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Everest Three Passes Trek
The Everest Three Passes Trek is a big adventure! You’ll cross three high mountain passes, walk through beautiful villages, and see the tallest mountains like Everest. It’s a great chance to meet Sherpa people and explore the Himalayas while enjoying mountain views and fun hikes.
per person
USD 2,150
Duration
19 Days
Best Season
March- April- May- Aug- Sep- Oct- Nov.
Max. elevation
5,545m/ 18,192ft
Trip Code
CT-10013
Destination
Nepal
Region
Everest Region Treks
Activity
Trekking
Start / End Point
Kathmandu / Kathmandu
Transportation
Domestic Flight | Private Vehicle
Route
Lukla- Namche Bazzar- Tengboche- Dingboche- Kongma La- Gorakshep -Everest Base camp -Kalapathar - Dzongla- Cho- La pass- Gokyo lake- Reanjo La- Namche Bazzar & Lukla
Trip Highlights
- Take a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Lukla.
- Conquering three highest passes, Kongma La Pass, Cho La Pass, and Renjo La Pass, all above 5000m.
- You can see snow-covered mountains such as Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam.
- Immerse yourself in Sherpa culture by visiting traditional villages and monasteries and interacting with locals.
- Encounter a variety of flora and fauna, including rare species like Red Panda and Himalayan Thar.
- The old and most renowned monastery in the Everest Region is Tengboche Monastery.
- Hike to Kalapatthar, which is the highest viewpoint in the Khumbu Region.
- Climb to the top of Gokyo Ri for wide views of Everest, Cho Oyo, and Makalu.
- Stop by the legendary Everest Base Camp trek and soak in the atmosphere of this iconic landmark.
- Have lunch or breakfast in one of the world’s highest hotels: Everest View Hotel.
- Passed by iconic and the world’s highest glacier: The Khumbu Glacier.
- Have a challenging yet the most adventurous trekking experience of your life.
Everest Three Passes Trek Overview
The Everest Three Passes Trek is a challenging yet rewarding trekking route in the Everest Region. The starting point of this trek is Lukla, which is approximately 127 kilometers from Kathmandu. Opting for this three-pass trek, you will not just make your way up to Everest Base Camp but also cross the highest three passes of Khumbu Region of Nepal: Kongma La Pass (5,535/18,159ft), Cho La Pass (5420m/17,782ft), and Renjo La Pass (5,340m/17,520ft). All three passes give you amazing views of the snowy mountains. The trek typically takes about 17 to 20 days to complete, depending upon the itinerary you choose.
While trekking through this trial, you will notice stunning views of the world's highest peaks, including Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Ama Dablam. Passing through Shera village, you will get to learn about the local culture and traditions. Also, the Khumbu region is popular for its ancient monasteries and prayer flags, which you will notice throughout the trek. Furthermore, located within the UNESCO World Heritage Site, you will also get a chance to see the different flora and fauna that are available.
Are you planning on taking this thrilling adventure of the Everest Region? Are you looking for a reputable travel agency? If so, here we are. We are a government-certified agency that has been providing trekking services for decades now. Also, our team of experienced people and guides ensures every one of your travel arrangements, from transportation to meals and accommodation to permits and porters. So do not delay and book with us. Let's create memories together.
Everest Three Passes Trek Altitude Chart
Arrival To Kathmandu
Highest Altitude
4,428 ft
Upon your arrival at Kathmandu International Airport, our team member will receive and welcome you with a warm smile. You are then transported to the hotel. After getting fresh, you can explore the nearby locations. Or, you can take a day’s rest. Besides, exploring the Thamel area at night can be entertaining. You will eat traditional Nepali cuisine for dinner. We will also have a brief meeting on the Everest Base Camp helicopter return trek.
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Hotel
Flight From Kathmandu To Lukla, Trek to Phakding
Trek Distance
10 km
Trek Duration
3-4 hours Trek
Flight Hours
30 min
Drive Hours
5-6 hours
Highest Altitude
8,698 ft
After having breakfast in the morning, our guide will take you to the airport. From there, we will take a 20-minute flight to Luka. It is one of the most convenient ways to explore the scenic beauty of Nepal. Alternatively, if you want to explore the surroundings of Nepal, you can take a drive. For this, you can drive from Manthali to Ramechhap, which can take 5 to 6 hours. Upon reaching Ramechhap, you can take a 20-minute flight to Lukla.
If the flight is canceled or delayed, we will arrange a helicopter ride to Lukla. So, no matter the flight conditions, we will go to Lukla on the second day. After we land at Lukla, we will start our leg journey. We will start our trek to Phakding, which takes around 3 to 4 hours. The hiking route offers scenic beauty.
- Overnight stay at Guesthouse.
Important Note: Lukla flights have been diverted to Ramechap instead of Kathmandu according to the recent notice from the Aviation Authority. The drive from Kathmandu to Ramechap is about 4 to 5 hours. (140 k.m) via B.P. Highway. Depart for Ramechap early in the morning to catch the first flight to Lukla. Read more about Lukla’s flight diversion here.
B.L.D
Lodge
Phakding To Namche Bazzar
Trek Distance
11 km
Trek Duration
6 hours Trek
Highest Altitude
11,283 ft
After an overnight stay in Phakding, our next-day journey starts. The journey takes you through the heart of the Himalayas. As you go higher, you will notice tall peaks like Tamserku and Kusum Kanguru. Moving forward, we will pass a Sherpa village in Monjo. Here, we experience the diverse culture and traditions of the local people. The final scend to Namche Bazaar is quite challenging but rewarding.
B.L.D
Lodge
Namche Bazaar, Acclimatization Day
Trek Distance
3 km
Trek Duration
3 hours Trek
Highest Altitude
12,201 ft
Acclimatizing at Namche Bazaar is crucial for trekking to Everest Base Camp. Located at an elevation of 3440 meters, Namche is the perfect place to allow your body to adjust to the higher altitude. Since today is a rest day, you can also opt for short hikes to higher elevations. We will then hike to Everest View Hotel. Moving forward, we will stop by Khumjung Village and return to Namche Bazaar overnight. This helps you prevent yourself from getting altitude sickness. Also, you can explore the Namche Bazaar.
B.L.D
Guest House
Namche Bazaar To Thame
Trek Distance
6 km
Trek Duration
5 hours Trek
Highest Altitude
12,464 ft
B.L.D
Guest House
Thame To Marulung
Trek Distance
7 km
Trek Duration
6 hours Trek
Highest Altitude
13,808 ft
On day 6, the journey from Thame to Marlung takes you through scenic trails and traditional Sherpa village. We will start by descending from Thame, passing through the village Taranga. Continuing onwards, the train winds through lush forests and crosses streams. Eventually, you reach Maruling. This trek is not only a physical journey but also a cultural one. It allows you to immerse in the beauty and tranquility of the Everest Region.
B.L.D
Guest House
Marulung To Lumde
Trek Distance
5 km
Trek Duration
5 hours Trek
Highest Altitude
14,327 ft
Passing through the remote and rugged terrain of the Everest Region, the trek from Marulung to Lumde is an adventurous journey. The trail descends to the valley in the beginning. Moving forward, it gradually ascends through rocky terrain and alpine meadows. Passing by Sherpa settlements and yak pastures along the way, you will finally make up to Lumde. This village sits below tall peaks like Cho Oyo and Gyanchung Kang.
B.L.D
Guest House
Lumde To Goyko Via Renjo La Pass
Trek Distance
8 km
Trek Duration
7 hours Trek
Highest Altitude
17,580 ft
Departing from Lumde, the trail ascends steeply towards Renjo La Pass. It is the first pass you will be passing, making it challenging. Passing through rugges terrain and many glacial lakes, we reach to Renjo La Pass, from where we can see stunning mountain views. After some time, we will descend towards Gokyo Valley, where we visit turquoise waters of Gokyo Lake.
B.L.D
Guest House
Goyko To Thangnag
Trek Distance
5 km
Trek Duration
5 hours Trek
Highest Altitude
15,580 ft
After having breakfast, we will trek from Gokyo to Thangnag, which isn’t too tough but still offers amazing views. As we leave Gokyo, we’ll walk beside the stunning Gokyo Lakes, surrounded by snowy peaks. The trail gradually goes downhill through pretty meadows and rocks until we reach Thangnag, a cozy village tucked amid towering mountains. It’s a calm place to rest and enjoy the scenery after a day of hiking.
B.L.D
Guest House
Thangnag To Dzongla Via Cho La Pass
Trek Distance
8 km
Trek Duration
6 hours Trek
Highest Altitude
17,777 ft
On Day 10, we’ll trek from Thangnag to Dzongla via the tough Cho La Pass. It’s going to be a challenging day, with steep climbs and rocky paths. When we reach the pass, we’ll be treated to incredible views of the mountains and glaciers, but we’ll need to be careful as we make our way down. Once we’re through, we’ll descend into the peaceful valley trek of Dzongla, where we can take a break.
B.L.D
Guest House
Dzongla To Lobuche
Trek Distance
5 km
Trek Duration
4 hours Trek
Highest Altitude
16,104 ft
Our trek continues from Dzongla to Lobuche. This part of the journey is a bit easier. We’ll walk through valleys and rocky paths, enjoying the beautiful mountain views. Along the way, we’ll pass small Sherpa villages and colorful prayer flags. As we reach Lobuche, a cozy village, we can rest before heading trek towards Everest Base Camp.
B.L.D
Guest House
Lobuche To Gorakshep & Everest Base Camp, EBC To Gorakshep
Trek Distance
9 km
Trek Duration
6 hours Trek
Highest Altitude
17,594 ft
It’s an exciting day as we approach the pinnacle of our journey. The trail from Lobuche to Gorakshep offers awe-inspiring views of the surrounding peaks, preparing us for the grandeur of Everest Base Camp. Upon reaching Gorakshep, we continue our trek and reach the Everest Base Camp. Here, we stand in the shadow of the world’s tallest peak, surrounded by towering mountains and vast glaciers. After soaking in the majestic scenery and capturing unforgettable memories, we return back to Gorakshep.
B.L.D
Guest House
Gorakshep To Kalapathar & Back To Lobuche
Trek Distance
7 km
Trek Duration
7 hours Trek
Highest Altitude
18,187 ft
Today, we hike from Gorakshep to Kalapathar and then back to Lobuche. It’s a tough but exciting day as we aim to reach one of the best viewpoints in the Everest region. We leave Gorakshep and climb up to Kalapathar, a high hill known for its amazing views of Mount Everest and the other mountains around. Once we’re at the top, we take our time to enjoy the stunning scenery before heading back down to Gorakshep. From there, we hike back to Lobuche.
B.L.D
Guest House
Lobuche To Chukung Via Kongma La Pass
Trek Distance
8 km
Trek Duration
5 hours Trek
Highest Altitude
18,159 ft
Today, we cross the challenging Kongma La Pass, which is the highest pass of our entire trek. The path will be demanding, with steep ascents and rocky terrain. At the top of Kongma La Pass, you can see mountains and glaciers around you. After walking downhill, we’ll continue to Chukung, a quiet village surrounded by peaks.
B.L.D
Guest House
Chukung To Tengboche
Trek Distance
12 km
Trek Duration
6 hours Trek
Highest Altitude
15,518 ft
It’s going to be a long but beautiful day. We’ll start by leaving Chukung behind and walking through scenic valleys and pastures. Along the way, we might see some wildlife and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the mountains. As we continue, the trail gradually ascends until we reach Tengboche, home to a famous Buddhist monastery. It’s a great place to rest and soak in the spiritual ambiance before continuing our journey.
B,L,D
Guest House
Tengboche To Namche Bazaar
Trek Distance
12 km
Trek Duration
6 hours
Highest Altitude
12,664 ft
After a scenic day at Tengboche, our journey starts to descend. On Day 7, we will walk down the winding trail and enjoy views of the Himalayan peaks. We will make our way, taking several rest in places like Deboche and Phunki Tenga. The trail then leads back to Dudh Koshi. We will then cross suspension bridges and traverse lush forests. Finally, after a few hours of trekking, we will arrive back at Namche Bazaar.
B.L.D
Guest House
Namche Bazaar To Lukla
Trek Distance
10 km
Trek Duration
6 hours Trek
Highest Altitude
11,286 ft
Continuing our day eight trek, we will further descend towards Lukla. Today is the final leg of your trek journey. As a trial unwinds down from Namche Bazaar, we pass through settlements like Phakding. After the descent of 6 hours, we finally made our way to Lukla. Upon reaching her, we celebrated the succession of our trek, shared stories with fellow trekkers, and prepared for the flight back to Kathmandu.
B.L.D
Guest House
Morning Flight Lukla To Manthali & Drive To Kathmandu.
Flight Hours
25 min
Drive Hours
4 hours
Highest Altitude
11,286 ft
After a day’s rest in Lukla, our 11 days of the trekking journey ended with a scenic flight back to Kathmandu. Similar to how you first got to Lukla, you can also get back to Kathmandu by Helicopter. You can either opt for a morning flight from Lukla to Kathmandu or take a short drive to Manthali and take 20-minute flights to return to Kathmandu. The choice solely depends upon your preference.
B.L.D
Hotel
Departure Day
Flight Hours
35 mins
Today is the final day of the trek to the Everest Base Camp and return. After having breakfast, we head towards Tribhuvan International Airport and move towards our destination. Make sure you pack all your belongings, double-check your travel arrangements, and bid farewell. You can take a moment to cherish your trekking experience throughout the trek. Have a safe travel, and goodbye until we meet again for another adventurous tour to Nepal.
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Not satisfied with this itinerary?
CoreTreks offers a customized itinerary option that allows you to personalize your trek according to your preferences and requirements.
Everest Three Passes Trek Altitude Chart
Altitude in:
Trip Includes
- Airport transfers by Private Vehicles.
- Standard twin-sharing accommodation in a three-star hotel in Kathmandu, breakfast included. (2 Nights).
- Twin-sharing accommodation during the trek. (17 Nights).
- Round trip flight Kathmandu – Lukla / Lukla – Kathmandu, including departure taxes.
- Three daily meals with tea/coffee (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trek.
- TIMS Fee- Trekkers’ Information Management System & Trekking permit (Please bring two passport-size photos).
- One highly experienced, helpful, and friendly guide. Porters (1 porter for two people) and their food, accommodation, salary, and equipment. Accident insurance for all staff
- Farewell dinner in a traditional Nepali restaurant with cultural performances.
- Personal care & attention.
- Local and government taxes.
Complimentary Services
Available After Complete Booking
- Down jacket and four seasonal sleeping bags (to be returned after completion of the trip).
- CoreTreks duffle bag, T-shirt, and a trekking map.
- A self-sufficient medical first aid kit containing vital medications.
- Company-branded water bottle with purification tablets
- Warm woolen hat
- Solar panel for battery charging in the mountain
- Oximeter
Trip Excludes
- All kinds of beverages, including mineral water, Phone calls, laundry, and hot shower during the trek
- Travel and Rescue Insurance
- Tipping to the crew.
- Personal mountaineering gears
- Optional trips and sightseeing if extended
- International airfare and airport departure tax
- Visa fee: you obtain a visa easily upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport Kathmandu
- Do not mention the services apart from the services mentioned in “Cost Included services.”
Essential info for Everest Three Passes Trek
Everest Three Passes Trek Route
The trek follows a challenging yet exhilarating circular route and starts and ends in Lukla. Starting from Lukla, you ascend through lush forests and cross several suspension bridges to reach Namche Bazaar. After a day of acclimatization, you continue your trek to Tengboche, which is popular for its ancient monastery. From there, the route leads to Dingboche, where we further have a day of acclimatization.
Starting off again, the route goes to Lobuche from Dingboche, which is also considered to be the last settlement before the Everest Base Camp, passing Gorek Shep. The journey continues, and you hike up to Kalapatthar for a sunrise view. Moving forward, you will cross Kongma La Pass to Dzongla, followed by the challenging ascent over Cho La Pass to Gokyo. After exploring Gokyo, you cross Renjo Pass to Marlung before returning to Namche Bazaar and, finally, Lukla.
Brief On The Everest Three Passes Mountain
Kongma La Pass
Situated just above Dingboche, the pass stands at an altitude of 5540 meters. It offers the best view of the Himalayan giants of the Everest Region: Mt Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and many more. Besides that, it also offers eye cathing views of Mt Thamserku, Ama Dablam, and other peaks. You can also see the spectular view of Gokyo Lake.
Cho La Pass
Formed between the snowcapped summits of Lobuche and Cholatse, this pass is at elevation of 5420 meter. It is the second highest pass of thr trek. It connects the two popular valleys for trekking in the region: that includes EBC and Gokyo. Although the steep climb is challenging and icy, the spectular views of Ana Dablam from the summit make forget all.
Renjo La Pass
It is also said to be more of a precarious struggle among skittering stones. Located at an elevation of 5360 meters, it is the westernmost pass of Nepal’s Three Passes Trek and is generally considered to be the easiest of the three passes. It’s the only pass that doesn’t require a glacier crossing.
Best Time To Trek
Planning for the best adventurous trek to the Everest Region but wondering what is the best time to visit? Spring (March to May) and August (September to November) are the best times to trek to Everest Three Passes. During these trekking seasons, you will see clear skies, stable weather, and mild temperatures. In spring, you will see blooming rhododendrons, while Autumn brings vibrant colors to the landscapes.
If you want less crowd, then you can choose spring season. However, you can encounter mild rainfall. Similarly, Autumn is a season for festivals and holidays in Nepal. Thus, roads can become a little crowded. However, trekking during festival season leads to a deeper understanding of Nepal’s cultural and traditional practices.
FAQs For Everest Three Passes Trek
General
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Everest Three Passes Trek Additional Information
Accommodation And Meals On The Everest Passes Trek
If you are trekking to the Everest region, the most popular and common accommodations you can find are teahouses or lodge. They offer basic facilities with dormitory rooms and shared bathrooms along with communal dining space, where you can interact with other trekkers. If you want something more adventurous, then you can also go for camping. For this, you can either carry all the camping gear yourself or consult your trekking agency to manage it.
Similarly, for meals, you will often get Nepali traditional cuisine dishes especially, dal bhat, vegetable, soups, and momos. Besides that, you can also get international foods such as break, pancakes, and chowmin. It is very difficult to find varieties of dishes because of higher altitude. If you are diet-conscious, you need to make it clear to your agency before your trekking journey. When booking with us, we offer you a stay at teahouses and also provide three meal facilities.
Everest Three High Passes Trek Difficulty
Considered to be the most difficult trekking route in Nepal, this trek is graded 9 out of 10 in term of difficulty. Involving many days hiking, you need to trek for more than 5 hours a days. The stepy road and diverse terrain also create difficulty in climbing. Person with low physical fitness cannot be perfect for trekking this trail, as this trek is physically demanding.
Also, the high altitude involving in the trek is also another risk factor. Crossing over 5000 meters, there is high risk of altitude sickness. Also, located in higher altitude, you can also have problem finding appropriate accommodation in the trek. Overall, this trek is one of the most challenging trek to complete. However, despite all those hundles, it offers the stunning views of Gokyo Ri and Everest Base Camp.
Permits And Regulations For The Everest Three Passes Trek
Passing through the same route of Everest Base Camp, the Everest Three Passes trek requires two permits: a Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit and a Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit. You can get these permits either from the Tourism Board in Kathmandu or at the entry gate of Sagarmatha National Park in Monjo.
As the trial passed through Sagarmatha National Park, getting a Sagarmatha National Park Permit was necessary. It ensures safe and sound travel without harming the surrounding areas. The pass costs NPR 1500 for SAARC nationals, NPR 3000 for foreigners, and NPR 200 for locals of Nepal.
Similarly, Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit is necessary to explore the restricted places in surrounding areas. You solely cannot get this permits but require an experience trek guide from registered travel agency. The cost of this permits is same for each individual i.e. NPR 2000 per person.
Three Passes Trek Packing List
Are you planning your trip to Everest Three Passes trek and wondering what to pack? Here is a list of all the trek packing essentials and gear for completing your EBC along with three passes trek.
Clothing:
- Base Layers
- Insulation Layer
- Waterproof Jacket
- Trekking Trousers/Pants
- Hiking Shorts
- Trekking Shirts
- Down Jacket
- Fleece Jacket
- Breathable Underwear
- Hat
- Inner Gloves
- Insulated Outer Gloves
Footwear:
- Hiking Boots
- Sandals
- Warm Trekking Socks
- Gaiters
Toiletries:
- Sunscreen
- Toilet Paper
- Wet Tissues
- Lip Balm
- Soap
- Toothpaste and Toothbrush
- Hand Sanitizer
- Pee Funnel (for women)
- Feminine Hygiene Products
Miscellaneous:
- Day Backpack
- Rain Cover
- Sleeping Bag
- Trekking Poles
- Headlight with Extra Batteries
- Water Bottle
- Lock
- Camera
- Portable Power Bank
Important Documents:
- Travel Insurance
- Passport-Sized Photos
- Visa
- Passport
Travellers Reviews
57 Reviews in TripAdvisor
Advisor linkTough Trek, Unforgettable Memories
Since I got back, I keep thinking about the amazing memories me and my friends made on the Everest Three Passes Trek. It was tough, no doubt but being an athlete gave me a bit of an edge.
Finishing the trek felt like a big win for all of us. We’re really proud of it. Honestly, without CoreTreks, we would’ve been lost in all the booking and planning.
Thanks to their team for helping us make this dream come true.
James
United Kingdom
Incredible Tour Guides
Our trip would not have been possible without the professional guides who were sent along with us from CoreTreks. These people are really amazing and well experienced. They definitely know what they are doing.
I would recommend anyone who is concerned on trekking the Three Pass in Nepal to book with CoreTreks. Their team is phenomenal. After more than two weeks in Nepal, I have fallen in love with Nepalese cuisine. Thank you Nepal, will see you again very soon.
Maria
United States
Finally Made It to Nepal
It wasn’t easy, but we did it. I feel truly inspired by the culture and way of life in Nepal. This trip completed a goal I’ve had for nearly ten years to go trekking in Nepal.
Even though the trek was challenging, the team was always there to support us. Their help made a big difference.
Thanks to everyone at CoreTreks for the kind service and warm hospitality. I highly recommend them and hope to visit again someday.
Michal
Poland
Plan your private Trip
If these dates do not suit your plans, please contact us to request alternative dates. We are more than happy to customise the itinerary and schedule to better fit your needs.
There is no additional cost on the private trip. Group discount will be applied on checkout.
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