Everest Three Passes Trek guide will help you all the information of three passes trek. Everest Three Passes Trek in Nepal is one of the adventurous treks in the vicinity of the Everest region. An exhilarating flight from Lukla commences this trek. This trek takes past trekkers through beautiful Sagarmatha National Park and its varied flora and fauna. Pass through attractive Sherpa villages and immerse in their culture and lifestyle. The warm hospitality of Sherpas is one of a kind and delightful experience for trekkers.
Following the itinerary schedule, trek on rugged trails adoring the beautiful landscapes and majestic mountain vistas. Traversing challenging Three Passes Cho La (5,420m), Kongma La (5,535m), and Renjo La (5,360m) is a great achievement. Alongside this, ascending Gokyo Ri and Chhukhung Ri, Everest Base Camp (5,364m), and Kalapatthar (5,550m) is cherry on the top. Witness close-up views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, and other Himalayas from Kalapatthar. It is truly a rewarding experience.
Also, visit Mane Walls, and Buddhist monasteries, and do not miss the largest Tengboche monastery in the region. The trek to Gokyo Valley and an excursion to turquoise Gokyo Lake, 4th, and 5th Lake are mesmerizing. This 17-day Everest Three Passes trek is truly fulfilling and it ensures an unforgettable experience for the trekkers seeking a challenging trek in the Everest region.
Highlights of the Everest Three Passes trek
- Sagarmatha National Park and its varied flora and fauna
- Beautiful Sherpa villages and their lifestyle, culture, and hospitality
- Tengboche Monastery, Buddhist Monasteries, stupas, Mane Walls
- Turquoise Gokyo Lakes, 4th and 5th Lakes
- Ascend Gokyo Ri and Chhukhung Ri witness marvelous snow-capped peaks
- Majestic Everest Base Camp and its surroundings
- Kalapatthar (5,550 m) trek and Close-up views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu and other Himalayas
- Traversing Three Passes Cho La (5,420m), Kongma La (5,535m), and Renjo La (5,360m)
Everest Three Passes Trek Video
Everest Three Passes Trek Map
Everest Three Passes Trek Outline Itinerary
- Day 01: Fly to Lukla and Trek to Phakding
- Day 02: Trek Phakding – Namche Bazar
- Day 03: Acclimatization day
- Day 04: Trek Namche – Tengboche
- Day 05: Trek Tengboche – Dingboche
- Day 06: Trek Dingboche – Chhukhung
- Day 07: Acclimatization day (Hike to Chhukhung Ri or Island Peak Base Camp
- Day 08: Chhukhung -Kongma La Pass (5535m) – Lobuche
- Day 09: Trek Lobuche – Gorak Shep and Hike to Everest Base Camp (5380m)
- Day 10: Gorak Shep – Climb up to Kalapatthar (5550m) close view of Mt. Everest – Dzongla
- Day 11: Trek Dzongla – Chola Pass (5420m) – Thannak
- Day 12: Trek Thannak – Gokyo
- Day 13: Climb up to Gokyo Ri (5330m) and 5th Lake
- Day 14: Trek Gokyo – Renjo La pass (5368m) – Lungdhen
- Day 15: Trek Lungdhen – Thame – Namche
- Day 16: Trek Namche – Lukla
- Day 17: Fly back to Kathmandu
Everest Three Passes Trek
17 Days
Adventure Treks
USD1,499 per person
Everest Three Passes Trek without EBC
14 Days
Trekking
USD1,300 per person
Everest Three Passes Trek Difficulty Level
Grade level 5 is designated for Everest Three Passes Trek which can be considered the hardest in terms of the difficulty level.
Everest Three Passes Trek Duration
The trek duration for the Everest Three Passes Trek varies but a standard duration is 17-day including ground transfers to and from Lukla and Kathmandu.
Note: There is a flexibility to customize the itinerary.
Guide for Everest Three Passes Trek
Guide and porters are a quintessential part of trekking in the mountains. They are the one who makes the trekking experience comfortable, effective, and memorable. Himalaya Trip guides are licensed, experienced, and well-versed in the Everest region. They can speak English well. They have in-depth knowledge of mountains and can tackle easily obstacles. Our porters can carry a maximum of 20-25 kg luggage of two trekkers, enhancing your comfort. If you have language preferences, arrangements can be made to meet your needs.
Everest Three Passes Trek route
Phakding – Namche – Tengboche – Dingboche – Chhukhung – Kong Ma La – Lobuche – Gorakshep – Everest Base Camp – Gorakshep – Kalapatthar – Dzongla – Cho La Pass – Thannak – Gokyo – Renjo La Pass – Lungdhen – Thame – Namche -Lukla
Note: The trek commences with an amazing Lukla flight from Kathmandu and ends at Lukla after traversing Everest Three Passes, Everest Base Camp, and Kalapatthar.
Everest Three Passes Trekking permit
1. Khumbu Rural Municipality Permit
- For Foreigners: NPR 2000 (Approx. USD 20)
- For SAARC Nationals: NPR 1000 (Approx. USD 10)
2. Sagarmatha National Park (SNP)
- For Foreigners: NPR 3000 (Approx. USD 30)
- For SAARC Nationals: NPR 1500 (Approx. USD 15)
3. Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS)
- For Foreigners: NRS. 2000 (Approx. USD 20)
- For SAARC Nationals: NRS. 1000 (Approx. USD 10)
Best time to visit Everest Three Passes Trek
Spring (March-May):
- Perfect season
- Moderate Temperature
- Awesome stable weather
- Panoramic Vistas
- Lush Greenery
- Comfortable Trails
- Blooming Seasonal Flowers
- Availability of Teahouses
Autumn (September-November):
- Second-best season
- Clear weather and skies
- Warm temperature
- Comfy trekking trails
- Wonderful scenic views
- Availability of teahouses
Winter (December-February):
- Not favorable
- Extreme cold
- Unpredictable weather and temperature
- Snowy and slippery trails
- Not clear views
- High chances of flight cancelations
- Less availability of teahouses with limited amenities
Summer (June-August):
- Unfavorable as it is Monsoon season in Nepal
- Heavy rainfall
- Cloudy and cold weather
- Unstable temperatures
- Slippery trails
- High chances of flight cancelations
- Less availability of teahouses with limited facilities
Preparation and fitness
For Everest Three Passes trek, preparation, and fitness are key factors. The most demanding trek includes traversing multiple high elevations above 5,000 m. The maximum elevation gain during the trek is Kalapatthar at an elevation of 5,550 m. Trekkers must be prepared for long daily hours of walking, high elevations, traversing high passes, uneven trails, altitude sickness, and unpredictable weather. They should be both physically and mentally fit. Hence, we suggest participating in physical exercises, necessary health check-ups, short hikes, and doctor consultations (if necessary) before embarking on this trekking journey.
Accommodation and Internet facilities Three Passes Trek
The appealing teahouses throughout the trek are means of accommodation. These locally operated teahouses are basic with limited facilities. It features rooms accommodating 2-6 people including quilts, mattresses, and pillows. At an additional charge, get facilities like Wi-Fi, hot shower, boiled water, laundry, and charging devices. Internet connections are stable mostly in the lower regions and higher regions it varies.
Personalized Everest
A group of 4 of us traveled with Harka on a 15-day trek in the Everest region. Harka was very accommodating in letting us customize our trip based on the group’s preferences. We went over 3 high passes, up 2 small mountains, to clear mountain lakes, and Everest base camp. We had a great adventure that I would highly recommend.
USA, October 2012
Amazing company and people
In April we booked the Three High Passes trek to EBC with Himalaya Trip after glowing recommendations from one of our friends, and had one of the best trips of our lives thanks to our guide Jayandra, and The rest of Harka’s team!
At all times we had complete confidence in them and have become great friends. They helped us buy gear upon arriving in Kathmandu, handled all the flights to Lukla and made sure at all times we were ok with altitude and energy etc.. Our guide Jay was awesome, and even when heavy snow met us on our descent from Gorak Shep, Jay and another guide Om from the same company were there helping us and all others on the mountain down the slippery tracks – great guys.
We were so happy with their tours we immediately booked another 5 day trek in the Annapurna region to Poon Hill a day after our EBC trek. There we had great food, saw the sunrise at Poon Hill and sat in natural hot springs next to a river in the rainforest with thunder and lightning overhead. An amazing experience and the best Dal Bhat!
Even after the earthquakes, the selflessness of the Nepalese and Himalaya Trip continued to amaze us. If you are interested in visiting Nepal and doing any treks, PLEASE contact Himalaya Trip and support these great people. Nepal is a beautiful country and these guys will help you have the best time!
New Zealand, April 2015
mad dogs and english men – Jiri – base camp – 3 passes
what can I say…
3 treks in one for a group of mates from across the world
Harka organized the trek we asked for, but he didn’t tell us we were actually doing 3 treks in one
we did the Jirri to base camp trek adding 5 days to avoid flying into Lukla airport then the 3 “killer” passes as well
Jay was a legend and fantastic guide who we had when we did the Manaslu circuit so no problems there, Bickas was a great porter and again the language barrier was not an issue and we all got on fantastically
I can’t fault Harka and his team as they look after you from the moment you arrive at the airport to dropping you off for your flights home
this is the 3rd time we have been trekking in Nepal, all treks with Harka and we will be back in a couple of years for more adventures
Harka has built a great family business and all the other trekkers we met that were using him had all done multiple treks with him, so that is how you determine a good business the return trade and yes we will be returning again
Go Harka and his team from Himalaya Trip.
Australia, October 2018
Jirri to base camp and the 3 passes
Brilliant, fantastic and breathtaking – go the team Jay, Bikas and Meshak treated us like kings. My 4th trek with them and they are still the best in Nepal. 21 days of trekking and everyday something else to tick of the bucket list we started in the rhododendron forests and ended at the 5550 myr passes climbing up close to a rock face, walked on snow covered glaciers and around pristine high altitude lakes. Always being looked after by the team from hidden treks – will be back fir another trek in 4 years I can’t wait and can’t reckomrnd these guys hug enough 👍👍👍👍
Australia, October 2022
I would like highly recommend Harka
I would like highly recommend Harka, as a great organiser of our trek. He managed fit to all our requirements (tiing, places we would like to see and hike during the trekking). Moreover, he took care of us even once our private staying in Kathmandu (transfers, checking if we are fine, helping to find a driver for additional sightseeing we wanted to have).
Last, but not least: we are sooo greatful to our great guide (Ramesh) during our trek and Depak (our porter). With this team, the trek was real pleasure and magnificent experiance. Ramesh was always taking care of our health and condition, trying to find best rooms in teahouses and best spots during aclimatization time. Once – due to health conditions – we were not able to finish the trek as planned – he was fully supportive to change the plan and adapt it to our capabilities.
Ramesh and Depak were the best team we could have during our trek (Everest base camp and Island Peak base camp with Depak was a great experience with a lot of fun!).
Poland, October 2023
Amazing 3 Passes Trek Experience
Foods during the Everest Three Passes Trek
Throughout the trek, full course 3-time meals are provided. Breakfast and Dinner are mostly at the teahouses where you stayed and lunch is at stop-over places. To stay healthy and energetic, we recommend vegetable foods and avoiding meat. The foods served are healthy and hygienic. Some food options are Dal Bhat, pasta, noodles, eggs, pies, etc. Feel free to inquire for more details.
Drinking water, Three Passes Trek
Drinking water available during the treks is natural spring water, mineral water, or boiled water at teahouses (paying some cash). For health safety, we advise carrying a water bottle and water-purifying filter, or iodine tablets. Stay hydrated to prevent altitude sickness.
How to get to Everest Three Passes Trek?
The quick and easy option to get to Everest Three Passes Trek is the Lukla flight from Kathmandu. From Lukla, begin the trek onward following the itinerary schedule.
Note: In the months of April, May, October, and November due to air traffic in Kathmandu, flight schedules are operated from Ramechhap. Take a 4-hour drive from Kathmandu to Ramechhap and then take a flight to Lukla during peak seasons.
What to do in case of Flight cancellations?
Trekking in the mountains in Nepal is full of challenges. One such challenge is unpredictable weather causing flight cancelations. If planning to trek in the mountains, we recommend scheduling 1 or 2 extra days in the itinerary. There is an alternative option of sharing a helicopter flight from Kathmandu to Lukla or Lukla to Kathmandu. It costs around USD 500 per person (one-way).
How hard is the Everest Three Passes Trek?
Everest Three Passes Trek is a Grade 5 trek, which indicates it is the hardest trek. Throughout this trek, trekkers traverse through numerous high-elevation such as Kong Ma La (5,535m), Cho La Pass (5,420m), Renjo La (5,360m), Everest Base Camp (5,364m), and Kalapatthar (5,550m). Alongside this, trekking on rugged trails at high elevations, daily long hours of walking, steep high and low trails, unpredictable weather, temperature, limited availability of accommodation, and altitude sickness can be challenging factors. Despite all the challenges, this trek is achievable with proper planning and preparations.
Packing List For the Three Passes Trek
- Trekking boots (If new boots are purchased, “break them in” to avoid blisters) and spare laces
- Hat (Warm), scarf and gloves
- Trousers (Warm trousers are useful higher up in the mountains in the morning and at night.
- Running shoes, sandals, or thongs (To wear in the camp at night or when your boots are wet).
- Shorts and trousers
- Wool-blend socks, liner socks, and underwear (three pairs)
- Thermal underwear
- Sunhat
- Fleece jacket
- T-shirts (two or three) and a long-sleeved shirt with a collar (a long-sleeved – shirt is particularly suitable for avoiding sunburn.)
- Laundry soap powder or bar
- Toilet paper
- Sunscreen (SPF 20+) and lip balm
- Sunglasses
- Pocket knife
- Iodine, water-purification tablets, or filter
- Insect repellent (for lower elevation)
- Stuff sacks
- Earplugs
- Backpack
- Sleeping back and silk liner
- Water bottle
- Torch (flashlight), spare batteries and bulbs
- Duffle bag
- Crampon
- Down jacket or down vest
- Camera, memory card, and battery charger (spare batteries)
- Books and magazines
- Trekking poles
- Quick-drying camp towel
- Day pack (This is a small rucksack to carry personal requirements for the day e.g. toilet items, cameras, towel, soap, chocolate bar, etc.)
- 2-4 large plastic bags: to separate clean clothes from dirty ones
- Personal medical supplies
Conclusion
The Everest Three Passes trek is a lifetime experience for trekkers seeking a thrilling adventure in the Everest region. Traversing high passes above an elevation of 5,000m along with peaks ascending like Gokyo and Chhukhung Ri, coupled with the trek to Everest Base Camp, and Kalapatthar all at once is a bonanza. An amazing delight for adventure-seeking trekkers that should not be missed. This 17-day trek ensures natural, cultural, and adventurous treats to the trekkers in the lap of the majestic Everest Base Camp and its beautiful surroundings.
