Three Passes Trek

Based on 4 reviews

  • Destination:Nepal
  • Total Duration:21 Days
  • Trekking Duration:21 Days
  • Trip Grade:Moderate

Trip Highlights

Three Passes of Everest Trek is the most challenging yet adventurous trekking route in the Everest region. Explore the gorgeous valleys combined with three high passes well over 5000 m altitude.

• Hike across three adventurous high passes Kong Ma La (5,535m), Cho La (5420m) and Renjo La (5340m) of Everest region
• Hike to the remote and untouched valley of Everest region.
• Scenic flight to and from Lukla.
• Visit Everest Base camp and climb Kalapather (5,545m)
• Remarkable views of Khumbu ice-fall
• Explore the Himalayan Sherpa settlement.
• Breathtaking views of the eight thousand above meters peak including Mount Everest.

Trip Overview

Three passes trek is the most adrenaline pumped route that the most of extreme travelers around the world seek for. For the ordinary human being mere glimpse of Mt. Everest is adequate to give feeling of contented. Three Passes – Trek is designed in such way that you will be able to trek along the three passes – Renjo La Pass (5388 m), Cho La Pass (5380 m), and Kongma La Pass (5535 m). Along with these pass, you will also be trekking to the different places in Khumbu region like Gokyo Ri, Everest Base Camp, Kalapatthar, and Chukung Ri. This is a strenuous trek where you will be climbing some technical passes and you will need a skilled guide to help you cross these passes. This will be one of the memorable 21-days treks in the Everest region.

Trekking in the Everest region is one of the most sought and desired treks across the world. Three passes trek is just for those seeking for lifetime adventures equipped with cultural exploration and natural beauties. During this adventurous trek, you’ll get stunning and unparalleled mountain views including Mt. Everest, Mt. Ama Dablam, and Mt. Lhotse. Despite the challenging trail, you’ll get plenty of opportunities to indulge yourself in breathtaking mountain vistas than in regular Everest Base Camp Trek.

Everest High Passes Trek is an exhilarating adventure in the Himalayas of Nepal that includes trekking on popular Everest trails while also discovering unique gems of the Khumbu region. On our trekking adventure, we cross three high passes in the Everest region – Kongma La Pass (5,535/18,159 ft), Cho La Pass (5420 m/17,782 ft) and Renjo La Pass (5,340 m/17,520 ft) and set foot on the Everest base camp, climb Kalapathhar and Gokyo Ri; and tour Gokyo Lakes. This route also introduces trekkers to the remote and untouched Nangpa La Valley, the Sherpa village of Marlung and the monastery village of Thame.
Everest High Passes Trek is an ideal choice for a true adventure seeker looking for a challenging trek in the Everest region of Nepal which also involves crossing high mountain passes. If we are looking to undertake a slightly less adventurous trek than this but which includes Gokyo lakes, Kala Patthar and Everest Base Camp, then Everest Base Camp Trek via Gokyo Lakes – 18 Days would be best.

The 19 days trip to Everest 3 high passes trip begins after you fly to Lukla. You shall embark on the journey to reach Namche Bazar via Phakding. From Namche Bazar, passing through Tengboche, Dingboche, Lobuche, and Gorakshep, you will reach Everest Base Camp. Then, viewing the best of the Everest from Kalapatthar, you will descend down to and cross the Cho La Pass and then back to Namche Bazar. You will ascend to Kongma la first then make a beeline for the famous Everest base camp. Cho la is the next pass you will visit trekking through the majestic vantage point of Kalapatthar and then it’s a blessed downward trail to the emerald lakes of Gokyo. Enjoying glorious views from the fifth lake near Gokyo ri, you will set out for the formidable final pass of Renjo La. You will then take the traditional route Nangpo La to reach Thame and finally reach Marlung for the night. You trip concludes at Lukla.

Like all treks in the Everest region, the best time for Three Passes of Everest Trek is autumn (September-November) and spring (March_May). During these months, the weather condition is stable and dry. Besides, the weather stability these months also offer the best mountain vistas.

Outline Itinerary

  • Day 01: - Greetings at Kathmandu Airport
  • Day 02: - A full day sightseeing tour of Kathmandu, the capital valley
  • Day 03: - Flight from KTM to Lukla and trekking to Phakding
  • Day 04: - Phakding trekking to Namche
  • Day 05: - Acclimatization day in Namche
  • Day 06: - Namche Bazaar trekking to Thame
  • Day 07: - Thame to Lungden
  • Day 08: - Lungden – Renjola Pass – Gokyo Lake
  • Day 09: - Gokyo Lake explore around
  • Day 10: - Trekking down to Thangnak
  • Day 11: - Thangnak - Cho La
  • Day 12: - Dzongla to Lobuche
  • Day 13: - Lobuche to Gorakshep trekking to Everest Base campback to Gorak shep
  • Day 14: - Gorak Shep trekking Kala Patthar and back to Lobuche
  • Day 15: - Lobuche to - Khongma La Pass to Chukung
  • Day 16: - Chhukung to Tengboche
  • Day 17: - Tengboche to Namche
  • Day 18: - Namche Bazaar trekking back to Lukla
  • Day 19: - Flight from Lukla to Kathmandu
  • Day 20: - Kathmandu free day.
  • Day 21: - Final Departure

Detail Itinerary

Welcome to the land of Mountains. After landing at the Tribhuwan International Airport, you will be greeted by our representative and transfer to your respective hotel. Overnight in Kathmandu

The very next morning, after breakfast you will leave for a full day sightseeing tour around Kathmandu valley. You can visit the sacred Pashupatinath Temple and Swyambhunath, very ancient and essentially enlisted in UNESCO World Heritage sites. The biggest Buddhist Stupa at Boudhanath and the fine arts and historical architecture of Kathmandu Durbar Square reflecting the ancient Nepalese culture are highlighted on our guided tour. On return to your hotel, you will have time to explore the local area, have dinner and perhaps take a leisurely stroll through the popular streets.

Early morning we fly from Kathmandu to Lukla via mountain flight of about 40 minutes scenic flight. With clear weather, we get fantastic views of the mountains, including Everest as we enter the deep gorge of the Dudh Kosi valley. You begin your trek from Lukla following a gentle climb up the mountainside on the left bank of the Dudh Koshi River. Along the way, you will have a view of Mt Nupla (5885m) Kusum Kanguru (6367m) and Mount Kwongde Range. We then take an easy walk for about two hours to Phakding village. However, if interested in additional activities we can take a side trip to a nearby monastery.

From Phakding the trail follows the Dudh Koshi valley north, meandering through the pines, crossing it twice by small suspension bridges before reaching the village of Monjo, the entrance gate of the Sagarmatha National Park. Beginning with a slight climb to Jhorsalle, the trail passes waterfalls and other culturally and naturally occurring items of interest. Villages are interspersed with magnificent forests of Rhododendron, Magnolia, and fir. A steep climb up to the beautiful village of Namche Bazaar (3440m) will afford you further spectacular views and a comfortable place to spend the second night of the trek.

Accommodate your body to the high altitude of Namche as you have gained a much height previous day. Set in a natural amphitheater looking across to the jagged ridge of Kongdi RI (6187m), Namche Bazaar is one of the most attractive settlements in the khumbu region. We will have a full day rest so that we won’t face any problem ahead. You have full day leisure for wonderful panoramic view or stroll around the market You can also enjoy the splendid views of Everest, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Nuptse, Lhotse, Tawche, and Kwangde and so on.

The most exciting acclimatization trek Namche takes you along the Bhote Koshi to Thame. The trail enters a pretty forest of pines and rhododendrons. Pass ancient mud plastered Stupa at Phurte, and follow the path to Tesho. You’ll roll into Thamo and Thamo Gompa. At the end of the spur, the trail drops steeply to the Khumbu hydroelectric project plant and then turn to the Thame for night stay. Thame is at the end of Khumbu Valley and iconic value of Thame is its terrain the people which are untouched by the effects of modern civilization.

Ascending the trail to Tarngga, it’s gentle stroll from Thame. You’ll cross Marulung (4200m) on the east bank of Bhote Koshi. The final descent to Lungden follows a narrow valley clogged with giant boulders. During the walking, you can observe varieties of plants and animals with unique Sherpa culture.

After crossing you will descend Renjo la pass where an eye-popping vista awaits. Crossing an iron bridge over a stream the trail levels out as it follows the valley past the first lake, known as Longpongo at 4690m, where we get chance to observe the Lama footprints on a stone. The second lake, Taboche Tsho mesmerizes us by the shimmering turquoise blue sheet of water sparkling in the sun. Little we reach the third lake, called Dudh Pokhari, linked by a surging stream to the previous one. Gokyo village stands by the third lake and Cho-Oyu Mountain. Above the lake provides panoramic views of Cho Oyu, Gyachung Kang, Lhotse, Makalu, Cholats, and Tawache.

Spend a day in Gokyo strolling around the lakes and hiking up to some of the mountain viewpoints nearby. Start your trek in morning and get to steep climb of about 30min to reach the top with its traditional prayer flags. View the Ngozumpa glacier, the biggest glacier of Nepal. Definitely, we would not miss the chance to observe the fourth lake (Thonak Tsho) and fifth lake (Ngozuma Tsho). From where you will have a magnificent view of highest peaks, from the west to east are Cho you (8,153m), Gyachung Kang (7,922m), Everest ( 8848m), Lhotse (8,501m) and further way Makalu.

Trek down to Thangnak, enjoying the superb view of Gokyo Lake. We will cross Gokyo glacier, about 4 hours working down to Thangnak for the night stay.

The trek to the Cho La pass can be a rather difficult route. But on the way, you will be able to experience the best part of your hiking; difficult but very worthy. In good weather, you can cross the Cho La with no special equipment but warm clothing and an ice ax might provide added peace to mind. The path skirts around the ridge, staying mostly level. Stop overnight at the village of Dzongla.

The first step is a gentle stroll between snowy peaks that seem almost close enough to touch. The trail runs east past a series of ominous looking black boulders beneath the looking peak of Cholatse. You can turn around to see the Ama Dablam (6856m). About 4 and half hour slowly working takes you Lobuche (4910m). On the way, you can see Dughla Lake. Stark and rugged beauty create almost moonscape campsite at Lobuche a windswept collection of huts tucked in a narrow meadow between the glacier and the Lobuche peak. Tawoche and Nuptse are particularly spectacularly from Lobuche towering.

The first section of the trail from Lobuche follows the narrow gap between the glacial moraine and the mountain walls, past turn off to the Italian pyramid. Take time to detour to the edge of moraine to look over the Khumbu glacier. Along the windy and rocky path with the wonderful view of Mt. Pumori, Nuptse, and other magnificent peaks, we reach Gorakshep. Gorakshep is the location of the original Everest Base Camp with the new camp being further up the valley.

It is around 7-8 hrs trail today. Mornings are usually sparkling and clear and this is the best time to climb the Kalapathar for one of the world’s definitive mountain views. We will be rewarded the 360-degree dramatic panoramic views of Mt Everest and surrounding mountains like Mt. Pumori, Mt. Lingtren, Mt. Khumbetse, Mt. Nuptse, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Ama Dablam, Mt. Thamserku along with many other peaks. You will have an easy walk for about 2hrs to reach Lobuche.

From Lobuche, it is easy ascending. You’ll enter a wide basin, dotted with small frozen lakes. The trail drops to Khongma la Pass. A crain mummy-wrapped in prayer flags marks the pass. It’s a grinding descending to the east side of Niyang Khola valley. There are great views across the valley to Island peak and jagged ridge of amphu lapcha (5845m). It is all the way night at Chukung. We will meet climbers preparing for Island Peak climbing.

We descend the valley of the Imja Khola, trek through the village of Dingboche with its stone-walled potatoes fields, down alpine pastures through the kharkas of Tsura, Orsho, and Shomare to the village of Pangboche, the highest year-round settlement in the valley. From the viewpoint at the top of the hill, there are awe-inspiring views of distinctive peaks like Amadablam (6856m), standing proud of the massif containing Everest (8848m), Nuptse (7861m), Lhotse (8501m) and inspiring views of Himalayan giants. We visit the Buddhist Monastery at Tengboche, the largest in the Khumbu region.

After crossing the suspension bridge over the Dudh Koshi River trek onwards to the Kyanjuma the junction of the trinity ways to Gokyo Valley, Khumjung village, and Namche Bazaar. Dense wildlife of some species of Pheasants, Himalayan Griffons, Musk deer and wild goat can be found abundance inside the rhododendron forest. Evening explores a small surrounding area with magnificent scenery.

The descent from Namche to the Dudh Koshi can be the hardest stage of the entire trek. Although the path is all downhill, the unrelenting slope places massive impact on the knees. Once you cross the high suspension bridge, the path runs mostly level. We will work through rhododendron and pine forests with the view of distance snow covered peak before arriving Phakding. Enjoying the lush green scenery around and passing through the incredible mountain scenery and local Sherpa village arrival in Lukla. You’ll have time to stroll around the local areas. In the evening you can enjoy a typical Nepalese dinner and cultural show.

Saying a final goodbye to our porters, we will have a flight back to Kathmandu of an exciting one hour. (It also can be a spare day in case of bad weather in Lukla which makes the Lukla flight delayed and cancel.) In the evening you can have your last night in Nepal enjoying the Nepali cultural dinner show exchanging greetings among friends and with all Nepalese people. You can buy some souvenirs.

Today is a free day in Kathmandu valley. You are free to have some shopping and enjoy the local streets and the life of people. You can have a relaxing walk over the streets and view the normal living of Nepalese. Also, you can buy some memories and gifts back to your home. Full day leisure can be accompanied by some entertainment and sound time in the hotel.

Our friendly representative will drop you off at Tribhuwan International airport 3 hours before the scheduled flight. We are sure that you will be inspired to visit Nepal again after this trek. We hope that you choose us to plan your next trip to Nepal.

" Dolma Treks covered all aspects of my dream trip: hotels, logistics, food, permits.
Tsering Lama is a very seasoned trip organizer and guide that knows the way things work locally, which means a hassle-free, pure joy adventure. I have traveled to Nepal 5 times so far, always with Dolma Treks. Have done a bit of everything: culture, trekking, yoga retreat, educational visits, rescue visits (Earthquake 2015). I have been solo, with friends, and even with my young son since he was 7. Everything was perfect, every single time.

I loved every second of my trips to Nepal and I simply can't wait to be back" 

M/s C. Kasper,
Brazil

I would just like to say that our trekking holiday in Langtang National Park & our Bridim homestay with Tsering Lama and his wonderful porters "Lale and Mingmar" was the most memorable, amazing holiday I have ever experienced. The guidance and support given were just so great. My wish is that my Aussie friends join a trek with Dolma Tours one day to experience this amazing country of Nepal. Thank you, Tsering. Your Aussie friends, Tania, Steve & Jesse Pitt

Tania,Steve & Jesse Pitt,

I recently went on Tsering's 17-day tour of Nepal, in Oct/Nov 2013.
Tsering is an exceptional tour leader, very organized and a welcoming host. 
He paid much attention to detail both in the planning of the itinerary and throughout the course of the trip.  Right from the beginning, the pre-departure information was excellent and I felt very well-prepared.  Any questions I had about the trekking were answered promptly by email.
Tsering's itinerary has a lovely variety of places to visit: in Kathmandu, trekking in the Annapurna mountains, visiting the Chitwan National Park, and a stunning flight over Mount Everest.  On our trek, the porters were very helpful, friendly and spoke a little English.
Tsering was always professional and timely. We were also given great insight into the generosity of the Nepali people by being invited into his family home.
Heartfelt thanks again from me for a wonderful trip!

Mrs. M. Barnett,
Auckland, NZ

We joined one of Tsering's trips to Annapurna and Chitwan in October 2013, where Tsering warmly welcomed us at the airport and confidently and efficiently organized everything for us from the moment we arrived until our departure 17 days later, making the entire trip extremely relaxing and enjoyable.
His guidance with local customs and his ability to communicate clearly in English was invaluable in ensuring we were completely informed at all times of our programme.  His command of local languages meant we were afforded the best treatment at the local hotels, lodges, and restaurants throughout our trip.
The trip was a wonderful balanced mix of the frantic bustle of Kathmandu, the grandeur of the Annapurna mountains, and the thrill of the Chitwan jungle, all complemented by a style of travel that exposes you to, and allows you to immerse yourself in the local culture to the extent you are personally willing and comfortable with.
The local guides Tsering organized were very competent and knowledgeable, giving us a great opportunity to absorb, understand and appreciate the breadth and depth of Nepal's history and the many cultures that make up its friendly people. Tsering gave us a marvelous insight into the recent history and of current events that gave us a wonderful context and appreciation of what makes the nation of Nepal what it is today and influences its future.
For the trek, Tsering organized a friendly team of local porters and guides who worked so hard carrying our gear over the often steep terrain of the mountains. Special mention goes to our lead guide Lale, who ensured the trek was perfectly paced to match the abilities of our relatively senior group. The guides and porters always had a friendly and smiling disposition, and we had a marvelous party with them on our last night, sharing cultural song and dance.
Tsering is generous of both time and nature, we were privileged to meet his family, and we particularly enjoyed the company of his enchanting 11yo son Jigme on our trip, and of his young friend Amod.
I would unreservedly recommend Tsering as a guide to anyone travelling to Nepal who is wanting to get to know this intriguing and beautiful country and its friendly people, and who enjoys knowing everything is confidently organized for you in a relaxed and efficient manner by a knowledgeable local who is a marvelous ambassador for his people and his country.
Thank you, Tsering, I sincerely hope we have the opportunity to visit Nepal again someday and enjoy your friendly and proficient service.

Mr. G. Clark,
Auckland NZ

Tsering and his trekking company were brought to my attention by my daughter who had trekked with friends in Nepal. That trip was led by Tsering who was already known to one of the group. This group so recommended Tsering, that my wife and I decided upon a trekking tour under his guidance.
We were not any stage disappointed. Tsering contacted us and after considering age, fitness and wishes, designed what he thought was an appropriate tour. He emailed a comprehensive programme with some beautiful pictures and suggested dates. We arranged the flights to and from Kathmandu and brought in a couple of friends.
From our arrival until our departure, every detail was arranged. All accommodation, transport guides, porters, and dining was minutely cared for leaving us the freedom to simply enjoy ourselves. The team he engaged were known to him and endlessly strived to assist. Friendliness and honesty were so obvious.
Westerners are usually apprehensive about local cooking and food hygiene. Tsering always stationed one of the porters in the kitchens of the tea houses to oversee the cleanliness of food preparation. Some of his team are also chefs. It is a matter of pride for him that virtually all his tourists complete their trips without gastric upset.
Tsering is very kind, caring and attentive to detail. He is great fun, has a keen political insight as well as concern for the education of his young countrymen. He is honest and generous to a fault - as are his lovely family whom we met. We also enjoyed their hospitality.
If we return to Nepal there is absolutely no doubt we would ask Tsering to undertake our planning and if possible accompany us. He was faultless and thus I have no hesitation in recommending his company to your favorable attention.

Mr. & Mrs. Peters from Poole,
Poole, UK

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