EBC three passes trek 18 days
Duration: 18 days
Trip level: strenuous (info?)
Maximum altitude: 5554 m
Accommodation: teahouse/lodge
Season: March, April, May, September, October, November
The three passes trek to Everest Base Camp is challenging and exciting. The trails are far more remote than the main trail which leads straight to Everest Base Camp. You will cross the Renjo La pass, Cho La Pass and the Kongma La Pass. These passes are not on the standard Everest trail so you hike secluded from the masses. During this exclusive trek you can optionally climb three peaks as well; Gokyo Ri (5483 meters), Kala Patar (5540 meters) and Chukung Ri (5550 meters). The passes and peaks offer breathtaking views of Everest and the entire Khumbu mountain range.
The adventure begins with the flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. From Luka Airport it is a short walk to Phakding. A good start for you to acclimate to the high mountainous air. From here on you hike towards Namche Bazaar, the Sherpa capital. In Namche, you will take a resting day for further acclimatizing. An optional day hike is possible to the Everest View hotel.
From Namche Bazaar you walk the trail into the remote Nangpa Valley towards Thame. The tough climb towards the Renjo La pass is long and steep, but very rewarding. The wide panoramic views are stunning. From this pass, you can see Everest and Cho Oyu. The descent to the idyllic Gokyo Lakes is quite leisurely. At the Gokyo Lakes, you can enjoy a resting day, or climb to the high peak of Gokyo Ri (5483 meters) for another stunning view of the mountains.
After Gokyo, you continue the trek over a glacier and climb towards the Cho La Pass. After this pass, you will enter the main trail to Everest Base Camp.
From Gorakshep, you will make a day hike to the base camp on the Khumbu Glacier. After this highlight, you will immediately be treated with another one. It is an easy climb to Kala Patar peak. From this viewpoint, the Khumbu mountains are very close. You can almost touch Pumori Mountain. After this viewpoint you descent to Lobuche before heading over the Kongma La pass to Chukung. Here you can optionally climb another peak; Chukung Ri (5560 meters). This is a pleasant hill above the village of Chukung with views of the Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyu.
From Chukung you will return to Lukla, passing beautiful Sherpa villages and the impressive Thyangboche monastery.
A flight back to Kathmandu ends this three pass adventure.
Day 01 Flight Kathmandu to Lukla (0,5 hrs.) and trek to Phakding (2640 m – 3 hrs.)
Day 02 Trek to Namche Bazaar (3440 m – 5 hrs.)
Day 03 Resting day at Namche Bazaar for acclimatization. Optional day hike to the Everest View hotel
Day 04 Trek to Thame (4200 m – 4 hrs.)
Day 05 Trek to Lungdhen (4380 m – 6 hrs.)
Day 06 Acclimatization day hike
Day 07 Cross over Renjo La pass (5344 m) to Gokyo Lakes (4800 m –9 hrs.)
Day 08 Resting day or optional climb to Gokyo Ri (5483 m)
Day 09 Trek to Thangnang (4750 m – 3 hrs.)
Day 10 Cross over Cho La pass (5367 m) to Lobuche (4930 m – 7 hrs.)
Day 11 Trek to Gorakshep (5170 m – 5 hrs.)
Day 12 Trek to Everest Base Camp (5364 m), overnight in Gorakshep (5170 m – 6 hrs.)
Day 13 Trek to Kala Patar (5554 m) and overnight in Lobuche ( 4930 m – 6 hrs.)
Day 14 Cross over Kongma La pass (5535 m) to Chukung (4720 m – 7 hrs.)
Day 15 Climb Chukung Ri (5550 m) and trek to Dingboche (4290 m – 6 hrs.)
Day 16 Trek to Namche Bazaar via Thyangboche Monastery (3440 m – 6 hrs.)
Day 17 Trek to Lukla (2800 m – 5 hrs.)
Day 18 Flight Lukla to Kathmandu (flight 0,5 hr.)
During the trekking season prices may rise. The final price depends on the trekking season, group size and the cost of local transfers.
Please inquire about the price
We have noticed the ways of travelling and booking are changing rapidly. Many customers book a hotel or a guesthouse themselves prior to their journey. However, we would happily like to arrange accommodation for you. We have excellent contacts with various hotels and guesthouses and will be able to offer a good price rate for any budget.
When you arrive at the International Airport we will pick you up and bring you to your accommodation. Here we will give you a short briefing about the trek. In addition we will give you advice about hygienic food, customs, and sightseeing in Kathmandu.
Cost include:
-Pick up and drop off from Kathmandu International Airport to hotel
-Return flight Kathmandu to Lukla and transfer to and from domestic airport
-Certificate of CO2- emission free return flight Kathmandu to Lukla
-Licensed and certified mountain guide. Well experienced and English speaking
-Porter service for carrying luggage. One porter for two persons, max. luggage 12 kg. per person
-Salary, food, accommodation and insurance for the mountain guide and porter(s)
-Free use of waterproof bag for your luggage
-Sagarmatha National Park entrance fee, TIMS card and local taxes
-Support of the Sherpa Heritage Trails head office in Kathmandu
Cost exclude:
-International flight to Kathmandu
-Nepal entrance visa
-Accommodation and all meals in Kathmandu
-Lodging and food during trek
-All beverage bills, hot shower, internet services, laundry and battery charge during trek
-Personal travel insurance
-Rescue operation charge in case of an emergency
-Any cost that arises due to a change of itinerary like flight delay, natural calamities, etc.
-Gratitude and tips for mountain guide and porter(s)