Trip Facts

  • Duration:21 Days
  • Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
  • Max Altitude:5,545m
  • Min group sizeAny
  • Best TimeMarch to April and September to November
  • Holiday typeTrekking

About Everest Three Passes Trek

 

Everest Three High Passes Trek takes you beyond the usual Everest Base Camp Trek into stunning Gokyo Valley and crosses three high passes- Kongma La (5,550 m), Renjo La (5,360 m), and Cho La (5,420 m). Everest Base Camp & Three High Passes Trek in Nepal is a perfect trek for adventure lovers who love challenges and looking to push their limits. This trek crosses three high passes of the Khumbu region, explores fine mountain villages, Everest Base Camp (5,364 m), Gokyo Lakes (4,700 m-5,000 m), and ascends to Kala Patthar (5,643 m).

Everest 3 high passes trek is the ultimate venture in the Khumbu region. The Everest High Passes Trek is no doubt insanely adventurous and strenuous. No room for new trekkers. Furthermore, you cannot do three passes trek solo. It's way too risky. 

The trail winds from the lush forests of the Sagarmatha National Park to the alpine zone. You will pass by beautiful waterfalls and streams, crossing several suspension bridges and remote mountain villages. While staying overnight in the different villages, get to see the lifestyle and culture of the locals. Stop by ancient monasteries and stupas along the way. 

Likewise, fluttering prayer flags and vibrant prayer wheels will become a constant blessing for a safe and successful venture of the trekkers. Along the Everest Three High Passes Trek route, you will get to see a never-ending sensation landscape and giant Himalayan mountains all around you.
We organize tailor-made Three High Passes Trek as well. You can also do Three Passes Trek Nepal on budget. Get in touch with us to book the trek. For more information about the route, you can also check our Everest Three Passes Trek map.

Why go on Everest Three High Passes Trek with Adventure White Mountain?

With Adventure White Mountain Trek, you will be trekking with a team of active trekkers and climbers who have successfully led numerous groups to the Three high passes trek. Not only do we practice sustainable and eco-friendly trekking, but give back to mountain communities during the venture too. Our experienced Sherpa guides will accompany you throughout the trek, help you cross strenuous sections, and introduce you to the locals.

Trip Highlights

  • Get to know Nepali art, architecture, history, and culture during sightseeing of monuments in Kathmandu
  • Take thrilling flight in and out of Lukla that offers spectacular aerial views of the Himalayas
  • Trek through the lush forests of Sagarmatha National Park, passing by waterfalls and crossing suspension bridges
  • Pass by beautiful mountain villages, where you can have a glimpse of the lifestyle of the locals
  • Spend time with locals and get to know them closely
  • Visit ancient monasteries like the Tengboche monastery
  • Cross the three high passes of the Khumbu region;  Cho La, Renjo La, and Kongma La passes
  • Explore Everest Base Camp and capture stunning sunrise from Kala Patthar
  • Explore fine Gokyo village and spend time around Gokyo Lakes
  • Witness outstanding views of the Himalayan mountains like Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Kanchenjunga, Cho Oyu, Pumori, Ama Dablam, Island Peak, etc
     

Itinerary

Expand all +Collapse all -

We would like to inform our valued clients that the time duration is depending on the trekker and their physical fitness.
B L D means Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Welcome to Nepal! Upon your arrival in Kathmandu representative of Adventure White Mountain receives you at Tribhuvan International Airport and drive you to a hotel. If your arrival is at appropriate time then you can enjoy the leisurely walk in the streets of Thamel. It is a prime destination for foreigners. It is said that Kathmandu visit is incomplete without strolling in this part of the city. Overnight in a hotel. 

  • Accommodation Star Hotel
  • MealsBreakfast
  • Altitude1345 M

 It is a busy day with the jam-packed schedule. We will visit four UNESCO listed World Heritage Sites of Kathmandu namely, Kathmandu Durbar Square, Pashupatinath temple, Boudhanath stupa and Swoyambhunath stupa.

Kathmandu Durbar Square: It is a historical site of the country which covers five acres of land at the center of Kathmandu. The entire site is divided into two parts—inner and outer. The inner part consists of Hanuman Dhoka Palace which is one of the prime sites to visit. The statue of Hanuman (monkey god) is placed in front of the main entrance of the Palace. King Pratap Malla erected a statue of Hanuman here in the 17th century with the belief that the god will keep all evils outside the palace. He also built Sundari and Mohan Chowk on the north of the palace.

According to stone scriptures, Kathmandu Durbar Square was the administrative center for Lichhavi Kings. They built palaces and temples here in the 3rd century but no remains of it are found yet. The major developments of the site took place in the time of Ratna Malla in 1484. He turned the existing palaces into Royal Palace. Since then many temples and palaces were built here by different Malla and Shah Kings.

There are many things to observe in the outer part of the area such as Kasthamandap, Shiva-Parvati temple, Kumari Ghar and many more. Kasthamandap enshrines Gorakhnath (Lord Shiva in the form of cow protecting god). King Laxmi Narasingha Malla built it in the 16th century by using woods of a single tree. It was built in Pagoda style. This temple was completely destroyed by the quake of 25th April 2015. The name Kathmandu was derived from this very temple—Kasthamandap.

Kumari Ghar (house) is another major attraction of this place as the living goddess—Kumari lives here. This house is also severely damaged by the quake and is in the reconstruction process. Kumari is regarded as a living form of Taleju Bhawani (Durga).

There are many other things to see here. It is truly a historical site with the cultural outlook of Nepal. It is a center of Newar culture.

Pashupatinath temple: Pashupatinath is located on the east from Kathmandu Durbar Square. It is a sacred site for Hindu where Lord Shiva is worshipped in the form of Linga. The Linga is a stone of around three and a half feet cylindrical black colored stone where the face of Lord Shiva is carved in four sides. There are temples of many other god and goddess in this area.

Bouddhanath Stupa: Bouddhanath stupa is one of the largest stupas of South Asia. It is built in octagonal mandala structure. The entire stupa is surrounded by the brick wall. The color of the stupa is completely white. A dome-like structure is made on the octagonal base where people walk in clockwise direction reciting mantras.

The prayer wheels, butter lamps and prayer flags in the site are really pleasant. There are more than 50 monasteries in Bouddhanath area dedicated to Lord Buddha. The site gives the glimpse of Tibet so it is also regarded as mini Tibet. It is said that the stupa was built by Lichhavi King called Shiva Dev in 590 AD but it is not proved it.

Swoyambhunath stupa: Like Bouddhanath Swoyambhunath is also regarded as the prime site for Buddhist. It is a place where hundred thousand people around the world visit every year. The site is located on the west from Kathmandu. Swoyambhunath is situated at a hillock. It is a dome-shaped structure with the eyes of Buddha in all four directions at top of the dome. Swoyambhunath is also known as Monkey Temple because a lot of monkeys live here.

‘Self-Existing’ is the meaning of Swoyambhu. It is said that this stupa used to be here even then when this entire valley was logged with water forming a huge lake. Later Manjushree arrived here and saw a beautiful lotus with many petals. Manjushree was moved by the lotus and he determined to settle village in this place. He cut the gorge at Chovar making the passage for water flow. Since then people started living here.

Here ends our Kathmandu sightseeing today and we get back to the hotel. It is also a day for trek preparation. We will introduce you to our trekking guide who will be with you for next nine days. Overnight in a hotel.

  • Accommodation Star Hotel
  • MealsBreakfast
  • Time6 hours
  • Altitude1345 M

 Definitively the morning is good today as you will fly to Lukla enjoying the scenic beauty of mountains. The harmonious mountain will capture your heart. It is around 30-minute flight from Kathmandu. There are lots of monasteries in Lukla and if interested you can visit there. We begin our trail on foot from here and it ends at Phakding for today. The team of porter guide will join you from here. The way to Phakding is so beautiful that you will remember it for rest of your life. Hills, green lush vegetation, and streams will surely mesmerize you. We will put off at Phakding at night. 

  • Accommodation Tea House
  • MealsB L D
  • Time35 M flight 4 H trek
  • Altitude2610 M

 We follow the route of Dudh (Milk) Koshi River to arrive at Namche Bazaar. Crossing pine, fir and rhododendron forests we arrive at Monjo. The entrance to Sagarmatha National Park is Monjo. Furthermore, after walking for few more hours we reach Namche Bazaar where we put off tonight. Namche is a big market of Khumbu region. People of the different ethnic group especially, Sherpa inhabit here. 

  • Accommodation Tea House
  • MealsB L D
  • Time6 Hours
  • Altitude3440 M

 Acclimatization means adjusting body temperature with increasing altitude in order to avoid altitude sickness. Altitude sickness can be severe so we take rest in some places. But, at the same time, we also enjoy the day. Today we visit Khumjung. The monastery at this place lures many tourists as there you see the skull of Yeti. It takes three hours to reach here. We get back to Namche and spend the night in the same tea house where we did put off earlier.

  • Accommodation Tea House
  • MealsB L D
  • Time4 Hours
  • Altitude3440 M

 It is comparatively easy trail today. We proceed after breakfast. We walk along Bhote Koshi River. Following few ups and down we finally arrive at Thame where we put off tonight. 

  • Accommodation Tea House
  • MealsB L D
  • Time5 Hours
  • Altitude3800 M

 Thame to Marlung is the comparatively short walk. Enjoying the view of mountains we reach Nagpa Valley where there is located Marlung. We will spend the night in a tea house at Marulung.

  • Accommodation Tea House
  • MealsB L D
  • Time5 Hours
  • Altitude4210 M

 Today’s walk is truly mesmerizing. It is a kind of walk in the ocean of mountains. You are surrounded by several mountains and the view is awe-inspiring. The more you walk the more you love it. After few hours of walk, we finally arrive at Lungden where we will spend today’s night. 

  • Accommodation Tea House
  • MealsB L D
  • Time5 Hours
  • Altitude4380 M

 It is an interesting and uphill walk. The vistas of mountains will capture your heart. We finally, arrive at Renjo La Pass. It is at an altitude of 5,420 meters from sea level. From the peak of the pass, we will observe Nangpa Valley which appears beautiful. Mount Everest and Makalu tower in front of us. We further move ahead to arrive at Gokyo where we put off at night.

  • Accommodation Tea House
  • MealsB L D
  • Time8 Hours
  • Altitude4790 M

 It is acclimatization day today but we will hike to Gokyo Ri. Gokyo Valley is truly one of the best valleys of the world where you will completely lose yourself. Its beauty is mesmerizing and heart capturing. We can climb Gokyo Peak too, if interested. We will spend the night at Gokyo.

  • Accommodation Tea House
  • MealsB L D
  • Time5 Hours
  • Altitude4790 M

 Amid beautiful mountains, we cross Gokyo village. The view of Gokyo Valley from Ngozumba is so beautiful that you will remember it throughout your life. We arrive at Ngozumba glacier and from there Thaknak is a few hours away. Here we put off at night. 

  • Accommodation Tea House
  • MealsB L D
  • Time4 Hours
  • Altitude4700 M

 In order to reach Cho La, we wake up early in the morning so that bad weather may not disturb our trail. We follow narrow glacier to arrive at the main glacier. You get the beautiful view of Cho La Pass from here. You get the view of Baruntse, Ama Dablam, and many other peaks from the pass. The walk here is very careful as there are crevasses. After few hours of walk, we arrive at Dzongla where we will spend the night. 

  • Accommodation Tea House
  • MealsB L D
  • Time7 Hours
  • Altitude4830 M

 It is comparatively a long walk today and we beign it early in the morning. We come across mountains and some picturesque view. The view of Tawache and Cholaste on the way will please you. You halt at Lobuche at night.

  • Accommodation Tea House
  • MealsB L D
  • Time4 Hours
  • Altitude4910 M

 You will realize your dream today. We will walk towards Everest Base Camp. It is a place where mountaineers prepare themselves before summiting the peak—Mt. Everest—the highest Peak of the world—8,848m. In the noon we descend towards Gorakshep where we will halt at night. 

  • Accommodation Tea House
  • MealsB L D
  • Time7 Hours
  • Altitude5140 M

 In order to enjoy the sunrise, we walk early in the morning towards Kalapatthar. We need to be very careful as the walk is steep. Located below Mount Pumori, Kalapatthar is a black rock where mountain surrounds you at 360 degrees. We walk towards Lobuche where we will arrive at noon and here we will spend our night.

  • Accommodation Tea House
  • MealsB L D
  • Time5 Hours
  • Altitude4910 M

this is also one of the challenging days for you, we will cross the Kongma la and trek down to the Chhukung village which is situated at 4,730 m high u will enjoy this day.  

  • Accommodation Tea House
  • MealsB L D
  • Time8 Hours
  • Altitude4730 M

 It is around five to six hours walk approximately. We leave Everest behind us and walk towards Tengboche. It is popular for the monastery. The largest monastery of Khumbu region is located here. You will visit this monastery where you get chance to see the skull of Yeti. We will spend the night at Tengboche. 

  • Accommodation Tea House
  • MealsB L D
  • Time6 Hours
  • Altitude3850 M

 It is descended walk today. We move above Dudh Koshi River. The path to Namche is encircled by the other Himalayas. We see different types of birds and animals on the way. Danfe (national bird of Nepal) is common in the area. We will also see Himalayan that en route. We will spend the night at Namche Bazaar.

  • Accommodation Tea House
  • MealsB L D
  • Time5 H
  • Altitude3440 M

 It is a long walk today. But the scenic beauty and wonderful landscapes will make your trip exciting. You will enjoy Lukla bazaar and buy things as a souvenir for your friends and families. Overnight in Lukla. 

  • Accommodation Tea House
  • MealsB L D
  • Time7 Hours
  • Altitude2850 M

 Today we catch the flight to Kathmandu. It is a beautiful scenic flight of around half an hour. In Kathmandu, you will get some time to roam around Thamel where you can buy gifts for your friends and family. Today Regulus will offer you farewell dinner. 

  • Accommodation Star Hotel
  • MealsBreakfast
  • Time35 M flight
  • Altitude1345 M

 Your trekking ends here today. We will drop you at the Airport three hours earlier to schedule flight. We are thankful to you as you gave us an opportunity to serve. See you soon!

  • MealsBreakfast

Trip Map

Everest Three Passes Trek map

What's included

Included

  • Costs related to all airport and hotel transfers. Domestic flights and airport departure taxes.
  • 2 nights in a hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast
  • A full day sightseeing tour in Kathmandu valley including tour guide
  • 16 nights in local lodges/teahouses during the trek
  • Welcome and farewell dinners
  • All accommodation and meals during the trek
  • Experienced English-speaking trek leader (trekking guide) and Sherpa porter (1 porter for 2 trekkers) including their salary, insurance, equipment, flight, food, and lodging
  • Down jacket, sleeping bag, and all necessary trekking gears (on hire) and trekking map. 
  • All permits and necessary paperwork (National park permit, TIMS )
  • First aid kit. 

Excluded

  • Visa fee for Nepal (bring accurate USD cash and 2 passport size photographs)
  • International airfare to and from Kathmandu
  • All conservation areas and cultural heritage sites entrance fees
  • Excess baggage charges
  • Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu because of early arrival, late departure, early return from trekking (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary
  • Lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu (and also in the case of early return from trekking than the scheduled itinerary)
  • Travel and rescue insurance
  • Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower, etc)
  • Tips for guides and porters
  • All taxes, be it local or government.

FAQs

The 3 high passes trek is one of the most challenging treks in the Khumbu region. The trail crosses high passes, moraines, steep & rugged terrains and involves a glacial walk.

You will spend the night in a lodge or teahouse during the three high passes trek. The rooms are generally small with twin sharing and a common washroom.
 

No, you cannot do Everest 3 High Passes Trek alone. It's way too risky, and we don't recommend it even if you are an experienced trekker.

The three high passes trek is around 111.9 miles or 180 kilometers long.

Our Everest Three High Passes Trek is 21 days long. It can get a couple of days longer or shorter, depending upon your itinerary.

Useful Information

 

Best time of the year to go on Three High Passes Trek

Spring- March to April and autumn- October to November is the best time of the year to go on Everest Three High Passes Trek. As you will be crossing high passes all above 5,000 meters, stable weather is crucial. And these two seasons provide it along with moderate climate and fantastic views. 

Heavy snowfall in winter closes the passes and makes the trail dangerous to trek. Likewise, the monsoon makes the trail at lower elevation slippery and unsafe.

Everest Three High Passes Trek difficulty

Everest 3 High Passes Trek is very challenging in the Everest region. We do not recommend this trek for new trekkers. The trek takes you above 5,000 meters multiple times, which increases the chances of altitude sickness. Therefore, we have made our Everest Three High Passes Trek itinerary with adequate acclimatization days. Along with altitude sickness, you also have to be mentally strong to survive in a remote area with bare minimum facilities. 

The below information will give you deeper insight into the symptoms and prevention of altitude sickness: 

Symptoms of altitude sickness

  • Difficulty in sleeping
  • Dizziness or light-headedness
  • Fatigue
  • Headache
  • Loss of appetite
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Shortness of breath with exertion

Preventive measures

  • Make sure there are enough acclimatization days in the itinerary
  • Keep yourself hydrated
  • Do not drink alcoholic beverages
  • Do not ascend more than 500 meters in one day
  • Spend the night in the lower altitude if you see any above symptoms
  • Inform your guide immediately regarding any symptoms you see during the trek
  • Do not push yourself


Mode of transportation during the trek

During the Everest High Passes Trek, you will use a private vehicle to tour around Kathmandu and for airport pickup/drop as per the itinerary. A flight takes you in and out of Lukla.

Electricity and Charging Facilities 

You will get electricity in the lower elevation. Most of the lodges and tea houses along the route have charging stations. They may ask a few extra bucks to let you charge your device. At higher elevations, you may not get electricity to charge your electronics all the time, so carry a solar charger or extra batteries.

Sim Card and WiFi

Lodges and teahouses offer WiFi service on the way in exchange for a few bucks. Don’t keep your expectations high because connections fluctuate a lot due to unstable weather and elevation. Similarly, you can also carry a Nepali sim card and use data along the way. Do know that the speed may not be fast.

Luggage

All the equipment is carried in a duffel bag during the trek by porters. Trekkers carry a daypack to keep the essential items. Extra clothing and luggage are left behind in the hotel's locker room for the trekking period free of cost.

Child policy

Three Passes Trek is not for kids. If the trekker is minor but has previous trekking experience and can endure the remoteness of the region, he/she may trek with an identified guardian. For more information contact us anytime.

Tipping to crew members

If you like the service of our crew members, then you can tip them as a thank you gesture. Moreover, at the end of the trip, it is a culture to tip the crew members. Usually, trekkers give out USD 15 each to the tour guide, USD 5 to the driver, and USD 250 to the trek guide. The trek guide and the porters divide that tip among them.

Personal expenses 

Everest three high passes trek package cost does not include shopping or drinks/snacks, out of the offered itinerary. Trekkers have to bear all the additional expenses by themselves.

Insurance, rescue, evacuation

Everest Three High Passes Trek in Nepal demands well-covered travel insurance that must have medical bills and air evacuation coverage. You can also add flight cancellation and loss/theft of personal properties in the insurance. Travel insurance will help you get instant medical assistance in case of any emergency. Our Sherpa guides are trained for crises and will do their best to keep you safe throughout the trek.