Are you looking for trekking in Everest Three High Passes? If you say yes, then read the below questions first. If not, then this article is not for you.
I need positive answers from you to the above questions because you are required to have some experience and your health condition should be fit that should tolerate an altitude above 5000 m. Because comparatively, Everest Three High Passes Trek is more difficult than Everest Base Camp Trek.
Beginning with the early morning flight to Lukla from Kathmandu, the Everest Three High Passes Trek reaches over the 3 higher passes that are over 5300 m elevation in the Everest region. In addition, the trek approaches Gokyo Ri, Everest Base Camp as well as Kalapathar. But the trail takes at least 17 days to complete by walking with having proper acclimatization. So, plan the trip if you have enough time that is required for the trip. If you want to shorten the trip from the recommended itinerary, you might be suffered from high altitude sickness. I am saying this as I have witnessed it many times. Some travelers ask the agencies to make a short itinerary while agencies also don’t mind cutting off the days. But the proper acclimatization days are actually necessary to trek such a high mountain area. Consequently, trekkers will suffer from altitude sickness.
Every traveler needs to prepare prior to the trip considering the necessities. At least 1-month advance is required as the traveler can think properly about what to do or not.
Earlier, every trail of Khumbu should follow the Jiri way, but the way is used by less number of trekkers in the current days. Because Lukla flight has made it closer from the Kathmandu although it is considered to be the dangerous one.
| Days | Itinerary | Altitude in Meter | Time in Hours |
| 1 | Kathmandu to Lukla 2850 m (flight) and trek to Phakding | 2610 m | 45 minutes |
| 2 | Phakding to Namche Bazaar | 3440 m | 6 hrs |
| 3 | Acclimatization day (Hike to Everest View Hotel) | 3800 | 3 hrs |
| 4 | Namche Bazaar to Thame | 3870 m | 5 hrs |
| 5 | Thame to Lungden | 4350 m | 5 hrs |
| 6 | Lungden to Gokyo via Renjo La (5338 m) | 4790 m | 6-7 hrs |
| 7 | Acclimatization day (hike to Gokyo Ri) | 5357 m | 3 hrs |
| 8 | Gokyo Lake to Thagnak | 4700 m | 3 hrs |
| 9 | Thangnak to Dzongla via Chola Pass (5420 m) | 4830 m | 6-7 hrs |
| 10 | Dzongla to Lobuche | 4910 m | 5 hrs |
| 11 | Lobuche to EBC via Gorakshep (5140) and back to Gorakshep | 5364 m | 7 hrs |
| 12 | Early morning hike to Kalapathar (5545 m) and trek to Lobuche | 4910 m | 6 hrs |
| 13 | Lobuche to Chhukung via Kongma La Pass (5540 m) | 4930 m | 7-8 hrs |
| 14 | Chhukung to Pangboche | 3985 m | 5 hrs |
| 15 | Pangboche to Namche Bazaar | 3440 m | 5 hrs |
| 16 | Namche Bazaar to Lukla | 2850 m | 6 hrs |
| 17 | Lukla to Kathmandu (flight) | 1350 m | 45 minutes |
Check out some alternative trails in Everest
Your first day i.e from KTM to Lukla and then Phakding will be easier in comparison to the rest of the days. You only walk 2-3 hours after landing on Lukla. The very next day after crossing Jorsale and Monjo Village, you then should hike the steep hill forest to arrive at Namche Bazaar where you acclimatize one more day.
In the acclimatization day at Namche, you can hike to Everest View Hotel, from where you can see a glimpse of Mt. Everest 8848 m. Having a cup of tea/coffee and enjoying the view of high mountains in the crystal clear sky feels you that heaven is not a myth; it’s a truth and it is here.
Before moving on to the 3rd day’s trek, You must know that you are trekking the three high passes clockwise direction as you can see in the below route map as well. When you first cross Renjo La Pass and Chola Pass, you then cross Kongma La Pass at last even after visiting EBC and Kalapathar.
To approach the Renjo La, you have to pass through a few small Sherpa Village – Thame and Lunden. You make your overnight stays there and then move to Gokyo after crossing Renjo La. Only a few numbers of tea houses are available in these areas as the village lie over 3200 m above. So, less number of people live here.
To cross and reach Gokyo Lake, you need to spend 8-9 hours walking from Lunden Village.
On the 7th day, you will be at Gokyo and now you need to rest or acclimatize there because you will be crossing the second highest pass – Chola Pass (5420 m) amongst 3 passes just the day after tomorrow. This day, you can go hiking in Gokyo Ri which is one of the best viewpoints of the Mahalangur Himalayan range.
Today, you will be freshened up as you have acclimatized and taken a rest. Early morning, you will head to Dragnag also known as Thaknak, and reach the village crossing the way made by Nzongma Glacier and leaving Gokyo valley behind.
On the 9th day of your trek, you will be walking on 5420 m above i.e Chola Pass. You are required to spend at least 9 hours to arrive at Zonghla crossing the Chola Pass. Zonghla is a small village situated amidst Cholatse Peak, Lobuche Peak, and Chola Pass. You will stay overnight there.
Here comes the 10th day when you trek to Lobuche enjoying the mountain view as well as the mesmerizing view of Chola Lake. And the 11th day’s journey will lead you to Everest Base Camp 5364 m walking on a rocky terrain path via Gorakshep. In EBC, you will spend only 30-40 minutes as you will be back to Gorakshep for an overnight stay. Remember, there are no tea houses in Everest Base Camp. Gorakshep is the ultimate place of your trip where a tea house is available.
Today is the dream day that comes true as you are hiking to Kala Pathar 5545m. From Kala Pathar, the view of Mt. Everest looks so closer and more beautiful. After a 2-3 hours hike, then you come back to Gorakshep and then head to Lobuche village.
Remember, you have already crossed 2 passes amongst 3. Now, there is only one left and i.e the largest one called Kongma La Pass altitude of 5540 m. The height of Kongma La Pass is similar to Kala Pathar. You will move toward Kongma La after the overnight stay at Lobuche Village.
Crossing the Kongma La Pass, you will approach Chhukung village. The village is popular as it lies on the way to Island Peak Adventure.
You will trek downward to arrive at Namche Bazaar where your trek circle completes. Pangboche village where you will spend your 14 overnight in the mountain. And the next day, you arrive at Namche Bazaar.
You follow the same routes to come back to Lukla and then Kathmandu. Within 6-7 hours, you can arrive at Lukla and chill out there with your colleagues or team members having drinks.
Finally, you will take a short flight back to Kathmandu from Lukla and hereby the trip ends.
Find the 5 best itineraries for Everest Trekking
Everest Three High Passes Trek will take you to the 4 places which are above 5000 m. So, it is quite a strenuous trek that can cause high altitude sickness over the many trekkers.
So, we suggest every trekker do some physical fitness activities at least 15 days before the trek. However, it is not mandatory but helps you to tolerate high altitudes. Consequently, you can enjoy Everest Three Passes Trek properly. Otherwise, you might suffer from high altitude sickness as the trek crosses the 3 highest passes of the Himalayas – Renjo La (5338 m), Chola (5420 m), and Kongma La (5540 m). So, novice trekkers often choose Everest Base Camp Trek instead of three high passes trek.
Don’t expect star-level accommodation in the mountain region. Only lodges and teahouses are available on the trail. However, you don’t need to stay camping as it is a teahouse trek. All of the teahouses offer food and overnight stay. Some of them do have a luxury room with an attached bathroom while many don’t have. Basically, you will have the option to choose between a twin-shared room or a private room for more luxury. In some teahouses, a hot shower is also provided with extra charge.
Food is served in teahouses where you can get a few options of meal to choose like Typical Nepali cuisine to Continental Foods.
If you have already trekked in Nepal, then you must have general ideas about the packing list for trekking in Nepal. But if you are a novice trekker in Nepal, then you must be aware of the packing list.
Basically, a couple of trousers and tee shirts along with thick socks for cold, good quality down jacket, sleeping bag, and a hiking stick are required to have for trekking in Everest Three High Passes. Moreover, you should not forget to bring hiking boots. For detail about the packing list, you can follow the below link
What should I pack to trek in Nepal?
What is the best time to trek Everest Three High Passes?
March to May and September to November are the best time to do this trek. However, some may prefer to choose Moonsoon though the weather and climate are less reliable at this time.
Is Everest Three High Passes Trek difficult?
It is a strenuous trek as it crosses three separate high passes – Renjo La, Chola, and Kongma La Pass. So, this trek is not for beginner trekkers.
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