Everest Three Passes Trek - 20 Days
Conquer high passes, reach Everest Base Camp, summit Kala Patthar and Gokyo Ri, and explore enchanting Gokyo Lakes in the Himalayas.
Embark on the exhilarating Everest Three Passes Trek, a remarkable expedition that seamlessly blends iconic Everest trails with hidden gems in the Khumbu region of the Nepalese Himalayas. This extraordinary journey takes you through three awe-inspiring high passes: Kongma La Pass (5,535/18,159ft), Cho La Pass (5,420m/17,782ft), and Renjo La Pass (5,340m/17,520ft), offering a challenge and reward for adventure enthusiasts.
Immerse yourself in the splendor of renowned landmarks like Everest Base Camp, Kala Patthar, Gokyo Ri, and the enchanting Gokyo Lakes. Beyond these well-known sites, the trek unveils the remote and pristine Nangpa La Valley, the quaint Sherpa village of Marlung, and the serene monastery village of Thame.
For those seeking an adventurous and demanding trek with high mountain pass crossings, the Everest Three Passes Trek provides an ideal choice. Alternatively, if you prefer a slightly less challenging but still rewarding trek that encompasses Gokyo Lakes, Kala Patthar, and Everest Base Camp, the Everest Base Camp Trek via Gokyo Lakes – 18 Days offers a more approachable yet equally captivating option. Whatever your preference, both treks promise an unforgettable exploration of the breathtaking landscapes and cultural treasures of the Everest region.
Day | Itinerary | Walking / Hiking |
1 | Arrival in Kathmandu | |
2 | Kathmandu: Sightseeing and trek Preparation | |
3 | Fly to Lukla, trek to Phakding | 3-4 hrs |
4 | Phakding to Namche Bazaar | 5-6 hrs |
5 | Acclimatization Day – Namche Bazaar | |
6 | Namche Bazaar to Tengboche | 5-6 hrs |
7 | Tengboche to Dingboche | 5-6 hrs |
8 | Dingboche: acclimatization and rest | |
9 | Dingboche to Chhukung, climb Chhukung Ri | |
10 | Cross to Kongma La pass, trek to Lobuche | 6-7 hrs |
11 | Lobuche to Gorak Shep , visit Everest Base Camp | 6-7 hrs |
12 | Gorak Shep to Kala Patthar, then to Lobuche | 8-9 hrs |
13 | Lobuche to Dzongla | 3-4 hrs |
14 | Trek to Gokyo via Cho La pass | 7-8 hrs |
15 | Rest day in Gokyo: Climb Gokyo Ri , tour 4th and 5th Gokyo lakes | 3-4 hrs |
16 | Gokyo to Marlung via Renjo La Pass | 7-8 hrs |
17 | Marlung to Namche Bazaar | 5-6 hrs |
18 19 20 | Namche Bazaar to Lukla Lukla to kathmandu Flight Final Departure | 6-7 hrs 40 min flight International Flight |
Day 01 : Arrival in Kathmandu and trip preparation
Upon arrival at Kathmandu International Airport, a Ngimalaya Adventure representative will provide transportation to the designated hotel. A welcome dinner, showcasing authentic Nepalese cuisine, will be hosted by Ngimalaya Adventure in the evening, offering an introduction to the country’s culinary culture. The overnight stay will be at the designated accommodation in Kathmandu
Maximum Altitude : 1,350m/4,429ft
Accommodation : Hotel and Dinner
After breakfast, embark on a guided tour to explore some of Kathmandu’s most historical and spiritual landmarks, all designated as UNESCO World Heritage sites. The itinerary includes visits to the historic Durbar Square, the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupatinath, the renowned ‘Monkey Temple’ (Swayambhunath), and the colossal Buddhist shrine (Bouddhanath), one of the largest stupas globally. Around noon, undergo equipment checks with the climbing leader, acquaint yourself with fellow participants, and engage in a trip discussion at Himalayan Glacier’s office. The night will be spent in Kathmandu.
Maximum Altitude : 1,350m/4,429ft
Accommodation : Hotel
Meals : Breakfast
All treks to Everest begin from Luka where we will be flying to early in the morning, right after breakfast. The flight will be an interesting one since we will be flying amidst the grand Himalayas in a Twin Otter airplane. We begin our short trek to Phakding immediately after landing. At one hour’s gradual descent, we will be at a Cheplung village from where we have a glimpse of Mt. Khumbila (18900ft), a sacred mountain which has never been climbed. From Cheplung, we continue descending to Phakding and spend the night.
Maximum Altitude : 2,800m/9,187ft ( Hiking: 3-4 hrs / Travel Distance : 8 km )
Accommodation : Hotel/Tea House
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 04 : Phakding to Namche Bazaar
Traversing a picturesque pine forest, our journey leads us north through the Benkar valley. We cross the Dudh Koshi River, passing Chumoa and reaching Monjo, the gateway to Everest National Park. Crossing a suspension bridge, the trail continues past Jorsale village, following the Dudh Koshi and Bhote Koshi rivers. An invigorating steep ascent then brings us to the heart of Sherpa culture – Namche Bazaar. About an hour away from Namche, weather permitting, we may catch glimpses of the majestic Mt. Everest and Mt. Lhotse. The night will be spent in Namche Bazaar.
Maximum Altitude : 3,438m/11,280ft. ( Hiking: 5-6 hrs / Travel Distance : 11 km )
Accommodation : Hotel/Tea House (Hotel/Teahouse)
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 05 : Acclimatization Day – Namche Bazaar
Namche Bazaar offers an array of activities for acclimatization, making it an ideal location to spend a day. As the primary center of the Khumbu region, Namche boasts government offices, ATMs, Internet cafes, shops, restaurants, and a vibrant market. Our guides can lead us to explore the authentic charm of Namche Bazaar. A hike to Sagarmatha National Park provides a sunrise panorama and stunning views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Kongde, and more. For those interested in a day hike, the trek to Khumjung village (12,401 ft) unveils a beautiful Sherpa settlement. While exploring Namche Bazaar, we immerse ourselves in traditional Sherpa life, visit Khumjung Hillary School, and appreciate the unique flora and fauna at this altitude. The night will be spent in Namche Bazaar.
Maximum Altitude : 3,790m/12,475ft ( Hiking: 3-4 hrs )
Accommodation : Hotel/Tea House (Hotel/Teahouse)
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 06 : Namche Bazaar to Tengboche
Embarking on today’s trek, we follow a gentle trail to Phunki Thanga, gradually ascending towards the picturesque Tengboche village. Known for hosting the largest monastery in the Everest region, Tengboche offers a tranquil setting within the Sagarmatha National Park. As we ascend, the monastery provides awe-inspiring panoramic views of the world’s highest peaks, including Everest, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Nuptse, and Lhotse.
Our goal is to reach the monastery by 3:00 in the afternoon, aiming to immerse ourselves in the serene atmosphere and possibly witness a religious Buddhist ceremony. Tengboche, surrounded by the majestic Himalayan backdrop, creates a perfect setting for reflection and cultural exploration. Tonight, we find rest in the peaceful ambiance of Tengboche, ready to continue our trek amidst the beauty of the Everest region.
Maximum Altitude : 3,870m/12,697ft ( Hiking: 5-6 hrs / Travel Distance : 10 km )
Accommodation : Hotel/Tea House
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 07 : Tengboche to Dingboche
We begin today’s trek by walking downhill and pass through lush forests filled with birch, conifers and rhododendron trees. We continue our trek with views of Mt. Everest, Lhotse and Ama Dablam to keep us company. The picturesque trail dips down to Debuche, crosses the Imja River and takes us to Pangboche. While walking the upper Pangboche trails, we get a more pristine view of the Himalayas and Pangboche Monastery. We move ahead towards the Imja Valley, Lobuche River and ultimately climb up to Dingboche. The village is a beautiful windy settlement overlooked by chortens and prayer flags. Overnight in Dingboche.
Maximum Altitude : 4,360m/14,305ft ( Hiking: 5-6 hrs / Travel Distance: 9 km)
Accommodation : Hotel/Tea House
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 08 : Dingboche: acclimatization and rest
Dingboche is a popular stop for trekkers and climbers headed to Mt. Everest, Ama Dablam or Imja Tse. The village is beautiful with an array of fields enclosed by stone walls to protect barley, buckwheat and potatoes from the cold wind and grazing animals. We spend a day at Dingboche for acclimatization. We take a day hike to Nagarjun Hill for great views of Makalu, Lhotse, Chalotse, Tawache, Ama Dablam and others.
Maximum Altitude : 4,360m/14,305ft Accommodation : Hotel/Tea House
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 09 : Dingboche to Chhukung, climb Chhukung Ri
Our trail passes through stone-walled fields and Imja Khola valley before entering glacier moraines amidst towering Himalayas. The trail continues to Bibre which is a yak herdsman place. From here, directly across the valley is the fantastic Ama Dablam and the Amphu Labsa mountains. The trail ahead is intersected by icy streams. We continue our walk for around half an hour and reach Chhukung. After lunch, we begin our trek towards Chhukung Ri. The climb to Chhukung Ri involves some easy scrambling near the summit. From the top, we can look directly across the valley for a fantastic view of Ama Dablam and Amphu Labcha peaks. We descend back to Chhukung to spend the night.
Maximum Altitude : 5,546m/18,196ft ( Hiking: 6-7 hour / Travel Distance : 14 km)
Accommodation : Hotel/Tea House
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 10 : Cross to Kongma La pass, trek to Lobuche
We begin today’s trek very early in the morning to reach the highest part of the entire trip which is Kongma La pass. We can either take a trail over a hill which is to the northwest of Chhukung over the Nuptse Glacier moraines or we can walk back to Bibre and trek on the trail above the Niyang Khola. The top of the pass is marked by cairns and Buddhist prayer flags. The final descent from the pass is the most difficult part of today’s journey. After climbing the moraine on the far side, the trail turns north through Khumbu Glacier which takes us to Lobuche. Overnight at Lobuche.
Note:Trekking through Kongma La is optional. If we do not want to tackle the strenuous Kongma La pass today and want to go directly to Lobuche from Chhukung, we can do that too.
Maximum Altitude : 5,535m/18,160ft ( Hiking: 6-7 hour / Travel Distance : 10 km)
Accommodation : Hotel/Tea House
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 11 : Lobuche to Gorak Shep , visit Everest Base Camp
Our trail moves along the lateral moraine of the Khumbu Glacier. Ahead on the trail we see the crest of the north ridge of Everest along with Pumori, Mahalangur, Lingtern, Khumbutse, Nuptse and other mountains. A small ascent takes us to Thangma Riju. From here we admire panoramic views of the Himalayan vista. We ascend on a steep trail up to the top of Changri Glacier. As we reach Gorak Shep, we are surrounded by the Himalayas. After resting for a short while, we continue to Everest Base Camp. We pass through rocky dunes, moraines and streams before reaching the base camp of the world’s tallest mountain, Everest. From here we admire Nuptse, Khumbuste and Pumori mountains. We trek back to Gorak Shep and spend the night.
Alternatively, we can visit Kala Patthar today instead of the next day as many believe that the sunset view from Kala Patthar is more stunning than the sunrise view.
Maximum Altitude : 5,364m/17,599ft ( Hiking: 6-7 hour / Travel Distance : 13 km)
Accommodation : Hotel/Tea House
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 12 : Gorak Shep to Kala Patthar, then to Lobuche
We start our trek to Kala Patthar early in the morning in order to catch remarkable views of the first light of the sun shining on Mt. Everest. However, we need to be prepared for trekking in the dark and cold temperature (the temperature varies according to the season). Furthermore, there is always a chance for chilly winds which are quite common. As we continue our trek, familiar peaks such as Lingtren, Khumbutse, Changtse, Everest and Nuptse tower above us. After several hours of ascent, we will be on the top of Kala Patthar. The close-up view of Mt. Everest and other Himalayan peaks from Kalapathar is amazing. We enjoy the stunning Himalayan vista and descend to Lobuche where we stay the night.
Those participants who will visit Everest Base Camp today will have an early breakfast to start early as Everest base camp hike takes longer than the hike to Kala Patthar. After returning to Gorak Shep, both the groups will have lunch together.
Maximum Altitude : 5,545m/18,193ft ( Hiking: 8-9 hrs / Travel Distance: 7 km)
Accommodation : Hotel/Tea House
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 13 : Lobuche to Dzongla
From Lobuche we trek downhill on a trail alongside the Khumbu Glacier. Our trail splits into two and we choose the trail on our right. On the way we can better admire the view of the looming Awi Peak. We pass through a stupa and tombstones in the distance. After walking for a while we begin to ascend. During the ascent, we see Chola Tsho Lake nearby. We continue further and pass another lake which is lot smaller than the Chola Tsho Lake. We cross the Chola Khola on a bridge before reaching Dzongla. Overnight in Dzongla.
Maximum Altitude : 4,830m/15,847ft ( Hiking: 3-4 hrs / Travel Distance: 6 km)
Accommodation : Hotel/Tea House
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
As we gain height, the Cho La Lake begins to appear and the Ama Dablam presides over a range of mountains on the south and Cholatse soars on the west. Climbing the incline is not easy; it is steep, but made worse by boulders over some of which we will have to scramble. The final climb to the Cho La can be a little tricky as the trail curves round a crevasse. The top of the pass is marked by prayer flags and cairns. Scenery of majestic peaks on all directions is breathtaking. Although long, the path leading down to Thangnak is not difficult. Our trail brings us to the edge of the Ngozumpa glacier, which is the longest glacier in Nepal. Reaching the other side of the glacier, we see the second Gokyo Lake on the series of six lakes. A short distance away is the third Gokyo Lake. On the edge of this lake stands the Gokyo Village where we spend the night.
Maximum Altitude : 5,420m/17,783ft ( Hiking: 7-8 hrs / Travel Distance: 6 km)
Accommodation : Hotel/Tea House
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
We climb Gokyo Ri today and enjoy views of the incredible mountain vista. We can also tour the fourth Gokyo Lake today which is only 3km north of the Gokyo Village. Next, continue trekking to the 5th lake. The view from ‘Scoundrel’s Viewpoint’, located at the edge of the 5th lake, is astonishing. Cho-Oyu, Gyachung Kang, Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Makulu mountains and the huge Ngozumba Glacier are ours to admire. We trek back to Gokyo and spend the night.
Maximum Altitude : 5,357m/17,576ft ( Hiking: 3-4 hrs )
Accommodation : Hotel/Tea House
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
We start the day early in the morning to complete the long day’s trek ahead. Our trail moves alongside Dudh Pokhari (lake) for a while. We walk for around two hours before descending towards the Renjo La pass. On the way we are rewarded with extravagant views of the Himalayan and Rolwaling ranges and others. Views from the Renjo La pass are much like that from Gokyo Ri with the third Gokyo Lake and Gokyo Village beneath the gray smear of the Ngozumpa Glacier. We also get outstanding views of Mt. Everest from the top of the pass. Continuing on from the pass, our trail winds down a stone staircase and then moves over a loose scree to reach the south bank of Angladumba Tsho Lake. The prescence of ice on the trail while descending down can make our descent a bit hazardous. Along the way we see Relama Tsho and Renjo Lake. We walk down a narrow valley clogged with giant boulders to Lumde where there is a support lodge, but it is often closed. We walk almost for an hour from Lumde to get to Marlung on the east bank of the Bhote Koshi River. Overnight at Marlung.
Maximum Altitude : 5,360m/17,586ft ( Hiking: 7-8 hrs / Travel Distance: 11 km)
Accommodation : Hotel/Tea House
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
The descent from Marulung to Thame follows a traditional route used for centuries by the Tibetan traders. We cross the Bhote Koshi River and descend to Taranga. The trail continues to descend and we cross two bridges before reaching Thame. Overlooking Thame is its famous Gompa situated on a hill to the west. From here, we descend gradually on a trail that passes through a few small villages before reaching Namche Bazaar which is probably the biggest town in the Everest region. Overnight in Namche Bazaar.
Maximum Altitude : 3,438m/11,280ft ( Hiking: 5-6 hrs / Travel Distance: 15 km)
Accommodation : Hotel/Tea House
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
We begin our trek with a descent. As we continue our trek, we cross several bridges over the fast flowing Dudh Koshi River and its tributaries. Now the trail has become more level and natural. On our trek we enjoy walking on open plains, through rhododendron and pine forests and enjoy distant views of the snow covered peaks. We walk through Sherpa villages noticing their impressive faith in Buddhism and the culture of prayer stones and prayer flags. After reaching Lukla, we stretch those sore legs and recall the experiences of the last couple of weeks. Our long trek to the mountain and its high passes ends today. Overnight in Lukla.
Maximum Altitude : 2,800m/9,187ft ( Hiking: 6-7 hrs / Travel Distance: 19 km)
Accommodation : Hotel/Tea House
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
The flights to Kathmandu are usually scheduled for morning for safety purposes. After reaching the capital city, we have the rest of the day off to past the time as we please. We could take a rest in our hotel room or shop for souvenirs for our loved ones. In the evening, there will be a farewell dinner to celebrate the successful completion of your journey to the mountains. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Maximum Altitude : 1,350m/4,429ft ( Flight : 40 min)
Accommodation : Hotel
Meals : Breakfast, and Dinner
Day 20 : Final Departure
Today marks the conclusion of our memorable journey in Nepal. A representative from Ngimalaya Adventure will ensure our timely arrival at the airport, approximately 3 hours before our scheduled departure flight. If you have a desire to extend your stay in Nepal for additional adventure activities, Ngimalaya Adventure is ready to assist you with all necessary formalities and arrangements.
Meals : Breakfast,
- US $3890.00
- US $195 per day
FAQS
The Everest High Passes Trek is also known as the Three Passes Trek or Everest Base Camp via Three Passes Trek or High Land of Everest Valley Trek. It is in fact, one of the hardest treks that Himalayan Glacier offers to hardcore trekkers and adventure-seekers. The journey is known as a complete circle of the high land of the Everest Valley following the treacherous three passes of Renjo La, Cho La and Kongma La before Everest Base Camp visit. The challenging trip is indeed a long walk in the remote land, high up in the mountain in the middle of nowhere. For this adventurous trek, you must be very fit and highly experienced in the Himalayas. We recommend trekkers and enthusiastic hikers to first do the Everest Base Camp Trek or Gokyo Lake Trek before attempting on this one. However, if you are a seasoned trekker or have already experienced the Kilimanjaro Climb or trekked in the Andes or in Patagonia, then you are unquestionably eligible for this one.
Everest High Passes Trek is best done in pre-monsoon season i.e. from March to May and post-monsoon season i.e. from late September to December. It is also possible to do this trek in February and early September but the trek is best preferred during the above months.
After a long day’s hike, a relaxing night of comfortable sleep is very much crucial for the next day’s walk. Keeping your comfort into account, we make sure to book the best lodge with two beds in each room and western toilet facilities wherever available. Normally, the beds are clean and comfortable with an electric blanket (upon availability) and attached bathroom for most nights. The room’s temperature is usually maintained at 10-12°C / 50-54°F.