Three Passes Trek

Duration: 22 Days

Traverse three of the highest mountain passes in the world with Roar Himalaya Adventure! The Three Passes Trek is rapidly gaining a reputation as the most scenic trek in Nepal. Reserved for true adventurers and mountain lovers, the Three Passes Trek is the ultimate Everest region circuit. As the name suggests, the trail traverses three high passes in the region, each well over 5000 meters. In addition to the crossing the passes, the itinerary makes a stop at Everest Base Camp (5364 meters) and Kala Patthar (5545 meters), two must-see spots in the Everest region. 

The sheer majesty of the Three Passes Trek cannot be understated. The epic three-week journey takes you over the Renjo La Pass (5345m), Cho La Pass (5420m), and the Kongma La Pass (5535m), as well as several other astonishing lookout points. Each mountain pass provides a distinct perspective of the astonishing lunar-like landscape of the Everest region. Neither words nor photographs do this trek justice; you have to see it for yourself!

The thrill begins from Day 1. The trek starts with an exhilarating flight from Kathmandu to Tenzing – Hillary Airport in Lukla – said to be the most dangerous airport in the world. Then, follow the lively Dudh Koshi River valley past Sherpa villages and diverse forests, where brilliant rhododendrons bloom in the springtime. Stop in Namche Bazaar, the trade and tourism center of the Khumbu region. Bakeries, shops, and guest houses line the bustling streets. 

From Lungden, we make it over th Renjo La Pass to reach Gokyo. You will never see anywhere like Gokyo ever again. The tourqoiuse waters are mind-blowing. Of course, we must climb to Gokyo Ri (5357 meters), for unbelievable views of Mount Everest, Makalu, and more. Second is the Cho La Pass, where the distinctive peak of Ama Dablam lies right before your eyes. The third and final pass is the Kongma Pass, the highest of the three. Not a single day on the trek disappoints and the adventure never stops. After the Kongma La Pass, we begin our descend back towards Lukla to conclude the journey. 

To take the Three Passes Trek, you must have previous trekking experience and a moderate degree of fitness. Most important, though, is your will and determination to complete the trek. Our itinerary includes several acclimatization days, which are necessary to having a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable trek. 

Book the Three Passes Trek all throughout the year. Though the trek is available anytime, certain seasons provide the best weather. In the springtime (March to May), the rhododendrons are blooming and scenery is lush. During autumn (September to November), skies are clearest and mountain views are best. Summer (rainy season) and winter do not provide the best trekking conditions, but on the other hand, you can enjoy more solitude on the trail. If you have any questions, please contact us!

Trip Highlights

  • The ultimate Himalayan trek, the best trek for mountain lovers
  • Traverse three mountain passes: Renjo La Pass (5345m), Cho La Pass (5420m), and the Kongma La Pass (5535m)
  • Climb Gokyo Ri (5357 meters) for jaw-dropping views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu – four of the highest peaks in the world
  • Visit the legendary base camp of Mount Everest (5364 meters)
  • Have a spiritual experience at Tengboche Monastery, the religious center of the Everest region

 

Day to Day Itinerary

  • Day 01:Arrival at Kathmandu airport and transfer to hotel.
  • Day 02:Take care of permit formalities and Kathmandu sightseeing.
  • Day 03:Fly to Lukla (2840 Meters) and trek to Phakding.
  • Day 04:Trek to Namche Bazaar (3440 Meters).
  • Day 05:Climb to Everest Viewpoint Hotel for view of Himalayas and back to Namche Bazaar.
  • Day 06:Trek from Namche Bazaar to Thame (3850m).
  • Day 07:Acclimatization Day in Thame.
  • Day 08:Trek from Thame to Marulung (4200m).
  • Day 09:Trek from Marulung to Lungden (4350m).
  • Day 10:Trek to Gokyo (4790m) via Renjo La Pass (5345m).
  • Day 11:Early morning climb up to Gokyo Ri and back to Gokyo.
  • Day 12:Trek from Gokyo to Tagnag (4700m).
  • Day 13:Trek to Dzongla (4830m) via Cho La Pass (5420m).
  • Day 14:Trek from Dzongla (4830m) to Lobuche (4940m).
  • Day 15:Trek to Gorakshep (5160m), then up to Everest Base Camp (5340m), back to Gorakshep.
  • Day 16:Early morning climb to Kala Patthar for sunrise, then back to Lobuche.
  • Day 17:Trek from Lobuche to Chhukung (4730m) via Kongma La Pass (5535m).
  • Day 18:Trek from Chhukung to Tengboche (3870m)
  • Day 19:Trek from Tengboche to Monjo (2840m).
  • Day 20:Trek from Monjo to Lukla (2860m).
  • Day 21:Fly back to Kathmandu.
  • Day 22:Departure from Nepal.

Detail Itinerary

  • Day 01:Arrival at Kathmandu airport and transfer to hotel. A representative of Roar Himalaya Adventure heartily welcomes you at Tribhuvan International Airport and takes you to your hotel. Take a rest or wander around the winding streets of Kathmandu. In the evening, we give you the lowdown on your upcoming trek. Overnight at hotel on B&B basis.
  • Day 02:Take care of permit formalities and Kathmandu sightseeing.We guide you through the process of getting permits quickly and without any stress. Then, we take you on a full sightseeing tour around Kathmandu’s most famous and beloved heritage sights. Overnight in hotel on B&B basis.
  • Day 03:Fly to Lukla (2840 Meters) and trek to Phakding.Board a flight to Lukla from the Kathmandu domestic airport and begin the adventure. On the flight, we see some of the most spectacular mountain scenery in the world. Upon landing, we begin the foothill journey. After hiking through friendly Sherpa villages, their cultivated fields, and Buddhist chhortens and mani walls, we are exposed to an awesome view of Kusum Kanguru just as we arrive in Phakding. Overnight in a teahouse lodge.
  • Day 04:Trek to Namche Bazaar (3440 Meters).A delicious breakfast gives us energy to begin the journey to Namche Bazaar. The lush trail leads us across several suspension bridges, while enjoying marvelous views of Thamserku and flowing rivers. Trace along the Dudh Koshi River to reach Monjo, where we officially enter Sagarmatha National Park. Follow the Dudh Koshi and climb with it as it stretches into higher altitude. Traverse the highest suspension bridge in the Everest region just before catching our first glimpse of Mount Everest. Trek a little further and reach Namche Bazaar. Overnight in teahouse lodge.
  • Day 05:Climb to Everest Viewpoint Hotel for view of Himalayas and back to Namche Bazaar.Namche Bazaar is a bustling center, with cafes, guest houses, and trekking gear shops. Wander the streets as we meander up to Everest Viewpoint Hotel, where there are spectacular views of the Himalayas. Have a cup of tea at the world’s highest 5-star hotel and then head back to Namche for the night. There are lots of other alternative day hikes in the area, so if you have any preference let us know! Overnight in teahouse lodge.
  • Day 06:Trek from Namche Bazaar to Thame (3850m).A challenging, but fun day takes us up to Thame, after about 6-7 hours of trekking. Thame is situated amidst agricultural fields beneath Kongde Ri. Weave past gompas and mani walls to a stupa at Phurte (3390m). Keep going past tiny settlements, picturesquely located at the foot of the mighty mountains. The ups and downs of the trail make for lots of gorgeous shifts in scenery. Arrive in Thame in the late afternoon and spend the rest of the day relaxing at the tea house or wandering the village. Overnight in teahouse lodge.
  • Day 07:Acclimatization Day in Thame.You can never be to safe with acclimatization in the Himalayas, especially considering that we will be about 5000 meters within a couple of days. Take a short trek up to Thame Gompa, constructed over 300 years ago. There are several other wonderful day hikes in the area as well. At the end of the day, come back for another night in Thame. Overnight in teahouse lodge.
  • Day 08:Trek from Thame to Marulung (4200m).Today is a relatively laid-back day, as we ascend only about 300 meters and walk about 10 kilometers. Take your time, and cherish your time in the Khumbu Valley. Much of the trail is a boulder-filled river valley, with towering peaks in the background. Arrive around mid-day and soak up the awesome scenery the rest of the day. Overnight in teahouse lodge.

  • Day 09:Trek from Marulung to Lungden (4350m).Another short day of trekking leads us to Lungden. It is necessary in the high altitude not to overdo yourself and take your time. Anywhere above 4000 meters is a risk for altitude sickness so let us know if you are feeling unwell and we will sort it out. Otherwise, we keep on trekking through the desolate scenery of the Khumbu region. Arrive in Lungden in the afternoon. Overnight in teahouse lodge.
  • Day 10:Trek to Gokyo (4790m) via Renjo La Pass (5345m).It is time to cross the first pass! We wake up early in the morning and have a good breakfast to give us energy. Hike a few steep ups and downs along rubbly ridges. Cross a couple of frozen streams, passing dramatic natural rock structures. Walk next to the majestic alpine two Renjo Lakes and keep heading up. From the top, we get jaw-dropping views of Cho Oyu (8201m), Mount Everest (8848m), Lhotse (8615m), Makalu (8481 meters), Cholatse (6335m), and more of the highest peaks in the world. Also, look down and see one of the sacred Gokyo Lakes. Snap some photos and enjoying the moment before heading back down to Gokyo, an equally marvelous spot, for the night. Overnight in teahouse lodge.
  • Day 11:Early morning climb up to Gokyo Ri and back to Gokyo.Today is a rest, relax, and chill day in Gokyo village. Besides that, check out one of the best views in the Everest region. It is best to climb to Gokyo Ri (Peak) early in the morning for sunrise, but it is up to you. Either way, the views are spectacular. Come back and hangout at the shore of these sacred lakes and wander the village for the rest of the day. Overnight in teahouse lodge.
  • Day 12:Trek from Gokyo to Tagnag (4700m).Ascend slightly from Gokyo Lakes and then hike along a glacier for about 45 minutes as it goes down the valley to Tagnag, our embarkation point for the Cho La Pass. Throughout the day, you will be in awe at the sheer mountain beauty. Enjoy the desolate mountain scenery. Overnight in guest house.
  • Day 13:Trek to Dzongla (4830m) via Cho La Pass (5420m).Today is a little challenging, though full of excitement. An early start is important to ensure the best weather. The challenging bit begins as we ascend on a slippery glacier, but we have the equipment to ensure your safety. As we gain altitude, the views become increasingly captivating. Trek along the side of a frozen lake as we near the top of the pass, which is decorated with colorful prayer flags. Dominating our view is the distinctive Ama Dablam peak, a marvelous sight. From here, we descend all the way to Dzongla, which itself has amazing mountain views. Overnight in teahouse lodge.

  • Day 14:Trek from Dzongla (4830m) to Lobuche (4940m).Today is a relaxing day, which is well-deserved after two nearly back-to-back passes. The easy ups and downs give us plenty of time to admire the beautiful scenery. After several hours, we reach Lobuche which offers superb views of Everest, Ama Dablam, Pumori, Nuptse, and more. Overnight in teahouse lodge.
  • Day 15:Trek to Gorakshep (5160m), then up to Everest Base Camp (5340m), back to Gorakshep.The adventure does not stop! Eat an early breakfast and start hiking on the rocky trail towards Gorakshep. We leave our belongings at our guest house and hike up to Everest Base Camp with some water and snacks. It’s a steep and rocky trail, which adds some excitement. We eventually arrive to base camp, which is situated on the Khumbu Glacier. From here, you cannot see Everest, but you can see the Khumbu Icefall, Mt. Khumbutse and Pumori. The stunning view of Everest comes the following day. Take some photos and savor the precious moments before descending to Gorakshep. Overnight in teahouse lodge.
  • Day 16:Early morning climb to Kala Patthar for sunrise, then back to Lobuche.Today will be cherished for the rest of your life. Kala Patthar, the highest point on our trek, provides up-close views of Mount Everest and is considered one of the best overall views in the area. Treat your eyes to a view of Mount Everest and several more of the highest peaks in the world. Then, descend to Gorakshep for breakfast and continue down to Lobuche. Overnight at teahouse lodge.
  • Day 17:Trek from Lobuche to Chhukung (4730m) via Kongma La Pass (5535m).The third and final pass of the trek comes today. The trail is narrow and rocky, adding a bit of thrill to the day. Watch your step, but don’t forget to look out at the beauty that surrounds you. Between Lobuche and Chhukung, there are not any teahouses, so we pack enough lunch and water to make it from here to there. After the descent from the Kongma La Pass, we end in Chhukung. Overnight in teahouse lodge.
  • Day 18:Trek from Chhukung to Tengboche (3870m)It is a mellow descent from Chhukung to Dingboche, our first stop of the day. From Dingboche, the trail is amazing. Cross several roaring rivers, and lovely villages, and sacred monuments of Tibetan Buddhism. Lush forests of rhododendron, conifers, and birches also encompass the trail. Arrive in Tengboche well before the sunrise, which is particularly amazing in this village. Also, explore Tengboche Monastery, a religious center for Sherpas in the Khumbu region. Overnight in teahouse lodge.
  • Day 19:Trek from Tengboche to Monjo (2840m).Today, we meet up with the trail that started this journey. We follow the Dudh Koshi River through lush rhododendron forests and awesome waterfalls. What a difference a day can make in the landscape. We arrive in Namche, where you can buy some treats or Sherpa handicrafts. Keep descending to Larja Dobhan, where you get the last glimpse of Mount Everest. Cross the Dudh Koshi a couple more times before reaching Monjo. Overnight in teahouse lodge.
  • Day 20:Trek from Monjo to Lukla (2860m).Leaving Monjo, we descend along the Dudh Koshi River, eventually crossing it via a high suspension bridge. Then, take a short, easy, level walk to Benkar. After Benkar, reach Phakding, from where the trail descends. Then, a short, steep ascent leads you past a few Buddhist chhortens and mani walls at Ghat village. After several more suspension bridges, and verdant forests, arrive to Lukla. Overnight in teahouse lodge.
  • Day 21:Fly back to Kathmandu.It is time to say goodbye to the Everest region. Rather, it is a “see you later.” It is hard not to want to come back again after trekking in the Everest region of Nepal. The morning flight takes us to Kathmandu, arriving in the morning. Spend the rest of the day exploring, buying some souvenirs, or resting. Overnight in hotel.
  • Day 22:Departure from Nepal.Before your flight, we take you to the airport to say farewell. We hope you had a blast with us and we appreciate you choosing Roar Himalaya Adventure as your trekking guide! Looking forward to seeing you again.

Cost Includes:

  • Airport transfers before and after trek
  • Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu (on Bed & Breakfast basis)
  • Domestic Airfare
  • Transportation to and from the trailhead as per itinerary
  • Accommodation at local teahouse lodges during the trek
  • All necessary permits
  • Government-authorized, experienced guide and porters
  • Insurance and wage for guide and porters
  • Full board meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trek
  • First Aid Kit
  • Roar Himalaya Duffle Bag
  • Service charge and government taxes
     

Cost Excludes:

  • International airfare
  • Nepal entry visa fee
  • Insurance (must cover rescue evacuation in case of emergency)
  • Meals and drinks in Kathmandu (besides breakfast)
  • Personal expenses, shopping, etc.
  • Sightseeing entrance fees
  • Alcoholic drinks, chocolates, tea and coffee
  • Tips for guide and porter
  • Extra accommodation and meals outside of itinerary
  • Costs from unexpected occurrences (i.e. cancellations, weather problems, damages of property, illness, etc.)
     

Trip Fact

  • Destination: Nepal
  • Trip Grade: Technical Challenging
  • Trip Style: Trekking
  • Transportation: Aeroplane / Tourist Bus
  • Meals: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
  • Accommodation: Hotel/Teahouse/Lodge
  • Max Elevation: 5545 meters