One of the most all-encompassing and stunning trekking opportunities in the entire Everest region is the 3 Passes Everest Trek. It involves traversing three of the world’s most famous high-altitude passes: Kongma La, Cho La, and Renjo La; this unique route gives trekkers an incredible view of the awe-inspiring Himalayan range from many different perspectives. Each of these passes is over 5,000m in height and provides adventurous trekkers an incredible combination of stunning scenery, physical challenges, and elevation gain that only a small number of treks around the world can equal.
If you are looking for a challenging and rewarding trek, this journey is the perfect option for you and takes you on a fulfilling experience that is far beyond what’s offered on the standard Everest Base Camp trek. The trail passes through vibrant Sherpa villages, ancient Buddhist monasteries, breathtaking alpine valleys, beautiful glaciers, and sparkling turquoise lakes, thus immersing you into the core of the Khumbu region.
Kongma La Pass (5,535 m / 18,159 ft)
Kongma La is the highest of the three passes. It is also the first pass of this trek. The views of Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu were awesome as we approached Kongma La. This experience was awe-inspiring as the landscape opened up before us. The rugged terrain was covered in glaciers and ice towers. This created an ambiance that made Kungrama La a true high-alpine environment.
Cho La Pass (5,420 m / 17,782 ft)
Cho La Pass is a combination of adventure and natural beauty. Trekkers cross a glacier when coming over Cho-La Pass. Once trekkers descend from Cho-La Pass, they arrive in the serene Gokyo Valley. Gokyo Valley is home to the cobalt-blue lakes that Gokyo is most famous for; the walls of the mountains surrounding it make this area the most photogenic of the entire trek.
Renjo La Pass (5,360 m / 17,585 ft)
Renjo La offers one of the most stunning perspectives of the entire Everest region. From the summit, the view is breathtaking. We could see Mount Everest, Cho Oyu, Lhotse, Nuptse, and a long chain of snow-covered peaks in both directions. The trail that leads up to Renjo La is quieter than the other two passes, allowing trekkers to immerse themselves in the silence of the peaceful and untouched Himalayas.
Highlights of the trek:
The Three Passes Trek is a reflection not only of adventure, but of understanding all that is the Khumbu – its nature, culture, history, and more. Some highlights of this journey are:
The trek includes all types of scenery, from lush valleys, rainforest, and high-elevation rivers and lakes, to rugged terrain and snow-covered mountains. The Three Passes Trek embodies the full essence of a Himalayan adventure.
Best Seasons to Trek:
The most favorable times to undertake the Three Passes Trek are:
Welcome! To Kathmandu, Nepal. You will be welcomed by an Asian Heritage Travel representative with a nameplate upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, and you will then be taken to your hotel located within the busy tourist district known as Thamel in Kathmandu. You will see some of the highlights of the city while traveling to the hotel, including Pashupatinath Temple, Narayanhiti Royal Palace Museum, and the peaceful Garden of Dreams.
Once you arrive at your hotel, a representative will meet you to discuss your itinerary and answer any questions you might have about it. After you check into your hotel, the rest of the day is yours to explore the busy streets, cafés, and shops of Thamel or relax at your hotel.
Includes: Private transport and an overnight accommodation at Yatri Suites and Spa or a similar hotel in Kathmandu.
Start your sightseeing excursion by meeting your guide and climbing into your private vehicle. Your first stop will be Kathmandu Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where you will walk among centuries-old royal palaces, intricate carvings on countless temples, and traditional courtyard-style buildings indicative of the venerable history of ancient Kathmandu.
Your next destination on your journey is Swayambhunath, commonly referred to as the Monkey Temple. Swayambhunath is a sacred stupa located atop a hill that contains both Buddhist and Hindu cultural influences, and provides fabulous views of the Kathmandu Valley and the distant peaks of the Himalayas.
The next stop on your tour is Pashupatinath Temple, one of the premier Hindu pilgrimage destinations in Southeast Asia. Pashupatinath Temple is built on the banks of the Bagmati River, where you will get a glimpse of the open-air cremation ceremonies and experience the spiritual practices surrounding the temple complex.
The last stop of the day is the incredible Boudhanath Stupa (another UNESCO World Heritage Site), which is one of the largest stupas in the world. The stupa dates back to approximately 600 A.D. and represents the center of Tibetan Buddhist culture, surrounded by local life, monasteries, and prayer wheels.
After an amazing day of cultural experiences, you will head back to your accommodation to rest and relax.
Includes: Breakfast, Private Transport, English-speaking Tour guide, and an overnight accommodation at Yatri Suites and Spa or a similar hotel in Kathmandu.
The start of your trek will be marked by a breathtaking flight into Lukla from Kathmandu, showcasing the elegance of the Himalayas below. After landing at Lukla, your trek will officially begin towards Phakding. The trek continues beside Dudh Koshi River – otherwise known as Milk River – and alongside it, you will be enveloped in the tranquil sound of rippling water.
You will experience walking through colourful rhododendron forests while being surrounded by the fresh aroma of Evergreen Oak. Along your journey, you will pass various delightful Sherpa settlements, prayer walls, suspension bridges and reach Phakding, a quiet village known for its beauty.
The first day gives you an introduction to the History and Culture of the Everest Region and all it has to offer.
Includes: Airfare, English-speaking Trekking guide, Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Phakding.
The trek starts gently and follows the meandering banks of the Dudh Koshi River. As you walk, you may have your first view of Mount Everest off in the distance. After enjoying a leisurely lunch in Monjo, the trail steepens significantly, and the increasing elevation causes the trek to become somewhat difficult due to the need for a very gradual ascent.
As you steadily ascend, the time between the lunch break in Monjo and your arrival at Namche Bazaar may take several hours. You will eventually arrive at the vibrant Sherpa town of Namche Bazaar by late afternoon. Within Namche, visitors can shop for Nepali items, dine in different cultural restaurants, stay in one of the numerous hostels or guest houses, use the Internet, and spend time with fellow trekkers and locals to learn about how the communities thrive in the majestic environment of the Himalayas.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, an English-speaking Trekking Guide, and overnight accommodation at a local lodge in Namche Bazaar.
The Sherpa Capital is another name for Namche Bazaar. You can spend this time relaxing, getting used to the surroundings, and exploring. In order to enjoy the breathtaking vistas of Mount Everest, Thamserku, Ama Dablam, and other stunning peaks in Sagarmatha National Park, the majority of trekkers prefer to rise before daybreak. The opportunity to see the mountains’ shadows projected into the clouds above allows one to fully comprehend their size.
Try Champa, a type of grain that the Sherpa in the area frequently eat, and salt-butter tea as a source of energy. It is worthwhile to attend the vibrant cultural Saturday market, which is typically crowded with vendors who are frantically attempting to sell their goods.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, an English-speaking Trekking Guide, and overnight accommodation at a local lodge in Namche Bazaar.
You will travel from Namche Bazaar to Tengboche on the sixth day of your Everest Base Camp expedition. In terms of height gain, it will be one of the hardest days of the walk (around 3,900 meters or 12,795 feet), but it will also be the most rewarding because you will be able to enjoy the amazing vistas of the Everest Mountain Range.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, an English-speaking Trekking Guide, and overnight accommodation at a local lodge in Tengboche.
You will travel to Dingboche from Tengboche. With the glacial river below and the snow-capped peaks in the distance, the day will be breathtaking as you go through the valley. You will see the well-known mountain Ama Dablam and the settlement of Pangboche along the way, which will undoubtedly make this day of your trekking adventure in Nepal unforgettable.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, an English-speaking Trekking Guide, and overnight accommodation at a local lodge in Dingboche.
As soon as you finish breakfast, your journey begins with breathtaking mountain views beyond what you could imagine. Your trek will take you to Chuhkung Ri (5,550m), which is one of the hardest peak climbs in the world, but the view from the summit is one of the most spectacular in the entire eastern Himalaya.
From your summit, you will have a chance to see the world’s highest peaks, including Cho Oyu (8,201m), Pumori (7,161m), Lhotse Wall (8,400m), Lhotse (8,500m), Ama Dablam (6,856m), Makalu (8,481m), and Baruntse (7,129m). Every step will be worth it to experience these views that will prepare you for the many adventures ahead of you.
Includes: English-speaking Trekking guide, Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Chhukung.
You will encounter the most strenuous and long trek of your journey so far. The first step will involve crossing the highest pass of all, the Kongma La (5,400 m), with magnificent views of the mountains. After this, you will continue up towards the Niyang Khola Valley; from here, we will be going down a very high and steep path until we reach the place known as the “edge of the world”, World Famous Glacier. While we walk across this glacier, we will gradually have a much easier walk with spectacular sights of nature around us. You will then find yourself in Lobuche and will be able to enjoy a restful night after completing this great adventure.
Includes: English-speaking Trekking guide, Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Lobuche.
The cold environment of Gorakshep, located at this high altitude, is a strong reminder of the extreme conditions typical of a high mountain region. When you first arrive at Gorakshep, make sure to take time to relax a little bit and enjoy the breathtaking view of Mount Everest and other nearby mountains in the distance.
If you are up for it later that day, climbing Kala Patthar will provide one of the most stunning sunsets over the Himalayas and will give you a chance to see Mount Everest and other snow-covered peaks in the region from a unique point of view.
Includes: English-speaking Trekking guide, Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Gorakshep.
To start your day, you will hike to Kala Patthar (5,450 meters). The word “kala” means “black” and the word “patthar” means “rock.” Here you will find some of the most beautiful views of Mount Everest. Then you will hike up to the famous Everest Base Camp and see how magnificent the Khumbu Glacier Valley and Mount Everest are together, which makes for an unforgettable experience. After exploring, the next stop is Gorakshep, where you can have lunch. Then you will descend to Lobuche, where you will spend the night resting before continuing your hike.
Includes: English-speaking Trekking guide, Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Lobuche.
You will trek to Dzongla, a small village located at the foot of the Cho La Pass along a windy trail that takes between 7 and 8 hours. While on your way to Dzongla, you will be able to enjoy the magnificent views of Cho La Lake and many of the most breathtaking mountains in the area. The mountains include Mt. Everest, Mt. Nuptse, Mt. Pumori, Mt. Ama Dablam, Mt. Thamserku, Mera Peak, and many others; therefore, your descent will provide you with both a visual feast as well as an exciting outdoor adventure.
Includes: English-speaking Trekking guide, Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Dzongla.
Today’s journey takes you to the challenging Cho La Pass (5,368 m), which is a steep and vertical climb over rocky terrain that normally takes 3 hours to climb. Once you reach the top, you will be greeted with breathtaking panoramic views of Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Taboche, Baruntse, and the surrounding Cholatse, making every step worthwhile!
After descending from the pass, you will walk across a glacier of snow and ice for about an hour. After a well-deserved break for lunch and a short rest, you will continue on a rocky trail for about 3 hours to reach Dragnag, where you will be spending the night.
Includes: English-speaking Trekking guide, Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Dragnag.
After enjoying breakfast, an uphill 1.5-hour trek begins. This uphill start quickly turns into a relatively flat and easy, scenic walk with many views of Gokyo Lake and mountains in the background.
After resting at the Gokyo lodge, you will have a short climb to a small ridge with spectacular views of the glacier and other smaller glacial lakes in the area. You’ll be able to see one of the best views you’ll find anywhere else in the Himalayas!
Includes: English-speaking Trekking guide, Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Gokyo.
While today is technically a rest day on the trail, it also happens to be one of the best days spent enjoying the beautiful scenery around Gokyo. You can either take advantage of your rest day and hike up Gokyo Ri (5,360 m), located on the upper north side of Dudh Pokhari. This hike takes about 2+ hours total, but once at the top, you’ll be rewarded with some incredible panoramic views of Cho Oyu, Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cholatse, Taboche, and the impressive Ngozumpa Glacier below.
If you’d prefer to trek through Gokyo Valley today instead, you can visit many of the other glacial lakes nearby as well as enjoy views of the massive surrounding mountains and views towards Cho Oyu.
Includes: English-speaking Trekking guide, Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Gokyo.
The hike to Renjo La Pass (5,415 m) begins with an incredibly early start to follow the western upper trail (above Gokyo Lake), and after an aggressive sandy climb over approximately three hours, you will reach the highest point of the trail (the pass) with incredible views of the massive surrounding peaks including Everest, Lhotse, Cholatse, and Taboche.
The path then continues over a pathway of stone steps to the southern bank of the calm Angladumba Tsho Lake. After approximately four hours of trekking there we arrive peacefully at Lungdun (4,380 m), where we will spend the night and surrounded by a beautiful high alpine setting.
Includes: English-speaking Trekking guide, Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Lungden.
Following breakfast, you’ll set off to begin your day’s trek by walking down a gentle slope through a vast rhododendron forest. Halfway, you’ll pass over a suspension bridge before ascending a steep trail through a beautiful forest made up of pine and juniper trees: after leaving that forest, you will arrive in the town of Khumjung.
You’ll stop there for a while to rest and explore the area. After lunch, your trek will continue toward Namche Bazaar. You’ll follow the same trail back to reach Namche Bazaar, taking in the breathtaking scenery of the Himalaya mountains on both sides as you hike along.
Includes: English-speaking Trekking guide, Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Namche Bazaar.
The final day of the 3 Passes Everest Trek has arrived. After breakfast at Namche Bazaar today, you will begin this day’s trek back toward Lukla, taking in the breathtaking views for the final time. You will stop for lunch while in transit.
After arriving at Lukla, there will be an opportunity for you to freshen up and relax, reflect on all of the amazing experiences you had over these past few days of trekking. There will be ample opportunity to share your story with like-minded individuals and remember the amazing adventure that has taken place!
Includes: English-speaking Trekking guide, Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Lukla.
After breakfast, you will fly back to Kathmandu with the scenic views of the mountains. Flight times are subject to change based on weather conditions. Once you arrive at KTM airport, a representative will greet you and provide private transportation to your hotel for a smooth, pleasant arrival experience.
Includes: Airfare, English-speaking Trekking guide, Porter, and an accommodation at Yatri Suites & Spa or a similar hotel in Kathmandu.
The guide will meet you at your hotel to start the Kathmandu Valley’s Cultural Exploration Adventure! The first stop will be at Bhaktapur Durbar Square, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site where you will see some of the most amazing examples of Nepal’s architectural heritage and a vibrant atmosphere. In addition, you will visit the Nyatapola Temple, which is one of the tallest in Nepal, and Pottery Square, where you will have hands-on experience at making pottery with local artisans. You will actually create your own unique pot from start to finish, from design through to applying decorative elements.
The next stop on this tour will be Patan Durbar Square (also a UNESCO-listed site). You will get to see the Krishna Temple, which has a beautiful courtyard; the Patan Museum, which has a wide variety of artefacts and stunning displays; the Golden Temple, which is filled with intricate carvings; and the Banglamukhi Temple (dedicated to the Goddess of Knowledge).
The final location is Kirtipur, which has been designated as a historic Newar town and is well-preserved with ancient temples and monuments. Kirtipur has been an important centre for Newar culture and architecture for many centuries. You will visit some of Kirtipur’s most famous temples, including Bagh Bhairav Temple and Chilancho Stupa, as well as Uma Maheshwar Temple, which is the end of your Three Passes Everest Trek and Kathmandu Valley Cultural Journey!
Includes: Breakfast, English-speaking tour guide, Private Transport, and an overnight accommodation at Yatri Suites and Spa or a similar hotel in Kathmandu.
Today is the last day of your journey. Three hours before your scheduled departure back to your home or another location, our representative will pick you up in a private vehicle after breakfast and drop you off at Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport.
We hope you travel safely and look forward to seeing you again soon.
Includes: Breakfast and private Transport.
Getting to Nepal as an international visitor is easy with the availability of an easy-to-use Visa on Arrival service at Tribhuvan International Airport and almost all the land border crossings into Nepal. Upon arrival at the airport, you will complete the visa form, submit the necessary documents, pay the applicable visa fee online, and then you will be given your visa within a very short time.
With several different types of Nepali visas available for various duration periods, visitors have the choice of whether they want to stay for a few days or months; however, some nationalities must obtain their visa in advance of travelling, so you must check the current visa requirements.
Learn more about visa guidelines and requirements: Tourist Visa Information
Nepal offers a wide variety of accommodation to meet the varying requirements of travelers at every budget level and personal comfort preferences.
Luxury Accommodation
Enjoy the luxury and the comfort of a highly rated hotel, and are looking for a high-end experience. You will find many luxury hotels in Nepal with an array of modern conveniences, such as spa treatments, fine dining, beautiful locations, breathtaking views of the Himalayas, and individual attention from the staff. These types of hotels are perfect for people who want to relax, unwind, and experience luxurious facilities while traveling throughout Nepal.
Budget Accommodation
Travelers who want to experience Nepal without breaking the bank will be happy to know that there are also many inexpensive accommodation options, including guesthouses, boutique lodges, and homestays, which are all clean, friendly, and very good value. Budget accommodation allows a traveler to stay within their budget while experiencing the generosity of local hospitality.
We ensure that your accommodation matches your preference, whether you seek luxury or convenience.
Explore available accommodation categories: Accommodations in Nepal.
Nepal has a lot to offer with its incredible natural beauty, rich culture, and warm hospitality. Travelling can also come with risks, which is why anyone visiting Nepal needs to consider purchasing travel insurance, particularly those involved in adventure activities or trekking, as well as those who will be travelling to remote areas of Nepal. A well-rounded insurance policy can provide peace of mind through protection against the following:
Many trekking routes in Nepal are over 3000 meters (9842 ft); therefore, your policy should specifically state that high altitude travel is part of your Insurance plan, as well as the option to be evacuated in the event of an emergency. Choosing the right policy will help you receive the best possible care in your time of need.
Find out more about travel insurance for Nepal: Travel Insurance in Nepal
For hikers traveling to the Nepalese Himalayas, it’s essential to have the correct trekking equipment. Depending on what elevation you’re at, the weather might change drastically, so it’s crucial to use and carry the proper clothing and equipment in order to enjoy a safe and comfortable trip.
If you don’t want to travel with your own equipment, there are plenty of places in Nepal where you can rent or purchase what you need (particularly in Thamel, Kathmandu’s main shopping district). There are also locations within the city where you can find stores that offer a variety of high-quality trekking apparel and equipment at very reasonable prices.
See the complete trekking gear guide: Trekking Gear
