Everest Three Passes Trek

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Trekking, Sightseeing & Hiking
Duration: 19 Days Trip Code: CO-104
Trip Grade Moderate to strenuous Max-Altitude: 5555 m /18220.4 ft
Meals: All meals during trek Accommodation: Hotels/Mountain Lodges
Group size: Minimum of 2 Transportation: Flights/Private Vehicles
Trip Start: Kathmandu Trip End: Kathmandu
Primary Activity: Trekking, Sightseeing & Hiking Best Season March to May, Mid September to Mid December

Trip Introduction

Everest Three Passes trek is the most adventurous among all as it includes the three highest points of the Everest Region i.e. Renjo La (5,388m/17,513ft), Cho La (5,380m/17,650ft) and Kongma La (5,535m/18,159). It is a perfect blend of a classic Everest Base camp Trek along with full-on adventure passing through these high passes. Everest Three Passes Trek is a bit longer and a challenging one. The overwhelming view of the highest peaks including Mt. Everest, Mt. Choyu, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Ama Dablam, Mt. Pumori etc, the arresting lush of pine, birch and rhododendrons throughout the trekking trails, a variety of magnificent high altitude flora and fauna and the native Sherpas whose culture and tradition are renowned widely. Three pass trek to Everest Base Camp could be a treat to your eyes, mind, and soul that is incomprehensible.

19 Days - Everest Three Passes Trek starts from Kathmandu valley with a scenic flight to Lukla, then walking through the rugged trails will eventually take you to the point from where you can see Mt. Everest and other spectacular peaks from the proximity. Like all the other Everest Region Trek, you are advised to travel during Spring or summer so as to get maximum out of your trip because this time of the year weather is clear compared to Monsoon and Winter. The suggested trek offers enormous chance to have a better understanding of the culture of the Sherpas living in the area. We make sure that you are acclimatized as required for this trek.

Classic Outdoors offers you a 19 days Three Passes Trek that includes full accommodation and meal throughout the trek along with bed and breakfast in Kathmandu valley. We ensure you a guaranteed departure on your chosen date and you can get special discounts on groups. However, at times due to adverse weather conditions, the flight might be delayed or canceled for a day affecting the schedule. We always recommend you to add one night (three nights to the most) in Kathmandu after your trek if possible). We can arrange helicopters as per needed in case of flight cancellation as per your need and request.

Furthermore, you can also go through other itineraries of Everest region such as 15 days Everest Base Camp Trek and 18 days Gokyo with Everest Base Camp Trek. We can also customize the itinerary as per your interest,for which please write us at [email protected]. else you can directly call us at at +977 014256900 or +977 9851223737. 

Trip Highlights

  • Incredible view throughout the flight to Lukla
  • The unique culture and lifestyle of the Sherpa community
  • Kalapatthar climbing,Tengboche Monastery and walking through Khumbu Glacier.
  • Three major passes i.e. Cho La, Renjo La and Kongma La of Everest Region
  • Beautiful vista of the sun giving greetings to a 360 degree view of the mountains from Gokyo RI with fresh water lakes of Gokyo valley
  • A day of cultural tour in Kathmandu

Outline Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264ft)

Day 02: Kathmandu Valley sightseeing and trek preparation (1,300m/4,264ft)

Day 03: Kathmandu-Lukla-Phakding (2,652m/8,700ft) (30-35 minute flight)

Day 04: Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440m/11,283ft

Day 05: Namche Bazaar- a day for acclimatization

Day 06: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Thame (3800m/12467 ft)

Day 07: Trek from Thame to Lumde (4137m/13572 ft)

Day 08: Trek from Lumde to Gokyo (4800m/ 15748ft) via Renjo La Pass (5,388m/17,513ft)

Day 09: Trek from Gokyo to Thangnag (4750m/15580ft)

Day 10: Trek from Thangnag to Dzongla via Cho La Pass (5367m/17604ft)

Day 11: Trek from Dzongla to Gorekshep (5,160m/16,929ft)

Day 12: Trek from Gorak Shep (5,160m/16,929ft) -Everest Base Camp(5,320m/17,450ft)

Day 13: Hike to Kala Pattar and trek to Lobuche (5,550m/18,204ft)

Day 14: Trek to from Lobuche to Chukung via Kongma La (4,730m/15,518ft)

Day 15: Trek to from Chukung to Tengboche (3,867m/12684ft)

Day 16: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,400m/11,283ft)

Day 17: Trek to Lukla (2,652m/8,700ft)

Day 18: Fly back to Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264ft)

Day 19: Farewell Day

Trip Includes:

  • Airport Pick-up and Drop-off service in a private tourist vehicle
  • A day of guided city tour in Kathmandu in a private vehicle
  • Welcome dinner (Day 1) and Farewell dinner (Day 18).
  • 3-star standard accommodation in Kathmandu (Hotel Apsara Boutique or similar) for three nights along with breakfast
  • Accommodation during the trek in Teahouse/Lodges
  • All standard meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner), seasonal fruits after dinner, tea/coffee (3 times a day)
  • Kathmandu - Lukla - Kathmandu flight tickets, domestic departure transfer, and airport tax
  • Well-experienced, licensed, English speaking trekking guide (their salary, insurance, equipment, domestic airfare, food, and accommodation)
  • Porters (One porter for every two members) and his entire expenses (salary, food, accommodation, equipment, and insurance)
  • All the necessary permits i.e., (Sagarmatha National Park entrance fee and trekking permit) and all relevant paperwork
  • Down jacket and sleeping bag (borrowings offered upon request, without any extra cost)
  • Company’s duffel bag (upon request), and T-shirt (souvenir)
  • Trekking route map
  • First-aid kit (carried by your trek guide)
  • Arrangement of rescue helicopter service (your travel insurance should cover this expense)
  • Applicable local and government taxes
  • 1-hour trekkers massage after the trek completion.
    Local SIM Card

Trip Excludes:

  • Nepal visa (USD 30 for 15 days and USD 50 for 30 days in Cash) and international flights.
  • Dinner and lunch in Kathmandu except for welcome and farewell dinner. 
  • Your equipment and other expenses such as mineral water, soft beverages, confectionaries, laundries, phone calls, hot drinking water, bar bills, showers, internet facility, battery chargers, multi plugs, etc. 
  • Your travel insurance that covers Helicopter evacuation as well as medical expenses and trip cancellation. 
  • Tips to guide, porters, and driver as a token of appreciation. 
  • The monument entrance fee during a sightseeing tour in Kathmandu.
  • Any other expenses or charges that are not mentioned in the “cost includes” list. 
  • You can also contact us for the customized trip of your choice

Please contact us if you require any other information on the trek.

Day to Day Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264ft)
Meals included: Dinner

Our airport representative will receive you at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu upon your arrival. He/she will escort you to the respective hotel in a private vehicle. Your prior trip meeting will be scheduled on the very day at the hotel before dinner. However, our airport representative will give you a brief idea about the second day’s schedule on your way to the hotel. During this meeting, we will introduce you to your leader/guide. Please do not hesitate to ask questions about your trek or anything that is related to your trip. To make you feel comfortable, we host a welcome dinner for you in a popular restaurant in the city where you can enjoy authentic Nepali meal along with cultural programs including ethnic dance and songs. Tonight will be spent at a hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 02: Kathmandu Valley sightseeing and trek preparation (1,300m/4,264ft)
Total duration: 4-5 hours
Meals Included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

After the breakfast, you will be visiting the different places in Kathmandu. There are many historic and cultural places that are of great significance in Kathmandu. You will get to see the major attractions of the city along with our professional guide and a private vehicle. The following are the major places that you will visit:

You will be visiting either Kathmandu Durbar Square or Patan Durbar Square, which has been listed in the UNESCO’s World Heritage Site. You can enjoy the age-old cultural heritage of the city. Boudhanath and Swayambhunath a sacred pilgrimage of the Buddhist and Pashupatinath the very famous Hindu temple are the attraction of today’s sightseeing program. After sightseeing, you will be meeting us at our office for a prior trek meeting. You can go shopping in the evening at Thamel which is famous for useful tourist’s products. We will stay overnight at the hotel.

Day 03: Kathmandu-Lukla-Phakding (2,652m/8,700ft) (30-35 minute flight)
Total duration: 4-5 hours
Meals Included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

You will be escorted to the domestic terminal of Tribhuvan Airport by our staff early in the morning to board the flight to Lukla. After a 30-35 minutes flight, you will land to Tenzing- Hillary Airport, Lukla from where your trek begins. You can enjoy the majestic view on your way to Lukla from Kathmandu if the weather is clear. There will be a short briefing session regarding the trekking and you will also be introduced to the other trekkers during your breakfast. You will get some time to go see the village and local people while porters sort out and load the trekking equipment. This walk is considered to be a short hike that will help you to acclimatize. After almost four hours of walk, you will reach Phakding. There are many beautiful monasteries to visit, beautiful Lukla village and a breathtaking terrain to view. There are many resting places and lodges in Phakding and you will be staying in one of these lodges tonight.  

Day 04: Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440m/11,283ft)
Total duration: 4-5 hours
Meals Included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Today, our trek continues along the trail of Dudhkoshi River after breakfast in Phakding. We begin with an uphill walk crossing the suspension bridge with prayer flags that lead to Monjo, the entrance to Sagarmatha National Park. There are many teahouses, and shops on the way to Monju from Phakding for light refreshment. After clearing the entrance formalities to enter the National Park, we will walk down the steeped trail to Dudhkoshi River. After crossing another interesting suspension bridge, the uphill trail will lead you to Namche Bazaar-Gateway to Mt. Everest. We can find many good restaurants, hotels, lodges shops, money exchange, bakeries and teahouses as Namche is the biggest village along the whole Everest trail. Major attractions of this day are an amazing view of Mt. Kusum, Lhotse, Nuptse and the first Glimpse of Mt. Everest. We will stay in a guesthouse tonight. 

Day 05: Namche Bazaar- a day for acclimatization
Total duration: 2-3 hours
Meals Included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

The entire day will be spent in Namche so as to adjust with the thin air and the environment. Namche is an important acclimatizing spot. It is always advisable to remain active instead of sitting ideal during the day. Today, we will go for a short trek to Thame, an old Sherpa village, to celebrate and watch the Sherpa Tradition or we can visit the peripheral villages offering us a lot more to see and cherish. We can also visit the National Parks headquarter, monasteries or the museum. Evening time can be spent by roaming around the market areas. This night will also be spent in a lodge in Namche Bazaar. 

Day 06: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Thame (3800m/12467 ft)
Total duration:
3-4 hours
Meals Included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Today after breakfast, we will trek towards Thamo from Namche. Thamo is an old Sherpa village. We will have enough time to explore the village and meet the villagers. After spending some time at Thamo, we will head towards Thame which is our final destination for today. After lunch, we will have time to explore Thame which is a nice small village rich in Sherpa culture. We can also explore the hydropower in Thame. We will stay overnight at Thame.

Day 07: Trek from Thame to Lumde (4137m/13572 ft)
Total duration:
4-5 hours
Meals Included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Today we will walk towards Marlung through the river. It is an easy walk. After reaching Marlung we take a short break for refreshment. The trails from here will lead us to Lumde walking through the dry valley. We will see the magnificent peaks on our way to Lumde. We won’t see any Sherpa hamlets as Thame is the last Sherpa village in this route. After a short hike, after reaching Lumde we will finally reach the place where you will stay tonight.

Day 08: Trek from Lumde to Gokyo (4800m/ 15748ft) via Renjo La Pass (5,388m/17,513ft)
Total duration:
7-8 hours
Meals Included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Our journey for today will be an uphill trek for about two hours followed by an easy hike for a while. Then a tough uphill climb will take us to Renjo La pass at 5,388m/17,513ft.This is the point from where the amazing vista of Peaks including Mt. Everest, Mt. Nuptse Mt. Lhotse are visible. The alluring Gokyo Lake is also seen from this point. Hereafter the trails will drop down to the Third Lake. Few teahouses can be seen in this place. We can get refreshed, have our meal and then explore the place or we can simply hike to the ridge to see the amazing view of Khumbu glacier along with its amazing small glacial lakes. This night will be spent at Gokyo.

Day 09: Trek from Gokyo to Thangnag (4750m/15580ft)
Total duration:
3-4 hours
Meals Included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

The trek for today is going to be interesting as we will be walking over the longest Glacier named Ngozumpa Glacier. Today's walk is easy compared to the previous days. Passing through this glacier, we will witness the rocks sliding into the glacial lakes. It is always recommended to cross this glacier before noon because the glacier tends to melt during the day making it difficult to walk. We will finally reach Thangnag after crossing the glacier. A short hike to the hill will lead us to the place where we will be staying tonight.

Day 10: Trek from Thangnag to Dzongla via Cho La Pass (5367m/17604ft)
Total duration: 6-7 hours
Meals Included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

We will start our trek shortly after the breakfast. This day is going to be a long and hard day as it includes steep uphill climb from the beginning. walking for a while the trail will drop down to the base of Cho La Pass. After a sturdy uphill climb, we will reach Cho La pass with Buddhist prayer flags. This point offers a great view of mountains. After a walk over the icy path, the trail drops down through the rocky path followed by an easy walk to reach Dzongla where we will be staying overnight.

Day 11: Trek from Dzongla to Gorekshep (5,160m/16,929ft)
Total duration: 5-6 hours
Meals Included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Today's trek will begin after breakfast. We will be taking an easy downhill walk for a while.  We will reach Lobuche after few ascends and descends. We might find some breathing difficulties due to the altitude. Here we will pass by some stone memorials of Sherpas climbers who perished on the Glacier of different peaks nearby. You will also see the peaks like Mahalangur Himal, Khumbutse, and Lingtren from this point. After a short walk, we will reach Gorekshep that is located at the bottom of Kalapatthar for an overnight stay.

Day 12: Trek from Gorak Shep-Everest Base Camp- Gorekshep (5,320/17,450EBC) / (5,160m/16,929) Gorekshep
Total duration: 3 hours
Meals Included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Today we will be trekking along the Khumbu Glacier to reach the Everest Base Camp. This uphill climb to reach Everest base camp offers the view of Mt. Everest at close proximity without any mountaineering equipment. After walking through the rocky trail we will reach the  Base Camp (5,357m/17,575ft). We can catch a glimpse of the splendid view of Khumbu valley from this point. We will return to Gorak Shep for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 13: Hike to Kala Pattar and trek to Lobuche (5,550m/18,204ft)
Total duration: 5-6 hours
Meals Included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

We will have to start our trek early today because this is the most tedious day of the entire trip. So we will start the journey by climbing up to reach Kala Patthar (Black Rock at 5,545m/18,192ft.), that offers the best views of Mt. Everest. This is a very challenging ascent yet a very rewarding one as we will see the enthralling view of the Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Pumori and Ama Dablam. We will spend some time here taking photographs before descending down to Gorak Shep and then trek down to Lobuche. We will stay at Lobuche tonight.

Day 14: Trek to from Lobuche to Chukung via Kongma La (4,730m/15,518ft)
Total duration: 6-7 hours
Meals Included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Today after breakfast, we will walk along the Khumbu glacier towards the east. We will reach the Kongma La Pass after crossing the glacier. This is the highest pass of the Everest region. We must carry enough water to drink as there are no shops in this area. There will be a long and tough ascend before the trail drops steeply down to Chukung valley. Chukung is a very beautiful Sherpa village with shops, lodges, and teahouses. We will spend tonight at Chukung.

Day 15: Trek to from Chukung to Tengboche (3,867m/12684ft)
Total duration: 5-6 hours
Meals Included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Today we will begin to walk from Chukung towards Tengboche. It is an easy descend that will lead us to Dingboche, passing through many Sherpa settlements and beautiful terrain. After few hours of walk, we will reach  Pangboche. After crossing the river we will walk on the trail that leads to Tengboche. There is an old monastery on the top of the hill. We can spend the evening exploring the monastery and watch the chanting ceremony of Buddhist. We will spend tonight at Chukung.

Day 16: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,400m/11,283ft)
Total duration: 4-5 hours
Meals Included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Today after breakfast, we will descend for a while up to Dudhkoshi River passing by beautiful rhododendron forest. Upon reaching the bottom of the hill, we will cross the bridge to catch the steep descent through the pine and Juniper forest to reach Khumjung. We will have our lunch at Khumjung and then head towards Namche. We will finally reach  Namche Bazaar walking through the villages like Tashinga, Sansa, and Kyangjuma. We will stay overnight at Namche.

Day 17: Trek to Lukla (2,652m/8,700ft)
Total duration: 7-8 hours
Meals Included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Today is the final day of this trek, so shortly after the breakfast, we will head towards Lukla from where our trek began. The trail drops down to Dudhkoshi and then to Monjo. We will have our lunch at Phakding and then continue to walk till we reach Lukla. This evening can be spent with the team members roaming around the market or can have some quality time with ourselves enjoying achievement that we made during past few days. We will spend this night at Lukla. 

Day 18: Fly back to Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264ft)
Meals Included:
Breakfast/Dinner

Flight to and from Lukla are normally during the early hours as the weather might go unpredictably adverse during the later hours. After your breakfast, you will be taken to the airport by our guide and your luggage will be taken care of by the porters and local Sherpas. You will reach to Kathmandu after a 30 min of flying. You will be escorted to the respective hotel by our staff from the airport. You will have time to rest. Since today is your last day in Kathmandu, we host a farewell dinner where you can give your feedback regarding the services that we provided during the trip. We will spend our night at a hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 19: Farewell Day
Meals Included:
Breakfast

This is the last day of your trip with us. You can extend your trip for one or two days to visit other interesting places in and out of Kathmandu which is completely optional. If not then one of our staff will escort you to the airport as per your scheduled departure. You can roam around the city and buy souvenirs and do shopping to take along with you if your flight is scheduled during late hours.


Source:www.theclassicoutdoors.com