Everest Base Camp Trek with Three Passes – 17 Days
Trip Duration
17 Days
Group Sizes
2-16 People
Transportation
Bus, Flight
Destination
Nepal
Max. Altitude
5,644m. / 18,517ft.
Nature of Trip
Trek
Best Season
Autumn, Spring
Activities
- Trekking
- Sightseeing
Difficulty
Moderate
Meals
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Start & End Point
Kathmandu
Accommodation
- Lodge
- Hotel
Trip Highlights
- Breathtaking highly elevated grounds of the three Everest passes
- Clockwise route with better acclimatization chances before tackling the most arduous pass of Kongma La
- Beautiful calming atmosphere at Gokyo
- Ascending Gokyo Ri without any obligation
- Also a hiking adventure towards the Everest base camp and the black Mountain of Kala Patthar
- Overnight rests and meals at numerous heart-pleasing hamlets of the Sherpa
- Gorgeous time-stood Gompas/monasteries and the Everest View Hotel at Namche
- An unusual mountain flight to Lukla
Overview of Everest Base Camp Trek with Three Passes – 17 Days
The Everest region is often defined by only Mount Everest, the planet’s highest Himalayan Peak. However, we forget that this region conceals many extraordinary hiking trails that showcase every highlight this area has to offer. The Everest Base Camp trek with three passes is an example of one such ultimate Himalayan adventure.
In this trek, you will confront the three iconic passes of Everest in a clockwise manner: Renjo La (5446 m), Cho La (5420 m), and Kongma La (5535 m). This is how Sonam Adventure has turned the standard Everest Base Camp trek with three passes into something unusual and different.
But wait, our Everest three high passes trek will also take you to the heroic locations of Everest Base Camp (5364 m) and Kala Patthar (5644 m), the two main Himalayan destinations that hold a huge appeal for all true mountain hikers and climbers.
This trek therefore ranks high on many travelers’ dreams; the 17 days Everest Three Passes trek is the most beautiful highest trail in the world perfect for lovers of high peaks and passes.
However, due to the altitudes changes and crossed, it is regarded as one of the most challenging individual trekking routes in Nepal. You will repeatedly overcome the 5000 m barrier and all three passes are located above 5400 m.
However, we promise that every step and breath you will take on our Everest Base Camp trek with three passes will feel like you made an offering to some of the world’s highest Himalayas.
Additionally, on this 17 days trip, you will also have a cultural treat in the numerous Sherpa villages such as Namche, Thame, Tengboche, Lungden, etc. You will also have a beautiful detour to the Gokyo Valley, and its high glacial lakes with a climb to Gokyo Ri (5400 m) which you can join without an obligation.
Thus, from the serenity of the breathtaking passes to the thrill of Kala Patthar, and from the tranquil retreat at Gokyo Lake to the enriching encounters with the wonderful soul of the Sherpa people, our Everest Base Camp trek with three passes offers nearly everything Nepal has.
That’s why our Everest Base Camp trek with three passes is rightfully called the Ultimate Himalayan Adventure!
Itinerary of Everest Base Camp Trek with Three Passes – 17 Days
Day 01: Flight to Lukla from Kathmandu or Manthali , trek to Phakding
At the time of the extremely busy air traffic at TIA, we may need to leave quite early, around midnight, and head towards Manthali in Ramechhap for our flight to Lukla. If possible, we will attempt to catch the direct flight to Lukla from Kathmandu.
Once we are landed, the Sonam Adventure crew of guide and porter will relieve us of our gear. We will then start with the hike to the north and descend slightly through Chheplung, Chaurikharka, Thadokoshi, and Ghat to Phakding.
Duration
40 min/20 min flight & 3 to 4 hours trek
Accommodation
Lodge
Max Altitude
2610mDay 02: Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar
The real hiking part of our Everest base camp trek with three passes starts from this morning. Climbing gently through Benkar, we will be at Monjo where we will enter in the National Park of Sagarmatha.
Then, the slightly ascending path goes through Jorsale and ends at the Hilary Suspension Bridge. From here, our long sharp climb of around 700 m climb starts to the prosperous Sherpa town of Namche Bazaar.
Duration
5 to 6 hours trekAccommodation
LodgeMax Altitude
3440mDay 03: Rest Day for acclimatization
We have our very first day to adapt to the newer and higher altitude when we will take on a hike to the Everest View hotel. For those who want to devour the other less busy trail, the Khumjung Village and its Monastery and Sherpa Museum are also extraordinary hikes.
Accommodation
LodgeMax Altitude
3440mDay 04: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Thame
After Namche, a forest-filled path will gently carry us onward through Phurte and Kisibook to a bridge over the Thesyo Khola. The opposite path will continue to move upward through Samde to Thame, a peaceful locality with a very attractive small monastery.
Duration
5 to 6 hours trekAccommodation
LodgeMax Altitude
3750mDay 05: Trek from Thame to Lungden
An ascending slope from Thame over Bhote Koshi River will guide us through Taranga and Marlung villages to Lungden. Give adequate rest to your legs for we have our first pass crossing tomorrow.
Duration
5 to 6 hours trekAccommodation
LodgeMax Altitude
4500mDay 06: Trek from Lungden over Renjo La Pass (5446 m) to Gokyo Lake
The very first high but easy pass crossing day of our Everest Base Camp trek with three passes is today. Early rise will be needed after which an upward slope from Lungden will carry us toward Angladumba Tsho, a glacial lake.
The inclined slope of the sheer cliff will let us hike upward for a few more hours till we are at Renjo La Pass. Calm your mind and soul with the landscape of Makalu, Cho Oyu, Everest, Lhotse, and several others.
Now, a descending trail along the sharp slope will carry us down to Gokyo Lake. On the trail, we will pass by the sandy edges of the Longponga and Taujung (the first two Gokyo Lakes), then arrive at Gokyo Village beside the cool shore of the third Gokyo Lake: Gokyo Tsho or Dudh Pokhari.
Duration
7 to 8 hours trekAccommodation
LodgeMax Altitude
4750mDay 07: Early morning hike to Gokyo Ri (5400 m) and back to Gokyo
For further acclimatizing before tackling the second Everest Pass, we will ascend the stony slope of Gokyo Ri early morning. After Kala Patthar, it is another beautiful mountain lookout point to see Everest, Cho Oyo, Lhotse, Makalu, Cholatse, Taboche, Kangtega, and Thamserku. The view of the Cho Oyo glacier is also unparalleled.
Duration
1 to 2 hoursAccommodation
LodgeMax Altitude
4750mDay 08: Trek from Gokyo to Thangnak
Climbing higher along the moraine of the Ngozumpa Glacier, we will tackle the little crevasses along the path. Cho Oyu will beautifully situate itself in front of us as we keep on climbing higher for a few hours.
Then the trail will descend down to the Thangnak Village in the Khumbu Valley also often called Dragnag. It’s an excellent stop for resting before we face the height of the Cho La Pass tomorrow.
Duration
5 hours trekAccommodation
LodgeMax Altitude
4700mDay 09: Trek from Thangnak to cross Cho La Pass (5420 m) and hike to Dzongla
Today is one of the toughest days in our 17 days Everest Three Passes trek but incredibly beautiful. After we walk over a moraine, a sharp vertical climb to the pass of Cho La will be followed.
The expansive Rolwaling Himal range along with Ama Dablam, Lobuche, and Cholatse will be splendid to see from up here. Now, we will make a gradual descent to the east of the pass.
Soon enough we will be at Dzongla resting above the high Chola Tsho Lake.
Duration
6 to 7 hours trekAccommodation
LodgeMax Altitude
4855mDay 10: Trek from Dzongla to Lobuche
A beautiful day on our Everest Three High Passes trek that directs us back on the Everest Base Camp route. Our trail will follow the Chola Tsho lake through the rugged mountain scenery.
Soon, our eyes will meet the Imja Khola hinting that Lobuche is very near. We will reach the point where we can see the Lobuche glacier meeting with the Khumbu Glacier. This is where the Lobuche is which has the shining peaks of Thamserku, Kangtega, and Nuptse in its horizon.
Duration
4 hours trekAccommodation
LodgeMax Altitude
4910mDay 11: Trek from Lobuche to Everest Base Camp (5364 m) and trek back to Gorakshep
Another very long and arduous day of our Everest base camp trek with three passes. Following the Khumbu Glacier as a guide to the north, we will climb higher along its moraine through Lobuche Pass to Gorakshep.
Here, we will eat an early lunch then leave for reaching the Everest Base Camp. Traversing the Khumbu Glacier, in around three hours, we will be at EBC watching the towering ice locks of Khumbu Icefall along with Khumbutse, Nuptse, Pumori, and Lhotse.
At the end of the day, we will take comfort at Gorakshep, the highest sleeping stop on this trek.
Duration
7 to 8 hours trekAccommodation
LodgeMax Altitude
5160mDay 12: Hike Kala Pathhar (5644 m) and trek back to Lobuche
We will rise early again to experience the literal highlight of our Everest Base Camp trek with three passes. The Khumbu Glacier’s snowy and rocky slopes will be our guide one more time till we reach the flat plateau of this black mountain.
From here, the climb onward will be a bit hard and steep to the summit. See some of the high towering peaks that stand on the planet such as Nuptse, Pumori, Ama Dablam, Khumbutse, Lhotse, Lobuche, Lingtren, and Changtse along with Everest.
Let’s now descend steeply back down to Lobuche after collecting our bags from Gorakshep.
Duration
3 hours trekAccommodation
LodgeMax Altitude
4910mDay 13: Trek from Lobuche to Chhukung crossing the Kongma La Pass (5535 m)
The hardest pass of the Everest three high passes trek needs to be overcome today. Sloping upward along the Khumbu Glacier, we will make our way to the Pass summit. Ama Dablam, Baruntse, Lhotshe, Makalu, and Nuptse display their immense beauty.
Now, the descending path towards the eastern part of the Nigyang Khola Valley will march us to Chhukung.
Duration
7 to 8 hours trekAccommodation
LodgeMax Altitude
4730mDay 14: Trek from Chhukung to Tengboche
The landscape has grown greener again as we begin climbing down through Dingboche, Orsho, Shomare, and Pangboche. Then walking down through the birch and rhododendron forests, we will be at Tengboche and its monastery, the largest and oldest built in 1919.
Duration
5 hours trekAccommodation
LodgeMax Altitude
3855mDay 15: Trek from Tengboche to Namche Bazaar
The descending path from Tengboche will lead us down through Phungi Thenga along Dudh Koshi River Valley. We will walk down through the beautiful green settlements of Tashinga, Sanasa, and Kyangjuma. Before reaching the Namche civilization.
Duration
5 hours trekAccommodation
LodgeMax Altitude
3440mDay 16: Trek from Namche to Lukla
The last hiking day of our Everest Base Camp trek with three passes is today. Our path will descend through Top Danda, Jorsalle, and Monjo to get out of the border of Sagarmatha National Park.
We will then walk to Benkar, Phakding, Thadokoshi, Chheplung, and Chaurikharka to shortly climb to Lukla.
Duration
6 to 7 hours trekAccommodation
LodgeMax Altitude
2860mDay 17: Fly to Kathmandu or Manthali and drive to Kathmandu
Again, if possible, we will attempt to board a direct Kathmandu flight from Lukla. If not, we will be at Manthali from where Sonam Adventure’s pick-up van or bus will take us back to the noise of Kathmandu.
Accommodation
HotelMax Altitude
1400mEverest Base Camp Trek with Three Passes – 17 Days Altitude Chart
Trip Information - Good to Know
When to go for the Everest Base Camp Trek with Three Passes?
The most popular and most comfortable months for the Everest base Camp trek with three passes will be October-November (autumn time after wet monsoon with greater chances of clear skies) and April-May (Spring after winter with warmer and clearer weather).
How difficult is the 17 Days Everest Three Passes Trek?
The 17 days Everest Three Passes trek is one of the most difficult, demanding class five trekking adventures in the Everest region. Plus, ours is the clockwise route which can be quite arduous for the new hikers.
The greatest challenge parts of the trail are the passes and the length of the pass crossing section. In addition, the route to the three passes has often frozen streams, crevasses, exposure, sharp ascents, and steeper descents.
Also, the trail to the passes is not that signposted so it’s easy to lose your way. So if you are an eager new hiker, we suggest you trek to Everest base camp as your initial Nepal hiking adventure before attempting the Everest Base Camp trek with three passes.
Acute Mountain Sickness/AMS and Management
It will be fair to say that it is inevitable to escape from acute mountain sickness during our Everest Base Camp trek with three passes. So we advise you to start using Diamox as a preventive measure against AMS.
From Namche onward, you may start to feel a slight headache, unwell, dizziness, nausea, and out of breath. Take advantage of the acclimating routines we have placed for you at Namche and Gokyo.
Our guide will be asking you about your physical condition and in the slight appearance of AMS, he may decide to descend you.
How to train for the Everest Three High Passes Trek?
Please do not attempt the Everest three high passes trek untrained beforehand. It is one of the extremely difficult and challenging terrains with numerous tough parts that demand excellent physical fitness and shape.
Particularly, the Cho La Pass and the Kongma La Pass are literally tough so you have to be prepared with cardio, endurance, and strength exercises.
Train right in the gym, start walking outdoors, running, cycling, and stair climbing. And above all, do a lot of hiking if possible with a backpack to altitudes going beyond 3000 m.
How are the accommodation, food, and traveling arrangements during the Everest Base Camp Trek with Three Passes?
Sonam Adventure has set for you your sleeping arrangements in a double room of comfortable and clean mountain tea houses. While on the Everest Base Camp trail, the tea houses will have a fair amount of utilities such as WiFi, hot water, a single room, or even an attached toilet. On the trail of the passes, however, they may be very simple.
Three courses on the trek will be offered at the guesthouses or tea houses on the route. You will need to take care of your own drinks and beverages.
All Lukla flights either from Manthali or Kathmandu will be looked after beforehand. Sonam Adventure’s private van or bus will be supplied for overland travel to Manthali from Kathmandu.
What are the permit obligations for the 17 Days Everest Three Passes Trek?
The local entry permit for the Khumbu Valley (2000 NPR per trekker) along with the Sagarmatha National Park permit (3000 NPR per trekker) are the obligatory official permits for the Everest Base Camp trek with three passes which are again included part of our Everest three high passes trek package.
Necessity of Travel Insurance
The compulsory requirement of travel insurance for the Everest Base Camp trek with three passes is due to its extreme nature and isolated location. After Lukla, we will need to walk the entire route which means the only means for rescue and medical transport is through a helicopter, which can be expensive if you have to pay for it yourself.
Thus, for the Everest Base Camp trek with three passes, please get the insurance that covers helicopter rescue and medical costs up to an elevation of 5700 meters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will there be mobile connection everywhere on the route of the Everest base camp trek with three passes?
Yes, the mobile signal from NTC will be present in nearly all possible locations except for the high passes.
What is the sleeping place like at Gokyo Valley?
There is a comfortable hygienic inn by the lake just below the Cho Oyu Peak.
Which of Everest three passes will be the toughest for me?
The Kongma La will be the one that will present the toughest challenge and Renjo La with some ease.
Why is your route clockwise for the Everest Three High Passes trek?
Sonam Adventure has selected the clockwise approach because of its greater opportunities for acclimatization. By the time you are ready to face the daunting Kongma La, you will be 100% acclimatized.
What is the counterclockwise approach to the Everest Base Camp trek with Three Passes trek?
The counterclockwise approach will initially direct you through Kongma La, Cho La, and then Renjo La.
Will I find WiFi in any way on the trail of the 17 days Everest Three Passes trek?
Yes, the prepaid WiFi made available by the AirLink or Everest Link along with the WiFi at guesthouses can be accessed for a fee.
Can I charge for free my electronic devices at the tea houses?
Up till Pangboche, you may be able to charge your mobile, batteries, and power bank for free. Beyond that, the cost will be charged based on your device’s capacity.
Can I pay by card in the guesthouses of the Everest Base Camp trek with three passes?
If the guesthouse has internet access, you may do so but the charge can be very high so the affordable means will be cash.
Where exactly are the three Everest passes located?
They are inside the Sagarmatha National Park with an official trail commencing and ending at Lukla.
What will be my maximum sleeping altitude during your Everest Base Camp trek with three passes?
Your maximum sleeping height will occur when you are staying at Gorakshep.
I am a very fit new hiker; so can I join in your Everest three high passes trek?
For a new hiker, the Everest base camp trek with three passes challenge can be quite extreme even if you are very athletic. Getting the mountain walking experience through the Everest Base Camp trek will therefore be a wise choice.
How old should I be to participate in your 17 days Everest Three Passes trek?
There are no particular specifications of the right age for this trek but we encourage individuals between 16 to 70 years old with very good health and experience for the participation in this trek.
Can I also attempt to summit any peak during your Everest Base Camp trek with three passes?
Certainly, Sumdur Peak (5361 m) can be an excellent peak for you to attempt at Thame.
Is there any obligation to attempt all three passes? Can I skip any one of the three Everest passes?
Certainly, you can only attempt the Cho La and Renjo La and skip the Kongma La Pass.
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