Trip Highlight
Natural Beauty
Trekking
moderate adventure
Culture and tradition
Inhabitants of high lands.
Travel and cusine
Overview
The main cornerstone of Everest three passes trek is Kongma La Pass, Chola La Pass, and Renjo La Pass-hence named three passes trek. This trekking route is one of the most adventurous trekking routes in the world. This trek begins from Lukla on to the way to high pass called Kongma La Pass at 5530 meters into Everest Base Camp. Starting trek from Lukla the way takes to Namche Bazaar. After One day acclimatization in Namche Bazaar the next destination reached is Chhukhung(4730m). From Chhukhung you will climb Kongma La Pass(5530m) from where you will have an opportunity to view the best scenery of mountains including Everest, Makalu, and Cho Oyo. Then we move ahead to Gorak Shep than to Everest Base Camp and then to Kala Patthar.
Then you will cross Chola Pass ((5330m) and reach Thangnag. From Thangnag you will move towards Gokyo. Gokyo is a beautiful village with typical Buddhist culture, lying on the brim of Ngozomba glacier which is the biggest glacier of Khumbhu region, Gokyo valley consists of Gokyo lake and is considered a sacred by both Buddhist and Hindus. The lodges around Gokyo are comfortable, you can enjoy the silent and peaceful view of the lake from the hotel, relax and get acquainted with the typical Buddhist culture in Gokyo. You could also do some hiking to Gokyo Ri –the view from Gokyo Ri is very sensational and panoramic. After yet another acclimatization in Gokyo, we cross Renjo La Pass (5360M ). The panoramic view from Renjo La is yet another attraction of the trek. The route from Gokyo to Renjo La is peaceful- it is not crowded as the classical Everest Base Camp route. Crossing Renjo La we pass ancient villages like Thame, Maralung, Thangnag and reach Namche once again and then trace our path back to Lukla where we end our journey. On the next morning, you will take a flight back to Kathmandu.
Outline Itinerary
Day 01: Arrive at Tribhuvan international airport in Kathmandu (1310m)
Day 02: Sightseeing Kathmandu and Pre-trip meeting O/N at Hotel.
Day 03: Early morning flight to Lukla (2860m) and trek to Phakding(2610m)- 30 minutes flight and 3/4 hours hiking-O/N at Lodge
Day 04: Trek to Namche Bazar (3440m) -5/6 hours walking- O/N at Lodge
Day 05: Rest Day/Acclimatization- Day hike Everest viewpoint and back to Namche-0/N at Lodge
Day 06: Trek to Tengboche (3860m)-5/6 hours walking-O/N at Lodge
Day 07: Trek to Dingboche (4410m)-5/6 hours hiking-0/N at Lodge
Day 08: Rest Day/Acclimatization at Dingboche
Day 09: Trek to Chhukhung(4730m)-2/3 hours-O/N at Lodge
Day 10: Trek to Lobuche(4910m) via Kongma La Pass(5535m)-7/8 hours-0/N at Lodge
Day 11: Trek to Gorak Shep (5140M) to EBC (5364m) and back to Gorak Shep-6/7 hours-O/N at Lodge
Day 12: Early morning climb to Kalapathar and trek to Dzongla (4,843m) 5/6 hrs walking.
Day 13: Trek to Thangnag (4700m) via Chola La Pass(5368m)-5/6 hours-O/N at Lodge
Day 14: Trek to Gokyo (4790m)-3/4 hours-O/N at hotel
Day 15: Rest Day/Acclimatization at Gokyo
Day 16: Trek to Lungdhen(4380m) via Renjo La Pass (5360m)-7/8 hours O/N at Lodge
Day 17: Trek to Thame (3800m)-4/5 hours-O/N at Lodge
Day 18: Trek to Namche(3440m)-4/5 hours-O/N Lodge
Day 19: Trek to Lukla-5/6 hours-O/N at Lodge
Day 20: Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu- 30 minutes flight and Drive to Hotel in Kathmandu
Day 21: Departure from Kathmandu back to your onward destination
Physical fitness
Everest three passes trekking is for those who are physically fit and can walk for hours to reach their destination. It is the Strenuous trek that takes you to the fascinating Everest passes after some hours of a walk down to the moderate paths. As the area lies in higher altitude, one needs to be physically fit and healthy. Before planning for this trek, you need to check your physical condition by consulting your physician. Similarly, handling the low air pressure, high winds and low temperatures and also practicing to carry the weight can help you through the trip.
Lodging and food
We will be greeting you at International airport and make your stay possible at one of the 3-star hotels in the town. While you are on the Trek, you will be staying at the Teahouses. The stay may be twin sharing or single(depends on what you want and it is difficult to find a separate bedroom at high above). Likewise, Access the Asia will take you to the best possible place where you can enjoy the hygienic Nepali as well as International food. Accommodation with breakfast, lunch and dinner at different areas during trekking and in camping as per the holiday plan will be provided. For the Lunch and Dinner, while staying at Kathmandu, you are responsible for the payment. There will be the farewell dinner with every guest after they return form their Trek.
Best Time to travel
February to Mid June, September – Mid December is the best for climbing up the Base Camp. Dec & January are cold which can be snowy, July and August are rainy time, trekking can be done, but visibility can be weak due to rain.
Lukla flights
Lukla airport is also known as Tenzing Hillary airport which lies in Everest region where Mount Everest is also situated. The airport falls among the most dangerous airport in the world. It is the popular airport because it is the starting point for climbing the EBC. Due to the changing visibility and weather sometimes the flight gets delayed or canceled. You can only take 15kg of your stuff from the Lukla airport or to the Lukla airport (1 or 2 kg more can be taken with extra charge). If the flights get delayed or canceled then you can charter a helicopter which can be a bit costly or else if you go for sharing basis in the helicopter than the cost can be lowered compared to single charter.
Day 01: Arrive at Tribhuvan international airport in Kathmandu (1310m)
Welcome you at Tribhuvan International Airport by our representative with company name on placard and direct transfer to hotel in Kathmandu (3 star ). Our guide will brief you about next day plan on hotel.
Day 02: Sightseeing Kathmandu and Pre-trip meeting
On this day, cultural city guide will meet you at hotel and he/she will guide you around the Kathmandu valley and you will visit to world heritage sites Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa and other cultural and traditional areas after completion of city tour we will return back to office and meet the team and other participant members and discuss over the trip and we will give you a briefing about tour and we will make sure your all the equipment are ready and in fine condition.
Day 03: Early morning flight to Lukla (2860m) and trek to Phakding(2610m)- 30 minutes flight and 3/4 hours hiking-O/N at Lodge
This is the day where all the treks to Everest begins .Your guide will meet you at hotel and you will be escorted to the domestic terminal of Tribhuvan International airport and take early morning flight to Lukla which is about 30 minutes from Kathmandu. In Lukla we will meet other staffs, there we will set luggage for porters to carry. After that we will have a walk through the stone trails and forest observing the local villages and reach Phakding and stay overnight.
Note: All the flights to Lukla are scheduled early in the morning however sometimes due to weather problem flight may be delay at those situations we would like you to have patience.
Day 04: Trek to Namche Bazar (3440m) -5/6 hours walking- O/N at Lodge
On this day we will take breakfast at nearly 7:30 am and without out any further delay we set out for another 5-6 hours walk to Namche Bazar.On the trail we will pass through various suspension bridges and cross the Dudh Koshi river.We will encounter villages like Toktok , banker and Monjo , Monjo is the getway to Sagarmatha National Park our guide will complete all the necessary formalities to enter to the Sagarmatha National Park. After 15 minutes’ walk we will arrive at Jorsale and will take lunch there after that we walk alongside the Trail of Dudh Koshi River and Bhote Koshi river and steep trails of hills. Overnight at Namche Bazar
Day 05: Rest Day/Acclimatization- Day hike Everest view point and back to Namche-0/N at Lodge
Although this is a rest day but actually after breakfast we will hike to Everest view point so as to keep ourselves active and adapt to climate. Moreover from Everest view point we will be able to view the scenic beauty of Ama Dablam, Everest, Lotse , Nuptse, Thamserku, Kongde and so on then we will return back to Namche Bazar and have lunch then if you are interested you can take a short tour of Namche Bazar. Namche Bazar is the biggest and colorful bazaar of Everest or Khumbu region, it is the hub for all the travelers and local people. There are cafes, cyber, pub, ATM’s and other local businesses. Overnight at Namche
Day 06: Trek to Tangboche (3860m)-5/6 hours walking-O/N at Lodge
On this day after breakfast we set for another 5/6 hours walk to Tangboche from Namche. On the trail we can explore various flora and fauna and also experience the amazing view of mountains. In between we encounter Kangjuma village which is he junction and it divides the trail to Gokyo Valley and Everest base camp and cross the suspension bridge to reach Phunkitanga and there we will have lunch . After lunch we take the steep trail through the jungle of pine trees and rhododendron. Tangboche is very famous place for its Monastery and form there we can take the closer look of Mt.Everest, Lotse , Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku and so on. Overnight at Tangboche.
Day 07: Trek to Dingboche (4410m)-5/6 hours hiking-0/N at Lodge
After taking breakfast we will set for another hike. At first we will take a mild hike downhill for about 30 minutes to Debuche and from there we hike through the shady and lushly forest of rhododendron and pine trees. We cross river through wooden bridge and ascend up towards Pangboche village. Pangboche is Sherpa village we walk through lower Pangboche village we can see Chorten and Mani walls on this trail. From there we reach Somare village there we will have lunch and have mild walk to Dingboche.
Day 08: Rest Day/Acclimatization at Dingboche
On this day we will hike up to the distance of 4600 meters for acclimatization. We can see beautiful glimpse of mountains like Makalu, Lotse , Nuptse, Ama Dablam and so on. We take a tour of Dingboche village.
Day 09: Trek to Chhukhung(4730m)-2/3 hours-O/N at Lodge
Leaving Dingboche we take a pleasant walk towards Chhukhung. The towering view of Mount Amadablam on the right and Nuptse and and Lhotse on the left is simply prodigious. After a few hours walk along the Imja River through the walled fields and typical alpine landscape we reach Bibre a small Yak farms and herdsman settlement. Passing Bibre we continue our walk and as we walk we can see the beautiful pyramidal Island Peak (Imja Tse – 6189 meters) the most popular climbing peak in Khumbu Region and the lake Imja is the originating source of Imja River. Passing small streams and moraine walls we reach Chukhung village where we halt our journey for the day and rest. Chhukhung , is located just on the foot of Nuptse and Lhotse mountain and the lies as the junction of Nuptse and Lhotse glacier. We can hike to Chhukhung –ri which offers a stupendous view of Lhotse, Is Land Peak, Ama Dablam, Makalu and Bruntse.
Day 10:Trek to Lobuche(4910m) via Kongma La Pass(5535m)-7/8 hours-0/N at Lodge
The day could be quite strenuous as we are going to pass the highest pass of the three: Kongma La (5535 meters). We start our journey early in the morning after breakfast. Our load might get heavy as we have to carry plenty of water, snacks and packed lunch -along the trail there are no lodges and shops where we can get them. We hike at a comfortable pace above the Chhukhung village and below the moraine of Nuptse glacier. Taking many twist and turns passing gorge between the hills we take a west turn and crossing Niyang Khola we walk along a rocky trail which leads to Kongma La pass. We can see many icy lakes scattered all around the areas. Reaching the top of Kongma La we can see many mountain views and Khumbu glacier below us. Descending down to Kongma La is next difficult journey of our trek, descending down we meet Khumbu glacier crossing Khumbu glacier we reach Lobuche.
Day 11: Trek to Gorak Shep (5140M) to EBC (5364m) and back to Gorak Shep-6/7 hours-O/N at Lodge
Now we are very close to Everest Base Camp. After having an early breakfast we set for another 2-3 hours hike to Gorakshep. In between we hike through wide pass and walk through the glaciers and rocky terrains. After reaching Gorakshep we will have lunch we keep our luggage in hotel room and we take necessary items like down jacket, gloves, sunglasses, water and some snacks and hike through the glaciers and rocky terrains to Everest Base Camp. The base camp is stunningly beautiful and we can view the amazing scene of Khumbu glacier, Khumbu ice fall, and mountains like Nuptse, Khumbutse and Pumori. Overnight at Gorakshep.
Day 12: Early morning climb to Kalapathar and trek to Dzongla (4,843m) 5/6 hrs walking.
On this day we will wake up early in the morning and move to ascent Kalapathar. Kalapathar meaning black rock in Nepali Language lies at an altitude of 5,644.5, which gives a view point to watch the majestic view of Pumori. Kalapathar also provides a perfect position to watch Mount Everest. Then we will take a rocky trail, steadily descending to Lobuche and from lobuche after a 2 to 3 hours walk we will reach Dzongla. On the way we will encounter with various lakes, rare flower, birds etc. The day will end with 5 to 6 hours of walking and then we will stay at guest house to gain energy for next day.
Day 13: Trek to Thangnag (4700m) via Chola La Pass(5368m)-5/6 hours-O/N at Lodge
On this day we will wake up early in the morning, the looming view of Cholatse makes the perfect morning after breakfast we set for yet another toughest challenge of the trek we leave Dzongla for more excitement and adventure in our endeavor ahead. At an altitude of 5360 meters we will encounter with one of the popular and challenging mountain pass know as Chola pass. It is really challenging to cross Chola and our guide will provide instruction to cross it. Crossing Chola pass will add a new memory of adventure to you. Then we will descend to Thangnag which lies at an altitude of 4700 meters. From Dzongla via Chola pass to Thangnag a total of 6 to 7 hours of walk will exhaust ourselves to our maximum limit, to get relaxation from our fatigue we will stay at guest house in Thangnag
Day 14: Trek to Gokyo (4790m)-3/4 hours-O/N at hotel
After breakfast we move to Gokyo, crossing Ngozumba Glacier, which is the biggest glacier of all the Khumbu region and is also the source of Dudh Kosi river. Reaching Gokyo we will take lunch and after lunch we will explore Gokyo.Overnight at Gokyo.
Day 15: Rest Day/Acclimatization at Gokyo
Though this day is allocated for acclimatization but at the first ray of sun we hike to Gokyo Ri (5350 meters) for about 2 hours as we reach Gokyo Ri we can see the amazing view of mountains surrounding all around. The panoramic view of Cho Oyu, Pumari, Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Makalu, Amaldablam is simply sensational. After spending some time we descend down to Gokyo and rest for the day observing the pleasant, crystal clear Gokyo lake in Lodge.
Day 16: Trek to Lungdhen(4380m) via Renjo La Pass (5360m)-7/8 hours O/N at Lodge
After our early morning breakfast we start our journey towards Renjo La pass. Now a days Gokyo and Renjo La pass itself is becoming more popular, for those who wants to avoid high traffic like that of Everest Base camp. Among three passes Renjo La is not that difficult but the view from the pass is never the less. After 30/40 minutes of walk along the side of Gokyo lake from one corner to next we ascend steadily towards the Renjo La pass. The trail is rocky with bushes in some areas. Looking down the Gokyo valley as we ascend we can see the crystal clear lake and the reflection of the mountain on the left side of the lake. After reaching Renjo La we cross the pass and descend down to Lungden- a small village with lots of Yak herds with few scattered settlements.
Day 17: Trek to Thame (3800m)-4/5 hours-O/N at Lodge
Leaving Lungdhen we head towards Thame. We follow the trail along the Bhote Koshi river, the path is almost straight no ups and downs except some places. The Bhote Kosi River flowing down our path is twisting and turning from one side to the other. Our trail consists of huge bushy and barren walled mountains on either side. After crossing a suspension bridge near Dingjung we reach Thame- One of the oldest village in Khumbu region-quite developed now with schools, restaurant and lodges, there is hydropower dam too. On the far west-north of the valley there is old Thame monastery.
Day 18: Trek to Namche(3440m)-4/5 hours-O/N Lodge
After crossing a Bhote Kosi river once again we leave Thame village and trek towards Namche. From the bridge you can see Bhote Kosi river narrowing and eroding base forming gorge structure. After a 30/40 minutes of walk we reach Samde yet another small village leaving behind Samde we enter the green valleys and village throughout the trail we can see mountain goats, Danfe (National Bird of Nepal) and many other flora and fauna. Passing Thamo we follow the straight path as we move ahead the Bhote Kosi River gets far away from us passing many small villages and scattered forest areas we arrive at Namche where we take rest for the day.
Day 19: Trek to Lukla-5/6 hours-O/N at Lodge
After breakfast, we are set for the last hike to Lukla. We hike mostly down the hill crossing multiple suspension bridge following the trail of Dudh Koshi river and enjoying the surrounding environment and local villages. We take lunch at Phakding after that we hike to Lukla with a comfortable pace. Overnight at Lukla.
Day 20: Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu- 30 minutes flight and Drive to Hotel in Kathmandu
We take early breakfast and are ready to fly back to Kathmandu. Arriving Kathmandu you will be escorted to hotel from our vehicle. At evening we will have farewell dinner in Nepali Traditional Restaurant.
Day 21: Departure from Kathmandu back to your onward destination
Our Journey formally ends here, we would like to thank you for visiting Nepal and it was great for our company to do a wonderful trek with you. Our guide will escort you to Tribhuvan International Airport 2-3 hours before the scheduled flight time.
If our fixed departure dates are not convenient for you or your group, we can also arrange private departures on all of our small group tours. Private group departures will follow the same itineraries as our usual small group tours, or itineraries may be tailormade to suit your own convenient tour date/budgets.
Itineraries may be tailor-made to suit your dates. So if you can’t find a date to suit you or if you want to have your very own tour just with your friends or family then we can help you.
Customised Private Groups:
For most of our usual tours, or itineraries, where there is a group numbering 2 or more, we can customise and organise private group trip(s) where we design the itinerary and activities exclusively for you, according to your requirements and budgets, such as Honeymoon, Anniversary, Family, Scouts, School, College, Fundraising or Charity trips. Find out more about our private group tours.
To enquire about booking a private departure of this tour or about organising your own private group tour, please fill in the form below and we will get back to you shortly with details.