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Three High Passes Trek

High Camp Trekking > Nepal > Hiking and Trekking in Nepal > Everest Region > Three High Passes Trek

Highlights:
Trek duration : 17 nights and 18 days.
Trek start/end: At Lukla.
Trek grade: Challanging due to High Altitude.
Trek style: Lodge Trek.
Trek season: October to December and March to June.
Highest elevation: Chhukung Ri 5550m.
Viewpoints: Nagar Tshang, Chhulung Ri, Kala Pathar and Gokyo Ri.
Sherpa villlages: Namche, Khunjung, Khunde, Phortse and Pangboche etc.
Ethnic group: Majority of Sherpas community.
Culture: Buddisum.
Himalayan scenery: Thamserku, Kusum Kangaru, Kwangde, Tabuche, Ama Dablam,Kangtenga, Mt. Cho Oyu, Gyachungkang, Mt. Makalu, Island Peak, Peak 14, Peak 38, Nuptse, Lhotse, Everest, Pumari and Khubutse.
Lakes: Chola Tsho, Imja Tsho and 1st of 6th Gokyo Lakes.

Three High Passes Trek is an altitude thrilling journey in the Everest – Khumbu region, Nepal. It is the best circuit journey through the less-traveled Khumbu’s remote valleys and high passes. This route takes in all the highlights of Khumbu’s cultural sites, amazing viewpoints, glaciers, and iconic mountains in the world.

A 30-minute spectacular flight takes to Lukla Airstrip from Kathmandu. From here, we head up to Namche Bazaar – the Sherpa capital. We do the Three Passes trekking journey counter-clockwise. We ascend to Nangkar Tshang Hill (5000m) and Chhukung Ri (5550m) for safe acclimatization before pushing to the first high pass – Khongma La (5535m). We go to Lobuche from Chhukung Valley by crossing the Khongma La and Khumbu glaciers. It’s a long day walk in the less-trodden high pass with stunning views of mountains in all directions.

From Lobuche, we hike up northward along Khumbu glacier ridge to reach Everest Base Camp (5364m). We include ascending to Kala Patthar (5545m) – a dramatic viewpoint for snapshots of Sunrise and Sunset over Mountain Everest (Sagarmatha).

Leaving the EBC trail, we go to Dzongla Valley through a scenic trail to cross a second high pass – Cho La (5330m). Ascending to the summit of Cho La is a mix of rock and snow and descending another side so on. It is harder compared to Kala Patthar but the quickest way to get to Gokyo Lake (4850m) is combined with the EBC trek. A couple of hours take to cross the Ngozumba glacier to reach Gokyo Lake from Thangnak. We spend two nights in the scenic Gokyo Valley where we explore till 5th Lake (5030m) and ascend to Gokyo Ri (5357m) to snap the best shot of Everest, Lhotse, Cho Oyu, and Makalu above 8000m. Aerial views of Gokyo Lakes, Ngozumba glacier, and gigantic peaks in all directions are unforgettable from Gokyo Ri.

We cross the less trodden third high pass – Renjo La (5360m) from Gokyo to reach Thame village through Bote Kosi valley. It has spectacular views of Everest, Gokyo Lake, and the way to Nangpa La (5700m) – an ancient trade route to Tibet from Khumbu.

We complete a big circuit journey to return to Namche Bazaar and retrace back steps continuing to Lukla to catch a flight to Kathmandu on the following day.

Day to day itinerary:

We take good care of guests from arrival to departure at Kathmandu Airport. Please check the cardboard of High Camp Trekking upon arrival at the Airport. Our company representative helps you transfer to the Hotel in Thamel (tourist center). We give a briefing about trek preparation and things to do in Kathmandu.

All include:- Airport pickup, bed, and breakfast.
We go to the domestic terminal after breakfast at the hotel. It's a scenic flight to Lukla where you can see middle hills to panoramic views of snow crown peaks from the left window on an airplane. We take you to the hotel for tea or coffee drink and introduce you to porters who carry your luggage for the trip. Leaving Lukla, we walk downhill through Rhododendron trees to reach the Chaurikharka village. We see the Kusum Khang Peak from Thade Kosi and Dudh Kosi River as well. The trail is lined with Mani Mantra carving on boulders, Stupas, and prayer flags before you reach Phakding. We do a side trip to the Pema Chholing monastery in the afternoon.

All include:- breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and accommodation at the lodge.
Leaving Phakding, we follow Dudh Kosi valley northward to reach Manju village where Sagarmatha National Park hiking passes checks of each trekker. From here, we go downhill through the Rhododendron trees and cross the suspension bridge to reach Jhorsale village where we have a lunch break. We prepare plenty of water for the uphill walk to Namche. We go to Larja Dovan and uphill walk to twin high bridges over the Dudh Kosi River. From here, we go through Rhododendron and pine forests to Top Danda which is the Everest viewpoint before we reach Namche. We see Thamserku, Kusum Khang, and the first glimpse of Mt. Everest en route. Namche is the Sherpa capital and main trade of the Khumbu region. There is a weekly local market of fresh foodstuffs brought from lower villages on Friday and Saturday.

All include:- breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and accommodation at the lodge.
We do a day hike to Everest View Hotel, Khumjung, and Khunde villages. We drink a cup of tea on the terrace of Everest View Hotel with views of Everest and Ama Dablam. Then, we visit Khumjung School and the monastery. There is a Yeti skull at the monastery. From here, we go to Khunde village and descend to Namche. We take a rest or shopping in Namche in the afternoon.

All include:- breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and accommodation at the lodge.
Today, we are heading to Phortse village via Mong La. The path is easy to Kyangjungma through Tenzin Norgay memorial stupa which has fabulous views of Khumbu valley, Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and Thamserku. There is an uphill walk to Mong La from Kyanjungma. We could see Yaks, Naks, Chauri, and wild mountain goats (Himalayan Thar) en route. We take a cup of tea at Mong which has stunning views of Mt. Ama Dablam. Then, we catch steep downhill to Phortse Thanga through Rhododendrons and pine forest. After crossing the bridge, there comes uphill to reach Phortse village. It is a less crowded village where we could see Pheasant (the national birds of Nepal), Musk deer, and Himalayan Thar (wild goats).

All include:- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner with tea/coffee and accommodation at the lodge.
We go to Pangboche through a high scenic trail. We can see the best views of Ama Dablam and see Everest, Lhotse, Thamserku, Khangtenga, and Kowande Peak en route. We might see musk deer and Himalayan Thar as well. The oldest monastery is at Pangboche in Khumbu valley.

Then, we ascend along the valley opposite Ama Dablam to reach Somare. Then, we walk above tree lines through the wide trail to reach Dingboche.

All include:- breakfast, lunch, dinner, and accommodation at the lodge.
We do a hike to Nangkarsang Hill for safe acclimatization in the morning. There is an amazing view of mountains (including Makalu) in all directions when we climb on the ridge to the Nangkarshang. We come back to Dingboche for lunch. We have free time in the afternoon. Dingboche is the highest place that grows barley in the Khumbu region. There are no allowed open lodges in July and August.

All include:- breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and accommodation at the lodge.
Leaving Dingboche, we go a gentle uphill trail through the left side of the Imja Khola to reach Chhukung. It is a lodge cluster for serving trekkers and climbers. Chhukung is a scenic valley that lies on the southern slopes of Lhotse and Nuptse by the Lho and Nup glaciers, the western slopes of Island Peak, Cho Polu, and Baruntse by the Imja glacier, and the northern slopes of Ama Dablam by its glacier.

We do a tour of Imja Lake and the glacier viewpoint in the afternoon.

All include:- breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and accommodation at the lodge.
Chhukung Ri is a small rocky viewpoint rising to the north of the valley. We see a fantastic view of 8 miles long Nuptse- Lhotse walls, Island Peak, Makalu, and Ama Dablam and its glaciers from the top of Chhukung Ri. It takes about 3-4 hours for the round trip. We take a rest in the afternoon.

All include:- breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and accommodation at the lodge.
We cross the first high pass - Khongma La 5535m from Chhukung to Lobuche in a day. Leaving Chhukung, the trail goes uphill through a grassy hill before we reach Khongma lake. We see an amazing 8 miles long wall of Nuptse-Lhotse, Makalu on the east, and the north face of Ama Dablam when we are ascending to the summit of the Khongma La. From the top, we see a long panorama of the mountain from Cho Oyu to PumaRi bordering Tibet, the Khumbu glacier, and the lodges of Lobuche are directly on the bottom of another side. Descending through a scree slope and bolder to bolder walking is tricky before we reach a grassy hillside. Then, we make the crossing of the Khumbu glacier to reach Lobuche. The Khumbu glacier is covered with rubble and moraine debris and usually zig-zags trail across.

All include:- breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and accommodation at the lodge.
We ascend through a rocky trail northward to reach Gorakshep. We drop the luggage in the room and take lunch here. Then, we head up to Everest Base Camp through a rocky trail along the side of the Khumbu glacier. Even though we see gigantic peaks around, Khumbu Icefalls is the main attraction at the Base of Everest. We retrace back step to Gorakshep which is the highest elevation we sleep in during the trek.

All include:- breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and accommodation at the lodge.
We ascend to Kala Pattar's viewpoint in the morning. The Kala Pattar has 360-degree views including Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Pumo Ri, Ama Dablam, Khangtenga, Lobuche Peak, Everest Base Camp, Khumbu glacier, and Icefalls. Even we see close-up views of South Col to the top of Everest 8848m from Kala Pattar which is also a great place to see unforgettable sunset over the tallest Peak in the world. We come back to Gorakshep and pack the luggage and are ready to retrace the back steps to Lobuche. Then, we head to Dzongla through the scenic trail. Do not be missed Sunset over Ama Dablam from Dzongla!

All include:- breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and accommodation at the lodge.
We cross the second high pass - Cho La (5330m) from Dzongla to Thangnak in a day. We get up early at 04:30 AM to make the Cho La crossing before windy or the weather turns bad in midday. Leaving Dzongla, we walk on the grazing pastures for an hour. Approaching the Cho La glacier, the trail is very steep and the terrain is made of loose rock and large boulders, involving some tricky scramble. We can see pyramidal Ama Dablam on the south and towering Cholatse on the west and nearby Lobuche west peak en route. Finally, we walk on the glaciated field which is often covered with snow and ice approaching the summit of Cho La. We descend by a new trail with some metal chains however it’s a scramble to descend on the loose rock a few sections. After finishing the large boulder field, we walk through grazing pastures towards Thangnak. Himalayan Thar, Yak, and snowcock often come across en route.

Our guides crossed the Cho La several times in the past years. So, we have a high rate of success with the Cho La pass Trek. We do the Cho La pass trip for all seasons. Proper gear – footwear is highly recommended.

All include-: breakfast, lunch, and dinner and accommodation at the lodge.
Leaving Thangnak, we walk Yak grazing pastures and ascent to the crest of the moraine overlooking the Ngozumba glacier. The route that crosses the glacier is not well-defined on the map. We follow cairn's marked zig-zag trail and climb up and downhill taking us to the west side of the glacier. Ngozumba is mixed with rock and ice dirty glaciers and needs good footwork. We stay tonight at Gokyo Lakeside and sleep in the Lake View room.

All include:- breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and accommodation at the lodge.
We start to ascend to Gokyo Ri early in the morning. When we climb towards the Gokyo Ri, the views become even more fantastic and we can see four of the above 8000m peaks from the top. Actually, Ri means viewpoint. Gokyo Ri is a classic viewpoint for seeing Everest, Lhotse, Cho Oyu, and Makalu, and overlooking the Lakes and the widest Ngozumba glacier. It takes around 3hrs for the round trip.

All include:- breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and accommodation at the lodge.
We cross the less trodden third high Pass - Renjo La 5345m from Gokyo to Lungden in a day. Leaving Gokyo, we walk along the Lakeside trail before we branch off steep uphill toward Renjo La. We see simply breathtaking views across Everest, Lhotse, Cho Oyu, and Makalu during the ascending to the summit of Renjo La. It is a more scenic high pass among the three. We descend through a new upgrade trail of stone stairs to approach Angladumba Tsho (lake) on another side. From here, we descend continuously through grassy slopes to reach the lodge at Lungden. We see Nangpa valley (an ancient trade route to Tibet) and Kongde Peak en route.

All include:- breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and accommodation at the lodge.
We walk on the ancient trade route of Khumbu and Tibet returns to Namche. This trail is more interesting because we pass through picturesque villages on the lap of the mountains. The trail is lined with carved mani mantras on the stone wall, Stupas, monasteries, Pine, and Rhododendron forests. We see a mountain range of Kongde on the right and upfront - Thamserku and Kusum Khang from en route.

All include:- breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and accommodation at the lodge.
We continue to retrace back steps downhill Dudh Khosi valley and pass Phakding village to reach Lukla. We have a party to say thank you and goodbye to the trek crew at Lukla.

All include:- breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and accommodation at the lodge.
We fly back to Kathmandu in the morning. We do shopping in Thamel on a free afternoon.

All include:- Airport pick up, breakfast, and accommodation in Kathmandu.
We do a tour of the World Heritage Sites of Kathmandu.

All include:- B & B at the Hotel.
The company representative arranges a transfer to Airport on the flyback time home.

All Include:- Breakfast and Airport transfer.
The Trek itinerary can be changed for an interesting side trip and additional acclimatization day if needed while on the trek.

Do you have any questions about the Three High Passes Trek? Or, would you like to see how it can be customized to your needs? Please DM us.

Cost & Dates:

The following costs and dates are per person for online booking. If the 3 High Passes Trek departure dates do not match for you, please DM us and we will happily customize your trip on the date that you need.

If you are in a group (2 to 15 people), we offer a discount on the package.

Fixed departure dates:
Trip Date Trip Name Price Space Left Status -
7 Nov 2024 Three High Passes Trek $1850 per person 15 Open
14 Nov 2024 Three High Passes Trek $1850 per person 15 Open
21 Nov 2024 Three High Passes Trek $1850 per person 15 Open
28 Nov 2024 Three High Passes Trek $1850 per person 15 Open
5 Dec 2024 Three High Passes Trek $1850 per person 15 Open
12 Dec 2024 Three High Passes Trek $1850 per person 15 Open
19 Dec 2024 Three High Passes Trek $1850 per person 15 Open
26 Dec 2024 Three High Passes Trek $1850 per person 15 Open
7 Mar 2025 Three High Passes Trek $1850 per person 15 Open
14 Mar 2025 Three High Passes Trek $1850 per person 15 Open
21 Mar 2025 Three High Passes Trek $1850 per person 15 Open
28 Mar 2025 Three High Passes Trek $1850 per person 15 Open
6 Apr 2025 Three High Passes Trek $1850 per person 15 Open
13 Apr 2025 Three High Passes Trek $1850 per person 15 Open
20 Apr 2025 Three High Passes Trek $1850 per person 15 Open
27 Apr 2025 Three High Passes Trek $1850 per person 15 Open
7 May 2025 Three High Passes Trek $1850 per person 15 Open
14 May 2025 Three High Passes Trek $1850 per person 15 Open
21 May 2025 Three High Passes Trek $1850 per person 15 Open
28 May 2025 Three High Passes Trek $1850 per person 15 Open
19 Sep 2025 Three High Passes Trek $1850 per person 15 Open
26 Sep 2025 Three High Passes Trek $1850 per person 15 Open
6 Oct 2025 Three High Passes Trek $1850 per person 15 Open
13 Oct 2025 Three High Passes Trek $1850 per person 15 Open
20 Oct 2025 Three High Passes Trek $1850 per person 15 Open
28 Oct 2025 Three High Passes Trek $1850 per person 15 Open
5 Nov 2025 Three High Passes Trek $1850 per person 15 Closed
12 Nov 2025 Three High Passes Trek $1850 per person 15 Open
19 Nov 2025 Three High Passes Trek $1850 per person 15 Open
26 Nov 2025 Three High Passes Trek $1850 per person 15 Open
6 Dec 2025 Three High Passes Trek $1850 per person 15 Open
13 Dec 2025 Three High Passes Trek $1850 per person 15 Open
20 Dec 2025 Three High Passes Trek $1850 per person 15 Open
27 Dec 2025 Three High Passes Trek $1850 per person 15 Open
Cost includes:
  • International & domestic Airport pick up and departure.
  • 2 nights accommodation (standard twin bed room with breakfast) at 2** Hotel in Kathmandu. Note:- The accommodation in Kathmandu can arrange/book according to client choice Hotel type. The clients have to pay differences if needed.
  • Sagarmatha (Everest/Khumbu) National Park hiking passes.
  • Khumbu (Everest) local Govt. Tax.
  • Round trip Lukla flight tickets for clients and guide.
  • Meals for clients: 18 Breakfasts, 17 Luches and 17 Dinners with tea/coffee etc. Meals can be selected from menu and will have enough daily.
  • Normal room with twin beds and sharing bathroom at lodge.
  • Trekking staffs: an experienced guide and porters.
  • Salary and meals for guide and porters.
  • Inusrance of guide and porters.
  • Travel and rescue arrangement if needed.
Cost does not include:
  • Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu.
  • Personal trekking equipment of clients.
  • Mineral water, boiled water, coke, Fanta, sprite, fresh or can juice, biscuit, sprite, beer, and whiskey etc.
  • Personal Insurance of clients (medical and emergency evacuation covered).
  • Private bathroom during the trekking days. If the clients want private bathroom, there have to pay differences between common and private bathroom.
  • Horse/Yak renting while on the trek.
  • Sightseeing in Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Patan etc. Note:- Tour guide and transpotration can be arranged on client's request.
  • International flight tickets and Nepal tourist visa.

More info for extra cost:

Please read carefully the cost includes and does not include the above. All the meals are included with tea/coffee while on the trek. We do not include drinking water or boiled water which you can buy at the lodge; this is $1 to 3 per liter. You can take water-purifying tablets or Seripen for a cheaper solution. Wi-Fi, battery charges, and hot showers are not included. Wi-Fi is $6 per card. The battery charge is $1 to 4 per hour per device (you can take a power bank for a cheaper solution). The gas shower is USD3 to 7 per head.

In case the Lukla flight is canceled due to weather conditions, you are responsible for extra hotel nights and meals in Kathmandu and Lukla for any extra days. Do not require an extra payment for rescheduling the Lukla flight due to the canceling of weather. But, there can be less priority for flight cancel passengers on the following day. If there are unexpected circumstances such as flight cancellations due to weather conditions, we offer you an alternative trip.

We do insure for trekking staff and provide warm enough equipment. We do our best for your safety. Although we suggest you buy comprehensive travel insurance that can cover flight cancellation, medical treatment, and Helicopter rescue emergency evacuation. Please buy the policy that can cover trekking activity up to 5550m for the days you will actually be trekking.

Inquiry

    Trekking equipment list:
    • Comfortable hiking boot. Three pairs of socks. Sandals.
    • A down jacket, fleece jacket, three T-shirts, two trekking trousers, two drip-dry T-shirts, one long underwear, a woolen/fleece hat, glove, water/windproof jacket and trouser, Sunglass, lip balm, Sun screem (50+), Sun hat, a light scarf, soap/shampoo and trekking towel etc.
    • Sleeping bag (-20 degree centigrade) with hood.
    • Water purifier tablets, 2L water bottle, hiking poles, medical kit and tourch light with spare batteries etc.
    • A few interesting books and a pack of cards.
    • Snow gaiters and micro-spikes for the winter trip.
    • Plastic bag for waste and toiltet papers.
    • Plastic bag for waste and toiltet papers.
    • A padlock.

    Note:- we have down jacket and sleeping bag renting facilities for our clients. It is per day USD1 per sleeping bag and down jacket.

    The following are the reasons for trip booking with us.
    • We are registered with the Department of Nepal Tourism and have the authority to operate trek and climb in the Himalayas of Nepal. We are the taxpayers of the Nepal Govt. We are a healthy and up-to-date local trekking agency based in Kathmandu.
    • You can book the trip in minimal advance in money and can pay the balance rest of the trip amount upon arrival in Kathmandu.

      Pay method:

      Please read carefully the terms and conditions to book a package trip. Once you agreed to terms and conditions; payment is an unavoidable part of the agreement. The following are different methods of trip booking advance payments for your convince.

      1) American Dollar Account:

      Name of the Bank:- Everest Bank Limited, Thamel Branch.
      Name of Account Holder:- High Camp Trekking Pvt. Ltd.
      Account No:- 03500105200138
      Swift Code No:- EVBLNPKA.

      2) If you like to transfer the deposit by Western Union, MoneyGram, and IME, you can use our company owner/manager name:- Norsang Lama.

      Note:- Please pay any amount charged to you by the Bank or Western Union, MoneyGram, or IME for transferring the booking advance in money to us.
    • Once you book the trip with us, trip departure is guaranteed. In case you want to postpone the trip departure date, do not need to pay an extra fee. We never let you down after we received payment. We do hard work for every single dollar.
    • We organize group joining basis trips. Our package is at all-inclusive prices (no hidden cost). We customize the trip itinerary based on your interesting side trip, holiday length, and activities as you need. Lets us know about your holiday length.
    • Our experienced, trained, and professional guide takes good care of the clients. Our guide never tired of your questions about plants, people, and animals, and, of course, the mountains. You can feel the difference between having a great trekking guide through our agency.
    • We do respond to every email/inquiry in less than 24 hours. You can call us anytime at +977-9841876395 (24-hour support team).

    Note:- There are more similar to our names of other agencies. Please remember that we are known as High Camp Trekking.

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