Everest Three High Passes Trek
- Duration
- 20 days
- Max altitude
- 5,555 m
- Difficulty
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Very strenuous
Difficulty scale
- Easy Short walking days on good trails below about 3,000 m. Suitable for anyone in ordinary health, including families.
- Moderate 5 to 6 hours a day with some steep sections, reaching up to about 4,000 m. A reasonable level of fitness and a few weeks of preparation walking recommended.
- Strenuous 6 to 8 hours a day, high passes or altitudes above 5,000 m, and remote stretches. Good fitness, prior trekking experience and proper acclimatisation days are essential.
- Very strenuous Long days, multiple high passes or technical sections, sustained time above 5,000 m. For experienced, well-conditioned trekkers only.
- Best season
- Autumn (Sep–Nov) · Spring (Mar–May)
- Group
- Private
- From
- $1,985.00
Overview
The hardest teahouse trek in the Khumbu. Renjo La, Cho La and Kongma La, all above 5,300 m, linked into one circuit that takes in Gokyo, Base Camp and Kala Patthar. Three weeks, and it wants real hill fitness.
Every departure is private and led by a government-licensed Nepali guide, so the plan flexes to your party and to the mountain. Permits, park fees and local taxes are inside the price you see.
Trip highlights
- Renjo La, Cho La and Kongma La
- Gokyo, Base Camp and Kala Patthar in one route
- Three weeks above 4,000 m for most of it
- For trekkers with high-altitude experience
Day by day
The itinerary
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Day 1: Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu (1,400 m/4,593 ft) and transfer to hotel 1,400 m Hotel
One of our officials will greet you at the Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, upon your arrival. We will take you to the hotel in our private tourist vehicle. Pre-trip meeting will be done and you will meet with your trip guide. Make sure to confirm your queries about trekking in the mountains.
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Day 2: Fly to Lukla (2,840 m/9,318 ft) from Kathmandu (1,400 m/4,593 ft) – 35 minutes or drive to Manthali/Ramechhap (474 m/1,555 ft) by shared tourist vehicle – 5 to 6 hours and a 20 minutes flight to Lukla (2,840 m/9,318 ft), and then trek to Phakding (2,610 m/8,563 ft) – 3 to 4 hours 2,840 m 5-6 hrs Teahouse
Manthali to Lukla Flight (March, April, May, September, October and November)
During peak seasons, such as March, April, May, September, October and November the flight to Lukla will be operated from Ramechhap/Manthali due to air traffic expansion. The Manthali/Ramechhap airport is about a
5 to 6 hours drive away from Kathmandu. On this day, we wake up between 1:00 AM and 3:00 AM, take an escorted shuttle to Manthali Airport in a shared tourist vehicle, and board a 20-minute flight to Lukla.Kathmandu to Lukla Flight (January, February, June, July, August and December)
The flight to Lukla is typically operated from Kathmandu during nonpeak seasons, which include January, February, June, July, August and December. Please be aware that the decision regarding the operation of flights
solely depends on the airline and is influenced by the volume of travelers during a specific month. On this day, we wake up between 5:00 AM and 6:00 AM. Our staff will escort you to the domestic airport terminal in
Kathmandu, where you will board a 35-minute flight to Lukla.
Flight to Tenzing-Hillary Airport usually takes place early in the morning. We suggest you make all the sorting and packing the day before, so there is no rush on Day 2.Once you reach Lukla, have your breakfast while our guide will make an arrangement for porters. We assign one porter to every two clients.
Today’s trek takes us to Phakding, following a straightforward trail out of Lukla alongside the Dudh Koshi River. Descending gradually, we join the trail leading to Namche Bazaar, passing just above Chaurikharka (2,713 m/8,900 ft).
Continuing on, we traverse through the quaint village of Ghat before reaching Phakding after a brisk and scenic hike.
The trail offers glimpses of local life and stunning river views, setting the stage for our journey deeper into the Everest region.
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Day 3: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m/11,286 ft) from Phakding (2,610 m/8,563 ft) – 5 to 6 hours 3,440 m 5-6 hrs Teahouse
We continue trekking along the banks of the Dudh Kosi, crossing the river multiple times on exciting suspension bridges decorated with prayer flags, including the famous Hillary Suspension Bridge,
an exhilarating highlight of our journey.Today, we enter Sagarmatha National Park. After lunch in Jorsalle, the trail climbs steeply towards Namche, offering breathtaking views.
Namche Bazaar (considered the Gateway to Everest) is home to many quality restaurants, hotels, lodges, shops, money exchange services and bakeries. Namche is the biggest town along the Everest trail.
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Day 4: Acclimatization Day at Namche Bazaar (3,440 m/11,286 ft). Hike to Hotel Everest View (3,880 m/12,730 ft) and back to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m/11,286 ft) – 4 to 5 hours 3,880 m 4-5 hrs Teahouse
We will dedicate a day in Namche Bazaar for acclimatization, allowing our bodies to adjust to the higher altitude.
During this time, we’ll embark on a short trek to visit a renowned museum showcasing the rich cultural heritage and traditional customs of the Sherpa people.
Additionally, we’ll hike up to Syangboche Airport and the esteemed Hotel Everest View, one of the world’s highest-placed hotels.
From this vantage point, we’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the Himalayas, including the majestic Mount Everest, providing an unforgettable panorama of the surrounding peaks.
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Day 5: Trek to Tengboche (3,860 m/12,664 ft) from Namche Bazaar (3,440 m/11,286 ft) – 5 to 6 hours 3,860 m 5-6 hrs Teahouse
The views of Khumbi La and Taboche are magnificent throughout the day. We should dress warmly because cold wind blows throughout the trail. In the middle of the trek, there are two trails which divides into lower and upper trail. To continue our journey, we take left.
In Phorste Thanga there are few houses and lodges. After some hours of walking we reach our today’s destination Tengboche. It is inhabited by Sherpa’s where their main source of income comes from tourism.
There is an important and largest Buddhist Monastery, Tengboche Monastery where Ama Dablan lies behind.
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Day 6: Trek to Dingboche (4,410 m/14,469 ft) from Tengboche (3,860 m/12,664 ft) – 5 to 6 hours 4,410 m 5-6 hrs Teahouse
After breakfast we start our trek towards Dingboche. Today’s trek covers 9.1Km and its easy trail with going downhill on a fairly wide path covered with beautiful rhododendron trees.
After few hours of walk and crossing bridge over Imja River, it takes us to Pangboche. In the whole trek, we can see wide open areas where trekkers can view more beautiful landscapes.
Walking trail above Pangboche, we get a magnificent view of Himalayas and Pangboche Monastery. We move ahead towards the Imja valley and finally we reach Dingboche.
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Day 7: Acclimatization day at Dingboche (4,410 m/14,469 ft). Hike to Nangkartsang Peak (5,083 m/16,677 ft) and back to Dingboche (4,410 m/14,469 ft) – 4 to 5 hours 5,083 m 4-5 hrs Teahouse
Dingboche is a popular stop for trekkers and climbers headed to Mt. Everest, Ama Dablam and Imja Tse. It is a Sherpa village. According to the 2011 census, its population was around 200. There is also a helicopter landing pad with internet café (using satellite technology) and one of the world’s highest billiard parlors.
One can see great view of many Himalayas from Nagarjung Hill which may take some hour of hike from Dingboche.
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Day 8: Trek to Chhukhung (4,730 m/15,518 ft) from Dingboche (4,410 m/14,469 ft) – 4 to 5 hours 4,730 m 4-5 hrs Teahouse
Today, the trail is combined with some uphill and downhill climbs. After breakfast in Dingboche, we move towards Chhukung and have our lunch over there. As our last destination is Chhukung for the day you can slowly and steadily walk on the trails.
Along the trail, you can see several traditional farms and fences built from local stones. And then pass through Imja Khola valley, Bibre (which is a yak herdsman place). After half an 4 to 5 hours of walking, we reach to Chhukung where we will have lunch and stay overnight.
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Day 9: Trek to Lobuche (4,910 m/16,109 ft) via Kongma La pass (5,535 m/18,159 ft) from Chhukhung (4,730 m/15,518 ft) – 7 to 8 hours 5,535 m 7-8 hrs Teahouse
Today we climb for about 8-9 hours to reach the top of Kongma La pass. There are two trails for Kongma La pass; one is to the northwest of Chhukung over the Nuptse Glacier moraines and another one is back to Bibre and trek on the trail above the Niyang Khola.
As there aren’t any hotels, shops and tea houses, we carry our own packed foods and water. At the top of Kongma La pass, we can see beautiful Buddhist prayer flags. By turning north of Khumbu Glacier, we reach Lobuche.
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Day 10: Trek to Everest Base Camp (5,364 m/17,598 ft) from Lobuche (4,910 m/16,109 ft) and then back to Gorak Shep (5,164 m/16,942 ft) – 8 to 9 hours 5,364 m 8-9 hrs Teahouse
Today the trail is of average level up to Gorak Shep. Before heading off to Everest Base Camp, we take lunch and rest at Gorak Shep which takes around 2 hours.
If the weather is good, we will be able to see beautiful Himalaya’s all-round. Then we head towards Everest Base Camp. Everest Base Camp is the closest you can get to Mt. Everest without mountaineering equipment and also highest altitude that most will reach without a climbing permit.
The view of the Khumbu Icefall from Base Camp is spectacular. We return back to Gorak Shep for the night.
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Day 11: Early morning hike to Kala Patthar (5,555 m/18,225 ft) from Gorak Shep (5,164 m/16,942 ft) and then, descend to Lobuche (4,910 m/16,109 ft) – 8 to 9 hours 5,555 m 8-9 hrs Teahouse
This will be one of the most difficult yet rewarding days of the trek. Most of this day is spent climbing Mt. Kala Patthar at 5,555 m. From Mt. Kala Patthar one can see the superlative views of Everest.
After spending some time in Kala Patthar we move downwards toward Lobuche. It is a small village surrounded by the Rocky Mountains and the Himalayas. There is a mostly old ancient types of lodges but in recent years more facilitated lodges have been opened where some of them provide internet as well as oxygen serves.
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Day 12: Trek to Dzongla (4,710 m/15,453 ft) from Lobuche (4,910 m/16,109 ft) – 4 to 5 hours 4,910 m 4-5 hrs Teahouse
From Lobuche we start to walk downwards where after few hours, trail divides into two and we take right side for Dzongla. We can see stupa and tombstones in the distance.
After that we trek upwards where we can see Chola Tsho Lake nearby. We continue to trek by crossing Chola Khola on a bridge before reaching Dzongla.
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Day 13: Trek to Gokyo (4,790 m/15,715 ft) from Dzongla (4,710 m/15,453 ft) via crossing Cho La pass (5,420 m/17,782 ft) – 8 to 9 hours 5,420 m 8-9 hrs Teahouse
Today we have to start our trek before 4-5 am so we can cross Cho La pass before mid-day and re-assess the hike when the weather turns bad. Today the route maybe little difficult due to high altitude and steeply loose rock.
Snow may cause some problem while crossing Cho La pass and rock fall can also be the problem although weather is good. As a result you can see magnificent view from the top of Cho La Pass then we will descend to our destination, Gokyo (4,800 m).
We have to cross Khara, Pangka, and Ngozumpa glacier (which is the longest glacier in Nepal). We can see the beautiful view of Kantaga and big Mountain Cho-oyu. There are series of six lakes where third one is the Gokyo Lake.
There is a small village near the Gokyo Lake where we will stay 2 nights as we will have sightseeing and hiking trip around Gokyo.
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Day 14: Climb Gokyo Ri (5,360 m/17,585 ft) and return back to Gokyo (4,790 m/15,715 ft) – 3 to 4 hours 5,360 m 3-4 hrs Teahouse
Early in the morning, we have a steep climb up to the top of Gokyo Ri at an elevation of 5,483 m. There are ample rewards for those who attempt this trip. You get stunning views of the super Gokyo valley,
the massive Ngozumpa glacier and an incredible panoramic view of the whole Khumbu Himalayas, including the giants; Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Makalu, Cho-Oyu and Gychung Kang. -
Day 15: Trek to Lungden (4,368 m/14,331 ft) via crossing Renjo La pass (5,360 m/17,585 ft) – 7 to 8 hours 5,360 m 7-8 hrs Teahouse
Today we start our trek in the morning. Our trek for today is long but on the normal trail. We can see amazing view of Mt. Everest from the top of the Renjo pass. Then we descend down to Lunden for our today’s final destination.
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Day 16: Trek to Thame (3,800 m/12,467 ft) from Lungden (4,368 m/14,331 ft) – 4 to 5 hours 4,368 m 4-5 hrs Teahouse
We start our trek after breakfast. Today, the trail will mostly descend down to to Thame.
While on the trail we can see amazing snow peaks. About 150 meters above Thame, there is a Thame Monastery, a picturesque monastery set among the many homes of monks and lay people.
It resides on the side of a hill overlooking the valley. This is the site for the spring celebration of the Mani Rimdu festival, held about the middle of May each year.
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Day 17: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m/11,286 ft) from Thame (3,800 m/12,467 ft) – 4 to 5 hours 3,800 m 4-5 hrs Teahouse
Thame is a traditional Sherpa village that has escaped the crowds trekking to Everest and has one of the oldest monasteries in the region. The village is notably the hometown of Apa Sherpa who has made it to the summit of Everest 21 times!
The walk itself is peaceful with excellent views of the mountains as it winds in and out of the forest on the side of the canyon. This day, we continue our journey walking down the hill from Thame.
The trek will be easy and short and the final destination for the day and the trip will be at Namche Bazar.
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Day 18: Trek to Lukla (2,840 m/9,318 ft) from Namche Bazaar (3,440 m/11,286 ft) – 6 to 7 hours 3,440 m 6-7 hrs Teahouse
Finally we return back to Lukla where the trek began, which will seem like ages ago. It will give you time to reflect on the trek also giving you time to explore the town.
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Day 19: Fly back to Kathmandu (1,400 m/4,593 ft) – 35 minutes or Manthali/Ramechhap (474 m/1,555 ft) – 20 minutes from Lukla (2,840 m/9,318 ft) and same day drive to Kathmandu (1,400 m/4,593 ft) by shared tourist vehicle – 5 to 6 hours 2,840 m 5-6 hrs Hotel
Lukla to Manthali Flight (March, April, May, September, October and November)
The flight from Lukla to Manthali is a 20-minute flight. After that, it is about a 5 to 6 hour drive to Kathmandu. Please note that the driving hours may vary according to the highway traffic condition. You’ll be transferred to the hotel in Kathmandu on a shared tourist vehicle.Lukla to Kathmandu Flight (January, February, June, July, August and December)
The flight from Lukla takes about 35 minutes. After arriving at the airport, you will be transferred to the hotel in Kathmandu via a shared tourist vehicle. Please be aware that the decision regarding the operation of flights solely depends on the airline and is influenced by the volume of travelers during a specific month. -
Day 20: Transfer to the international airport in Kathmandu (1,400 m/4,593 ft) for your final departure 1,400 m
The trip concludes – our airport representative will drop you to Kathmandu’s Tribhuwan International Airport for your flight departure from Nepal.
Altitude profile
The climb, day by day
Comfort tiers
Choose your level of comfort
| Amenity | Standardfrom $2,380.00 | Comfortfrom $2,808.40 | Luxuryfrom $3,451.00 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kathmandu hotel | 3★ | 4★ | 5★ |
| Trail accommodation | Standard teahouse | Best lodge in each village | Premium lodge where the route has one |
| Porter support | Shared porter | Private porter, lighter load | Extra porter, carry almost nothing |
| Transfers | Shared | Private | Private, throughout |
What's included
Included
- Included: Three nights Kathmandu 3* hotel hotel twin sharing Hotel including breakfast.
- Included: Trekking lodge (Tea House) accommodations during the trek.
- Included: Three meals a day (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) including a cup of tea/coffee.
- Included: Fresh fruits every night after Dinner.
- Included: Airport pickup and drop by private vehicle.
- Included: Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu flight including airport transfer. (High season flight to and from Lukla are operated from Ramechhap airport which is 4-5 hours east of Kathmandu)
- Included: All necessary paper works Sagarmatha National park entry permit & Khumbu Pashang Lhamu Rural Municipality fees.
- Included: English speaking well trained, Government license holder guide with all his salary, food, drinks, accommodation, Transport and insurance.
- Included: A Strong, helpful porter with proper equipment,salary, food, drinks, accommodation, Transport and insurance.(one porter for two people).
- Included: Medical supplies (first aid kit will be available).
- Included: Arrangement of Emergency Helicopter service (paid by your Travel insurance company).
- Included: Oxymeter to check your pulse and oxygen saturation and heart rate twice daily (Very useful to check Altitude Mountain Sickness (AMS) symptoms) Which will ensure you trek is in the safest hands possible for all levels of trekker.
- Included: T-shirt cap cap and duffel bag.
- Included: Government taxes, service charge and official expenses.
Not included
- Not included: Meals whilst you are in Kathmandu Lunch and Dinner.
- Not included: Nepal visa fee $50 for 30 days visa on arrival.
- Not included: Your Travel medical insurance(Recommended)
- Not included: International airfare.
- Not included: Your personal expenses.
- Not included: Use of sleeping bag, down Jacket and walking Poles (if you don’t have your own, To be return after trip completed). Using these 3 items you pay $10 USD each as maintenance and washing charge.
- Not included: For this trek micro spikes and gaiters are required year round and can be rented for $15 USD.
- Not included: Alcoholic and non alcoholic cold and hot drinks.
- Not included: Desserts Sweet things like chocolate, cake, pie and pudding (i.e. those you choose to purchase along the way and during evenings in the Tea Houses).
- Not included: Hot shower and battery charging during the trekking.
- Not included: Tips for the guide, porter and driver (Tipping is expected).
- Not included: Kathmandu sightseeing tour entrance fee($30USD
- Not included: Excess baggage more than 15kg for Lukla flight.
Your team
Led by a licensed guide
Every route is led by a government-licensed guide from our team. Licences are on record with us before departure, and you'll meet your guide once your trip is confirmed.
Guide language(s): English, Nepali
Group-size pricing
Walk together, pay less
Every trip is private, so the guide, permits and transfers cost the same however many walk. Sharing them is why the per-person price falls: arithmetic, not a sale.
| Group size | per person | You save each |
|---|---|---|
| 1 trekker | $2,380.00 | base rate |
| 2 to 3 trekkers | $1,985.00 | $395.00 |
| 4 to 6 trekkers | $1,865.00 | $515.00 |
| 7 or more | $1,745.00 | $635.00 |
Per person, including permits, park fees and taxes. Nothing is added at checkout.
Weather
What to expect, month by month
- Autumn (Sep–Nov)The most reliable trekking season: clear air, stable weather and cold nights, right after the monsoon clears.
- Spring (Mar–May)Warmer than autumn, with rhododendron forests in flower and slightly hazier mountain views as the season goes on.
Traveller reviews
What trekkers say
Why book with us
