Everest Three High Passes Trek

This challenging Everest Three High Passes Trek meets the Everest Base Camp trek but is an ideal challenge for experienced trekkers or those who are looking for an extra challenge. It crosses the Khongma La (5535m), Cho La (5330m) and Renjo La (4790m), three high passes in the Khumbu region.It also allows trekkers to see a quieter side of the Khumbu Valley, away from the often-crowded trails of the EBC trek.

Highlights of the Everest Three High Passes Trek

Climb ChukungRi (5550m), Kala Patthar (5545m) and Gokyo-Ri (5430m) for views of Everest (8848m), Lhotse (8516m), Makalu (8463m) and Cho Oyu (8201m), four of the highest peaks in the world
Visit the beautiful turquoise glacial Gokyo Lakes
Stop in the lively Sherpa town of Namche Bazaar, as well as smaller Sherpa settlements
Trek through parts of the Khumbhu that are relatively untouched by mass tourism

The Route Followed

This route essentially combines two other treks that are worthwhile in their own right: the Everest Base Camp trek (12 days) and the Gokyo Lakes-Cho La Trek (17 days). It includes the best of both, so is ideal for trekkers who are up for a new challenge.

Like other treks in the Khumbu region, this begins with a flight to Lukla, about 30 minutes from Kathmandu. (Note that flights into/out of Lukla are often delayed due to poor visibility, so make sure you have buffer days in your itinerary).

Start trekking alongside the DudhKosithat runs from Everest, through shady forests and over the highest suspension bridge in Nepal, to Namche Bazaar (3440m). Namche is an excellent place to stop for an acclimatization day, as there is lots of interesting Sherpa culture to check out, plus good shops and cafes and some nice shorter hikes.

From Namche, instead of continuing on the EBC route, veer off up the Chukung Valley, via Dingboche, a Sherpa town above the tree line.

The first pass that is crossed is the Khongma La, after which you reach Lobuche and head towards Everest Base Camp. This small town is one of the last overnight stops on the EBC trek before reaching Base Camp itself.

The next stop is DzhongLha, a tiny place with only a couple of lodges, and the only village between Cho La and Lobuche. After crossing the Cho La, head up the Gokyo Valley and stay at Gokyo, situated on the third lake among the five major lakes that comprise the Gokyo Lakes area.

From Gokyo, head up and over the Renjo La and down into the Thame Valley. Pass through Thame, a small Sherpa village that used to be the only year-round settlement on the Tibet-Nepal-India trade route. From there, descend to Lukla via Namche Bazaar, on the main EBC trail again.

This trek is challenging, and should only be attempted by experienced trekkers with excellent fitness and who have already completed a number of high-altitude treks. Several days are spent above 5000m.

Accommodation

This is a teahouse trek, meaning you stay in lodges, where you also dine. Because the EBC trek is one of the most popular, there are numerous places to stay along this portion of the Everest Three High Passes trek, including luxury options. However, on other parts of the route, the selections are a bit more limited, though still adequate and comfortable.

Everest Three High Passes Trek Short Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu. (1338 meters)
Day 2: Fly to Lukla (2810 meters) and trek to Phakding. (2610 meters)
Day 3: Trek to Namche Bazaar. (3440 meters)
Day 4: Acclimatization day at Namche Bazaar.
Day 5: Trek to Thyangboche. (3860 meters)
Day 6: Trek to Dingboche. (4220 meters)
Day 7: Trek to Chhukung. (4730 meters)
Day 8: Acclimatization day at Chhukhung.
Day 9: Cross Khongma La (5535 meters) and trek to Lobuche. (4910 meters)
Day 10: Trek to Gorakshep. (5180 meters)
Day 11: Climb Kala Patter (5545 meters) and trek to Lobuche. (4900 meters)
Day 12: Trek to Dzong Lha. (4830 meters)
Day 13: Cross Cho La (5330 meters) and trek to Dragnag. (4700 meters)
Day 14: Trek to Gokyo. (4790 meters)
Day 15: Acclimatization day at Gokyo.
Day 16: Cross Renjo La (5360 meters) and trek to Lungdhen. (4368 meters)
Day 17: Trek to Thame. (3800 meters)
Day 18: Trek to Monjo. (2835 meters)
Day 19: Trek to Lukla. (2810 meters)
Day 20: Fly back to Kathmandu.
Day 21: Free day at Kathmandu.
Day 22: Departure.

Detail Itinenary

Day 01

Arrive in Kathmandu. (1338 meters)

A representative from Visit Himalaya Treks with the company’s display board will greet you outside the arrival terminal and transfer you to your Hotel. The trek leader will meet the group for a meeting and provide a detailed briefing on the trek. All the required information regarding the trek would be provided. (Overnight at Hotel)

Day 02

Fly to Lukla (2810 meters) and trek to Phakding. (2610 meters)

An early morning scenic flight to Lukla (35 minutes) is followed by a leisurely breakfast at Lukla. We meet up with our crew and after a brief introduction and a quick sorting of our daypack and the main bags, our adventure starts. The trail gradually drops into the Dudh Koshi Valley and passes through the lovely Sherpa villages of Chauri Kharka, Cheplung, then undulates through villages of Thado Koshi, Ghat, and finally arrives at Phakding. First views of Kusum Kanguru (6367 meters) can be viewed at Thado Koshi just before a small climb at Thado Koshi. During the day and in most of the other days on the trek, we follow the Dudh Koshi river and pass through couple of suspension bridges and several mani walls, mani stone, chorten, stupas and prayer flags with snowcapped mountains in the background. (3 hours) (Overnight at Teahouse. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included)

Trek to Namche Bazaar. (3440 meters)

During the day, we follow the Dudh Koshi River and cross the river several times on the suspension bridges. Views of Thamserku (6608 meters) and the holy mountain Khumbi Yui Lha (5761 meters) shows themselves for the first time as we trek through small villages of Tok Tok, Ghat, Benkar and Monjo. The trail keeps undulating for the whole morning and enters into the Sagarmatha National Park at Monjo. The path drops down to Jorsalle and steadily follows the river for a while until the start of steep climb with a dramatic suspension bridge (situated at more than 50 meters above the river) joining the two different valley. First glimpse of Everest (8848 meters) with the Lohtse face infront of it can be enjoyed on the midway of the climb through the pine forests, on the way to Namche Bazaar. This famous town in the lap of the Himalayas also offers the best views of the Kongde Range. (6 hours) (Overnight at Teahouse. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included)

Day 04

Acclimatization day at Namche Bazaar.

A walk to the twin village of Khunde (3840 meters) and Khumjung (3780 meters) through the Syangboche Airport (3720 meters) is considered as one of the interesting days of the trek. With the benefit of gain in altitude, this day trip also offers a chance to visit a hospital and school started by Sir Edmund Hillary himself. Breathtaking views of Mount Everest (8848 meters), Lohtse (8414 meters) and Ama Dablam (6856 meters) are also an added incentive for the day hike. (6 hours) (Overnight at Teahouse. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included)

Day 05

Trek to Thyangboche. (3860 meters)

The trek continues on a well maintained path in the morning with towering mountains on almost every direction. After passing a couple of teahouses at Kyangjuma, the path starts to drop down to the river passing small teashops at the villages of Sanasa, Lausasa and finally reaches Phunki Tenga at the bottom of the valley. Yet another suspension bridge helps us to cross the river at Phunki Tenga and then an identical climb to Namche waits. The climb through a thin Rhododenron forests finally ends at Thyanboche. Thyangboche is famous for the Thyangboche Monastery, the biggest and the most important monastery of the region. Thyangboche also offers stunning panoramic views of Everest with the Lohtse face, Ama Dablam (6856 meters), Khangtega (6685 meters) and the Kongde Range. (6 hours) (Overnight at Teahouse. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included)

Day 06

Trek to Dingboche. (4220 meters)

The path drops down passing through some teahouses at Deboche and after a brief period on easy terrain, crosses the Dudh Koshi once again. A small ascend leads to Pangboche, the village with the oldest monastery of the region. The trek continues in the valley and passes small villages of Somare and Hortse. After Hortse, the path drops in and out of a valley and then a steady walk finally ends the day at Dingboche. At Dingboche, views of another snowcapped pinnacle adds to the already impressive list of mountains, as view of Island Peak (6189 meters), one of the most popular trekking peaks in Nepal, appears in the North. (5-6 hours) (Overnight at Teahouse. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included)

Day 07

Trek to Chhukung. (4730 meters)

An easy walk on a gradually ascending trail and a short day trek ends at Chukkung. This is the shortest day of the trek, as the body needs to acclimatize and a good rest to recharge itself. After an acclimatization day, most of the following days are in higher elevation above 5000 meters and are also comparatively the walking hours are longer as well. (2 hours) (Overnight at Teahouse. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included)

Day 08

Acclimatization day at Chhukhung.

Chhukhung Ri (5550 meters) is view point near the Chukkung village. The viewpoint offers fantastic views of the mountains around the region and a close up view of Lohtse (8501 meters), being the major highlight. The viewpoint can be reached after a couple of hours of steep climb. This climb also helps the body to acclimatize and prepares for the days ahead.

Day 09

Cross Khongma La (5535 meters) and trek to Lobuche. (4910 meters)

An early morning start is a must on days crossing a high pass. The day starts with a brief gradual descend and then a long steep ascent until top of the of the pass follows. A brief stop at the top to enjoy all the surrounding mountains of the valleys left behind is followed by a steep drop, which only ends at Lobuche. (7-8 hours) (Overnight at Teahouse. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included)

Day 10

Trek to Gorakshep. (5180 meters)

An early start leads us into the undulating trail and into the Khumbu Glacier for a while. After getting out of the glacier, the path leads to Gorakhshep (5180 meters). After a brief stop and lunch, the trail again enters the Khumbu Glacier and undulates all the way up to Everest Base Camp. At Base Camp, one can enjoy the close up views of Nuptse (7861 meters), Pumori (7165 meters), Lingtren (6749 meters), Khumbutse (6665 meters), Changtse (7653 meters) and Lho La (6026 meters). We return to Gorakhshep through the same route on the glacier. (6-7 hours) (Overnight at Teahouse. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included)

Day 11

Climb Kala Patter (5545 meters) and trek to Lobuche. (4900 meters)

A steep climb to Kala Pattar (2 hours) is rewarded with the proper view of the southwest face of Everest. Kala Pattar is also the highest point of the trek. After returning to Gorakhshep, we return to Lobuche via same route. (3 hours) (Overnight at Teahouse. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included)

Day 12

Trek to Dzong Lha. (4830 meters)

After a comfortable walk in the morning, the trail leaves the traditional Everest trail and leads to a gradual ascent. The path drops briefly into a valley and is followed by a final climb that ends at Dzong Lha. (4 hours) (Overnight at Teahouse. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included)

Day 13

Cross Cho La (5330 meters) and trek to Dragnag. (4700 meters)

Another early start to the day with a brief easy walk in the valley is followed by a long steep climb to the top of the pass. After the top, a steep drop follows and changes into a climb for a brief moment. Again, the trail keeps descending and only ends at Dragnag. Dragnag is located under a huge rock face, across the Ngozumpa Glacier. (7-8 hours) (Overnight at Teahouse. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included)

Day 14

Trek to Gokyo. (4790 meters)

After crossing Ngozumpa Glacier (the longest glacier of Nepal), the trail joins the Gokyo Lake Valley near the first lake. A short and easy day ends at the third lake (commonly known as Gokyo Lake), with Cho Oyo towering in the background. (3 hours) (Overnight at Teahouse. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included)

Day 15

Acclimazation day at Gokyo.

An early morning climb to Gokyo Ri (3 hours) offers stunning views of Cho Oyo (8201 meters), Makalu (8485 meters), Lhotse (8516 meters) and Everest (8848meters); four of the top ten highest point on the planet. Apart from these, many more mountains of the Khumbu region can be enjoyed from Gokyo Ri, making it a popular viewpoint in the region. For acclimatization, a walk further into the valley on an easier terrain leads to the fourth and fifth lakes of the valley. These lakes are considered sacred and holy to the people of the Khumbu region. (Overnight at Teahouse. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included)

Day 16

Cross Renjo La (5360 meters) and trek to Lungdhen. (4368 meters)

An easy trail by the lake starts the day early in the morning. Soon the trail turns into a steep ascent all the way up to the top of the pass. Similar views like the views from Gokyo Ri can also be enjoyed at the top. A steep drop from the top leads into a new valley and ends at Lungdhen. (7 hours) (Overnight at Teahouse. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included)

Day 17

Trek to Thame. (3800 meters)

The trail keeps descending and loses altitude at a consistent pace, and reaches the village of Marlung. After Marlung, the trail slowly moves towards the famous village of Thame on an easier terrain. (5 hours) (Overnight at Teahouse. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included)

Day 18

Trek to Monjo. (2835 meters)

A drop into the river starts the day and an undulating trail leads into Namche Bazaar, finally connecting the trek again with the same route taken at the start of the trek. On the way down from Namche, we take a last look at the Everest and merrily continue the trek down to river. The exit from the Sagarmatha National Park and a brief drop leads to the village of Monju and ends the days trek. (6 hours) (Overnight at Teahouse. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included)

Day 19

Trek to Lukla. (2810 meters)

We trek back to Lukla via same route taken before and end the trek at Lukla. We also bid farewell to our support crew and formally end their trek for them as well. (6-7 hours) (Overnight at Teahouse. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included)

Day 20

Fly back to Kathmandu.

A 25 minute flight to Kathmandu and a whole day to explore the capital. A half day guided tour to several of historical and spiritual attractions enlisted under the World Heritage Sites. (Overnight at Hotel. Breakfast included)

Day 21

Free day at Kathmandu.

A leisure day in Kathmandu which can used for an early morning mountain flights to Everest or can extended into further more tours to Chitwan, Lumbini etc. Further adventure activities like rock climbing, hiking, biking around the Kathmandu valley with bungee jumping, rafting near the valleys can be done on this free day. (This is also spare day in case of cancellation of flights) (Overnight at Hotel. Breakfast included)

Day 22

Departure.

A representative from Visit Himalaya Treks Pvt. Ltd. will check your flight tickets and transfer you to the airport before two hours from your flight with a hope of seeing you again in the future. (Breakfast included)

Gear List

Visit Himalaya Treks has always been keen on safety on the journey. We have prepared Trekking Equipment List which the trekkers will need during their trek in Nepal. The following list should help you with your packing. Generally, you should always try to keep the weight of your equipment to a minimum. The weight of your trek bag while trekking should be no more than 15 KG. You must bring the following items:

Fleece jacket or warm jumper	Thermal shirts/underwear	Nightwear thermals
Fleece/sweatpants	Day-wear shirt/rain pants	Trekking pants
Wind pants	Warm hat/balaclava	Neck gaiter
Sunhat	Warm hat	Sunglasses
Mittens/gloves	Water bottle	Torch / Flashlight
Quick drier Towel	Sunscreen and lip balm with sunscreen 35++
Water purification	A set of Earplugs	Trekking Poles
Hiking Boots	Socks	First aid kit
Antiseptics	Camera and video camera

Medical

Betadine / Dettol.	Hand-plaster	Bandage
Eye drop.	Eardrop	Sinex.
Gauge	Cotton	Move / Spray
Digene	Diamox	D-Cold
Vicks	Paracetamol	Medicine for diarrhea
Medicine for a toothache