The Three Passes Trek

The Three Passes Trek is one of the most spectacular hiking trails in Nepal, offering unparalleled views of dramatic summits and captivating valleys. Take in the entire Himalayan Range from Chukking-Ri and Gokyo-Ri including the best views of Mount Everest’s summit. 

Begin your journey in Kathmandu where there is time for sightseeing before flying to Tenzing-Hillary Airport at Lukla. Follow the Dudh Koshi river to the Sherpa town of Namche Bazaar and rest before continuing to Tengboche Monastery and Dingboche. Rest again here with a side trip to Chukkum before crossing the first of the three passes, the Kongma La.

From here, follow the well-worn trail to Everest Base Camp via Kala Patthar before leaving the main trail to climb the Cho La Pass to the cobalt blue Gokyo lakes and on to Gokyo Ri. The views are spectacular and we will see the spectacle of the Khumbu icefall cascading from the Western Cwm. Crossing the Renjo La pass, we follow a little of the route used for centuries by the Tibetan Traders via Nangpa La to get to Thame. Following the classical route, drop down to Lukla and fly back to Kathmandu. Hiking in Nepal will be an experience you never forget.

US$2,595*

22 NIGHT TOUR WITH 18 NIGHT TREK
DEPARTS: KATHMANDU

Maximum elevation: 5,643 metres
Level of difficulty: Medium to hard
Availability: March to May & September to November

* Price based on twin share accommodation. Single room supplement available subject to availability
Find out approximate trip price in your own currency here   
 

DAY 1

Kathmandu: Arrive in Nepal.
Overnight: Kathmandu
Altitude: 1,400 m.

DAY 2

Kathmandu: Explore Kathmandu and prepare for your trek.
Overnight: Kathmandu
Altitude: 1,400 m.

DAY 3

Kathmandu to Phakding, via Lukla: Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla and walk to Phakding. The flight to Lukla is spectacular. If the weather is clear, you might get your first glimpse of Everest.  After landing at the tiny airstrip, join the trail which leads through Lukla before dropping to Chablung which has large mani stones. Descend further and cross one of the many suspension bridges on this trail. Passing through the village of Ghat, the trail continues to climb to Phakding.
Walking time: 4 hrs
Overnight: Phakding
Altitude: 2,610 m.

DAY 4

Phakding to Namche Bazaar: Leaving Phakding, follow the Dudh Koshi river to Monjo where we enter the Sagarmatha National Park. After Jorsale, cross the longest bridge in the valley before the Hillary bridge and commence a 3-hour climb to Namche Bazaar.
Walking time: ~6 hrs
Overnight: Namche Bazaar
Altitude: 3,440 m.

DAY 5 

Namche Bazaar rest day: Explore this charming Sherpa town and do an acclimatisation hike, offering views of Everest.
Overnight: Namche Bazaar
Altitude: 3,440 m.

DAY 6

Namche to Tengboche: After breakfast, follow the path which takes you above Namche to a viewpoint offering spectacular views of Thamserku and Amadablam. Descend to the river valley for lunch before climbing through thick forest to Tengboche which has the biggest monastery in the Khumbu.
Walking time: 5 hrs
Overnight: Tengboche
Altitude: 3,860 m.

DAY 7

Tengboche to Dingboche: The sunrise over Everest and Amadablam is worth getting up early for! Todays trek begins with a short descent through birch and rhododendron forest. We pass numerous mani walls as the scenery changes to dry and rocky. Walk through the typical Sherpa village of Pangboche before reaching Dingboche.
Walking time: 6 hrs
Overnight: Dingboche
Altitude: 4,410 m.

DAY 8

Dingboche to Chhukhung: From Dingboche it is a four hour trek to Chhukhung. The trail ascends gradually past summer huts used for livestock. The views are magnificent as you get closer to Chhukhung.
Walking time: 4 hrs
Overnight: Chhukhung
Altitude: 4,730 m.

DAY 9

Chhukhung rest day: Spend the day acclimatising with a day hike offering excellent views of Nuptse, Lhotse, Chhukhung Peak and Island Peak.
Overnight: Chhukhung
Altitude: 4,730 m.

DAY 10

Chhukhung to Lobuche via Kongma La Pass: Leave early after breakfast to reach the highest part of the trek, the Kongma La pass (5,535 m.). The top of the pass is marked by cairns and Buddhist prayer flags and the descent from the pass is difficult. After climbing the moraine, the path heads north through the Khumbu Glacier and on to Lobuche.
Walking time: 7 hrs
Overnight: Lobuche
Altitude: 4,925 m.

DAY 11

Lobuche to Gorak Shep via Kala Patthar: Today’s hike begins with a walk along the lateral moraine of the Khumbu Glacier. From here there are great views of  Pumori, Nuptse and the tip of Everest. A short ascent leads to Thangma Riju where there are panoramic views. The trail becomes steep as you ascend to the top of Changri Glacier. Rest at Gorak Shep, before climbing Kala Patthar (5,643 m.) for the sunset at the world’s best view of Everest! Back to Gorak Shep for the night.  
Walking time: 7 hrs
Overnight: Gorak Shep
Altitude: 5,165 m.

DAY 12

Gorak Shep to Lobuche via Everest Base Camp: The trail to Everest Base Camp (5,380 m.) passes through rocks, moraines and streams before reaching the base camp of the world’s tallest mountain. From here there are excellent views of Nuptse, Khumbuste and Pumori. Return to Lobuche for the night.
Walking time: 7-8 hrs
Overnight: Lobuche
Altitude: 4,925 m.

DAY 13

Lobuche to Dzongla: From Lobuche, the trail descends through yak fields and camphor trees. There are magnificent views of Awi Peak before descending to Dzongla. 
Walking time: 4 hrs
Overnight: Dzongla
Altitude: 4,830 m.

DAY 14

Dzongla to Thagnak via the Cho La Pass: The trail to the pass is steep and involves clambering over boulders in places. The final climb to the Cho La Pass (5,420 m.) is tricky as the trail curves around a crevasse. Stop for photos on the pass before descending to Thagnak.
Walking time: 6-8 hrs
Overnight: Thagnak
Altitude: 4,700 m.

DAY 15

Thagnak to Gokyo: Cross the Ngozumba glacier, the largest glacier in Nepal. The trail then heads north on the far side to Gokyo village.
Walking time: 5 hrs
Overnight: Gokyo Village
Altitude: 4,750 m.

DAY 16

Gokyo Ri: Climb Gokyo Ri  (5,357 m.) for more breathtaking views of Everest, Cho-oyu, Lhotse and Makalu.  
Walking time: 3-4 hrs
Overnight: Gokyo Village
Altitude: 4,750 m.

DAY 17

Gokyo to Lumde over the Renjo La Pass: This strenuous day starts with following the trail along the Dudh Pokhari River. After 2 hours reach the Renjo La Pass (5,465 m.) from which there are great views of Gokyo Lake and Everest. The trail winds down a sometimes icy path to the south bank of Angladumba Tsho Lake. A narrow boulder-strewn valley leads to Lumde.
Walking time: 7-8 hrs
Overnight: Lumde
Altitude: 4,380 m.

DAY 18

Lumde to Thame: Descending from Lumde, the path leads to Marlung on the bank of the Bhote Koshi River. From Marulung to Thame, the trek follows a traditional route used for centuries by the Tibetan traders. Overlooking Thame is a famous Gompa. 
Walking time: 5-6 hrs
Overnight: Thame
Altitude: 3,844 m.

DAY 19

Thame to Monjo: Descend gradually, passing through small villages before reaching Monjo.
Walking time: 6-7 hrs
Overnight: Monjo
Altitude: 2,860 m.

DAY 20

Monjo to Lukla: Retracing our steps, follow the steep path down from Namche to Lukla.
Walking time: 4-6 hrs
Overnight: Lukla
Altitude: 2,860 m.

DAY 21

Lukla to Kathmandu: Take the morning flight to Kathmandu
Overnight: Kathmandu
Altitude: 1,400 m.

DAY 22

Kathmandu: Sightseeing and relaxing.
Overnight: Kathmandu
Altitude: 1,400 m.

DAY 23

Depart Kathmandu.