The Three Passes Trek in the Everest region is an iconic adventure that leads trekkers through three majestic high-altitude passes: Kongma La (5,535m), Cho La (5,420m), and Renjo La (5,360m). This thrilling route combines rugged trails with an immersive experience of Sherpa culture, making it the ultimate journey for Everest enthusiasts. The trek links the major valleys of the region, allowing for breathtaking panoramas and an intimate encounter with the Himalayan landscape. Trekkers can complete the route in either direction, clockwise or counterclockwise, offering flexibility based on preference.
The Everest Three Passes Trek is a thrilling and challenging journey that rewards you with spectacular mountain views. Along the way, you’ll enjoy awe-inspiring sights of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, Ama Dablam, and more. Ideal for adventurers seeking a demanding, high-altitude trek, this route offers an experience of a lifetime. While physically challenging, the trek’s unmatched views and breathtaking scenery make it well rewarding.
Crossing passes over 5,000 meters may sound scary to some people, but no technical climbing skills are required for this trek. With sound fitness and good physical health, this trek is accessible to many. Micro spikes are highly recommended and useful in extreme weather, adding an extra layer of safety to this already popular trekking route in Nepal.
Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November) are the ideal times for the Three Passes Trek, providing stable weather and clear views. Monsoon season (June to August) is also an option if it aligns with your schedule, though trails may be wetter. Winter treks are less advisable due to snowfall and potential trail blockages.
After an early-morning breakfast, our guide will pick you up from the hotel and drive you to the domestic airport terminal. You'll receive your boarding pass and fly from Kathmandu to Lukla (2886m), which takes about 35 minutes. The flight offers close views of the Himalayas and picturesque landscapes of hills, farms, and rivers.
Upon arrival in Lukla, you'll begin a 3-hour trek to Phakding (2640m). Starting from Lukla, you'll gently climb up the mountainside on the left bank of the Dudh Koshi River. Mt. Nupla (5885m), visible in the distance, stands atop the Kongde Ridge. Descending a mountainside path, you'll merge into the route to Everest, enjoying views of a wonderful valley to your right and Mt. Kusum Kang (6367m) to the far end. Stay overnight at lodge.
Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3440m) takes approximately five hours. Namche Bazaar is surrounded on three sides by mountain ranges and faces the Bhote Koshi to the South. Stay overnight at lodge.
A day for rest at Namche Bazaar (3440m.) for acclimatization. You can walk up to Khumjung to visit a monastery or hike up to Syangboche (3800m) for outstanding views of Everest, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Nuptse, Lhotse, Tawoche, and Kwangde. Stay overnight at lodge.
Trek from Namche Bazaar to Thame (3800m) takes about four hours. The route turns west from Namche, and the trail is almost level as you head up the Bhote Koshi Valley, once a popular trading route into Tibet. After descending to the Bhote Koshi, the trail climbs steeply to Thame. From here, enjoy good views of the peaks of Teng Kangpoche and Kwangde. To the north lies the Nangpa La, the pass leading to Tibet. Thame Gompa overlooks the valley and is the site for the spring celebrations of the Mani Rimdu festival. You can also visit Khumbu Bijuli Power on the banks of the Bhote Koshi. Another worthwhile visit is the Khare Monastery. Stay overnight at lodge.
Trek from Thame to Lungden via Taranga takes about five hours. This day you walk around the villages, enjoying the views of the landscape, vegetation, and mountains. Stay overnight at lodge.
Rest day at Lungden. You can visit Nakpa Valley, which falls on the old trade route to Tibet. Another attraction is to hike to Darkyachhulung peak or visit Marlung, the sacred site of Warfield. You can also trek to Lake Cho Relmo. Stay overnight at lodge.
Trek from Lungden to Gokyo via Renjola Pass (5360m) takes about six hours. On the way, observe local activities like yak herding. The views of the mountains and the chance to experience wildlife add excitement to your trekking. Stay overnight at lodge.
Rest day at Gokyo and excursion in and around Gokyo valley. Make a side trip to the Fifth Lake via Fourth Lake or trek from Gokyo to Gokyo Ri. Gokyo Ri looms above the village, offering panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu. Stay overnight at lodge.
Trek/climb from Gokyo to Gokyo Ri (5340m) and trek back to Thangna (4650m) via Gokyo village takes about four and a half hours. Enjoy the views from Gokyo Ri before descending to Thangna, situated at the shore of the Ngozumpa Glacier. Stay overnight at lodge.
Trek from Thangna to Dzongla (4843m) via Chola pass (5420m) takes about 5 and half hours. Ascend slightly along the valley towards Chola pass, enjoying panoramic views of various mountains. Descend steeply to Dzongla. Stay overnight at lodge.
Trek from Dzongla to Gorakshep (5180m) takes about 6 hours. Descend and ascend gently, providing excellent views of Ama Dablam, the Nuptse-Lhotse wall, and Everest. Gorakshep is the location of the original Everest Base Camp. Now the trail winds through a rocky path and the Khumbu glacier with views of Nuptse, Lho-La and KhumbuTsein full portrait.Stay overnight at lodge.
Trek from Gorakshep to Everest Base Camp (5486m.) takes about 2-3 hours. Trek up the valley following the rocky moraine path; view icy glacial ponds and icebergs down below Khumbu glacier. You will spend some time at Base Camp and descend gradually down to Gorakshep. Stay overnight at lodge.
Trek from Gorakshep to Kala Patthar (5545m) and back to Gorakshep for breakfast. Then, you will descend down to Lobuche (4250m) takes about 6 hours. Enjoy the panoramic view of Mt. Everest from Kala Patthar before descending to Lobuche. Stay overnight at lodge.
Trek from Lobuche to Chhukung (4900m) via Kongmala La Pass (5535m) takes about 8-9 hours. Stay overnight at lodge in Chhukung.
Trek from Chhukung to Tyangboche (3867m) takes approximately four hours. Tyangboche offers splendid views of Ama Dablam, lush green hills, and river views. Stay overnight at lodge.
Trek from Tyangboche to Namche Bazaar (3440m) takes about 4 hours. Descend steeply and slightly towards Phunki Tenga (3250m), crossing the Dudh Koshi. Enjoy panoramic views of the Khumbu peaks before reaching Namche Bazaar. Stay overnight at lodge.
Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla (2886m.) takes about six hours. The last day of your trek leads from Namche Bazaar via Monjo to Lukla. The trek is pleasant, except for a few short uphill climbs and then stepping down to the Bhote-Koshi River crossing it three times. The last uphill climb of 45 minutes will bring you to Lukla for your overnight stay. Stay overnight in lodge.
Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu takes approximately 35 minutes. Lukla - Kathmandu flights are only operated during the morning hours, usually from 6 AM till 11AM. Fierce wind blows across the mountains in the late afternoon and evening making it impossible for planes to operate. You will enjoy this scenic plane ride one more time before getting back to Kathmandu.
Below is a list of equipment and clothing required for trekking. The necessity of these items depends on the type, altitude, timing and destination of trekking. Appropriate trekking gears are not only required for the comfort/pleasure of your trek but also to improve safety factor. Please have a look over these items in order to fully prepare and thoroughly enjoy the trekking.
General Items:
Daypack, Rucksack, Sleeping bag, Duffel bag, Walking Poles, walking boots, sandals, Toiletries (Soaps, Toilet papers, Sanitizers, toothpaste, tooth brush, etc.)
Clothing Items:
Thermal underwear, Down jacket, Shorts, Trekking trousers, Towels, Woolen gloves, Gaiters, Fleece jacket or Pullover, Wind/water proof jacket, Raincoat, Warm socks, buff
Sun-worn Items:
Sun hat, Sunglasses, Snow goggles, Sunscreen, Lip balm
Gadgets:
Headlamp, Flash light, Binoculars, Cameras (chargers and batteries),
Liquid/Snacks:
Water bottle/bladder, Water purification Iodine tablets, Energy bars and snacks
Medical Essentials:
First Aid Kit
Optional:
Altimeter, Compass, Binoculars, Books/magazines, GPS, Pocket knife, Candles (for lodges), Notebook with pencil/pen, etc
Additional items for camping trek:
Tent, Stove and fuel, Utensils for cooking, eating and drinking, sleeping mattresses
Note: We can also provide sleeping bag, down jacket, duffel bag, walking poles, and First Aid Kit in case if you don’t have one. These items are inclusive of total package price.
Michael James Pegg, Lola
Dear Nava (and Hari),
We had a great time on our trek and loud every minutes of being in amongst the mountains very abily guided by Hari.
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David Giles, Paul Damon Wood, Richard Werner, Michael David Ritscher, Manauel Lorenzo
A fantastic journey into the Himalaya. The trip was epic and our service from start to finish was superb.
VASUTHAVAN MAHESWARY & TAMAN SELAYANG BARU
First and foremost, I would like to express my joyous experience on my visit to Nepal, and of course, most of it is due to Nepal Environmental Trekking, which gave us an excellent guide and an excellent trekking experience for my stay here.
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