3 passes Trek

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Trip Overview


It is one of the most authentic adventure trek in Everest facilitating the crossing of 3 different high passes which not counted on the standard Everest trail, Renjo La (5,388m/17,513ft), Cho La (5,380m/17,650ft) and Kongma La (5,535m/18,159). Everest Base Camp Trek via crossing three high passes designed for adventurers. It is popular for its spectacular sceneries of surrounding mountains and the risk involved while crossing the glacieted crevasses. The continuous trekking/hiking on the mountains can be tiresome. After the long day of trek, the hospitality and service offered by the local inhabitants (Sherpa) can make your night pleasant.

Highlights of 3 - Passes Trek

The typical trail of trekking in Nepal, that goes up and down the rolling hills so many times like the waves in a ocean. The landscapes including the Himalayan panorama, that gradually comes closer and becomes more wonderful as the trek goes higher to Everest Base Camp. Also, the views of deep Dudh Koshi River Valley blended so well with the lush vegetation of Sagarmatha National Park

The authentic Sherpa culture in the mountainous villages that we encounter during our Everest Base Camp Trek and the warm hospitality of the families of inborn mountaineers. The highland monasteries, the sacred maniwalls engraved with Buddhist prayers, colorful prayer flags portraying spirituality, the memorials, chortens and the every aspect that demonstrates Tantric Buddhism of Nygingma Pa Sect.

The floral and faunal biodiversity of Sagarmatha National Park.Kalapattar for the whole view of Everest. The glacial walk over Khumbu Glacier that extends from Khumbu Icefall. The most important highlight the Everest Base Camp itself. The Gokyo Lakes and the Gokyo Ri from where 360 degree of Himalayan Panorama is seen. Three major passes which can be an experience of your lifetime. The Kongma La pass is the highest pass among them. Cho La pass is an Icy and interesting glacier crossing of Ngozumpa before the pass, whereas, Renjo La pass recently found by an experienced Sherpas. This is a fusion of adventure and ethnic Himalaya culture at its best.

Trip Highlights


  • Evening Photography Tour at Pashupatinath Ghat and Boudhanath (UNESCO World Heritage Sites and important Hindu and Buddhist religious sites)
  • Trek a circuit around the entire Everest region
  • World’s Dangerous Airport of Nepal: Tenzing Hillary Airport at Lukla
  • Amazing views of the highest mountains in the world
  • Ancient monastery in Tengboche
  • Sagarmatha National Park: UNESCO World Heritage Sites
  • Prayer wheels, colorful flags, Mani stones, high suspension bridges
  • The wide range of flora and fauna
  • Wildlife like musk deer, colorful pheasants, snow leopard, and Himalayan Thar
  • Hike up to 6 places above 5,000 meters – Kongma La (5,535m), Cho La (5,420m), Renjo La (5,360m), Everest Base Camp (5,364m), Kala Patthar (5,550m), and Gokyo Ri (5,360m)
  • Walk on glaciers – Imja Glacier, Khumbu Glacier, and Ngozumpa Glacier, Nepal’s longest glacier
  • Longest Glacier in Nepal; Ngozumpa Glacier.
  • Highest glacier on Earth- Khumbu Glacier (4900m)
  • Amazing panoramic view from Kala Patthar (5,555m)
  • A scenic flight from Kathmandu to Lukla
  • Famous Sherpa town in the Everest region – Namche Bazaar
  • Nepal’s highest airport Syangboche
  • Stunning views from Gokyo Ri
  • One of the world’s highest hotels – Everest View Hotel
  • Gokyo Lakes and Gokyo Valley
  • This trip will take you through the Gokyo valley’s five frozen lakes.
  • In addition to the experience, you will gain an intimate understanding of the Sherpa culture in the Himalayas.
  • Pass by mountain villages, where you will get to see the lifestyle of the locals
  • Spellbinding view of mountains from the three high passes (Kongma La, Cho La & Renjo La)
  • Cross three 5000m challenging passes- Kongma La (5,535m), Cho La (5,420m), and Renjo La (5,360m).
  • Explore Everest Base Camp, the base of Mt. Everest
  • Witness Panoramic View Four Highest Mountains in the World, Mt. Everest (8,848.86m), Makalu (8,463m), Cho Oyu (8,153m) & Lhotse (8,516m).
  • Witness gorgeous sunrise from Kala Patthar
  • Spend a night in picturesque Gokyo village and explore stunning Gokyo Lakes
  • Get to see breath-taking views of the Himalayan mountains and sceneries, unlike any other place
  • Leave the crowds of the Everest Base Camp trek behind

Itinerary


Day 01:Arrival day in Kathmandu

Altitude: 1350m/4428ft On arrival at Kathmandu; we will greet you at the airport and transfer you to the traveller’s recommended Hotel Blue horizon or similar standard hotel. Later we meet and take you to our head office, brief you your upcoming Trek with us and introduce our trekking guide. Evening, we host welcome dinner at one of the finest local restaurant with music and ethnic dance. Stay overnight at Hotel.

Day 02:Kathmandu sightseeing tour

Altitude: 1350m/4428ft Half day sightseeing and trek preparation

After breakfast depart for a sightseeing tour of Kathmandu, the “City of Temples” to Visit Durbar Square (place of Palaces) with the Kasthamandap temple (Name of Kathmandu is derived of Kasthamandap), Kumari Ghar (Home of Living Goddess), Kal Bhairav, Hanuman Dhoka and Taleju Temple. Afterwards we will take you to visit Swoyambhunath Stupa, said to be one of the oldest Buddhist Stupa in the world, which is majestically set high on a hill overlooking Kathmandu Valley. After that continue tour to visit Patan (City of Fine Arts) including Patan Durbar Square, Krishna Temple, Golden Temple (Hiranya Varna Mahavihar), etc. Also visit the Tibetan Handicraft Centre where you can see the art of making carpets by the Tibetan refugees. Evening back to the hotel and overnight stay.

Day 03:Fly to Lukla and Trek to Phakding

35 minute Trans Himalayan flight Altitude: Lukla at 2800m/9184ft & Phakding (2652m/8698ft)

Distance of walking: Approx of 8 Km/3 to 4 hours

As per flight time, our Guide will meet you in to your hotel and takes you to the domestic airport to fly in to Lukla. It is scenery flight about 35 minutes, once you get in to the Lukla, breakfast at the lodge and prepare luggage for the Porters then walking starts through the stone paved trails towards Bhaisekharka. It is few up downs to get in to Phakding passing through plenty of prayer Rocks (Mani in local language). After getting in to the lodge at Phakding, fresh up and short walk to the village or hike up to the Gompa to get acclimatize. Stay overnight at the lodge.

Day 04:Trek to Namche

Altitude: 3440m/11283ft Distance of walking: 10-12 Km/5-6 hours

After hot breakfast at your lodge, the trail leads towards the suspension bridge and easy uphill to the Monju from where Sagarmath National Park begins. After short National Park formalities, drop down to the river, cross another suspension bridge and continue walk to the high Hilary Bridge at the bottom of the hill. After the bridge the trail leads uphill to the Namche Bazzar. On the way you will have great view of Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Kusum Khangru and more with beautiful valley. Stay overnight at the Lodge.

Day 05:Namche Bazaar-Acclimatize day

Altitude: 3440m Acclimatization Day

Today you explore the Museum, visit Khumjung village and Khongde village where you can enjoy the views of Mt. Everest and surroundings peaks with Sherpa culture. You can also visit Thame which is old Sherpa village as an option. Remaining of the day you can explore Namche Bazzar where you can use Internet, visit National Park head office, Muesuem and monastery as per your interest and time.  Stay overnight at Namche.

Day 06:Trek to Thame

Altitude: 3800m Distance of walking- 3 to 4 hours

After breakfast at Namche, the trail leads to the old village called Thamo which is easy walk through the valley. Thamo is a small Sherpa village. After exploring the village, the trail leads continue to Thame. After lunch, rest a little while and explore the Sherpa village and its culture. There is small Hydro power where you can visit. Stay overnight at the Lodge.

Day 07:Trek to Lumde

Altitude: 4137m Distance of walking: 4 to 5 hours

After breakfast at the lodge, an easy walk to Marlung through the Bhote Koshi River where you can have short break. Then the trail leads uphill to Lumde through the dry valley. It is an interesting walking with enjoying the views of the snow peaked mountains and the valley. Today you won’t see Sherpa village because Thame is the last village of the valley. Once you get in to the village, hike a bit higher than the place where lodge is located to get acclimatize. Stay overnight at the Lodge.

Day 08:Trek to Gokyo via Renjo la Pass

Altitude at Renjo la Pass: 5465m/17,929ft  Altitude at Gokyo Lake: 4800m/ 15748ft Distance of walking: 7-8 hours

After breakfast the trail leads uphill for an hour and half and then easy walk for a while. At the end, there is hard climb to get to the top of the Renjo La from where you will have an awesome view of Mt. Everest with Mt.Nuptse with surrounding peaks. You will also see Gokyo lake which breathtaking views. From the top of the Renjo La the trail drops down to the Third Lake (Gokya lake) and get in to the lodge. After time to get rest at the lodge at Gokyo, short climb to the ridge from where you will explore the Glacier which is amazing looking with its small glacier lakes. Stay overnight at Gokyo lodge.

Day 09:Trek to Thaknak

Altitude: 4750m/15580ft Distance of walking: 3 hours

This is an easy day but we suggest you to start early because you will have to walk through the Glacier which is the longest glacier of Nepal called Ngozumpa glacier. By the time of crossing this glacier you will hear many sounds of the rock falling in to the small glacier lake. There are many rocks on the way which has ice underneath. During the sunny day ice melts pretty fast so we should cross this glacier before the sun gets strong. Once you get in to the Thaknak, better to climb up to the small hill for acclimatize. Stay overnight at the lodge.

Day 10:Trek to Zungla via Chola pass

Altitude: 5367m/17604ft Distance of walking: 6-7 hours

Today is the hardest day of the trip. Start your day just after the breakfast which is steep climbing for a while and the trail drops down to the bottom of the Chola. After that the trail leads you through the rock toward the top which is steep climbing. There are some Buddhist  prayer flags on the top of the pass which has great views of the mountains. There is icy part for a while and again the trail drops down through the huge rock and an easy walk at the end to get to the Zungla. Stay overnight at the lodge.

Day 11:Trek to Gorekshep

Altitude: 5,160m/16,929ft Distance of walking: 5-6 hours

After hot breakfast at the lodge, an easy downhill for a while and few up and down to the Lobuche. Then the trail leads toward Gorekshep through the rocky trail. On the way you will have great views of the Mt. Everest,Mt. Nuptse,Mt. Pumori and more. You will be able to see Khumbu Glacier on the way. After few up downs, you will reach at Gorekshep which is located at the bottom of Kalapatthar. Stay overnight at the lodge.

Day 12:Hike up to the Base Camp

Altitude: 5,357m/17,575ft Distance of walking: 6-7 hours

This is a day which will fulfil your dreams to visit the base camp of the highest peak in the earth. It is 3 hour walk through the ridge of the Khumbu glacier. You will enjoy the surrounding views of the glacier and mountains. There are Buddhist prayer flags which are the symbol of the Base Camp. During the climbing season there will be many tends with colourful looking around. After exploring around, trek down to the lodge and remaining of the day chill out at the lodge. Stay overnight.

Day 13:Hike up to Kalapatthar and trek to Lobuche

Altitude: Kalapathar at 5545m Distance of walking: 6-7 hours

Today you will have to start your day without breakfast in the morning which is 2 hour hike up to the Kalapatthar, the greatest view point of the Mt. Everest, Mt. Nuptse, Mt. Pumori , Mt. Amadablam, Mt. Thamerserku, Mera Peak and many more. After taking many photographs, trek down to the lodge at Gorekshep for breakfast and continue your walk down to Lobuche. Stay overnight at the lodge.

Day 14:Trek to Chukung via Kongma la pass

Altitude: 4,730m/15,518ft Distance of walking: 6-7 hours

After breakfast at the lodge, your day will start walking through Khumbu glacier towards east. After crossing the glacier and river the trail leads up to the pass which is the highest pass of this trip. There will be no tea shop and water resource so that you will have to carry few bottles of water to drink. After hard climb to the top, the trail drops steep down to the Chukung valley where your day ends. Stay overnight at the lodge.

Day 15:Trek to Tengboche

Altitude: 3,867m/12684ft Distance of walking: 5-6 hours

Today is an easy day which is downhill through the valley. The trail continues leads down to the Dingboche then after the walking valley gets change through few Sherpa villages. After Pangboche village the trail drops down to the river and cross the bridge. After that the trail leads up to the Tengboche where the oldest Monastery situated on the top of the hill. Evening visit Monastery, see the Buddhist chanting ceremony and overnight at the lodge.

Day 16:Trek to Namche

Altitude: 3440m/11,284ft  Distance of walking- 4-5 hours

Today your day starts walking steep downhill through the Rhododendron forest. Once you get at the bottom of the hill, cross the bridge and steep climbing through the pine and Juniper forest to the Khumjung. After explore the village at Khumjung,Lunch and continue walk to the Namche Bazzar for overnight.

Day 17:Trek to Lukla

Altitude: 2,800m/9,184ft  Distance of walking: 18-20 Km/6 to 7 hours

After breakfast at the lodge, the trail drops downhill through the pine forest till to the bridge and continue walk to the Monju. Again some formalities had to be done at the check post of the National park at Monju then continue walk to the Phakding for the lunch. After that your last day of the trek continue to the Lukla. Stay overnight at the lodge.

Day 18:Fly to Kathmandu

Altitude: 1350m/4428ft 35minute Trans Himalayan flight

Normally flights are always in the morning due to the weather. So guide will do all airport formalities by the time you can have a breakfast at the lodge. Your luggage will get in to the airport already with the help of our sherpas and porters. Once guide get news about your flight arrival at Lukla airport, will call you to watch how the small aircraft get lands in to the small airstrip. After quick photograph, get in to the airport and straight away get in to the plane to fly out to Kathmandu. Once you are at the airport at Kathmandu, guide will assist to get in to your hotel by private vehicle.

Day 19:Departure day

Altitude: 1350m/4428ft Free day for shopping and departure After breakfast in to your hotel, we will drop you at the airport to take your onward flight as per time. If you have late flight, you will have time to do last minute shopping if you deserve. Otherwise we will have to say you good bye.

Price Includes


  • Domestic flights (Kathmandu – Lukla – Kathmandu) tickets and airport departure taxes
  • 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.
  • Government licensed, English Speaking, experienced Friendship World trek leader (12 or above trekkers: 1 assistant guide)
  • Porters for trekkers luggage. One porter for two trekkers. 18kg maximum weight limit for a porter. One trekker luggage limit – 9kg.
  • Guides and porters coverage – meals, insurance, salary, lodging, transportation, flight, and necessary equipment
  • Water purification tablets for safe drinking water
  • Sagarmatha National Park entry permit fee
  • Khumbu Pashang Lhamu Rural Municipality fees
  • Snacks (cookies) and seasonal fresh fruits every day
  • All government, local taxes, and official Expenses
  • Souvenirs – Friendship World Trek t-shirt & cap
  • Discovery World Trekking certificate of appreciation after a successful trek
  • Welcome and Farewell dinner before and after the end of the trek

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)
  • Excess baggage charges (Limit is 9kg per Person)
  • All accommodation and meals in Kathmandu, before and after the journey
  • Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu due to early arrival or late departure, early return from the trek.
  • Personal expense (shopping, snacks, boil bottle water, hot (tea, coffee) and cold drinks, hot shower, alcohol, Wi-Fi, telephone call, battery re-charge fee), extra porters, etc
  • Personal clothing and gear
  • Travel insurance that covers emergency high-altitude rescue and evacuation (compulsory)
  • Tips for guide and porters
  • Additional costs due to delays caused by things beyond the company’s control like landslides, weather conditions, itinerary modification due to safety concerns, illness, change of government policies, strikes, etc.
  • All the costs and expenses which are not listed in “What is included?”
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