General

The Three Passes Trek (2024-25)

The Three Passes Trek is an epic adventure across the heart of the Himalayas. Challenge yourself to climb high mountain passes, see stunning scenery, and immerse yourself in the Sherpa culture. Prepare for the journey of a lifetime.

 

Dates & Cost – The Three Passes Trek

Summers are ideal for The Three Passes Trek. The start and end dates in the table below are your arrival and departure dates from Nepal. The months mentioned below are ideal for trekking in the Himalayas region of Nepal. We have guaranteed departures every year that operate until October. Our dates and costs are noticeable below.

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Itinerary – The Three Passes Trek

The itinerary for The Three Passes Trek is noticeable below.

Duration: 4-5 hours

The trek begins with a short, picturesque flight to Lukla followed by a short climb to Phakding. Once you arrive in Lukla, you may meet up with the rest of the team and finalize your preparations. Following that, the journey begins with a short descent to the Dudh Koshi River. From here, you'll join Namche Bazaar's main route, which will take you just over Chaurikharka hamlet. Today's hike is quite short and simple. You reach Phakding after passing through Ghat village (2,550m/8,366ft).

Duration: 5-6 hours

Continue your trekking trip to Namche Bazaar, the busy Sherpa capital. You'll arrive at Monjo Village after crossing the gorgeous Dudh Koshi River via multiple suspension bridges and pine trees. From here, you may access Sagarmatha National Park. After completing the short procedures of verifying hiking permits, the route descends sharply to the long suspension Bridge. In clear weather, you'll catch your first glimpse of Mt. Everest peaking over the Lhotse-Nuptse ridge.

You will gradually descend to the suspension bridge across the Bhote Koshi River. After a short stroll, you arrive at Jorsalle village. You will reach Namche Bazaar after crossing the lengthy Hillary Bridge and continue rising uphill. It is the primary trade hub, with several stores, restaurants, bakery-cafés, banks, ATMs, and government offices.

The Three Passes Trek is one of the most difficult hikes in the Himalayas, with multiple acclimatization stops along the way. Thus, you'll spend a day acclimatizing by hiking to neighboring prominent vantage spots to take in the breathtaking views of Mt. Everest, Ama Dablam, Nuptse, and other surrounding peaks.

The Everest View Hotel, Syangboche Airport, Khumjung, and Kunde Village are popular destinations for side excursions. The Everest View Hotel offers amazing views of the Khumbu peaks at sunrise and dusk. The oldest monastery in Khumjung hamlet has the Yeti Skull, which is on exhibit. Similarly, at Kunde, you can see the ancient Kunde hospital. In addition, you may tour Namche Bazaar and visit the Sherpa Culture Museum. You can learn about the history of climbing and Sherpa culture.

Duration: 3-4 hours

You'll leave the main trail of Everest Base Camp and travel towards Thame village via the Gokyo Lake trek. Today's hike is rather tranquil, as there will be very few trekkers. This track also served as the primary commerce route with Tibet. En way, you'll see water streams, cascading waterfalls, traditional Sherpa settlements, and breathtaking mountain views.

Today's walk is rather simple, largely over level terrain. You arrive at Thamu village after passing through the jungle and trekking along the bank of the Bhote Koshi River. Then, you'll follow the river, cross it over a short suspension bridge, and arrive at Thame hamlet. It is the home of several notable Sherpa mountaineers, including Tenzing Norgay. You may tour the hamlet and visit the Thame Gompa, which has a spectacular perspective of the valley.

Duration: 4-5 hours

You'll begin your trek on a pretty simple track that leads to Tauranga. En route, you will pass through the arid countryside and witness stunning stone cottages. After a few hours of walking, you arrive at Marulung village, which is located on the east bank of the Bhote Koshi River. Later, you continue your stroll into a small valley lined by stones. Finally, after a tough ascent through the breathtaking beauty of Kongde Peak, you arrive at Lungden.

Today, we'll spend another day in Lungden, which is critical for successfully crossing Renjo La. After breakfast, we will trek to a higher altitude to acclimate. When we return to the hotel, we'll recover and prepare for the next day's long and strenuous climb.

Duration: 7-8 hours

The trail continues to Gokyo Valley. This day will be one of the most difficult and adventurous aspects of your journey, as you will cross Renjo La Pass, the first of three high crossings in the Everest area. During the first half of the trip, the route is a bit steep and leads to sandy ground. Renjo La Pass's top is reached via a continuous arduous uphill trek on the stone stairs.

Even though the trek is difficult, it is extremely rewarding since it leads you through the most breathtaking scenery you will ever encounter. Colorful prayer flags float at the top of the pass. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the whole Rolwaling range, including Mt. Everest and Makalu. You'll also get a great perspective of the entire Gokyo Valley. After a lovely time at the summit, you descend to the Gokyo Valley. Walking up a rough mountain route, you arrive at the shore of Gokyo Lake, where the valley rests. Gokyo Valley is one of the world's highest-altitude communities.

Duration: 3-4 hours or explore the Five Lakes.

Today, you'll climb up to Gokyo Ri in the early morning to obtain a close-up glimpse of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, and the surrounding snow-capped peaks. Acclimatization is crucial for the high-altitude hike. So, this ascent gives both breathtaking mountain views and acclimatization for the long day ahead of crossing the Cho La Pass. After having a fantastic day climbing Gokyo Ri, you will descend to Gokyo Valley.

You can also choose to hike to the fourth and fifth Gokyo Lakes, as well as the nearby communities. A few hours of hiking will lead you to the fourth lake, also known as Thonak Tsho, at 4,840m/15,880ft, and the fifth lake, Ngozumpa Tsho, at 4,956m/16,260ft. From here, you may see Ngozumpa Glacier, Nepal's longest glacier, up close. In addition, you may enjoy a panoramic view of some of the Khumbu region's greatest peaks.

Duration: 3-4 hours

After a lovely acclimatization day in Gokyo Valley, you will walk to Thagnag (also known as Dragnag). The walk must begin early in the morning since the path traverses the Ngozumpa glacier. The ice begins to melt during the day, making the route treacherous, so cross the glacier as soon as possible. After crossing the glacier, continue walking until you reach the little town of Thagnag.

Duration: 6- 7 hours

Today promises to be a long and tough day! You will cross the second pass of the Everest Three Passes Trek. Begin the journey early on. From Thagnag, go upward towards Cho La Pass. Traveling this portion should be done with caution, as the route to the pass's peak is usually treacherous.

Once you reach the pass, you will forget about your difficult climb. You'll take in the breathtaking panorama of Cho La Glacier, which includes the spectacular Ama Dablam and Cholatse snow-capped peaks. After enjoying a memorable experience at the summit, you descend. The walk is rather treacherous owing to the ice path and glaciers. You'll notice plenty of prayer flags along the route. After descending the glacier's steep part, you will ultimately reach Dzongla.

Duration: 3-4 hours

After a relaxing night in Dzongla, you'll start your trip with a gentle downhill stroll to Lobuche. Along the route, you'll have a panoramic view of Mt. Cholatse and Taboche just above. Continue walking towards Lobuche Kharka. Following the Imja Khola Valley routes, you will eventually arrive in Lobuche. It is a well-known stopover for trekkers on their way to Everest Base Camp. When you arrive at the lovely town of Lobuche, you will be captivated by the stunning view of the Khumbu Glacier, the region's tallest glacier.

Duration: 7-8 hours

Today, you will go to Everest Base Camp. The path to the foot of the world's highest peak has long piqued the interest of the most ardent trekkers. Leaving Lobuche behind, you'll trek over tough terrain, with some ups and downs along the glacier route.

Furthermore, the route leads to Gorak Shep, where you may enjoy a glimpse of Mt. Pumori, Nuptse, and other massif summits. Once you get to Gorak Shep, you will relax for a little before continuing on to your dream destination, Everest Base Camp. After traversing many minor streams and glacier moraine, you eventually arrive at base camp. The base camp provides a close-up view of the Khumbu Icefall, as well as Mt. Pumori, Nuptse, and Khubutse. You'll spend some valuable time here, snapping photographs and admiring the scenery. Later, you return to Gorak Shep along the same path.

Duration: 6-7 hours

Another fantastic day of hiking awaits you as you travel to Kala Patthar, the expedition's highest peak. Begin your hike across the rugged, rocky landscape before daybreak. As you go to the viewpoint, you will observe various colored flags strung along the route. You will undoubtedly hold your breath numerous times on your ascent to Kala Patthar to take in the breathtaking view. It is also a popular vantage point for close-up panoramic views of Mt. Everest.

From Kala Patthar, you will have a spectacular dawn view of Mt. Everest and the surrounding peaks. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking scenery of many mountains standing before you. The peak itself is magnificently decked with colorful flags and cranes, making it one of the most picturesque sights on any trekking adventure. After a wonderful and unforgettable day at the peak, you will return to Lobuche.

Duration: 7-8 hours

Crossing the Kongma La Pass is another difficult and lengthy day on the Three Passes trek. Yes, the trek is difficult both physically and psychologically, but the journey to the summit will be well worth it once you see the breathtaking panorama. You follow the rough and difficult terrain towards the Khumbu Glacier moraine.

Following the difficult slope to the moraine, you will pass the Khumbu glacier. From here, the vista of Kala Patthar appears insignificant. You must use extreme caution since the path winds across icy terrain and may have multiple crevasses. Continue your hike to the peak of Kongma La Pass. Fluttering prayer flags and the promise of a breathtaking view will inspire you!

After crossing the main Kongma La Lake and hiking up a little distance, you arrive at Kongma La Pass. The peak offers a breathtaking view of Mt. Nuptse, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam, as well as the entire Khumbu region. After enjoying the lovely time, you descend along the zigzag trail to Chukkung.

Duration: 3-4 hours

Chukkung is another picturesque town that offers a wonderful acclimatization side excursion for Everest Base Camp hikers. It is also known as the entrance to Island Peak Climbing. Today, you'll go on an exhilarating hike to the Chukkung Ri, a rocky mountain north of Chukkung village.

The top offers amazing views of several glaciers and mountain ranges. You'll get up close and personal with the faces of Mts. Nuptse and Lhotse in front of you, and Mt. Dablam behind you. After taking in the scenery, you'll return along the Imja River. The hike from Chukkung to Dingboche is quick and simple because it follows a downward track. Dingboche is a beautiful town surrounded by towering peaks.

Duration: 4-5 hours

After breakfast, you start the climb from Dingboche to Namche Bazaar. Today you begin the final stage of your Everest High Passes Trek. The walk is rather straightforward, since you may encounter some gentler areas along the way. You may also see unusual animals such as snow leopards, mountain goats, pheasants, and Himalayan Thar. The main point of today's journey to Namche Bazaar is that you'll pass by the region's oldest monastery, Pangboche, and Tengboche Monastery, one of the largest. After a few hours of enjoyable walking through the forest, you arrive in Namche.

Duration: 6-7 hours

Finally, it is the last day of the high passes trip. The route back to Lukla will take you through Monjo, Phakding, and Ghat villages. The hike is a simple and relaxing stroll with a few brief uphill peaks. You'll also see several Buddhist monasteries, mani walls, and chortens. You'll return to Lukla after taking in your final views of Mt. Everest, Kusum Kanguru, Nuptse, Thamserku, and other peaks. Once you arrive at Lukla, you can rest or roam around the settlement. Later, you can commemorate your successful completion of the Everest Three High Passes Trek.

Duration: 35 m

Depart from Lukla on the fantastic flight to Kathmandu. Enjoying some final views of the beautiful Himalayan vistas and the surrounding environment, you arrive in Kathmandu. Drive back to the hotel, and you'll have the rest of the day to yourselves. As a result, you may either relax or explore surrounding areas such as Thamel.

Finally, it is your last day in the kingdom of Everest. Apricot Tours agents will drop you off at the International Airport based on your travel itinerary. Fly home with a lifetime of great memories.

 

Why Register Now?

1. Early Bird Discount: The given prices for the holiday are limited-time discount offers and are subject to change. Service providers including (but not limited) to airlines and hotels increase prices in peak-season. Early reservations cost us less than peak-season. 

2: Limited Space in Peak Months: The peak months in the peak season attract the highest number of international guests and are therefore sold out earlier. We have restricted one group size to a maximum of 12 travelers. We are taking registrations on a "first-come, first-served" basis.

3. Limited Flight Seats: Domestic flight seats to the Karakorams and Himalayas are sold out way ahead of time because there are only two daily flights during peak season. Among other things, the deposit is used to book domestic flights for you in advance.

4. Pay Balance after arrival in Pakistan: We appreciate that paying the final balance for your trip may cause concern. Our policy is to only receive your final balance once you arrive in Pakistan. The only payment before arrival is the deposit.

5. Pay Minimum Deposit: The deposits for the holiday are also early-bird discounts and automatically change according to the late deposit schedule above. The same dates above apply to next season's deposits.

Deposit (Advance) for Pakistani nationals

The deposit for Pakistani nationals is PKR 100,000 or 30% of the total price, whichever is greater. The deposit is non-refundable.

Refund Policy for All

Deposit: Once paid, the deposit is non-refundable as it will be spent on making in-country arrangements. For Pakistan nationals, the deposit is non-refundable in all cases too.

Balance: Pay the balance only after arrival in Pakistan on the first day. Payment guidelines will be shared timely.

Currency

All international travelers can pay in US Dollars (USD) or equivalent in Euros (EUR) or Pound Sterling (GBP). Pakistani travelers are charged the equivalent in Pakistani Rupees (PKR).

Single Supplement

Separate hotel rooms (single supplement) will cost an additional USD 290. This includes all hotel nights. This payment should be made with the balance upon arrival.
Separate tents (single tent) will cost an additional USD 180. This includes the cost of additional porterage. This payment should also be made with the balance in Pakistan.

 

 

As Featured In:

 

Photo Gallery – The Three Passes Trek

 

Overview – The Three Passes Trek

The Three Passes is undoubtedly one of the most exciting and adventurous treks in Nepal’s Everest area. This journey is also well-known as the Everest Three High Passes journey. The hike’s main attraction is crossing three important high passes in the Khumbu area, namely Renjo La, Cho La, and Kongma La. This exciting trip will provide you with magnificent mountain vistas, including Mt. Everest, Mt. Ama Dablam, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Cho Oyu, and Mt. Makalu.

The three-pass trip is the ultimate Everest hiking experience, traversing Kongma La Pass, Cho La Pass, and Renjo La Pass. While passing through these passes, the path joins the lovely valleys of Bhotekoshi, Gokyo, Khumbu, Dudh Koshi, and Imja Valley. The expedition also includes ascending the three peaks of Gokyo Ri, Kala Patthar, and Chukkung Ri, as well as a walk to Everest Base Camp. This trek is a full trekking package that will provide you with an unforgettable trekking experience in Nepal’s high Himalayas.

In addition to the stunning alpine scenery, this dramatic high-altitude trip passes across the massive glaciers of Khumbu and Ngozumpa. You will visit the beautiful Gokyo Lakes. Not only will you stroll off the main path, but you will also experience the cultural beauty and warm hospitality of the Sherpa people. Thus, Three Passes Trek combines all of the features of the previous Everest expeditions.

The experience begins in Lukla, following a short flight from Kathmandu. The trail takes you past enormous green meadows, rhododendron woods, and trickling streams, as well as across multiple suspension bridges. You’ll also pass through several Sherpa communities, including Phakding, Monjo, Namche, Thame, and Lungden.

The path from Namche deviates off the usual track into the isolated Bhote Koshi Valley. The path travels clockwise, beginning with a crossing of Renjo La Pass, one of the first crossings on this journey, and ending in the Gokyo Valley. Enjoy the stunning views of the peaks, including Mt. Everest, and the breathtakingly gorgeous sceneries. The trail then crosses the Cho La Pass, entering the Dudh Koshi Valley. The route then continues to Everest Base Camp and the Kala Patthar trek.

Finally, the path descends and passes Kongma La Pass to reach Imja Khola Valley. The path descends to Chukung village before returning to join with the famous Everest paths. You’ll pass through the picturesque towns of Dingboche, Kyanjuma, and Phakding before arriving in Lukla, where the journey concludes. Take a mountain aircraft back to Kathmandu, where the 20-day three-pass trip concludes with a last journey back home.

Similarly, you may perform the Everest Three High Passes Trek in an anticlockwise route. Starting with the same classic EBC trekking route, you’ll arrive at Dingboche before continuing to the first pass, Kongma La. The road continues towards EBC and Kala Patthar, and after passing Cho La Pass, it goes to Gokyo Valley. The track eventually continues the same route to Renjo La Pass before ending in Lukla.

 

Website Last Updated: October 29th, 2024

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