Everest Three Passes Trek

Starting and ending points of the trek

The Everest Three Passes Trek typically starts with a 30 minutes flight into Lukla (Drive to Phaplu or Sallery, if you prefer) and ascends gently through small villages to Namche Bazaar, then to Dingboche and Chukung. From Chukung, you ascend to Kongma La (5,250 m) and drop down to Lobuche. At Lobuche, you trek to the base camp of the iconic Mount Everest.

Lukla is the starting point of this trek for most hikers, but ideally starting the trek from Jiri is also an option, but by driving further up to Salleri, or Phaplu you cut down on the number of days. By starting the trek from Salleri or Phaplu you also save the need to purchase plane tickets to and from Lukla.

The Three high Mountain Passes

Trekking through the three high mountain passes, Kongma La, Cho La, and Renjo La, each over 5,300 meters (17,500 feet) in elevation is what gives this trek its name, the three passes trek.

Kongma La Pass with it’s daunting uphill trek to the pass from Chukung, and the rugged terrain on the downhill trek through the Lobuche Glacier to Lobuche village is generally considered the most challenging and longest day of trekking on the Everest Three passes Trek.

But the view from Kongmo-la Pass is not to be underestimated. Besides Everest, the 180 degree panoromic view of the Nuptse, Lhotse, Makalu, Baruntse, Amphuyangtse, Amadablam, Thamserku, and many other peaks with the turquoise-colored Kongmo-la Lake in the foreground surpasses the view from Kalathathar.

Cho La Pass requires crossing a kilometer long glacier, where microspikes can be particularly useful. The trail leading to Chola Pass and onwards to Gokyo Valley from Dzongla winds through hard ice, moraines, and the Nzogumpa Glacier, demanding both physical strength and mental agility.

While Renjo La Pass is considered to be the easiestof the three passes, though trekking up to the pass is quite daunting. Renjola Pass, in particular, treats you to breathtaking views of the Gokyo Lake below, as well as the spectacular 180 degree view starting from Cho-Oyu, Lobuche, Mount Everest to Cholatse, and many other peaks—views of the Everest range comparable to the stunning vistas from Gokyo Ri.

However, weather and conditions can alter these perceptions significantly. Starting early on days you plan to cross any of these three passes allows ample time and helps avoid typically harsher afternoon weather conditions compared to what you experience in the morning.

Everest Base Camp

Trekking to the Everest Base Camp for most hikers is the best part of the three passes trek. Starting from Lobuche, the first village after crossing over Kongma La, it’s possible to reach Everest Base Camp and return back to Gorak Shep for the night. Climb Kala Patthar early morning for the views of the Everest and the Everest Base Camp, and return trek to Dzongla via Lobuche comfortably.

Food on the Three Passes Trek Route

Food on the path to the Three Passes Trek is far more abundant than you might expect. Many lodges offer a variety of options, allowing you to enjoy different dishes each night or you can stick to favorites like Dal Bhat, pizza, and momos.

Dal Bhat

The most common and reasonably priced dish along the three passes trek route is Dal and Bhat. This traditional meal includes rice, lentil soup (dal), and vegetables.

Not only is dal bhat typically one of the cheaper choices on this trek route, but it also comes with free refills—to perk you up. It’s easy to understand why guides and porters favor this dish: “Dal Bhat power for twenty-four hours.”

Meat

Avoid consuming meat in the Himalayas, because you do not know how long they’ve been exposed during transport via porter backs under unpredictable weather conditions, and also because meat dishes are expensive—the risk doesn’t seem worthwhile either. Most Lodges offer Chicken meat while some even Yak meat.

Water

To fend off altitude sickness and dehydration on the three passes trek, drink water constantly. Bring water purifying tablets or portable water filters, which are readily available in the market. Water is not scarce along the trek route; you can get it from tea house taps, though you’ll usually need to ask for it.

You can also purchase bottled mineral water at tea houses and lodges along the trek route, but it becomes pricier as you trek to higher altitudes.

Language

On the Three Passes Trek, almost everyone you encounter will have some English language abilities. Don’t worry if your Nepalese is a bit rusty; even kids are very interested in speaking with you. The two essential words you’ll need are namaste (hello) and dhanyabad (thank you). The most common dialect spoken is Nepali, though the sherpa language is also spoken by some.

Accommodations on the Trek

There are private lodges at an hours interval on the three passes trek route, therefore, accommodation is not a problem. Though during the peak season- April-May and October-November these lodges can get packed. Every village has ample lodges run by local families. These lodges have twin-share rooms with a common restroom and washroom. At an extra cost, hot water will also be available for a shower.

However, in most places lately, newly upgraded lodges have rooms with attached toilets and restrooms, but this will cost extra. Some lodges now offer even better rooms, but they can cost even more.

The Trek Route

The route to the Everest Three Passes Trek from Lukla or from Jiri until Namche Bazaar is a single track. From Namchi, hikers have the choice to either continue clockwise with a night halt at Thame and Lumdeng and cross over into Gokyo Valley through the Rinzula Pass, or counter-clockwise towards Tengboche, Dingboche and Chukung and climb the Kongmo La Pass and drop down to Lobuche.

Counter-clockwise is strongly recommended, particularly if you are trekking to higher altutude for the first time. The counter-clockwise direction offers several advantages. Firstly, it allows your body to gradually acclimate to the increasing elevation, reducing the risk of altitude sickness.

The ascent is more gradual, giving you time to adjust to thinner air. Secondly, this route provides stunning vistas of Himalayan peaks unfolding before you at every turn.

Additionally, trekking counter-clockwise tends to be less crowded especially after Lobuche and offers a more peaceful experience with fewer fellow hikers around—perfect for fully immersing yourself in nature’s serenity.

When to Go

The peak season for the Three Passes Trek aligns with that of Everest Base Camp, which is during the fall (September to November). Spring (March to May) is also a popular time, coinciding with the busiest period for Everest climbers. Summer brings monsoon rains to Nepal so it’s best avoided—though fewer crowds could be a perk if you’re willing to chance unpredictable weather. Winter offers minimal crowds and generally good weather but comes with colder temperatures.

Wi-Fi Access Above Namche Bazaar

Generally speaking, wifi is available throughout the three passes trek in lodges. But is not free. To access the network, you will need to pay the lodges which are valid for 24 hours. Therefore, if you are hungering for a wifi connection then you will need to buy cards at every night halt, and it will cost you anywhere between Nepali Rupee 300-600 for 24 hours use.

If you have a SIM card from Kathmandu (Ncell or NTC), you will likely get a cell signal in many places, except in Lobuche, Dingboche, Gokyo Valley, Lumdeng and Thame. But while in Thame climb up to the monastery and there you can access internet on your sim card.

ATMs in the Everest Region

In the Everest Region, you can find ATMs in Lukla and Namche Bazaar. However, their reliability isn’t guaranteed. To avoid any inconvenience, it’s advisable to bring cash from Kathmandu. Approximately ninety-five percent of establishments do not accept cards.

If the ATMs are out of service, some places in Lukla and Namche Bazaar offer cash advances using a credit card. While a few places in Namche Bazaar may accept cards, locations higher up than Namche typically only deal with cash.

Make sure you have sufficient funds for both your ascent and descent journeys.

Highlights of the Everest Three Passes Trek

The highlight of the Everest Three Passes Trek is not only crossing the three high passes: Chola Pass (5430 m), Kongma-La Pass (5535 m), and Renjola Pass (5345 m). But a trek to Everest Base Camp and climbing to the summits of Kalapathar, Gokyo Ri, and Nangkhar Tshang are also highlights of this trek. The three panoramic paradises that offer breathtaking views of the Everest Range, as well as a day hike to the five Gokyo lakes in the Gokyo valley, renowned for their unsurpassed beauty.

A Trek to Nangkar Tshang, Kalapathar, Gokyo Ri and Everest Base Camp 

During your rest day in Dingboche, don’t miss the opportunity to climb to the top of Nangkar Tshang (5616 m) for breathtaking views of Nuptse, Lhotse, Taboche, Amadablam, Makalu, and many other majestic peaks. Although Everest is not visible from this viewpoint.

While in Gorakshep, start your day with an early morning trek to Kalapathar (5545 m) to witness the awe-inspiring beauty of Everest and Everest Base Camp.

Additionally, take a hike along the Khumbu Glacier to reach Everest Base Camp, where you can stand at the edge of the Khumbu Icefall, a truly remarkable experience.

The view from Gokyo Ri is nothing sort of magical, you not only see Mount Everest, but you get 360 degree view of the entire range starting on the left from Cho-Oyu to Everest to Cholatse and Amadablam. Not only those view, you get to see the Gokyo village and the three shining Gokyo lakes along with the Nzongumpa Glacier.

The Trekking Challenge

The Everest Three Passes Trek is not for the faint-hearted. This is a challenging trek that requires determination and physical endurance, especially when crossing the formidable three passes. But for those who dare to embark on this extraordinary trek, the rewards are immeasurable.

Crossing three high passes at altitudes of around 5000 meters is no easy feat, but the views of the Everest Range from these three passes are incredible. Especially from the Kongmo-la-Pass and the Renzola Pass, where the emerald-colored lakes in the foreground provide a spectacular layout to the entire landscape.

The three passes trek will push you to your limits, both physically and mentally. The steep ascents, rocky terrains, and thin air will present you with significant challenges. However, with determination, one will be able to overcome these obstacles and taste the sweet victory of reaching the passes. The sense of achievement and the breathtaking views from the top are truly rewarding and will make every effort worthwhile.

Cultural Immersion Along the Trail

Beyond the majestic mountains, the three passes trek is also known for its vibrant Sherpa culture. Along the way, this trek provides the hiker with an opportunity to interact with the local communities, learn about their unique traditions, and visit ancient monasteries. Experiencing the way of life of the local people and witnessing their unwavering spirit adds a whole new dimension to the trek.

Winter Treks

Normal belief is that there will be tons of snow during the winter months in the Himalayas, and this is always not true. In fact the winter months of December and January is probably the best time trek, as most days you can expect clear skies with very little precipitation and less crowd too. Getting accommodation in the lodges will also not be problem, just make sure to pack extra inner layers of thermals as the temperature will fall below zero degree celsius.

Visiting the Gokyo Lakes

On a rest day in Gokyo embark on a delightful day hike to the 4th. and the 5th. Gokyo lakes without having to ascend to high altitudes.

Traverse the flat valley floor towards the fourth lake, Tonak Cho (4840 m) which rewards you with breathtaking vistas.

Continue your trek to the fifth lake, Nzogumpa Cho (4980 m), and while you’re there, don’t miss the chance to climb up to a small hill adorned with prayer flags, known as the Binders Bump, Hill 153, or the scoundrel’s viewpoint.

From this vantage point, to the east you’ll be treated to awe-inspiring view of the North Face of Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, and Makalu, and to the north, lies Cho Oyu, Gyachung Khang, and the Nzogumpa Glacier, world’s highest mountains

Tips for the Everest Three Passes Trek

Here are some tips for the Everest Three Passes Trek:

1. Train beforehand: Train and improve your stamina and fitness before embarking on this 18-day trek. Long walks, running, cycling, or any physical activity will help prepare you.

2. Acclimatize properly: To prevent altitude sickness, take regular breaks and spend extra nights at higher altitudes to allow your body to adjust.

3. Pack your bag accordingly: Use a 50-55-liter haversack to pack your clothes and essential items. Bring warm clothes, thermal innerwear, woolen caps, gloves, light trekking pants, quick-dry t-shirts, a sun hat, waterproof gear, comfortable trekking shoes, and other necessary items. Don’t forget a first aid kit, water bottle, water purifying tablets, sunscreen lotion, head torch, Vaseline, sunglasses, and snow spikes. Keep in mind to carry only essential items, as one porter will carry the baggage of two hikers (recommended weight is 12 kg per person).

4. Carry a day pack: Use a 30-liter day pack to carry personal items like your passport, money, mobile phone, camera, personal medical kit, dried fruits, energy bars, and a waterproof and fleece jacket.

5. Respect the local culture: The Everest Three Passes Trek is home to the Sherpa people, who have their own unique culture and traditions. Respect their beliefs and culture, and be mindful of the impact you have on their environment.

6. Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water at higher altitudes to avoid altitude sickness. Avoid alcohol and caffeine.

7. Take your time: Enjoy the scenery and don’t rush through the trek. It’s not a race, so pace yourself accordingly.

8. Prepare for the weather: Be prepared for unpredictable weather conditions like rain, snow, and cold temperatures.

9. Be flexible: Weather and other conditions can change quickly, so be flexible with your plans and adjust your itinerary accordingly.

Travel Insurance:

Travel insurance is strongly recommended for the Three Passes Trek in Nepal, as it is a high-altitude trek. Your travel insurance plan should cover all medical and travel issues. Accidents may occur on the three passes trekking trail. In such cases, you may take advantage of the facilities of air ambulance, evacuation by helicopter, helicopter rescue, clinical attention, etc. In short, every hiker will need travel insurance for adventure travel or hiking in Nepal.

You will need to ask your insurance company for a policy that will cover high-altitude sickness, accidents, and sickness on the three passes trek in Nepal. The insurance policy should cover the evacuation by helicopter in case of an emergency.

Your insurance policy should also cover general issues like delays or even cancellations of all flights (mainly the Lukla Flight) due to bad weather conditions or natural disasters. In such cases, sometimes you will need to take a chartered helicopter flight out of Lukla, and these charter flights are not cheap. Therefore, your insurance policy should cover all these aspects.

The Best Insurance Company for the Three Passes Trek in Nepal:

• Alpha Global Solutions

For Indian citizens, given below are the recommended insurance companies from India that have a good record for policy claims in Nepal:

• Bharati Axa Travel Insurance
• ICICI Lombard
• HDFC Ergo Travel Insurance
• Reliance Travel Insurance
• Bajaj Allianz Travel Insurance

Please note: There are limited flights between Kathmandu and Lukla and vice versa. The majority of the flights to Lukla are directed from Ramechap, which is five hours drive from the capital Kathmandu. This is done to reduce the load at Kathmandu Airport. Ramechap is 135 km from Kathmandu and takes 5 hours to drive in a private car.

Trek Facts:

• The trek starts in Lukla.
• Ending Point: Lukla.
• Trek duration: 18 days.
• Trek Grade: Moderate to strenuous.
• Maximum altitude: Kalapatthar (5550 m).
• Maximum Sleeping Altitude: Gorakshep (5164 m).
• Minimum group size: 2 persons.
• Trek style: Tea House/Lodge Trek.

Everest  Three Passes Trek Itinerary

Highlights of the Trek

• Three Passes: 1). Chola Pass (5430 m). (2). Kongma La (5535 m) (3). Renjola Pass (5345 m).
• Everest Base Camp 5364 m; Kalapatthar 5545 m; Gokyo Ri 5480 m; Nangkar Tshang-5616 m

Day 01: Fly Kathmandu to Lukla (2800 m).

30 minute flight to Lukla from Kathmandu. Everest Three Passes Trek Starts. Trek to Phakding(2610 m). Overnight Lodge.

• Distance: 7.5 km
• Trekking Time: 4 hours
• Lukla-2800 m
• Phakding-2610 m
• Elevation Loss: 190 m

Day 02: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3440 m). Overnight Lodge.

• Distance: 7.4 km
• Trekking Time: 4 hours
• Namche Bazaar-3440 m
• Elevation Gain: 830 m

Day 03: Rest Day at Namche Bazaar for Acclimatization. Side Trek to Khumjung (3780 m). Overnight Lodge.

Trek up to the Everest View Hotel for views of the Everest Range, and also take a loop trek to Khumjung and return back to Namche via Syangboche airfield (Round Trip 7 km/4 hours). Visit the Monastery at Khumjung and take a look at the Yeti’s skull placed in a glass box inside the monastery by paying a fee of Nepali Rupees 300 per person.

Day 04: Trek to Thyangboche Monastery (3860 m). Overnight Lodge.

• Distance: 12.12 km
• Trekking Time: 6-7 Hours.
• Thynagboche Monastery: 3860 m.
• Elevation Gain: 420 m.

Day 05: Trek to Dingboche (4410 m/9.1 km/5 hours). Overnight Lodge.

• Distance: 9.96 km
• Trekking Time: 5-6 Hours
• Dingboche: 4410 m
• Elevation Gain: 550 m

Day 06: Rest and acclimatization day at Dingboche (4410 m).

Optional hike around Dingboche. Hike up to the view point at Nangkar Tshang (5616 m) a splendid view point that offers close-up views of Amadablam, Lhotse, Nuptse, Makalu, and a host of other peaks other than Everest, which is not visible from here. Overnight Lodge.

Day 07: Trek to Chukung (4730 m). After reaching Chukung you have two choices either trek up to Chukung-Ri for views of Everest and other peaks or trek to Island Peak Base Camp. Return to Chukung. Overnight Lodge.

• Distance: 5.03 km
• Trekking Time: 3 Hours
• Chukung: 4730 m
• Elevation Gain: 320 m

Day 08: Chukung to Kongma-La-Pass (5535 m) to Lobuche (4910 m/9 km/6 hours). Overnight Lodge.

• Distance: 10.61 km
• Trekking Time: 7-8 Hours
• Kongmo La Pass: 5535 m
• Lobuche: 4910 m
• Elevation Gain: 180 m

Day 09: Lobuche to Gorakshep (5140 m/Km-2 Hours). Afternoon trek up the Khumbu Glacier to Everest Base Camp (5364 m/3.5 km). Return to Gorakshep (5140 m). Overnight Lodge. Total time: 7-8 hours.

• Distance: Lobuche to Gorakshep-4 km/2 hours.
• Gorakshep to Everest Base Camp: 3.5 km (one way).
• Total Trekking Time: 8 Hours.
• Goprakshep: 5140 m
• Everest Base Camp: 5364 m
• Maximum Altitude Gain: 454 m
• Minimum Elevation Gain: 230 m

The 3.5-kilometer trek from Gorakshep to Everest base camp is perhaps the most difficult part of the Everest Three Passes Trek because of the high altitude, rocky path, and rough terrain.

Day 10: Trek Gorakshep to Dzongla (4830 m). Overnight Lodge.

Early morning trek up to Kalapathar (5550m/3 Km/4 hours round trip) for panoramic views of Everest, Khumbu Glacier, and many other peaks. Return to Gorakshep. After breakfast, trek to Dzongla (4830).

• Distance: 10.1 km
• Trekking Time: 5-6 hours
• Dzongla: 4830 m
• Elevation Loss: 310 m

Day 11: Trek Dzongla-Chola Pass (5330 m) to Dragnag (4790 m/9.5 km/6-7 hours). Overnight Lodge.

• Distance: 9.38 km
• Trekking Time: 6-7 hours
• Dragnag: 4790 m
• Elevation Loss: 40 m
• Max Elevation: 5330 m (Chola Pass)

Day 12: Trek Dragnag to Gokyo (4790 m). Overnight Lodge.

• Distance: 3.08 km
• Trekking Time: 3 Hours
• Elevation Gain: nil

Day 13: Morning climb Gokyo-Ri (5360 m/6 Km-3 Hrs. round trip). Return to Gokyo. Visit 5th.Lake. Overnight Lodge.

Day 14: Trek Gokyo-Renjo-la Pass (5345 m) to Lumdeng (4380 m/13 km/6-7 hours). Overnight Lodge.

• Distance: 13 km
• Trekking Time: 6-7 Hours
• Lumdeng: 4380 m.
• Elevation Loss: 410 m
• Max Elevation: 5345 m ( Rizula Pass)
• Max Elevation Gain: 965 m

Day 15: Trek Lumdeng to Thame (3820 m). Overnight Lodge.

• Distance: 8.01 km
• Trekking Time: 3-4 hours
• Thame: 3820 m
• Elevation Loss: 560 m

Day 16: Trek Thame to Phakding (7 hours). Overnight Lodge.

• Distance: Thame to Namchee Bazaar-6.8 km
• Namchee Bazaar to Phakding: 7.4 km
• Total Trekking Time: 7 Hours
• Elevation Loss: 399 m

Day 17: Trek Phakding to Lukla (4 hours). Overnight Lodge.

• Distance: 7.6 km
• Trekking Time: 3-4 Hours
• Elevation Gain: 190 m

Day 18: Fly back to Kathmandu. End of the Everest Three Passes Trek.

—– o0o —–

• Everest Three Passes Trek Cost: US$1500 per Person
• Everest Three Passes Trek Cost for Indian Nationals : Request for quote in Indian Rupee
• Ramechap-Lukla-Ramechap Airfare : US$356 per person
• Ramechap-Lukla-Ramechap Airfare for Indian Nationals: Indian Rupee.18,000/Person
• Please note that airfare is extra as applicable and is subject to change without prior notice.
• Kathmandu-Ramechap-Kathmandu Car Fare in Private Taxis: US$250 per Car.
• Three people can comfortably travel in one car.

Everest Three Passes Trek Cost Includes:

• Services of an English-speaking Trek Guide.
• Porters to carry the baggage of the hikers.
• Lodge accommodation (twin share rooms with a common washroom and restroom) with breakfast
• Khumbu trek permit fees.
• Sagarmatha Entry Fees.
• Sagarmatha National Park Fees.
• Lodging and food for the guide

The cost does not include:

• Hotel Stays in Kathmandu.
• Lunches and dinners during the period of the trek.
• Domestic flights cost extra as applicable (Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu).
• Sleeping bag (which can be hired in Kathmandu).
• Personal clothing and equipment.
• Meals in Kathmandu.
• Client insurance of any kind.
• Cost of evacuation (if any) in case of emergency.
• Bottled/alcoholic drinks.
• Snacks/desserts.
• Tea or coffee—other than at breakfast.
• Airport taxes;
• Expenses of personal nature

—– o0o —–

Recommendation : Everest Three passes Trek is relatively strenuous and demands top physical form. A physical fitness check-up is a must. Even the experienced trekker should prepare for 2-3 months prior to the trek.

Note: The above-given itinerary is a sample, intended to give you a general idea of the likely trip schedule. Numerous factors, such as weather, road conditions, the physical abilities of the participants, etc., may dictate itinerary changes either before departure or while on the trail. We reserve the right to change this schedule in the interest of the trip participant’s safety, comfort, and general well-being.

(All relevant Terms and Conditions apply.)