Embark on the Everest Three High Passes Trek, A 21-day challenging but adventurous journey in the Khumbu region. This ultimate trek in the Himalayas offers distinct perspectives of Mt. Everest, pushing trekkers to unlock their high endurance level and experience a profound sense of accomplishment.
Everest Three High Passes Trek is an epic trek in the Khumbu region that crosses high alpine passes and explores beautiful valleys, Sherpa villages, glacial lakes, moraines and multiple viewpoints. As the name of the package suggests, this Everest High Pass trek involves crossing three high passes: Renjo La (5,360 m) Pass, Cho La (5,420 m) Pass, and Kongma La (5,540 m) Pass.
The fact that you trek to Everest Base Camp (5,364 m) and Kala Patthar (5,644 m) and explore the Gokyo Village (4,750 m) and Gokyo Lakes (ranging from 4,700 m to 5,000 m) makes the Everest Three High Passes Trek itinerary is brilliant.
We hike to places like Hotel Everest View (3,962 m), Nagarjuna Hill (5,100 m), and Gokyo Ri (5,357 m). The initial part of the Everest Three High Passes Trek follows the classic EBC trek route, so you also get to explore the iconic villages, including Namche Bazaar (3,440 m).
Everest Three High Pass Trek is like climbing a peak itself. However, no technical climbing is required, or any climbing gear is involved. You get to explore the hidden corners of the Khumbu region on three High Passes trekking and witness the most stunning mountain views.
The Everest High Pass trek is fit for experienced trekkers who can walk at least 6 hours a day on steep, rugged uphill trails and can resist thin air and limited services. The other part of the three high passes trek is about cultural experience and mingling with the locals.
As you spend a long time in the mountains, you will learn much about Sherpas and people from other communities like Rai, Limbu, and Bhotiya. While trekking, you visit ancient monasteries like Khumjung (3,790 m), Tengboche (3,860 m), and Pangboche (3,985 m), offering unique cultural experiences that will pique your curiosity and interest.
Kathmandu is known as the City of Temples. Old temples can be seen in every corner of the city, supporting this statement. Before leaving Nepal, you must visit and explore the main historical monuments. To ensure you visit as many tourist sites as possible, we spend two full days in Kathmandu at the beginning and end of the journey. You explore the town's palace, Kathmandu Durbar Square. The tour also leads you to the famous Monkey Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple, and museums and galleries.
You'll have the most exciting flight of your life, flying in and out of Lukla. It's a 35-minute flight between Kathmandu (1,400 m) and Lukla (2,860 m). The flight offers spectacular aerial views of the Himalayas. Lukla Airport's location, elevation, and tiny runway have made it popular in travel and aviation.
The Everest Three High Passes Trek begins with a gentle walk through lush forest and later joins dense alpine forests. Forests of rhododendron, pine, fir, juniper, and birch enhance the lower trekking routes. The diverse flora and fauna along the way add wilderness to the journey.
Likewise, the trail goes through many small and big villages. Some villages are works of art, to be honest. The surrounding views boost their beauty. Our major night stops are Phakding, Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche, Chhukung, Lobuche, Gorak Shep, Dzongla, Thangnak, Gokyo Village, Lumde, and Thame.
The natives of the Everest region are very friendly and welcoming. They run the lodges and other services along the trail, which make our journey somewhat bearable. As we all know about Sherpas, the Everest Three High Passes Trek provides a unique opportunity to experience their lifestyle and spend time with them.
You trek with a record-breaking team of guides who have mapped numerous trekking and climbing routes in the Himalayas not once or twice but multiple times. Our team at Outfitter Himalaya is unparalleled in the industry. We have hand-picked the finest guides and porters, ensuring your safety and comfort throughout the trek. Our tested itinerary guarantees the best trekking experience.
Despite all the hurdles involved in the Everest Three High Passes Trek, this trek is the best option for witnessing jaw-dropping mountain landscapes. Very few trekkers cross the three high passes in the Khumbu region, so only a few have seen the dramatic scenery from the top. Numerous mountains are visible throughout the trail, including the eight-thou sanders Mt. Everest (8,849 m), Mt. Lhotse (8,516 m), Mt. Cho Oyu (8,188 m), and Mt. Makalu (8,463 m).
Some other famous giants you see are Nuptse (7,861 m), Ama Dablam (6,812 m), Island Peak (6,160 m), Pumori (7,161 m), Cholatse (6,440 m), Taboche (6,495 m), Thamserku (6,608 m), and Kangtega (6,782 m). The lower part of the trail is covered with lush green hills, and the upper part boasts barren rocky hills. Then come other Himalayan wonders, like gorgeous waterfalls, lakes, streams, rhododendron forests, moraines, glaciers, gorges, and icefalls. As you approach the high altitude, the scenery only gets alluring.
This fabulous journey begins in Kathmandu. We explore this bustling city's stupas, temples, palaces, and local bazaars and catch a thrilling flight to Lukla on the third day. The first few days of the trail follow the famous route to Everest base camp through Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, and Dingboche.
From Dingboche, we ascend to Chhukung and cross the Kongma La pass before descending towards Lobuche village. The trail climbs to Everest base camp and Kala Patthar. From here onwards, we leave the crowd and embark on a further remote/rugged route to Gokyo Valley. But first, we must conquer the glacial trail to Dzongla and cross the second pass, Cho La.
It's time to explore the stunning Gokyo Lakes with substantial religious values. We hike to Gokyo Ri and soon cross the last pass, Renjo La. Trekking through Thame, we walk to Namche Bazaar and retrace the trail to Lukla.
The Everest High Passes Trek is a 21-day trek program that includes all three high trekking passes of the Everest Region. The three passes are Kong La, Cho La, and Renjo La.
We meet you at the Tribhuvan International Airport terminal gate. Our team will welcome you and escort you to the hotel. In the remaining time, rest, and if you wish, explore around your hotel.
We have divided this day into two parts. In the first half, we visit tourist sites like Monkey Temple, Boudhnath Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple, and Kathmandu Durbar Square. The tour introduces you to Nepali culture and architecture. It's a guided tour, so you'll learn much about the monuments.
In the latter half of the day, we meet with the trek guide in our office and prepare for the three-pass trek. Our trek briefs about the trail and double-checks all the gears. All the duffel bags are packed today, and last-minute shopping is done if needed.
Today, we have a morning flight to Lukla Airport. So, you have to wake up pretty early and get ready. We'll pick you up from your hotel lobby and drive to the domestic airport. The flight to Lukla is short and scenic. In Lukla, the rest of the crew (porters) join us.
To avoid altitude sickness, we spend the first night in Phakding village instead of Lukla. The trail descends along the side of the Dudh Kosi River through forested paths. Passing by Ghat village (2,530 m), we trek for an hour to reach Phakding.
The trail from Phakding to Namche Bazaar is awe-inspiring and adventurous. Trekking through pine forests and listening to the rushing sound of the Dudh Koshi River, we ascend and pass by villages like Benkar, Monjo and Jorsale. The trail up to Monjo crosses many suspension bridges.
From Monjo, we trek in a protected area called Sagarmatha National Park. From here onwards, the route gradually follows through dense forests and crosses thrilling hanging bridges. We'll come across lovely waterfalls and pass by small settlement areas before steeply ascending towards Namche Bazaar.
We have come very far at 3,440 meters from sea level. So, an acclimatization day is crucial at this point. Also, a rest day in Namche Bazaar lets you explore nearby famous places like Syangboche Airstrip and Everest View Hotel. We hike to these places to witness breathtaking views of mountains like Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, and Kangtega.
From here, we walk toward Sanasa. On the way, we may see the Himalayan tahr and Danphe (Nepal's national bird). The trail takes you to Tashinga and descends steeply to Dudh Koshi. Crossing the river, we reach Phunki Tenga (3,250 m) and ascend through lush rhododendron, pine, fir and juniper forests to Tengboche village.
We visit the Tengboche monastery early in the morning and witness a stunning sunrise. After breakfast, we walk through the rhododendrons, fir, pine, and birch forests. The trail takes us to Debuche, from where we steeply ascend.
The trail passes by Imja Khola and leads us to Pangboche village. We take a lunch break here and then follow an uphill route through alpine hillsides and terraced fields to Dingboche.
We will hike to a nearby hill with fantastic mountain views to acclimatize. Later, we can explore the Digbcohe village and its terraced fields.
From Dingboche onwards, we leave the main EBC trail and trek to Chhukung Valley. It is located beneath a rock wall that links Nuptse with Lhotse. The trail is rugged and rocky.
Along the trail, we enjoy the fantastic panorama of Ama Dablam and Island Peak.
Today, we will cross the first pass of our trek, Kongma La. From Chhukung, we have two routes to Kongma La. We walk in an isolated area and ascend a hill northwest of Chhkung, following the moraine of the Nuptse Glacier. Another option is to descend to Bibre and take a high trail above the Niyang Khola.
On the way, we pass by small frozen lakes and steeply ascend over loose scree to the top of the pass. The top is marked with colorful prayer flags. The feeling of conquering the first pass and getting rewarded with heavenly scenery will motivate us to walk further. Further, we do the final descent to Lobuche. It's a tricky section of the trail that climbs moraine on the far side and walks by Khumbu Glacier.
The trail to Everest base camp is windy, and the thin air makes the walk more exhausting than it is. We walk on a rocky trail on the north crest of Everest. The trail offers prominent views of Pumori, Khumbutse, Nuptse, Lhotse, and Lingtern.
Walking alongside Khumbu Glacier, we reach Gorak Shep. From here, we follow a steep, rocky trail to Everest base camp, where we'll spend the night.
We wake up before sunrise and hike to Kala Patthar. It's a popular viewpoint that offers mountain panorama, including one of the best views of Mt. Everest. After enjoying the gorgeous sunrise and mountain views from Kala Patthar, we descend to Dzongla for the night. It's a relatively short day and allows us to rest.
Leaving Dzongla, we embark on an adventurous route today. The trail goes west and descends through landslide areas. We walk on a glacial path and reach the top of the basin. Soon, we cross Cho La Pass and witness breathtaking views of Ama Dablam. From here, we descend to Thangnak. The downhill route is rocky and ice-lazed, so be careful while dropping.
The trail from Thangnak leads to the edge of the Ngozumpa Glacier, Nepal's biggest glacier. From here, we walk, enjoying stunning mountain views, past several small lakes, and to the Gokyo village. It's a beautiful village tucked away amidst a snow-capped mountain at the shore of an alpine lake.
We spent another acclimatization day in Gokyo village and hike to Gokyo Ri (5,350 m). It's a few hours' walk from Gokyo village to Gokyo Ri on a steep, rugged path The viewpoint offers a surreal view of Cho Oyu, Island Peak, Gyachukang, Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cholatse, Tawache, and many other mountains. Later, we'll explore the Gokyo Lakes and spend the rest of the day with the locals.
Today, we'll cross the third and last pass, Renjo La. We follow a gray screen from Gokyo above the lake's northwest corner. The trail descends from Gokyo Valley, and leaving the main trail, we follow an uphill route that leads to Renjo La pass.
The walk is strenuous, but once we reach the top of the pass, the crisp wind and phenomenal mountain views will make us forget the pain. From here, we descend to Thame to spend the night.
Leaving Thame, we walk and reach a small village called Phurte. Here, we visit the old Laudo monastery. Walking through forested paths and small towns, we reach Namche Bazaar. We also pass by gompas, mani walls, and chortens.
After having breakfast, we begin trekking out of Namche Bazaar and steeply descend through lush forests. We pass by waterfalls and streams and cross many suspension bridges until we reach Phakding village.
On this day, we'll be retracing the path to Lukla so that you may remember a few things. From Phakding, it's a few hours of ascent to Lukla.
We fly back to Kathmandu today. Our team will drop you at the hotel. The remaining day is free. You can explore Thamel and its narrow, lively streets. There's a royal garden called the Garden of Dreams located just at the entrance of Thamel; you can visit there, too.
We have an extra day in Kathmandu. We use this if we need it on the trek or if our Lukla flight is delayed or canceled due to bad weather. On this day, we recommend visiting Bhaktapur and Patan Durbar Square. You can explore palaces, gates, courtyards, museums, galleries, and temples there.
We also highly recommend that you visit the local market. In the evening, meet us for a farewell dinner.
We have marked the end of our adventurous trip to Nepal. On this day, you fly back home. Our airport team will help you check out and drop you off.
We suggest you to hire a porter to carry your bag pack while on trek, trekking with a light day pack is much easier and you enjoy your trekking holidays to the fullest. A trekking porter carries about 20-22 Kg (about 10-11 Kg from each of you), and we suggest to hire a porter in between of two trekkers.
Are the dates offered unsuitable, or do you want to take a private trip? Check availability for your date.
Everest three High Passes Trek is a demanding trek that takes over 17 days of walking in the Himalayas. The trail goes above 5,000 meters many times during the trek. The Everest High Passes Trek route is forested and rough at the beginning, steeper, rugged, and packed with loose boulders in the upper part. It's an incredibly demanding yet rewarding journey that requires muscular fitness.
Everest Three High Passes Trek is one of the most extended treks in the Himalayas. It covers approximately 160 to 185 kilometers (99 to 115 miles) and, on average, 6 hours of walking daily. As the elevation increases, minimal modern facilities become scarce and expensive, and the risks of altitude sickness are always present.
Here are a few things you can do to prepare for the Everest Three High Passes Trek. Once you book the trek, our team will assist you in preparing and providing other essential information. We advise you to keep at least four weeks on your hands to prepare your body for the trek. If you are an active, high-altitude traveler and fit, you can make a last-minute booking (at least five days to one time).
Strength training and cardio are the best exercises. You have to focus on building stamina and core body strength. Go on short hikes in your trekking shoes. Do not wear a brand-new pair of shoes while trekking.
If you have any medical history, we recommend you consult the doctor about all the medical possibilities your body may see because of the high altitude. Research and see what trekking gear is best for you and your budget. You can buy/rent gear at the best price in Thamel, Kathmandu.
To do the Everest high pass trek, which involves daily walking/trekking for 3 -9 hours on mountain trails; you must be physically fit and have a robust and moderate fitness level. You better have previous trekking experience and healthy with a strong desire and stamina.
You will need some Everest High Pass Trek permits: Sagarmatha National Park entry permits, TIMS (Trekkers information management system) permits, and Khumbu-Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality fees. We apply and get all these permits once you book the Everest High Pass Trek with us.
The best seasons (time) to do Everest High Pass Trek are autumn (from mid-September to mid-December) and spring (from the beginning of March until the end of May). However, the trek is possible in June, January, and February.
We provide reasonable 3-star hotel accommodations for the four nights in Kathmandu and simple lodge/teahouse accommodations for the other 16 nights on the Everest High Pass Trek. The trek lodge/guest house rooms are basic, with just a bed, pillow, and blankets. Please remember that some are basic, and a sense of adventure is necessary.
Notes: A hotel upgrade in Kathmandu is available. There are luxury 4- 5-star hotels available in Kathmandu. Let us know if you want to upgrade the hotels in Kathmandu.
Fifty-two meals (20 breakfasts, 16 lunches, and 16 dinners) are provided on the Everest High Pass Trek, and the meals are provided in lodges. You have breakfast and dinner at the lodges, where you stay overnight, and lunch at the lodge is available along the trail.
There are various Nepali and Western meals and drinks on the Everest High Passes Trail (coffee, tea, milk, soft drinks, and beer). The drinks are not included in the Everest High Pass Trekking Package. You can buy them yourself at the lodge or guest house.
We advise you to bring water purification pills or medicine while going on the Everest High Pass Trek since normal water is free. You can use medicine and drink it or buy bottled or boiled/safe water.
It would help if you had a travel insurance policy before going on the Everest High Pass trek, as there is always a risk while doing a high mountain trek. In case of severe sickness or injury, we must transfer you to the nearest hospital. You are liable for all expenses incurred in the evacuation/rescue. Please make sure that your insurance policy covers these expenses.
We are just back from a trekking holiday with Outfitter and can only endorse the comments made by all other reviewers. From the first email to Arjun, requesting details of...
The Everest High Passes trek with Outfitter Himalaya was one of the best decisions I made. I spent about 3 weeks (18 days on the trek) doing the Everest Three...
