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Three High Passes Trek

Highlights:
Duration : 17 nights and 18 days.
Trip start/end: At Kathmandu/Lukla.
Grade: Difficulty due to high altitude.
Accommodation style: Lodge Trek.
Best season: September to December and March to June.
Highest elevation: Chhukung Ri 5,550 meters.
Viewpoints: Nagar Tshang, Chhulung Ri, Kala Pathar and Gokyo Ri.
Villlages: Namche, Khunjung, Khunde, Phortse and Pangboche.
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.
The Lakes: Chola Tsho, Imja Tsho and 1st of 6th Gokyo Lakes.

Three High Passes Trek is a demanding route in Nepal’s Everest region. Long daily hikes at high altitudes are the main challenge, and the three mountain passes above 5,000 meters make it even more demanding, requiring thorough preparation. The trek forms a circuit through remote valleys and high passes, shaped by glaciers and rugged terrain. It also includes cultural sites, panoramic viewpoints, ice fields, and iconic mountains, offering a rich Himalayan experience. Prior experience with multi-day trekking and excellent fitness are strongly recommended to complete this adventurous route safely and enjoyably.

First, take the 30-minute flight from Kathmandu or Ramechhap to Lukla Airstrip, though flights are highly weather-dependent and often delayed or cancelled. From Lukla, continue to Namche Bazaar, often called the Sherpa capital, before beginning the counter-clockwise circuit of the Three High Passes Trek. Some trekkers choose to drive to Ramechhap and fly from there, or start on foot from lower villages such as Jiri or Phaplu for a longer trek. This route offers a first glimpse of snowy mountains shining in the sunrise light, especially if you get a window seat on the left, as the small plane weaves between dramatic Himalayan peaks. Lukla Airport, with its short, sloping runway, is thrilling and memorable.

To acclimatise, spend two nights each in Namche, Dingboche Village, and Chhukung. At each location, take short hikes to higher elevations, stay hydrated, and monitor your well-being as you enjoy the scenery. Ascend gradually, rest as needed, and watch for symptoms of altitude sickness, including headache, nausea, loss of appetite, or dizziness. If you experience any of these, stop and rest, descend if necessary, and wait until you recover before continuing. After leaving Chhukung, continue at a steady pace, drink water regularly, and cross Kongma La at 5,535 meters on the way to Lobuche for a safe and rewarding journey.

Start in Lobuche and head north along the Khumbu Glacier Ridge to reach Everest Base Camp at 5,364 meters. After visiting Base Camp, spend the night in Gorakshep. The next morning, climb Kala Patthar (5,545 meters) for sunrise views of Mount Everest, also known as Sagarmatha. Then leave the Everest Base Camp Trek and continue toward Dzongla Valley, marking the transition to the following segment of your journey.

Cho La is one of the most challenging passes. It has a snowy summit, slippery sections, and a short rock scramble near the top. From Dzongla, cross Cho La Pass (5,330 meters), continue to Thangnak, and then go from Thangnak to Gokyo Lake (4,850 meters). This trek suits those with previous high-altitude trekking experience and comfort in exposed mountain environments. Essential gear includes micro spikes for icy terrain, sturdy trekking poles, warm layers, and waterproof gloves. Snow or ice can increase the difficulty, and the steep descent calls for watchful footing.

We spend two nights in Gokyo Valley, visiting Fifth Lake at 5,030 meters and ascending Gokyo Ri at 5,357 meters. From the summit, we enjoy panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, Cho Oyu, and Makalu. The lakes, Ngozumba Glacier, and neighbouring peaks leave a lasting impression.

Next, we cross Renjo La, our third high pass at 5,360 meters, and continue through the Bhote Koshi Valley. Enjoy views of Everest, Gokyo Lake, and Nangpa La, a 5,700-meter pass on the trade route to Tibet. Finally, descend to Lukla and complete the Three High Passes Trek.

The Three High Passes trek usually takes 17 to 21 days, though the route and pace can change that. Adjust to the altitude while enjoying different scenery and crossing the trek’s mountain passes. After you finish the trek, you can fly from Lukla to Ramechhap or Kathmandu the next day.

The best times for the Three High Passes trek are March to May and September to December, when the weather is usually clear and stable. Enjoy great mountain views and comfortable temperatures on the trek.

Day to day itinerary:

We take good care of guests from arrival to departure at Kathmandu Airport. Upon arrival, please check the cardboard for High Camp Trekking. Our company representative will help you get 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 hotel domestic terminal after breakfast. It's a scenic flight to Lukla, where you can see middle hills and panoramic views of snow crown peaks from the left window of an airplane. We take you to the hotel for tea or coffee drinks 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 also see the Kusum Khang Peak from Thade Kosi and Dudh Kosi River. The trail is lined with Mani Mantra carvings 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, the Everest viewpoint, before reaching Namche. We see Thamserku, Kusum Khang, and the first glimpse of Mt. Everest en route. Namche is the Sherpa capital and the leading trade center in the Khumbu region. A weekly local market of fresh foodstuffs is brought from lower villages on Friday and Saturday.

All include:- breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and accommodation at the lodge.
We hike daily to Everest View Hotel, Khumjung, and Khunde villages. We drink a cup of tea on the terrace of Everest View Hotel, which has views of Everest and Ama Dablam. Then, we visit Khumjung School and the monastery. The monastery has a Yeti skull. From here, we go to Khunde village and descend to Namche. In the afternoon, we rest or shop in Namche.

All include:- breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and accommodation at the lodge.
Today, we are heading to Phortse village via Mong La. The path to Kyangjungma is easy to take 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 a 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 can see Pheasants (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. En route, we can see the best views of Ama Dablam and Everest, Lhotse, Thamserku, Khangtenga, and Kowande Peak. We might also see musk deer and Himalayan Thar. The oldest monastery is at Pangboche in the 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.
In the morning, we hike to Nangkarsang Hill for safe acclimatization. When we climb the ridge to Nangkarshang, we have an amazing view of mountains (including Makalu) in all directions. We come back to Dingboche for lunch. In the afternoon, we have free time. Dingboche is the highest place where barley grows in the Khumbu region. In July and August, open lodges are not allowed.

All include:- breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and accommodation at the lodge.
We leave Dingboche on a gentle uphill trail through Imja Khola's left side to 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 tour 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 north of the valley. From the top, we have a fantastic view of the 8-mile-long Nuptse—Lhotse walls, Island Peak, Makalu, and Ama Dablam and its glaciers. The round trip takes about 3-4 hours. We 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 impressive 8-mile-long wall of Nuptse-Lhotse, Makalu on the east, and the north face of Ama Dablam when we ascend 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 the other side. Descending through a steep 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 there are usually zig-zags trailing across the area.

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 have 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 our steps to Gorakshep, which is the highest elevation we sleep at 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. We even see close-up views of South Col to the top of Everest 8848m from Kala Pattar, a great place to see an unforgettable sunset over the tallest Peak in the world. We return to Gorakshep, pack the luggage, and are ready to retrace the back steps to Lobuche. Then, we head to Dzongla through the scenic trail. Be aware of 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 it gets windy, or the weather turns nasty 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, which involve some tricky scrambling. We can see pyramidal Ama Dablam in the south, towering Cholatse in the west, and nearby Lobuche west peak en route. Finally, we walk on the glaciated field, 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 in 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 have crossed the Cho La several times in the past years, so we have a high success rate with the Cho La Pass Trek. We do the Cho La pass trip for all seasons. Proper gear and footwear are highly recommended.

All include-: breakfast, lunch, and dinner and accommodation at the lodge.
Leaving Thangnak, we walk Through 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 that require 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 ascending 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 8,000-meter peaks from the top. Actually, Ri means viewpoint. Gokyo Ri is a classic viewpoint for seeing Everest, Lhotse, Cho Oyu, and Makalu, and it overlooks the Lakes and the widest Ngozumba glacier. The round trip takes around 3 hours.

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 breathtaking views across Everest, Lhotse, Cho Oyu, and Makalu while ascending to the summit of Renjo La. It is a more scenic high pass among the three. We descend through a newly upgraded 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 stone walls, Stupas, monasteries, and Pine and Rhododendron forests. En route, we see a mountain range of Kongde on the right and upfront—Thamserku and Kusum Khang.

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 go 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 the airport on the flight back home.

All Include:- Breakfast and Airport transfer.
The Three High Passes Trek itinerary can include a side trip and, if needed, an extra acclimatization day.

If you have questions about the Three High Passes Trek itinerary or would like to discuss modification options, please send us a direct message.

Cost & Dates:

The following costs and dates are per person for online booking. If the 3 High Passes Trek departure dates do not match your needs, please DM us, and we will be happy to customise your trip for the date that works best for you.

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

Trip departure dates:
Trip Date Trip Name Price Space Left Status -
21 Sep 2026 Three High Passes Trek $1,850 per person 15 Open
28 Sep 2026 Three High Passes Trek $1,850 per person 15 Open
5 Oct 2026 Three High Passes Trek $1,850 per person 15 Open
12 Oct 2026 Three High Passes Trek $1,850 per person 15 Open
19 Oct 2026 Three High Passes Trek $1,850 per person 15 Open
26 Oct 2026 Three High Passes Trek $1,850 per person 15 Open
2 Nov 2026 Three High Passes Trek $1,850 per person 15 Open
9 Nov 2026 Three High Passes Trek $1,850 per person 15 Open
16 Nov 2026 Three High Passes Trek $1,850 per person 15 Open
23 Nov 2026 Three High Passes Trek $1,850 per person 15 Open
30 Nov 2026 Three High Passes Trek $1,850 per person 15 Open
7 Dec 2026 Three High Passes Trek $1,850 per person 15 Open
14 Dec 2026 Three High Passes Trek $1,850 per person 15 Open
21 Dec 2026 Three High Passes Trek $1,850 per person 15 Open
28 Dec 2026 Three High Passes Trek $1,850 per person 15 Open
7 Mar 2027 Three High Passes Trek $1,850 per person 15 Open
14 Mar 2027 Three High Passes Trek $1,850 per person 15 Open
21 Mar 2027 Three High Passes Trek $1,850 per person 15 Open
28 Mar 2027 Three High Passes Trek $1,850 per person 15 Open
4 Apr 2027 Three High Passes Trek $1,850 per person 15 Open
11 Apr 2027 Three High Passes Trek $1,850 per person 15 Open
18 Apr 2027 Three High Passes Trek $1,850 per person 15 Open
25 Apr 2027 Three High Passes Trek $1,850 per person 15 Open
2 May 2027 Three High Passes Trek $1,850 per person 15 Open
9 May 2027 Three High Passes Trek $1,850 per person 15 Open
16 May 2027 Three High Passes Trek $1,850 per person 15 Open
23 May 2027 Three High Passes Trek $1,850 per person 15 Open
30 May 2027 Three High Passes Trek $1,850 per person 15 Open
19 Sep 2027 Three High Passes Trek $1,850 per person 15 Open
26 Sep 2027 Three High Passes Trek $1,850 per person 15 Open
3 Oct 2027 Three High Passes Trek $1,850 per person 15 Open
10 Oct 2027 Three High Passes Trek $1,850 per person 15 Open
17 Oct 2027 Three High Passes Trek $1,850 per person 15 Open
24 Oct 2027 Three High Passes Trek $1,850 per person 15 Open
31 Oct 2027 Three High Passes Trek $1,850 per person 15 Open
7 Nov 2027 Three High Passes Trek $1,850 per person 15 Open
14 Nov 2027 Three High Passes Trek $1,850 per person 15 Open
21 Nov 2027 Three High Passes Trek $1,850 per person 15 Open
28 Nov 2027 Three High Passes Trek $1,850 per person 15 Open
5 Dec 2027 Three High Passes Trek $1,850 per person 15 Open
12 Dec 2027 Three High Passes Trek $1,850 per person 15 Open
19 Dec 2027 Three High Passes Trek $1,850 per person 15 Open
26 Dec 2027 Three High Passes Trek $1,850 per person 15 Open
The cost includes:
  • International & domestic Airport pick up and departure.
  • Two nights accommodation (deluxe twin bedroom with breakfast at the 3*** Hotel) in Kathmandu.
  • Sagarmatha (Everest/Khumbu) National Park hiking passes.
  • Everest-Khumbu Trek Card fees.
  • 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.
The cost does not include:
  • Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu.
  • Personal trekking equipment of clients.
  • Down jacket and sleeping bag for the clients.
  • Mineral water, boiled water, coke, Fanta, sprite, fresh or can juice, biscuit, sprite, beer, and whiskey etc.
  • Personal Insurance of clients (medical treatment and emergency Helicopter rescue evacuation covered).
  • Personal expences of clients such as hot showers, lundery services, monastery entry fees, Internet, and phone calls.
  • Tips for the guide and porters.
  • Sightseeing in Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Patan.
  • International flight tickets and Nepal tourist visa.

More info for extra cost:

Please read the cost carefully, including and not including the above. All meals are included, along with tea and coffee, while on the trek. We do not provide drinking water, which can be purchased at the lodge for $1 to $3 per litre. You can opt for water-purifying tablets as a more affordable solution. Wi-Fi, battery charges, and hot showers are omitted. Wi-Fi is $6 per card. Battery charging costs $1 to $4 per hour per device (a power bank can be a cheaper solution). The gas shower is $3 to $7 per head.

If the Lukla flight is cancelled due to weather conditions, you are responsible for any additional hotel nights and meals in Kathmandu and Lukla for the extra days. You do not need to pay an extra fee to reschedule the Lukla flight due to the weather cancellation. But there may be less priority for flight-cancelled passengers the following day. In the event of unexpected circumstances, such as weather-related flight cancellations, we offer an alternative trip.

We ensure the trekking staff are provided with warm enough equipment. We do our best for your safety. However, we suggest you buy comprehensive travel insurance that covers flight cancellation, medical treatment, and Helicopter rescue/emergency evacuation. Please purchase a policy covering trekking activities up to 5,550 meters for your trekking days.

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.
    • A day bag (35 liters).
    • A ruksak or duffel bag (65 to 75 liters).

    Note: We offer down jackets and sleeping bags for rental. The rental fee is $1.5 per sleeping bag and down jacket per day.

    Why book your trip with us?
    • We are proud to be registered with the Department of Nepal Tourism, giving us the opportunity to safely guide you on treks and climbs throughout Nepal’s magnificent Himalayas. As a responsible local agency based in Kathmandu, we place your experience and well-being at the heart of all we do.
    • Booking with us is easy and flexible. You can reserve your adventure with just a small advance, and conveniently pay the rest after you arrive in Kathmandu. We aim to make your journey stress-free from the very start.
    • Pay method:

      We encourage you to read our terms and conditions carefully to ensure clarity and comfort. Once you feel confident, you can secure your trip through any of our convenient payment methods listed below.

      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.

      Or, if you prefer, you are welcome to transfer your deposit by Western Union, MoneyGram, or IME using the name of our attentive company owner/manager, Mr. Norsang Lama. We’re happy to assist with any questions you may have about this process.

      We kindly ask that you cover any transaction fees charged by the bank or transfer service when sending the booking advance. Thank you for your understanding and support.
    • Your adventure is in safe hands. Once your booking is complete, we guarantee your trip's departure date. If your plans change, we will reschedule your trip at no extra cost.
    • We organize group joining-based trips. Our package includes all-inclusive prices (no hidden costs). We customize the trip itinerary based on your preferred side trips, holiday length, and activities. Let us know how long your holiday will be.
    • Our experienced, trained, and professional guide takes good care of the clients. Our guide always remembers your questions about plants, people, animals, and the mountains. You can feel the difference when you have a great trekking guide through our agency.
    • We respond to every email or inquiry within 24 hours. You can also call us anytime at +977-9841876395 (our 24-hour support team).

    Note: The names of other agencies are more similar to ours. Please remember that we are known as “High Camp Trekking.”  

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