The Everest Three Passes to Base Camp is both challenging and exciting. The trails are far more remote than the main trail, which leads straight to Everest Base Camp. You’ll 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 Patthar (5540 meters), and Chukung Ri (5550 meters). The passes and peaks offer breathtaking views of Everest and the entire Khumbu mountain range.
The Everest Three Passes journey 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.
Leaving Namche Bazaar, you bend off 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 amazing. From this pass, you can see Everest, Cho Oyu, and many more famous summits. 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. Crossing 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. Still enjoying this highlight, you will immediately be treated to another one.
It is an easy climb to Kala Patthar peak. From this viewpoint, the Khumbu mountains are very close. You can almost touch Pumori Mountain. After this viewpoint, you descend to Lobuche before heading over the Kongma La pass to Chhukung. This pass is the last of the Everest Three Passes.
Here you can optionally climb another peak, Chukung Ri (5560 meters). This is a pleasant hill above the teahouse with views of the Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu. From Chhukung, you will return to Lukla, passing beautiful Sherpa villages and the impressive Tengboche monastery. A flight back to Kathmandu ends this Everest Three Passes adventure.
Our itineraries are designed to be flexible. If you would like to modify this plan, let us know, and we will work with you to create a personalized trip.
Day 1: Arrival Nepal; pick up at the international airport and drop off at a hotel in Thamel Kathmandu
Day 2: Free day at leisure in Kathmandu
Day 3: Flight Kathmandu/ Ramechap to Lukla (0,5 hrs.) and trek to Phakding (2640 m – 3 hrs.)
Day 4: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3440 m – 5 hrs.)
Day 5: Resting day at Namche Bazaar for acclimatization. Optional day hike to the Everest View hotel
Day 6: Trek to Thame (4200 m – 4 hrs.)
Day 7: Trek to Lungdhen (4380 m – 6 hrs.)
Day 8: Acclimatization day hike
Day 9: Cross over Renjo La pass (5344 m) to the Gokyo Lakes (4800 m –9 hrs.)
Day 10: Resting day or optional climb to Gokyo Ri (5483 m)
Day 11: Trek to Thangnang (4750 m – 3 hrs.)
Day 12: Cross over Cho La pass (5367 m) and descend to Lobuche (4930 m – 7 hrs.)
Day 13: Trek to Gorakshep (5170 m – 5 hrs.)
Day 14: Visit Everest Base Camp (5364 m), overnight in Gorakshep (5170 m – 6 hrs.)
Day 15: Trek to Kala Patthar (5554 m) and overnight in Lobuche ( 4930 m – 6 hrs.)
Day 16: Cross over Kongma La pass (5535 m) to Chhukung (4720 m – 7 hrs.)
Day 17: Climb Chhukung Ri (5550 m) and trek to Dingboche (4290 m – 6 hrs.)
Day 18: Trek to Namche Bazaar via Tengboche Monastery (3440 m – 6 hrs.)
Day 19: Trek to Lukla (2800 m – 5 hrs.)
Day 20: Flight Lukla to Kathmandu / Ramechap (flight 0,5 hr.)
Day 21: Free day at leisure in Kathmandu
Day 22: Departure; pick up from the hotel and drop off at the international airport
During the trekking season, prices may rise. The final price depends on the trekking season, group size and, if applicable, the cost of the local transfers.
Cost includes:
– Pick up and drop off from Kathmandu International Airport to the hotel
– 4 nights hotel room in Kathmandu; breakfast included
– Teahouse room during trek
– Return flight Kathmandu/ Ramechap to Lukla and transfer to and from the domestic airport
– Licensed and certified mountain guide. Well experienced and English speaking
– Porter service for carrying luggage; 10 kg per person
– Salary, food, accommodation and insurance for the mountain guide and porters
– 3 meals per day; breakfast/ lunch/dinner
– Free use of a waterproof bag
– Sagarmatha National Park entrance fee, TIMS card and local taxes
– Support of the Sherpa Heritage Trails head office in Kathmandu
Cost excludes:
– International flight to Kathmandu
– Nepal entrance visa
– Lunches and dinners in Kathmandu
– 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 the guide and porters
