The Three Passes Trek is a circuit that begins and ends in Lukla, the gateway to the Everest region. It combines the best of the Everest Base Camp Trek and the Gokyo Lakes Trek, while adding the unique challenge of crossing three high-altitude passes. This trek is ideal for trekkers who are physically fit, have some experience in high-altitude trekking, and are looking for an adventure that goes beyond the more commonly traveled trails in the Everest region.

The trek spans about 18 to 21 days, depending on the specific itinerary and acclimatization needs. It involves walking for 6 to 8 hours each day on rugged terrain, with several days requiring ascents of over 1,000 meters. Trekkers must be prepared for steep ascents and descents, walking on glaciers, and traversing rocky paths. Due to the high altitudes reached during this trek, it is essential to acclimatize properly to minimize the risk of altitude sickness.

Highlights of the Three Passes Trek

• Three High Passes: Cross Renjo La, Cho La, and Kongma La, each offering unique challenges and incredible views.
• Everest Base Camp: Reach the iconic Everest Base Camp, the starting point for Everest summit attempts.
• Gokyo Lakes and Gokyo Ri: Witness the stunning turquoise Gokyo Lakes and climb Gokyo Ri for panoramic views of the Everest region.
• Kala Patthar: Climb to the top of Kala Patthar for one of the best views of Mount Everest and the surrounding peaks.
• Sherpa Villages: Explore traditional Sherpa villages like Namche Bazaar, Dingboche, and Thame, and experience the rich culture and warm hospitality of the local people.
• Diverse Landscapes: Trek through a variety of landscapes, from lush rhododendron forests to glacial moraines and high-altitude deserts.

Detailed Itinerary of the Three Passes Trek

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu

Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you will be transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to explore the bustling streets of Kathmandu, visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites, or relax and prepare for the trek. In the evening, you will attend a pre-trek briefing with your guide to go over the trek details, safety procedures, and gear requirements.

Day 2: Fly to Lukla and Trek to Phakding (2,610m)

An early morning flight from Kathmandu to Lukla (2,800m) marks the beginning of the trekking adventure. The 45-minute flight offers stunning aerial views of the Himalayan peaks. Upon landing in Lukla, the trek begins with a gentle descent to Phakding, following the Dudh Koshi River. The trail passes through charming Sherpa villages, lush forests, and over suspension bridges draped with prayer flags.

Day 3: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440m)

From Phakding, the trail continues along the Dudh Koshi River, crossing it several times via high suspension bridges. The path gradually ascends through pine and rhododendron forests, passing through small villages like Monjo, where you enter Sagarmatha National Park. The final stretch involves a steep climb to Namche Bazaar, the main trading center of the Khumbu region. Namche offers a range of amenities, including shops, cafes, and bakeries, providing a comfortable place to acclimatize.

Day 4: Acclimatization Day in Namche Bazaar

To help your body adjust to the altitude, you will spend an acclimatization day in Namche Bazaar. A popular hike takes you to the Everest View Hotel for stunning views of Everest, Ama Dablam, and other peaks. Alternatively, you can visit the Sherpa Culture Museum or explore the local market. The day is designed to be active yet relaxing, following the "climb high, sleep low" principle to aid acclimatization.

Day 5: Trek to Thame (3,800m)

Leaving the main Everest Base Camp trail, the trek heads northwest to the quieter village of Thame. The trail offers beautiful views of the surrounding peaks and passes through rhododendron and pine forests. Thame is known for its historic monastery, one of the oldest in the Khumbu region, where trekkers can learn about the local Sherpa culture and spiritual traditions.

Day 6: Trek to Lungden (4,380m)

The trek continues towards Lungden, gradually ascending through remote and less-traveled areas of the Khumbu region. The landscape becomes more rugged and barren as you gain altitude, with stunning views of snow-capped peaks. Lungden is a small settlement and an ideal place to rest and acclimatize before tackling the first high pass.

Day 7: Trek to Gokyo via Renjo La Pass (5,388m)

Today, you will cross Renjo La Pass, the first of the three high passes. The ascent is steep and challenging, but the reward is a breathtaking view from the top, where you can see Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and the Gokyo Lakes below. After descending from the pass, you will trek along the shores of the third Gokyo Lake before reaching the village of Gokyo.

Day 8: Climb Gokyo Ri (5,357m) and Rest in Gokyo

An early morning climb to the summit of Gokyo Ri offers one of the most spectacular panoramic views in the Everest region. From the top, you can see four of the world’s highest peaks: Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu. After descending, the rest of the day is spent resting and exploring Gokyo, a beautiful village surrounded by high peaks and glacial lakes.

Day 9: Trek to Tragnag (4,700m)

Leaving Gokyo, the trek crosses the Ngozumpa Glacier, the largest glacier in Nepal. The trail is marked by cairns and involves navigating through ice and rocks. After crossing the glacier, the trail ascends to a small ridge before descending to Tragnag, a small settlement in a sheltered valley.

Day 10: Cross Cho La Pass (5,420m) and Trek to Dzongla (4,830m)

Today, you will cross Cho La Pass, the second high pass of the trek. The ascent is steep and involves a rocky scramble, but the views from the top are worth the effort. From Cho La, you can see the Rolwaling Valley and Ama Dablam. The descent involves crossing a small glacier before reaching Dzongla, where you will rest for the night.

Day 11: Trek to Lobuche (4,940m)

The trail from Dzongla to Lobuche offers stunning views as it contours along grassy slopes above a lake. The route then joins the main Everest trail, leading through a valley along the west side of the Khumbu Glacier. Lobuche is a small settlement that serves as a stopping point for trekkers heading to Everest Base Camp.

Day 12: Trek to Gorak Shep (5,164m) and Everest Base Camp (5,364m)

The trail to Gorak Shep follows the Khumbu Glacier and offers incredible views of ice formations and towering peaks. After a short rest at Gorak Shep, you will continue to Everest Base Camp. Reaching Everest Base Camp is a significant achievement, offering a unique opportunity to stand at the foot of the world's highest mountain. After spending time at the base camp, you will return to Gorak Shep for the night.

Day 13: Climb Kala Patthar (5,545m) and Trek to Lobuche

An early morning climb to the summit of Kala Patthar provides the best opportunity to see Everest and its neighboring peaks at sunrise. The climb is steep but rewards you with breathtaking views. After descending to Gorak Shep for a quick meal, you will continue trekking back to Lobuche.

Day 14: Cross Kongma La Pass (5,535m) and Trek to Chukhung (4,730m)

Leaving Lobuche, the trek heads towards Kongma La, the highest of the three passes. The ascent is challenging, but the view from the top is one of the best on the trek, with sweeping views of Makalu and the surrounding peaks. The descent into the Chukhung Valley brings you to the village of Chukhung, where you will rest for the night.

Day 15: Climb Chukhung Ri (5,550m) and Trek to Dingboche (4,410m)

Today begins with a climb to Chukhung Ri, a challenging peak that involves some scrambling near the summit. From the top, you get spectacular views of the Khumbu Valley and the surrounding peaks. After descending, the trek continues to Dingboche, a picturesque village known for its stone walls and fields.

Day 16: Trek to Kyangjuma (3,570m)

The trail descends back to the main Everest trail, passing through Pangboche and then ascending to the famous Tengboche Monastery. After visiting the monastery, the trek descends steeply before climbing again to Kyangjuma, a quiet village with beautiful views of Ama Dablam and other peaks.

Day 17: Trek to Phakding (2,610m)

The descent continues through Namche Bazaar, down Namche Hill, and across the Dudh Koshi River. The trail retraces familiar paths back to Phakding, allowing you to enjoy the lush scenery and reflect on the trek.

Day 18: Trek to Lukla (2,800m)

The final day of trekking follows the Dudh Koshi River back to Lukla. The trail offers a mix of gentle descents and short ascents. Arriving in Lukla marks the end of the trek, and you can celebrate your accomplishment with your trekking team.

Day 19: Fly back to Kathmandu

An early morning flight from Lukla brings you back to Kathmandu. After arriving in the city, you have the rest of the day to relax, explore, or enjoy a farewell dinner to celebrate your successful trek.

Day 20: Departure from Kathmandu

Depending on your flight schedule, you will be transferred to Tribhuvan International Airport for your departure. This marks the end of your incredible experience on the Three Passes Trek.