Overview

  • Duration: 21 Days
  • Diffculty: Moderate Plus 
  • Best Time: Marc - May, Sept - Dec
  • Max. Altitude: 5550 m

Three Pass Trek - A Complete High Passes Route in Everest

The Three Pass Trek offers the ultimate and complete trekking experience of the high pass route in the Everest region. Truly this strenuous three passes trekking itinerary in Nepal fits best for the experienced trekkers intent on crossing the high-altitude passes in the Himalayas. Furthermore, with the hike to the smaller peaks to explore the Himalayan wonders. No commitment or requirement of any climbing skills, thus purely a challenging trekking adventure in Nepal. It crosses three high passes in the Everest region linking the four distinct valleys of Bhotekoshi, Gokyo, Khumbu, and Imja Tse. Traversing the rugged high passes of Renjo La (5388 m), Cho La (5380 m), and Kongma La (5535 m) with climbing the three peaks of Gokyo Ri (5483 m), Kalapathar (5545 m), and Chukung (5550 m) along with the hike to Everest base camp makes this Everest three high pass trekking the incomparable and unforgettable trekking experience in Nepal.

Everest Three passes trek - 7 superb destination over 5000 meters: Renjo la, Chola, Kongmala, Gokyo ri, Kalapathar, EBC and Chukung Ri in one trip - a truly Himalayan journey of lifetime

Everest 3 High Passes of Renjo, Chola, and Kongmala in Nepal

Your adventure to three passes trek in Nepal begins with an exciting flight to STOL airport at Lukla. Then, we spend two nights at Namche for proper acclimation. Later, we hike to the less trodden trail towards the Thame and Lungden, close to the Tibet border. The Renjo la crossing is undoubtedly challenging but greatly rewarded with stunning views. From the pass, you can get the parades of Himalayan giants, including Mt. Everest, with pristine Gokyo lakes in a single frame. Besides that, we climb the Gokyo Ri, the first of three peaks on our list. Furthermore, we hike on the largest Ngonumpa glacier before crossing the Chola Pass. Ultimately we join the popular Khumbu valley trekking route to walk the Kalapathar peak and explore the Everest base camp.

Furthermore, we trek to Chukung from Lobuche, crossing the Kongmala, the less trodden and rugged pass but very rewarding. From Chukung, we climb our third peak: Chukung Ri. The climb to the top of Chukung Ri offers a stunning view of Amadablam, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Makalu. On our way down, we trek via the Thyangboche monastery, making a big circle to complete this less-trodden route. The journey is accompanied by a hundred memories and a tremendous sense of achievement. Our experts recommend that if you have difficulty selecting strenuous trekking in the Himalayas, look no further. Book this Everest Three passes trek as it covers all the highlights of the Everest region.

Three Pass Trek in Spring or Autumn 2023 and 2024

The Spring season of March, April, and May, and the Autumn seasons of September, October, and November are the best time to do these Three passes trekking in the Everest region. However, we accept individual and group bookings and set departure dates for the spring and autumn of 2023 and 2024. Furthermore, we offer all-inclusive package costs, including almost all of your expenses while on a journey to the high passes route, and a responsible trekking policy to have a private porter for each trekker. In addition, we can run this trip accordingly if you wish to have a customized and personal itinerary and departure dates.

Besides the three Passes Trek in Nepal, if you wish to add the trekking peak climbing experience, we suggest you make the Everest High Passes and Peaks trip. This trip offers the most popular trekking peak climbing, including the Island peak with high altitude venture in the Himalayas. Another alternative is the Everest Circuit Trek, which combines the Everest base camp trek with Gokyo lake via the Chola pass.

Trip in Nutshell

  • Venture to 3 passes and three valleys in the Himalayas
  • Crossing the Renjo, Chola and Kangmala passes
  • Climb the Gokyo Ri, Kalapathar and Chukung peaks
  • Explore the less trodden Thame, Gokyo valley with Khumbu and Imtatse
  • Responsible trekking policy of 1 Trekker: 1 Porter
  • Proper safety backup with Oxygen Cylinder and Medical box with a trained guide
  • Full board meals B, L, and D on the trek
  • Best Three passes trek cost with guaranteed group departure dates
  • Curated itinerary with the hike to the less trodden section of Everest
  • Lukla Flight and private twin room accommodation
  • Free use of trek gear sleeping bag, down jacket
  • Complimentary Trek Dubble bag and T-shirt

Trip map

Three Pass Trek map

Itinerary

Mountain Monarch representative receives you at Airport and transfers you to the hotel check-in briefing about Hotel facilities. Pre–trek briefing and trek pack distribution. Traditional Nepali dinner with a cultural show in the evening.

  • AccommodationHotel
  • Mealswelcome dinner
  • Altitude1340 M

Half-day guided city tour of World Heritage sites Boudhanath Stupa and Pashupatinath Hindu temple. Trek preparation in the afternoon/evening is free for last-minute gear shopping.

  • AccommodationHotel
  • MealsBreakfast
  • Altitude1340 m

Early morning 40 minutes flight to Lukla. Three hours picturesque trek to Phakding for the first night sleeping in a mountain. Follow the Dudhkoshi River valley and encounter trekkers/ mules and Zopkyos and Buddhist monuments along the trail.

  • AccommodationTeahouse
  • MealsB, L, D, Tea, Coffee
  • Altitude2650 m

Enter into the Sagarmatha National Park World Heritage site with spectacular high mountain views, including the majestic Mt. Everest. The following day Acclimatisation hike to Everest view hotel. Afternoon explore Sherpa Museum and explore the local market of Namche Bazar.

  • AccommodationTea house
  • MealsB, L, D, Tea, Coffee
  • Altitude3440 m

Trek clockwise direction of Everest Base Camp following the West Bhotekoshi river valley towards Nyangpala Pass, a gateway of the Tibet-Nepal traditional way. These valleys have a high profile of mountaineers and have set records in climbing histories since the first ascent to Mt. Everest by Late Tenzing Norgay to Appa Sherpa, who climbed Everest 21 times.

  • AccommodationTea house
  • MealsB, L, D, Tea, Coffee
  • Altitude3820 m

It is a short day trek from Thame to Lungden that takes about 4 hours in the direction of the Nangpa La, the glaciated pass on the Nepal-Tibet border. At Lungen, we spend our second acclimatization day hiking to the surrounding Hills, climbing high for proper adjustment in Altitude.

  • AccommodationTea house
  • MealsB, L, D, Tea, Coffee
  • Altitude4370 m

Start early to reach Rinjola on top of time for a great view. The views from the pass are incredible Majestic Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Makalu, the fourth highest of the world, many more gigantic Himalayan peaks, and Cho- Oyu above 8000m in very close view.

Descend all the way into Gokyo at an elevation of 4,7900 meters.

  • AccommodationTea house
  • MealsB, L, D, Tea, Coffee
  • Altitude4790 m

  • We start a steady ascent of Gokyo Ri early in the morning. Average 4 hours walk to top Nepal’s best panoramic viewpoint. 
  • Afternoon we cross the glacier sections on the way to Thangna for the overnight stay at the local teahouse.
  • AccommodationTea house
  • MealsB, L, D, Tea, Coffee
  • Altitude4700 m

We start walking in the early morning to avoid unforeseen situations during the mid-day. In addition, the frozen condition has more stability advantages, so there are fewer chances of falling loose rocks before a pass. After the Pass, there are no hazardous sections to come across.

  • AccommodationTea house
  • MealsB, L, D, Tea, Coffee
  • Altitude4830 m

After a cozy breakfast that exposes a dramatic panorama of the spectacular snow-capped peaks, we traverse high pasture land before we reach Lobuche. We usually get Lobuche by lunchtime.

  • AccommodationTea house
  • Mealsfull board meals
  • Altitude4910 M

Walk the Westside of Khumbu Glacier and pass the moraine to Gorak Shep. Light lunch at Gorakshep to continue for Legendary Everest Base Exploration. Strenuous day due to EBC excursion and high altitude.

  • AccommodationTea house
  • MealsB, L, D, Tea, Coffee
  • Altitude5140 m

Early morning Ascent Kalapathar with the help of a flashlight. The trail is challenging to follow in the dark but gets rewarding views from the summit of Kalapathar. After good shots of dramatic mountains, we descend to the lodge and take breakfast before continuing to Lobuche.

  • AccommodationTea house
  • MealsB, L, D, Tea, Coffee
  • Altitude4910 m

The route leads to another absolute wilderness away from the main trekking area that follows the upper moraine. We walk carefully to climb and cross the glacier and reach nearby the Nuptse wall. Steady climb toward the Kongmala pass, 5535 meters, the highest pass on our trip. The walk leads higher up and then descending towards the glacier pond, and the walk leads to the Chukung village.

  • AccommodationTea house
  • MealsB, L, D, Tea, Coffee
  • Altitude4730 m

Chhukung Ri, 5,550 meters, has been open since 2015 as an accessible trekking peak that used to be an NMA peak that required climbing permits. Don’t require any specific climbing gear and skills to summit this trekking peak. The view of Mt. Nuptse, Lhotse, Makalu, Baruntse, Amadablam, Cholaste, Thamserku, Kantega, and Tawache peaks is breathtaking.

  • AccommodationTea house
  • MealsB, L, D, Tea, Coffee
  • Altitude4730 m

Descend the windy trail to Pangboche, passing the beautiful village Dingboche set on the Imjatse valley. After late lunch, spare time will still be to explore the oldest monastery in Khumbu valley.

  • AccommodationTea house
  • MealsB, L, D, Tea, Coffee
  • Altitude3930 m

There can be a tendency to rush as everyone has long been waiting for proper hot showers however can’t prevent visiting Tengboche Monastery, awesomely sitting on the lap of snowy peaks. After the Monastery visit, we walk down to the bottom of the riverside and then continue towards Namche uphill initially to level the elevation.

  • AccommodationTea house
  • MealsB, L, D, Tea, Coffee
  • Altitude3440 m

Retrace the trail back to Lukla, full of memories of Himalayan Journeys and last night dining with Mountain Monarch staff who accompanied you on your trek.

  • AccommodationTea house
  • MealsB, L, D, Tea, Coffee
  • Altitude2860 m

We fly back to Lukla to Kathmandu in the morning and transfer to the hotel. Free time before the flight back home.

  • AccommodationHotel
  • MealsBreakfast
  • Altitude1340 M

Customize airport transfer as per your flight details.

  • MealsBreakfast

Three Passes Trek Itinerary:

Everest Three High Pass Trekking Itinerary: Check out the hiking route details with elevation, walking hours, teahouse condition, meals on the trek, stunning panorama highlights, etc.

What's Included
  • Airport transfers on both domestic and international flights
  • Standard hotel accommodation in Kathmandu on a twin with breakfast.
  • OPEN and CHOICE full board meals while trekking.
  • Properly boiled drinking water while on the trek.
  • Responsible for trekking, having a Porter for each trekker
  • Accommodation at a teahouse or lodge on twin shares a private room.
  • Welcome dinner with cultural program as listed in the itinerary.
  • Half-day guided city tour with world heritage entrance permit.
  • All Domestic flights and airport taxes as listed in the itinerary.
  • Free use of quality trekking gear - sleeping bag, fleece liner, down jacket, and rain poncho as required while on a trek.
  • Professional trekking group leader well trained in Wilderness First Aid along with assistant trek guides and porters with their salary, wages, transportation, proper insurance, and required trek gear.
  • Supplementary OXYGEN cylinder or Gamow bag with comprehensive First Aid Kit as a safety backup
  • Complementary trek Duffle bag, Mountain Monarch T-shirts, and trek map
  • TIMS or VDC trekking permit, Everest national park entry fees, VAT, all government taxes, etc.
What's Excluded
  • Nepal entry Visa fees, Your travel insurance of any kin
  • International Airfare
  • All Drinks and main meals in cities.
  • Tips and Items of personal expenses like the hot shower, battering charge, telephone, and beverage drinks

Dates & Availability

Here is the list of Three passes trek in Nepal with departure dates for the years 2023 and 2024.

September Departure
     
Start DateStart DateSeptember 10, 2023End DateEnd DateSeptember 30, 2023StatusStatusAvailablePricePriceUS$2290
Start DateStart DateSeptember 24, 2023End DateEnd DateOctober 14, 2023StatusStatusAvailablePricePriceUS$2290
Book with flexibility
All-Inclusive CostUS$2290

This trip can be booked privately if you’re travelling solo or private.

Make an InquiryCheck Availability
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Customer Reviews

  • I
    Ian Herbert 5.0United KingdomDecember 12, 2022logo

    Fantastic Experience

    Fantastic experience. We did the Three Passes Trek with Mountain Monarch, and everything was perfect. Pradip was flexible on our booking due to Covid, and we rolled the date forward twice. When we were finally able to travel, we were met at the airport, and Pradip was at the hotel to greet us and take us for a welcome dinner. He also took us to the airport to fly to Lukla, where our guides Nima and Horizon met us with our four porters - 1 for each trekker, so they had reasonable loads. Nima and Horizon were excellent - did the correct acclimatization, including walking at a slow pace uphill; very informative about the views, local life, wildlife, and culture. Renjo La and Cho La were tough, long days, but we got there at the steady walking pace set. We had great rooms in the teahouses, and they really looked after us well with dinners, teas, and chocolate bars. One of our parties had a medical problem, and Nima dealt with this expertly. Horizon gave good advice on our capabilities, including getting myself and my wife to EBC and then to the top of Kalapatthar the next day. We decided to skip the final Pass and make a leisurely way down the Khumbu - Horizon was happy to switch the itinerary to meet our needs. After 18 days of trekking, Nima and Horizon became friends and Guides. Once back in Kathmandu, we were met again by Pradip, and then he personally took us to the airport for our trip home. Everything was so well organized and ran smoothly - I would totally recommend this local Nepalese company for a future trek.

  • O
    Oliver Needham 5.0United KingdomJune 30, 2022logo

    Three Pass Trek - an amazing experience with Mountain Monarch

    I trekked the Three Pass route + Everest Base camp with Mountain Monarch in May 2022. The trip was one of the most rewarding and inspiring experiences of my life and couldn't have been better organized and run by the Mountain Monarch team. Despite some challenges along the way (one of our group suffered from altitude sickness), the trip was a safe, well-planned, and enriching experience. Our Sherpa (MingMa) was terrific - knowledgable, inspiring, and always on hand with anything we might need. His knowledge, stories, and openness to share were one of the trip's highlights - we felt like family for the 21 days we trekked together. The Three Pass route is awe-inspiring - amazing, varied scenery, some challenging but achievable climbs, and more impressive views and mountainous landscapes than I could have imagined. Having a local share their knowledge and wisdom of the area was a true highlight and made the trip what it was. Mountain Monarch arranged a seamless, safe, inspiring journey from start to finish, and I can't wait to be back to take on the next challenge.

  • F
    Florence Luy and Pascal Bonvin 5.0SwitzerlandDecember 07, 2016logo

    A perfect trekking

    “Three passes and peaks trekking - 18 days” is a fantastic trekking, unforgettable, thanks to the perfect organization of Mountain Monarch. Our guide, Mingma Chiri sherpa, was competent, kind, and understanding. The idea of one trekker-one porter is fair and greatly appreciated. The material we did borrow from Monarch was top quality. Our special thanks go to the managing director Pradip, who closely followed our trip from the beginning to the end.

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