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Three Passes Trek Vs Everest Base Camp
The Three Passes trek Vs Everest Base Camp is the combination of a trek to the EBC and the addition of three beautiful passes. Naturally, the trek takes place in the Everest region, where you will visit different settlements of the Khumbu region and the Gokyo Lakes, along with three passes in Renjo La, Cho La, and Konglama Pass.
Like other treks in the Everest region, the trek starts from Lukla as you travel to the Namche Bazaar. From Namche, the route separates as you reach Thame, Lungden, and finally, across one of the three passes in Renjo La Pass. You will explore all three passes and Gokyo Lake and drop down to Pheriche before exploring the Everest Base Camp.
The Everest Base Camp is 5380 meters high and has stunning views of the towering mountains. A local expert guide accompanies this moderately tricky trek, starting with a flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. As you continue your journey, you will encounter different Buddhist monasteries, temples, meditation spots, and more, highlighting Sherpa culture. On this trek, you can see majestic views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and Makalu.
From Lukla, your trek takes you to Namche, where you will get the first fantastic sight of Mount Everest. From there, you will pass through several Sherpa villages in Tengboche, Dingboche, Periche, Lobuche, Gorakhstep, Everest Base Camp, and finally explore Kala Patthar. Your trek to EBC is a great way to get a close-up look at the spectacular Mount Everest (8,848.86m), the highest point on Earth. It has been a popular destination for climbers and hikers, attracting many people to admire its snow-covered mountains.
Quick Facts about the Three Passes Trek Vs Everest Base Camp
Everest Three Passes Trek Quick Facts
- Length – 14 to 18 days
- Starting Point – Lukla 2800m
- Highest Elevation – Kongma La Pass 5,535 m
- Trek’s total distance – 166 km
- Difficulty – Moderate to Challenging
- Accommodation – Hotels, Lodges and Teahouses
Everest Base Camp Trek Quick Facts
- Length – 12 to 15 days
- Starting Point – Lukla 2800m
- Highest Elevation – Kala Patthar 5,644 m
- Trek’s total distance – 130 km
- Difficulty – Easy to Moderate
- Accommodation – Hotels, Lodges and Teahouses
Highlights of the Trek
Everest Three Passes Trek
- Visit the three highest passes of Nepal, Renjo La, Cho La, and Kongla Ma, which have an elevation of over 5000m.
- Climb the highest glacier in Ngozumpa Glacier and go to Gokyo Ri.
- Visit the stunning Everest Base Camp, which lies at 5364m.
- Explore the beautiful freshwater lakes of Gokyo and click some stunning pictures.
- Get to see rare and endangered species of floras and faunas like snow leopards, red pandas, Himalayan Thar, and more in Sagarmatha National Park.
Everest Base Camp Trek
- Reach the base of the highest peak in the world, Mount Everest.
- Stunning flight to Lukla from Kathmandu, where you will see bird’s eye views of the mountains.
- Explore Namche Bazaar, where you can even reach the amazing Hotel Everest View.
- Visit Tengboche village and climb the Tengboche Monastery, where you will see beautiful mountain views.
- Stroll around the fantastic Sherpa settlement in the Gorakhstep.
- Climb the Kala Patthar, where you will see beautiful sunrise and sunset.
Trek Route
Everest Three Passes
The duration of the Everest Three Passes Trek is 14 to 18 days. The trek starts from Lukla when you land either from Kathmandu or Ramechhap. After a bit of a hiatus, you will start your trek and eventually reach Phakding, where you will stay overnight on your first day of the trek. The next day, you will move forward from Phakding and reach Namche Bazaar, where you will stay another day for acclimatization.
From Namche Bazaar, the trek road changes as you move to Thame and then reach Lungden. You will now reach Gokyo Valley and climb the first pass in Renjo, La. After this, you will get two more passes, Cho La and Kongla Ma Pass. Furthermore, you can explore the Gokyo lakes and click some amazing pictures. You will then pass through the Everest Base Camp route as you arrive in Lobuche, explore the EBC trek, reach Gorakhstep, and climb Kala Patthar. From the next day, you will start descending the route as you reach Namche, Phakding, and Lukla, then return to Kathmandu.
Everest Base Camp Trek
The Everest Base Camp Trek typically takes 12 to 15 days. It begins in Lukla after arriving from Kathmandu or Ramechhap. You’ll start the trek to Phakding for an overnight stay. The following day, you’ll continue to Namche Bazaar for another overnight stay to acclimate. During your acclimatization stay, you can visit different places around Namche Bazaar, such as Khumjung Village, Sherpa Museum, Hotel Everest View, etc.
The next day, you will continue the route of the EBC trek, reaching Tengboche village and climbing Tengboche monastery. Moreover, you will now reach Dingboche, where you will acclimatize for another day and climb Nangkartshang peak. Now, the next step is Lobuche, and just ahead is the small hill station of Gorakhstep, where you will start climbing towards the Everest Base Camp. After spending a few hours in the base camp, you will return to Gorakhstep and spend the night.
You will climb Kala Patthar early in the morning and return to Gorakshtep. Now, you will return to the route you come from as you make your way from Tengboche, Namche, Phakding, and Lukla. Now, board the flight from Lukla to Kathmandu, concluding your Everest Base Camp trek.
Everest Base Camp Trek
12 Days
Adventure Treks
USD 1,249 per person
Everest Three Passes Trek
17 Days
Adventure Treks
USD 1,549 per person
Difficulties of Three Passes Trek Vs. Everest Base Camp
Everest Three Passes Trek
The Everest Three Passes Trek difficulty ranges from moderate to challenging. The trek is initially easy, especially to Namche Bazaar. After that, the altitude increases considerably, and you will pass through more remote villages and routes.
As you get closer to the three passes, the trek becomes more challenging. You are trekking at an altitude of over 5000m in rugged terrains, and the weather won’t favor you. The trek routes from the three passes and throughout the Gokyo Valley are pretty rugged, as you have to climb steeply and trek through rocky hills and slippery mountains.
Everest Base Camp Trek
The Everest Base Camp Trek is considerably easier to moderate level in terms of difficulty. It is among the more commercial treks, so the trek routes have several villages with decent teahouses and facilities. The trek to Namche Bazaar is simple and easy as you won’t face many factors that make it challenging.
After reaching Namche, the treks become a bit difficult, like the Three Passes trek. You will now begin trekking between remote settlements like Tengboche, Dingboche, Pheriche, Lobuche, Periche, Gorakstep, and Kala Patthar. The trek routes become more rough and challenging, and the high altitude and the changing weather also make this portion of the trek challenging.
Elevation and Duration of the Trek
Everest Three Passes Trek
The Three Passes Trek covers a total distance of 166 kilometers (103 miles) and typically takes between 15 and 18 days to complete. The trail distance to Everest Base Camp is 130 kilometers (80.7 miles) and usually takes 12 to 14 days to finish. The length of both treks can vary based on hikers’ choices, itinerary, season, and level of preparation. Monitoring hikers’ activities is essential to determine if the typical length of these treks can be exceeded.
The Everest region has three high passes, all around 5000 meters above sea level. The highest pass on our route is Kongma La Pass, at 5540 meters. The second is Cho La Pass at 5420 meters. Finally, the third pass is Renjo La Pass, at 5360 meters.
Jiri to base camp and the 3 passess
5th trip that Harka’s has sorted for me and again we were not disappointed ? Jay our guide and Bikas and Buddha the porters were brilliant as always. Took the kids this time and the adventure was fantastic enjoyed by all. We will be back in 3 years for another trek and will be using the same team ?
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
We recently completed the 3 passes trek with Jay (guide) and Bikas (porter) and it was an amazing, unforgettable experience. The whole experience of organizing it with the Himalayas Trip team was very straight forward and they were very accommodating. Jay picked us both up separately from the airport and the whole trip he couldn’t do more for us. With the help of Bikas, over 17 days, we climbed through the 3 passes, bowled over by the beauty of the Himalayas as we slowly became mountain men and accustomed to our new life of lodges, altitude and rice and noodles. It is a stunning area and escape and when the clouds were gone, the landscape is so wonderful, you don’t want to leave. Jay & Bikas took great care of us the whole trip, we felt like family by the end of it and I would strongly recommend anyone considering this trip to undertake it with Jay and the Himalaya Trip team. It was a wonderful, unforgettable experience and we haven’t stopped planning our next trip back to the mountains. We will be seeing the mountains and the Himalaya Trip team soon!
United Kingdom, 09/24
Everest Base Camp Trek
Everest Base Camp is at a slightly lower altitude than the passes, at around 5364 meters. Another significant high point during the EBC trek is Kala Patthar, at 5644 meters. Compared to the Everest three-pass trek, the EBC trek with Kala Patthar represents the highest point. Along the EBC trail, Gorakshep is the only location higher than 5000 meters, at 5164 meters. Furthermore, Renjo La Pass is just 4 meters lower in elevation than EBC, making it higher than both.
Good Experience of Himalaya trip’s EBC trek – 12 days
It is amazing and good experience to join Himalaya trip’s EBC trek – 12 days. The tour guard – Jay and the porters are well arrangement and caring. They skillfully managed our changing circumstances and ensured our safety. And, really appreciate their efforts in making the trip a success.
Unforgettable Everest Base Camp Trek with Jay and His Amazing Team!
I recently completed a 12-day Everest Base Camp trek that left me speechless, thanks to the exceptional guidance and care provided by Jay, our guide, and his remarkable porter team. Jay’s thoughtfulness, professionalism, and adaptability were evident throughout the journey as he went above and beyond to ensure our safety and enjoyment. His extensive knowledge of the region and ability to provide alternative options based on different scenarios were invaluable. The porters were incredible too, carrying our loads with diligence and always greeting us with warmth. Together, Jay and the porters formed a fantastic team that made the entire experience seamless and joyous. I highly recommend Jay and his team to anyone planning an Everest Base Camp trek. Their expertise, care, and positive energy will make your adventure truly unforgettable. Thank you, Jay, and the incredible porter team, for an incredible journey!
Unforgettable EBC Trek with Jay
I recently completed a 12-day Everest Base Camp trek that left me speechless, thanks to the exceptional guidance and care provided by Jay, our guide, and his remarkable porter team. Jay’s thoughtfulness, professionalism, and adaptability were evident throughout the journey as he went above and beyond to ensure our safety and enjoyment. His extensive knowledge of the region and ability to provide alternative options based on different scenarios were invaluable. The porters were incredible too, carrying our loads with diligence and always greeting us with warmth. Together, Jay and the porters formed a fantastic team that made the entire experience seamless and joyous. I highly recommend Jay and his team to anyone planning an Everest Base Camp trek. Their expertise, care, and positive energy will make your adventure truly unforgettable. Thank you, Jay, and the incredible porter team, for an incredible journey!
Hong Kong, 2024
Everest Base Camp Trekking – 12 Days
Was referred to Harka by a friend who had done the 12 Days EBC Trek a few months before, and he was very easy to contact and quick to respond. We were a bit uneasy about booking with someone from the other side of the world, but Harka proved himself to be honest, professional, and reputable while organising our trip for us. Once we were in Kathmandu, he was easy to meet up with and was quick to help us out with anything we needed. Our guide, Mr. Dil, who met us in Lukla, was what really made our trip as amazing as it was. He was extremely knowledgable on the mountains and mountain passes, as well as getting us into tea houses and our flight home. He was very professional, friendly, and easy to work with, even though his English was a bit broken. Overall, it was an incredible trip, and I wouldn’t hesitate to book with Harka again. If you do the EBC, ask for Dil, he’s the man.
Canada, November 2018
Private trek to Everest Base Camp
I booked a private trek to Everest Base Camp so it was just myself and my guide / porter trekking together for 12 days. As a solo traveller I always invest a lot of time in to researching the company I book with, it was important to me to do this with a Nepalese tour company and the previous reviews were so encouraging and positive I decided to contact Himalaya Trip to see what they had to offer.
Harka responded almost immediately despite the time difference and sent me detailed information on the Everest Base Camp trek. He answered all my questions and always replied quickly which continued to give me confidence. They were also very competitively priced compared to other local companies and along with the great reviews I had a good feeling that Harka and his team would be the ones to get me to EBC.
Harka met me at the airport, took me to my hotel and helped get me any last minute bits I needed for the trek in Kathmandu. He made everything very easy and I felt safe and reassured the whole time which is important to me as a solo female traveller.
My guide / porter was called Dil and he was the man I was spending 12 days with trekking to EBC. Dil was fantastic, he looked out for me every step of the way, regularly checking in to ensure I was ok and did everything to make my experience on the trek as comfortable and as safe as possible. Dil was so knowledgable about the area and the mountains he would point out everything along the way. Despite him speaking broken English we could quite easily chat and communicate without any problems.
The trek was an incredible experience and one of the toughest yet most amazing things I’ve ever done and part of that was down to the efficiency and professionalism of Harka and his team. I didn’t have to worry or think about a thing, just getting to EBC.
UK, Nov 2018
Great time on my walk to Everest Base Camp
I had a great time on my walk to Everest Base Camp from Himalaya Trip Team.
I have many positive comments and the main ones are:
– You were very efficient and helpful before I arrived, answering all my questions promptly and effectively so I knew what to expect when I arrived.
– I was met at the airport as planned, had a good briefing from you at the hotel and the hotel was comfortable.
– Everything happened as planned and it was a good timetable enabling me to to walk at my own pace and to properly acclimatise to altitude on the way up.
– My guide, Om Gurung, was excellent and very attentive. He obtained single accommodation for me every night and always checked that I had everything I needed before he looked after himself. When I was unwell on the way down he carefully monitored me, gave me throat tablets and did everything he could to ensure I was comfortable.
– My porter, Bikas, also did a very good job and was always helpful and pleasant.
– The standard of the lodges was good. The only comment is that often the washing facilities were sometimes very limited and at some lodges only consisted of a tap low down beside the toilet! This is not a comment about your company as I think it applies whichever company one uses. It is just difficult to understand why the washing facilities are often so limited and in short supply when all other features of the lodges are very comfortable!
– The price of the trek was competitive compared to some companies but the standard of care was equally good.
Uk, November 8, 2019
Trek to Everest Base Camp Experience
We had used Harka and his team previously in 2014 so knew to expect great service! Jay as guide and vicus as porter we had a private trek on EBC trek ! We had extreme weather conditions and jay made sure we stayed safe at all times !
Australia, March 2023
Good Experience of Himalaya trip’s EBC trek
It is amazing and good experience to join Himalaya trip’s EBC trek – 12 days. The tour guard – Jay and the porters are well arrangement and caring. They skillfully managed our changing circumstances and ensured our safety. And, really appreciate their efforts in making the trip a success.
Hong Kong, 04/2024
Trek Cost
Cost Breakdown: Everest Three Pass Trek vs. Everest Base Camp Trek
| Permits | * Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit: NPR 2,000 * Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit: NPR 3,000 | * Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit: NPR 2,000 * Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit: NPR 3,000 |
| Meals | Generally, it is slightly more expensive due to the more remote locations on the Three Pass Trek. Expect USD 5-10 per meal. | It is slightly less expensive due to more established infrastructure. Expect USD 3-7 per meal. |
| Transportation | * Flight to Lukla (roundtrip): USD 300-500 (higher due to landing at a high-altitude airfield) | * Flight to Lukla (roundtrip): USD 300-500 |
| Accommodation | * Tea Houses (basic but comfortable lodges): USD 5-10 per night (slightly higher due to remoteness) | * Tea Houses (basic but comfortable lodges): USD 3-7 per night |
| Guides | It is compulsory and highly recommended due to the challenging nature of the trek. Expect USD 75-100 per day. | * Compulsory and helpful. Expect USD 50-80 per day. |
| Porters | It’s optional, but it can be a good idea for a longer trek with more gear. Expect USD 20-30 per day. | * Optional, less necessary due to shorter trek. Expect USD 20-30 per day. |
Trekking Conditions
Weather
Everest Three Passes Trek and Everest Base Camp Trek lie at a high altitude of about 5000m. The weather is always changing at high altitudes, and no matter which treks you choose, you must be wary of the weather that changes regularly; hence, if you want to hike these treks in the Khumbu region, trek in the ideal conditions. Spring and Autumn are the best times to trek in the Khumbu region.
High Altitude
The Everest Three Passes Trek and the Base Camp Trek occur above an altitude of 5000m. Hence, trekking people must be wary of altitude sickness. It would be best to acclimate on both treks, and Namche Bazaar is the perfect place.
Accommodation
The accommodation for high-altitude treks is normally low-budget lodges and tea houses treks. Hence, the same applies to the Everest Base Camp and the three-pass trek. When you initially arrive in Kathmandu, you will stay in the standard three-star hotels where you will get all the services. However, you will only remain in the teahouses as you climb altitude. The teahouses are clean and small, with expansive rooms and twin beds, meaning you must share your room with other trekkers. You will also have to share your bathroom with the other trekkers. No hot showers are in the teahouses, so you must pay extra for such facilities.
Tabulated Comparision
| Feature | Everest Three Passes Trek | Everest Base Camp Trek |
| Difficulty | Moderate to Challenging | Easy to Moderate |
| Distance | 166 km (103 mi) | 130 km (80.7 mi) |
| Duration | 14-18 days | 12-15 days |
| Highest Point | Kongma La Pass (5,540 m) | Kala Patthar (5,644 m) |
| Accommodation | Tea houses (slightly more expensive) | Tea houses (somewhat cheaper) |
| Meals | More expensive (USD 5-10 per meal) | Less expensive (USD 3-7 per meal) |
| Guide | Compulsory (USD 75-100 per day) | Compulsory (USD 50-80 per day) |
| Porter | Optional (USD 20-30 per day) | Optional (USD 20-30 per day) |
| Highlights | – 3 High Passes (over 5000m) | – Everest Base Camp |
| – Gokyo Lakes | – Stunning flight to Lukla | |
| – Sherpa villages | ||
| – Kala Patthar sunrise/sunset |
Conclusion
The Everest Base Camp Trek and the Three Passes Trek are very popular in the Khumbu region. The two treks are in the same area and only a few hours apart. However, if you choose the Three Pass Treks, you will also have the Everest Base Camp Trek experience.
So, if you are looking for an exciting and adventure-filled trek in the Khumbu region, you might want to experience either the Everest Base Camp Trek or the Three Pass trek. Some other treks in Nepal, like the Island Peak trek, are beaten more quickly, but you won’t reach as high as on these two treks.
