Everest High Pass Trek
Trip Overview
Overview
The Everest High Pass Trek is also a challenging and exhilarating adventure that takes trekkers through some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the world. The Everest High Pass Trek is also a multi-day trekking expedition in the Khumbu region of Nepal, renowned for its jaw-dropping scenery and cultural significance. Starting in the vibrant city of Kathmandu, trekkers take a short flight to Lukla, the gateway to the Everest region. From Lukla, the trek also begins with a gentle hike through picturesque Sherpa villages, lush forests, and gushing rivers, gradually ascending towards Namche Bazaar, a bustling trading hub perched at 3,440 meters. Continuing onward, the trail also meanders through the charming villages of Tengboche, Dingboche, and Lobuche, offering panoramic views of iconic peaks like Ama Dablam, Lhotse, and Nuptse. As trekkers approach Everest Base Camp (5,364 meters), the terrain becomes more challenging, requiring endurance and acclimatization. Reaching the base camp, they also stand in awe of the towering Everest, the world's highest peak, and bask in a sense of achievement.Crossing High Passes: A Himalayan Odyssey
The real test of adventure also begins as trekkers cross three high passes: Kongma La Pass (5,535 meters), Cho La Pass (5,420 meters), and Renjo La Pass (5,360 meters). These exhilarating and technically demanding passes reward adventurers with unparalleled views of the Himalayas, including Makalu, Cho Oyu, and Gyachung Kang. Trekkers navigate through glacial moraines and icy paths, pushing their limits and embracing the spirit of the mountains. Beyond the high passes, the trail also leads to the tranquil turquoise waters of Gokyo Lakes, nestled in the lap of snow-capped peaks. Trekkers climb Gokyo Ri (5,357 meters), a vantage point offering a mesmerizing panorama of Everest and neighboring peaks reflected in the glistening lakes below. Descending from Gokyo, the journey heads back to Lukla through the traditional villages of Phortse and Khumjung, providing insights into Sherpa culture and hospitality. Trekkers bid farewell to the rugged terrain and take a scenic flight back to Kathmandu.Conclusion and Summary
The Everest High Pass Trek is a transformative experience that challenges physical and mental boundaries, rewards trekkers with surreal beauty, and leaves an indelible mark of awe and wonder. It is a journey that ignites a profound connection with nature, oneself, and the majestic Himalayas.Trip Highlight
- Experience the thrilling flights into Lukla, one of the world’s most dangerous airports.
- Get a glimpse of the entire Khumbu region
- Great opportunity to cross the three high passes of the Khumbu region in one journey
- Prayer wheels, colorful flags, Mani stones, high suspension bridges
- Famous Sherpa town in the Everest region – Namche Bazaar
- World-famous monasteries and museums
- One of the world’s highest hotels – Everest View Hotel
- Schools from Khumjung and Hospitals in Kongde made by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa.
- Khumjung Monastery is said to be famous for Yeti Scalp.
- Ancient monastery in Tengboche
- Nepal’s highest airport Syangboche
- The Spectacular Close up views of Everest, Nuptse and Changtse and glimpses of the northern flank and summit of Lhotse plus Astounding Close up Sunrise Views from Kala Patthar Viewpoints.
- Astounding Panoramic Views of Mount Everest (8,848m), Cho Oyu (8,188m), Lhotse (8,516m), Nuptse (7,861m), Ama Dablam (6,812m), and Makalu (8,485m), Pumori (7,161m), Nuptse (7,861m), Ngozumpa glacier and five tranquil glacier lakes named together as Gokyo lakes from Gokyo Ri Viewpoints.
- Incredible views of some of the world’s highest peaks, including Mount Everest (8,848m), Cho Oyu (8,188m), Lhotse (8,516m), Nuptse (7,861m), Ama Dablam (6,812m), and Makalu (8,485m).
- Explore the famous Gokyo Village and Gokyo Lakes
- Stone houses and meadows around Gokyo Valley
- Exciting day hikes to the popular and scenic viewpoints of Everest such as Kalapatthar, Chhukung Ri & Gokyo Ri Peaks
- Traverse past dozens of Sherpa Villages with a distinct culture
- The longest glacier in the world- Ngozumpa Glacier (36km Long)
- Highest glacier on Earth- Khumbu Glacier (4900m)
- Three most famous passes in the Everest region – Kong Ma La Pass, Renjo La Pass and Cho La Pass
- Get insight into the distinct Tibetan Buddhism, unique Sherpa culture, tradition, and lifestyle
- Savor the delicious local cuisines and hospitality
- Sagarmatha National Park: UNESCO World Heritage Sites
- The wide range of flora and fauna
- Vegetations Like fir, Himalayan birch and rhododendron. Juniper and rhododendron prevail at elevations of 4,000–5,000 m (13,000–16,000 ft). Mosses and lichens grow above 5,000 m (16,000 ft) are found in Sagarmatha National Park
- Wildlife like Himalayan thar, Himalayan serow and musk deer. The snow leopard inhabits elevations above 3,500 m (11,500 ft), and the Indian leopard roams forests in lower elevations and Birds Like Impeyan pheasant, bearded vulture, snowcock and alpine chough found in Sagarmatha National Park
- Experience one of the least-traveled route in the famous Everest Region
- Celebrate the completion of your epic journey with fellow trekkers in Lukla.
- Reflect on your adventure over a traditional Nepali farewell dinner in Kathmandu.
- Marvel at the resilience and spirituality of the Sherpa people as you trek through their homeland.
- Capture breathtaking moments against the backdrop of some of the world’s highest peaks.
- Return home with a sense of accomplishment and memories that will last a lifetime.
Itinerary
Day 1:Arrival at Kathmandu
Welcome to Kathmandu: the gateway to all treks in Nepal. The country’s capital has often been called the City of Temples, and it’s not hard to see why. Few places in the world can boast such a stunning array of ancient religious temple complexes, where the faithful of the Hindu and Buddhist faiths mingle freely. When you arrive in this bustling city, you’ll be warmly welcomed by a member of the Friendship World Trek team and transferred to your hotel in the tourist district of Thamel. You’ll meet our trekking experts, who will explain your itinerary and review all of the trekking equipment and essentials that you’ll need for your Everest Three High Passes Trek. Later this evening, you’ll want to spend some time exploring the markets and shops in Thamel’s lively streets before returning to your hotel for an overnight stay.
Our journey will start from Phakding after having our morning breakfast at Hotel, our journey to Namche is quite a long day for today, and we will be following the Dudh Koshi River up to the valley crossing a few beautiful suspension bridges and waterfalls walking through the historical Sherpa villages of Manjo (An entry point of Sagarmatha National park) and Jhorsalle (Lunch Camp), we will be walking continually up to Namche after Lunch at Jhorsalle village, it will be 2 hours walking through pine forest before we reach Namche we will enjoy seeing the highest mountain in the world (Everest) if not clouded by the time, after walking 20 minutes from this point finally we will reach to the entry point of the main town of Khumbu region Namche, overnight at lodge.
Service Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and Lodge (B+L+D)Our day begins with a hearty breakfast and a steaming mug of tea—if you’re feeling adventurous, try the local yak butter tea to get a real taste of Himalayan culture. When we’re properly fortified for the hike ahead of us, we’ll set off for today’s portion of the Everest Three Passes Trek. We’ll be on the trail for about five hours today, following the Dudh Koshi river, crossing steep ravines on picturesque suspension bridges draped with colorful prayer flags, and trekking beneath the boughs of sweet-smelling pine and rhododendron. You’ll get a firsthand look at Sherpa culture today as we pass through the villages of Monjo and Jorsalle, and we’ll also be formally entering the Sagarmatha National Park: Nepal’s premier wilderness and trekking destination. Sagarmatha is the Nepalese name for Mount Everest, and we can anticipate getting our first good view of the mountain today as we climb to a high vantage point near the town of Namche Bazaar. When we arrive in town, we’ll settle in at the best available teahouse or lodge.
We’ll soon be trekking over the three high passes of the Khumbu, so we’ll need to make sure our bodies are properly acclimatized to the high-altitude air of the Himalayas. To give ourselves enough time, we’ll spend the day here in Namche Bazaar—fortunately, there’s plenty to do and see. Namche is widely regarded as the most important town in the Khumbu, where it’s served as a historic trading center and, in more recent years, as the base of operations for travelers and trekkers. You’ll have the chance to visit the local Sherpa museum to learn more about their culture, and we can also take an acclimatization hike to the spectacular Hotel Everest View to earn splendid views of Thamserku, Taboche, Cholatse, and Everest itself. The outlying village of Khumjung is also home to the Edmund Hillary School, originally founded by the famous mountaineer. And you won’t want to miss what’s purported to be a genuine yeti scalp at Khumjung’s monastery—this is a real piece of Himalayan history. This evening, we’ll spend another night at our guesthouse here in Namche.
Now that we’ve started to adjust to the rarefied atmosphere of the Himalayas, it’s time to continue our Everest Three Passes Trek. We’ve got about five hours of hiking ahead of us today, beginning with a gentle ascent through hushed forests of tall pines. Spectacular mountain views will be the order of the day—after making a brief descent and crossing a suspension bridge, we’ll climb a series of switchbacks to earn a marvelous look at the mighty summits of Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam. From here, it’s not far from the town of Tengboche. After checking in at our guesthouse and dropping off your bags, you’ll want to make a point of visiting the Tengboche monastery. Set amongst impossibly scenic Himalayan mountains, the monastery is the largest of its kind in all of Khumbu. After admiring the stunning artistry of its murals and sculptures, we’ll return to our lodge to spend the night here in Tengboche.
As we draw closer to Everest Base Camp, you’ll begin to notice that the majestic peaks of Nepal’s Himalayas seem to grow larger with every step. This impression will only get stronger today, as we follow the banks of the Dudh Koshi and trek beneath the towering frozen summits of mountains like Nuptse, Lhotse, Thamserku, and Ama Dablam. Before reaching Dingboche, we’ll cut through the villages of Deboche and Pangboche. The former is home to a particularly fine example of the Buddhist mani wall: each stone that comprises this long structure has been carefully inscribed with the mantra om mani padme hum. From here, we’ll climb higher and further across the length and breadth of the Khumbu, arriving at Dingboche after a total of about five hours on the trail. Then it’s time to unload our bags, take off our boots, and enjoy a hard-earned, home-cooked meal at a local guesthouse before retiring for the evening.
Today’s route is shorter and gentler than the past few days, but the mountain scenery is no less impressive. Our riverside trail leads through rocky terrain, with snowcapped mountains peeking out from behind just about every ridge: Lhotse, Nuptse, and Ama Dablam will be the stars of today’s show. We’ll reach the village of Chhukung after about three hours of hiking, and we’ll check in at a local teahouse before spending the rest of the day at our leisure. If you’re keen to do some more exploring, you can extend today’s section of the Everest Three Passes Trek by ascending to the nearby vantage point of Chhukung Ri. This mountaintop viewpoint offers a crowd-free look at some of Khumbu’s most marvelous summits: Ama Dablam, Makalu, Nupste, and Imja Tse (also known as Island Peak). If you’d rather sit back and relax with a cup of tea to enjoy the fine Himalayan view, you’ll have another chance to enjoy an acclimatization hike tomorrow; we’ll overnight here in Chhukung.
It’s almost time to approach the first of the high mountain passes that give the Everest Three Passes Trek its name, which means that we’ll soon be tackling some serious altitude. Today, then, will serve as another acclimatization day to prepare our bodies for the upcoming challenge. But that doesn’t mean you have to sit still. If you didn’t make it to Chhukung Ri yesterday, a sunrise hike to the viewpoint to watch dawn break across the Himalayas makes for an experience you won’t soon forget. We can also embark upon short-but-challenging day hikes to get a closer look at the twin summits of Ama Dablam and a nearby frozen lake; these smaller excursions will keep our bodies active and help us to adjust to the increasingly high elevations of the Khumbu. However you choose to spend the day, we’ll return to Chhukung in the afternoon to prepare our supplies for tomorrow and to spend another night in our cozy teahouse. Make sure to get plenty of rest to get ready for tomorrow’s climb!
We’ll make an early start this morning as we strike out for the first of our Everest trek’s three high passes: Kongma La. Our path leads across the outstretched arm of Nuptse’s glacier, tracing a twisting course through rocky terrain before climbing the Niyang Khola valley to arrive at a series of frozen lakes. We’ll make a steep continuous ascent from here to reach the magnificent Kongma La itself. Standing at a lofty 5,535 meters above sea level, this represents the highest point so far on the Everest Three Passes Trek. After enjoying the remarkable alpine scenery and savoring our accomplishment, we’ll begin our descent to the other side. Our path now leads in the direction of Everest’s famous Khumbu Glacier, and we’ve got a tricky bit of downhill trekking ahead of us before we reach Lobuche. We’ll set a slow and steady pace, descending gradually and safely to arrive at our destination after about four hours of hiking from Kongma La. When we arrive at Lobuche, we’ll be more than ready for a good night’s rest!
This morning marks another major accomplishment on our Everest Three Passes Trek. We’ve specifically designed this itinerary to include the chance to visit Everest Base Camp, and today we’ll make the trek from Lobuche to this coveted mountaineering landmark. Our path leads along the rocky moraine of the Khumbu glacier on the approach to Gorak Shep, where we’ll stop to unload some of our gear and enjoy a hot lunch before pressing on for another two or three hours to reach Everest Base Camp itself. Along the way, we’ll achieve unbelievable mountain views from high vantage points along the apex of the Khumbu glacier, our destination drawing nearer with every step. When we arrive at Everest Base Camp, you’ll quickly find yourself caught up in the infectious atmosphere of celebration that pervades this bucket-list Himalayan hub. After mingling with other trekkers and climbers and taking plenty of once-in-a-lifetime photographs, we’ll make the return trek to Gorak Shep, where we’ll spend the night at the best available trekking lodge.
With Everest Base Camp at our backs, you’d be forgiven for thinking that we’ve already seen the most remarkable views that the Himalayas have to offer. But when we make the early-morning ascent to the mountaintop of Kala Patthar today, you’ll be rewarded with the best alpine panorama you’ve seen so far. As the sun breaks over the Himalaya’s finest peaks, you’ll have front-row tickets to the show of a lifetime. Later this morning, we’ll descend back to Gorak Shep to retrieve our luggage and enjoy a late breakfast. Then we’ll strike out for the town of Dzongla, which should take us about four or five hours of trekking to reach. We’ll follow the right bank of the Dudh Koshi as we travel peacefully along this quiet stretch of the Everest Three Passes Trek, enjoying close-up looks at Ama Dablam, Lobuche, and some especially striking frozen lakes throughout the day. At Dzongla, we’ll get checked in to our teahouse and spend the rest of the day at our leisure.
After enjoying an early-morning breakfast, we’ll set out for the second of our trek’s three high passes. Turning our steps towards the sky-scraping mountain of Cholatse, we’ll begin by traversing gentle terrain and crossing a series of streams before beginning to climb the rocky field of the glacial moraine. We’ll be surrounded by some of the highest peaks in the Himalayas all day long, and mind-blowing scenery will greet your eyes in every direction. When we arrive at the high-altitude pass of Cho La, we’ll have climbed to 5,420 meters in elevation. After taking some spectacular photos of prayer flags set against a backdrop of jagged mountain peaks and icy blue lakes, we’ll begin the long descent from the opposite side of Cho La. It should take us about five hours to pass through the midway point of Thangnak and reach today’s destination, but our long hike will make for an unforgettable journey with unparalleled mountain scenery along the way. When we arrive in Gokyo, you’ll quickly fall in love with this charming village nestled along the azure shores of a lovely alpine lake.
Just two days after watching the sun rise over Kala Patthar, we’ll embark on a second early-morning hike to catch a view that might just be its equal. The magnificent mountaintop vantage point of Gokyo Ri sits at an astounding 5,357 meters in elevation, and it’s one of the highest points on our Everest Three Passes Trek. We’ll arrive at the viewpoint just in time to watch the illumination of daybreak bathe the summits of Cho Oyu, Everest, Lhotse, and Nupste with spectacular golden light. From here, the turquoise pools of the Gokyo Lakes are especially bewitching as they glitter and shine in the dawning light of the morning. After enjoying this stunning view to its fullest, we’ll return to Gokyo Ri and spend the rest of the day at our leisure, allowing ourselves time to continue adjusting to the high altitudes of the Khumbu.
After having breakfast in Gokyo, we’ll strike out for the last of the three passes on our Everest trek: Renjo La. We’ll approach the northern shore of the lake and traverse a series of switchbacks as we climb to the pass, which should take approximately three or four hours. Renjo La itself is situated at an altitude of 5, 345 meters, and the views from the pass are nothing short of stupendous: from here, you can see the colossal trail of the Ngozumpa Glacier, the distant town of Gokyo, and the peaks of Everest, Lhotse, and Taboche clutching at the sky. The second half of today’s trek will bring us down from the pass, descending along steep paths and treading alongside more of the region’s most stunning frozen lakes. Soon we’ll reach the village of Lumde, where we may stop to purchase supplies and grab a quick bite to eat. From here, it’s a short hike to Marulung, where we’ll stop for the day and spend the night in a local trekking lodge.
Today marks the beginning of our long descent from the highest reaches of the Khumbu. To get started, we’ll hike along the riverbank of the Bhote Koshi, following an ancient salt trading route used historically to exchange goods and supplies from Tibet. After about three hours on the trail, we’ll come across the village of Thame. This is a great place to stop for lunch and reflect on the miles we’ve covered so far. Thame is also renowned locally as the hometown of Apa Sherpa, who long held the record of summiting Mount Everest more times than any other climber. We’ll move on after lunch, making the final approach to Namche Bazaar as we descend through the highlands of the Khumbu for a few more hours. When we arrive at Namche, make sure to take advantage of the town’s bakeries for a truly sumptuous treat before turning in at our guesthouse for the night.
As we prepare to bid farewell to the Khumbu and conclude our Everest Three Passes Trek, we’ll make the final leg of our journey: our destination today is Lukla, where our adventure first began. We’ll start by descending steeply, following the Dudh Koshi river beneath the overhanging boughs of pleasant pine forests and treading the boards of a few suspension bridges to crisscross over the river’s swiftly flowing glacial waters. While we’ve already trekked this stretch of trail between Namche Bazaar and Lukla, following the same path in reverse yields surprising views from entirely new angles. We’ll cross open plains, trek amongst gorgeous rhododendrons, and follow sacred mani walls as we approach the end of our trek. When we arrive in Lukla, it’s time to celebrate: we’ve successfully completed the Everest Three Passes Trek! We’ll enjoy one final meal together as a team to commemorate our accomplishments before spending the night here in Lukla.
If everything goes according to the schedule, you will return to Kathmandu on this day. You will fly to Manthali or Kathmandu, depending on the trekking season. It’s likely that if your trek is in March, April, May, September, October, or November, you’ll board a flight to Manthali, and we will then drive you to Kathmandu. During other months (December, January, February, June, July, and August), from Lukla, you will directly fly to Kathmandu.
To avoid the Lukla-Manthali-Kathmandu route, you can partner with four other individuals to book a helicopter. This will cost you approximately 550 USD extra per person.
We hope your trek will be a relaxing one, and you will probably be looking back at the time spent in the Everest region. We will organize a farewell dinner on this day.
- Included standard meal (Breakfast)
Our journey in the Himalayas now comes to an end today! Finally, an Friendship World Trek representative will drop us off at the airport approximately 2-3 hours before our scheduled departure flight for home. If you wish to extend your stay in Nepal some other adventure activities can be arranged based on your time time and preferences, we will be pleased to be part of this help and will assist you with all the formalities!
Please note: The trekking times indicated in ABOVE are approximate and are best used as general guidelines. During the Everest Three Passes Trek, you’ll be able to travel freely at your own pace. We also recommend arriving in Kathmandu at least one day before your scheduled itinerary begins; this will allow you to meet with our trekking team in advance to learn more about your planned activities. Staying in Kathmandu for an extra day or two at the end of the itinerary will also provide you with a more flexible schedule in the event that mountain flights between Kathmandu and Lukla are delayed due to weather.
Departures & Availability
The set departure dates listed are specially quoted and specified for group joining option. Let us know if the set departure dates are not suitable for you- another dates which are suitable for you can certainly be added by us.
Check Available Dates
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All trip prices are per person based on double occupancy, are subject to change without notice and do not include airfare. All prices and fares are quoted in U.S. dollars.
Price include
- Free airport transfer on arrival and departure by private vehicles
- Meals on a full-board basis (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner/ the main course) during the trek in the mountain.
- Friendship World Trek experienced, government-licensed, English-speaking trekking guide.
- Total 16 nights (Five nights at Lukla, Phakding and Namche(3N), rooms with a private attached bathroom, Eleven nights standard rooms at Thame, Lungden, Gokyo (2 N), Dzongla, Lobuche (2 N), Chhukung, Gorak Shep, Thangnak, Pheriche.
- All standard meals (17 lunches, 16 dinners, and 17 breakfasts) during the trek.
- Porters for trekkers luggage. One porter for two trekkers. 18kg maximum weight limit for a porter. One trekker luggage limit – 9kg.
- All salary, food, drinks, accommodation, transport, and insurance for the guide.
- Khumbu Pashang Lhamu Rural Municipality fees
- All necessary papers including Everest national park permit and TIMS card (Trekking Information Management System)
- Trekking equipment such as the Sleeping bag, and down jacket on request (optional)
- Trekking lodges (Tea House) throughout the trek
- Assistant guide for the group 6 or above
- Airfare from Kathmandu – Lukla – Kathmandu including airport departure tax in the both Kathmandu and Lukla airport
- Supplementary snacks: energy bars, crackers, cookies, etc.
- Water purification tablets for safe drinking water
- Seasonal fresh fruits dessert every evening after dinner.
- Appreciation of certificate after the successful trek.
- Farewell Dinner at a typical Nepalese restaurant with traditional music and dance
- Friendship World Trek’s complimentary free T-shirt/ route map and a duffel bag (if required)
- An Oximeter to measure your oxygen and Pulse level during the trek in the mountain, it’s very useful for all the trekkers to be aware of the high altitude sickness.
- Compressive first aid box (Guide will carry it throughout the trek).
- Emergency rescue operation assistance is arranged in case of complex health conditions (funded by your Travel Insurance)
- All government, Local taxes/ vat, and official Expenses
Price Excludes
- International flight airfare
- Nepal Entry Visa Fees for multiple entries on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport- (15 days – $25-30, 30 days- $40-50 and 90 days- $100-110)
- Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu due to early arrival or late departure, early return from the trek.
- Extra accommodation and meals behind schedule (Foods and accommodations before and after the trek)
- All kinds of beverages (tea/coffee, coke, beers, water, etc).
- Additional costs by out of management control due to the landscape, weather conditions, illness, change of government policies, strikes, physical conditions, etc.
- Surplus luggage charges for domestic airport
- Personal expenses such as snacks, laundry, telephone, WIFI, hot shower, etc at tea houses on a trek.
- Travel insurance has to cover emergency rescue evacuation from high-altitude up to 5000 m.
- Personal trekking equipment and gears for this trek
- Gratitudes to guides and staff (Recommended by the culture)
- Any other expenses that are not mentioned in the Price Include section of this trek.
Gears And Equipment
Trip Information
Arrival (free airport pickup)
We provide free airport transfer from the airport to a hotel during arrival and vice-versa during departure for our clients taking part in Everest 3 Passes Trek.
Our representative will be at Tribhuvan International Airport, holding a pamphlet with your name.
As a welcome gesture, they will either present you with a Khada or a marigold garland. Then, they will take you to your hotel in a private vehicle. We provide this service so you will not feel alone in a foreign country.
Trek start
You will arrive in Kathmandu at Tribhuvan International Airport and stay at your hotel. Accommodations and meals in Kathmandu are excluded from the package.
Early in the morning, on your trip departure date, you will take a domestic flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. This trip package covers Kathmandu to Lukla and Lukla to Kathmandu flights.
Accommodation
The Everest Three Pass Trek is a 17-day-long hike with 16-night stays at the best possible lodges in the Everest region.
You will be staying five nights at Lukla, Phakding, and Namche (3N) in rooms with a private attached bathroom and eleven nights in standard rooms at Thame, Lungden, Gokyo (2 N), Dzongla, Lobuche (2 N), Chhukung, Gorak Shep, Thangnak, Pheriche (twin sharing). You can enjoy hot showers in these lodges by paying a small fee.
You may require a two-night hotel stay before and after the trek, but it is not included in the package. Kathmandu has a wide range of hotels for all budgets and tastes.
Meals
Everest 3 High Passes Trek takes place at high elevations, and your body needs enough nutrition. We ensure that you get enough nutritious food throughout the trek.
We will provide 17 breakfasts, 17 lunches, and 16 dinners during the trek.
We hand-select the lodges for fresh, hygienic, tasty, and nutritious food. The menu consists of traditional, Asian, and Western cuisine, but as we climb up, the menu becomes shorter.
Make sure to try Nepali foods – Dal (lentil), Bhat (rice), Tarkari (curry), Momos (dumplings), and Chowmein (noodles).
We highly recommend you take lots of liquids – green tea, lemon tea, hot lemon, ginger tea, and garlic soup(must). Similarly, we advise you to eat fresh vegetables.
Though plenty of non-veg items are available in the trek regions, we do not recommend them because the meat may not be hygienic. We also encourage you to avoid dairy items, alcoholic drinks, caffeinated items, and hot chocolates.
All personal bills (alcoholic drinks, hot (tea, coffee), and cold drinks) in tea houses/ lodges or cafes, except standard meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner with seasonal fruits) are excluded from the package.
Luggage
The luggage weight limit is 9 kg per trekker. One porter will carry two trekkers’ luggage. We do not allow our porters to carry more than 18 kg. If you want to bring more luggage, we can arrange a porter for you.
We expect you to carry a regular backpack for valuables and essential documents. You can store excess luggage at the Friendship World Treks store for free.
Typical day
Almost daily, you will experience trekking on the fantastic trails, exploring new places, enjoying the sceneries, taking pictures, and seeing traditional settlements.
Throughout your trek, our experienced and friendly Sherpa guides will accompany you. They will share information and historical facts about the places you visit. The porters will carry your luggage.
The day starts with an early breakfast. Then we will pack our bags and set off on that day’s trek from around 7 AM to 8 AM, depending on trek duration and nature. After trekking for three to four hours, you will have lunch, rest for about an hour, and continue the trek.
The afternoon walk is generally shorter – about two to three hours. Once we reach our overnight lodge/tea house/tent, we snack on the extra dietary food, then explore nearby places.
You will have dinner between 6 PM to 7 PM. After dinner, you can indulge in friendly conversations with your team members. Your expedition leader/guide will brief you about the next day’s plan.
After this briefing, and before going to bed, you have time to enjoy onboard games like Monopoly and cards or watch available mountaineering documentaries. Most foreigners choose to learn some common Nepali words.
Electricity and water
Throughout the Everest region lodges, electricity is available and you can recharge your camera and mobile. However, you need to pay for the service.
You can buy packed mineral water from local lodges and en-route shops or fill your bottle with boiled water at an extra cost. FWT provides water purification pills if you need them.
You shouldn’t drink water from the rivers, taps, or wells in trek regions because water might not be drinkable.
Communication
On the Everest 3 High Pass Trek, you can use the internet in the lodges you will be staying in for a small charge. However, at high altitudes, we use phones for safety purposes.
Friendship World Treks remains in contact with all the trekking teams through trek leaders at least once daily via mobile.
Depending on the network, you might get phone signals, but they may not be strong enough. You can buy a local SIM card in Kathmandu.
Tipping
Tipping is at travelers’ discretion and should reflect on the service quality, trek length, and trek cost. Nepali culture accepts tips as a way to show gratitude. We recommend you tip at the end of the trip and collectively as a group.
Trek End
On the last day at the trek region, early morning, we will take you to the Lukla Airport for a flight back to Kathmandu.
The flight will take around forty minutes. After arriving in Kathmandu, you are free to spend your time as you like. Later in the evening, we will host a farewell dinner.
Feedback
After completing the Everest 3 High Passes Trek, Friendship World Treks will organize a farewell dinner. After dinner, we will present you with a trek completion certificate, and you will also get a chance to give us feedback.
Useful Info
There is a slight chance that the flights to Lukla or from Lukla get postponed due to bad weather. Hence, we advise you to add two extra days for this trip. This ensures that you will not miss your international flight back home.
If you want, you can reserve a helicopter but it will cost you around 500 to 1000 USD. In rare cases, due to circumstances beyond our control, such as bad weather, or landslides, we might need to alter the itinerary. If the itinerary needs adjustment, we try our best to diminish the effects.
Trip extension
After completing your trek, you may want to stay a couple of days extra in Nepal. You can use your free time exploring Kathmandu and nearby places. There are other options, such as Chitwan jungle safari, paragliding, rafting, and canoeing.
Departure
We hope you enjoyed your stay in Nepal. On the departure date, we will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport. We hope you enjoyed your trek in Nepal and will be back for more exciting adventures.
Trek season
The weather is the most decisive factor for a successful Everest Base Camp trek through three high passes. Though you can get a live forecast of the Everest Region here, we cannot be sure.
However, locals and adventurers trek to Everest Base Camp throughout the year, but trekking is easy in certain seasons – mainly spring and autumn when the skies are clear, and there is no rain.
The magic of the clear azure sky allows you to enjoy the most spectacular vistas without fighting the cold during Spring and Autumn.
The trek gets challenging during winter and monsoon, but some trekkers are attracted to these challenges. Friendship World Treks conducts 3 high passes treks throughout the year.
- January to February
It is the coldest season – especially from early January to February, with heavy snowfall and cold temperatures, mainly at night. If you are allergic to colds, we advise you not to trek during these months.
Temperature: 15°C to -15°C
- March to April
This is one of the best seasons for Everest 3 High Passes Trek. During this time, you can see stunning views of Himalayan ranges and glaciers. The Spring Season begins in March, the weather warms up, and suddenly the dormant flora and fauna become active. It is a busy trekking season.
Temperature: 18 °C to -12 °C
- May to June
This is also the perfect time for trekking right before the rainfall. Rainfall in Nepal starts at the end of June till mid-August. The season of spring and summer makes the trek much more enjoyable.
Temperature: 25°C to -5 °C
- July to August
The rainfall hits its peak during this time at altitudes below 3500 meters. There are chances that the flights from and to Lukla may get canceled during this time. However, during this period, you will still find trekkers on the trails, and the rainfall provides spectacular views of the waterfall. The Everest 3 High Passes Trek gets a bit difficult but not impossible. FWT conducts treks this season too.
Temperature: 27°C to 5°C
- September to October
This is also one of the perfect seasons for Everest 3 High Passes Trek. As the monsoon slowly ends, clear skies appear, and a favorable trekking climate sets in. The temperature rises to 20 degrees in the daytime and falls to 5 degrees at night. If you are looking for an easy Everest 3 high passes trek, this is the season for you. During these months, Hindus celebrate their most important festivals, which allows you to immerse yourself in the festive environment.
Temperature: 20°C to 5°C
- November to December
As winter slowly sets in, snowfalls begin in the Himalayas region, and it eventually gets tough to trek. Nights get very cold. But still, November is a busy season as trekkers take advantage of clear skies and sparkling days that allow amazing views of humongous mountains. From December, the temperature dips, and heavy snowfall starts.
Temperature: 18°C to -10°C
The weather in the Himalayas is unpredictable, and the temperature may change quickly.
Trek difficulty
The Everest Three High Passes Trek is challenging but rewarding. If you have experience or enjoy trekking, this may be an advantage but not required.
The hiking will last around 5 to 7 hours a day, depending upon the destination, and you will be taking regular breaks to admire the mountain views.
The trek routes involve long climbs, steep descents, and a steep forward trail in the rocky paths and forests. So, the fitter you are, the more comfortable and enjoyable the journey will be.
We do not recommend this trek to those who suffer from serious medical conditions like heart, blood, or lung diseases.
Trek safety
Everest 3 Passes Trek is one of the most adventurous treks in the world, making it one of the most self-gratifying. This trek is very famous among thrill-seekers, mountaineers, and rock climbers.
The trails are challenging, but Friendship World Treks ensures the trek is safe, secure, and comfortable. We carry standard gear and equipment. Our team will monitor blood oxygen saturation levels in high altitudes.
Altitude sickness is common to trekkers who try to rush their way to the Everest Base Camp. Therefore, we will be acclimatizing in two places – Namche and Gokyo.
Your health and safety are important to us, and we will take care of you like a family member. Altitude sickness may require immediate treatment.
If you are seriously affected, the only remedy is to descend immediately. In such cases, your group leader decides whether to continue to trek forward or descend immediately. We will also deploy a helicopter (funded by insurance) during emergencies.
FWT team
During your Everest 3 Passes Trek, our well-experienced guides/Sherpas will be by your side, ensuring your journey is comfortable and enjoyable. All of our guides are well-trained and licensed, and they have spent years trekking/climbing peaks.
Our crew members are local people born and raised in the high Himalayas, and their physical endurance is phenomenal.
Each staff member is valuable to us, and we care for them. It includes providing them with good pay, adequate insurance, gear, equipment, accommodation, and food. They also receive medical care if ill or injured.
We ensure each team member is happy as we believe that only a happy person can make others happy.
Our team members have:
- Intensive Wilderness First Aid Training
- Government-Authorized Trekking Guide Training Certificate
- Fluency in English and a major language
- Conservation and Biodiversity Training
- Rock climbing Training
Visa
All foreigners, except Indians, require a visa to enter Nepal. You can get an on-arrival Visa at the Tribhuvan International Airport.
The visa application will require a passport valid for at least six months and a passport-size photo. The current visa fee is USD 50 for 30 days, which you should pay on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport.
Chinese and SAARC citizens will receive a free visa.
Citizens from some countries – including Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Swaziland, Cameroon, Somalia, Liberia, Ethiopia, Iraq, Palestine, and Afghanistan, may not receive an arrival visa. So citizens from these countries will have to contact their local Nepalese embassy.
You can find more information about visas at https://www.immigration.gov.np/.
Trek booking
Friendship World Treks is a Nepal government-registered, bonded trek and tour operating company. We are also members of the Trekking Agency Association of Nepal (TAAN) and the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA). Hence, you can book trek packages with us confidently.
We require a 10% payment in advance while booking. After booking, you need to send us other necessary documentation, such as a passport copy, passport-size photos, travel insurance policy, and arrival and departure flight details within a week from the booking date.
You can pay the 10% booking advance by bank transfer, Western Union, or online payment directly from our website. You can pay the remaining trip cost in cash or by bank transfer or credit card after you arrive in Nepal. Furthermore, we also forward payment details in your email.
Currency exchange
Nepali Rupees (NPR/Rs) is the local currency. (1 USD = ~ Rs.130 NPR)
You can exchange most major foreign currencies through local banks and legitimate money exchanges in Kathmandu and all over Thamel. Legal money exchanges display their ongoing exchange rate visibly for the public.
Friendship World Treks recommends cash exchange to avoid hassles like a lengthy process and a high rate of commission at the banks. You can withdraw cash (in Rupees only) from ATMs in Kathmandu and all over Thamel.
Many ATMs are open around the clock. The maximum withdrawal amount is 35,000 Rupees for a 500 Rupee processing fee if you use your foreign card. If you use banks or financial institutions for money exchange, they will charge a service fee of about 4% or more.
The trekking regions have no banks, and money exchange services, so you should exchange your money in Kathmandu -depending on how much personal expense you require. In the Himalayan regions, people only accept Nepalese currency.
Most established banks in Asia do not accept old, torn, or faded foreign currency notes. Please ensure that you have new, clean notes.
Extra personal expenses
Meals and accommodations in Kathmandu are up to our clients themselves. Kathmandu has all kinds of hotels/lodges (both luxury & budget) that you can book easily online.
All our valuable clients will have to bring personal spending money to cover meals and accommodation costs in Kathmandu, visa fees, and travel insurance policy purchases. While on the trek, you will require money for beverages, snacks, hot (tea, coffee) and cold drinks, souvenirs, and tipping crew.
We recommend bringing cash (dollars), which you can change to Rupees in Kathmandu. The trekking regions only honor Nepali Rupees.
Travel Insurance
Three Passes Everest Trek in Nepal is quite challenging as it entails the risk of high altitude trekking, potential altitude sickness, and other unforeseen events – including sudden climate changes.
Travel insurance forms a part of our booking condition for The Everest 3 High Pass Trek. All trekkers must provide a copy of their comprehensive travel insurance policy to Friendship World Treks.
The policy must cover medical and emergency repatriation – including helicopter rescue and evacuation expenses at high altitudes (up to 5,500m).
We can recommend insurance companies to help you based on our previous clients’ experiences, but we do not sell insurance policies.
We request our clients to send their detailed insurance information once they book the trekking. In emergencies, we will use the insurance policy and informational documents you sent us.
It will help us arrange a quick and effective rescue operation, transfer for emergency medical help, etc. Please ensure that your insurance policy includes the cost incurred for mountain rescue services at the highest elevation of the trekking.
Before buying travel insurance, make sure you call them and recheck if they have helicopter rescue and evacuation up to 5,550m. Do not just believe what insurance companies have on their website.
Everest High Passes Trek Route Map
Gallery
FAQS
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Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry’s standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type specimen book. It has survived not only five centuries, but also the leap into electronic typesetting, remaining essentially unchanged. It was popularised in the 1960s with the release of Letraset sheets containing Lorem Ipsum passages, and more recently with desktop publishing software like Aldus PageMaker including versions of Lorem Ipsum.
Traveler Reviews
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