Kongma La, Cho La & Renjo La are the three passes of the Khumbu region that connect the different parts of the region- hence, it is called the Everest Three Passes trek
Kongma La, Cho La, and Renjo La are the three infamous passes of the Khumbu region that connect the different sections of the region- hence, it is called the Everest Three Passes trek. It is a thrilling 21 days expedition in Nepal, offering a unique blend of adventure, local heritage, and stunning mountain panoramas.
The Everest Three Passes trek is like a circuit trek that provides an opportunity for trekkers to go beyond the classic EBC trail and discover the hidden gems of the Khumbu region. If you are traveling to Nepal and you have strong physical and mental fitness, you should definitely do the Everest Three Passes trekking.
Do note that this trek is very demanding. It is not a leisure walk in the mountains. You will face high altitudes, varying climatic zones, offbeat terrain, and limited tourist infrastructure. So, only when you are ready to commit and push yourself join the Everest Three Passes trek 21 days with us.
The journey will reward you for all the hard walk with some of the greatest mountain vistas on Earth. Not only that, but the hospitality of the Sherpas, the interactions with fellow trekkers and locals along the way, the ancient cultural roots, and all the stories and myths surrounding the trails will make the trek a once in a lifetime venture for you.
The Everest Three Passes trek also goes by 3 Passes trek and Three Passes trek names. On this trek, you will explore iconic destinations such as Namche Bazaar, Tengboche Monastery, Everest Base Camp, Kala Patthar, Gokyo Lakes, Gokyo Ri, and Thame Monastery.
You will go above 5,000 meters multiple times throughout the trek and enjoy stunning mountain views. Not many foreigners are aware of this hike, so the route is comparatively less crowded once you are off of the mainstream Everest trail.
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Kathmandu and transfer to the hotel
You will be picked up by our team upon your arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. They will escort you to the hotel. The remaining day is free. Rest and explore your surroundings.
Day 2: Full-day sightseeing tour of Swayambhunath Temple, Pashupatinath Temple, Bouddhanath Stupa, and Kathmandu Durbar Square
In the morning, you will visit some famous tourist sites with our professional tour guide. Explore Swayambhunath Temple (Monkey Temple), Pashupatinath Temple, Bouddhanath Stupa, and Kathmandu Durbar Square.After the tour, the guide will drop you at your hotel. Get some rest, and later, meet us for a trek briefing. Purchase anything that is missing from your equipment and pack your duffle bags.
Day 3: Fly from Kathmandu/Ramechhap to Lukla airport and trek to Phakding (2,610 m/8,563 ft)
The trek starts with a thrilling flight to Lukla. From March to May and September to November, you have to catch the Lukla flight from Ramechhap Airport. From Kathmandu, it takes around 4 to 5 hours to drive to reach this airport. So, trekkers leave the hotel at around 1:00 AM.Likewise, between June to August and December to February, the Lukla flights are available from Kathmandu Airport. Upon reaching Lukla, you will begin trekking to Phakding village. It is a downhill walk through forests, crossing many suspension bridges.
Day 4: Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar
The trail from Phakding ascends to Namche Bazaar. You will register the permit in Monjo. From here, the Sagarmatha National Park. The trek route spread within rhododendron and magnolia forests. The final 2-3 hours of ascending to Namche Bazaar is steep.
Day 5: Acclimatization day- hike to the Hotel Everest View
Spend a rest day in Namche Bazaar. Hike to the Hotel Everest View to witness the first glimpse of Mt. Everest. The hike offers views of other mountains as well, like Thamserku, Lhotse, Nuptse, etc. After the hike, the remaining day is free.
Day 6: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Tengboche Monastery
Follow uneven hillsides from Namche Bazaar and trek to Kyangjuma. From here, you will descend to Phungi Thanga. Cross a bridge and start walking uphill to Tengboche village. Views of Mt. Ama Dablam and Mt. Everest is fantastic from here.
Day 7: Trek from Tengboche to Dingboche
Leaving Tengboche, the trail descends to the Imja Khola via Deboche. Cross a suspension bridge and hike to Pangboche village. The trail goes through rhododendron forests till here. Further, as you ascend, the treeline gets thinner, and you will pass by bushes and terraced fields to Dingboche.
Day 8: Trek from Dingboche to Chhukung
The trail to Chhukung goes off the main EBC route and follows an offbeat trail. You will see stunning views of Mt. Makalu and Island Peak. On the same day, you can also hike to Chhukung Ri to enjoy a spectacular mountain panorama.
Day 9: Trek from Chhukung to Kongma La pass and descend to Lobuche village (4,940 m/16,210 ft)
You will cross the first pass today. From Chhukung village, the steeply ascends to the top of the pass. Trekkers get to enjoy beautiful mountains and glacier views while trekking. The ascend will be fairly steep. From the Kongma La pass, the trail descends to the Khumbu glacier moraine—Trek via the moraine to reach Lobuche village.
Day 10: Trek from Lobuche to Gorak Shep (5,164 m/16,942 ft) to Everest Base Camp and back to Gorak Shep for a night's stay
Today, you will trek to Everest Base Camp. From Lobuche, the trail ascends along the Khumbu Glacier moraine. You will then walk on steep and rocky tracks to Gorak Shep. You will spend this night at Gorak Shep, but before that, hike to EBC. Get to see a close view of the Khumbu Icefall.
Day 11: Hike to Kala Patthar early in the morning and trek down to Dzonlga (4,830 m/15,846 ft)
Begin the day before the sunrises and hike to Kala Patthar. It is a viewpoint that offers a breathtaking view of Mt. Everest and many other mountains. After the hike, you will descend to Dzongla. Retrace the trail to Lobuche village, and from here, a different route to Dzongla.
Day 12: Trek from Dzongla to Cho La pass and descend to Thangnak (4,700 m/15,420 ft)
You will cross the most challenging pass today, Cho La. From Dzongla, the trail ascends to the top of the pass. You will walk on rugged, icy, and steep paths. The views of Mt. Ama Dablam and Chola Lake are most stunning. From the pass, the trail descends to Thangnak, where you will spend the night.
Day 13: Trek from Thangnak to Gokyo village
As you continue trekking from Thangnak, the trail takes you to Longponga Lake (4,720 m). You can see excellent mountain views on the way. Soon, you will traverse the Ngozumpa Glacier moraine, the biggest glacier in Nepal. The trail goes past the first and second Gokyo lakes. The Gokyo village is situated near the third Gokyo Lake.
Day 14: Acclimatization day in Gokyo village- hike to Gokyo Ri
In the morning, hike to Gokyo Ri. You will see a gorgeous sunrise and a jaw-dropping panorama of Everest, Makalu, Cho Oyu, Island Peak, Cholatse, etc. You can also hike to the fourth and fifth Gokyo Lakes.
Day 15: Trek from Gokyo Village to Lungden (4,380 m/14,370 ft) via Renjo La pass
On this day, you will cross the last pass, Renjo La. From Gokyo village, the trail gradually ascends via boulders scattered along the path. The route gets steeper as you climb towards the top of the pass. Upon reaching the pass, you will see a marvelous mountain panorama. From here, descend to Lungden along an ancient trading route used by Tibetan traders.
Day 16: Trek from Lungden to Thame
From Lungden, the trail descends in the south direction to Thame. Following the east side of the river, keep trekking and pass by peaceful villages like Marlung and Taranga. The scenery is superb. In Thame, you will get to explore an old monastery.
Day 17: Trek from Thame to Namche Bazaar
Continuing the trek from Thame, the trail descends to Namche Bazaar. You will walk along a stream and descend to Bhotekoshi Valley. Cross a suspension bridge and trek through lush forests of rhododendron, birch, and pine.
Day 18: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla
The trail from Namche Bazaar steeply descends through a forested route to Monjo. From here, you will walk to Phakding village and follow an uphill trail to Lukla. Cross many suspension bridges on the way and pass by small villages.
Day 19: Morning flight back to Kathmandu from Lukla airport
Fly back to Kathmandu early in the morning. The guide will drop you at the hotel. The remaining day is free in the city. You can visit spa and massage centers.
Day 20: Free day in Kathmandu
You have a free day in Kathmandu. Spend as you visit. Rest, explore tourist sites, and do window shopping in Thamel. In the late evening, we will meet and hand over the trek completion certificate.
Day 21: Trip ends! Fly back home with memories to cherish forever
Our team will drop you at the international airport. You will depart from Nepal today. Make sure to be ready to leave on time.