Everest Three Passes Trek

Everest Three Passes Trek is the ideal trek where travelers have a chance to explore Witnessing the majestic Mount Everest (8848m), the highest mountain in the world. We trek through visually beautiful yet quite challenging routes in Everest Region. In this 17 days trek, we get an opportunity to observe ethnic Sherpa community which is highly influenced by Buddhism. On our way up, we can explore beautiful Buddhist monasteries among the traditional Sherpa villages.

We begin and end the trip from Kathmandu. Average 6-7 hours trek is set up from Day 3 till Day 18 of Everest Three Passes. Scaling our way up from Kathmandu (1300m), Everest Three Passes Trek takes you to Kalapatthar (5545m) which is the closest viewpoint to see towering Mount Everest. Our route includes Kongma La (5,535m), Cho La (5,380m) and Renjo La (5,388m). Acclimatization days in between the trek really help you to get used to the altitude as you explore local life for the day. You can find yourself completely lost in the cultural lifestyle of Sherpas mixed with the stunning panoramic view of snow-covered mountain ranges and freshwater lakes. The best season to experience the fullest of what trip has to offer is March to May and September to December. This Three Passes Trek is sure to become your treasured memory.

Destination Unlimited is proud to accompany you during this Trek. You can fulfill your adventurous thrill without any doubt as you can trust us and be ensured about all your safety concerns. Our reliable and responsible guides are familiar with the area which makes the trip even easier. We will be pleased to be your acquaintance in any future treks and trips around Nepal.

If you wish to enjoy easy trek then Panoramic Everest View Trek might be the right choice for you.

How difficult this trek?

The Three Passes Trek in Nepal is considered one of the most challenging and adventurous trekking routes in the Everest region. It involves crossing three high mountain passes: Kongma La Pass (5,535 meters), Cho La Pass (5,420 meters), and Renjo La Pass (5,360 meters). Here are some factors that contribute to the difficulty of the trek:

High Altitude: The trek reaches altitudes above 5,000 meters, where the air is thin, and altitude-related symptoms like altitude sickness can occur. Proper acclimatization and physical fitness are crucial to mitigate the risks associated with high altitude.
Technical Sections: While the Three Passes Trek does not involve technical climbing, some sections may require scrambling over rocky terrain or crossing steep, icy slopes, especially during the crossing of the passes. Basic trekking skills and the use of appropriate gear like crampons and ice axes may be necessary.
Long Distances and Elevation Gain: The trek covers long distances and involves significant elevation gain and loss each day. Trekkers should be prepared for strenuous uphill climbs and steep descents, often on rugged and uneven terrain.
Variable Weather Conditions: Weather in the Himalayas can be unpredictable, with conditions changing rapidly. Trekkers may encounter cold temperatures, high winds, snowfall, and even blizzards, particularly at higher elevations. Proper clothing and equipment for varying weather conditions are essential.
Remote and Isolated Terrain: The Three Passes Trek traverses remote and isolated areas of the Everest region, far from civilization. Facilities like lodges and teahouses may be basic, and access to medical assistance or evacuation may be limited in case of emergencies.
Physical Fitness: Due to the high altitude, steep ascents, and long days of trekking, a good level of physical fitness is required to undertake the Three Passes Trek. Regular cardiovascular exercise and strength training in preparation for the trek can help improve endurance and reduce the risk of fatigue.

Overall, the Three Passes Trek is challenging but immensely rewarding, offering breathtaking mountain scenery, close-up views of Everest and other Himalayan peaks, and a sense of accomplishment for those who complete it. Proper preparation, including physical training, acclimatization, and the right gear, is essential for a safe and enjoyable experience.

Trip Highlights of Everest Three Passes Trek

The Everest Three Passes Trek is a challenging and adventurous trekking route in the Everest region of Nepal, known for its stunning landscapes, high mountain passes, and breathtaking views of the Himalayas. Here are the highlights of the Everest Three Passes Trek:

Highlights of Everest Three Passes Trek

Crossing Three High Mountain Passes:
- Kongma La Pass (5535m): A challenging pass offering panoramic views of Everest (8848m), Lhotse (8516m), Makalu (8481m), and surrounding peaks.
- Cho La Pass (5420m): Known for its steep ascent and descent, offering spectacular views of Ama Dablam (6812m) and Cholatse (6440m).
- Renjo La Pass (5360m): Provides a different perspective of Everest and other peaks, with views extending into the Gokyo Valley and surrounding lakes.
Everest Base Camp (5364m):
- Visit the iconic Everest Base Camp, the starting point for climbers aiming to summit the world's highest peak. Experience the glacier and dramatic ice formations.
Gokyo Ri (5360m) and Gokyo Lakes:
- Hike to Gokyo Ri for stunning panoramic views of Cho Oyu (8188m), Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu. Explore the pristine Gokyo Lakes, known for their turquoise waters amidst snowy peaks.
Cultural Exploration:
- Visit traditional Sherpa villages such as Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche, and Thame. Experience Sherpa hospitality, Buddhist monasteries, and local culture.
Sagarmatha National Park:
- Trek through the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Sagarmatha National Park, home to diverse flora and fauna including rhododendron forests, Himalayan Thar, and musk deer.
Panoramic Himalayan Views:
- Enjoy breathtaking views of some of the world's highest peaks including Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, and many more from various viewpoints along the trek.
Tea Houses and Local Cuisine:
- Stay in cozy tea houses along the route, offering basic accommodation and local Sherpa cuisine such as dal bhat (rice and lentils), momos (dumplings), and Tibetan bread.
Adventure and Challenge:
- Experience the thrill of trekking in high altitudes with challenging terrain, glacier crossings, and steep ascents/descents. This trek is ideal for adventure enthusiasts seeking a physically demanding yet rewarding experience.

Tips for Everest Three Passes Trek

Physical Fitness: Prepare with cardiovascular exercises and trekking practice to build stamina for high-altitude trekking.
Altitude Acclimatization: Follow a gradual ascent schedule to acclimatize properly and minimize the risk of altitude sickness.
Best Time to Trek: Ideal seasons are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) for clear skies, stable weather conditions, and moderate temperatures.
Permits: Obtain necessary permits such as the Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit and Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) card before starting the trek.
Pack Essentials: Include trekking gear suitable for the season, layers of clothing, a sleeping bag, toiletries, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a first aid kit.
Respect Local Culture: Respect local customs, traditions, and the fragile mountain environment. Leave no trace and minimize your impact on the ecosystem.

The Everest Three Passes Trek offers an unforgettable journey through some of the most spectacular landscapes in the Everest region, combining adventure, natural beauty, and cultural immersion in the heart of the Himalayas.

Outline Itinerary:

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1300 m)
Day 02: Kathmandu: sightseeing and trek preparation
Day 03: Fly to Lukla, trek to Phakding (2,651m): 40 minutes flight; 3 - 4 hours trek
Day 04: Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440m): 5 - 6 hours
Day 05: Namche Bazaar: Acclimatization Day
Day 06: Namche Bazaar to Tengboche (3860m): 5 - 6 hours
Day 07: Tengboche to Dingboche (4,360 m): 5 - 6 hours
Day 08: Dingboche: acclimatization and rest
Day 09: Dingboche to Chhukung (4750m), climb Chhukung Ri (5,546m): 6 – 7 hours
Day 10: Cross to Kongma La pass (5535m), trek to Lobuche (4940m): 6 - 7 hours
Day 11: Lobuche to Gorak Shep (5170 m), visit Everest Base Camp (5364 m): 6-7 hours
Day 12: Gorak Shep to Kala Patthar (5545 m), then to Lobuche (4940 m): 6 hours
Day 13: Lobuche to Dzongla (4830m): 3 - 4 hours
Day 14: Trek to Gokyo (4800m) via Cho La pass (5368m): 7 - 8 hours
Day 15: Another day at Gokyo: Climb Gokyo Ri (5357m), tour 4th and 5th Gokyo lakes: 3 - 4 hours
Day 16: Gokyo to Marlung (4210m) via Renjo La Pass (5360m): 7 - 8 hours
Day 17: Marlung to Namche Bazaar: 5 - 6 hours
Day 18: Namche Bazaar to Lukla: 6 - 7 hours
Day 19: Lukla to Kathmandu: 40 minutes flight
Day 20: Final Departure

Detail Itinerary

Day 01 :Arrival in Kathmandu (1300 m) Upon arrival after airport representative showing your good name in front of airport then transfer to the Hotel in Kathmandu. Over night at Kathmandu.
Day 02 :Kathmandu: sightseeing and trek preparation Guided by our licensed guide, you’ll be taken to visit some of the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Kathmandu which includes Durbar Square, Swayambhunath (monkey temple). Sightseeing is optional, you can do it after trekking as well. Over night at Kathmandu.
Day 03 :Fly to Lukla, trek to Phakding (2,651m): 40 minutes flight; 3 - 4 hours trek From Kathmandu or Mathali airport Ramechhap( 4 hours drive from Kathmandu), we will have the scenic flight over to the beautiful region of Lukla. The flight will goes for 35 minutes to reach at the Lukla Tengzing Hillary airport viewing the wonderful view of the surrounding. Then after landing at the Lukla, we will trek towards the beautiful region of Phakding. The trekking goes for about 3 to 4 hours through the main trail. Overnight at Phakding at the altitude of 2640m.
Day 04 :Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440m): 5 - 6 hours Leaving the Phakding village behind, we move forward to Namche Bazaar. It takes about 5-6 hours for us to reach Namche Bazaar, otherwise known as Gateway to Everest. Over night at Kathmandu.
Day 05 :Namche Bazaar: Acclimatization Day We take this day off from the trek and settle in Namche Bazaar itself for acclimatization. While here, you can go to weekly Tibetan wholesale market nearby selling cheap Chinese good and clothes. We will go got short hiking to Everest View Hotel and Khumjung then back to Namche. Over night at Kathmandu.
Day 06 :Namche Bazaar to Tengboche (3860m): 5 - 6 hours Moving on, we trek for about 5-6 hours from Namche Bazaar to reach Tengboche. Tengboche monastery itself is a culture rich site for visitors. Another place to look out for is the school in Khumjung Village established by Sir Edmund Hillary himself. Over night at Lodge.
Day 07 :Tengboche to Dingboche (4,360 m): 5 - 6 hours We trek for almost 5-6 hours today to reach our destination Dingboche from Tengboche. Dingboche lies alongside river Imja and the walking through today’s trail itself makes you appreciate the beauty of this region even more. Over night at Lodge.
Day 08 :Dingboche: acclimatization and rest We take the day off again in Dingboche for acclimatization as we have reached an elevation of 4360 m. Dingboche has unique stone walls spreading kilometers covering entire Imja valley. You can expect absolute scenic beauty as we spend the day in the Himalayan (snow-capped mountain) landscape. Guide will arrange day hiking close to 5000m. Over night at Lodge.
Day 09 :Dingboche to Chhukung (4750m), climb Chhukung Ri (5,546m): 6 – 7 hours For today, we trek from Dingboche to Chhukung which approximately takes us 6-7 hours. We further climb Chhukung Ri reaching an altitude of 5,546 meters.Over night at Lodge.
Day 10 :Cross to Kongma La pass (5535m), trek to Lobuche (4940m): 6 - 7 hours We cross to the Kongma La pass but you need to be ready that in this trek, “pass” is considered challenging. After that, we trek to Lobuche with beautiful scenes which take about 6-7 hours. Over night at Lodge.
Day 11 :Lobuche to Gorak Shep (5170 m), visit Everest Base Camp (5364 m): 6-7 hours We move ahead from Lobuche trekking for 6-7 hours visiting Everest Base Camp by the end of the day making a stop at Gorak Shep. As we get closer to Mount Everest, other peaks like Nuptse, Cholatse, Lobuche, and Pumori can be seen in the background of Lobuche village. Over night at Lodge.
Day 12 :Gorak Shep to Kala Patthar (5545 m), then to Lobuche (4940 m): 6 hours Kala Patthar is the closest viewpoint to witness the soaring Mount Everest itself surrounded by more Himalayan Ranges. Today, we go from Gorakshep to Kalapatthar and make Lobuche our last destination for the day by trekking for 8-9 hours. Over night at Lodge.
Day 13 :Lobuche to Dzongla (4830m): 3 - 4 hours We trek for 3-4 hours from Lobuche to reach Dzongla. You can see the Cholatse Tsho lake along the way accompanied by clear blue and rocky trails among the mountains.Over night at Lodge.
Day 14 :Trek to Gokyo (4800m) via Cho La pass (5368m): 7 - 8 hours We make it through second pass today as we trek to Gokyo from Dzongla via Cho La pass. This trek takes us 7-8 hours. Over night at Lodge.
Day 15 :Another day at Gokyo: Climb Gokyo Ri (5357m), tour 4th and 5th Gokyo lakes: 3 - 4 hours It’s our rest day in Gokyo. We climb Gokyo Ri and tour 4th and 5th Gokyo lakes reflecting mighty mountains. We trek only for about 3-4 hours today. Over night at Lodge.
Day 16 :Gokyo to Marlung (4210m) via Renjo La Pass (5360m): 7 - 8 hours Today includes a trek from Gokyo to Marlung via our final pass, Renjo La passes at an altitude of 5360m. This takes us just about 7-8 hours. Over night at Lodge.
Day 17 :Marlung to Namche Bazaar: 5 - 6 hours We are now on our way back to Namche Bazaar from Marlung. We need to trek for 5-6 hours making it back to the homeland of Sherpas. Over night at Lodge.
Day 18 :Namche Bazaar to Lukla: 6 - 7 hours This is our final trek day which requires us to trek for 6-7 hours to get back to Lukla from Namche Bazaar. Filling our minds with final glimpses of stunning mountains and local villages, we make it back to Lukla. Over night at Lodge.
Day 19 :Lukla to Kathmandu: 40 minutes flight Taking our flight from Lukla airport located between vibrant green hills, we return back to the busy city of Kathmandu within 40 minutes. Evening farewell Dinner. Over night at Lodge.
Day 20 :Final Departure Hoping that you enjoyed this long trip to Nepal, we escort you back to the airport as you bid farewell to this culturally and naturally rich country.

Cost Includes

All airport transfers
Accommodation in Kathmandu
Farewell Dinner
Tea-house Lodge during the Trekking
Experience, Government Licensed English-speaking Guide
Porters : 2 Member one porter
Domestic Airfare/ Ktm-Luckla-Ktm. Airport Tax
All your standard Meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) during the trekking.
Every meals cup of tea or coffee
All Trekking permits and Necessary documents
Sleeping bag, Down Jacket( If Necessary) & Duffle bag by company
Staff insurance, medication and equipment,
First Aid Kit and Special Care
Rescue arrangements for our clients
All Govt. and Local Taxes
Trekking Certificate from Destination Unlimited Treks

Cost Excludes

International airfares
Travel/trekking insurance
Kathmandu sightseeing Entrance fees
Nepal entry visa fees.
Khumbu Tax Worth 20$
Mountain rescue charges or insurance
Bottled drinks on trek (cold and alcoholic) and Hot Drinks
Lunch and dinner during your stay in Kathmandu.
Additional food or drink on trek in addition to three standard meals
Personal expenses, Emergency Expenses, road blocked, snakes, desert.etc
Tips, Hot Showers
Which is not mentions in Cost Included Section.

1. What is the Everest Three Passes Trek?

The Everest Three Passes Trek is a challenging trekking route in the Everest region of Nepal that crosses three high mountain passes: Kongma La Pass (5535m), Cho La Pass (5420m), and Renjo La Pass (5360m). It is known for its stunning Himalayan views, diverse landscapes, and cultural experiences.

2. How long does the Everest Three Passes Trek take?

The trek typically takes around 16-18 days, depending on the itinerary and trekking pace. This duration allows for acclimatization, exploration of key highlights like Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Valley, and crossing all three high passes.

3. What are the highlights of the Everest Three Passes Trek?

High Mountain Passes: Cross Kongma La, Cho La, and Renjo La passes, each offering panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and other peaks.
Everest Base Camp: Visit the iconic Everest Base Camp (5364m), the starting point for expeditions to Mount Everest.
Gokyo Lakes and Gokyo Ri: Explore the pristine Gokyo Valley, ascend Gokyo Ri (5360m) for breathtaking views of Cho Oyu and the surrounding Himalayas, and visit the turquoise Gokyo Lakes.
Cultural Experience: Experience Sherpa culture, visit Buddhist monasteries like Tengboche Monastery, and trek through traditional Sherpa villages such as Namche Bazaar, Dingboche, and Thame.

4. When is the best time to do the Everest Three Passes Trek?

The best times to trek the Everest Three Passes are during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons. These months offer clear skies, mild temperatures, and excellent visibility for mountain views.

5. How difficult is the Everest Three Passes Trek?

The Everest Three Passes Trek is considered challenging due to its high altitude and demanding terrain. Trekkers should have previous trekking experience, good physical fitness, and be prepared for long days of trekking with steep ascents and descents.

6. What permits are required for the Everest Three Passes Trek?

Trekkers need permits such as the Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit and the Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) card. These permits can be obtained through registered trekking agencies or at the Nepal Tourism Board offices.

7. What is the accommodation like on the Everest Three Passes Trek?

Accommodation along the trekking route includes basic tea houses or lodges. Rooms are typically twin-sharing with basic amenities such as beds, blankets, and shared bathrooms. Some tea houses may offer hot showers for an additional cost.

8. Do I need a guide or porter for the Everest Three Passes Trek?

While it's not mandatory to have a guide or porter, many trekkers opt to hire them for navigation, carrying gear, and local insights. Guides can enhance the trekking experience with their knowledge of the terrain and culture, while porters lighten the load for trekkers.

9. What should I pack for the Everest Three Passes Trek?

Essential items to pack include trekking gear suitable for high altitudes and varying weather conditions, layers of clothing, a sleeping bag, toiletries, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a camera for capturing the stunning Himalayan landscapes.

10. Is altitude sickness a concern on the Everest Three Passes Trek?

Yes, altitude sickness can be a concern due to the high altitudes reached (up to 5535m). It's important to acclimatize properly, stay hydrated, and be aware of symptoms such as headaches, nausea, and dizziness. Immediate descent may be necessary if symptoms worsen.

The Everest Three Passes Trek offers an adventurous and rewarding journey through some of the most spectacular landscapes in the Everest region, providing trekkers with an unforgettable experience amidst the Himalayan giants.