The Everest Three High Passes Trek, which involves trekking across Kongma La, Cho La, and Renjo La Passes, presents a formidable and exciting challenge in the heart of the Khumbu Region. Trekkers undertake this demanding circuit trek that encompasses the entire Everest area, allowing them to witness awe-inspiring panoramas that showcase gigantic mountains like Everest (8848.86m), Cho Oyu (8201m), Makalu (8481m), Pumori (7161m), Ama Dablam (6856m), Lhotse (8516m), Nuptse (7861m), and numerous other peaks that dominate the Khumbu skyline.
However, this trek offers more than just a visual spectacle of Himalayan giants. Along this epic journey, trekkers experience a unique blend of cultural immersion and encounters with local villages, providing an authentic experience deeply rooted in Sherpa culture.
Similarly, The central focus of this Everest Three High Passes Trek revolves around the three high-altitude passes that test the physical and mental endurance of adventurous individuals: Khongma La Pass (5,535 m/18,159 ft), Cho La Pass (5,420 m), and Renjo La Pass (5,465 m). To embark on this remarkable journey, it is imperative that participants possess excellent physical condition and familiarity with the challenges of multi-day hiking expeditions.
In the same way, The Everest Three High Passes Trek journey begins with a flight to Lukla, a quaint yet bustling town nestled in the Solu-Khumbu region. From Lukla, the trail unfolds, leading through a series of picturesque Sherpa villages, each with its own unique cultural tapestry and astonishing mountain vistas. Along the way, you encounter Phakding, Namche Bazaar, the vibrant heart of the Khumbu, Tengboche, Dingboche, Gokyo, Thame, Monjo, and more. As the trek progresses, the terrain becomes steeper and more demanding, requiring trekkers to apply themselves further. Nevertheless, the immense rewards manifest in the form of breathtaking Himalayan views that will leave an indelible mark on your memory for a lifetime.
Upon your arrival in Kathmandu, you will be greeted at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Later in the evening, we will have a pre-departure meeting regarding the details of your trip.
After picking you up at your hotel in the morning, we’ll bring you to the airport for our scenic flight to Lukla (2,800m). We set off on our journey from Lukla, passing via the charming town of Chaurikharka and descending to the 2,530-meter-high Dudhkoshi Ghat before arriving in Phakding. In order to help us adjust to the higher altitude, today’s hike will be quite short and enjoyable. We may immerse ourselves in the neighborhood’s culture and customs by exploring surrounding monasteries like the Rimishung Monastery in our free time. During this time, we’ll also get ready for the larger walk we have coming up the next day.
We will continue our hike along the picturesque DudhKoshi River’s northern bank in the morning while taking in the breathtaking views that are unfolding in front of us. Our journey will take us across a number of suspension bridges, including the well-known Hillary Suspension Bridge, that cross the DudhKoshi River’s raging torrents. We will proceed through the deep forests till we reach the Sagarmatha National Park check post, where our permits will be registered. We will have our first look of the magnificent Mt. Everest here, hidden by the lush vegetation. Our forward progress will lead us to Namche Bazaar, the vivacious entrance to Everest, where we will arrive and succumb to the atmosphere of this colorful mountain town.
Today is our first acclimatization day. We will have a number of hiking alternatives to choose from while we are in Namche Bazaar to explore the surroundings. For a deeper understanding of the Sherpa settlement and its unique culture, we will explore around the town. We might also visit the Hillary School, a school founded by Sir Edmund Hillary himself. You can opt to visit the Syangboche Airport, one of the highest airports in the world, and explore the nearby yak farms. Hiking up to the Everest View Hotel is a must-do activity for Everest aficionados, though. You will be rewarded with magnificent and breath-taking views of the mighty Mt. Everest from this vantage point, making it a must-do experience.
As we leave Namche Bazaar, our trip moves forward as we cross the DudhKosi River, aptly named due to its milky appearance. As we ascend the valley, we are surrounded by magnificent rhododendron forests and given enthralling views of Everest and Ama Dablam. Once we get to PhunkiTenga, we cross the river and start climbing through the verdant forest toward Tengboche. We arrive at the Tengboche monastery, which provides a magnificent vantage point from which to view the magnificent peaks of Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Kangtega, Thamserku, and Tobuche. A 15-minute walk from Tengboche brings us to the peaceful settlement of Deboche.
After breakfast, we trek towards Dingboche. We will pass by many Chortens (Buddhist shrines), mani walls (stone walls with prayer wheels), and charming towns that dot the landscape as we continue. Notably, we will go past the settlement of Pangboche, which provides amazing views of the magnificent Mt. Ama Dablam. As we continue uphill, the altitude progressively rises, and as we get closer to Dingboche, you will see fields enclosed by strong stone walls that serve as barriers to protect the crops. It is amazing to see how the people grow potatoes, buckwheat, and barley in such difficult conditions.
As we have arrived in Dingboche, today marks our second day dedicated to acclimatization. Having gained significant altitude, it is crucial to allow our bodies to adjust to the thin air and high elevation. However, to make the most of our time, we can engage in a hike to Nagajun Hill, which stands at approximately 5,050 meters.
2 – 3 hours steep ascend away from Dingboche brings us towards Chhukung, a small hamlet near Island Peak and Imja Glacier Lake. After refreshment, we head towards Chhukung Ri 5550m. Ascending Chukkung Ri is a rewarding endeavor, taking approximately 4 to 5 hours and offers stunning views back down the valley and of Imja Tse (Island Peak), Ama Dablam, Makalu, and Nuptse.
We wake up early in the morning in order to embark on a journey across Kongma La Pass, one of the three high altitude passes, reaching an impressive 5535m (the highest pass among the three). We ascend through grass, then rock and finally snow to the high pass where we will be greeted by colorful prayer flags and breathtaking vistas of the Himalayan mountain ranges. After relishing the scenery and spending some time in this remarkable spot, we will resume our trek, beginning a steep descent while crossing Khumbu Glacier before arriving to the picturesque village of Lobuche which offers spectacular views of the Taboche and Nuptse Peaks.
Today marks the pinnacle of our trek as we set out to conquer Base Camp. We start our hike early in the morning, trekking alongside the formidable Khumbu Glacier, the highest glacier in the world. The path weaves its way over rocky moraines, leading us towards the settlement of GorakShep, a village nestled amidst snow-capped mountains. Upon reaching GorakShep, we will leave our belongings behind and embark on a hike up to Base Camp. The awe-inspiring views from Everest Base Camp will captivate our senses, providing an opportunity to capture photographs, reflect on our remarkable journey, and celebrate our achievements. After cherishing these unforgettable moments, we will make our way back to GorakShep.
It’s important to note that both the trek to Everest Base Camp and the climb to Kala Patthar are physically demanding. Depending on the group’s abilities and weather conditions, we may adjust the order.
We will commence our day by waking up early in the morning, preparing for a revitalizing hike to Kala Patthar. This ascent will grant us the remarkable opportunity to witness a sunrise view above the majestic Mount Everest and its neighboring peaks, including Nuptse, Changtse, and Lhotse. It is during this moment that you will have the most favorable conditions to capture breathtaking photographs of these iconic mountains. After immersing ourselves in the awe-inspiring panorama and allowing the beauty of the surroundings to seep into our souls, we will retrace our steps back to GorakShep. Following a satisfying breakfast at GorakShep, we will start descending to Lobuche and then to Dzongla where will be staying overnight. Dzongla is a captivating and picturesque village situated at the foot of the Cho La pass, enveloped by towering mountains like Taboche, Cholatse and Ama Dablam.
Today is undoubtedly a challenging day as we set out to reach Thagnag, traversing the formidable Cho La Pass at 5420m. We begin our trek in the northwest direction, steadily ascending towards a rocky outcrop, navigating through the rugged terrain while continuously gaining elevation. Upon reaching the top of this rocky section, we make our way across the edge and venture onto the glacier itself. Crossing the famous Cho La Pass is an experience like no other, treating us to an awe-inspiring panorama of some of the Himalayas’ most majestic peaks, including the towering Ama Dablam, soaring at 6856m, and the formidable Cholatse, rising to 6440m. The breathtaking views from this vantage point are sure to leave us spellbound. We then take a steep descent towards Thagnag, a small Sherpa settlement. The trail takes us along a moraine and rocky path, navigating through a challenging boulder field. Although demanding, the sights and sense of accomplishment make this day a truly memorable one.
Today we walk on the icy and slippery path through the massive Ngozumpa Glacier to arrive in Gokyo. Gokyo valley sits behind the third Gokyo Lake.
Hiking to Gokyo Ri takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours. This viewpoint, situated at a high altitude of 5,357 meters, offers a breathtaking panorama of towering mountains such as Everest (8848m), Cho-Oyo (8153m), Lhotse (8511m), Makalu (8481m), Gyachung Kang (7922m), Cholatse (6440m), Taweche (6542m) and Kangchung (6103m) and glimmering turquoise Gokyo lakes and Ngozumpa glaciers.
Today marks a significant milestone as we conquer our final pass Renjo La at 5,345m. The trail commences with a gentle grassy slope, but soon transitions into a steep incline, where the terrain becomes challenging, consisting of loose scree and rocky surfaces. The ascent to the top demands both determination and caution. Upon reaching the summit of Renjo La, we are rewarded with an awe-inspiring panoramic view Cho Oyu 8201m, Lhotse 8516m, the mighty Everest 8848.86m, Cholatse 6335m, and Taboche 6367m. After relishing the breathtaking vistas, we begin our descent, passing by serene lakes and traversing through yak pastures to Lungden.
We follow a route that was once used by the traders for centuries across the Nangpa-La into Tibet to arrive Thame, an ancient Sherpa Village and birth place of Tenzing Norgay Sherpa, who summited Mt. Everest with Sir Edmund Hillary. Above the village of Thame stands an esteemed and significant monastery which is over 600 years old.
Leaving Thame behind, we cross bridge over Bhote Koshi river. One cannot miss the captivating sight of large wall paintings depicting Guru Padmasambhava, a revered figure in Tibetan Buddhism, adorning the rocky surfaces. We follow the trail down the valley following the Bhote Khosi river. As we continue our trek to Monjo, we pass through different villages and enchanting rhododendron forests.
Today is our final day of walking. We retrace our steps along the east bank of the DudhKosi River, following the familiar path towards Lukla. This gives us a chance to unwind, reflect upon the incredible journey we have undertaken since our arrival in Lukla, and appreciate the warm hospitality of the Sherpa people. It’s a time to relax, soak in the memories of the truly remarkable days we’ve experienced, and embrace the unique culture and traditions that have enriched our adventure.
After breakfast, we’ll catch a plane from Lukla to return to Kathmandu. Then we drop you off at your lodgings in Kathmandu. You can settle in and unwind following our thrilling trekking excursion.
