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20 Days
Moderate
5,545m
Nepal
2-16 pax
Hotel, Lodge, Guest house
Bus , Flight
B L D
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The Everest Three Passes Trek is a thrilling and adrenaline-filled excursion in Nepal’s Solu Khumbu region that takes you deep in the heart of the Himalayas. It is one of the most solitary, calm trekking routes, as opposed to the standard route to Everest Base Camp (EBC), and is ideal for individuals who enjoy isolation and want to push themselves.
This journey offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to cross three iconic high mountain passes above 5000 meters above sea level: Kongma La Pass, Cho La Pass, and Renjo La Pass. As you trek, you’ll go beyond your comfort zone for countless mesmerizing moments when crossing these daring passes.
Your 20-day Everest Three Passes Trek itinerary will start with a spectacular flight from Kathmandu City to Lukla, the entrance to the Everest region. From here, you’ll walk via small Sherpa communities, beautiful rhododendron and pine woods along the Dudh Koshi Khola River, suspension bridges, and breathtaking alpine scenery.
The trail takes you through the popular overnight stops in the Khumbu region, such as Phakding, Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche, Chhukung, and Lobuche, before reaching legendary Mount Everest Base Camp (EBC). You will also cross the first pass of the Three Passes Trek, Kongma La Pass at 5535 meters, when hiking to Lobuche from Chhukung Village.
Moving on, you will continue your trek to Gokyo, where you will cross the second pass, Cho La Pass, at 5368 meters, which offers panoramic vistas of Ama Dablam and the vast Ngozumpa Glacier. You will also climb Gokyo Ri to get 360-degree vistas of some of the world’s greatest peaks, including Everest, Cho Oyu, Makalu, and more.
Similarly, the final pass you will cross will be Renjo La Pass at 5340 meters when trekking to Lunden Village from Gokyo, where you will be treated to the beautiful vistas of the turquoise Gokyo Lakes from the top. To complete the 20-day Everest Three Passes Trek itinerary, you will finally turn around and head back down through the Thame and Namche Bazaar to Lukla.
This journey is not only about mountains, but getting deeply involved, as you will be hiking in Sagarmatha National Park, a World Heritage listed Site by UNESCO, where you can find rare animals and plants. This trek is a sojourn in the mountains with the Sherpa people and their vibrant culture.
Well, become a part of Morning Star Trek’s Everest Three Passes Trekking Package to a climax trip at the Solu Khumbu area, which will not only make you feel amazed and humbled but also make your memory bank overflow with memories.
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A warm Namaste and welcome to Nepal. Once you land in Kathmandu City, the capital of Nepal, our team will be right there at the airstrip’s terminal to transfer you to the Thamel-situated standard hotel.
Following your lengthy flight, you can relax and recuperate. For a quick introduction to the Everest Three Passes Trekking Package, you can stop by Morning Star Trek’s office later. After that, you can spend some of your extra time exploring Thamel and soaking up the local atmosphere.
Activity: 25 mins drive
Max. Altitude: 1,324m/4,344ft. (Kathmandu)
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Standard Hotel
Your real adventure begins on the second day of the 20-day Everest Three Passes Trek itinerary, as you will be flying to Lukla from Kathmandu after breakfast. Once you reach Lukla, you will be introduced to the remaining trekking crew and start the final preparation before hitting the trail.
This first-day walk in the Khumbu region will be easy with some gradual uphill and downhill paths. You will stroll through charming villages and a series of picturesque landscapes that the trail has to offer you. In 3 to 4 hours, you will arrive at Phakding Village, the first mountain stops of your journey.
Activity: 3-4 hours trek
Max. Altitude: 2,610m/8,563ft. (Phakding)
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Guesthouse or Lodge
Our trek after breakfast at the guesthouse will be followed by a stroll along the winding trails that lead to the park entrance at Monjo Village which is the entry point of Sagarmatha National Park. Before we continue, our permits will be checked thoroughly. Be nice to the local authority and follow their requests.
Then, we trek through the jungles and cross suspension bridges to reach the liveliest town of the Solu Khumbu region, Namche Bazaar. We will settle in a cozy guesthouse where you will enjoy delicious Nepalese cuisine.
Activity: 5-6 hours trek
Max. Altitude: 3,440m/11,286ft. (Namche Bazaar)
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Guesthouse or Lodge
To properly acclimate our bodies to the increasing altitude as we travel higher in the Khumbu region, we will make a one-day halt at Namche Bazaar on the fourth day of the 20-day Everest Three Passes Trek program. There are several interesting side trips to pick from in order to make the most of this day.
We will begin our hike to the Everest View Hotel to see the panoramic views of snow-clad mountains and other beautiful scenery. Then, we will come back to Namche Bazaar to explore its museums and markets and interact with local people.
Activity: 4-5 hrs (round-trip)
Max. Altitude: 3,880m/12,730ft. (Hotel Everest View)
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Guesthouse or Lodge
After a substantial breakfast in Namche, we will start the stretch toward the village of Tengboche. The path descends through the Kyangjuma Village and leads through Sansa, where you can find a junction that separates the road to EBC and Gokyo Valley.
From here, we will pass through a forested path and cross a prayer-flag-draped bridge over the Dudh Koshi River to reach Phunki Thenga. Then, we will gain elevation, moving uphill steadily to reach Tengboche. You can also visit the popular Tengboche Village in the evening and take in its spiritual atmosphere.
Activity: 5-6 hrs trek
Max. Altitude: 3,860m/12,664ft. (Tengboche)
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Guesthouse or Lodge
We will set off today by hiking down through the forested trails filled with rhododendron woods to reach the village of Debuche. We will also cross the swift-flowing Imja Khola River on the way, which will take us to Pangboche Village, sitting at a height of 4360 meters above sea level.
The journey then continues in the direction of the picturesque Imja Valley, which, following a slow ascent, leads to the Dingboche Village. Once we arrive at this charming high-altitude location, we will spend the night at a comfortable guesthouse.
Activity: 5-6 hours trek
Max. Altitude: 4,410m/14,469ft. (Dingboche)
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Guesthouse or Lodge
The seventh day marks the 2nd acclimatization day of the 20-day Everest Three Passes Trek itinerary in Dingboche Village. We will embark on a side hike to Nangkartshang Peak, sitting at an elevation of 5083 meters. The trail to this peak is a steady climb, which takes about 4 to 5 hours in a round trip.
As we reach the top, you can soak in the fantastic, spine-tingling, extensive panoramas of snow-blanketed mountains like Makalu, Cho Oyu, Pumori, and many other gigantic peaks. Then, we will ease downward to the guesthouse in Dingboche to sleep the final night in this village.
Activity: 4-5 hours (round-trip)
Max. Altitude: 5,083m/16,677ft. (Nangkartshang Peak)
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Guesthouse or Lodge
After having a delicious breakfast at the guesthouse, we would proceed with our trip to Chhukung Valley in the Everest region. The trek today will be a combination of up and down walks, and we will maintain a steady pace throughout.
The journey passes through the beautiful Imja Khola Valley, where you can see traditional walled fields and small farming settlements. On the way, we will stroll past the Bibre, which is a seasonal yak herding spot. In about 4 to 5 hours, we will finally reach Chhukung, sitting at an elevation of 4730 meters surrounded by breathtaking landscapes.
Activity: 4 to 5 hours trek
Max. Altitude: 4,730m/15,518ft. (Chhukung )
Accommodation: Guesthouse or Lodge
On the ninth day of the Everest Three Passes Trekking Package, we will cross the first pass, Kongma La Pass, at 5535 meters, as we trek to Lobuche Village. This pass is also known by the name of the Mehra La. We will ascend through the grassy and rocky terrain to reach the top.
You will be showered with views of surrounding peaks, glaciers, valleys, snowfields, and some Sherpa villages from afar at the top. Then, we lose elevation and cross Khumbu Glacier to arrive at Lobuche Village to spend the night.
Activity: 7 to 8 hours trek
Max. Altitude: 4,910m/16,109ft. (Lobuche )
Accommodation: Guesthouse or Lodge
On this tenth day, about half of your journey will be completed on this 20-day Everest Three Passes Trek itinerary in the Solu Khumbu region. We will kick off the trek following Khumbu Glacier’s lateral moraine to reach the Gorak Shep Village, where we leave our gear and make ourselves light to push upward to Everest Base Camp.
At the camp, you will behold the holistic vistas of snow-capped some of the tallest Himalayas, like Everest, Ama Dablam, Lhotse, and Nuptse. Then, after capturing photos and videos, we will get back to Gorak Shep for the overnight stay.
Activity: 8 to 9 hours trek
Max. Altitude: 5,164m/16,942ft. (Gorak Shep)
Accommodation: Guesthouse or Lodge
In the early morning before daybreak, we will hit the trails to climb to Kala Patthar at 5545 meters, which will test your endurance due to the cold temperatures of the pre-dawn hours, but the effort is every single bit worth it. After reaching Kala Patthar, you will catch the jaw-dropping sunrise over the peaks.
We will spend some time taking in the incredible sights of beautiful landscapes from the vantage point. After this amazing experience, it is time that we head downhill to Lobuche Village to sleep the night for the last time in this village.
Activity: 8 to 9 hours trek
Max. Altitude: 4,910m/16,109ft. (Lobuche)
Accommodation: Guesthouse or Lodge
On this twelfth day of the 20-day Everest Three Passes Trek itinerary, we will leave the classic trekking route to Everest Base Camp and branch off toward Dzongla Village, lying at 4830 meters, which is surrounded by the majestic peaks.
We will also walk past the Chola Tsho Lake and colorful stupas. After that, we will walk over the Chola Khola River via a hanging bridge. For around four to five hours, we will be at Dzongla Village. Tomorrow, we will make our way to Gokyo Valley.
Activity: 4 to 5 hours trek
Max. Altitude: 4,830m/15,846ft. (Dzongla )
Accommodation: Guesthouse or Lodge
Today, we will start off our journey early after having a warm breakfast in the guesthouse. We will cross the second pass of the Three Passes Trek as part of our Everest Base Camp adventure. By midday, we will reach the top of Cho La Pass at 5368 meters above sea level. From here, you can enjoy panoramic, awe-inspiring peaks like Cholatse, Taboche, and Ama Dablam.
After that, we will descend the trail that takes us to Gokyo. On the way, we will walk past the Khara, Pangka, and Ngozumpa Glaciers. After reaching the Gokyo Village, home to the six glacial lakes, we will settle here for the two overnights.
Max. Altitude: 4,800m/15,748ft. (Gokyo )
Accommodation: Guesthouse or Lodge
Day 14 of the Everest Three Passes Trekking Package marks the 3rd and last acclimatization day in Gokyo Village. We will hike up to Gokyo Ri (5483 meters) to enjoy the sweeping panorama of ice-clad majestic peaks, including Everest, Makalu, Cho Oyu, and others.
Then, we will descend back to Gokyo after the exploration of Gokyo Ri, and then walk around the glacial lake, which includes Gyazumpa Cho, Longpongo Tsho, Ngozumpa Cho, Thonak Cho, Tanjong Cho, and Gokyo Cho (Dudh Pokhari). Tomorrow, we will cross the 3rd pass of this adventurous journey in the Everest region.
Activity: 3 to 4 hours (round-trip)
Max. Altitude: 4,800m/15,748ft. (Gokyo )
Accommodation: Guesthouse or Lodge
After having a warm breakfast, we will set off on a journey toward the Lungden Village from Gokyo via the final pass of this Three Passes Trek adventure, Renjo La Pass, standing at an altitude of 5340 meters. We walk the trail that follows the edge of Gokyo Lakes and trudge up through rocky steps to reach the top.
This pass offers a breathtaking view of Mt. Everest, Makalu, Cho Oyu, and Lhotse, as well as the turquoise Gokyo Lakes shimmering below, with Gokyo village situated by the third lake (Dudh Pokhari). Then, we trek downward to the peaceful alpine village, Lungden.
Activity: 7 to 8 hours trek
Max. Altitude: 4,300m/14,108ft. (Lungden )
Accommodation: Guesthouse or Lodge
On this sixteenth day of the 20-day Everest Three Passes Trek itinerary, we will commence the return hiking journey and head toward today’s overnight stop at Thame Village. The trail offers a rewarding experience, featuring breathtaking views of majestic mountains.
In just 4 to 5 hours, we will be in Thame Village. Similarly, you can explore the historic Thame Monastery that lies above this village, which is famous for hosting the Mani Rimdu festival, celebrated each spring around the month of mid-May.
Activity: 4 to 5 hours trek
Max. Altitude: 3,800m/12,467ft. (Thame )
Accommodation: Guesthouse or Lodge
Today, we will march back to Namche Bazaar town, trekking through the routes of open meadows, pine, and rhododendron woodlands with majestic Himalayan views in the backdrop. Along the way, we will pass through Sherpa communities where you will catch a glimpse of authentic Himalayan local life.
We will arrive eventually at Namche Bazaar within four to five hours of walking from Thame Village. Before heading back to Lukla, we will stop at this village for one final time for the overnight stay.
Activity: 4 to 5 hours trek
Max. Altitude: 3,440m/11,286ft. (Namche Bazar)
Accommodation: Guesthouse or Lodge
The eighteenth day marks the last day of your Everest Three Passes Trekking Package in the high Himalayas of the Solu Khumbu region. We will walk through the familiar villages like Monjo and Phakding to reach Lukla.
On the way, you will also pass by the chortens, monasteries, prayer flags, and mani walls. Make sure you enjoy the final glimpses of the Himalayas while on the ground in the Everest region, as you will also have a chance to enjoy an aerial flight as well. Once we reach Lukla, we will check into the guesthouse and spend the remaining day sharing each other’s travel experiences.
Activity: 6 to 7 hours trek
Max. Altitude: 2,840m/9,318ft. (Lukla )
Accommodation: Guesthouse or Lodge
Your 20-day Everest Three Passes Trek itinerary concludes in Lukla town, where it started. After the final breakfast in this peaceful town, we will board a flight to Tribhuvan Airport, where our crew will be expecting us at the terminal to receive us and drop you at your standard hotel in Thamel.
Make the most of your free time by visiting the UNESCO-listed World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu City and the bustling marketplaces where you may purchase trinkets to bring home. Finally, enjoy your final meal in a classical Nepalese restaurant. In the evening, we will also provide you with a trip completion certificate.
Activity: 25 to 30 minutes flight
Max. Altitude: 1,324m/4,344ft. (Kathmandu)
Accommodation: Standard Hotel
On this twentieth day of the Three Passes Trek adventure, it’s time to go back to your country as per your visa stay in Nepal. The Morning Star Trek crew will accompany you at the airport for your farewell. In the future, we hope you pick us again for the next thrilling adventure in Nepal.
If our standard itinerary doesn't fully meet your needs, we are happy to tailor it to your specific preferences and requirements.
The 20-day Everest Three Passes Trek itinerary can give you the most rewarding experience if you undertake this journey during the autumn and spring seasons. The reason is that the weather is in normal condition, offering clear skies, excellent visibility, and crisp air, which is favorable for trekking.
In the spring, you may see forests with flowering rhododendrons and vivid sceneries, while fall is the season of celebration in Nepal. We do not recommend traveling during the rainy and winter seasons owing to severe weather conditions such as extreme cold, heavy rain, slippery pathways, and unpredictable weather.
The Everest Three Passes Trekking Package is one of the most strenuous adventures in the Everest region due to the presence of rugged paths, steep uphill, and high-elevation challenges. Without being physically and mentally strong, it will be tough to trek for 20 days in the heart of the mountains that take you above 5000 meters.
Besides, severe mountain sickness is among the significant problems that hikers should avoid by following safety protocols like acclimatization, drinking water, and rest. Wherever you are at lofty elevations, the weather will be a problem, and its erratic character can give you more troubles.
On this 20-day Everest Three Passes Trek itinerary, when you trek above 4000 meters, the chances of getting altitude sickness rise instantly. The higher the altitude, the thinner the air gets. Due to this, trekkers are naturally prone to symptoms like shortness of breath, fatigue, nausea, loss of appetite, and headache.
The best way to be safe from it is acclimatization, hydration, and walking at a steady pace. If symptoms develop, the best remedy is to go downhill. In the same way, you should always watch out for your fellow hikers and notify your guide right away if something appears off so that they may get aid right away.
The foremost crucial part before embarking on this adrenaline-filled Everest Three Passes Trek adventure is proper preparation and solid fitness. You need to undergo physical training to improve your strength and stamina, which will be very helpful when trekking the challenging route.
To build up stamina, one can do cardio workouts, and for strength development, going to the gym and lifting weights is a great choice. Apart from this, you can also do flexibility exercises, which will prevent injuries, fatigue, and cramps while walking. Similarly, you can practice yoga for a healthy mindset, as it is the most vital thing you need to complete this 20-day journey at ease.
Tea houses that are located on the Everest Three Passes Trek route are the places where you can get basic but lovely accommodation, hot food, and the locals’ warmth. It’s more than just a place to stay; it becomes a great experience of meeting new people, feeling the community atmosphere, and tasting the authentic flavors of Nepal, which is what makes every night a memorable part of the journey.
Eating at guesthouses on the Everest Three Passes Trek not only keeps you strong but also provides a way to connect with the locals and their culture. You can count on having a delicious breakfast, a satisfying lunch, a nice dinner, and hot drinks. Everything that you eat and drink, be it Dal Bhat or Tibetan bread and ginger tea, will become your source of strength and will uplift your spirit simultaneously.
Our company, Morning Star Trek, offers private transportation for airport transfers during arrival and departure times, ensuring your convenience. Similarly, round-trip airfare between Manthali or Kathmandu and Lukla is also included in the Everest Three Passes Trekking Package.
In addition, our company offers personalized service for those who wish to travel to Lukla via helicopter. However, it will be a bit more expensive, but it provides the best aerial experience one can ask for.
Communication on this 20-day Everest Three Passes Trek can be challenging due to its secluded location. Even though some guesthouses offer internet access for a few extra bucks, it can be very frustrating due to the slow speed of Wi-Fi and frequent connection loss. So, you can purchase either NCELL or NTC SIM cards that offer more exhaustive coverage to stay connected all the time via data or phone calls.
For the Everest Three Passes Trek, all you need are three permits to trek freely in the Solu Khumbu region, which are the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit, the TIMS Card, and the Sagarmatha National Park Entry. To obtain these permits, you will be required to provide essential documents, including a passport, photos, and insurance details. Morning Star Trek will arrange these permits on your behalf before you arrive in Nepal, providing we receive the appropriate documentation by mail.
Getting a travel visa in Nepal is just a simple and hassle-free process. Once you touch down at the Tribhuvan Airstrip, you can get your visa on arrival. However, the cost of a visa can vary depending on the duration of your stay in Nepal. For instance, you may have to pay thirty dollars for 15 days. fifty dollars for 30 days and one hundred and twenty-five dollars for 90 days.
Since the process is straightforward, you just have to provide a few documents, like a photocopy of your passport, passport-size pictures, and other documents as asked.
Verify that high-altitude hiking is covered by your travel insurance before signing up for the Everest Three Passes hiking Package. Mountainous regions are typically not covered by ordinary plans, which might lead to major problems in an emergency. When purchasing insurance, choose the right company and carefully review the details to ensure your trekking risks are covered.
You should not neglect any aspects in the terms and conditions of the travel insurance; instead, you should ask the company if you think essential things are not covered. Similarly, travel insurance must be able to cover theft, delays, loss, helicopter rescue, and so on, so that you can travel stress-free and happy.
The Everest Three Passes Trekking Package is exclusive of meals in Kathmandu, flights to and from abroad, and airport departure taxes. Visitors need to get the Nepal entry visa, which can be done on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport.
Besides, the travelers are required to have their own travel insurance that covers a high-altitude emergency evacuation. The package does not include the costs for beverages, bottled or boiled water, personal trekking gear, tips for the guides and staff, and any other expenses that are not mentioned in the package.
The decision to go on a private trek or a group trek before planning the 20-day Everest Three Passes Trek is what will define your whole trip. With a private trek, you have the liberty to plan everything according to your liking, such as the pace of the trek, rest days, meal stops, etc., making it very your own. On the other hand, a group trek is all about the collective spirit and friendship, which is why there is often a bond formed between the members of the different groups that are met along the way.
Although private trips are more about freedom and luxury, group journeys are about sharing experiences, receiving support, and telling the stories that later, when back home, become just a memory of an overnight stay under the Himalayan sky.
General
Trekkers can expect a challenging adventure with a fantastic journey in the Khumbu region, which includes three high mountain passes offering sweeping, jaw-dropping vistas of the mountains.
This adventure usually takes about 15 to 22 days, crossing Kongma La, Cho La, and Renjo La passes. You can adjust the itinerary and rest days as per your visa or schedule in Nepal.
Most travelers go anticlockwise, starting from Kongma La Pass and ending at Renjo La Pass, as this route makes acclimatization easier and the climbs are more manageable.
Kala Patthar, which is 5545 meters above sea level and offers stunning sunrise views over the snow-covered Himalayas, is the highest point of our 20-day adventure.
It is an arduous high-elevation journey that includes steep climbs and rugged and rocky terrain, which is suited for fit and experienced hikers.
Morning Star Trek arranges the group of 2 to 15 people. Small groups will have more personalized services, while larger groups will be budget-friendly.
Preparation & Fitness
When you are going for a high-altitude trek you have to bring the basic or essential things such as sleeping bags, trekking poles, and sturdy bags. A packing list by Morning Star Trek will definitely make your preparation easier and more convenient.
You can prepare for training for 2 to 3 months before the start of the adventure by focusing on cardio and strength exercises. Similarly, you can prepare mentally by setting realistic goals, visualizing the trek, and keeping a positive attitude.
Insurance and Visa
Of course, you can get your Nepal visa at the airport. To save your time, you can fill out the online application before you arrive at the Tribhuvan Airport in Nepal, as it is usually crowded.
This journey takes you more than 5000 meters high, where anything can happen. It will cover emergencies such as evacuation, accidents, delays, or illnesses, which can be very expensive.
Guides & Support Staff
Yes, our guides speak English perfectly and provide clear insights about the trek, local culture, and safety.
Definitely, tipping is always welcome. If you feel that your porter and guide have served you well, then make them a tip to show your appreciation and to say thank you.
Accommodation and Facilities
On this adventure, you will find the accommodations with basic amenities such as beds, cushions, and blankets to keep you warm. Similarly, most have simple squat toilets, except lower altitude locations like Namche and Lukla have both Western-style and squat toilets, so bring your own toiletries.
Food and Drinks
Guesthouses offer a range of Nepali foods, such as Dal Bhat, noodles, momos, thukpas, pasta, bread, and hot drinks, to keep you energized and healthy at high altitude.
Weather & Seasons
The best times for this hike are the seasons of spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November), when the atmosphere is clear and the temperature is comfortable. This is when you can have spectacular and unimpeded views of the Himalayan range in the Khumbu area.
Honestly, the weather is unpredictable with cold nights and warm days. You will experience temperatures around 25°C during the day, dropping well below freezing at night. So, it is better to be ready for all conditions.
Health & Safety
You can prevent altitude sickness by ascending gradually, staying hydrated, eating a healthy diet, and taking rest days to acclimate.
The hiking guide accompanying you along the trail will continuously supervise your safety and, if necessary, take action such as guiding you down your route or arranging a helicopter rescue to ensure your safety.
Booking & Payment
You can pay this package cost online using credit cards or by bank transfer, at your convenience.
Yes, we offer group discounts and occasional promotions. You can find the latest deals on our official website or in our newsletter, which we send out via email when booking the trip.
Refunds may or may not be available depending on the cancellation timing. However, the crucial thing is that you have to contact us early to learn about your options.
Transportation & Flight
Yes, you will need to schedule your own foreign flights, as we only provide local arrangements and hiking services.
The leading cause is bad weather in Lukla. Other causes include air traffic, staffing issues, or operational challenges at Kathmandu Airport.
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Have Questions?
+977 9767224414