The Everest Three Pass trek is a challenging but rewarding journey that takes you to high altitudes and includes the crossing of three passes: Renjo La (5360m), Cho-La (5420m), and Kongma-La (5535m), as well as the summits of Mt. Gokyo Ri (5,360m), Mt. Kalapathar (5,545m), and the trek to Everest Base Camp (5,364m).
The trek offers unparalleled views of the landscape and panoramic views of four towering 8,000m peaks: Mt. Cho Oyu, Mt. Makalu, Mt. Lhotse, and Mt. Everest. Along the way, you will also have the opportunity to visit the isolated valley of Nangpa La, the Sherpa villages of Thame and Marlung, and witness the culture and lifestyle of the Buddhist Sherpa people and their religious temples.
The Everest Three Pass trek offers an ultimate Everest experience, including amazing views of the world’s highest mountain, crossing three challenging 5,000m passes, experiencing the culture and lifestyle of the Sherpa people and their religious temples, as well as restoring your energy in many teahouses and lodges. Personal fitness is essential due to the high altitudes, and it is important to be phisically fit prior to attempting this trek.
Highlights:
- The ascent to Tengboche (3860m) and visit to the Tengboche Monastery, the largest monastery in the Khumbu region, and the breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks.
- The crossing of the three challenging 5,000m passes of Renjo La, Cho La, and Kongma La and the spectacular views of the Himalayan peaks, including Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotse, and Mt. Makalu, from the top of these passes.
- The visit to the isolated valley of Nangpa La and the chance to witness the culture and lifestyle of the Buddhist Sherpa people and their religious temples.
- The visit to the Gokyo valley and its many lakes, as well as the ascent to Gokyo Ri (5420m), considered as the best viewpoint in the entire Himalayas in the Everest region.
- The trek to the well-known vantage point at Kala Pathar (5555m) for some of the most spectacular views of Mount Everest.
Please note that all itineraries are indicative and will be tailored for each individual trekking group.
Itineraries may also change during the trek as a function of weather forecast and health&fitness of group members. Safety first!
Day 1: Flight to Lukla (2840m). Lukla – Phakding (2610m)
4-5h. A pleasant walk through pine forests alongside the river will bring you to Phakding, the first stop of our journey. Comfortable lodges and cozy tea houses offer a wide range of refreshments and food options.
Day 2: Phakding (2610m) – Namche Bazar (3500m)
5-6h. With nearly 1000m of altitude gain, today is one of the most physical days of the trek. The altitude is still relatively low and the path guides us in and out the pine trees shadows, crossing several suspended bridges, among which the famous Hillary bridge.
Day 3: Rest day in Namche Bazar (3500m)
Rest days are designed for acclimatisation purposes. Furthermore, Namche offers the opportunity to gather your last supplies before heading higher up the mountain. Snacks, ATMs, maps, equipment, souvenirs – everything is available here, even an Irish pub (I suggest celebratory drinks on your way down – stay healthy on the way up!). Activities available during the rest day include
- Everest view hotel – with a 1h30 hike, you can get your first view of Everest while sipping a warm tea
- Khunde Village – 1h30 hike to visit a traditional Nepali settlement.
- Just rest your legs!
Day 4: Namche Bazar (3500m) to Tengboche (3,860m)
3-4h. A short walking day allows for some free time to visit the Tengboche monastery, the largest Gumpa in the Khumbu region. The surrounding Himalayas are the perfect theater for an immersive experience into Sherpa culture and Buddhist traditions.
Day 5: Tengboche (3860m) – Dingboche (4410m)
5-6h. A long day of walk and the altitude will begin to be felt. This is also the first night sleeping over 4000m, drink warm fluids and stay warm. Let yourself be charmed by te rural stone walls and the magnificent Amadablam.
Day 8: Rest day in Dingboche (4410m)
The purpose of the rest day is to allow the body to acclimatize to the altitude. If you are feeling healthy and want to explore the region, the Chhukung village offers an immersful walk into the wonderous mountainrange (5-6h)
Day 9: Dingboche(4410m) – Chhukung (4730m)
4-5h. Today’s walk is relatively short. Tomorrow will be the first of the high passes, rest accordingly and drink prenly of hot liquids.
Day 10: Chhukung(4730m) – Lobuche (4910 meters) via Kongma La Pass (5535m)
7-8h. Kongma La is a challening pass that offers amazing views of Ama Dablam (6812) and Makalu (8481).
Day 11: Lobuche (4910m) – Gorak Shep (5160m) – Everest Base Camp (5364m)
7-8h. Another long day of trekking, altough the elevation gain is low. We will leave the bags in Gorakshep and continue to hike towards the Everest Base camp. Depending on the time of the year, many mountaineering legends have their tent here!
Day 12: Gorak Shep (5160m) – Kala Patthar (5550) – Dzongla (4830m)
7-8h. We will visit Kala Patthar view point at dawn and witness the sunrise over Mt Everest. On the way down, we will pick up our bags at Gorak Shep and continue to Dzongla. Rest well, tomorrow the second pass awaits.
Day 13: Dzongla (4830m) – Dragnag (4700m) via Cho La Pass (5420m)
7-8h. The second pass is slightly less challenging than the first, but steep slopes and ice can be expected. We will make our way into the magnificent Gokyo valley.
Day 14: Dragnag (4700m) – Gokyo (4800m)
2-3h. Finally a short day! We can take this time to rest and have hot tea in the lovely village of Gokyo. As an alternative, it is possible to hike along the Ngozumpa Glacier to reach the the beautiful Fifth Lake. The hike is moslty flat, but it will take approximately 5h to get back to Gokyo.
Day 15: Gokyo (4800) – Lungden (4380m) via Renjo La (5360)
7-8h. The third pass has the lowest altitude and arguably the best view of the Sagarmatha National Park. Mt Everest, Lothse, Makalu, and many others are visible from the pass in a stunning nearly 360 view over the Himalayas. Congratulations! Completing the three passes is a rare feat.
Day 16: Lungden (4380m) – Thame (3820m)
4-5h. We begin to make our way down. The village of Thame is a traditial Sherpa settlement. Many climbing legends originated from here. It is possible to visit the very old Thame Gumpa.
Day 17: Thame (3820m) – Namche Bazar (3500m)
4-5h. Finally back to Namche, it is time to celebrate!
Day 18: Namche Bazaar (3500m) – Lukla (2800m)
7-8h. Enjoy the descent to Lukla trough the pine forests and enjoy the warm air and good weather. You deserve it! Catch a plane right away to Kathmandu or rest a day in Lukla.
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