Everest Three Pass Trek

Highlights

The Everest Three Pass Trek, which takes about eighteen days to complete, begins and ends in Lukla and takes travelers through the stunning scenery of the Khumbu region. Navigate the Renjo La Pass, Kongma La Pass, and Cho La Pass, each of which offers a different set of difficulties and stunning vistas. The journey includes both the well-known Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Valley, guaranteeing a thorough understanding of the area. Make lifelong memories as you travel through Sherpa villages, historic monasteries, and breathtaking glacial lakes.

Day 0: Airport/Tourist bus park

Airport picks up on arrival and transfers to hotel. On arrival at the hotel, short arrival info and trip plan.

Day 1: Kathmandu to Lukla (2,840m) and trek to Phakding village (2610m) 3 and half hrs, lunch camp

An early morning flight to Lukla airport (2,840m) with amazing views of mountain and beautiful landscapes takes us to gateway to Everest Base Camp and the land of Sherpas. Our trek heads through the village of Lukla, descending to along the east bank of the Dudh Kosi river, by a gentle hike and level meandering walk to Phakding village.

Day 2: Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440m) 6 hrs, including lunch break.

After breakfast trek along the bank of Dudh Kosi, the trail goes through rhododendron forest and pine trees to Jorsalle village. Shortly after completing check post formalities we cross the Dudh Kosi via suspension bridge to start a gradual up hill to Namche Bazaar, (Sherpa Capital). We encounter our first sight of Everest and Lhotse, great view of the mountains across the valley.

Day 3: Namche Bazaar, for acclimatization, 4 hrs hike.

To allow us to adjust to the high altitude. Explore the local market, observe the local culture, hike up to the Everest viewpoint or simply relax. Time is available to make an excursion to either the village of Syangboche (3,720m). At Syangboche is where the worlds highest airstrip is located and to the west stands Mount Kongde. The trail here is a steep ascent along small pine trees and juniper shrubs, and route looms Khumbi Yul Lah.
Later descent down to lodge and relax.

Day 4: Namche Bazaar to Tengboche (3,860m) 5 and half hrs, including lunch break.

The trail ascends out of the village and flat path along the valley with great views of Everest, Nuptse and Lhotse. There is a steep descent taking us through a forest towards the bridge over the Dudh Kosi. After crossing the river we hike up zigzagging path through a rhododendron forest where we may encounter both musk deer, mountain goats and wild colourful Pheasants(national bird) when we approach Tyangboche, which opens up to breath taking views of Everest, Nuptse, Ama Dablam and Taboche peaks. Tyangboche, famous for its legendary monastery, it is the largest in Khumbu area. There is time to visit both the monastery and museum.

Day 5: Tengboche to Dingboche(4,410m) 6 hrs, including lunch break.

The day commences with a gradual hike through meadows and a pine forest towards a small bridge over the Imja river, and then a climb to Dingboche with spectacular views of Ama Dablam. In the route we pass through Pangboche the home of the most ancient monastery in the region and the Gompa which houses the famous Yeti scalp.

Day 6: Dingboche, for acclimatization, hike up to Nagarjun Ri(5,325m) 4 hrs.

Today is second acclimatization day. You can either explore the village and surrounding area or relax and enjoy the best views. There is an option to take a guided excursion to explore the Imaj river valley with a hike to Nagarjun Ri. Within hour of leaving the village along a black rocky trail there are magnificent close views of Makalu and Lhotse, Island peak, Ama Dablam,etc.. Retracing our steps we return to the village(Lodge).

Day 7: Dingboche to Chhukung(4,730m) 2 hrs, lunch camp.

After breakfast we head to the trail ascending along a rocky path to Chhukung. After lunch and resting we head up to Chhukung Ri(5,550m)view point. Immediately we are captivated by Lhotse, the fourth highest peak in the world, the closeness makes it incredibly inspiring, the amazing views of Ama Dablam, Island Peak and Thamserku. Although the mountain views are the same as those from Chhukung, on the summit the mountains are more commanding with their extraordinary views.

Day 8: Chhukung to Labuche(4,910m) via Kongma La pass(5,535m), 9 hrs, including pack lunch.

Wake up early in the morning, have breakfast and start the trek to first pass Kongma La. Today should not be underestimated, it is a challenging pass. As we take a side valley towards the pass the first part of the trail is fairly level before a short steep ascent, on a narrow path, takes between 4 and 5 hours that brings us to the pass’s summit. As we ascend we see the same great scenery as on Chhukung Ri. The top of the pass is adorned with prayer flags and from east to west we have a breathtaking view of peaks and glaciers including Lobuche East and West. The trail descends steeply away from the pass bringing us to the Khumbu glacier, which we cross, negotiating our way through the moraines to reach the pastures of Labuche. Sunset on Nuptse ends our first pass perfectly.

Day 9: Labuche to Gorakshep(5,140m) EBC(5,364m), 8 hrs including lunch break.

An early start to a challenging day to accomplish our dream that is EBC. The route commences with a gentle ascent as we continue along the side of the Khumbu Glacier, which becomes rocky and awkward for a short time. Rewarded with breathtaking views, of Pumo Ri (7,165m) lies directly ahead, on the right Nuptse (7,861m) sight of Everest (8,848m). A descent brings us to Gorakshep (5,140m) where we lunch and rest before taking the trail to Everest Base Camp.After exploring Base Camp and we return to Gorakshep for a well-deserved rest.

Day 10: Ascend to Kalapatthar(5,550m) and trek down to Dzongla village(4,830m) 8 hrs, including lunch break.

Breathtaking scenery today is the highlight. It is another early morning start to see dawn break and capture this amazing daily event as Everest and surrounding peaks reveal themselves. An intricate ascending route threads its way through crevasses and over moraine ridges. At Kala Pathar’s summit (5,550m) there is an unforgettable panorama view of Ama Dablam, Makalu, Nuptse, Lhotse and the impressive black pyramid of Everest. When it is time to leave with our indelible memory of all that is before us we retrace our steps to Gorakshep and trek continues down to our destination via Lobuche passing a number of streams pastures of Dzongla, a small village that situated at the bottom of Cholatse (6,335m).

Day 11: Dzongla to Thagnag village(4,700m) via Cho-la pass(5,330m) 8 hrs, including pack lunch.

Wake up early in the morning have breakfast and start the trek over the Cho La (5,330m) pass; with amazing wilderness between Dzongla and today’s resting place, we depart with a packed lunch. The trail is well defined as we leave the grazing pastures behind and start our ascent to the pass. Crossing a small glacier, which is usually covered in snow, is reasonably straightforward as we continue our hike to Cho La’s summit. From here and there are great views with different aspects of the mountains seen before. A steep descent is made to Thagnag, a small Sherpa hamlet, taking us along a moraine and rock trail and through a boulder field.

Day 12: Thagnag to Gokyo lake(4,790m) 3 hrs, lunch camp.

After the breakfast the trail takes us along the eastern side of Gokyo Valley. Shortly we will be crossing the Nagozumba Glacier, which is well marked with cairns. At the top of the moraine overlooking the Nagozumba Glacier we climb down beside a tributary which leads us to the beautiful turquoise waters of the Gokyo Lake where Gokyo village, a small settlement, lies on its shores. Rest of the day is free for you to explore the village and lakes.

Day 13: Gokyo Rest day, hike up to Gokyo Ri view point(5,355m) 4 hrs.

Special day: After breakfast we start early this morning to ascend Gokyo Ri view point, a small peak above Gokyo village and lakes. The views on the way up are fantastic, it offers you the 360º view at the summit. It is one of the best views in the world, and some would say the best in Nepal. In front of you are Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho-Oyu etc.. also from the lake we will have a close up view of the sixth highest mountain in the world Mount Cho Oyu at 8,188m. Retracing our steps we return to the Lodge and relax at the village.

Day 14: Gokyo to Lungden(4,368m) via Rinjo la pass(5,360m) 8 hrs, including pack lunch.

Another special day, today we complete our final pass, Renjo La at 5360m, at taking a step back in time as our trail leads us along a wilderness caravan route and several very old Sherpa villages. As we leave the village of Gokyo the trail takes us up a gentle grassy slope, which quickly becomes a steep zigzag uphill, The highlight of the day is the reward at the top, as you step on the pass the stunning outlook unfolds: Everest, Kangchung, Lhotse, Makalu and the Gokyo lakes to the east, while the west offers Tengi Ragi Tau, Rolwaling Himal and the small lakes, which we pass on our descent to Legden village.

Day 15: Lungden to Thame village(3,820m) 6 hrs, including lunch break.

The trail is much easier than previous days. It takes us along an old Tibetan Himalayan trade route following the Bhote Kosi river and ending at the village of Thame, our destination. The landscape becomes a forest of first, with juniper cladding the hillside. Thame is the oldest Sherpa village in the Everest region, and the birthplace of Tenzing Norgay Sherpa, who summited Mt. Everest with Sir Edmund Hillary.Thame Monastery is one of the oldest in the region and its worth to visit.

Trip Map

What’s Included

ECAP entrance fee and Khumbu Gaunpalika Permit.
A highly experience, helpful, knowledgeable, friendly, English speaking, well-trained, Government license holding guide.
02 guest to 01 porter (Max weight limit for a porter- 20 kg (10 kg per trekker, weight limit).) with their insurance, salary, food, accommodation and equipment.
We provide an assistant guide his salary, food, drinks, accommodation, transport and insurance walking with group to support where necessary as per the group size.
Accommodation in the mountain during the trekking.
Three meals a day; breakfast, lunch and dinner and tea/coffee during the trekking.
To and fro Transportation to Kathmandu Airport and Hotel.
Snacks (cookies) and seasonal fresh fruits every day.
First aid kit box.

What’s Excluded

Your Nepal Visa fees.
All the International air fare to and from Kathmandu.All the International air fare to and from Kathmandu.
All meals and accommodation in Kathmandu and in Pokhara.
Kathmandu to Pokhara to Kathmandu/Chitwan transportation (if you want we can organize for you with additional cost).
Personal travel and health insurance as well as insurance for helicopter evacuation.
In case of extra nights’ accommodation, lunch and dinner in city due to early arrival and late departure as well as early back/return from mountain/trekking (due to any reason) than the given time period of itinerary. We can help you arrange extra nights’ accommodation.
Your personal expenses such as (laundry, baggage charge, phone calls, battery recharge, bar and beverage bill, boiled or bottle water, hot and cold shower, extra porter.. etc).
The tips to the trekking crews and drive.
Extra expenses due to flight delays, strikes, weather condition or any event out of our control.
Arrangement of emergency evacuation service (should have insurance for emergency evacuation and will be paid by your travel insurance company).