Everest Three Passes Trek
A journey shaped by the landscapes, people and experiences of Nepal.
Offered by Al Shalal Travels
NEPAL · TRAVEL EXPERIENCES
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The Everest Three Passes Trek takes you beyond the typical trekking routes in the Everest region, leading you over some of the most scenic and highest passes in the world. This challenging 20-day trek pushes you beyond the standard routes, taking you over three of the highest passes of the Everest Region: Kongma La (5,535 m), Cho La (5,420 m), and Renjo La (5,360 m). Each high pass offers its own unique set of challenges and spectacular rewards, including awe-inspiring views of the world’s tallest peaks—Mount Everest (8,848 m), Lhotse (8,516 m), Cho Oyu (8,188 m), and Makalu (8,485 m). The three pass trek begins with a short flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, a gateway to the Everest region. From Lukla, you trek through picturesque Sherpa villages, dense forests, and rugged high-altitude terrain. You’ll first acclimatize in Namche Bazaar, the vibrant hub of the Khumbu region, where you can soak in early views of Everest, Ama Dablam, and Thamserku. Them, you gradually make your way towards the high passes. The three high passes are the trek’s highlights. Kongma La, the highest of the three, delivers breathtaking vistas of Lhotse and Makalu. From here, we trek towards Everest Base Camp, where we stand at the foot of the world’s tallest mountain, soaking in the legendary atmosphere. Next, we cross Cho La Pass, which links the Khumbu region with the Gokyo Valley. Known for its icy terrain, Cho La offers breathtaking views of Ama Dablam and the massive Ngozumpa Glacier as we make our way into Gokyo. Finally, the Everest three passes trek takes us over Renjo La Pass, which provides access to the remote and serene Gokyo Valley. From the top of Renjo La, we’re greeted with spectacular panoramic views of Everest and the shimmering Gokyo Lakes. In addition to crossing these high passes, you will visit Everest Base Camp and hike to Kala Patthar (5,555 m), renowned for its 360-degree views of Mount Everest and surrounding peaks.
The memorable moments
Scenic flight to and from Lukla. Step inside and experience life as the “mountain people” live, in the heart of Himalayas. Everest Base Camp and walking on the Khumbu glacier. Encounter the turquoise water of Gokyo Lake. Hike up to Kala Patthar and Gokyo Ri, the astounding viewpoints in the Everest Region. Witness the remarkable views of super Gokyo valley, massive Ngozumpa glacier and incredible view of Khumbu Himalayas. Visit Tengboche Monastery – one of largest Buddhist Monasteries. Wonderful staying Experience in remote region. Cross the 3 beautiful high elevation passes- Kongma La Pass, Cho La Pass and Renjo La Pass of Everest Region.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu and transfer to hotel — Max. Altitude: Kathmandu (1,400 m)
Confirm daily arrangements with the provider.
Day 2Fly to Lukla from Kathmandu or drive to Manthali (Ramechhap) & flight to Lukla and then, trek to Phakding — Max. Altitude: Lukla (2,840 m)
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Day 3Trek to Namche Bazaar from Phakding — Max. Altitude: Namche Bazaar (3,440 m)
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Day 4Acclimatization Day at Namche Bazaar. Hike to Hotel Everest View and back — Max. Altitude: Hotel Everest View (3,880 m)
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Day 5Trek to Tengboche from Namche Bazaar — Max. Altitude: Tengboche (3,860 m)
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Day 6Trek to Dingboche from Tengboche — Max. Altitude: Dingboche (4,410 m)
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Day 7Acclimatization Day at Dingboche. Hike to Nangkartsang Peak and back — Max. Altitude: Nangkartsang Peak (5,083 m)
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Day 8Trek to Chhukung from Dingboche — Max. Altitude: Chhukung (4,730 m)
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Day 9Trek to Lobuche via Crossing Kongma La Pass — Max. Altitude: Kongma La Pass (5,535 m), Lobuche (4,910 m)
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Day 10Trek to Everest Base Camp and then back to Gorak Shep — Max. Altitude: Everest Base Camp (5,364 m), Gorak Shep (5,164 m)
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Day 11Early morning hike to Kala Patthar and then, descend to Lobuche — Max. Altitude: Kala Patthar (5,555 m)
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Day 12Trek to Dzongla from Lobuche — Max. Altitude: Dzongla (4,830 m)
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Day 13Trek to Gokyo from Dzongla via Crossing Cho La Pass — Max. Altitude: Cho La Pass (5,420 m)
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Day 14Climb Gokyo Ri and return back to Gokyo — Max. Altitude: Gokyo Ri (5,483 m)
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Day 15Trek to Lunden from Gokyo via Crossing Renjo La Pass — Max. Altitude: Renjo La Pass (5,340 m), Lunden (4,300 m)
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Day 16Trek to Thame from Lunden — Max. Altitude: Thame (3,800 m)
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Day 17Trek to Namche Bazar from Thame — Max. Altitude: Namche Bazaar (3,440 m)
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Day 18Trek to Lukla from Namche Bazaar — Max. Altitude: Lukla (2,840 m)
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Day 19Fly back to Kathmandu or Manthali from Lukla and same day drive to Kathmandu — Lukla to Manthali Flight (March, April, May, October, and November)
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Day 20Transfer to the International Airport for Your Final Departure — The trip concludes – our airport representative will drop you to Kathmandu’s Tribhuwan International Airport for your flight departure from Nepal.
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What's included in your experience
Included
- All (international and domestic) airport transfers on a tourist vehicle
- Standard twin-sharing/double accommodation in a 3-star hotel for 2 nights in Kathmandu including breakfast (Private room accommodation can be organized at an extra cost)
- Twin-sharing guesthouse accommodation during the trek for 17 nights in the Everest region with attached toilets in Lukla, Phakding & Namche
- All your standard meals during the trek (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner) including one hot drink and seasonal fruits
- Experienced, first-aid trained, government licensed, English-speaking Ace the Himalaya's trekking guide (2 guides provided for groups of 8 or more)
- Permits for Sagarmatha/Everest National Park and TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System)
- Porters during the trek for carrying luggage (1 porter for every 2 clients)
- Wages, accommodation, meals, gear, insurance, and medications for all staff
- Purified drinking water during the trek using Water Filter or water purification tablets.
- Round-trip airfare between Kathmandu/Manthali and Lukla
- A farewell dinner on the last night in Nepal
- All administrative expenses and government taxes
Not included
- Meals (lunch and dinner) in Kathmandu
- International flight fare and airport departure tax
- Any beverages including bottled and boiled water
- Travel insurance along with high-altitude emergency evacuation coverage
- Tips to trekking staff and driver
- Nepal Entry Visa (Visa can be acquired easily after your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu with a fee of USD 50 for 30 days visa and USD 125 for 90 days visa)
- Personal Trekking gear and equipment
- Any expenses other than the Price Include section
Essential trip information
Accommodation
Tea House & Hotel
Fitness & eligibility
3
Meeting point
Kathmandu
What to bring
- Here is a list of what you might want to pack for the hike. Please take this as a starting point. You’ll need layers of warmer clothing during the winter. We provide a 75 liter duffel bag for you to use for the trek.
- It will be given to you during your pre-trip meeting in Kathmandu. The duffle bag is yours to keep. Also, you can rent sleeping bag and down jacket with us at the additional fee of USD 35 for each once you are in Kathmandu.
- General
- Four-season (zero degree) sleeping bag (We have rental sleeping bags available for an additional USD 35)
- Puffy down jacket (We have rental jackets available for an additional USD 35)
- Daypack (35-45 liters recommended) with rain cover
- Sleeping bag liner
- Upper Body
- Sun hat or cap (We'll provide you with a free Ace the Himalaya baseball cap.)
- Knitted hat/Beanie
- Headlamp
- Sunglasses
- Torso
- Technical fabric base layer (light for warmer months, heavy for colder months)
- Technical fabric short (2) and long sleeve (2) shirts
- Waterproof, windproof shell
- Fleece jacket or pullover
- Lower Body
- Technical fabric base layer (light for warmer months, heavy for colder months)
- Hiking pants (2)
- Comfortable pants for inside the teahouses
- Waterproof, windproof shell
- Hiking shorts
- Hands
- Wool or technical fabric liner gloves
- Hard-shell outer gloves (insulated for colder months)
- Feet
- Wool or technical fabric warm socks
- Hiking socks
- Liner socks (optional such as silk)
- Trekking/hiking boots (waterproof recommended)
- Ice Cleats /Micro Spikes (For trekking from November to March, it's recommended to include Ice Cleats/ Micro Spikes to prevent slipping on icy or wet surfaces.)
- Casual shoes
- Gaiters (lightweight for dust or heavy for snow in colder months)
- Undergarments
- Note: The quantity of each article of clothing can be adjusted to suit the preferences of each participant.
- Technical fabric/quick drying is best for underwear (opportunities to launder during the trip)
- Sports bras (women)
- Pajamas or sleeping clothes
- First Aid Kits and Medications
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