Three Passes Trek

Detail About Three Passes Trek

"Join our reliable guides on one of the offbeat adventurous treks in the Khumbu region, the three high passes trek. Traverse three 5,000 meters above mountain passes while exploring the beautiful river valleys, glaciers, and Sherpa villages. Escape the bustle of the cities and surround yourself with giant mountains while pushing your limits and enjoying mesmerizing sceneries."

Booking is open for three passes trek 2024/2025 spring and autumn departures.

The three passes trek is for experienced trekkers who are looking for the most challenging trekking expedition in one of the world-class trekking destinations, Khumbu region (Everest region). You explore the whole Khumbu region following our 22 days three passes trek itinerary. The three passes trek combines the warm hospitality of local communities with adventurous trails and fascinating legends surrounding the Sherpa villages.

From the biggest Sherpa town, Namche Bazaar (3,440 m/11,290 ft), to the gorgeous Gokyo Lakes (4,700 m–5,000 m), and the base of the highest mountain in the world, Everest Base Camp (5,364 m/17,598 ft), you will be reaching all these places. Not only that, as the name of this trekking package says, you will be crossing the three high mountain passes- Kongma La (5,540 m/18,176 ft), Cho La (5,420 m/17,782 ft), and Renjo La (5,360 m/17,560 ft) that connects all these places.

Our three passes trek 22 days itinerary also involves multiple side hikes to viewpoints and small hills. This trek does not require any sort of climbing skills. Everest three passes is a truly challenging trek in the eastern Himalayas of Nepal. We do side hikes during the three high passes trek to acclimatize. You will stop for acclimatization in Namche Bazaar, Dingboche, and Gokyo village.

Apart from all the challenges the three passes trekking holds, this trek can become a highly reflective journey for you if you are well prepared. As you will push yourself while battling your constant thoughts, you will come to a self-realization point. You will be in the moment aware of every single second. That's why we say the three passes trek will let you connect to your higher self, and while returning, you will find yourself with a fresh attitude.

Major attractions of Everest three pass trekking

Guided city tour of four monuments in Kathmandu

On your second in Kathmandu, we will spend half of the day exploring some UNESCO World Heritage Sites and later do preparation for the trek. The tour will be guided by a professional tour guide who can speak your language. You will begin the tour early in the morning by driving to Monkey Temple. It is perched on a hilltop and involves numerous staircases from the entry gate to the top.

After enjoying the view of the Kathmandu valley and stupas, you will drive to Pashupatinath temple. Pashupatinath is a sacred pilgrimage site in Nepal visited by thousands of devotees every year. The tour then continues to the Boudhanath Stupa, which is built on the trade route. Boudhanath is one of the significant Buddhist pilgrimage sites in Nepal. From here, we will drive to Kathmandu Durbar Square, where the tour ends.

Explore the hidden corners of the Khumbu region

Everest three passes trekking lets you explore many unimaginably gorgeous corners of the Khumbu region. You will be trekking through beautiful river valleys and witnessing incredible landscapes. Explore several lakes and walk on glaciers. Get to see the largest glacier in Nepal, Ngozumpa Glacier, and many lovely streams & rivers.

Cross mountain passes, which are also great vantage points, and pass by small settlements. Many hills and gorges along the way are connected by long suspension bridges. And spend nights in untouched villages like Lumde and Thangnak.

Come across the rich flora and fauna of Sagarmatha National Park

Sagarmatha National Park protects the area that encompasses the highest peak in the world, Mount Everest. The park is spread over an area of 1,148 km² and is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. The Sagarmatha National Park is known for its over 30 different types of rhododendrons.

The vegetation of Sagarmatha National Park changes with altitude. The lower elevations of the park are covered with dense forests of rhododendron, oak, pine, and juniper. As you go higher, the forests give way to alpine scrub, grasses, and wildflowers. At the highest elevations, the vegetation disappears completely, leaving behind a barren rock and ice.

Likewise, in terms of fauna, this national park is particularly famous for snow leopards, Himalayan black bears, and red pandas. Other mammal species found in the park include musk deer, Himalayan tahr, and the endangered Himalayan wolf. Birdwatchers can spot a wide variety of birds in the park, including the Impeyan pheasant, snow cock, and the Himalayan monal.

Beautiful Sherpa villages and their ancient cultural heritage

The Everest three passes trek begins from Lukla, a beautiful village and gateway to EBC. From here, you will trek through many small and big villages, including Phakding, Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche, Lobuche, Gorak Shep, Chhukung, Gokyo village, Thangnak, Thame, etc.

These villages are resided by communities like Bhotiyas, Rais, Limbus, Sherpas, etc. Among them, Sherpas are quite famous for their mountaineering skills, builds, and resilience. The Sherpa people are an indigenous group. Their religion is a blend of Tibetan Buddhism and their own animistic beliefs.

The Everest three passes trek provides great exposure to the ancient culture and heritage of the mountain people. You will be seeing their daily lifestyle and learning their beliefs.

Visit old monasteries along the way

The Everest three passes trail has numerous stupas, chortens, monasteries, and prayer wheels scattered around. On this trek, you get the opportunity to explore three significant monasteries- Tengboche, Khumjung, and Pangboche.

Tengboche Monastery is one of the biggest monasteries in the region. The monastery is located at an altitude of 3,867 meters (12,687 feet) in the village of Tengboche. The monastery is surrounded by stunning Himalayan peaks, including Mount Everest and Ama Dablam. This monastery hosts the annual Mani Rimdu festival, which is a three-day event that attracts thousands of pilgrims from all over the world.

Khumjung Monastery is located in the village of Khumjung, at an altitude of 3,790 meters (12,434 feet). It is famous for its cultural significance. The monastery houses a famous yeti skull, which is believed to be the only physical evidence of the yeti's existence. The Khumjung monastery also hosts an annual festival known as the Dumji festival.

Pangboche Monastery is located in the village of Pangboche, at an altitude of 3,985 meters (13,074 feet). It is the oldest monastery in the region. The monastery is known for its beautiful architecture, intricate wall paintings, and sacred relics, including the scalp and bones of a yeti. The monastery also hosts an annual festival known as the Pangboche Tsechu.

Adventurous side hikes to viewpoints during acclimatization days

We have three acclimatization days in our Everest three high passes trek itinerary. Acclimatization days mean rest days. In the morning, you will hike to a nearby hill and then return to the same village to spend the night. This will help you adjust to the altitude and avoid acute mountain sickness.

In Namche Bazaar, you will go on a hike to the Hotel Everest View (3,962 m/13,000 ft) and Khumjung monastery (3,790 m/12,430 ft). In Dingboche, you will hike to Nagarjuna Hill (5,100 m/16,732 ft), and in Gokyo village, you will hike to Gokyo Ri (5,357 m/17,575 ft) and Gokyo Lakes. All these hiking points offer jaw-dropping mountain panoramas along with exceptional sunrises.

Get to see surreal mountain views and diverse landscapes

The mountain views during this trek are out of this world, and the landscape changes with every turn in the trail. You will not believe your eyes. Trekking from the sub-tropical forest to the glacier zone, you will get to witness a wide variety of landscapes. We also go on side excursions to catch sunrises and sunsets.

These are some of the famous Himalayan mountains you will witness during the 3 passes trekking- Everest (8,849 m/29,031 ft), Lhotse (8,516 m/27,940 ft), Nuptse (7,861 m/25,791 ft), Pumori (7,161 m/23,494 ft), Ama Dablam (6,812 m/22,349 ft), Cho Oyu (8,188 m/26,864 ft), Island Peak (6,160 m/20,210 ft), Cholatse (6,440 m/21,130 ft), Makalu (8,481 m/27,825 ft), Kanchenjunga (8,586 m/28,169 ft), Thamserku (6,608 m/21,680 ft), Chamlang (7,319 m/24,012 ft), etc.

Reach Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar

Everest Base Camp is the starting point for climbers who want to summit Mount Everest, the highest mountain in the world. The base camp is located at an altitude of 5,364 meters (17,598 feet) and offers stunning views of the Khumbu Glacier, the icefall, and the towering peaks of the Himalayas.

Kala Patthar, which means "black rock" in Nepali, is a small peak located near Everest Base Camp. It is famous for offering the best panoramic views of Mount Everest and other peaks in the region. The peak is located at an altitude of 5,545 meters (18,192 feet).

Enjoy the tranquility of Gokyo Lakes

Gokyo Lakes are a series of six glacial lakes located at an altitude of 4,700-5,000 meters (15,420-16,404 feet) above sea level. The lakes are situated in the Gokyo Valley, a popular trekking destination that offers stunning views of the Himalayan peaks, including Mount Everest.

The Gokyo Lakes with their crystal-clear waters reflecting the surrounding peaks offer a surreal scenery. The lakes are considered sacred by the Sherpa people, who believe that the lakes are the abode of a sea monster. The largest lake, called Dudh Pokhari, is a popular spot for trekkers to rest and take in the views.

Want to make the trip furthermore exciting? Add helicopter return to Kathmandu

We can arrange a helicopter return from any part of the trail to Kathmandu. After crossing the third pass, Renjo La, the trail drops down to Thame village via Lumde. From here, you will trek to Namche Bazaar and retrace the path to Lukla. You can add a helicopter flight back to Kathmandu from Lumde or Namche Bazaar.

This helicopter flight will help you escape the return trekking and the overwhelming Lukla Kathmandu commercial flight. To book a helicopter flight, feel free to let us know. We can arrange both private and group helicopter flights for you.

Is Everest three passes trek worth doing?

Yes, Everest three passes trek is worth doing. It is by far one of the best treks in the Everest region that goes way beyond Everest base camp and traverses high mountain passes and hidden corners. The three passes trekking is not easy, but the trekking reward is worth all the hurdles you will come across on this trek.

From adventure to the simple mountain lifestyle and welcoming locals, you will experience everything on this trek. Ascend to high mountain passes that offer breathtaking landscapes, walk on glaciers, and explore stunning alpine lakes.

You will be challenging yourself on this trek. At the same time, you will also get to enjoy the tranquility. The three passes trek is a once-in-a-lifetime venture that will sit in your memories forever.

Three passes location

The three passes are located in the Everest region of Nepal, the eastern Himalayas. Kongma La, Cho La, and Renjo La are the three high passes.

Kongma La pass: Kongma La pass stands at an elevation of 5,540 meters (18,176 ft). It is located between Chhukung and Lobuche villages.
Cho La pass: Cho La pass stands at an elevation of 5,420 meters (17,782 ft). It is located between Dzongla and Thagnak.
Renjo La pass: Renjo La pass stands at an elevation of 5,360 meters (17,560 ft). It is located between Gokyo and Thame.

Three passes trek distance & terrain

The three passes trek distance is approximately 130 km (80.7 miles). It can vary depending on your itinerary. Each day you will be covering 9 kilometers on average.

The trekking terrain of 3 passes is diverse. After landing in Lukla, you will be following the trail in the Dudh Koshi river valley and walk through lush forests of oak, pine, magnolia, and rhododendron to Namche Bazaar. As you ascend towards Tengboche, the trek becomes more challenging because of altitude gain and rocky terrain.

The next part of the route follows the Imja Khola river valley and you ascend to Chhukung valley via Dingboche. From here onwards, you will trek above the treeline. You will traverse via mountain passes and glacier moraines that connect further valleys.

The elevation will increase drastically. You will go above 5,000 meters six times before returning to Lukla. The upper part of the three passes trail is steep and offbeat.

How to do the three passes trek in Nepal?

To do the three passes trek in Nepal, you first need to research this trek. Study what kind of trek this is and whether it will suit you or not. If you know about the Everest base camp trek then know that this trek is far more demanding than the EBC trek. Or you can also talk with our travel consultants. They will answer your questions and clear all the doubts regarding the three passes trek.

If you have made the decision to do three passes trek 22 days with us, now it is time to do the booking. We recommend keeping a minimum of 4 to 6 weeks on hand to prepare for the trek. After you send us a booking request, one of our representatives will get back to you and move with the further booking process.

Once we receive all the documents and advance booking payment, you will receive a trip confirmation mail from our company. It means you have successfully booked the three pass trek with us. Now all left is to get your body ready for the journey and buy/rent trekking gear.

Make sure to get your flight tickets to Kathmandu, Nepal, as per the given date. You have to be present in Kathmandu at least a day before the trek begins to do final preparation and clear the remaining trip cost. Once the trip gets confirmed, one of our team members will be in touch with you till the end of the trek.

*Note: We also take last-minute bookings for three passes trekking.

Three passes trek preparation

Three passes trek preparation involves getting your body physically ready for the trek, meeting your doctor before the trek commences, and arranging all the trekking gear.

1. Physical fitness: You have to be fit and strong to do three passes trek safely. You cannot compromise in this aspect. To get your body ready for this trek, you can exercise. Activities like running, swimming, cycling, or hiking on a regular basis are recommended. Your stamina, walking habit, and endurance matter a lot on this trek.
2. Meet your doctor: As three passes trek is a high-altitude trek, it will be wise to meet your doctor once before the trek begins and discuss if this journey may hamper your health in any way. You can get prescribed medicines to carry with you during the trek for a cold, headache, diarrhea, altitude sickness, etc.
3. Trekking gear: Our team will provide you with a packing checklist to follow to make sure you are well-equipped for three passes trekking. Because it is a remote trek, you have to carry the smallest things for your comfort. You can buy or rent high-quality trekking gear in Thamel, Kathmandu, at a fraction of the cost, so consider this too.

Best Three passes trek package 2024/2025 with local guides and porters

We have the best three-passes trek package that includes your stay in Kathmandu before and after the trek, all accommodation and meals during the trek, expenses of guides and porters, all ground transportation & Lukla flight charge as per the itinerary, permit fees, taxes, and company's service charge. Spring and autumn is the best time to do the three passes trek in 2024 and 2025.

You will get all of the above services in our mentioned three passes trek cost. Likewise, the trek is guided by a native who will provide you with valuable insight into the local customs, traditions, and history. Our guides are very experienced and always stay updated with the trail condition. They know the trail and will keep you safe during the three passes trekking.

On the other hand, our porters are responsible for carrying heavy loads of trekkers. With us, one porter carries the luggage of two trekkers. They carry up to 20 kg. Our porters also know the 3 passes trek route well, so you can focus on enjoying the trek. They will make sure your stuff is always with you during the trek.

Three passes trek group & private departure

We Mountain Ram Adventure offers both group and private departures for the three passes trek. Here are some details about each option:

Group departure: We have set dates for our three passes trek group departure in the peak trekking seasons. Solo travelers or small groups (2 to 3 people) can join our group departure and trek with other like-minded adventurers. Our group size is small, with a maximum of 8 to 12 participants in one group.

Private departure: If you prefer a personalized trekking experience, we also organize a private three passes trek for you. You can choose your date, itinerary, and pace during the trek. This option is perfect for couples, families, or groups of friends who want to customize their trekking experience and have a more intimate connection with the local culture and landscapes.

Both our group and private departures include all necessary permits, accommodations, meals, and transportation. We also provide experienced trekking guides and porters who are knowledgeable about the local culture and terrain.

So, whether you choose a group or private departure, you can be sure that you'll have an unforgettable trekking adventure with us!

Benefits of using Mountain Ram Adventure for three passes trekking

If you're planning to do the three passes trekking in Nepal, you're in for a treat! At Mountain Ram Adventure, we are committed to providing you with an unforgettable experience. We believe that our trekking company is the best choice for three passes trekking.

Below are just a few of the benefits of using us, Mountain Ram Adventure for your trek:

1. Experienced and Knowledgeable Guides - Our guides are experienced and knowledgeable about the 3 passes trek route. They know the best trails to take, where to stop for rest and refreshments, and how to handle any unexpected situations that may arise.
2. Safety First - Your safety is our top priority. We take every precaution to ensure that you're safe during your trek, including providing you with the necessary equipment, such as a first aid kit, satellite phone, etc.
3. Small Group Sizes - Our group sizes are small, with a maximum of eight people per group. This ensures that you get personalized attention, and the itinerary is tailored to your abilities and interests.
4. Sustainable and Responsible Tourism - We are huge advocates of sustainable and responsible tourism practices. We work closely with local communities to ensure that our treks have a positive impact on the local environment and economy.
5. Affordable Packages - Our trekking packages are affordable and include all meals, accommodation, permits, expenses of guides & porters, and transportation as per the itinerary. There is no hidden cost.

Alternative trekking packages

We have many trekking packages in the Himalayas of Nepal, ranging from moderate to challenging. Likewise, you can find some of the best tours and hiking packages as well with us.

If you are looking for more options similar to the three passes trek, then here are some of our best picks - Manaslu Circuit with Tsum Valley trek, Makalu Base Camp trek, Kanchenjunga Circuit trek, Annapurna Circuit trek with Tilicho Lake and Annapurna Base Camp, and Upper Mustang Trek.

For travelers who are beginners and looking for a moderate trek, check out these packages - Mardi Himal trek, Ghorepani Poon Hill trek, Langtang Valley trek, Annapurna Base Camp trek, Everest Base Camp trek with helicopter return, and Mohare Danda trek.

Let's be responsible for our waste- clean travel

We hope this message finds you well and that you are looking forward to your upcoming trip with us. As an active travel company in Nepal, we organize numerous trips in the Himalayas and around the country every year.

We are aware of the impact of traveling left in a fragile environment like the Himalayas. Therefore we, Mountain Ram Adventure, are committed to practicing and promoting responsible tourism.

We believe that each of us has a responsibility to take care of the places we visit. From reducing our waste to making sure we are not littering or disturbing wildlife in any way.

We urge you to join us in our efforts to be responsible for our waste and practice clean travel. Here are some ways you can do your part:

1. Bring a reusable water bottle, and refill it instead of buying single-use plastic bottles.
2. Carry a reusable shopping bag to reduce the need for plastic bags.
3. Use a refillable toiletry kit instead of single-use plastic bottles.
4. Pack a set of reusable utensils to use instead of disposable plastic cutlery.
5. Dispose of waste properly, using recycling and compost bins whenever possible.
6. Do not throw wrappers of snacks and bars on the trail.

By making a few simple changes to your travel habits, you can help reduce the amount of waste generated and minimize your impact on the environment. We encourage you to be mindful of your actions and take responsibility for your waste.

Let's work together to protect the planet and its natural beauty for future generations to enjoy!

Help us improve our service by giving your feedback

We are always looking for ways to make our trips seamless and comfortable for our guests. We strive to offer high-quality services, top-notch customer support, and unforgettable travel memories. And to do so, we ask our guests to give their valuable feedback at the end of every venture. It helps us understand what we are doing well and where we can improve.

We would be grateful if you could take a few minutes to share your thoughts with us. You can give us your feedback on our package page. One of our team members will ask you for feedback at the end of the trek. Feel free to share your thoughts.