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 19 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).
Flights and mountain weather
The starting point for most Everest area treks is the small town of Lukla. No roads link Lukla with the rest of the country so for most people the only way in or out of Lukla is by air. However, 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. Unsuitable weather conditions sometimes last for several days. To makes matters worse most flights to and from Lukla no longer leave from Kathmandu but from the small town of Ramechhap, which is some five hours drive east of Kathmandu. In order to ensure that your Everest Three Passes trek goes as smoothly as possible we know longer use the aeroplanes to accsess Lukla. Instead we travel by helicopter direct from Kathmandu. Helicopters are safer to use in this mountainous terrain and can continue to operate when the planes can’t. However, the cost of helicopter tickets is higher than plane tickets, but we think it’s worth it for the peace of mind it brings. 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. The standard price for one person travelling alone is Euro 5216 (UK£4550/US$6029). The standard price for two people travelling together and sharing a room is a total of Euro 7227 (UK£6305/US$8357).
Price includes:
All transport - including domestic helicopter flights - within Nepal
All accomodation - hotels, lodges, guest houses and homestays
Breakfast 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).
All meals except for breakfast in Kathmandu.
Drinks
Laundry
Phone sim card/internet useage
Souvenirs
Items of a personal nature