Our 17-Days Everest Three High Pass Trek is a thrilling and challenging adventure for avid trekkers and mountaineers, offering an unforgettable experience in the heart of the Himalayas. This trek takes you through some of the most spectacular landscapes in the Khumbu region of Nepal, crossing three high mountain passes: Kongma La Pass (5,535 meters), Cho La Pass (5,420 meters), and Renjo La Pass (5,360 meters).
Our journey begins in Lukla and follows the classic Everest Base Camp route, taking you through Sherpa villages, lush forests, and scenic valleys. Along the way, you'll witness breathtaking views of towering peaks like Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Ama Dablam. The high passes add an element of adventure as you navigate steep and icy terrain, making it a test of both physical and mental endurance.
This trek provides a chance to immerse yourself in the unique Sherpa culture, visit ancient monasteries, and explore the vibrant Namche Bazaar. The Everest Three High Pass Trek is a bucket-list adventure for those seeking the ultimate Himalayan experience.
Itinerary
Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla and trek to Phakding (2,650m). - 4 hrs trek
Our guide picks you up from the hotel for 30-35 minutes of an early morning flight to Lukla. The flight to Lukla itself is a great adventure with an aerial view of the vast landscape with lush valleys and hills, view of the Himalayan range, wavy rivers and valleys. We meet the rest of the team ( porters) and begin on the short trek to Phakding. Watching the local settlements and spinning prayer wheels, we descend to Chheplung village past mani walls. Crossing several suspension bridges, we today walk through dense forest that is home to diverse flora and fauna. Overnight at a local guest house.
Please note: Flights to Lukla are operating from Ramechhap during the month of Apri, May and October, November.
Trek to Namche (3,440m) - 6 hrs trek
The trail today goes through the upstream along the riverbank to the junction of Bhote Koshi River and Dudh Koshi River. We will have to cross a Hilary bridge. Then we will ascend for Namche Bazaar. On the way, it gives a chance us incredible photographic opportunities as the peaks of Everest (8848m), Lhotse (8511m), Nuptse (7879m), Arna Dablam (6856m) and Taweche (6542m) come into view for the first time of the trip. Overnight at local Guesthouse.
Acclimatization day
We rest this day at Namche Bazaar to acclimatize to the new altitude, which is an ideal place to spend a rest day before heading off towards higher elevation. Instead of resting in your lodge, it is recommended that you stay active and mobile during the acclimatization day. A few hundred feet vertical treks during the day will help you properly acclimatize. Or rather you can spend the day exploring Namche Bazaar. The place is center of the Everest region and has plenty of lodges, tea shops, souvenir shops, ATMs, money exchangers, Internet cafes, government offices, restaurants, bakeries, etc. You can visit Visitor Center near the headquarter of the Sagarmatha National Park where you can observe an assortment of things allied to the first Everest ascenders, Sherpa culture and learn about the various flora and fauna of the Sagarmatha National Park. Surrounded by the snowy peaks of Kongde and Thamserku and the sacred peak Khumbila, Khumjung hosts a well-known monastery that houses a yeti
Trek to Tengboche (3,860m) - 6 hrs trek
After breakfast, we will leave for Tengboche. The trial goes ups and downs offering us the splendid view of snowy caps like Everest, Mt. Nuptse, Mt. Lhotse, and Mt. Ama Dablam. The trekking today is moderate and not difficult. The views just will keep getting better as we move ahead. You can get to encounter animals, visit some monasteries and go through some beautiful village on the way to Tengboche. There is a possible view of wildlife including musk deer, a herd of Himalayan Thar and colorful pheasants. Going through the forest and river, we will be at Tengboche. We then stay overnight at a guest house.
Trek to Dingboche (4,360) - 6 hrs trek
The morning view of the mountain panorama is outstanding and you can click the breathtaking views of Kangtega range, Thamserku, Amadablam, Taboche, Kwangde, Tengboche, Lhotse, and Nuptse. Our day begins along the trail through Imja Khola then to Tengboche where we descend to the river bank, through the rhododendron and birch forests. At Deboche we visit a Buddhist nunnery and cross a few chortens to reach Pangboche where we can have a splendid view of the wonderful mountains. One can easily notice the thinning vegetation on walking from upper Panboche to the dry and alpine terrain of Shomare. The apical ridge of Mt. Pumori can be viewed from Orsho then finally we reach the cold and windy village of Dingboche where we stay overnight at a local guest house
Trek to Chhukung (4,750m) - 4 hrs trek
we wake up to find ourselves amid a stone walled alpine landscape of Dingboche. We continue our trek through Imja Khola valley to glacier moraines in the middle of towering mountains. Our walk continues for next 2-3 hours through the valley viewing Lhotse Mountain and Ama Dablam on our sides until we reach yak Bibre, the herdman’s place. Walking further we can have a wonderful view of the rocky and icy appearance of Imja Tse peak at the terminal moraine. Half an hour walk from Bibre leads us to Chhukung where we can view the glaciers and snowy mountains. Overnight at a local lodge.
Rest day at Chhukung
Getting acclimatized to this height we start to ascend early in the morning. On this day we enter the remote hinterlands of the mountains where we cannot find any teashops further so we carry plenty of water for ourselves. We have the option of either taking a climb over the hill northwest of Chhukung over Nuptse glacier; the other option is to walk down the valley of Bibre then to the high trail above Niyang Khola. On walking further we can have a stunning view of Island peak-valley and the jagged ridge of Amphu Lapcha. On ascending along the east side of Niyang Khola valley through the stony trail we reach wide basin dotted with frozen lakes. We leave Chhukung after 5 hours walk through the trail Kongma La. We reach the top to see the prayer flags fluttering to mark the pass at ridge. Now the descent begins which is a difficult and challenging experience of today’s trek. We then climb the moraine on the far side, then turn north through the trail of Khumbu glacier which finally leads
Trek to Lobuche (4,940m) via Kongma La Pass (5,535m) - 7 hrs trek
This is our first big day of the trek. This is also one of the toughest days. We will be carrying the required amount of water and some packed meals as there are no lodges/tea shops along the route. Once we climb like 5-6 hours we will reach the top of Kongma La Pass; a small area covered with Buddhist praying flags. The descending from the top is quite tough even it's descending. Moreover, in case the trail is covered with ice or snow then it will surely be exhausting. Finally, we will reach Lobuche. We can enjoy magnificent views of Pumori and Nuptse from this village. Overnight in Lobuche at local lodge
Trek to Everest base camp (5,364m) and back to Gorakshep (5,170m) - 9 hrs trek
Ahead of Gorakshep, the trail leads through the lateral moraine of Khumbu Glacier. Passing through the pyramid signpost we find ourselves we can view the north ridge of Everest along with Mt. Pumori, Mt. Mahalangur, Mt. Lingtern, Mt. Khumbutse, Mt. Nuptse, etc. We can view the 360-degree vista of snow covered mountains after ascent to Thangma Riju. On climbing the top of Changri glacier we catch the sight of Kalapatthar, a green knoll beneath Mt. Pumori. When we reach Gorakshep we can view the snow-capped mountains all around including the crown of the world, the Everest. We then take a trail to Everest base camp through once Gorak Shep Lake and reach Indian army mountaineers’ memorials on continuing. Upon reaching the Everest Base Camp we realize the hazardous route of Khumbu icefall. Overnight stay at a local guest house
Hike to Kalapathhar (5,545m) and trek back to Lobuche (4,940m) - 9 hrs trek
The hike to Kalapatthar is not easy especially because of the altitude. It is an early morning cold walk in the dark, but it's enjoyable and it will be one of the memorable time of your life.
Depending on the sunrise time your guide will give you time to start hiking to reach this beautiful hilltop. The hike from Gorakshep to Kalapatthar is about an hour steep climbing. Depending on your walking speed it may take a little more or less.
Kalapatthar gives authentic and magnificent views of Himalayas just in front of you. It's a wonderful viewpoint that only a few people have seen. Take some shots of you and peaks, enjoy your photography in this place before we again return back to our lodge, and then to Lobuche.
Once we reach Lobuche we will stay overnight at a local lodge.
Trek to Dzongla (4,830m) - 5 hrs trek
Here we come for another short and easy day. The trail is almost flat during the whole walk. Leaving some peaks behind and welcoming others, we will have a pleasant change of scenery.
Words simply fail to describe the views of peaks in front specially Amadablam, Cholatse, and Tabuche. Finally, we will reach Dzongla and spend a night here before ascending towards the second pass; Chola. Overnight stay at a local guesthouse
Trek to Gokyo (4,800m) Via Chola Pass (5,368m) - 8 hrs trek
The trail starts with a short gentle walk downhill but once we reach the base of the pass we will have to start climbing. We will have to start early in the morning to avoid strong wind hitting us on the top of the pass. The views are still excellent here, we will be surrounded by several high Himalayan snowy peaks including Thamserku, Kangteng, Amadablam, Cholatse, Tabuche and Cho Oyu.
We may need to be careful all the time as rocks might be falling down once the ice melts. The final climbing to Chola can be a little tricky as it curves on the last.
Going down from Chola is difficult, slippery and often dangerous once the sun comes out. We have to be careful walking around and be cautious as stones can be falling down from the cliffs. Once we finish descending we will reach a small place called Thaknak. We will have our lunch here before we start climbing gentle uphill to Gokyo Lakes. The trail after Thaknak is mostly over glaciers. Overnight at Gokyo.
Rest day at Gokyo - Optional hike to Gokyo Ri
Towards the end of the second week of our trek, we stay to rest in Gokyo valley. The acclimatization day is an excellent opportunity to climb Gokyo Ri which is one of the best places to catch the view of the Everest region, the six lakes. The fourth lake is 3 Km north to Gokyo with its high cliffs and peaks rising above it. The trail continues to the fifth turquoise blue shimmering lake which is the biggest. We can even climb the hills at the edge of the lake to catch the breathtaking scenery of Cho-Oyu, Gyachung, Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Makalu. Overnight at local lodge
Trek to Lungden (4,380m) via Renjo La Pass (5,360m) - 8 hrs trek
Today is one of the hardest days of our adventure. Crossing Renjo La is quite hard because of small rocks along the route. The trail from Gokyo starts with gentle climbing and comes with steep climbing before we reach the top of Renjo La.
Renjo La pass offers some excellent views of Gokyo valley and the uncountable number of close Himalayan peaks. The trail from Renjo La pass descends down to Lungden. Lungden is the only village that we will meet after Gokyo and Renjo La pass. This is a small village with few basic lodges for the facilities of trekkers.
Trek to Namche Bazaar (3440m) - 6 hrs trek
The next day we follow the traditional route that had been followed for centuries by the tibetean traders which is a descent from Marlung to Thame. Crossing Bhote Koshi, descending to Taranga we reach Langmuche Khola. We can view astonishing view of the mountains such as Thamserku, Katenga, Kusum Kangguru etc from the lodges besides seeing the famous Buddhist shrine (Gompa) at Thame. We cross the bridge reach Samde, the place which offers breathtaking beauty of mountain views. Down the steep path we reach Thamo village where there is a monastery called Khari Goma which is the Finally we reach to Namche through some gompas, prayer flags, chortens and Mani stones. Overnight in Namche
Trek to Lukla (2800m) - 8 hrs trek
This is the last day and our final night in the Himalayas. Like the previous day, there is no rush to reach Lukla. We can sleep till late morning and start the trek before noon. The trail from Phakding to Lukla is mostly gentle uphill. On the way, we can enjoy stunning villages of villages on the horizon. We will also have sights of flights coming to Lukla and flights taking off from Lukla. Once we reach Lukla we can enjoy some beers or cocktails. Your Sherpa helper will no longer be with you from tomorrow so you can tip them if you are happy with their services according to your satisfaction and ability. Overnight at Lukla
Fly back to Kathmandu/Ramechhap
Early morning, we leave Tenzing Hillary airport boarding a scenic 35-minute flight back to Kathmandu. Flying over the clouds and enjoying the mesmerizing view of the Khumbu region, we will be carrying an unforgettable and successful journey to the Everest 3 high pass. Upon arrival, your guide will transfer you to the hotel where a good rest after a long trek will be crucial. In the evening, we have a farewell dinner together.
Please note: During the peak trekking months i.e. April, May and October, November, all the Lukla flights operate from Ramechhap instead of Kathmandu to the air traffic in Kathmandu airport.
Inclusion
- All the airport and hotel shuttle as per the itinerary.
- Everest region trekking permits and all the essential entry fees.
- Professional trekking guide, including salary, meals, accommodation and accidental insurance.
- Kathmandu - Lukla - Kathmandu round airfare.
- Twin sharing lodge accommodation while on the trek.
- First aid medical kit box for the trek.
- Heli charter incase of emergency. (you should have travel insurance in this case).
- Sleeping bags and company duffel bags to use for the trek.
- All the applicable taxes and company service charge.
- Appreciation certificate after trip completion.
- Farewell dinner in Kathmandu at typical local restaurant with cultural dance performance.
Exclusions
- Nepal entry visa
- Extra nights in Lukla (beyond the itinerary)
- Tips to the trekking guide and porters
- Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu
- International airfare
- Porters are available at an extra cost.
- Meals during the trek.
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Expedition Information
$1,200
Everest Base Camp (Nepal)
Trekking
Fitness Level
5
Technical Level
3
Group Size
1-10
Ratio
1:4
Continent:
AsiaCountry:
NepalLocation:
Everest Base Camp (Nepal)Elevation:
5,380 m / 17,651 ftGPS:
28.0026 N°, 86.8528 E°