Everest Base Camp Three passes trek, also known as Everest Three High Pass trek, is one of the best alternatives to the casual Everest Base Camp Trek. This journey takes you to all the major places of the Everest region including the Everest Base Camp (5364m), Kala Patthar (5545m), and the three major passes; Cho La (5420m), Renjo La (5360m), Kongma La (5535m).
Along with this, the trek gets more special as you explore the unexplored section of Gokyo Valley and Gokyo Lakes. Hiking to Gokyo Ri (5360m) is another highlight of this trek. Also, the view from Gokyo Ri provides the best panoramic view of the Everest range. Plus, there is an excursion to the higher Gokyo Lakes like the fourth and fifth ones. On the top of it, the beautiful glaciers like Ngozumpa, which is also the highest in the entire Himalayan region. And not to forget, the outstanding views of the humongous peaks like Mount Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Nuptse, Cho Oyu, Ama Dablam, and whatnot.
Believe it or not, the Everest Base Camp Three passes trek is a wholesome journey that is like the ultimate adventure. Thus, if you’re an adventure lover, who feels fit to take on adverse physical challenges, this trek is for you. And we, at Base Camp Adventure, will make sure this journey is well supervised and fully hassle-free.
If you opt to go with us, the trek will take 18 days to complete. The starting point of the Everest Three High Passes trek is Kathmandu. You will take an early morning flight from here to Tenzing Hillary Airport, Lukla. The flight is also the highlight as the airport is a challenging feat in itself. Plus, it’s scenic as you can have great aerial views of the whole Khumbu & Kathmandu valley.
After reaching Lukla, your trekking officially begins. You follow the usual route upto Dingboche. In this stretch, the route progresses through major destinations like Phakding, Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, and Dingboche. From Dingboche, you’ll head to Chhukung, Lobuche, and embark Kongma La Pass, the first pass that you encounter.
Thereafter, you follow the climb to Everest Base Camp (5364m) and Kala Patthar (5545m). Kala Patthar is the vantage point of the Everest Base Camp trek. You’ll enjoy the fabulous views of Everest, Nuptse, Changtse, Lhotse, and many smaller peaks. They include Awi Peak (5245m), Arakam Tse (6423m), Cholatse (6335m).
Then, the trek moves to Gokyo valley & Gokyo lakes going from the remaining two passes Renjo la and Cho la. You get back to Lungden from there and retrace your steps to Namch then Lukla. You take flight back to Kathmandu and this marks the end of your trek.
The region you trek encompasses a variety of floral & faunal species. You walk through the Sagarmatha National Park. It’s rich in rare species like red panda, snow leopard, dazzling pheasants (crimson-horned & Impeyan), pikas, martens, and more. Talking about ethnicity, the whole region shows the dominance of Sherpa culture & tradition. The whole Khumbu region is also famous because of Sherpas as it’s often reckon as ‘Land of Sherpas’. They are the brave-hearted superheroes who not only help carry your heavy loads but also welcome you to their place whole-heartedly.
If you’re here on the trek in their major festivals like Tiji, Losar, Dumje, and Mani Rimdu, you’ll get to enjoy more. They easily let you be a part of their feasting, drinking and singing.
Hence, in every aspect, Everest Three Pass trek is the best ever challenge an adventure lover could opt for. The grade of the trek is very strenuous, so besides good preparation, you’ll need experienced guidance. And Base Camp Adventure is all here for it.
So,when are you planning to celebrate the most adventurous ride of your life? If you need any help or info, don’t forget to contact us.
Things to Experience in Everest Three Pass Trek 18 Days
- Experience the wholesome activities that you would do in treks like Everest Base Camp trek and Everest Gokyo Valley Trek
- Embark all the highest vantage points of the Everest region like Everest Base Camp(5364m) and Kala Patthar (5545m)
- Set your foot on all the three major passes; Kongma La Pass (5535m), Renjo La (5360m), and Cho La (5420m)
- Explore the beautiful Gokyo Tso (Lakes), Gokyo Valley, and visit Gokyo Ri (5360m)
- Fabulous panorama of majestic peaks like Everest (8848m), Nuptse (7861m), Changtse (7543m), Lhotse (8516m), Cho Oyu (8153m), and Makalu (8485m)
- Have a close look into beautiful glaciers like the longest Ngozumpa, Khumbu glacier, Khumbu Icefalls, and many more
- Visit the oldest monasteries of the region; Tengboche Monastery and Dingboche monastery
- Go to traditional village of Khumjung, explore the ancient Khumjung monastery, and the legendary Khumjung school
- Full exploration of the major capital of Khumbu region i.e. Namche Bazaar and its surrounding places & free market
- Celebrate the success of your journey at the world’s highest pub, at 11000ft, in Namche Bazaar
- Explore the unexplored settlements like Dingboche, Chhukung, Dzongla, Lungden, Thame, etc
- A memorable and scenic flight to/from Lukla’s famous Tenzing Hillary Airport
- Flexible modification of itinerary according to your availability & comfort
- If feasible, a half-day sightseeing in Kathmandu going to places like Swayambhunath, Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, Durbar Squares, etc
Everest Three Pass Trek Altitude Chart
Itinerary
Welcome to the land of mountains and unique ethnicity! After you arrive here, our representatives will be all ready to pick you up and transfer you to your hotel. You can have some rest and can explore around later. Make sure you carry all the important documents like your passport, visa, copies of travel insurance, passport sized photos, etc. Overnight in a three-starred hotel in Kathmandu.
You’ll miss a lot if you don’t sign up for sightseeing in Kathmandu whenever you’re in Nepal. So, this day is especially dedicated to it. You will visit UNESCO listed cultural heritage sites. It will include religious sites like Pahupatinath, Boudhanath, Swayambhunath and cultural sites like Durbar Squares. You’ll be visiting with a guide, so s/he will fully explain the stories behind them.
Also, on the same day, you’ll meet your fellow travelers and get trekking permits. It’s the day before you head out for the trek, so check the necessary gears. If you’re missing anything, you can do the last minute shopping in Thamel. You’ll find everything you need for the trek there!
Day 3 :
Day 03: Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla [40 minutes] [2850m] and trek to Phakding [2600m] 3-4 hours
Lukla Altitude: 2850m
Travel Duration: 30-40 minutes of flight & 3-4 hours of walk
Walking Distance: 8.2 KM/5.1 miles
Overnight at: Teahouse
Your journey to Everest Base Camp Three Passes Trek begins with an early morning flight to Lukla. There will be a private vehicle arranged to take you to TIA. Right after you come on board, you’ll start enjoying the lovely views of Kathmandu valley, green hills, rivers, and surrounding mountains. The flight takes only half-an-hour but it will be one of the most scenic flights.
Upon reaching Tenzing Hillary airport, you will meet with your remaining crew and start walking towards Phakding. Within this stretch, you get to enjoy the rich greenery, varied flora & fauna, suspension bridges, and great views of Dudh Koshi.
Namche Altitude: 3450m
Walking Duration: 6-7 hours
Walking Distance: 10.4 KM/6.4 miles
Overnight at: Teahouse
It’s one of the longest yet a memorable part of your journey. You will begin by climbing an uphill and walk along the forested ridge of Sagarmatha National Park. You can have early glimpses of Mount Everest, Kusum Kanguru, Lhotse-Nuptse from here. Continuing your path, you’ll cross the five different suspension bridges filled with colored flags over the Dudhkoshi river.
Likewise, you’ll pass via settlements like Jorasle, also the check post where you register. From there, you’ll reach Namche within three hours. As the most celebrated village of Khumbu, you’ll have a lot of options to explore at Namche. End your day by strolling around its market and a hot bowl of their local Tibetan dinner.
Khumjung Village Altitude: 3780m
Walking Duration: 4-5 hours
Walking Distance: 4-5 KM
Overnight at: Teahouse
This day is an extra day for acclimatization as the altitude is gradually increasing. It will help to adapt with the low oxygen condition that will be prominent on coming days & destinations. Your morning at Namche starts with a refreshing view of gorgeous peaks like Thamserku (6648m), Khumbila (5707m) Kwangde Ri (6187m). After your breakfast, you’ll head to explore Namche.
First, you’ll hike up to the Everest View Hotel (3962m). It’s one the highest placed hotels in the world that offers mesmerizing views of the Everest (8848m), Nuptse (7861m), Ama Dablam (6856m), and more. Similarly, you’ll visit another traditional village i.e. Khumjung. Besides the local settlements, you can explore Khumjung monastery and the legendary Khumjung School. Also, the pristine view of countless mountains, glacial lakes of Gokyo from its top is another highlight of the day. After the exploration, you’ll get back to Namche for the overnight stay.
Tengboche Altitude: 3865m
Walking Duration: 5-6 hours
Walking Distance: 9.2 KM/5.7 miles
Overnight at: Teahouse
Leaving Namche, you’ll head to Tengboche, another famous village in Khumbu. You will gain more than 400 meters of elevation in this stretch and the trails are full of ups & downs. It’s going to be tough so you need to brace yourself. You will traverse through an uphill climb leading to teahouses at Khumjung and Kyangjuma. The view of Ama Dablam from Kyangjuma is breathtaking, don’t miss it out.
From there, you will descend down the trail alongside the Dudh Koshi river. Upon walking a few hours further, you’ll reach the most sacred & oldest monastery of Khumbu; Tengboche. This world-famous monastery lies on a high ridge and offers 360-degree views of Everest, Ama Dablam, Kangtega, Thamserku, Lhotse, and more. Also, get ready to dive into its peaceful environs of spiritual divinity. Overnight stay in Tengboche!
Dingboche Altitude: 4410m
Walking Duration: 6-7 hours
Walking Distance: 6 KM/3.72 miles
Overnight at: Teahouse
Bidding farewell to Tengboche, you will continue with a descent into the forest at first. After an hour of descent, the remaining trail is a slow ascent. Most of the part is flat/steady incline, so it won’t be tough as the day before. On the way, you walk past Deboche village first. Here, you will witness walls of inscribed stones and a few guesthouses. It’s a good alternative to Tengboche for a night stay as well.
From there, you will cross the suspension bridge and continue walking along the valley walls. The view of Ama Dablam and surrounding mountains appear on the backdrop. Then, you’ll reach Pangboche village (3985m). Here, we can have plans to go to Ama Dablam Base Camp (4576m). Else, you’ll take a short break and enjoy the majestic views of the Everest range. Leaving Pangboche, you’ll climb another uphill, pass by the Shomare village, and then reach Dingboche.
Chhukung Altitude: 3450m
Walking Duration: 2-3 hours
Walking Distance: 5 KM/3.1 miles
Overnight at: Teahouse
It’s another important day for your Everest Base Camp Three Passes Trek. You’ll be taking an alternative route from the casual Everest Base Camp trek route to head to Kongma La Pass. It’s one of the three passes you’ll be embarking on. This stretch is an interesting one where you explore a lot. Since very few people follow this route, you get to freely go to places like Island Peak Base Camp (6189m) and Chhukung Ri (5550m).
Other than this, the way to Chhukung is sandy and rocky. You have to be careful while walking on them. Also, you’ll get to see lovely snow capped mountains throughout your way. Upon reaching Chhukung, the view of Lhotse and Nuptse becomes clearer and more beautiful.
Lobuche Altitude: 4940m
Walking Duration: 8-9 hours
Walking Distance: 10.6 KM/6.6 miles
Overnight at: Teahouse
Another intense day of trek begins as you make an attempt to reach Kongma La from Chhukung. Be ready to walk along the deserted areas filled with sand, rocks, and snow at times. You will begin the climb to Kongma La Pass with an hour of flat walking and then a steep climb. The trail is well-defined and takes you closer to the mountainside.
From the top of Kongma la, the view of mountains and frozen glacial lake appears amazing. The trail then descends through cliffs & rocky fields and takes you to the Khumbu glacier. You’ll love how the trails are and how near the surrounding peaks seem. The whole atmosphere is just magical. After a long day, you’ll have an overnight stay at Lobuche.
Gorakshep Altitude: 5140m
Walking Duration: 7-8 hours
Walking Distance: 4.5 KM/2.8 miles
Overnight at: Teahouse
Lobuche is the final destination before reaching Everest Base Camp (5364m) and Gorakshep (5140m). Leaving Lobuche, you will follow the long, flat, and sandy trail to Gorakshep. Surrounded by mighty hills and peaks, you get to explore the frozen lakebed of Gorakshep. You will also explore its tremendous flat lands, great for camping.
Following the snow-capped mountains, you’ll also get to Everest Base Camp. The way to EBC is full rocky and filled with icefalls & crevasses. You may not view prominent peaks from there. It’s famous for mesmerizing views of Khumbu glaciers, icefalls, mysterious landscapes, colorful prayer flags, and thrilling altitude.
Dzongla Altitude: 4860m
Walking Duration: 6-7 hours
Walking Distance: 10 KM/6.4 miles
Overnight at: Teahouse
So, the ultimate day to witness the majestic peaks to its closest is here. You’ll wake up early in the morning and hike to Kala Patthar, at 5545m. This notable landmark is famous for its 360-degree view of the Khumbu range. You can enjoy the spectacular views of Everest (8848m), Nuptse (7861m), Changtse (7543m), Lhotse (8516m), Pumori (7169m) with Khumbu glacier & Khumbu icefall. Also, you can’t miss the lovely sunrise that makes the mountains more stunning.
Afterward, you’ll head to embark another pass of your trek i.e Cho La. For that, you’ll be heading to Dzogla, also called Zongla or Dzonglha. On the way there, you will pass via Thokla pass. Do enjoy the awesome view of Awi Peak (5245m), Arakam Tse (6423m), Cholatse (6335m), and frozen lake, Chola Tsho.
Gokyo Altitude: 4790m
Walking Duration: 6-7 hours
Walking Distance: 9.5 KM/ 6 miles
Overnight at: Teahouse
Another exciting and challenging day of Everest Base Camp Three Passes Trek begins. The trails of this stretch are the most difficult one, so you’ll need proper supervision. With Base Camp Adventure, you won’t have to worry about it. Our experienced guides and porter will take care of you all the way.
Leaving Dzongla, you’ll head northwest uphill, climb a steep boulder, cross a stream, and reach the glacier below Cho La. Then, you climb the icy path to Cho La walking past the glacier. Afterward, you descend to Dragnag. You will witness the longest Ngozumpa glacier and Gokyo from there. Thus, after walking a few more hours on an uphill morain, you’ll reach Gokyo valley.
Gokyo-Ri Altitude: 5360m
Walking Duration: 3-4 hours
Walking Distance: 4.43 KM/2.75 miles
Overnight at: Teahouse
The trail from Dzongla to Gokyo is the hardest part of your trek. So, instead of heading for Renjo La immediately the next day, it’s better to take a day rest at Gokyo. Gokyo Valley has a lot to offer i.e. you can either hike up to Gokyo RI or visit the world’s highest freshwater lake system.
Visiting the Gokyo lake will let you explore the unclimbed Mount Kyojo Ri. You’ll have a great time witnessing the valley, crystal clear lakes, and surrounding moraines. Whereas, if you go to Gokyo Ri (5360m), you’ll explore numerous glaciers. Also, you’ll enjoy the closest panorama of Cho Oyu (8153m), Makalu, Lhotse, Everest, and other towering peaks.
Lungden Altitude: 4368m
Walking Duration: 6-7 hours
Walking Distance: 8 KM/ 4.9 miles
Overnight at: Teahouse
Heading out of the Gokyo Valley, you’ll now walk towards the final pass of the Three Passes trek i.e Renjo La Pass (5360m). The trail to Renjo La Pass includes remarkable spots like Thame village, Nangpa La Pass (5808m). You can begin the climb along the northern shore of Gokyo Lake. The altitude keeps on increasing so you need to maintain slow pace and breath properly. Also, there are major crevasses on the trail, you need to be careful about that too.
After an hour or two, you will reach Renjo La (5360m). Here, you’ll love the panoramic view of Makalu, Tengi Ragi Tau, Gyachung Kang, and the Rowaling range. Thereafter, you will descend via remarkable trails filled with scree fields, cairns, and frozen alpine lakes. Following them, you’ll reach Lungden, a small Sherpa village. It lies on the west side of Renjo La and is less traveled. So, don’t expect much facilities here. Overnight in one of its teahouses.
Namche Altitude: 3450m
Walking Duration: 6-7 hours
Overnight at: Teahouse
You will leave Lungden village after you have your breakfast. The rest of the trails combine ups & downs and are relatively easier. On the way, you’ll meet many yak pastures and grazing yaks. There are a few teahouses where you can stop by to eat lunch. You’ll then be descending gradually through the village of Dingboche, Marulung, Thame, and finally Namche. This day is another long day, so you might want to take some rest.
Afterward, you can either take a stroll around the village/market or celebrate in a pub/restaurant. After all, Namche holds the world’s highest Irish pubs in the world at 11,290ft. There are a variety of shops where you can buy souvenirs for your loved ones. So, we recommend you to make the most of it, especially when you’re spending your time at Namche Bazaar.
Lukla Altitude: 3450m
Walking Duration: 6-7 hours
Overnight at: Teahouse
So, you bid farewell to the gateway of the Everest region and start retracing your steps. You will begin the journey after your breakfast. If you wake up early, we can take a walk to nearby monasteries and be a part of their morning prayers. It would be a lovely way to begin your day. Then, you will head back to Lukla via te exotic alpine forest covering Sagarmatha National Park. Enjoy the breezy weather and make sure to make the descent to Lukla memorable one.
Kathmandu Altitude: 1100m
Travel Duration: 30-40 minutes of flight
Overnight at: 3-star hotel in Kathmandu
Your Everest Three High Passses trek comes to an end. You will bid a final goodbye to the Everest region and head on to Lukla airport early in the morning. You’ll catch an early morning flight to Pokhara from Kathmandu. There might be chances of flight delay depending on the climatic condition, so you need to be prepared for that as well.
So, within 30-40 minutes, we’ll reach Kathmandu and get back to your hotel. The remaining part of the day is free-time so it depends on you on how to spend it. We, Base Camp Adventure, are free to all kinds of add-on trips like Sightseeing in Kathmandu, Visit Garden of Dreams, etc. For that, don’t forget to inform us beforehand or simply contact us to know more.
As it’s your final day in Nepal, you’ll be bidding farewell to Nepal and everyone here. You don’t have to worry about your departure as our representatives will be ready to drop you at the airport. As per your flight schedule, you will reach there three hours ahead. We, as a Nepal Eco Adventure team will hope you had a great time and look forward to serving you in near future too.
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