The Three Passes Trek

Degree of Difficulty

• The Three Passes Trek is a substantial physical challenge. A high level of physical fitness is required, along with significant mental toughness and perseverance. 
• Expect to walk for between five to seven hours each day, every day of the trek. 
• Trails can be rocky and uneven, with elements of scrambling required at times. 
• This trek involves several high altitude mountain passes, and a number of days spent trekking at altitude.

Eating and drinking

• Meals are not included in the cost of the challenge, Lodges along the route offer a wide choice of menus, from traditional Dhal Bhat to more sophisticated and western orientated choices. 
• Budget around £20 to £25 per day for meals and drinks. 

Himalayan accommodation

• Accommodation is taken in tea houses and lodges along the route. These offer hostel style accommodation, with running water, indoor toilets and electricity commonly available.
• Where available, internet access and hot showers are available at an extra cost. 
• The more remote accommodation offers a more rustic style of accommodation, with showers not always available. Personal sleeping kit will be needed in the more remote areas. 
• Accommodation in Kathmandu is in a comfortable hotel.

Season

• Jan
• Feb
• Mar
• Apr
• May
• Jun
• Jul
• Aug
• Sep
• Oct
• Nov
• Dec

Meeting point

Tribhuvan International Airport
Ring Rd
काठमाडौँ
Kathmandu
44600
Nepal

Getting to Kathmandu

• Fly to Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu. a number of airlines fly to Kathmandu from the UK, with connections in the Middle East, including Qatar, Gulf Air and Emirates. 
• Layovers in the Middle East can be lengthy, Qatar Airlines usually offer the best options in terms of these connections. 
• It's also possible to make a connection through New Delhi, with BA, Air India and Jet Airways offering flights, where connecting flights to Kathmandu are offered by Air India, IndiGo and Vistara.

The three passes trek Itinerary

• Day 1 | Arrival in Kathmandu

  Fly to Kathmandu, take a private transfer to the hotel. Pre-trek briefing in the evening.

• Day 2 | Trek to Phakding

  Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla, a superb experience with incredible views over the Everest region. Meet with the crew upon arrival, starting the trek with a hike to Phakding.

• Day 3 | Trek to Namche Bazaar

  Making multiple river crossings on the trail leading to Monjo, enter the Sagarmatha National Park, and weather permitting, the first glimpse of Mount Everest, en route to Namche Bazaar. 

• Day 4 | Acclimatisation in Namche

  A day to explore Namche Bazaar, with a great selection of lodges, tea shops and souvenir shops. A great opportunity to acclimatise to the altitude, with a short trek to the Everest View Hotel.

• Day 5 | Trek to Thame

  Leaving the traditional Everest Base Camp route, head north-west to the village of Thame to stay overnight.. 

• Day 6 | Trek to Lungden

  Climb to the village of Lungden, at 4380m altitude, with sensational mountain panoramas along the way.

• Day 7 | Trek to Gokyo

  Take on the first of the three passes, Renjo La, a tough day of hiking to reach the pass at 5388m, before a picturesque descent to the third of the Gokyo Lakes and the overnight stop in Gokyo.

• Day 8 | Ascent of Gokyo Ri

  Starting early in the morning, make an ascent of the first Himalayan Peak, Gokyo Ri, enjoying fabulous views of Cho Oyu, with the rest of the day free to aid with acclimatisation, though short optional hikes to the moraine ridges around Gokyo offer wonderful views for the energetic.

• Day 9 | Trek to Tragnag

  Leave Gokyo, crossing Ngozumpa glacier, descending to the second Gokyo lake. Leaving the glacier, follow a shallow valley to Tragnag.

• Day 10 | Trek to Dzongla

  An early start to cross the Cho La pass, before a long descent to Dzongla. Cross a small glacier while enjoying excellent views of Ama Dablam and Cholatse.

• Day 11 | Trek to Lobuche

  Climb through grassy terrain above the Tshola Tsho lake, joining the main Everest trail from Tengboche. 

• Day 12 | Everest Base Camp

  Follow the trail up the Khumbu Glacier, stopping for lunch at Gorak Shep, before continuing to Everest Base Camp at an altitude of 5364m along a route which negotiates ice pinnacles and crevasses along the way. Return to Gorak Shep to overnight. 

• Day 13 | Trek to Lobuche

  An early start to the day, in order to reach the summit of Kala Pattar, offering iconic views of Mount Everest, considered the best view of the mountain from the trekking routes. Return to Gorak Shep for a bite to eat, before descending to Lobuche to overnight.

• Day 14 | Trek to Chukhung

  Leaving the popular Everest Base Camp trail, head east through the Khumbu glacier before climbing to the highest pass of the trip, Kongma La, at 5535m. After catching breath at the top, descend into the Chukhung valley to arrive at the village of Chukhung to overnight.

• Day 15 Trek to Dingboche

  Climb to the summit of Chukhung Ri, the most demanding of the peaks on the trek, with a scramble in the final stages to reach the summit. Descend to Dingboche to overnight.

• Day 16 | Trek to Kyangjuma

  Rejoin the main Everest trail through Pangboche before a climb to the monastery at Tengboche. A steep descent from the monastery, before a further climb to Kyangjuma to stay overnight. 

• Day 17 | Trek to Phakding

  Continue trekking through Namche Bazaar, crossing the Dudh Koshi, joining familiar paths on the return to Phakding.

• Day 18 | Trek to Lukla

  The final day on the Himalayan trails, following the Dudh Koshi to Lukla. Enjoy a farewell party with Sherpa guides and porters.

• Day 19 | Fly to Kathmandu

  After breakfast, take a flight from the airstrip to Kathmandu.

• Day 20 | Kathmandu

  A day to explore the engaging city of Kathmandu, explore the Monkey Temple at Swayambhunath, the Hindu Temple of Pashupatinath and the Buddhist Stupa of Boudhanath, or simply enjoy the immersive experience of wandering the city streets. 

• Day 21 | Departure

  Take a transfer to the airport to begin the journey home. 

Included

• Hotel stay for one night before and two nights after the trek
• All airport transfers
• Return domestic flights between Kathmandu and Lukla
• National Park entry and TIMS fees
• A fully supported trek with a qualified mountain guide
• All drinking water on the trek
• Teahouse accommodation on a room only basis
• Access to emergency oxygen and first aid kit

Not Included

• International flights
• Visas
• Tips for your guides and porters
• Personal items
• Travel insurance (you must be insured, and specifically for treks up to 6000m)
• Your personal trekking gear
• Your personal medicines or prescriptions
• Meals and drinks on the trek
• Meals and drinks in Kathmandu (breakfast is included)

This trip takes responsibility seriously and ‘goes the extra mile’ to ensure that your presence in this country is entirely positive.

Central to this is

• Caring for the crew
• Caring for the local environment
• Caring for the local communities

All guides and partners are hand picked to ensure that every aspect of your trip operates to the highest standard and reflect the strong values, ethics and joy of travel.

This commitment to Responsible Travel is mutually beneficial without compromising the countries and communities touched or the depth and uniqueness of your adventure.

Key values of this trip

• Leave nothing behind
• We’re the visitors, let’s be respectful at all times
• Deliver a breathtaking experience
• Let’s benefit local communities and environments

Let’s help keep these wonderful places precious.

Porters and crew

All crew are paid proper wages and are treated with respect and dignity. This trip with IMEC, IPPG and KPAP, all not-for-profit organisations that focus on improving the working conditions of porters.

Friends of Conservation

Travellers are given the opportunity to mitigate some of the environmental impacts of flying by supporting community and conservation initiatives.

Travellers Against Plastic

This trip is a proud supporter of the Leave No Trace and Travellers Against Plastic campaigns, which help educate travellers on the impact of travel and provide practical guidance for enjoying the outdoors responsibly.

Costs