Everest Three High Passes Trek

Duration: 17 Days | Based on 1 Review | Trip Map

Destination: Nepal
Trip Difficulty: Very Strenuous
Transport: Private Vehicle / Aeroplane
Food: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
Accommodation: Lodge to lodge
Max Elevation: 5545m

The Everest Three High Passes Trek is one of the most challenging trek in the foothill of Himalayas. Here are 3 hard passes on the high elevations of Everest that go above the tree-lines; the Trip across the three passes will be a great chance to hike around the Everest high country areas. An outing in this zone will give you some of the most mind blowing views you will have ever imagined. You will have incredible scenes of a range of mountains from real close, including Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Mt. Nuptse, Mt. Amadablam, Mt. Pumori, and Mt. Thamserku among other famous peaks. Similarly, you will get to pass through numerous glacier lakes.

Everest Three High Passes Trek has much rocky and sloppy countryside trails, but the beautiful settlements of Sherpa ethnic groups, who are famous for their spirit in climbing majestic mountains, with their welcoming nature more than makes up for the tough hiking in this region. Explore Buddhist monasteries located in the Khumbu region, the species of birds, flora and fauna, as you will pass through lush jungle and finally you will reach the top of the high hills. The 3-pass trails also pass through some well-developed routes, where you will have numerous places to haul up for some well-earned rest, even though the trek by itself is challenging.

Kongma La pass is somewhat a bit more difficult than the other passes. We enjoy a variety of experiences of the mountain views from Cho La, when we traverse the glaciated Cho La pass to Gokyo Lake. We explore the valley and hike up to Gokyo Ri to enjoy more excellent mountain views including another angle of Everest and many other well known mountains. The hike from Gokyo valley to Renjo La pass is also the most exciting among the 3 passes. When you reach the quiet beautiful village of Thame we take in its natural beauty and head towards Namche bazaar the next day.

The Everest Three High Passes route begins with a short scenic flight from Kathmandu to the tiny airstrip of Lukla. Everest Three High Passes Trek trail follows the classic path along Phakding, continues along the Dudh Kosi Valley, Namche Bazaar, Chhukung, and Lobuche via Kongma La pass, Everest Base Camp, Cho La pass, Gokyo, Renjo La pass, Thame, Namche Bazaar, Monjo and straddles the Dudh Kosi River as you head back to Lukla and fly back to Kathmandu.

Related trips you may like:

Everest Base Camp Chola Pass Gokyo Trek

However, you need to be extremely fit and have the zest & zeal to tackle any possible challenges during the odyssey. You can avail yourself of the best Trekking guides, Permits and all necessary equipment with Marvel Adventurefor a trip of this kind. Please feel free to contact us if you have any queries regarding this trek.

Highlights

Scenic flight from Kathmandu to Lukla
An insight into the lives of the Sherpas
Fascinating view of Khumbu Glacier and Ice fall
Glorious sunrise view from Kalapatthar
Stunning mountain views of Everest range
Crossing the three high passes viz. Kongma La, Cho La and Renjo La

Day to Day Itinerary

Day 1 Fly to Lukla (2810m) and Trek to Phakding (2610m)
An early flight to Lukla and landing on a steep mountain runway brings us to the start of our trek at the village of Lukla. Once we reach there, you will have quick breakfast. Then we will proceed towards Phakding which is slightly downhill from Lukla, so it will be comparatively easier day in your trek. Overnight at lodge in Phakding.
Day 2 Trek to Namche Bazzar (3445m)
From Phakding, we cross and re-cross the river on high suspension bridges. After walking for about 3 hours we will enter Sagarmatha National Park which was set-up in order to protect and preserve the fragile mountain environment. We then take a steep hike to Namche Bazaar. We can get the first glimpse of Mt. Everest if the weather is clear. Overnight at lodge in Namche.
Day 3 Acclimatization day at Namche
Namche is an ideal place to spend a day, acclimatizing to the new altitude before heading off towards Tengboche. You will have a day hike to National Park Headquarter where there is perfect view point for several beautiful mountains including Mt.Everest and observe the museum as well. Then we will walk to Hotel Everest View (3880m) where you can enjoy glorious mountain views. Then we will walk down to twin village, Khumjung and Khunde (3700m) and back to Namche by lunch time. Overnight at lodge in Namche.
Day 4 Trek to Tengboche (3860m)
After a rest day in Namche, , we start our trek towards Tengboche enjoying superb view of Mt. Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam and close up view of Thamserku. . Along the way we can spot wild lives like pheasant, musk deer, or a herd of Himalayan Thar. It's going to be around 5 hours walk. Tengboche is a great place for close up views of Ama-Dablam, Nuptse, and Everest and it has a biggest Buddhist Monastery all over in Khumbu region. Overnight at lodge in Tengboche.
Day 5 Trek to Dingboche (4390m)
The monastery in Tengboche looks spectacular more in the morning with the mountains as the backdrop. We snap pictures of the monastery and start the day journey as usual. We go on through the upper trail for better views to visit Pangboche village and its ancient Monastery. We pass through several Chortens and Mani walls and small villages. As we walk above 4000m there will be no more vegetation. Trek continues up to Dingboche, where we will stay overnight in lodge.
Day 6 Trek to Chukkung (4730m)
After taking breakfast at Dingboche, we continue our ascent through Mani walls and alpine landscapes. A few hours leisurely walk takes us to Chhukung (4760m), from where we can see the stunning mountains up close and even better. On reaching Chhukung, we can either rest or go for exploration. Overnight at lodge in Chhukung.
Day 7 Chukkung to Lobuche (4925m) via Kongma La pass (5535m)
After a well-deserved rest at Chhukung, we will head on our way to Lobuche via Kongma La Pass. We can select to go via any of the possible trails- either taking a climb over the hill northwest of Chhukung over the moraine of the Nuptse Glacier or we might walk back down the valley to Bibre and follow a high trail above the Niyang Khola. The final descent is the toughest stage of the trek today, upon climbing the moraine on the far side, the trail turns north through Khumbu Glacier which concludes at Lobuche.
Day 8 Trek to Gorakshep (5180m) and Everest Base Camp (5360m)
The trek to Gorakshep goes on through the moraine of the Khumbu Glacier. As we reach Gorakshep, we will be surrounded by snow-capped mountains looming all around us including Mt. Everest, the highest mountain of the world. After a brief rest, we take the trail to Everest Base Camp which indeed is one of our ultimate goal. The moment of reaching there at base camp is simply astonishing and cant just be described in words. After relishing in the heavenly environment, we return back to Gorakshep. Overnight at lodge in Gorakshep.
Day 9 Hike to Kalapatthar (5545m) and Trek to Dzongla (4830m)
The mesmerizing sunrise view as seen from Kalapatthar is a major highlight of the trip. So, we hike up-to Kalapatthar very early in the morning where we will surely get the best sunrise view of Everest and its neighboring peaks. Here you can take a lot of photographs to take back home. Then we trek all the way to Dzongla. Overnight at lodge in Dzongla.
Day 10 Cross Cho La pass (5420m) and Trek down to Dragnak (4700m)
After an early morning breakfast, we get out of our lodge and embark on a day journey by taking the strenuous trek through a slippery path and glaciers all the way to Cho La Pass. The trail proceeds through the edge of the frozen lake to the hill top which is adorned with prayer flags. We will pass through crevasses to reach Dzongla which offers spectacular views of Mt. Ama Dablam and Lobuche. Overnight at lodge in Dragnak.
Day 11 Trek from Dragnak to Gokyo (4790m)
Today is quite a short day of trekking compared to other trek days because we need some rest also to get our bodies in tandem with the heights we reach as we move further on the trail above the tree-lines. The distance from Dragnag to Gokyo is only 4 kms. On our way to Gokyo, we cross the Ngozompa glacier. Once we rach there at Gokyo, we can relish the wonderful environment. Overnight at lodge in Gokyo.
Day 12 Gokyo to Gokyo Ri and explore for a day
Today we hold up for a good breather and acclimatize at Gokyo while exploring the fifth lake as we pass & look around the forth lake. Hiking up to Gokyo Ri rewards breathtaking views of sunrise over the Himalayas. After a good look around the Gokyo Ri area, we get back to the camp for some important rest. Overnight at Gokyo.
Day 13 Gokyo to Lungden (4370m) via Renjo La Pass (5360m)
We trek from Lungden to Gokyo via Renjo La Pass which will take quite a hike with some rest in-between. On the way we can observe local activities like yak pasturing which is an important devoir hereabouts. The magnificent views of the mountains and the chance to experience wildlife add excitement to our trekking. Stay overnight at lodge in Lungden.
Day 14 Trek to Thame village (3820m)
We walk for about an hour from Lungden and then climb a small raised hilltop before we go down to cross a stream. Upon crossing the water stream we trek 2 to 3 hours to reach Thame village. On reaching there, we will visit the historic Thame monastery and experience spiritual Buddhist practices as well. We can also have insights into the highly enriched Sherpa culture in this beautiful village. Overnight at local lodge in Thame.
Day 15 Trek down to Namche (3445m)
After enjoying a glorious day in Thame village, we trek down to the Sherpa villages of Khumjung. We will walk down to Namche Bazaar, the vibrant Sherpa town. Here you can buy souvenirs, tokens and many more. Overnight at lodge in Namche.
Day 16 Trek down to Lukla
An early breakfast in Namche is followed by a downhill hike to Lukla. Retracing our path, we will walk down to Lukla which will take around 7 hours. On reaching Lukla, you can celebrate with merry for the truly great venture that was successful. Overnight at lodge in Lukla.
Day 17 Fly back to Kathmandu
We pack up early and head for the airstrip to hop a flight back to Kathmandu. On reaching Kathmandu, you can stroll around the streets of the capital and do some last minute shopping. Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu.

What to Expect

What's included

Airport pick up and drop by private vehicle
All Domestic flights and airport tax as listed in the itinerary
Standard meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) during the trek
Government license holder guide
Stong and helpful porter with proper equipment (1 porter for 2 people)
Salary, food, accommodation and insurance for guide and porters
Tea house/lodge accommodation during the trek
TIMS (Trekking Information Management System) card
Sagarmatha National Park entry permit
Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality entry permit
Comprehensive first aid kit with oximeter
All the government and local taxes

What's not included

International Airfare and taxes
Nepal entry visa fee
Your Travel Insurance (compulsory)
All the expenses of personal nature
Any kind of drinks and desserts during the trek
Tips to guide and porter (Tipping is expected)

PRICES & DATES

Trip Dates	Availability	Price
27 Apr, 2024 - 13 May, 2024	Guaranteed	USD 1750
30 Apr, 2024 - 16 May, 2024	Guaranteed	USD 1750

Request a Private Date

Useful Information

1. Insurance

Travel insurance is mandatory for all clients undertaking any trip. It should provide adequate security for the full duration of the tour to cover personal injury, medical expenses, repatriation expenses, helicopter rescue and loss of luggage. Make sure that your insurance policy covers up to 2500-5600 meters of altitude.

2. Packing List

Sunglasses
Sun-Cream and Lip Balm with high SPF
Hat/Cap
T-shirt, Vests and Shirt
Fleece/Sweater
Fleece Jacket
Down Jacket
Waterproof Jacket and Trousers
Warm Gloves
Hiking Boots
3-4 pairs of socks
Day pack (30-40 liters)
Torch light
Water bottle (Minimum 2 liters)
Small Hand Towel
Sleeping Bag for up to -15 Degree Celsius

3. Guide and Porter

We provide experienced, knowledgeable and honest guide with good communication skills in English language to make your trip wonderful. The guide will provide all the information about the mountains, different histories, cultures, traditions and many more. We will provide 1 porter for 2 people. The porters are helpful as well as strong and will carry a maximum of 25 kgs combined. After giving the best services along with the hard works up in the mountains, guides and porters expect some tips from your side. Tipping culture is very common in tourism sector.

4. Altitude Sickness

Altitude sickness, also known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), is a pathological effect of high altitude on humans, caused by acute exposure to low partial pressure of oxygen at high altitude. It commonly occurs above 3000 meters. It presents as a collection of nonspecific symptoms, acquired at high altitude or in low air pressure, resembling a case of "flu, carbon monoxide poisoning, or a hangover". However, most people can ascend to 3000 meters without difficulty.

Primary Symptoms of Altitude Sickness:

Lack of appetite, nausea, or vomiting
Fatigue or weakness
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Swelling of hands, feet, and face
Insomnia
Shortness of breath upon exertion
Nosebleed
Persistent rapid pulse
Drowsiness
General malaise

Prevention:

Ascending slowly is the best way to avoid altitude sickness. Avoiding strenuous activity such as skiing, hiking, etc. in the first 24 hours at high altitude reduces the symptoms of AMS. Alcohol and sleeping pills are respiratory depressants, and thus slow down the acclimatization process and should be avoided. Alcohol also tends to cause dehydration and exacerbates AMS. Thus, Marvel Adventure strictly suggests avoiding alcohol consumption in the first 24–48 hours at a higher altitude.

Guides and porters from Marvel Adventure are very much familiar with this problem due to their experience. All of them are trained with basic medical trainings and hence they definitely can help you.

Testimonials

Tboomful, United States
Professional, safe trekking with an experienced guide
Back in April we did a two-week trek with Nir to EBC, Chola Pass (the highlight for me) and Gokyo Lake. We had a group of mixed ages and fitness levels, and Nir managed our different needs well. He was organized and thorough: every night we debriefed about the day, he measured our oxygen levels (I didn't see any other guides doing this), and laid out the plan for the next morning. He ensured we got accommodation in our desired teahouses even at very busy times, made helpful suggestions on what to eat/ not eat, taught us card games and generally took excellent care of us. You can tell he's been at this a long time. Trekking in Nepal is an amazing experience I'd recommend to anyone, and doing it with Nir you know you'll be in great hands.