Everest REGION
EVEREST THREE PASSES TREK - 19 DAYS
Created by
HoneyGuide
The Everest Three Passes Trek is a 19-day hard trek in the Everest region of Nepal reaching 5,643 m. Best seasons: October-December And April-May.
- Duration
- 19 days
- Max altitude
- 5,643 m
- Difficulty
- Hard
- Best season
- October-December And April-May
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Highlights
- The soulful moment at Gokyo Lakes, the exhilarating thrill of Cho La, and the gram-worthy frame at EBC: all in one single trek!
- Take selfies with the giants—Everest, Lhotse, Cho Oyu, and Makalu—from two legendary viewpoints: Gokyo Ri and Kala Patthar.
- Live simply and breathe deeply as you walk past quiet pine-rhododendron forests, turquoise rivers, and rugged alpine meadows.
- Get a chance to spot the majestic Himalayan Tahr, the iridescent Himalayan Monal, and the shy Musk Deer.
- Share a laugh with the Sherpas as you trade tall tales from the mountains-you'll have one of your own once you complete this adventure.
Quick Facts
- Difficulty Level
- Hard
- Total Length
- 131 Km
- Highest Altitude
- 5,643 Meters
- Start location
- Lukla (2,850m)
- Finish location
- Lukla (2,850m)
- Permits
- Sagarmatha NP Permit, Khumbu Rural Municipality Permit (only for non-Nepalis)
- Best Season
- October-December And April-May
Day to Day Itinerary
| Day | Route |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | (1400 m)(2850 m)(2620 m)(2820 m) |
| Day 2 | (2820 m)(3460 m) |
| Day 3 | (3460 m)(3780 m)(3460 m) |
| Day 4 | (3460 m)(3315 m)(3740 m) |
| Day 5 | (3740 m)(4060 m)(4340 m) |
| Day 6 | (4340 m) |
| Day 7 | (4340 m)(4735 m) |
| Day 8 | (4735 m) |
| Day 9 | (4735 m)(4930 m) |
| Day 10 | (4930 m)(5170 m) |
| Day 11 | (5170 m)(4930 m) |
| Day 12 | (4930 m)(4830 m) |
| Day 13 | (4830 m)(4750 m) |
| Day 14 | (4750 m) |
| Day 15 | (4750 m)(4160 m) |
| Day 16 | (4160 m)(3785 m)(3460 m) |
| Day 17 | (3460 m)(2820 m)(2620 m) |
| Day 18 | (2620 m)(2850 m) |
| Day 19 | (2850 m)(1400 m) |
The Everest Three Passes Trek is the ultimate trek for those seeking the hardest way to trek the Everest Region. But with the right physical preparation and psychological determination, it can actually be a highly meditative experience in which you actually get away from the crowds and fully immerse yourself in the mountains.
You also get to see the entirety of Everest Region in one single trek from all angles, from the bustling route leading to Everest Base Camp, to the quaintly charming Gokyo Valley, to the downright rustic Thame valley.
However, please note that all three passes come with risks. As such this is not a trek in which you take risks. If something happens when you are up there, there is very little that can save you. As such, do not attempt the passes if you aren’t feeling a hundred percent, or if the weather isn’t the best, and most importantly do not go alone. Read more on Safety Issues.
WHY HONEYGUIDE?
~ Specialized in Everest - From dropping cyclists at Kala Patthar to classy New Year events, we have done some exciting things in Everest. ~ Travelers’ Choice Award 2022 by Tripadvisor - Also, we only use hotels that are highly rated on Tripadvisor. ~ Understand Everest inside out - Extensive online resources and deep community involvement. ~ Only Online Travel Agency in Nepal- Option to book Treks & Heli Tours / Flights / Hotels / Trekking Guides directly. ~ Love the Mountains and are fun to talk to.
If you have any questions, feel free to Call / WhatsApp / Email OR Fill out an Enquiry Form.
DETAILED ITINERARY
DAY 1: KATHMANDU/RAMECHHAP - LUKLA - MONJO (5-6 hrs)
~ Flight from Kathmandu/Ramechhap to Lukla (25 min).
~ Walk for around 3 hours through villages, forests, and some long ass bridges to reach Phakding for lunch.
~ Walk for another 3 hours to settle for the night at Monjo.
Accommodation: Mount Kailash Lodge, Monjo or similar.
DAY 2: MONJO - NAMCHE BAZAAR (2-3 hrs)
~ Get your Sagarmatha National Park permits at Jorsalle.
~ Walk uphill for around two to three hours to reach Namche Bazaar for lunch.
~ Stroll around Namcheand enjoy the sunset from the National Park ViewPoint.
Accommodation: Khumbu Lodge / Hotel Namche, Namche Bazaar or similar.
DAY 3: NAMCHE - SYANGBOCHE - KHUMJUNG - NAMCHE (2-3 hrs)
~ After breakfast at Namche, walk to Hotel Everest View to enjoy amazingly stunning mountain views.
~ Play the grand piano at 3,880 meters.
~ Return to Namche through the twin Sherpa villages of Khumjungand Khunde (2 hours).
Accommodation: Khumbu Lodge / Hotel Namche, Namche Bazaar or similar.
DAY 4: NAMCHE - TENGBOCHE - DEBOCHE (6 hrs)
~ Walk past some beautiful mountain views of Ama Dablam, Thamserku, and Kangtega to reach Phungi Tenga for lunch. (3.5 hours)
~ Walk out for Himalayan Tahr and Himalaya Monals on the first section.
~ Climb up to the famous Tengboche Monastery. (2.5 hours)
~ Settle for the night at the quiet monastic village of Deboche. (20 minutes)
Accommodation: Rivendell Lodge, Deboche or similar.
DAY 5: DEBOCHE - DINGBOCHE (6 hrs)
~ Walk past the village of Pangboche, past the treeline, to have lunch at Syomare. (3 hours)
~ As you settle in for the night at Dingboche (2.5 hours), make sure to take an oximeter reading and see how you are feeling. Read more about AMS.
Accommodation: Hotel Bright Star, Dingboche or similar.
DAY 6: DINGBOCHE - CHUKUNG / NANGKARTSANG PEAK (4-5 hrs)
~ Acclimatization Day at Dingboche.
~ Hike to Nangkartshang Peak and return to Dingboche. (5 hours)
Accommodation: Hotel Bright Star, Dingboche or similar.
DAY 7: DINGBOCHE - CHUKUNG (2-3 hrs)
~ A short walk to Chukung where we check in and have lunch. (2.5 hours)
~ Post lunch a walk to Imja Glacial Lake. (3.5 hours round trip)
Accommodation: Khangri Resort, Chukung or Similar
DAY 8: CHUKUNG - CHUKUNG RI - CHUKUNG (2 hrs)
~ This is an acclimatization day at Chukung and we go to Chukung Ri today. (4 hours round trip)
~ As it is a pass day tomorrow, it is a good time to take stock of the weather and your health.
Accommodation: Khangri Resort, Chukung or Similar
DAY 9: CHUKUNG - KONGMA LA PASS - LOBUCHE (6 hrs)
~ After an early start we reach the Kongma La Pass to have our packed lunch. (3 hours)
~ After a steep downhill we cross the Khumbu glacier to settle in Lobuche for the night. (3-4 hours)
Accommodation : Oxygen Altitude Home, Lobuche or Similar
DAY 10: LOBUCHE - GORAKSHEP (3 hrs)
~ Hike to Gorakshep for lunch. (2.5 hours)
~ Afternoon hike to Everest Base Camp and back in Gorakshep. (3 hours)
Accommodation: Hotel Everest Inn, Gorakshep or Similar
DAY 11: GORAKSHEP - KALA PATTHAR - LOBUCHE (5-6 hrs)
~ Early morning walk to Kala Patthar Viewpoint to see Mount Everest up close. (4 hours)
~ Lunch at Gorakshep.
~ Walk down to Lobuche. (2.5 hours)
Accommodation: Oxygen Altitude Home, Lobuche or Similar
DAY 12: LOBUCHE - DZONGLA ( 2-3 hrs)
~ Very short and relaxed day to Dzongla (2 hours), past the beautiful Cho La Lake.
~ We let our body relax as we let it unwind for the Cho La Pass tomorrow.
Accommodation: Cholatse Guest House, Dzongla or Similar
DAY 13: DZONGLA - CHO LA PASS - GOKYO (5-6 hrs)
~ We start early today and reach Cho La Pass to have our packed lunch. (3 hours)
~ And then we walk down to reach Thagnak by early afternoon. (3 hours)
~ From here we cross the Ngozumba Glacier to reach Gokyo. (1.5 hours)
Accommodation: Gokyo Thanka Inn, Gokyo or Similar
DAY 14: GOKYO - GOKYO RI - GOKYO ( 3-4 hrs)
~ Rest day at Gokyo.
~ Option to go to Fifth lake or Gokyo Ri or both.
Accommodation: Gokyo Thanka Inn, Gokyo or Similar
DAY 15: GOKYO - RENJO LA PASS - MARLUNG ( 7-8 hrs)
~ After an early start, we cross Renjo La, the last of the three passes.
~ Past small lakes and some treacherous terrain to reach Lungden. (7 hours from Gokyo)
~ We walk past Lungden to settle in for the night at Marlung. (1 hour)
Accommodation: Riverside Lodge, Marlung
DAY 16: MARLUNG - THAME - NAMCHE ( 6-7 hrs)
~ Trek to Thame for lunch (3.5 hours).
~ Walk to Namche (3 hours)
~ Celebrate the ultimate Kora that we just completed. :)
Accommodation: Khumbu Lodge / Hotel Namche, Namche Bazaar or similar.
DAY 17: NAMCHE - MONJO - PHAKDING (5-6 hrs)
~ Short and leisurely day and we can and will start a little late.
~ Lunch at Monjo. (2 hours)
~ Walk to Phakding. (2 hours)
Accommodation: Sherpa Guide Lodge, Phakding or Similar
DAY 18: PHAKDING - LUKLA (3 hrs)
~ Another leisurely day and we will reach Lukla for lunch. (3 hours)
~ Another round of celebration in Lukla of course.
Accommodation: Khumbu Resort / Himalaya Lodge or similar.
DAY 19: LUKLA - KATHMANDU/RAMECHHAP
~ Fly back to Kathmandu/Ramechhap. (25 minutes)
CONTACT
If you have any questions, feel free to Call / WhatsApp / Email OR Fill an Enquiry Form.
We will happily tweak this tour to your liking. Some possible changes are: ~ Travel by helicopter between Kathmandu and Lukla - approx. USD 400 per person one way | USD 2,400 per flight. ~ Book rooms with attached bathrooms where possible - approx. USD 10 per night per person. ~ Add hotel and/or city tour in Kathmandu - approx. USD 100 per person. ~ Include meals and hot water - approx. USD 35 per day for three meals + hot water.
INCLUSIONS AND EXCLUSIONS
Includes
~ Flights between Kathmandu/Ramechhap and Lukla ~ Transport service to Ramechhap if needed ~ Professional Certified Trekking Guide ~ Accommodation on twin sharing basis ~ Meal plan for Nepalis: All Meals (AP) ~ Meal plan Indians: No Meals (EP) ~ Meal plan for others: Breakfast Only (BB) ~ Oxygen Support available at extra cost ~ All Government and Local Permits ~ Porter (not included for Nepali groups) ~ Crampons
Excludes
~ Tips for guides and porters (15% of wages is considered fair) ~ Battery Charging. (NPR 100-500 per hour) ~ Extra Hot Water. (NPR 100-300 per liter) ~ Hot Shower. (NPR 300-500) ~ Everest Link WiFi Cards. (NPR 600 for 600MB) ~ Drinks, Travel Insurance, and anything else not mentioned in Inclusions.
EVEREST PLANNING RESOURCES
SAFETY FIRST Nepal Visa and Safety Update / Pre-existing Conditions / Altitude Illnesses / Water Safety / Heli Safety Briefing / Insurance / Detailed Health and Safety Post
FIND YOUR PERFECT TOUR Short Treks / Heli Tours / Heli Treks / Ways to See Everest / All Tours
BEST TIME TO GO Best time for EBC | EBC in Jan / Feb / Mar / Apr / May / Jun / Jul / Aug / Sep / Oct / Nov / Dec
PLANNING ESSENTIALS Expectation vs Reality / Cost in USD, INR & NPR / Difficulty / Training / Packing List / Maps / Permits / Side Trips / Solo Treks / Independent Treks / For Women
FLIGHTS TO LUKLA Online Flight Booking / Getting to Lukla / Lukla Weather and Flights / Survival Guide / Alternatives / Lukla Airport / Getting to Ramechhap / Ramechhap Flights
HOTELS IN EVEREST Online Hotel Booking / Overview / Hotels in Lukla / Namche / Dingboche / Lobuche / Gorakshep / Gokyo
TREKKING GUIDES FOR EVEREST Trekking Guides from Lukla / from Kathmandu / How to hire a guide?
WHAT TO EXPECT Hotels in Everest / WiFi, Mobile Network, Electricity / Food and Drinks / Sherpa Food / For Vegans
CULTURE Epic Photo ops / Sherpa Names / Khumbila / 5 Secrets / Festivals / Tengboche Monastery /
NATURE Mount Everest / Everest Base Camp / Everest Viewpoints / Kala Patthar / Ama Dablam / Mount Mera / Mountains / Birds / Wildlife / Flowers / Lakes /
VILLAGE DETAILS Lukla / Phakding / Monjo / Namche / Tengboche / Deboche / Pangboche / Dingboche / Pheriche / Thukla / Lobuche / Gorakshep / Dzongla / Gokyo / Thame / All Villages
FAQS
Traveling to the mountains poses some inherent risks. As such, the best strategy is to prepare for the worst and then hope for the best.
PRE-EXISTING CONDITIONS
The first thing to keep in mind is to see if you have pre-existing conditions that could cause complications at high altitudes. Specifically, suppose you have sickle cell disease, pulmonary hypertension, obesity hypoventilation syndrome, or congenital heart problems. In that case, we highly recommend you consult with a qualified physician before planning a trip to the mountains.
ALTITUDE-ILLNESS
Given the low amount of oxygen at high altitudes, a sensible ascent is essential to give your body the time to acclimate to the thin air. Failure to do so can lead to your lungs or brain filling up with water leading to death in some cases. The key is not to climb more than 500 meters in one day once you pass the 2,500 meters mark.
ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS
Given the extreme weather in the high mountains, proper gear and regimen must have a safe and comfortable tour. The three most important things that you have to prepare for are cold, snow, and radiation. As such, invest in the right sunglasses, sunscreen, boots, and clothing.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
We highly recommend everyone get travel insurance covering high altitude evacuation before leaving on a trek to the high mountains. Global Rescue and World Nomads are both highly recommended. For Nepali travelers, please note that insurance that covers helicopter rescue is not available as of now. As such, please be careful while planning your tour and only work with companies that can provide timely evacuation service if needed.
RESCUE AND EMERGENCY
As health facilities are limited in the mountains, a helicopter's evacuation is usually the only option during an emergency. As such, the right insurance provider is essential. If you are not buying insurance for some reason, please ensure that there is someone in Kathmandu who can coordinate payments for a helicopter rescue. If you still have questions, please feel free to call or email us.
HOW DO I MAKE A PAYMENT?
To confirm your tour, you will have to make complete payment either through one of your integrated payment gateways or transfer the funds to our bank accounts.
For Nepali citizens:
Account Name: HoneyGuide Pvt. Ltd.
Beneficiary Bank: Himalayan Bank, Patan Branch
Account Number: 00606903770018
For USD transfers:
Account Name: HoneyGuide Apps, Inc.
Bank Name: Silicon Valley Bank
Account Number: 3302225311
Swift Code: SVBKUS6S
ABA Routing Number: 121140399
BOOKING A TOUR
- Deposit Required for Reservation: 50 percent of total tour cost
- Deadline for Full Payment: 2 weeks before the tour begins
CHANGING A TOUR
- Two weeks before tour date: No extra charge
- 1 to 2 weeks before tour date: 10% additional charge
- Two days to 1 week between tour date: 20% additional charge
- Within two days of tour date: Above 30% (variable)
CANCELLING A TOUR
- Two weeks before tour date: No charge (transaction charges may apply)
- One to two weeks before tour date: 20% Cancellation Charge
- Two days to one week between tour date: 50% Cancellation Charge
- Within two days of tour date: No Refund
DELAYS AND CHANGES DURING THE TOUR
In case of flight delays/cancellations due to bad weather or unforeseen circumstances, HoneyGuide will change the dates at no additional costs. However, any extra cost incurred, including but not limited to accommodation and food, will be the responsibility of the traveler.
In case of changes due to the trekker's health issues, HoneyGuide will make all the changes without any additional cost. However, any extra charge because of the changes will be the responsibility of the traveler.
While Nepal's mountains see six seasons, the best period to go to the mountains is from March-May and September-December. However, every season has its quirk, just like people.
January/February (Winter)
Good time for trekkers willing to brave the cold and snow for empty trails, fantastic mountain views, and wildlife sightings.
March/April (Spring)
Offers a little bit of everything: mountain views, warm weather, flowers, a bit of crowd, and a whole lot of fun.
May/June (Summer)
Best time for those into nature. Flowers are blooming and bird activity is fantastic. Mornings are still clear before monsoon starts.
July/August (Monsoon)
Only for hardcore trekkers willing to put up with the elements for an authentic cultural experience and high altitude flowers.
September/October (Fall)
Everyone's darling. The mountain views are something to write home about, and the temperature is just perfect.
November/December (Pre-Winter)
Driest two months in the calendar. It gets a bit nippy during mornings and evenings, but manageable with lots of sunshine.
The difficult thing with gear is to make sure you have enough without carrying too much. Whether you are walking or taking the helicopter, the most important thing is to layer up. As such inner thermals, shirts, fleece, a down jacket, and trousers are essential. A warm hat and a buff are beneficial. As for shoes, feel free to make your pick depending on the weather and altitude. Given the amount of UV up there, good sunscreen and sunglasses are also essential.