Everest Three High Passes Trekking with Base Camp and Kalapatthar- 20 Days

Duration: 20 Days(5)of 112 reviews

Overview

  • Duration 20 Days
  • Difficulty Level Strenuous
  • Max. Altitude 5,555m | 18,225ft
  • Trip Start and End Kathmandu- Kathmandu
  • Trip Area Khumbu Region
  • Best Season Spring & Autumn

Highlights

  • Cross 3 high-altitude passes, Cho La Pass, Renjo La Pass, and Kongma La Pass

  • Reach Everest Base Camp

  • Watch the Himalayan range from the best viewpoints in the world

  • Trek to mesmerizing high-altitude glacier lake system, Gokyo Lakes

  • Ascend minor peaks, Kala Patthar, Chukhung Ri, and Gokyo Ri

  • Enjoy the unique lifestyle of the Sherpa people

  • Witness the history of mountaineering in Everest in museums in Namche Bazaar

  • Brave the challenging trails of the Khumbu region

  • Take the most exciting flight to Lukla

Everest Three High Passes Trekking with Base Camp and Kalapatthar- 20 Days Video

Everest Three High Pass Trek is the stuff of dreams for those seeking the ultimate trekking adventure. It will take you to the less traveled and the absolute best trail that covers almost all of the Everest region, including Everest base camp and Kala Patthar. Trekking this route will take you to scenic viewpoints, challenging trails, climbs worthy of the Everest name, and the Sherpa settlements with warm hospitality.

Three High Pass Trek is a very coveted trekking route that invites seasoned trekkers from all across the world. This 20-day trekking journey has all the thrills you’d expect and then some. You will cross amazing high-altitude passes, Cho La Pass (5420 m.), Renjo La Pass (5360 m.), and Kongma La Pass (5540 m.), each more challenging than the other. 

Among the 3 passes in the Everest region, we start with the Kongma La pass and continue to the base camp, Kala Patthar, Cho La Pass, Gokyo Ri, and finally, Renjo La Pass. You will have the privilege of watching the mightiest mountains like Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Cho Oyu, Makalu, and more from multiple angles and vantage points.

The beauty of the three passes trek is that it combines the Gokyo lakes trek, the classic Everest base camp trek, and Chukhung Ri peak climbing. You will spend over a week above the altitude of 4000 meters and crossing 5000 meters becomes a daily task. 

What can I expect from Everest Three Pass Trek? 

The three pass trek in the Everest region includes trekking through a wide range of terrain. It starts with a relatively flatter trail through the lush rhododendron forests winding along the curves of the Dudh Koshi river. The vegetation keeps getting sparser as we ascend up, and the trail starts getting rockier and icier. 

The trail begins with flatter terrain and even goes downhill on the first day. However, the difficulty increases as the days progress and in no time, you will find yourself climbing the most spectacular passes in the Everest region. This trekking is doubly challenging because of the risk of altitude sickness as we stay exclusively at high altitudes. However, if you stick to the standard itinerary with enough rest days and an appropriate diet, the risks are next to none.

If you are willing to brave the challenges of the three pass trek, the rewards are plenty. We promise the most spectacular views among all the treks you will do in Nepal and probably the world. The Everest region is a feast for your eyes whichever direction you glance. Be ready with your camera and your heart to take it all in. For over two weeks, you will live with the Sherpa people who will treat you like a family member and by the time you’re done with the trek, you will be glad to have done it just to meet the kind people of the Himalayas.

Best Time of the Year to Trek Three High Passes Trek with Base Camp & Kalapatthar 

Autumn Season:  September, October, and November are the best month to hike or trek to three high passes with base camp and Kalapatthar. The stunning panoramic views, clear blue sky, best weather, and greenery environment attract you to have them there. 

Spring Season: February, March, April, and May is also high season for trekking to Three High Passes with Base Camp & Kalapatthar. 

Required Permits for Everest Three High Pass Trekking

Are you planning to trek Three high passes on Everest and worried about permits and entry fees? To do Three high passes trekking on Everest, you have to obtain different kinds of permits. There are 2  permits required. The first one is the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality entry fee which is obtained at Lukla, the 2nd one is Sagarmatha National Park entry permits, Which are obtained at Monjo. You don't need to worry about it, your guide will settle all the required things. 

Let, Himalayan Scenery Treks & expedition serve you with the excellent services you deserve as we believe every individual is special in one or another way. Come and join us for an amazing lifelong experience.

Itinerary

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After breakfast, the trek goes through Imja Khola valley and some stone walled fields. On the way, we will also have beautiful views of Mt Lhotse, Mt Ama Dablam, and Island Peak. The path ahead is crossed by ice streams. We continue our walk for half an hour and reach Chhukung. Then, we start our trek toward Chhukung Ri. From the top, we have a stunning view of Ama Dablam and Amphu labcha peaks. We descend back to Chhukung. Overnight stay at guest house.

Early morning, we continue our trek to reach the highest part of the entire journey which is Kongma La pass. We can take a trail over a hill which is to the northwest of Chhukung over the Nuptse Glacier moraines. The top of the pass is marked by cairns and Buddhist prayer flags. The final descent from the pass is the most difficult part of today’s journey. After climbing the moraine on the far side, the trail turns north through Khumbu Glacier which takes us to Lobuche. Overnight at Lobuche.

Along the lateral moraine of the Khumbu Glacier, our trial moves ahead. Through the path, we see the crest of the north ridge of Everest along with Pumori, Mahalangur, Lingtern, Khumbutse, Nuptse, and other mountains. Next, we admire panoramic views of the Himalayan vista.

We climb on a steep track up to the top of Changri Glacier. As we touch Gorak Shep, we are bounded by the Himalayas with beautiful nature. After resting for some time, we continue to Everest Base Camp.

We cross along the rocky dunes, moraines, and streams before reaching the base camp of the world’s tallest mountain, Everest. From here we admire Nuptse, Khumbuste, and Pumori mountains. We trek back to Gorak Shep and spend the night.

We are going to cross the famous Cho La pass. An early morning uphill struggle towards the pass challenges us in the very beginning of the day. When we reach Cho La pass, a spectacular view of the mountain peaks greets us. After spending few memorable minutes at the pass, we descend to Thagnak to stay overnight. The descent is a bit tricky, so we trek down carefully not to slip off.

As we gain height, the Cho La Lake begins to appear and the Ama Dablam presides over a range of mountains in the south, and Cholatse soars in the west. Climbing the incline is not easy; it is steep but made worse by boulders over some of which we will have to scramble.

The final climb to the Cho La can be a little tricky as the trail curves round a crevasse. The top of the pass is marked by prayer flags and Cairns. The scenery of majestic peaks in all directions is breathtaking. Although long, the path leading down to Thangnak is not difficult.

Our trail brings us to the edge of the Ngozumpa glacier, which is the longest glacier in Nepal. Reaching the other side of the glacier, we see the second Gokyo Lake on the series of six lakes. A short distance away is the third Gokyo Lake. On the edge of this lake stands the Gokyo Village where we spend the night.

We climb Gokyo Ri today and enjoy views of the incredible mountain vista. We can also tour the fourth Gokyo Lake today which is only 3km north of the Gokyo Village. Next, continue trekking to the 5th lake. The view from ‘Scoundrel's Viewpoint, located at the edge of the 5th lake, is astonishing. Cho-Oyu, Gyachung Kang, Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Makulu mountains and the huge Ngozumba Glacier are ours to admire. We trek back to Gokyo and spend the night.

We start the day early in the morning to complete the long day’s trek ahead. Our trail moves alongside Dudh Pokhari (lake) for a while. We walk for around two hours before descending towards the Renjo La pass.

On the way, we are rewarded with extravagant views of the Himalayan and Rolwaling ranges and others. Views from the Renjo La pass are much like that from Gokyo Ri with the third Gokyo Lake and Gokyo Village beneath the gray smear of the Ngozumpa Glacier.

We also get outstanding views of Mt. Everest from the top of the pass. Continuing on from the past, 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 while descending down can make our descent a bit hazardous.

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 closed. We walk almost for an hour from Lumde to get to Marlung on the east bank of the Bhote Koshi River. Overnight at Marlung.

The descent from Marulung 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 Thame. Overlooking Thame is its famous Gompa situated on a hill to the west. From here, we descend gradually on a trail that passes through a few small villages before reaching Namche Bazaar which is probably the biggest town in the Everest region.

Overnight in Namche Bazaar.

It’s the last day of trekking when we trek to Lukla today.

We walk past Monjo village cross suspension bridges and walk past Phakding and advance towards Lukla. Once we reach Lukla to bring our trekking part to an end, we duly thank our supporting team members. If it were not for their amazing effort, our journey would be very difficult. We celebrate the joy of making it to the base of the highest peak in the world.

We take a morning flight from the Lukla airstrip leaving the mighty mountains behind us. Another exciting flight with adventure takes us back to the city civilization. Once in Kathmandu, we spend leisurely time back in the chaos of the city after so many days of serene mountain air and incredible adventure.city's

As the last day on this trip, we drive you to the airport as per your flight schedule back to home or onward destination. We definitely hope that you enjoyed the classic Everest High Pass Trek and hope to see you for another adventure soon.

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Cost Details

Included

  • Airport pick up and drop off by private vehicle
  • Three-night accommodation with breakfast at a 3-star category hotel in Kathmandu
  • Three meals a day (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trek
  • Best available twin sharing lodge to lodge accommodation during the trek
  • Kathmandu city tours, tour guide, and private transportation
  • All ground transportation on a comfortable private vehicle as per the itinerary
  • Domestic flights (Kathmandu- Lukla -Kathmandu)
  • One highly experienced, helpful, and friendly trekking guide.
  • Porters (1 porter for 2 people) and their food, accommodation, salary, and equipment. 
  • Accident insurance for all staff
  • Himalayan Scenery trekking map, Trekking T-shirt, and duffel bag for trekking
  • First aid medical kit, Oximeter to check pulse, heart rate, and oxygen saturation at higher altitude.
  • Sagarmatha National Park Permit & TIMS Card Fee- Trekkers' Information Management System (Please bring 2 passport size photos for permit)
  • Worst case, help with all rescue and evacuation arrangements.
  • Government taxes & office service charge

Excluded

  • Personal Travel insurance
  • International airfare
  • Nepal entry visa. 
  • Snacks /Drinks and other personal expenses
  • Hot showers during the trek
  • Personal trekking equipment
  • WiFi internet and phone call unless it’s free.
  • Tips and gratuities for trekking staff and drivers

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