Everest Three Pass Trek

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  • Trip Duration 20 Days
  • Destination Nepal
  • Trip Difficulty Difficult
  • Trip Cost Contact Us
  • Trip Style Trekking
  • Transportation Private Vehicle / Aeroplane
  • Meals Breakfast in Kathmandu and all meals during the trek
  • Accommodation Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu and lodge/teahouses during the trek
  • Group-size 1-10 people
  • Max-Altitude 5,554m/18,192ft
  • Arrival at Kathmandu, Nepal
  • Departure from Kathmandu, Nepal
More Facts Less Facts

Everest Three Pass Trek is a difficult high mountain trek for the adventurous.  Situated in the Sagarmatha National Park, Everest Three Pass Trek encompasses Mount Everest in the Khumbu Region 8,848m. (29,029 ft.), Lohtse (8,516m.), Makalu (8,463m.), Cho-Oyu (8,201m.), Ama Dablam, Nuptse, Tawache, ThamSerku and many more incredible mountains.  We will hike over three passes, climb to Chhunkung Ri and visit Gokyo Lakes.

Everest, as the highest peak in the world, is the soul of the Himalayas.  Everest Base Camp and the surrounding area is the main attraction of Everest Three Pass Trek.  You will visit Gokyo Valley and breathtaking Gokyo Lake which are among the most beautiful in the world. You will see firsthand the culture of Nepal.  You will experience the Sherpa people whose lives are steeped in Buddhism, visit the renowned Tengboche Monastery and explore Namche Bazaar and other villages and special places.

Sagaramatha National Park is the highest national park in the world; UNESCO declared the park a world heritage site in 1979.  Lake Gokyo was declared wetlands of international importance under the Ramsar Convention in 2007.

Outline Itinerary

  • Day 01:Arrival in Kathmandu (1,300 m/4,264 ft.)
  • Day 02:Kathmandu: Sightseeing and trek Preparation
  • Day 03:KATHMANDU TO LUKLA FLIGHT AND TREK TO PHAKDING
  • Day 04:PHAKDING TO NAMCHE BAZAAR (GATEWAY TO EVEREST)
  • Day 05:NAMCHE BAZAAR: REST AND ACCLIMATIZATION DAY
  • Day 06:Namche Bazar to Tengboche
  • Day 07:Tengboche to Dingboche
  • Day 08:DINGBOCHE: REST AND ACCLIMATIZATION DAY
  • Day 09:DINGBOCHE TO CHHUKUNG (4750m/15,580 ft), CLIMB CHHUKUNG RI (5,546m): 14km, 6 – 7 hours trek.
  • Day 10:CROSS THE KONGMA LA PASS (5535m/18,159ft), TREK TO LOBUCHE (4,940m/16,210ft): 10km, 6 - 7 hours trek.
  • Day 11:LOBUCHE TO GORAKSHEP AND EVEREST BASE CAMP, EBC TO GOREKSHEP
  • Day 12:GORAK SHEP TO KALA PATTHAR (5545 m/18,192 ft.), THEN TO LOBUCHE (4940 m/16,207 ft): 7km, 8 - 9 hours trek.
  • Day 13:LOBUCHE TO DZONGLA (4830m/15,850 ft.): 6km, 3 - 4 hours trek.
  • Day 14:TREK TO GOKYO (4800m/15,580 ft.) VIA CHO LA PASS (5368m/17,611 ft.): 6km, 7 - 8 hours trek.
  • Day 15:REST DAY IN GOKYO: CLIMB GOKYO RI (5360m/17,575 ft
  • Day 16:GOKYO TO MARLUNG (4210m/13,810 ft) VIA RENJO LA PASS (5360m/17585 ft.): 11km, 7 - 8 hours trek.
  • Day 17:MARLUNG TO MANCHE BAZAAR: 15km, 5 - 6 hour trek.
  • Day 18:NAMCHE TO LUKLA
  • Day 19:LUKLA TO KATHMANDU
  • Day 20:FINAL DEPARTURE

Cost Includes:

  • Airport / Hotel pick up & drop off by private tourist vehicle.
  • Meals: Breakfast in Kathmandu. All meals during the trek. 
  • Hotels in Kathmandu with breakfast.
  • Teahouses during the trek.
  • All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) during the trek.
  • All ground transportation on a comfortable private vehicle as per the itinerary.
  • Local, licensed, proficient English speaking guide.
  • The required number of local staff and porters to carry your luggage during the trek (We assign one porter for every two guests).
  • Food, accommodation, salary, transportation, insurance, equipment and medicine for our staff.
  • Sagarmatha National Park permits ACAP and TIMS permit for trekking.
  • Down Jacket and sleeping bag by Tourist Saga Tourism (which must be returned after the trek).
  • Complimentary snacks (cookies, fresh fruits) on the trek.
  • Farewell dinner in typical Nepali Restaurant with cultural dance.
  • All Nepali government taxes, vat, tourist service charges.
  • Official expenses.
  • Note: You can spend as much time as you like in the mountains. The above itinerary is a guideline.  If you want to stay longer, we can be flexible and arrange that for you. Please also note that after the formal start your trip we cannot refund any amount.

Cost Excludes:

  • Lunch and dinner while in Kathmandu (Requires approximately USD or equivalent currency $15 to $25 per person per day)
  • Travel insurance which covers emergency Rescue and Evacuation (compulsory).
  • Nepal entry visa; you can obtain a visa easily upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu. See above for information.
  • Mineral water, alcoholic, and cold drinks.
  • Personal trekking equipment.
  • Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, shower, etc.)
  • Tips for guide, porter (Tipping is expected).
  • Any other expenses which are not mentioned on ‘Cost Includes' section.
  • Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,300 m/4,264 ft.)

    Altitude: 1,350m/4,428ft:

    A hearty welcome to Kathmandu, the Nepalese capital and cultural hub. We’ll be waiting with a warm greeting at the airport and will transfer you to your hotel by private tourist car. In the early evening, you will be introduced to your guide and briefed about the trek.

    • Day 02: Kathmandu: Sightseeing and trek Preparation

      After breakfast, we will go on a cultural tour to some of the most historic and architectural attractions in Kathmandu valley which are listed by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites. We visit the famous 'Monkey Temple' (Swayambhunath), historic Kathmandu Durbar Square, Buddhist shrine (Bouddhanath), which is the largest Buddhist stupas in the world and Hindu divine temple of Pashupatinath. In the evening, you will be introduced to fellow participants, and we will briefly discuss the trip.

      • Day 03: KATHMANDU TO LUKLA FLIGHT AND TREK TO PHAKDING

        Please note that all distances and time estimates in this itinerary are approximate. All mountain viewing is dependent on weather conditions.
        Altitude: 2,800m/9,184ft (Lukla) & 2,652m/8,698ft (Phakding). Walking Distance: 8km (3-4 hours) Flight time: 30 min.
        Your big moment is finally here and we wish you good luck with each step to view the highest mountain in the world. After a short morning flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, you will be introduced to your porters. These men are the unsung heroes of Nepal. They will carry your luggage all the way to Base Camp and back.
        The walk from Lukla to Phakding is easy. We will probably stop for our first mountain lunch in Chaurikharka village depending on our hunger and time of our arrival in Lukla. We will descend towards Dudh Koshi Ghat, 2,530 (8,300ft). The trail follows the bank of the Dudh Koshi River until we arrive at our overnight village, Phakding (2,652m/8,700ft). Enjoy your free time in Phakding, a very popular shopping village.

        • Day 04: PHAKDING TO NAMCHE BAZAAR (GATEWAY TO EVEREST)

          Altitude: 3,440m/11,283ft Walking Distance: 11km (6-7 hours)
          Today is the day of suspension bridges along the Dudh koshi River. After breakfast, we will hit the trekking road to Namche Bazaar, the biggest Sherpa Village in Nepal. Our trail will take us over the Dudh Kkoshi River via a long suspension bridge and then through a beautiful pine forest to Monjo. Soon thereafter, we will approach the entrance to Sagarmatha National Park (the world’s highest National Park) for a brief permit check. Then we will descend to the Dudh Kosi River (Spotting Mani Stones along the way) on route to Jorsale. We will stop for a well deserved lunch here, before we start the uphill to Namche Bazaar. Our path along the riverbank is flanked by two crossings, one of which is the Hillary Suspension Bridge. It is quite a steep uphill to Namche Bazaar where we will stay overnight.

          • Day 05: NAMCHE BAZAAR: REST AND ACCLIMATIZATION DAY

            Altitude: 3,440m/11,283ft
            Today will be spent resting and allowing our bodies to acclimatize to the altitude. Namche Bazaar is well known as the gateway to Mt. Everest and is the main village of the Khumbu region. You will find Government Offices, ATMs, Internet cafes, shops, restaurants, and a colorful market. Our guides can take you to explore the real charm of Namche Bazaar. Hiking to Sagarmatha National Park rewards trekkers with a sunrise view of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku and Kongde.
            There is an optional two hour trip to the Everest View Point. From here, we can decide if we want to walk another three hours uphill to explore the beautiful Khumjung village (Mt. Hillary School) which will help with acclimatization. For those of you who do not want to walk to the Everest View Point and to the Khumjung Village, you will have time to explore Namche Bazaar and can check out the Sherpa Museum for an overview of the Sherpa culture. Overnight in Namche Bazaar.

            • Day 06: Namche Bazar to Tengboche

              Altitude: 3,870m/12,684ft Walking Distance: 10km (6 hours)
              After breakfast, we will start another day of trekking towards Everest Base Camp. Breathtaking views of the Himalayas - Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku and Kwangde are some of the highlights that can be observed. A short drop takes us to the riverside where we will stop for lunch. The trail then starts upwards through the forest pass. Brace your legs for a continual uphill trek at this point, alternating between a gradual grade and some seriously steep grade! Our destination, Tengboche, is known as one of the most beautiful places in the Everest region. Its views including Everest, Ama Dablam and Kantaga are legendary. We’ll visit the Tengboche monastery, one of the largest in the Khumbu region.

              • Day 07: Tengboche to Dingboche

                Altitude: 4,400m/14,435ft Walking Distance: 11km (6 hours)
                Today our trek continues with a walk through the rhododendron forest to Deboche followed by a wooden bridge over the raging Imja Khol River. We’ll pass the valley wall and then climb up to the Sherpa village of Pangboche. This will be a unique opportunity to observe this traditional settlement of Sherpas. We continue along the trail to Somera, where we will enjoy lunch with incredible views. Our afternoon trek will be a difficult one, as the landscape gives way to dry, deserted mountains as we hike towards Dingboche.

                • Day 08: DINGBOCHE: REST AND ACCLIMATIZATION DAY

                  Altitude: 4,400m/14,435ft
                  Today is our chance to rest before we continue with the last leg of our adventure. This will be a full day of exploring Dingboche and the surrounding valleys of Chhukung and lmja. We will take a short walk uphill to help with acclimatization. You are free to take an optional trek to the valley, but taking it easy is the most important thing today and remember to drink lots of water.

                  • Day 09: DINGBOCHE TO CHHUKUNG (4750m/15,580 ft), CLIMB CHHUKUNG RI (5,546m): 14km, 6 – 7 hours trek.

                    After breakfast, we will start today’s trek along the Imji Khola valley. The trail is a gradual uphill with beautiful views of Ama Dablam and the Amphu Labsa Mountains. In about an hour, we will reach Chhukung Village where we will have lunch and rest for an hour before climbing up to Chhukung Ri. The climb involves some easy scrambling near the summit. From the top, we can see directly across the wide valley for a marvelous view of Ama Dablam and Amphu Labcha peaks. We then head back to Chhukung to spend the night.

                    • Day 10: CROSS THE KONGMA LA PASS (5535m/18,159ft), TREK TO LOBUCHE (4,940m/16,210ft): 10km, 6 - 7 hours trek.

                      We start today’s trek early in the morning with the help of our head lamps. It will take about an hour to reach the Kongma La Pass, the second highest point in this whole trek. We must walk carefully on the narrow and rocky trails. Finally we reach the top which is marked by colorful Buddhist flags. From there, heading downhill the narrow and steep trail can be treacherous. The trail continues northeast through the Khumbu Glacier which takes us to Lobuche. We will stay overnight in Lobuche for a good rest.

                      • Day 11: LOBUCHE TO GORAKSHEP AND EVEREST BASE CAMP, EBC TO GOREKSHEP

                        Altitude: 5,180m/16,994ft (Gorekshep) & 5,364m/17,598 (EBC) Walking distance: 15km (6-8 hours)
                        Finally our dream comes true!! Our big and long day starts early in the morning with an easy trek from Lobuche to Gorek Shep. Gorek Shep, situated at an altitude of more than 5,000m, is the last settlement in this trek. We will stop for a lunch break here. After lunch and a rest, we will trek slowly to our destination. We will approach the Khumbu Glacier and icefall, located on the slopes of Mt. Everest. Our goal will be fulfilled as soon as we reach Base Camp. During the spring climbing season, you might meet climbers who will attempt to scale the summit of Mt. Everest. Just before sunset, we will return and walk all the way back to Gorekshep for some much needed rest and relaxation. If you would like to walk up Kala Patthar to view the sunset please let us know. Weather permitting, we can arrange for the hike.

                        • Day 12: GORAK SHEP TO KALA PATTHAR (5545 m/18,192 ft.), THEN TO LOBUCHE (4940 m/16,207 ft): 7km, 8 - 9 hours trek.

                          We prepare for an early morning trek to Kala Patthar (which means black rock), amid pre-dawn darkness and super cold temperatures (5°C to -14° C) for an amazing and glorious view of Mt. Everest. The day’s first light will illuminate spectacular views of Nuptse, Pumary and Lhotse mountains. This is the central attraction of your journey. You will have time to capture these amazing moments of Everest and its neighboring peaks. After this wonderful sunrise, we will return to Gorekshep and enjoy a lovely warm breakfast. After breakfast, we will head back to Lobuche.

                          • Day 13: LOBUCHE TO DZONGLA (4830m/15,850 ft.): 6km, 3 - 4 hours trek.

                            Today is a kind of rest day because it is only a short walk from here to Dzongla. For the first hour, the trail goes gradually downhill. The trail is more or less rocky and flat from here with a gradual uphill for the last hour to the high Everest Valley. In front of us looms Pumary and Lobuche; to the left is Lhotse, Nuptse and many more. We are very close to Mt. Cholatse. We will have lunch in Dzongla; then we will prepare for tomorrow’s climb. Overnight in Dzongla.day.

                            • Day 14: TREK TO GOKYO (4800m/15,580 ft.) VIA CHO LA PASS (5368m/17,611 ft.): 6km, 7 - 8 hours trek.

                              Today is one of the highlights of this trip. We will start early in the morning with the help of our head lamps. For the first hour, the trail goes gradually uphill then becomes steeper and narrower. We must be careful in this region. Some areas will be slippery due to ice and others may have rock falls. The final climb to Cho La Pass can be a little tricky as the trail curves around a crevasse. Our minds may wander due to the effects of very high altitude and the magnificent beauty of the trail. It’s a good idea to walk slowly, take deep breaths and stay with the group members. By 9 o’clock we will be at the top of Cho La Pass where we can take photos for a short time. Ama Dablam presides over a range of mountains on the south even as Cholatse soars to the west, Lobuche East and Baruntse rises sharply to our right. After crossing a high pass, we will feel more relaxed as we enter a new valley. The trail goes downhill; we must be careful as sometimes the trail is steep. The long, easy path leads down to Thangnak. Our trail brings us to Ngozumpa Glacier, the longest glacier in Nepal. Reaching the other side of the glacier, we see the second Lake in the Gokyo Valley. A short distance away is the third Gokyo Lake. Finally we reach Gokyo after a long day.

                              • Day 15: REST DAY IN GOKYO: CLIMB GOKYO RI (5360m/17,575 ft

                                Today we will explore the beautiful valley. If we have clear weather early in the morning, we can climb Gokyo Ri (5,360m). From there, the morning sun on Everest, which towers over all the surrounding peaks, is magnificent. This is a very popular peak where we can enjoy breathtaking views of some of the highest mountains in the world including Cho-Oyu, Gyachung Kang, Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse and Makulu. Climbing to the top of Gokyo Ri is demanding; it is steep and takes about 2-3 hours to reach the top. The scenery of Gokyo village, on the edge of the third lake overlooked by Cholatse and the largest Nogzumpa Glacier, is also magnificent. It is surrounded by panoramic mountains - Kusum Kanguru, Thamserku, Kangtega, Taboche, Cholatse, Makalu, Lhotse, Nuptse, Everest and Pumori. Another option for acclimatization is to walk 3 km north of Gokyo to enjoy the serene beauty of the fourth lake, Thonak Tsho and continue to the 5th lake, Ngozumba Tsho. Overnight in Gokyo Valley

                                • Day 16: GOKYO TO MARLUNG (4210m/13,810 ft) VIA RENJO LA PASS (5360m/17585 ft.): 11km, 7 - 8 hours trek.

                                  We will start the day very early in the morning with the help of our headlamps. Our trail moves longside Gokyo Lake for about two hours uphill to reach the top of Renjo La Pass. Along the way, we are rewarded with breathtaking views of the high Himalayan and Rolwaling Ranges and others. Views from the Renjo La Pass are much like those from Gokyo Ri with the third Gokyo Lake and Gokyo Village beneath the gray smear of the Ngozumpa Glacier. We also have great views of Mt. Everest from the top of the pass. Continuing on from the pass, our trail winds down a stone staircase and then moves over loose scree to reach the south bank of Angladumba Tsho Lake. The presence of ice on the trail can make our descent very difficult. Along the way, we see Relama Tsho and Renjo Lake. We walk down a narrow valley clogged with giant boulders to Lumde where there is a support lodge, but it is often not in operation. We walk almost an hour from Lumde to reach Marlung on the east bank of the Bhote Koshi River. Overnight in Marlung for a much needed rest.

                                  • Day 17: MARLUNG TO MANCHE BAZAAR: 15km, 5 - 6 hour trek.

                                    After several days of high mountains, we descend further into the green valley. The descent from Marlung to Thame follows a traditional route used for centuries by the Tibetan traders. We cross the Bhote Koshi River and descend to Taranga. The trail continues to descend and we cross two bridges before reaching beautiful Thame. Overlooking Thame is its famous Gompa. From here, we descend gradually on a trail that passes through a nice pine forest and some small villages before reaching Namche Bazaar, the largest town in the Everest region.

                                    • Day 18: NAMCHE TO LUKLA

                                      Altitude: 2,800m/9,184ft (Lukla): Walking distance: 19 km (6-7 hours)
                                      After breakfast, we will trek towards the Hillary Suspension Bridge and pass through several local villages. As the trail descends steeply, you will notice more greenery and forests along the Dudh Koshi River. From Phakding, the trail ascends slightly to Lukla. Finally, we made it! Well done to your great achievement and teamwork. You have accomplished a physical feat of which others may only dream. Tonight, is our last night in a teahouse and in the mountains. We will organize a farewell dinner party for our trekking crew.

                                      • Day 19: LUKLA TO KATHMANDU

                                        Altitude: 1,350m/4,428ft Flight time: 30 min morning.
                                        After an early morning flight to Kathmandu, Zam Zam Treking will take you to your hotel where you can enjoy a hot shower, a rest and some afternoon souvenir shopping. If you want to explore any other areas of Kathmandu, you can arrange it with your guide. There will be a farewell dinner to celebrate the successful completion of our journey. Overnight in Kathmandu.

                                        • Day 20: FINAL DEPARTURE

                                          Your adventure in Nepal comes to an end today! We wish you all the best!! We can exchange emails and photos with travel companions and Zam Zam Trekking P. LTD. A representative from Zam Zam Trekking will take you to the airport approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight.

                                          Departure Detail

                                          Trip Note

                                          You are most welcome to create your own itinerary list. Please note that, if possible, we always suggest that you plan one or two extra days in your trip.