Everest Three Passes Trek Overview
Everest Three Passes Trek is the most suitable choice for adventure trekkers who have an interest in high pass trekking within the Everest region. Everest High Pass Adventure Trekking is one of the most challenging and strenuous treks. The Everest Three Passes trek route will cover all the key viewpoints in Everest, including the three passes of Khangma-La Pass (5338m), Renjo-La Pass (5338m), and other highlights like Gokyo Ri, Kalapather, and Everest Base Camp.
The Everest Three Pass Trek offers the natural grandeur of the world’s high-altitude places with magnificent views of towering mountains. This trek is an excellent place to enjoy and experience high-altitude adventure with Himalayan smiles on this awesome trek crossing over and above 5400 meters ridges. Wildlife like the cat and Himalayan black bear are present but rarely sighted; other mammals include the weasel, marten, Himalayan gnawing mammal (pika), jackal, and langur monkey.
This trek will provide you with a beautiful adventure of the Everest Three Passes, located within Sagarmatha National Park, with an area of 1,148 sq. km.
The three passes trek is the perfect combination of natural beauty with profound cross-cultural discovery. Everest Three Pass Trekkers will also encounter the Khumjung village, the largest Sherpa village in the Khumbu region.
We begin our 20-day trip in Kathmandu with a visit to UNESCO sites in the Kathmandu Valley before heading to the most popular destinations for trekking among the routes within the Everest region.
Aarohi Holiday treks are ever-present to make your trek easier and more memorable.
Everest Three Passes Trek Highlights
- Embark on one of the most challenging trekking expeditions in the world-class Khumbu region.
- Trek through Sagarmatha National Park, navigating from dense rhododendron forests to alpine scrub, grasses, and vibrant wildflowers.
- Trek through Sagarmatha National Park, navigating from dense rhododendron forests to alpine scrub, grasses, and vibrant wildflowers.
- Spend nights in charming Sherpa villages such as Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Chhukung, Gokyo Village, and Lumde, each offering its own unique charm and beauty.
- Make stops at ancient monasteries and stupas along the trail, adding a touch of historical and spiritual significance to your journey.
- Take side excursions on acclimatization days to explore more sights and enhance your experience.
- Cross three mountain passes above 5,000 meters and walk by Nepal's largest glacier, the Ngozumpa Glacier.
- Reach Everest Base Camp and hike to Kala Patthar for stunning views.
- Explore the Gokyo Lakes and hike up Gokyo Ri for breathtaking views.
- Experience surreal mountain vistas and diverse landscapes.
Itinerary
Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, we offer you pick up facility from the airport and manage your stay at the most comfortable hotel in the city. You get to meet the team of trekkers and together we prepare for the trek.
Today would be the most exhilarating day where you will be introduced to the most pious Hindu and Buddhist religious place that is listed in the UNESCO World Heritage sites and elucidates you to the entire mysticism over its existence Pashupatinath temple, Boudhanath stupa, Patan Durbar Square and Swayambhunath stupa.
Enjoy the most Scenic 40 Min flying in a twin-otter plane to a small airport at the elevation of 2,840m. We head towards three hours easy walk on the legendary trekking trail through the cultured Sherpa village with its exceptional beauty and the view of stunning Dudh Koshi gorge, landscape, and the deep valley is unique. Overnight stay at Phakding.
Today we will be heading towards the major Sherpa settlement Namche Bazaar, known as the gateway to Mt Everest. This village has modern facilities including luxurious hotels, restaurants, bakery cafes, etc. We will also pass through different beautiful settlements including Monjo, Benkar, Jorsole, and Chimoa. We will enter into Sagarmatha National Park permit checkpoint. Overnight at Namche Bazaar.
On this day, we will climb alongside Dudh Koshi River until Phuke Tenga and then follow the trails up to Tengboche. Along the way, you can expect to have a spectacular view of Mt Everest and Ama Dablam. After reaching Tengboche, where you can visit the Tengboche monastery. Overnight stay at Tengboche.
The mountain range gets closer as you walk further. This journey rewards us with tremendous views of Mt Everest, Ama Dablam, and Lhotse. The trek moves ahead towards the Lobuche River, Imja Valley, and ultimately begins climbing up to Dingboche. Overnight at Dingboche.
(Day trip to Chhukhung) Dingboche is a famous stop for trekkers and climbers headed to Mt Everest, Imja Tse, or Ama Dablam. Explore Sherpa people and lifestyles. You can visit Dingboche Monastery or take a short hike to Nagarjuna hill, Ama Dablam base camp, or Chukhung Ri. Overnight at Dingboche.
Our trail passes through Imja Khola valley before entering glacier moraines amidst towering Himalayas. After reaching Chhukung village, we will climb Chhukung Ri for a marvelous view of Mt Makalu and other peaks. Overnight at Chhukung.
Our trek starts from Chhukung to cross one of the highest passes on the trip. After 5 hours hike, we reach Kumbila pass (5,447m), where we get to see tombstones wrapped in prayer flags and the landscapes of icy lakes and Khumbu glacier. Overnight stay at Lobuche.
We head towards Gorak Shep, enjoying great views of Mt Everest, Mt Pumori, and other peaks. Reaching Everest Base Camp, we enjoy the view of Khumbu glacier. Overnight at Gorakshep.
Early in the morning, we hike to Kala Patthar (5,555m) for sunrise views over the mountains. The 360-degree views are breathtaking. Overnight at Zongla.
The path leads to a steep up and down, then crosses the glacier on the eastern side. Overnight at Thangna.
A challenging yet rewarding day crossing Chola pass, we walk up to enjoy the amazing views of the largest glacier lakes and Himalayas. Overnight at Gokyo.
Opportunity to climb Gokyo Ri for stunning views of Everest region. Visit the fourth and fifth lakes. Overnight at Gokyo.
After a full day in Gokyo, we trek to Marlung via Renjola pass, reaching Renjola pass (5,465m) for views of high peaks. Overnight at Lumde.
Trek down to Thame, the birthplace of Tenzing Norgay and Apa Sherpa. Overnight at Thame.
Leaving Thame, we move towards Namche Bazaar, passing through hydroelectricity power plants, gompas, and chortens. Overnight at Namche Bazaar.
We walk down to Lukla to book a flight to Kathmandu, visiting the hospital and school established by Sir Edmund Hillary. Overnight at Lukla.
Fly back to Kathmandu with a 40-minute scenic flight. A farewell dinner (Nepali Food) celebrates the completion of our journey. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Your adventure in Nepal ends today. A representative will take you to the airport approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight.
Cost Includes
- All airport pick up / drop off and hotels transfers as per the itinerary.
- Hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast as per the itinerary.
- Everest national park permit.
- Khumbu Entrance Fee.
- One porter for each two people.
- Accommodation in tea houses twin sharing (private room/ Shared bathroom).
- 3 Meals a day – breakfast, lunch, Dinner during the trek (Anything from the menu).
- Flight ticket (Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu).
- Sightseeing tour car A/C with driver.
- Farewell dinner at Nepalese cultural restaurant after the trek in Kathmandu.
- All taxes and Company service charges.
Cost Excludes
- Nepal Visa fee (bring accurate USD cash and two passport size photographs).
- International airfare to and from Kathmandu.
- Lunch and Dinner in Kathmandu.
- Monument sites entrance fees while sightseeing in Kathmandu.
- Excess baggage charges.
- Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu because of early arrival, late departure, and earlier return from the mountain (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary.
- Travel and rescue insurance.
- Personal expenses (phone calls, internet / Wi-Fi, laundry, bar bills - tea/coffee, hot chocolate, juice, beer, battery recharge, extra porters, bottled or boiled water, shower etc.).
- Tips for guides and porters (Tipping is expected, but not compulsory).
FAQ on Three Passes Trek
The Three Passes Trek is considered one of the most challenging treks in the Everest region. The trek requires high physical fitness, endurance, and altitude acclimation. The trail is strenuous but enjoyable because of its steep ascents and descents, glacier crossings, and rough terrain.
The three passes in the Three Passes Trek are:
- Kongma La Pass (5,535 meters/18,159 feet)
- Cho La Pass (5,420 meters/17,782 feet)
- Renjo La Pass (5,360 meters/17,585 feet)
The Three Passes Trek typically takes around 18 to 22 days to complete. This duration includes rest days and exploration of critical destinations such as Everest Base Camp, Gokyo Lakes, and Kala Patthar.
The “Three Mountain Pass” refers to the Three Passes Trek in the Everest region, which includes crossing the Kongma La, Cho La, and Renjo La passes. This trek is renowned for its challenging nature and the opportunity to experience the diverse landscapes and cultures of the Khumbu region.
The Passes Trek requires training to enhance cardiovascular endurance, strength, and stamina. This includes cardio activities like running, cycling, swimming, and hiking; strength training like squats, lunges, and planks; hiking practice at higher altitudes; acclimatization; and mental preparation for long days and challenging conditions.
Essential Info
Physical Fitness
Many people have questions as to what level of physical fitness is required for visiting Nepal, and that is extremely reliant on what activity the visitor is engaging in. With that said, for a standard trek of moderate grading (Everest Base Camp Trek is an example of moderate) the daily activity will be 7-8 hours, and elevation will generally not exceed 5,500 meters. The day’s trekking is sustained and will involve both long steep climbs, and descents with a variety of terrain underfoot from well-trodden paths, to rocks covered with ice or snow. A typical day would include a number of climbs or descents of 500 meters or more, starting after breakfast, resting at lunch, then continuous trekking until arriving at the teahouse.
In preparation for the trek, it is important to begin a training requirement at least 4 months before departing for Nepal. Three to four hours of aerobic exercise like running, walking, swimming, cycling & some gym work per week is the minimum and most will find it beneficial to add some basic strength training to their physical fitness routine. One of the best ways to prepare is to take practice hikes with a daypack roughly the same weight as what you will be taking on the trek. Do this only after a baseline of fitness has been reached. Moving fast is not the end goal, rather endurance is the focus, and will provide a more enjoyable and safe adventure.
Trekking Seasons in Nepal
There are two main seasons in which Nepal sees the most amount of visitors. Fall (September through November) being the most popular, and spring (March to May) coming in close behind. The summer months of June, July and August are the monsoon season and as such the trails are mostly washed out, and roads can sometimes be impassible due to landslide activates. Not to mention the view is non-existent. Still, there are a few places that lie in rain shadow areas and see significantly less rain if any at all, and summer can be a good time to visit these places.
Winter in Nepal is dry, with very cold nights where temperatures can drop to -20°C at the highest altitudes, but the days are pleasant and sunny. Additionally, the trails are much less crowded during this time of year. In Kathmandu, maximum daytime temperatures reach around 20°C.
Fall is the most popular because it’s after the monsoons, and the air is dry, the days are sunny, and everything is green in the lower valleys from the excessive rains. Spring is a popular choice because some rain returns, but the weather is generally warm and dry, and flowers are in bloom in the lower elevations.
Trekking Day
A typical trekking day begins with a cup of tea at around 6 in the morning. It is advised to pack your trekking gears in a duffle bag and essential supplies in your day pack in these early hours. After having breakfast, we begin the trek and head along the trail at around 8 am. The morning walk is designed to be longer as we begin with refreshed bodies and enthusiasm. Following a good morning’s walk, we make stop for lunch at around 11.30 am. The lunch involves group meals enjoying the vicinity around the stop. You can explore the surrounding or use the time according to your own consent. After resting for about an hour or two, we resume our trek to reach teahouse or camp by 3-4 pm. The afternoon walk is relatively shorter and can involve games and side trips as organized by the trekking guides. You also can enjoy breaks during the trek to relax, read or stroll around the area. You can converse with the local people and observe their lifestyle. Dinner is served around 7 in the evening to round off the day.
Meals and Accommodations
During the length of the trek, the accommodation style is commonly referred to as teahouse. These are family-run basic lodges that fill the role of the restaurant, meeting place, and boarding house for tourists. Electricity can be found in the rooms, which means one light bulb, and one or two outlets for charging electronics. The common areas are also lit by electricity. Teahouses may use solar, hydroelectric, or have electrical lines running into the village, so the commonality and availability of electricity may vary.
Most teahouses have private rooms, though if the trek is in a more remote or high altitude place dormitories are the norm. Each room has 1 or 2 single beds with basic bedding, and the bathroom is shared. Expect a mix of western and squat style toilets in the bathrooms.
Breakfast and dinner are taken at the teahouse and these lodges have large family style dining rooms centered on a stove to provide heat. The menu will have Nepali style western foods such as pasta, pizza, pancakes, burgers, and fries. Also on the menu is the traditional Dal Bhat meal. This is a lentil soup with rice and vegetable or meat curry. Most menus will also offer a smattering of local cuisine.
Internal Flight Delays
Nepal is an incredible country of mountains and valleys, rivers and green rolling hills. With this incredible diversity of landscapes, road travel can be extremely time consuming and flights within Nepal to reach popular trekking destinations is a must. Along with this mountainous terrain also comes the possibility of in climate weather. Not to mention the incredibly high number of visitors during peak seasons makes internal flight delays a very real possibility. To manage this possibility, it may be helpful to have a few extras days on either end of your tour. If any cancellations or flight delays do occur (high chances of flight delays from around Kathmandu to Lukla, Everest region), we also provide services to arrange helicopter to help you to be on your schedule on the premises of Civil Aviation Rules in Nepal which state that helicopters can fly if the visibility is 1500m. The cost ranges from USD350 to USD650 according to the number of passengers. The payment can be made either to the helicopter company or to us directly and can be made either by cash or using a credit card. It will also be helpful to purchase and review your insurance as some of the alternative measures for travel may be covered. Flight insurance too may cover changing your international flight if necessary.
Travel Insurance
Many expeditions and tours require that travel insurance is purchased prior to arriving in Nepal, but other treks and tours may not. However, travel insurance is definitely an important consideration. There are a number of reasons to consider insurance. Firstly, it may be required, so check to see what is being asked for by the company. Second, Nepal is a landlocked country, and there are few direct flights. Travel in and out can encounter some disruptions and if purchasing insurance, make sure flight delays and cancellations are included. The next reason to choose insurance is that, though every safeguard is in place during your tour, there are always extenuating circumstances that may result in an accident. Read the fine print of insurance policies to ensure trekking or any other activity you are engaging in is covered, as some policies have stopped covering trekking in certain places. It is impossible to have a relaxing trip without the comfort of good insurance, so do the research and choose carefully.
Nepal Visa Entry Procedure
For entry into Nepal, there are visa requirements everyone (except Indian nationals) must complete before being allowed to pass through immigration. This is for air travel as well as overland transportation. Most visitors may obtain a visa to enter Nepal, however, there are exceptions.
Three options are available for entry
15-day single entry: US $30
30-day single entry: US $50
90-day multiple entries: US $125
Please have a passport valid for at least 6 months from the time of entry, and have cash ready, preferably in US dollars, though there are other currencies Nepal Immigration accepts. If you are entering via overland, you must have US cash and 3 passport photos. For arrival by air, the kiosks at the airport take your picture for you.
For the most up to date list of exceptions for visa on arrival or to obtain the most current visa information, visit the Nepal Department of Immigration website.
Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)
Acute Mountain Sickness is usually seen in un-acclimatized people shortly after ascent to high altitudes. The condition occurs due to the thinning of air as the altitude increases. The condition, if not taken seriously and treated immediately, can be life-threatening and its symptoms can be seen generally above 3000 meters. Some of the symptoms of AMS are nausea, vomiting, tiredness, shortness of breath and cerebral pain. The treks are designed to properly acclimatize you to the change in high altitude climate and sufficient precautionary measures too are taken to take utmost caution. We also equip our staffs with cell phones and satellite phones in occurrence of any emergency cases. We are greatly driven to keep the safety and security of our clients as our foremost concern.
Drinking Water
Water is essential for life, and clean water is imperative while on holiday. When choosing to visit less developed countries it is a concern that all travelers should consider. A few options are available when trekking or traveling in Nepal that will mitigate any chances of drinking contaminated water which could cause disruption of an otherwise fun adventure. The first consideration to take into account is that tap water should not be ingested. That even means when brushing your teeth. Most will choose to buy bottled water and if doing so make sure the cap has not been opened previously. Plastic bottle refuse is a problem, and with that being said there are other options on the market to assist in making water drinkable. Your local outdoor store can help with choosing what option might be best to use in conjunction with a reusable bottle. Your guide can also steer you to water that has been filtered and purified so ask him or her what is available.
Arrival Instruction
Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, our company representatives are stationed to welcome you to the country. We request you to carefully look for your name being held by our representatives following the events upon landing. The representatives are responsible to escort you to your hotel in Kathmandu. You will see men offering you to carry luggage and take you to your destination as you exit the airport. We request you pay no attention to these people and follow the designated representatives and follow their instructions. You will also need to keep an eye on your luggage and belongings to avoid any complications.
