a rather strenuous trekking journey. It requires more physical strength to complete than the average base camp treks of the region. As the path requires trekkers to cross three high mountain passes, the journey becomes difficult.
It is a mesmerizing journey that takes trekkers into the hidden part of Khumbu and presents sights that are otherwise inaccessible during other treks in the region. Everest 3 Passes Trek is perfect for trekkers who are looking for something extra in the Khumbu in terms of adventure and natural facets.

Options for the tour to Everest base camp by Helicopter are available in a day.

Trip Facts:
Geography: Alpine woods, River valleys and Himalayan foothills
Location: Khumbu Region
Level of Difficulty: Strenuous
Duration of Trek: 18 Days
Max Altitude: 5,535 meters
Religions: Buddhism
Ethnic People: Sherpa
Accommodation: Hotel/Guesthouse
Transportation: Car, plane
Minimum Pax: 2 people

Trip Highlights
Enjoy panoramic views of the entire Mount Everest massif presented spectacularly along the journey
Visit many ethnic Sherpa villages along the journey, like Namche Bazaar and Tengboche
Trek through the Sagarmatha National Park and enjoy the region’s verdant woodlands
Enjoy a serration of Himalayan sights trekking through the river valleys of Bhote Koshi and Dudh Koshi
Cross three High Mountain Passes of Khumbu- the Renjo La, the Cho La, and the Kongma La
Visit the vantage point of Kalapatthar and Gokyo RI
Visit the base camp of the world’s tallest mountain peak

Also, read the experience of our previous travelers on Trip Advisor.

Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu
You may arrive at the airport at any time. When you arrive, one of our company’s airport representatives will be waiting for you when you do. You will be transferred to the Hotel for your check-in. There are no planned activities for this day, so you can spend your time relaxing at the Hotel and getting your bearings. Overnight stay at the Hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 2: Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla 2840m and trek to Phakding 2610m
Early in the morning, you will be transferred to the airport for your Lukla flight. The short flight to Lukla will take you to the Khumbu. Upon landing at Lukla, you will trek to the village of Phakding. You will notice that the Himalayan atmosphere of Lukla is quite different from the bustling city ambiance. Winding on a beautiful green trail, you can take in the trans-Himalayan landscape of the Khumbu on today’s journey. Phakding is a small village that caters to trekkers who often use it as an overnight stop. It has a beautiful view of the Kusum Kangraru Peak. Overnight stay at the guesthouse at Phakding.

Day 3: Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar 3440m
From Phakding, you will continue your journey, reaching Monjo. It is at Monjo where the entrance to the Sagarmatha National Park is located. You can enter the park and walk to the famous Himalayan town of Namche Bazaar through beautiful forests. The town is a bustling commercial hub of the region. Due to its strategic location, Namche was a perfect stop for Tibetan and Nepali traders in ancient times. Overnight stay at the guesthouse at Namche Bazaar.

Day 4: Acclimatization Day
This day is sanctioned for acclimatization. Namche Bazaar is a great place for acclimatizing. You can visit the Everest View Hotel today which is situated a few distances away from the town. The hotel presents views of the Everest peaks like Sagarmatha, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and the Tawache among others from all of its windows. You can enjoy butter tea at the hotel while taking in the Himalayan sights. You can also visit the Syangboche airstrip today, located above the town. From here, you can get a panoramic view of the town looking like a natural amphitheater dug into the hillside. Views of peaks like the Thamserku and the Kongde RI are also quite spectacular. Back at Namche, you can also visit the Sherpa Culture Museum and the Everest Photo Gallery. Overnight stay at the guesthouse at Namche.

Day 5: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Thame 3820m
From Namche Bazaar, you will trek alongside the Dudh Koshi River and divert away from the regular path that leads to the base camp. Instead, you will trek clockwise from the Everest Base Camp and follow the Bhote Koshi River valley towards the Nyangpala Pass. This pass is a traditional passageway between Tibet and Nepal. The Bhote Koshi River valley is a beautiful deep geranium of juniper hamlets and blooming rhododendron trees. Winding your way along the track, you will reach Thame. Overnight stay at the guesthouse at Thame.

Day 6: Trek from Thame to Lumde 4368m
From Thame, you will make your way into the valley, going deeper through the woodlands to finally reach the small settlement of Lumde. The ebbing and turning trail is adorned with views of peaks like Everest, the Pumori, Lhotse, Nuptse, and the Tawache among many others. Along the way, you will also pass the Nangpa La Mountain Pass, a glaciated pass situated on the borders of Tibet and Nepal. Overnight stay at the guesthouse.

Day 7: Trek from Lumde to Gokyo via Renjo La Pass 5360m
Today, you will cross the first of the three major High Mountain Pass of the journey, the Renjo La, making your way towards Gokyo. You will be passing through a rather strenuous terrain today. The trail follows steeply upwards and winds down again along dry ridges and frozen streams. Along the way, you will also pass by several Kharka-yak huts used by the herders for pastures. You will also pass by the twin Renjo lakes, from where the views of mountain peaks like Cho Oyu, Everest, Makalu, and Cholatse are quite dramatic. Crossing the Renjo La, you will move downwards towards the Gokyo lakes. Overnight stay at the guesthouse at Gokyo.

Day 8: Hike to Gokyo RI 5483m and trek from Thangnak 4700m
From Gokyo, you will also make your way towards Gokyo RI- another vantage point of the region beside Kalapatthar from where the views of peaks like Cholatse, the Lingtern, Everest, Tawache, Nuptse, Lhotse, the Ama Dablam, Mount Tabuche and the Gyanchu Kang among many more are quite awe-inspiring. From Gokyo RI, you can also enjoy the view of the Ngozumpa Glacier, as well as the panoramic view of the Gokyo Valley. After enjoying the sights at the Gokyo RI, we will trek back to the lake, and then make our way to Thangnak. Overnight stay at the guesthouse.

Day 9: Trek from Thangnak to Dzongla 4830m via Cho La Pass 5420m
You will start your trek early today to avoid the harsh weather that can sometimes disrupt the pass crossing. Making your way through the steep terrain upwards, you will be trekking on a tough rocky trail toward the Cho La Mountain Pass. Cho La’s mountain pass is another stunning view of the road from where the views of Everest and its neighboring peaks are quite spectacular. After crossing the mountain pass, you will carefully make your way down, steeply descending towards Dzongla. Overnight stay at the guesthouse at Dzongla.

Day 10: Trek from Dzongla to Gorakshep 5140m
After the mountain pass, today’s trek is comparatively easy. Along your way towards Lobuche, you can further enjoy the glacial panoramas of the region. Crossing a bridge over the river, you will continue on your grassy trail towards Lobuche with the views of the Thamserku, Kangtega, and Tawache keeping you company along the journey. From Lobuche, you will then make your way towards Gorakshep. It is a small settlement that has a few lodges; it is also the last stop before the Everest base camp. Overnight stay at the guesthouse at Gorakshep.

Day 11: Hike to Kalapatthar 5550m and explore Everest Base Camp 5364m
From Gorakshep, you will steadily make your way towards the base camp of Everest from where you can see the views of the Khumbu Glacier and Icefall as well as the views of the Lingtren Peak. After spending time at the base camp, you will then trek to Kalapatthar- one of the best viewpoints in the region that presents the entire panoramic view of the Everest massif. Then you will trek back to Gorakshep. Overnight stay at the guesthouse.

Day 12: Trek from Gorakshep to Lobuche 4910m
From Gorakshep, you will then make your way back to Lobuche, trekking down the terrain and following the famous trekking trail of the base camp trek. It is a steady downhill climb and is easier than the ascent. Overnight stay at the guesthouse.

Day 13: Trek from Lobuche to Chhukung 4730m via Kongma La Pass 5535m
From Lobuche, you will trek towards Chhukung today, crossing the Kongma La Mountain Pass. Initially, the path rises diagonally towards the southeast of the Khumbu Glacier moraine. From there, you can get amazing views of the Himalayas. After the ascent to the moraine, you will steadily make your way across the glacier towards Pokalde- a small settlement situated just under the Kongma La Pass. Views of Mount Cho Oyu against the sky from here are quite magnificent. From Pokalde, you will make a steady steep ascent towards the pass. It is a sharp climb and can be a demanding one. Crossing the mountain pass, you will then slowly trek down again to Chhukung. Overnight stay at the guesthouse at Chhukung.

Day 14: Trek from Chhukung to Tengboche 3860m
From Chhukung, you will enter the Imja River valley again, following a beautiful trail towards the village of Tengboche. It is situated in the confluence of the Imja Khola and the Dudh Koshi Rivers and offers great views of the Ama Dablam peak. Here, you can visit the Tengboche monastery as well. Overnight stay at the guesthouse at Tengboche.

Day 15: Trek from Tengboche to Namche Bazaar 3440m
Trekking along the coruscating rail through the Dudh Koshi river valley, you will make your way back towards Namche Bazaar, with the sight of Everest, Kongde RI, Tawache, and the Ama Dablam peaks towering over the valley. Overnight stay at the guesthouse at Namche Bazaar.
Day 16: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla 2840m
From Namche, you will meander your way back towards Lukla, passing by Monjo, Jorsale, and Phakding. It is a beautiful trek back through the naturally verdant woodlands of the Sagarmatha National Park. Overnight stay at the guesthouse at Lukla.

Day 17: Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu
You will say goodbye to the Khumbu Mountains for the last time as you take your flight back to Kathmandu today. Upon landing back at the capital, you can spend the rest of the time as you please, resting or exploring the city. Overnights say at the Hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 18: Departure from Kathmandu
You will be transferred back to the airport today, approximately three hours before your flight departure.

Key Information

Physical Fitness
Everest 3 Passes Trek is a strenuous trekking journey, and thus- it does require previous trekking experience. Nevertheless, you can still attempt the trek even though you don’t have prior trekking experience, but it is important to prepare your body for the trip through regular cardio exercises like swimming, running, and jogging.

Hiring a Porter
Generally, you can hire a porter in the mountains if you wish to do so. Hiring a porter helps in making the trip easier for you. Likewise, tipping isn’t mandatory, but it is appreciated. You can tip about USD 100 for the porter. This amount is of course just an example; you can tip as much as you like depending upon your satisfaction with the work. Likewise, the load the porter can carry is a maximum of 12 to 15 kg of weight at a time.

Packing
It is advised to pack light. The less baggage you have, the easier it will be to manage, both for you and the porter in the mountains. You can re-pack your duffle bags after arriving in Kathmandu. Hotels in Kathmandu provide the service of safety storage lockers where you can store your excess bags until the end of the trekking trip.
Meals and Drinking Water
Both vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals are available during the trek. It is advised to bring water-purifying tablets or other suitable forms of water purification with you. This will be an economical and eco-friendly option rather than constantly buying bottled water in the mountains while trekking.
Altitude Sickness and Insurance
Travel Insurance is mandatory while trekking in the Himalayas of Nepal. It is preferred to have travel insurance that covers emergency helicopter rescue in the mountains. Similarly, the onset of altitude sickness and its occurrence varies from one person to the next. The trip is crafted with ample acclimatization time to avoid AMS. Nevertheless, you can take medication like Diamox to prevent the sickness, and should mild symptoms occur- you can take rest days along the journey until you feel better enough to continue.
Flight Delays and Cancellations
Lukla Flight Delays can occur due to several reasons, like bad weather conditions or other problems. That is why it is important to keep an extra contingency day on your trip in case of delays or cancellations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the best season for doing the Everest 3 Passes Trek?
The best time to do the Three Passes Trek is during the spring and autumn seasons. The spring season lasts from March to May and the autumn season lasts from September to November. During the winter months, it is not appropriate to do this trek as the mountain passes tend to be blocked due to heavy snow and the Gokyo Lake tends to freeze in dwindling temperatures.

Is there an age limit to do the trek?
-No, there is no age limit for Everest Base Camp Trekking, but you need to be in good physical shape. You can prepare your body for the trek by doing cardio exercises like running and swimming. It is also advisable to have prior trekking experience. Also, we recommend you see your doctor before the trip. Obtain necessary permissions and advice, as well as medications for traveling in extreme altitudes.

How are the toilet facilities at the guesthouses? Will I be able to shower during trekking?
-Most of the guesthouses on the Everest trail have squat toilet facilities. Some lodges have Western-style toilets as well. It is highly recommended to carry your toilet paper and other required toiletries. Likewise, hot shower facilities are available at select guesthouses. The most common type is a bucket shower where buckets filled with hot water are placed in a shower room. Hot shower costs extra, from USD 4 to 15 peruse, and the price increases along with the elevation.

Are there any communication facilities available while on the mountain?
-There are telephones (landlines) in most of the villages along the trekking route. Mobile Phone services are available throughout Nepal, even at the Everest Base Camp. However, the quality of the reception varies from one location to the next. Internet facilities can be found in only a few villages and they cost extra.

Day 01

Arrival in Kathmandu

You may arrive at the airport at any time. When you arrive, one of our company’s airport representatives will be waiting for you when you do. You will be transferred to the Hotel for your check-in. There are no planned activities for this day, so you can spend your time relaxing at the Hotel and getting your bearings. Overnight stay at the Hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 02

Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla 2840m and trek to Phakding 2610m

Early in the morning, you will be transferred to the airport for your Lukla flight. The short flight to Lukla will take you to the Khumbu. Upon landing at Lukla, you will trek to the village of Phakding. You will notice that the Himalayan atmosphere of Lukla is quite different from the bustling city ambiance. Winding on a beautiful green trail, you can take in the trans-Himalayan landscape of the Khumbu on today’s journey. Phakding is a small village that caters to trekkers who often use it as an overnight stop. It has a beautiful view of the Kusum Kangraru Peak. Overnight stay at the guesthouse at Phakding.

Day 03

Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar 3440m

From Phakding, you will continue your journey, reaching Monjo. It is at Monjo where the entrance to the Sagarmatha National Park is located. You can enter the park and walk to the famous Himalayan town of Namche Bazaar through beautiful forests. The town is a bustling commercial hub of the region. Due to its strategic location, Namche was a perfect stop for Tibetan and Nepali traders in ancient times. Overnight stay at the guesthouse at Namche Bazaar.

Day 04

Acclimatization Day

This day is sanctioned for acclimatization. Namche Bazaar is a great place for acclimatizing. You can visit the Everest View Hotel today which is situated a few distances away from the town. The hotel presents views of the Everest peaks like Sagarmatha, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and the Tawache among others from all of its windows. You can enjoy butter tea at the hotel while taking in the Himalayan sights. You can also visit the Syangboche airstrip today, located above the town. From here, you can get a panoramic view of the town looking like a natural amphitheater dug into the hillside. Views of peaks like the Thamserku and the Kongde RI are also quite spectacular. Back at Namche, you can also visit the Sherpa Culture Museum and the Everest Photo Gallery. Overnight stay at the guesthouse at Namche.

Day 05

Trek from Namche Bazaar to Thame 3820m

From Namche Bazaar, you will trek alongside the Dudh Koshi River and divert away from the regular path that leads to the base camp. Instead, you will trek clockwise from the Everest Base Camp and follow the Bhote Koshi River valley towards the Nyangpala Pass. This pass is a traditional passageway between Tibet and Nepal. The Bhote Koshi River valley is a beautiful deep geranium of juniper hamlets and blooming rhododendron trees. Winding your way along the track, you will reach Thame. Overnight stay at the guesthouse at Thame.

Day 06

Trek from Thame to Lumde 4368m

From Thame, you will make your way into the valley, going deeper through the woodlands to finally reach the small settlement of Lumde. The ebbing and turning trail is adorned with views of peaks like Everest, the Pumori, Lhotse, Nuptse, and the Tawache among many others. Along the way, you will also pass the Nangpa La Mountain Pass, a glaciated pass situated on the borders of Tibet and Nepal. Overnight stay at the guesthouse.

Day 07

Trek from Lumde to Gokyo via Renjo La Pass 5360m

Today, you will cross the first of the three major High Mountain Pass of the journey, the Renjo La, making your way towards Gokyo. You will be passing through a rather strenuous terrain today. The trail follows steeply upwards and winds down again along dry ridges and frozen streams. Along the way, you will also pass by several Kharka-yak huts used by the herders for pastures. You will also pass by the twin Renjo lakes, from where the views of mountain peaks like Cho Oyu, Everest, Makalu, and Cholatse are quite dramatic. Crossing the Renjo La, you will move downwards towards the Gokyo lakes. Overnight stay at the guesthouse at Gokyo.

Day 08

Hike to Gokyo RI 5483m and trek from Thangnak 4700m

From Gokyo, you will also make your way towards Gokyo RI- another vantage point of the region beside Kalapatthar from where the views of peaks like Cholatse, the Lingtern, Everest, Tawache, Nuptse, Lhotse, the Ama Dablam, Mount Tabuche and the Gyanchu Kang among many more are quite awe-inspiring. From Gokyo RI, you can also enjoy the view of the Ngozumpa Glacier, as well as the panoramic view of the Gokyo Valley. After enjoying the sights at the Gokyo RI, we will trek back to the lake, and then make our way to Thangnak. Overnight stay at the guesthouse.

Day 09

Trek from Thangnak to Dzongla 4830m via Cho La Pass 5420m

You will start your trek early today to avoid the harsh weather that can sometimes disrupt the pass crossing. Making your way through the steep terrain upwards, you will be trekking on a tough rocky trail toward the Cho La Mountain Pass. Cho La’s mountain pass is another stunning view of the road from where the views of Everest and its neighboring peaks are quite spectacular. After crossing the mountain pass, you will carefully make your way down, steeply descending towards Dzongla. Overnight stay at the guesthouse at Dzongla.

Day 10

Trek from Dzongla to Gorakshep 5140m

After the mountain pass, today’s trek is comparatively easy. Along your way towards Lobuche, you can further enjoy the glacial panoramas of the region. Crossing a bridge over the river, you will continue on your grassy trail towards Lobuche with the views of the Thamserku, Kangtega, and Tawache keeping you company along the journey. From Lobuche, you will then make your way towards Gorakshep. It is a small settlement that has a few lodges; it is also the last stop before the Everest base camp. Overnight stay at the guesthouse at Gorakshep.

Day 11

Hike to Kalapatthar 5550m and explore Everest Base Camp 5364m

From Gorakshep, you will steadily make your way towards the base camp of Everest from where you can see the views of the Khumbu Glacier and Icefall as well as the views of the Lingtren Peak. After spending time at the base camp, you will then trek to Kalapatthar- one of the best viewpoints in the region that presents the entire panoramic view of the Everest massif. Then you will trek back to Gorakshep. Overnight stay at the guesthouse.

Day 12

Trek from Gorakshep to Lobuche 4910m

From Gorakshep, you will then make your way back to Lobuche, trekking down the terrain and following the famous trekking trail of the base camp trek. It is a steady downhill climb and is easier than the ascent. Overnight stay at the guesthouse.

 

Day 13

Trek from Lobuche to Chhukung 4730m via Kongma La Pass 5535m

From Lobuche, you will trek towards Chhukung today, crossing the Kongma La Mountain Pass. Initially, the path rises diagonally towards the southeast of the Khumbu Glacier moraine. From there, you can get amazing views of the Himalayas. After the ascent to the moraine, you will steadily make your way across the glacier towards Pokalde- a small settlement situated just under the Kongma La Pass. Views of Mount Cho Oyu against the sky from here are quite magnificent. From Pokalde, you will make a steady steep ascent towards the pass. It is a sharp climb and can be a demanding one. Crossing the mountain pass, you will then slowly trek down again to Chhukung. Overnight stay at the guesthouse at Chhukung.

Day 14

Trek from Chhukung to Tengboche 3860m

From Chhukung, you will enter the Imja River valley again, following a beautiful trail towards the village of Tengboche. It is situated in the confluence of the Imja Khola and the Dudh Koshi Rivers and offers great views of the Ama Dablam peak. Here, you can visit the Tengboche monastery as well. Overnight stay at the guesthouse at Tengboche.

Day 15

Trek from Tengboche to Namche Bazaar 3440m

Trekking along the coruscating rail through the Dudh Koshi river valley, you will make your way back towards Namche Bazaar, with the sight of Everest, Kongde RI, Tawache, and the Ama Dablam peaks towering over the valley. Overnight stay at the guesthouse at Namche Bazaar.
Day 16: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla 2840m
From Namche, you will meander your way back towards Lukla, passing by Monjo, Jorsale, and Phakding. It is a beautiful trek back through the naturally verdant woodlands of the Sagarmatha National Park. Overnight stay at the guesthouse at Lukla.

Day 17

Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu

You will say goodbye to the Khumbu Mountains for the last time as you take your flight back to Kathmandu today. Upon landing back at the capital, you can spend the rest of the time as you please, resting or exploring the city. Overnights say at the Hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 18

Departure from Kathmandu

You will be transferred back to the airport today, approximately three hours before your flight departure.