Everest Three Pass trekking is one of the most challenging and rewarding trekking route in the Nepal’s Khumbu region. It combines the three challenging high-altitude passes such as Renjo La (5,360M), Cho La Pass (5,420M) and Kongma La Pass (5,540M). The journey begins with an adventurous flight to Tenzing-Hillery airstrip, Lukla. The trek provides great opportunities to interact with the local Sherpa communities, immerse in their cultures, daily lifestyle and have a chance to explore many Buddhist monuments as well. Also, this trip includes to discover the pristine Gokyo Lakes (4,900M), climb to Gokyo Ri (5,330M), visit the iconic Everest Base Camp (5,380M) and early climb to Kalapattar (5,545M) for the mesmerizing view of Khumbu region. This adventurous trip is perfect for the those seeking a great physical challenge and undertake for crossing the true high-altitude mountain passes.
Detailed Itinerary
Fly Kathmandu to Lukla (2,850M) and trek to Phakding (2,610M)
Highlights of the day: Take a short and exhilarating flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. The trail is gradually ascent and descent along river, small villages, mix of stone-paved paths, high hanging suspension bridges and forests.
Trek Phakding to Namche Bazzar (3,440M)
Highlights of the day: A day combines culture immersion, natural beauty and high bouncy suspension bridges. On clear days, just after crossing the famous Hillary bridge and during the steep ascent, you may catch the first view of Mt. Everest from Top danda. For today the trail end in the vibrant Namche Bazzar.
Trek Namche Bazzar to Khumjung village (3,790M)
Highlights of the day: The trail takes you through the serene landscape of Khumjung and Kunde villages with wide open yak pastures and beautiful terrace fields. Also, the journey offers the breathtaking views of Mt. Everest, Ama Dablam and Lhotse. Explore the first major school built by Sir Edmund Hillay, Kunde Hospital and monasteries too.
Trek Khumjung to Thame village (3,800M)
Highlights of the day: The trail descend towards Syangboche and the route passes through Phorte and Thamo, less crowded settlements where you’ll see traditional Sherpa lifestyle. During your trekking journey you’ll be exploring Thamo Monastery (Ani Gompa) which is one of the oldest nunneries in the Khumbu region. Also, you’ll visit a Thame Monastery which is located in Thame village itself, perched dramatically on a cliffside above the settlement.
Trek Thame village to Lungden (4,380M)
Highlights of the day: The journey begins on a relatively easy path to rocky path, leading you through barren lands. The trail pass through the small settlement of Sherpa villages, experiencing and gaining insight into the local Sherpas culture and their way of life.
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Trek Lungde to Gokyo Lake (4,900M) via Renjo La Pass (5,360M)
Highlights of the day: Early start from Lungden before sunrise to avoid strong winds at the pass. Renjo La Pass is challenging yet rewarding high-altitude pass which is offering breathtaking 360’ panoramic views of the world’s tallest peaks, including Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyu. After the pass the trail drops steeply down, you’ll see the turquoise Gokyo lakes as you approaching your today’s destination.
Hike to Gokyo Ri (5,330M) for sunrise and trek to Tangnak (4,843M)
Highlights of the day: Early hike to the summit of Gokyo Ri for the sunrise, offering the four of the world’s 14 highest peaks and Gokyo lakes. The trail to the Tangnak involves trekking over the Ngozumpa Glacier which is the longest glacier in Nepal. It is an exciting experience of crossing a living glacier with views of its moraines and crevasses. Arrive in Tangnak (Dragnag) a small settlement with few lodges at the foot of Cho La Pass.
Trek Tangnak to Zongla (4,800M0 via Chola La Pass (5,420M)
Highlights of the day: A day begin early in the morning, a trail climbs gradually past rocky ridges, small streams and leads to the glacier approach. The trail is often icy or snowy during the spring and autumn seasons so you need to fix your crampons, micro spikes on your trekking boots. The descent is steep and tricky too so careful footwork and good body balance needed. Before your overnight spot, trail erases into grassy yak pastures and moraines.
Trek Zongla to Lobuche (4,940M)
Highlights of the day: Climb on the easy trail start gently along grassy meadows with Cholatse looming overhead. Continue walking and you’ll join the main trekking route of Everest base camp coming from Pheriche/ Dingboche.
Trek Lobuche to Everest Base Camp (5,380M) to Gorakshep (5,164M)
Highlights of the day: Today is the big highlights day of your Everest region trek. You’ll be reaching the base camp of world’s highest peak pushing from Lobuche. Note that Mt. Everest itself isn’t visible from base camp – so we’ll spending some time here at the foot of Everest, capturing pictures and we’ll head to our overnight spot. Arrive at Gorakshep, a small settlement of lodges on the sandy ground beneath Kala Patthar.
Trek Gorakshep to Kalapattar (5,545M) to Lobuche (4,940M)
Highlights of the day: Early morning ascent to the summit of Kalapattar with your headlamp. A trail is steep zigzagging climb which will be tough at this altitude but the views offer an unparalleled – 360’ close-up view of Mt. Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Pumori and the Khumbu Glacier. You’ll descending to slightly lower altitude to reach Lobuche.
Trek Lobuche to Chukung (4,730M) via Kongma La Pass (5,540M)
Highlights of the day: This is the third and toughest of Everest Three Pass Trek, the route takes you through a remote and rugged alpine environment, featuring majestic views, challenging high-altitude pass, icy terrain with potential for crevasses which adds a big adventure.
Early morning climb Gokyo Ri
Highlights of the day: Trail drops gradually to Dingboche, a popular stop for trekkers returning from Gokyo or Kongma La Pass. Continue down the valley along a rocky path until Pangboche – where is the traditional Sherpa village with an ancient monastery. A trail then descends through rhododendron and pine forests to Tengboche. A visit of famous and one of the largest Tengboche monastery here in the Khumbu region.
Trek Tengboche to Namche Bazzar (3,440m)
Highlights of the day: The trail starts by descending through rhododendron and pine forests with prayers flags and chorten along the way. The route steepens slightly as you approach Namche Bazzar, a commercial and cultural hub of the Khumbu region.
Trek Namche Bazzar to Lukla (2,850M)
Highlights of the day: You’ll be passing through the tall and high bouncing hanging bridges, picturesque Sherpa villages such as Monjo, Phakding, Jorsalle which are offering glimpses into the local culture and lifestyle. Be prepare for a final uphill section just before reaching at Lukla which can be challenging at the end of your trekking journey.
Fly Lukla to Kathmandu (1,400M)
Highlights of the day: Fly back to Kathmandu, an adventurous flight which offers spectacular aerial views of the Himalayas.
Cost Included
- Airport – hotel – airport transfer by private CAR
- Tourist standard hotel on sharing basis in cities on your request
- Round trip ground and air transportation by private reserve CAR, JEEP or Flight
- All major daily 3 MEALS during your trip, fresh seasonal fruits, hot soups, tea and coffee
- Best available teahouse – lodges on sharing basis during the trip
- A professional English-speaking licenced trekking guide and porters
- Insurance coverage for our supporting crews, their meals and daily wages/salary
- All necessary permits and entry cards for your trek
- Company duffel bags and trekking poles, return after the trip
- All official government taxes and agency charge
Cost Excluded
- International flights, visa fees and airport tax
- Your personal trekking gears except company duffel bags and trekking poles
- All alcoholic and bottled drinks except tea and coffee
- Your personal insurance such as travel, accident and medical emergency evacuation
- Nepal custom duty for import of ang goods arriving to Nepal by air or road
- Laundry, internet and other items of personal nature
- Tips/gratuity for your trekking supporters (not mandatory but expected)
Additional Infromation
Note: To reduce the heavy aircraft and runway congestion at Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) during the peak trekking seasons (Spring and Autumn). Allow flights for a more efficient and swifter recovery from weather-related delays and cancellations. Flights are operating from Ramechhap – Lukla – Ramechhap, approx. 20-25 minutes of flight. [Flight hint: Delays and cancellations are common due to weather]
