Item: Everest Three Pass Trek
Rating: 5
Author: madhav-prasad

Days

21 nights & 22 days.
Difficulty

Challenging
Group Size

12 people max
Best Season

Spring and Autumn
Maximum Altitude

5545 meters / 18192 feet at Kalapatthar.
Meeting Point

Tribhuwan International Airport, Kathmandu.
Tour Availability

All year round.

Overview

The Everest Three Pass Trek is a challenging adventure, but the rewards are endless! We will venture into the beautiful Khumbu Region, including the Everest Base Camp Trek, and visit Kala Pathar before tackling not just one, not two, but three high mountain passes. The sense of achievement you will experience from this trek is mind-blowing, and the scenery is equally spectacular.

We will spend time in Namche Bazaar, the Sherpa capital and gateway to the high Himalaya, before ascending to higher altitudes. Tyangboche is a magical resting place for the night, with panoramic vistas and a wonderful, ornate monastery. We will venture further into this mountainous region, conquering steep inclines and rocky trails before marveling at the views from three different passes.

The Everest Three Pass Trek is for energetic individuals who enjoy a challenge, 17 days of walking, endless panoramas, and a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Everest Three Pass Trek Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1345m / 4412ft), meet us at the airport, and transfer to the hotel. Free time if any on your own.

Day 2: Pre-trek meeting and sightseeing around the Kathmandu Valley.

Day 3: Short flight to Lukla (2840m / 9317ft) and trek to Phakding (2610m/ 8562ft) / (3.5 hours trek)

Day 4 – 5: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3440m / 11286ft / 6 hours) and acclimatization day.

Day 6: Trek to Tyangboche (3860m/ 12665ft / 5 hours)

Day 7 – 8: Trek to Dingboche (4360m/ 14305ft / 5 hours) / Acclimatization

Day 9: Trek to Chhukung and Chhukung Ri (peak) Alt. 4,730m / 15,518ft. (4 1/2 hrs)

Day 10: Trek over Kongma La Pass (5,535m / 18160ft) and trek to Labuche (4910m / 16,108ft / 6 1/2 hrs)

Day 11: Trek to Everest Base Camp (5,364m / 17598ft) trek to Gorakshep (5140m / 16,860ft / 8hrs)

Day 12: Ascend Kala Pathar (5,554m / 18,190ft) and trek to Zongla (4,830m / 15,842ft / 8hrs)

Day 13: Trek over Cho La Pass (5,330m / 17486ft) and trek to Thagnag (4,700m / 15,416ft / 5hrs)

Day 14: Trek to Gokyo (4,790m / 15,711ft / 2hrs)

Day 15: Exploration day (explore 5th Lake and Gokyo Ri (5,360m / 17585ft)

Day 16: Trek over Renjo La Pass (5,345m / 17536ft) and trek to Lunghden (4,560m / 14,956ft / 6hrs)

Day 17: Trek to Thame (3,820m / 12,592ft / 6hrs)

Day 18: Trek to Namche Bazaar (5hrs)

Day 19: Trek to Lukla (7 hrs)

Day 20: Fly back to Kathmandu, transfer to hotel. Free time on your own.

Day 21: Free day in Kathmandu. Works as buffer day if there is any delay on your Everest Three Pass Trek.

Day 22: Departure. Transfer to airport as per your flight departure time.

Highlights of Everest Three Pass Trek

• Trekking through the stunning Khumbu Region of Nepal, which is home to some of the world’s highest mountains like Mount Everest, Mount Amadablam, and Mount Makalu.

• Visiting famous landmarks such as Everest Base Camp and Kala Pathar, where you can see breathtaking views of the Himalayan range, especially at sunrise.

• Crossing three high mountain passes – Kongma La, Cho La, and Renjo La Pass – each of which offers breathtaking views of surrounding peaks and glaciers.

• Exploring Sherpa villages and experiencing their unique culture and way of life.

• Visiting ancient monasteries and learning about the rich history of the region.

• Trekking through diverse landscapes, such as lush forests, alpine meadows, and rugged mountain terrain.

• Challenging oneself both physically and mentally and feeling a sense of accomplishment upon completing the trek.

Important information about re-routing of Lukla flight:
The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal has issued a notice instructing airlines to divert all Lukla flights to Manthali airport. Manthali airport is located in Ramechap District, which is about 145 km or a 4-hour drive from Kathmandu. This airport started operations in 2019 and has been successful in reducing traffic at Kathmandu airport. Until further notice, travelers will need to drive 4 hours to catch a flight to Lukla and another 4 hours back to Kathmandu after the flight from Lukla. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

Day 1 :

Welcome to Nepal!

Activities: We will meet you at the airport and drive you to your hotel, just relax for
the rest of the day to recover from your long journey.

Highlights: Bustling Thamel, an array of restaurants, bars and shops.

Accommodation: Kathmandu 3 star hotel.

Day 2 :

Meeting with trekking guide, last minute shopping for your trek and Kathmandu sightseeing.

Highlights: Pashupatinath, Boudhanath Stupa, Swaymbhunath and Patan Durbar Square, cultural and historical sights of the Kathmandu Valley.

Accommodation: Kathmandu 3 star hotel.

Breakfast

Day 3 :

Flight to Lukla (45 minutes) and trek to Phakding.

Hours of walking: 3.

Difficulty: Easy.

Elevation reached: 2840m in Lukla and 2610me in Phakding.

Terrain: Flat and downhill, well developed paths, stone steps.

Views on offer: Amazing Himalayan views on approach to Lukla.

Highlights: The breathtaking flight between the mountains.

What’s to see?: The traditional Sherpa people and Buddhist shrines

Accommodation: Basic Teahouse.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4 :

Namche Bazaar.

Hours of walking: 6.

Difficulty: Moderate.

Elevation reached: 3440m.

Terrain: Rocky and dirt tracks, stone steps, mostly uphill, gradual with some steep inclines.

Views on offer: Spectacular approaching views of Namche Bazaar, snow capped peaks and the river valley.

Highlights: The colourful Sherpa town of Namche Bazaar – the gateway to the high Himalaya and crossing some impressive suspension bridges over the river valley.

What’s to see? : The milky waters of the Dudh Kosi River, thick rhododendron, magnolia and fir tree forests, herds of yaks carrying supplies.

Accommodation: Basic Teahouse.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 :

The world’s highest hotel, Khumjung Village and back to Namche Bazaar. (Acclimatization day.)

Hours walking: 4.

Difficulty: Easy – moderate.

Elevation reached: 3962m at Mountain View Hotel, 3790m at Khumkung.

Terrain: Hilly, grassy trails, some steep inclines and flat tracks.

Views on offer: Everest, Lhotse, Lhotse Shar, Taboche Peak and Ama Dablam.

Highlights: Your first sight of Everest!

What’s to see?: Khumjung Edmund Hillary School, Sherpa museum, shops and markets around Namche Bazaar.

Accommodation: Basic Teahouse.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 :

Tyangboche.

Hours of walking: 5

Difficulty: Moderate.

Elevation reached: 3860m.

Terrain: River bank path, some steep inclines, some flat and some short descents.

Views on offer: Kwangde, Nuptse, Lhotse, Kangtega, Ama Dablam and Everest.

Highlights: Tyangboche monastery, magnificent panoramic views from Tyangboche.

What’s to see?: The Lamas and Monks in the stunning Tyangboche Monastery, ornate wall hangings and a 20 foot statue of Lord Buddha.

Accommodation: Basic Teahouse.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7 :

Dingboche.

Hours of walking: 5.

Difficulty: Moderate.

Elevation reached: 4360m.

Terrain: Rocky uphill tracks, stone steps, a gentle riverbank trail.
Views on offer: Lhotse, Island Peak, Ama Dablam.

Highlights: The beautiful location of Dingboche under Ama Dablam, the mountain views from your teahouse.

What’s to see?: A Yeti scalp in the Pangboche Gompa, the fast flowing waters of the Imja Khola, sacred mani stone walls.

Accommodation: Basic Teahouse

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8 :

Chukhung.

Hours of walking: 4.

Difficulty: Easy.

Elevation reached: 4750.

Terrain: Gradual inclines, riverbank paths, rocky trails.
Views on offer: Chukhung Ri, Island Peak, Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Lhotse Shar.
Highlights: Enjoying the panoramic views.

What’s to see?: Yaks grazing in the meadows.

Accommodation: Basic Teahouse.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9 :

Acclimatization day with optional treks to Imja Lake (Island peak Base Camp) or Chukhung Ri.

Hours of walking: 5-6 hours for each trek.

Difficulty: Difficult/strenuous for Chukhung Ri and moderate for Imja Lake.

Elevation reached: 5559m at Chukhung Ri and 5090m at Imja Lake.

Terrain: Steeply uphill, uneven, rocky trails to Chukhung Ri and gradual inclines and glacial paths to Imja Lake.

Views on offer: Ama Dablam, Barantse, Island Peak, Lhotse Lhotse shar, Thamserku, Cholatse and Taboche.

Highlights: Te views of the glaciers and mountains and standing at 5559m! (If you go to Chukhung Ri that is!)

What’s to see?: You will see climbers practicing their ice climbing skills in this area in preparation for a peak ascent.

Accommodation: Basic Teahouse (again in Chukhung).

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10 :

Lobuche via the Kongmala Pass.

Hours of walking: 8-9 hours

Difficulty: Difficult to strenuous.

Elevation reached: 5535m on the pass and 4940m at Lobuche.

Terrain: Steeply uphill, rocky and uneven to the pass and then steeply downhill, there maybe snow and ice on the ground until we reach the Khumbu glacier then its “up and down” all the way to Lobuche.

Views on offer: Ama Dablam, Barantse, Island Peak, Lhotse Lhotse shar, Thamserku, Cholatse, Lobuche peak, Pumori, Kala Pathar, Lingtren, Khumbutse, Taboche and Everest Base Camp.

Highlights: Crossing the Khumbu Glacier and the high pass.

What’s to see?: Grazing yaks, and small mountain lakes.

Accommodation: Basic Teahouse.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11 :

Gorak Shep and on to Everest Base Camp and back Gorak Shep.

Hours of walking: 8.

Difficulty: Difficult.

Elevation reached: 5300m at Base Camp and 5170m at Gorak Shep.

Terrain: Uneven, ridge tracks, rocky, uphill and flat trails.

Views on offer: Too many to mention! You will be surrounded by an icy wonderland, get your cameras at the ready!

Highlights: Congratulations, you made it! You reached the base camp to the highest mountain in the world.

What’s to see?: You may see a group of mountaineers preparing to attempt an Everest summit. Sunset views from your Gorak Shep teahouse.

Accommodation: Basic Teahouse.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12 :

Kala Patthar and on Zongla.

Hours of walking: 8.

Difficulty: Strenuous.

Elevation reached: 5545m at Kala Patthar, 4830m at Zongla.

Terrain: Steep, rocky climb to Kala Patthar, uneven rocky and glacial paths to Zongla

Views on offer: Everest and the surrounding Himalayas.

Highlights: The most spectacular, panoramic views from the top of Kala Patthar, crossing the Changri Shar Glacier.

What’s to see?: Sunrise from 5545m amidst a mountain wonderland, simply amazing.

Accommodation: Basic Teahouse.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13 :

Thangnak via the Chola-la Pass.

Hours of walking: 5.

Difficulty: Difficult/Strenuous.

Elevation reached: 4680m at Thangnak and 5368m when crossing the Cho La Pass.

Terrain: Uneven tracks, large rocky areas where you will need to climb and jump off the rocks.

Views on offer: Some pretty spectacular Himalayan peaks from the icy wilderness of the Cho La Pass.

Highlights: The Nagozumpa Glacier, standing on the Pass.

What’s to see?: The high altitude pass, glaciers and lots of snow capped peaks!

Accommodation: Basic Teahouse.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 14 :

Gokyo.

Hours of Walking: 4

Difficulty: Moderate.

Elevation reached: 4790m.

Terrain: Glacial paths and well defined trekking paths.

Views on offer: The Gokyo Lakes

Highlights: The glistening waters of the Gokyo lakes.

What’s to see?: The third lake known as Dudh Kunda or Pokhari. The area surrounding the lakes, where your teahouse is located is an ideal place for a leisurely stroll to take in the scenery.

Accommodation: Basic Teahouse.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 15 :

Acclimatization with day hikes to either Gokyo Ri or the fifth Lake.

Hours of walking: 6 for each.

Difficulty: Difficult to Gokyo Ri and moderate to the fifth lake.

Elevation reached: 5357m at Gokyo Ri and 4980m at the fifth lake.

Terrain: Steep incline to the top of Gokyo Ri, rocky and uneven, gentle inclines, meadow paths and rocky trails to the fifth lake.

Views on offer: From the fifth lake; 3rd, 4th and 5th lakes, Ngozumpa Glacier, Cho Oyu, Everest and the surrounding peaks. From Gokyo Ri; EverestCho Oyu, Makalu, and many more magnificent views of some of the world’s highest mountains.

Highlights: Panoramic views from both places and seeing the biggest glacier in Nepal.

What’s to see: The Ngozumpa glacier and mountains as far as the eye can see!

Accommodation: Basic Teahouse.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 16 :

Lungdhen via the Renjola Pass

Hours of walking: 6-7.

Difficulty: Diificult.

Elevation reached: 5360m on the pass and 4380m at the fifth lake.

Terrain: Some “Nepali flat,” steep inclines, rocky trails.

Views on offer: Everest, Cho Oyu, Makalu, Lhotse, Lhotse Shar, Ama Dabla, Pumori and many more.

Highlights: Enjoying panoramic views from the high pass.

What’s to see: The Gokyo lakes and Ngozumpa glacier and 5 of the world’s “eight-thousanders” and some of the Tibetan mountain range.

Accommodation: Basic Teahouse.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 17 :

Thame

Hours of walking: 6-7.

Difficulty: Moderate.

Elevation reached: 3820m.

Terrain: Steeply downhill, riverbank paths and then gradual descents over well defined paths.

Views on offer: Tibetan Mountain Range, Thamserku and Kusum Kanguru.

Highlights: Visiting the ornate local monestary and enjoying walking throught the meadows, as we have lost altitude now, the greenery will return.

What’s to see: The Bhote Kosi River and the Thame monastery.

Accommodation: Basic Teahouse.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 18 :

Namche Bazaar.

Hours of walking: 5.

Difficulty: Moderate.

Elevation reached: 34400m.

Terrain: Forest paths, “Nepali flat” for most of the day with some short, steep descents.

Views on offer: Kwangde, Thamserku and the Bhote Kosi River Valley.

Highlights: Walking through the forest and meeting the local Sherpa people and farmers.

What’s to see: Pine forest, local, traditional houses and wild mountain goats.

Accommodation: Basic Teahouse.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 19 :

Lukla.

Hours of walking: 7.

Difficulty: moderate.

Elevation reached: 2840m.

Terrain: By the banks of the river, stone steps and some steep descents and last ascents up to Lukla.

Views on offer: The glistening river amidst a mountain backdrop.

Highlights: Last day of walking in the Khumbu region. Well done, you completed your trip!

What’s to see: Thick forests, an array of birds and some final views of the mountains.

Accommodation: Basic Teahouse

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 20 :

Flight back to Kathmandu.

Highlights: Another breathtaking airplane ride on a twin-engine otter amidst the mighty Himalayas.
Accommodation: 3 star hotel in Kathmandu.

Breakfast

Day 21 :

Free time!

Highlights: Time to shop, relax, get a massage.
Accommodation: 3 star hotel in Kathmandu.

Breakfast

Day 22 :

Departure

Goodbye and farewell from Nepal!

Breakfast

Overall Trip Rating:

5.0

- Based on 3 travel reviews

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Three Passes Trek with Mosaic Adventure

By Mark Dudley November 8, 2023
Our 22 day journey trekking across three passes in the Everest Region with Mosaic Adventure was truly life changing! Raj and his team made sure every moment of our Everest Three Passes Trek in Nepal was unforgettable. Right from the start, Raj's willingness to adjust our itinerary, including a visit to Amadablam Base Camp, showed how much he cared about our experience. He was always quick to respond to our questions, which made planning our trip much easier. During the trek, our guide Manoj and porter Suman became like family to us. Manoj's knowledge and kindness made each day special, while Suman's hard work and friendliness made us feel safe and cared for. Their exceptional service stood out from others on the trail, even in small gestures like sharing fruit treats each night, which made us the envy of fellow trekkers. For anyone thinking about trekking in Nepal, especially if it's your first time on an extended adventure, we highly recommend Mosaic Adventure. Thank you for giving us an experience we'll never forget!
A Trip of a Lifetime: Completing the Everest Three Pass Trek

By Stephen Hall April 30, 2023
We are thrilled to have completed the Everest Three Pass Trek safely! Our guide Ramesh was excellent, and the entire trek was organized expertly. We highly recommend this trek to all adventure seekers who are looking for the greatest trek in the world. This is the perfect option for those who want a less-traveled route in the Everest region, as the main route to EBC can be busy at times. The rest of the trail offers some private time in the Himalayas, which is perfect for us. We are so grateful that we chose this trek, and the actual views were even more breathtaking than the photos we took. We hope to come back again for another trek in the future. Thanks to the Mosaic team for organizing the trip of a lifetime!
Most beautiful experience of our lives

By Jerry Ondrusek November 20, 2019
I finally settled back to my normal life But Camny and I are still full of gorgeous Memories on our trek to Everest base camp with Purna. We just wanna one more time say our biggest thank you for the most beautiful Experience of our lives Thanks and please say hi to Purna.