Everest: Three Passes
Is the Everest Three Passes trek the most spectacular hike in the Nepalese Himalaya? We think so! Cross three passes (Kongma La Pass, Cho La Pass, and Renjo La Pass,) above 5000m altitude, pause at the iconic Everest Base Camp, admire the beautiful Gokyo Lakes and explore the Thame valley, which is the cultural heart of the Sherpa peoples, this extraordinary trek links together the very best of the entire Everest region into one unforgettable hike. Along the way you will cross glaciers, hike to breathless viewpoints and get up close to Lhotse, Nuptse, Cho Oyu, Ama Dablam and, of course, the summit of the world, Mount Everest.
While any hike in the Everest region is primarily about the incredible scenery, this is also the heartland of the Sherpa people and a place of mountaineering legend. For this reason, we use a local guide with expert knowledge on Sherpa culture and mountaineering history. Instead of merely guiding you along the trail, our guides act as a cultural and historical translator to all that you might see and experience along the way.
This journey isn’t just about the high mountains though. Once back in Nepal’s capital, Kathmandu, we will visit some of the Kathmandu Valleys sacred Hindu and Buddhist sites, including the wonderful Boudhanath, an important Tibetan Buddhist pilgrimage site that we think is one of the most magical religious sites in Asia.
Itinerary
This 22 day/21 night journey starts and ends in Kathmandu and includes ten full days of hiking.
Take in the jaw dropping view of the worlds biggest mountains from Kala Patthar.
Celebrate your arrival at the legendary Everest Base Camp.
Uncover the secrets of the holy Thame valley.
Photograph the beautiful Gokyo Lakes from atop Gokyo Ri.
Clamber over the stunning Kongma La pass.
Delve into Sherpa culture in Namche Bazaar and Thame.
Be mystified by the ‘yeti’ relics in some of the regions monasteries.
Learn about the history of Himalayan climbing.
Explore the remote upper reaches of the Gokyo Valley.
Journey Highlights
Number of days: 22 days total. 19 days trekking
Start/End: Kathmandu
When: October-May
Minimun number of participants: 1
Highest altitude reached: 5644m
Trek difficulty: Hard
Average hours hiking per day: 5-6hrs
Can this tour be customised? Yes
Key Details
Accommodation used on this journey consists of upper mid-range boutique and heritage properties in Kathmandu and Namche Bazaar. Elsewhere accommodation is largely limited to basic trekking lodges. Accommodation is always in private rooms but very thin, ply wood walls means that real privacy is hard to come by. In some places private bathrooms (cold water only) are available but in general bathrooms are communal. In-room heating is rare but we can provide hot water bottles. Some form of heating is always available in the dining areas of trekking lodges.
Accommodation
How hard is this trek?
The sort of scenery we will enjoy on this trek doesn’t come easy. This is a long and demanding trek with many days spent well above 4000m. The highest elevation reached is 5644m. Anyone attempting this trek should be very walk fit (you should be used to walking in demanding terrain for five to six hours a day) and very well acclimatised. Our version of this trek is longer than versions you might see offered elsewhere and that’s because we add in extra acclimatisation days to give you the best possible chance of success. Anyone attempting this trek should also be prepared to deal with sub-zero temperatures at night (most trekking lodges are unheated).
Flight schedules and mountain weather
Mountain weather can play havoc with flight schedules in Nepal. The nature of the terrain means that small planes are used and landings and take offs are done manually, which requires good visibilty. It’s very common for flights to be cancelled because of poor visibilty. This can sometimes last for several days. When planning a trek in the Everest region it’s vitally important that you leave at least two days between the end of this trek and any onward international flights. If weather or other unforseen cirumstances beyond our control mean that we are delayed at either end of this trek then Samgai Journeys is not responsible for the cost of extra hotel stays, although we will arrange hotels and other activities for you while we wait and we will do our best to ensure a miniumn of disruption to your journey. In order to lessen congestion at Kathmandu’s airport, and shorten flight durations to Lukla (so allowing more planes to go during the weather windows), it’s increasingly common for flights to leave for Lukla from Ramechhap, which is some five hours drive east of Kathmandu. As much as possible we try to get you on flights scheduled to leave from Kathmandu rather than Ramechhap, but if this is not possible then the cost of private transport to Ramechhap is included in the overall cost of your journey. There is also the option of taking a helicopter between Kathmandu and Lukla. These operate in conditions that aeroplanes cannot fly in and so are more reliable. If you wish to travel by helicopter then we can arrange this for you for an additional fee. It’s also possible to reach Lukla through a combination of driving and one or two days (depending on the condition of the very rough road at the time) hiking. This is an increasingly popular way of getting in and out of Lukla, espically with those who are nervous about mountain flights. We can arrange this for you as well.
Prices for our 22 day/21 nights Everest: Three Passes journey are based are a miniumn price. The exact price will vary depending on the number of people in your group, season and accommodation used as well as any additional add-ons. Please contact us for prices.
Price includes:
All transport - including domestic flights - within Nepal
All accomodation - hotels, lodges, guest houses and homestays
All meals excluding lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
Applicable Government Taxes
Trekking crew Insurance
Guides and support crew including assistant guides and porters
All entrance fees
All required national park and restricted area permits and trekking permits
This price does not include:
International flights
Visa for Nepal or any third country
Travel insurance (personal travel insurance is compulsory for joining any of our tours. Please confirm with your travel insurance company that trekking in Nepal to above 5000m is included. Many travel insurance do not include this or charge an additional fee for it)
Drinks
Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
Laundry
Phone sim card/internet useage
Souvenirs
Items of a personal nature