Everest Three Passes Trek

Everest Three Passes Trek

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Everest Three Passes Trek

Country Nepal
Duration 20 Day(s)
Max Altitude 5535 m
Difficulty hard
Group Size 2-14
Best Season Autumn & Spring

The Everest Three Pass Trek is not just any ordinary adventure; it's an extraordinary journey through the heart of the Everest region, offering an unparalleled challenge and rewards for those who dare to tread its paths. This trek introduces you to the breathtaking heights of Renjo La (5,360 meters), Cho La (5,420 meters), Kongma La (5,535 meters), and a myriad of other stunning attractions such as Gokyo Ri and its pristine lakes, Kalapathar, Everest Base Camp, the enchanting Nangkarchang viewpoint, and the awe-inspiring Chhukung Ri.

Throughout your expedition, your eyes will feast upon the majesty of four of the world's tallest peaks: Cho Oyu (8,201m), Makalu (8,481m), Lhotse (8,516m), and the crowning jewel, Everest (8,848m), along with the many neighboring mountains that grace this remarkable region. But it's not just the towering peaks that make this journey unforgettable; it's the warm-hearted Sherpa people you'll encounter and the picturesque villages that dot the landscape, each with its own unique culture and traditions that will truly enrich your experience.

The Everest Three Pass Trek begins at the legendary Lukla, guiding you along the meandering Dudh Koshi River, which eventually leads you to the vibrant hub of Namche. Here, you'll take two well-deserved days to acclimatize, ensuring you are in peak condition for the challenges ahead. The trail then ascends through Tenboche and Dingboche, gradually leading you to the charming village of Chhukung.

Leaving Chhukung behind, your journey ascends to the pinnacle of the Khongma La pass, the highest among the three passes. From this vantage point, the views are nothing short of breathtaking. Traversing along the Khumbu glacier, you'll make your way to the world-famous Everest Base Camp and Kalapathar. These stops offer the chance to witness the grandeur of Mt. Everest up close and the mesmerizing Khumbu icefall.

After savoring these awe-inspiring vistas, the trail carries you over the Chola pass, leading to the serene Gokyo Valley. Gokyo Ri is your next destination, a renowned viewpoint where you can marvel at the grandeur of four peaks soaring above 8,000 meters, including the mighty Everest. The Ngojumba glacier and the surrounding pristine lakes add a layer of beauty to this enchanting landscape. Don't forget to explore the fourth and fifth lakes; they promise to be an additional treat.

Finally, the Everest Three Pass Trek takes you across the Renjo La pass, a less-traveled route that rewards you with panoramic views of Everest and the surrounding mountain range. As you descend, you'll pass through Lungden, Thame, and Thamo, and ultimately return to Lukla, completing your unforgettable journey through this mesmerizing terrain.

The Everest Three Pass Trek is more than just a physical challenge; it's an odyssey that offers profound experiences, breathtaking views, and a deep connection with the people and culture of this remarkable region. So, lace up your boots and embark on this epic adventure for a lifetime of memories.

Join us on your Dream Adventure to Everest Three Pass Trek with the Experts! Get in Touch!

Itinerary

Day 1

Upon your arrival at Kathmandu's airport, our representative from Altitude Experts Trips & Expedition will warmly greet you and escort you to your pre-arranged hotel in the vibrant area of Thamel. Take your time to settle in and explore the bustling streets of Thamel, where you'll find various shops, restaurants, and amenities.

Max Altitude 1350 m
Accomodation Hotel
Day 2

In the morning, we finalize our trip preparations, including last-minute shopping and packing. Alternatively, we can arrange a half-day city sightseeing tour to Kathmandu's world heritage sites, such as Boudhanath Stupa, Swayambhunath Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple, and Kathmandu Durbar Square. Due to air congestion at TIA, which operates a single runway for both domestic and international flights, all flights to and from Lukla are redirected to Manthali Airport, Ramechhap during the peak seasons of spring (April-May) and autumn (October-November). This change, mandated by the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal, helps alleviate the heavy air traffic at TIA. In the morning, we finalize our trip preparations, including last-minute shopping and packing. Alternatively, we can arrange a half-day city sightseeing tour to Kathmandu's world heritage sites, such as Boudhanath Stupa, Swayambunath Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple, and Kathmandu Durbar Square. In the afternoon, we embark on our journey to Everest, starting with an approximate 4.5-hour drive to Manthali in a private vehicle. The route follows the B.P. Highway, passing through Bhaktapur and Dhulikhel. We gradually descend towards Khurkot, where the Tama Koshi and Sun Koshi Rivers converge. Following the Sun Koshi River, we then continue alongside the Tama Koshi River almost to Manthali. Upon arrival in Manthali, we check in at a resort for an overnight stay and enjoy dinner to conclude the day's journey.

Max Altitude 480 m
Meals Breakfast & Dinner
Accomodation Hotel
Day 3

Today, due to new regulations, the flights to Lukla will likely operate from Manthali Airport in Ramechhap District. An early morning start requires waking up at 2 a.m. to embark on a four-hour drive from Kathmandu to Manthali. From there, you'll take a breathtaking 20-minute flight to Lukla. Upon landing in Lukla, our professional trekking team will be there to welcome you. You'll be served a hearty second breakfast before commencing your first-day hike in the Himalayas. From the airstrip, our trek begins with a scenic walk through Lukla Bazaar. Passing Chheplung, Thadokoshi, Ghat, and other picturesque villages, we make our way to the charming village of Phakding, surrounded by terraced fields and stunning views of the Khumbi Yulha and Dudhkoshi Rivers.

Max Altitude 2800 m
Meals Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accomodation Tea House
Duration 4-5 Hours
Day 4

Continuing our journey, we traverse suspension bridges over the Dudh Koshi River and enter the Sagarmatha National Park. Passing through Benkar, Chumo, and Monju, we make our way to Jorsale for lunch. Afterward, we cross the highest suspension bridge in the valley and ascend steeply through the pine jungle, catching our first glimpse of Mount Everest. Finally, we reach Namche Bazaar, a vibrant Sherpa village with various attractions.

Max Altitude 3440 m
Meals Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accomodation Tea House
Duration 6-7 Hours
Day 5

Today is a crucial acclimatization day in our trekking journey. We start with a hike to Hotel Everest View, where we are rewarded with stunning vistas of the Himalayas from the world's highest mountain Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Amadablam, and Thamserku. On the way, we visit Sagarmatha Next, a unique center where artists from around the world create souvenirs from the trash collected in the region. Through VR technology. You can experience the Everest climb, adding an exciting and educational dimension to our journey. After soaking in the views, we descend towards Khumjung, home to the first school built by Sir Edmund Hillary in 1960. Khumjung and the nearby Khunde village are nestled together at the base of Khumbi Yulha and are known as the "green valley" because all the roofs are painted green, except for the monastery, which is red. We then continue our descent to Kyangjuma known for its spectacular views of the Himalayas, including Everest and Amadablam. Furthermore, the jungle around Kyanjuma is home to endangered musk deer and the impian pheasant, known as DAnfe-the national bird of Nepal. This rich biodiversity stunning views and peaceful environment make Kyangjuma one of the best places to stay along the Everest Base Camp Trek. Here, we settle in for the night, surrounded by the majestic beauty of the mountains.

Max Altitude 3880 m
Meals Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accomodation Tea House
Day 6

Our trek begins with a gradual descent to Sanasa through a beautiful rhododendron forest. Just before Sanasa, we take the right trial at the junction and descend along a rocky path that runs along the cliff. We then make our way down through a pine forest to Lausasa, continuing our journey to Fungi Tenga., located on the bank of the Dudh Koshi River. After crossing a suspension bridge and passing the National Park Checkpost, we climb up to Tengboche, where we will take a lunch break and visit the Tenboche Monastery. From Tengboche, we are treated to expansive views of the Himalayan range, including Everest and Ama Dablam. Leaving Tengboche and Debuche behind, we continue our trek through scenic rhododendron and pine forests. Along the way, we pass by a nunnery, tea houses, and a few lodges, and cross a suspension bridge, mani walls, and stupa, where we are rewarded with a perfect view of Amadablam. We will spend the night.

Max Altitude 3985 m
Meals Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accomodation Tea House
Day 7

Today, after breakfast, we hike to Amadablam Base Camp, situated at an elevation of 4800 meters. Leaving Pangboche behind, we descend to the Dudh Koshi River, cross a log bridge, and then climb up to Ama Dablam Base Camp. After visiting the base camp, we follow narrow trails towards Dingboche, which involve a gradual descent. Towards the end, we cross a wooden bridge and then undertake a gradual ascent that leads us to Dingboche. Here, we will stay overnight in a comfortable lodge.

Max Altitude 4800 m
Meals Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accomodation Tea House
Day 8

Today is a crucial acclimatization day. We take a refreshing hike up to the Nangkarchhang viewpoint, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, including towering peaks like Mt. Makalu and Mt. Cho-yu. After spending some time admiring the awe-inspiring vistas, we descend back to Dingboche for a peaceful overnight stay.

Max Altitude 5070 m
Meals Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accomodation Tea House
Day 9

As we bid farewell to Dingboche, we embark on a new day of adventure. The path ahead takes us through thorny bushes and dry, grassy fields, gradually ascending. Within the first hour, we find ourselves tracing the rocky and sandy banks of the Imja River. Passing by Bibre, a serene yak pasture land encircled by stone-fenced grassy fields, we continue our journey toward Chhukung, which is just another hour away. Here, we pause for a well-deserved lunch break. Post-lunch, our trail turns uphill as we begin our ascent towards Chhukung Ri. This leg of the journey demands our stamina and determination as we tackle steep terrain. It may take us around 4-5 hours to reach the summit. The reward for our efforts is a breathtaking panorama that includes the majestic Makalu, the iconic Amadablam, the imposing Imja Tse (Island Peak), the formidable Lhotse South Face, and the enigmatic Nuptse. After soaking in these magnificent views, we return to Chhukung for a restful overnight stay.

Max Altitude 5550 m
Meals Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accomodation Tea House
Day 10

Today, we venture westward from Chhukung, crossing a narrow wooden bridge that leads us through a trail surrounded by juniper bushes. As we progress, we encounter gradual inclines and navigate past stone-fenced grass fields, ultimately arriving at the lower Pogalde Base Camp. The path becomes steeper as we proceed, culminating in a beautiful pond marking the Pokalde Base Camp. A half-hour of arduous climbing brings us to Kongmala, marked by fluttering prayer flags. Here, we are treated to a spectacular spectacle that includes Mt. Lhotse, Lobuche Peak, Makalu, Island Peak, Baruntse, and a pristine lake below. This stretch typically takes about 4 hours. After a well-deserved 30-minute break to capture the awe-inspiring Himalayan views and enjoy a packed lunch, we embark on a steep descent along a rocky trail, winding alongside a black rocky hill for another hour and a half. Eventually, we reach the ridge of the Khumbu glacier, crossing it via moraine and several glacial lakes for another 1.5 hours, finally arriving at Lobuche.

Max Altitude 5535 m
Meals Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accomodation Tea House
Day 11

An early start today as we navigate a rocky trail along the right flank of the Khumbu glacier, heading towards Gorakshep. This leg of the journey is marked by dry terrain and the thinning air, which becomes increasingly noticeable. Gorakshep awaits us at the far edge of the glacier, where we pause for a quick lunch. After our meal, we repack our backpacks with ample water and snacks, gearing up for the challenging yet rewarding trek to the Everest Base Camp. Here, the thin air might make breathing more difficult, and the rocky trails will test our endurance as we ascend and descend. At the Everest Base Camp, we are greeted by spectacular views of the Khumbu Icefall, the glacier, and the towering mountains that surround us closely. We then retrace our steps to Gorakshep for an overnight stay.

Max Altitude 5364 m
Meals Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accomodation Tea House
Duration 7-8 Hours
Day 12

Today's adventure begins early, with a wake-up call at half past three in the morning. After savoring a quick cup of tea, we embark on a challenging hike up to Kalapathar. The journey takes approximately 3 hours and involves traversing a rocky trail, with the most demanding portion being a steep ascent up large rocks. However, the reward at the summit is more than worth the effort. From Kalapathar, we are treated to a breathtaking panoramic view of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and the surrounding mountains. We can also spot Everest Base Camp, the Khumbu Icefall, several lakes, and the vast Khumbu glacier. The sight of Mt. Everest and South Col up close is a highlight. After soaking in this unforgettable view, we descend along the same trail to Gorakshep for breakfast. Following breakfast, we traverse the rocky and sandy moraine for about two hours until we pass Lobuche. Continuing for another 20 minutes downhill, we veer right, passing the Lobuche East Base Camp alongside a stream. As we ascend gradually through a zig-zagging narrow trail, we reach a vantage point that offers a splendid view of the Pheriche Valley nestled below the magnificent Amadablam, Pumori, and Nuptse peaks. Upon a gradual descent, we pass by Chola Lake on our left and continue toward Dzongla Valley for another 1.5 hours. This final leg involves a steep climb, concluding with our arrival in Dzongla.

Max Altitude 5640 m
Meals Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accomodation Tea House
Day 13

With a packed lunch in our rucksacks, we commence our early morning journey towards the challenging Chola Pass. Our path initially takes us past a yak grazing field for about an hour, followed by a gradual climb and then a steep ascent among imposing boulders. It takes around 40 minutes to enter the Chola Valley, wedged between the towering Cholatse on the left and Lobuche on the right. We proceed for another 40 minutes, navigating across the snow-covered terrain to the left of an icy crevasse, and then conquering a challenging rocky climb. In total, it takes about 4 hours to reach Chola Pass. Here, we pause on a flat rock, which offers a safe spot to savor the breathtaking views. We then embark on a steep descent along a rocky cliff, turning left onto a trail marked by a landslide. After ascending to a ridge, we gradually descend alongside a striking black rocky cliff until we reach Dzongla. Taking a break to savor some hot soup, we continue our trek towards the east of the Ngozumba Glacier for half an hour, navigating through rocky and sometimes challenging terrain. Our experienced staff will ensure we follow the right trail. Ultimately, we ascend a steep hill through a landslide trail and descend to Gokyo. Gokyo is a high wetland situated southeast of the third lake, which happens to be the largest among the five lakes in the Gokyo Valley. Two lakes lie ahead, while two are situated to the north of Gokyo Lake. The Gokyo Lake holds sacred significance, prohibiting activities such as swimming

Max Altitude 5420 m
Meals Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accomodation Tea House
Duration 7-8 Hours
Day 14

Today, we embark on a well-deserved rest day, with the option to elevate our spirits further by hiking to Gokyo Ri. In the early morning, we equip ourselves with headlamps and set out to cross the stream, beginning our steep ascent towards Gokyo Ri. The narrow, zigzagging trail demands around 3 hours of our time, but the rewards are priceless. Gokyo Ri presents us with a breathtaking sunrise over the majestic Mt. Everest, along with stunning views of Mt. Makalu, Cho-Oyu, Gyajung Khang, Pasang Lhamu Peak, Cholatse, and much more. The Gokyo Valley, adorned with its beautiful blue lakes and the sprawling Ngozumba glacier, serves as a mesmerizing backdrop to this hike. As we ascend, you might even hear the soothing sound of the wind and the songs of the Himalayan snowcap. After relishing the panoramic spectacle from Gokyo Ri, we make our way back down the steep descent to Gokyo, where a hearty breakfast awaits. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy, Whether you explore the lakes or have energy left, take a stroll up to the fifth lake.

Max Altitude 5357 m
Meals Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accomodation Tea House
Duration 3-4 Hours
Day 15

Similar to our earlier passages, we commence our journey from Gokyo in the early morning, carrying a packed lunch with us. Crossing the stream, we follow a narrow trail toward the western direction of Gokyo. The initial climb is gradual, eventually leading to a one-hour steep ascent along a sandy ridge, which takes us to the base of Renjo La. Along the way, we encounter Buddhist prayer flags fluttering amidst rocky hills, and we are treated to glimpses of Mt. Everest, Mt. Makalu, Nuptse, Cholatse, and the scenic Gokyo Lake. We pause for a while to capture some memorable shots and then begin our steep descent via stone stairs, leading to the Renjo La pass. This portion of the trail is quite steep. Afterward, we proceed downhill to the twin lakes, and then through the stone-fenced grass fields of Relmo. In this remote landscape, only one house is adorned with a thatched roof, stone walls, and traditional wooden windows and doors. Our descent continues to Lungden, where we settle in for the night.

Max Altitude 5360 m
Meals Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accomodation Tea House
Duration 7-8 Hours
Day 16

Today's trek offers a gentle descent to Thamo. After half an hour of walking from Lungden, we arrive at Marlung village, where we cross a bridge over the Bhotekoshi River and enter the village of Dingjung on the opposite bank. Our journey continues for another half hour, leading us to the picturesque Taranye valley. This small village boasts only a few houses but numerous stone-fenced potato fields. We continue our trek along the right side of the Bhotekoshi River, passing through Chanyakpa, Thameteng, and Thame villages. Thame is renowned as the hometown of some illustrious Sherpa mountaineers. There are two routes to reach Thamo: a five-minute walk from Thame leads us to a junction where we choose the upper path, descending toward the river, crossing a bridge over the Bhotekoshi, and ascending a steep hill through the Samde village. A brief descent eventually leads us to Thamo, where we spend the night.

Max Altitude 3600 m
Meals Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accomodation Tea House
Duration 6-7 Hours
Day 17

After a nourishing breakfast, we embark on our journey toward Namche, leaving Thamo, Samsing, Theso, and Furte behind. We pause at Namche for tea and snacks, where you can also indulge in some souvenir shopping, as Namche offers a variety of options. Afterward, we descend steeply to the confluence of Dudhkoshi and Bhotekoshi. The undulating walk along the bank of the Dudhkoshi River takes us to Jorsalle. We then climb up Monjo where we overnight.

Max Altitude 2835 m
Meals Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accomodation Tea House
Duration 6-7 Hours
Day 18

After enjoying breakfast, we embark on our journey back to Lukla. The path we follow is the same trail we traversed on the very first day of our trek, bridging the gap between Monjo and Lukla. As we approach the conclusion of our trek, we look forward to celebrating this memorable adventure with a special farewell dinner in the evening. This joyful gathering will be accompanied by the harmonious tunes of traditional Nepali folk songs, including the enchanting "Resam Fi ri ri." It's a fitting way to bid farewell to the stunning landscapes and camaraderie of our trekking group. During this dinner, your guide will collect gratuities from the group and ensure they are distributed among the hardworking staff, expressing our appreciation for their dedication and assistance throughout our journey. It's a time for reflection, gratitude, and camaraderie as we bring this incredible adventure to a close.

Max Altitude 2800 m
Meals Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accomodation Tea House
Duration 6-7 Hours
Day 19
Depending on the scheduled flight time, we will make our way to the airport for our journey back to Kathmandu or Manthali, depending on the flight destination. Upon our arrival at the Kathmandu/Manthali airport, our attentive staff will be on hand to ensure a smooth transition and transfer you to your designated hotel. Later in the evening, we will come together once more for a memorable farewell dinner in the bustling Thamel district. This is a wonderful opportunity to reflect on our adventures, share stories, and savor the unique flavors of Nepali cuisine.
Max Altitude 1350
Meals Breakfast & Dinner
Accomodation Hotel
Day 20

Depending on your flight schedule, our staff will arrange for your transfer from the hotel to the airport for your final departure.

Max Altitude 1350 m
Meals Breakfast
Accomodation N/A

Inclusions

  • Airport-hotel-airport transfers for International flights
  • Two nights' accommodation on BB plan in Kathmandu at a comfortable 3-star hotel 
  • Kathmandu-Manthali Airport-Kathmandu both ways transfer by private car
  • Manthali-Lukla-Manthali  flight tickets
  • Standard lodge accommodation during trek with full board meals (includes breakfast, lunch, dinner with soup &  tea/coffee)
  • Experienced English-speaking trek guide and a porter 
  • Wages, accommodation, food, flight/ground transfer, and insurance for accompanying trekking guide and porter. 
  • Sagarmatha National Park entrance fee and local government entrance fee 
  • Applicable government and local taxes

Exclusions

  • Tourist VISA for Nepal and international flights to/from Kathmandu
  • Travel and Medical Insurance up to 5640 meters above sea level
  • Personal gear for trekking/climbing plus nature of personal spending
  • Lunch and Dinner in Kathmandu
  • Drinks both alcoholic and non-alcoholic including (Bottled water)
  • Any additional costs arising due to flight cancellations, political disturbances, natural disasters, or deviations in the program
  • Tips/gratitude for the staff at the end of the trip
  • Anything not explicitly mentioned in the "Cost Includes" section

Trip Notes

PRICE :

The price of the package with Altitude Experts Trips & Expeditions is tailored to each client's unique needs, as several factors influence the final pricing. These include group size, seasonal local government taxes and fees, the category of hotel accommodation, equipment needs, and the level of customization desired. To ensure we provide you with the most accurate and competitive pricing, we encourage an open discussion to fully understand your preferences and requirements. Please don't hesitate to contact us for detailed information about your chosen package. We're here to assist you in crafting the perfect expedition experience. You can always Plan Your Trip and we will be more than happy to curate the best possible package for you.

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