Tour Overview

Trip Code
DE-0012
Starting Point
Kathmandu
End Point
Kathmandu
Max Altitude
5,356m / 18,209ft
Duration
23 Days
Country
Nepal
Trip Grade
Strenuous
Activities
Trekking
Best Season
All Time

The Three-Pass-Everest Base Camp trek is one of the most thrilling and rewarding trekking routes in the Himalayas. This 23 days journey (19 days trek) is designed for trekkers who want to fully experience the stunning scenery of the Everest region. See the breathtaking scene by crossing the Kongma La (5,545m), Cho La (5,420m) and Renjo La (5,356m)- the three passes offer unforgettable stunning views, incredible alpine scenery and deep cultural immersion. Here at Destiny Excursion, we are proud to organize this challenging trek, carefully planned for acclimatization, safety and a rich himalayan experience.

This journey is more than simply arriving at Everest Base Camp. On this trek, you have to trek to Kala Patthar (5,555m/18,225ft), which is regarded as one of the best places for the spectacular views of Everest and other nearby peaks. You also have to cross remote mountains, landscapes, ancient glaciers and traditional sherpa villages while surrounded by other majestic peaks such as Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam and Makalu.

Led by Hari Dharel, Founder of Destiny Excursion and Honorary Consul General of Denmark to Nepal. With 35+ years in Himalayan tourism, Mr. Dharel has served as Chairman of the Himalayan Rescue Association Nepal and General Secretary of TAAN. Every trek we run reflects his lifetime in these mountains.

Everest Three High Passes: The Ultimate Himalayan Challenge

The adventure starts with an awe-inspiring flight to Lukla, encircled by magnificent mountains. Following that, you will trek through the stunning and culturally vibrant Everest (Khumbu) area. You have to cross through the vibrant Sherpa settlements such as Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche and the Gokya. When you visit these places you can experience the varieties of natural beauty, spiritual energy and their unique traditional mountain culture. As you trek across the 3 great passes (Kongma La, Cho La and Renjo La), you need to pass through different varieties of natural scenery, such as rocky trails, glacier lakes, snow-covered paths and remote mountain ridges.

Among the three great passes, Kongma La – the tallest of the three passes, presents a remote and rough terrain, whereas Cho La guides you through a striking snow-laden path leading into the Gokyo Valley. The Renjo La offers breathtaking vistas of the Gokyo Lakes, along with Mount Everest and numerous other magnificent peaks. This route brings you new challenges as well as fresh perspectives, making the most complete trek in the Everest region.

While trekking, you visit many fascinating places such as sacred monasteries, spin prayer wheels and communicate with local sherpa communities that are recognized for their hospitality, resilience and deep spiritual traditions. This package also includes the exploration of Everest Base Camp and Khumbu Glacier where you can be at the base of the highest mountain in the world, encompassed by prayer flags and stunning ice formations.

This Package also has a day for Kathmandu sightseeing, where you can visit many ancient temples, UNESCO world heritage sites and explore the rich cultural history of the city.

The Three Passes-EBC Trek with Destiny Excursion offers a blend of physical challenges, stunning landscapes, and rich cultural experiences. This expedition goes beyond being merely a hike; it represents a life-changing adventure in the Himalayas for individuals seeking the ultimate challenge within the mountains.

Tour Highlights

  • Explore the famous Sherpa village, Namche Bazaar
  • Experience the Everest Region through its landscapes, culture, and legendary mountain trails
  • Cross three main passes: Cho La Pass, Kongma La Pass, and Renjo La Pass
  • Explore exceptional elements of Sherpa traditions and hospitality
  • Less crowded compared to other Everest area trails
  • Discover the breathtaking Gokyo Lake and trek up Gokyo Ri

Points of Attraction

The three passes trek to Everest Base Camp is a challenge of stamina rather than anything else. It delves into the unique topography of the Himalayas, where nature’s splendor is combined with Himalayan tradition and lifestyle. This trek is a rich experience with views that are stunning, a unique traditional feel and a raw sense of pride and achievement. The hiking can be an experience of a lifetime as you trek through high-altitude mountain passes and experience the distinct local Sherpa culture.

Scenic and Natural Attractions

  • Classic Himalayan scenery: See massive mountain views of Mt Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, Ama Dablam, Nuptse, Pumori, Thamserku, and many other giant mountains.
  • Sunrise from Kala Patthar (5,555m): See a stunning sunrise over Everest and the other peaks from one of the region’s finest viewpoints.
  • Trekking over three lofty Himalayan passes: Kongma La (5,545m), Cho La (5,420m), and Renjo La (5,345m) – well-known for their impressive heights and panoramic landscapes.
  • Peaceful Gokyo Lakes: Visit the shimmering turquoise lakes with white mountain peaks all around, a highly tranquil and scenic destination on the trek.
  • Gokyo Ri and Chukhung Ri Viewpoints: Enjoy breathtaking vistas of the Everest range, including Everest, Makalu, and the Ngozumpa glacier.
  • Khumbu Glacier and Icefall: Trek beside the famous glacier descending from the Western Cwm of Everest and appreciate the chilly, rough terrain.
  • Everest Base Camp (5,364m): Set foot on the historic base of the great Everest.
  • Fertile forest and valley: Hike through the rhododendron forest, alpine meadows and beautiful river valleys surrounding the Namche Bazaar, Tengboche and Monjo village.

Cultural and Heritage Attractions

  • UNESCO Sites near Kathmandu: See historic Durbar squares, Pashupatinath temple, Boudhanath stupa and Swayambhunath stupa.
  • Namche Bazaar: Discover and immerse yourself in the lifestyle of a sherpa village famous for its marketplaces, bakeries, and rich culture.
  • Thame and Khumjung Villages: See traditional Sherpa life, visit ancient monasteries and see the legendary Yeti Scalp and Hillary School.
  • Tengboche Monastery: See profound religious rituals in the best monasteries of the region.
  • Thokla Pass Memorials: Pay tribute to dead climbers who reached Everest.

Adventure and Trekking Highlights

  • Dramatic Journey to Lukla: Reach one of the world’s most breathtaking mountain runways.
  • Sagarmatha National Park: Trek through a UNESCO World Heritage park with exceptional biodiversity, huge suspension bridges, and well-preserved Himalayan wildlife.
  • High-Altitude Acclimatization Treks: Experience acclimatization treks to Nangkartshang Peak and Chukhung Ri – both are stunningly beautiful as they assist your body acclimatize to the altitude.
  • Less-Crowded Passes and Remote Trails: Trek lesser-traveled zones with fewer tourists, offering tranquility and true experiences.
  • Completing the Everest Circuit: End your trip with greater satisfaction after trekking the entire circuit of the Three High Passes and to Everest Base Camp.

Itinerary

Elevation: 1,400m

Welcome to the Capital of Nepal “Kathmandu”. The journey to Everest Base Camp (EBC) begins after you arrive at the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA). Upon arrival at the airport, our representatives will warmly welcome you and escort you to our hotel, where you can check-in, relax, rest and get ready for the night. In the evening, you will join us for dinner. While having dinner, you can share your previous experience about trekking and have a brief introduction with the representatives and guides. Additionally, there will be music and dance for the entertainment.

Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu

Meals: Welcome Dinner

Elevation: 480m

After you wake up early in the morning, you have breakfast and prepare for the day. We meet for a detailed trek briefing, where you shall be introduced to your guide and support crew. During this time, you can check your trekking gear, finalize required permits, and ensure that everything is well prepared for the journey ahead. Following the briefing session, we begin our scenic drive towards Ramechhap, the gateway for Lukla flights. The road journey takes you through winding hills, small villages, and lush landscapes, offering a glimpse of rural Nepal. Upon arrival, you can rest and get ready for the upcoming flight and trekking days.

Overnight: Hotel in Ramechhap

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Elevation: 2,610m / 8,563ft

From this day, the trekking begins. Once you wake up early in the morning, we will make our way to the airport to fly to Lukla. It takes around 35 minutes to reach Lukla airport. After we arrive at the airport, our trekking crew will be waiting to meet us. Once we meet the crews, they will provide a short briefing about the trek. After that, we eventually begin our trek to Phakding (2,610m). Prior to arriving in Phakding, we must obtain the permits for Sagarmatha National Park and Passang Lhamu Rural Municipality. After that, we will trek to the Dudh Koshi Valley on a clear path and spend the night near the river at Phakding. To get to Phakding village from Lukla, a trek usually takes approximately 3 to 4 hours. We can witness the stunning view of Mount Kongde (6,086m) after we reach Phakding village.

Overnight: Tea house

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Elevation: 3,440m / 11,286ft

After early morning breakfast, we will be moving towards Namche Bazaar (3,440m). The journey to Namche Bazaar takes approximately 6 to 7 hours. On the way to Namche Bazaar, we enter the Sagarmatha National Park, which is situated at the Monjo village. After that, we will cross the high-suspension bridge, popularly known as the Hillary Bridge. Once we cross the bridge, we will need to trek for approximately three hours to arrive at Namche Bazaar. You might struggle a bit since the path ascends sharply. If we are lucky enough, then we may also get to witness the spectacular views of Mt Everest. Generally, Namche Bazaar is considered the main trading village situated in the Khumbu region. Because it is a trading spot, this village is one of the busiest markets, especially on Saturdays. This place is always busy with local people and trekkers from all over the world.

Overnight: Tea house

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Elevation: 3,440m / 11,286ft

Today will be a rest day for acclimatization. Namche Bazaar is an ideal location for acclimatization to the elevation (3,400m). The day dedicated to acclimatization is crucial for the body to adapt to its new surroundings. This place is located between the two hills, surrounded by big peaks of the Khumbu region.

On this day, we spend our full day exploring the nearby places of Namche Bazaar, like the Everest View Hotel, which is about a 2 hours walk and offers majestic views of Mt Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Tabuche and Kusum Khangkaru. Furthermore, we also visit the Sagarmatha National Park, where we can witness the statue of the great Tenzing Norgay Sherpa and explore his museum inside the park.

Overnight: Tea house

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Elevation: 3,867m / 12,687ft

After having breakfast early in the morning, we begin our trek to Tengboche, also known as Thyangboche. Typically, it requires approximately 5 to 6 hours to arrive at that location. We have to cross the pine forest and the traditional villages to reach Tengboche (3,867m). This place is well-known for its legendary monastery, beautiful mountain scene and peaceful atmosphere. Tengboche is the largest settlement in the Khumbu region. So, we will be staying in the tea house near the monastery, which offers a magnificent view of peaks such as Mt Everest, Lhotse and Ama Dablam with a full stunning view.

Overnight: Tea House

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Elevation: 4,410m / 14,600ft

Following breakfast early in the morning, we descend up to the Debuche through the lush forest of rhododendron trees and pass the Imja River. After that we walk uphill steadily until we reach the village of Pangboche (the highest permanent settlement in the region). On the side of the river, you can witness the clear, stunning view of Ama Dablam mountain. With the panoramic view of the mountain, you may feel a sense of awe that immediately grabs your attention away from the trail. This trek takes around 5-6 hours to reach Dingboche (4,410m).

Overnight: Tea House

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Elevation: 4,410m / 14,600ft

After hiking for several days, you might feel exhausted and wish to take a break. So, today will be a day to relax and adjust the body to these high-altitude places. Our day starts after having a hearty breakfast. After having breakfast, we take a slow hike to Nangkartshang Peak for acclimatization, which is situated at an elevation of 5,083m from the sea level. It requires approximately 4-5 hours of hiking to arrive at that location. This peak is the best viewpoint to witness the incredible views of Mt Lhotse, Ama Dablam and Island peak. After hiking to Nangkartshang Peak, you can simply reach the tea house to rest and prepare for tomorrow’s trek.

Overnight: Tea House

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Elevation: 4,730m / 15,518ft

Today’s hike to reach Chukhung from Dingboche will be brief, taking approximately 3-4 hours to complete. Since we are at an altitude of 4,730m, it is definitely going to be a hard trek, so we will slowly take a step and rest at the simple tea house during the afternoon. This valley is comparatively less crowded than other valleys, such as Khumbu Valley or Gokyo Valley, and also provides a stunning scene. Additionally, you can also witness the panoramic mountain views such as Mt Lhotse, Island peak, Peak 38 and Ama Dablam.

Overnight: Tea house

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Elevation: 5,550m / 18,209ft

Following breakfast, we start to climb the Chukhung Ri, which has an elevation of 5,550m from the sea level. Once you finish climbing and reach the top of the peak, you will witness the breathtaking views of Imja Valley and great mountains such as Mt Makalu, Lhotse, Island Peak, Ama Dablam, Peak 38 and more stunning mountains. Although the climb is steep and challenging, you will be rewarded with stunning panoramic views of the entire trek. After witnessing the stunning views, you will come to the hotel where you stayed the previous night. The hike to Chukhung Ri typically takes about 4 to 5 hours.

Overnight: Tea house

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Elevation: 4,910m / 16,109ft

When you wake up in the morning, you can prepare yourself for a long day of trekking. Your journey begins after you eat breakfast. Today, our goal is not just to arrive at Kongma La pass, which is one of the highest passes among the three, but also to traverse it, located at an elevation of 5,545 meters above sea level. We’ll need to hike uphill for approximately 5 hours to reach the pass. We go downhill towards the Lobuche (4,910m) by crossing the Khumbu glacier along the way. A good amount of stamina is needed to cross the Kongma La pass. You need to trek around 8-9 hours to completely cross the pass which can be too exhausting.

Overnight: Tea house

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Elevation: 5,170m / 16,962ft

After we eat breakfast early in the morning at Lobuche, we start our trek right away, as the trek is around 8-9 hours long. Since we have to trek for around 3 hours to Gorakshep (5,170m) alongside the Khumbu Glacier, we will have lunch before proceeding on our journey to Everest Base Camp (5,364m). The round trip from base camp to Gorakshep would take approximately 5-6 hours, traversing the Khumbu Glacier, occasionally navigating on moraine and at other times directly on the glacier. Give space as well as privacy to the climbers and their camps at Everest Base Camp. You can relish each moment at the base camp before heading back to Gorakshep.

Overnight: Tea house

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Elevation: 4,830m / 15,847ft

This morning, we begin our adventure bright and early. We will climb one of the best viewpoints among other viewpoints in the Everest region (Kala Patthar). The Kala Patthar (5,555m) is situated exactly right next to Mount Everest. You need to wake up early in the morning to see the sunrise view, as this place is considered one of the best spots to witness it. Enjoy the amazing view as the sun rises and lights up the mountains in the Everest region. After enjoying the stunning views during the golden hour, make your way down to Gorakshep for breakfast, and then head towards Dzongla (4,830m), a peaceful village situated at the foot of the Cho La pass.

Overnight: Tea house

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Elevation: 4,700m / 15,420ft

Following a hearty breakfast in the morning, we will continue on with the remainder of the trek. We will climb a very steep trail to reach the top of the Cho La Pass (5,420m), which can be very challenging. You can witness the massive, stunning views of snow-capped mountains after we reach the top of the pass. Then, we move downwards to the Dragnag (a small resting place near the Ngozumpa glacier) to rest and sleep at night. Today, we need to trek around 7-8 hours to reach Dragnag (4,700m).

Overnight: Tea house

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Elevation: 5,375m / 17,635ft

We have to hike around 3-4 hours which is comparatively less than the previous day’s treks. Following a hike of several hours, we will arrive at the stunning Gokyo Lake. On the way, we will cross the amazing Ngozumpa glacier and enjoy the panoramic views of Mt Cho Oyu, Gokyo Ri and Renjo La Pass. Gokyo, standing at 5,375 meters, is one of the highest places in the world where people live. Upon arriving in Gokyo, you’ll be amazed by the turquoise lakes encircled by towering Himalayan peaks. We will reach Gokyo in the daytime so that we can eat lunch and then explore the lakes. This light activity helps our bodies adjust for the day.

Overnight: Tea house

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Elevation: 5,360m / 17,585ft

Our adventure to Gokyo Ri (5,360m) gets underway after breakfast. This trek requires a steep uphill hike lasting 2-3 hours. After trekking to Gokyo Ri, we can witness the stunning views of mountains such as Mt Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu. Furthermore, we can also enjoy the rest of the time by exploring the phenomenal view of the entire Gokyo valley including the beautiful blue Gokyo lake and the Ngozumpa glacier.

Overnight: Tea house

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Elevation: 4,350m / 14,272ft

In the morning, you will receive breakfast. After having breakfast, we have to climb up and cross a high mountain pass known as Renjo La Pass having an elevation of 5,345m. We have to move upward steeply to reach the spot where we can witness the panoramic view of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cholatse and many other peaks. Reaching the location typically takes around 3 to 4 hours. From this place, you can also see the beautiful Gokyo lakes. After that, we head down towards Lungdhen, which takes around 3 hours.

Overnight: Tea house

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Elevation: 3,800m / 12,139ft

This trek is also one of the shorter hikes, as we have to walk for 3-4 hours downwards to the traditional village of Thame (3,800m). Because the trek is short, you may find it a relaxing day. After hiking, you have some time to freshen up and have lunch at the hotels with us. You can visit the ancient Thame Monastery (one of the oldest monasteries in the Khumbu region), settled above the village, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere once you reach Thame during the afternoon.

Overnight: Tea house

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Elevation: 2,835m / 9,298ft

After you have breakfast, we begin our trek to Namche Bazaar, which takes around 3-4 hours. Once we reach Namche Bazaar, we take a rest because we have been trekking for many hours. After taking a rest, we explore more about Namche Bazaar. In the middle of that, we eat our lunch and descend back towards Monjo village (2,835m) through lush forests and riverside trails, which are located just outside the main gate of Sagarmatha National Park. The route to Monjo often takes approximately 2 to 3 hours to complete.

Overnight: Tea house

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Elevation: 2,850m / 9,350ft

This trek is going to be the final trek. Once we’ve finished breakfast, we make our way to Lukla (2,850m). The journey to get there usually takes about 5-6 hours. After the hike for several hours, we cross the Phakding and Choplung to reach Lukla. After arriving, take in the breathtaking mountain views one last time, as you won’t see them again after this. In the night time, you can celebrate your adventurous tour with the trekking crewmates with plenty of entertainment. After that, you can prepare for tomorrow’s day.

Overnight: Tea house

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Elevation: 1,400m

After enjoying the night in Lukla, we had to return to the place where we had started our journey. On this day, we flew back to Kathmandu after having breakfast. Once you reach Kathmandu, you will again check in at the hotel and rest the whole day, eat a delicious meal or meet with friends if you have the time. It takes around 35 minutes to reach Kathmandu from Lukla by flight.

Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Elevation: 1,400m

On this day, you can explore the Kathmandu Valley other than the places you have already visited, such as the Garden of Dreams, Thamel, Chandragiri Hills, and Kopan Monastery. Furthermore, you can shop for souvenirs, visit the many popular restaurants and cafes for lunch and dinner and experience the unique culture. After reaching the hotel in the evening, you can prepare all the things for tomorrow.

Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu

Meals: Breakfast

Elevation: 1,400m

Your journey to EBC ends here. After you eat breakfast, we will help you to transfer to the airport for the flight to reach your home country. At the airport, you can remember your trek, the stunning scenes and the beautiful culture of the people. After that, you can take a flight and return to your home country.

Overnight:

Meals: Breakfast

Trek Route

Everest Three Passes Trek Route Map

What's included

  • Welcome dinner hosted by the company
  • Standard hotel stays in cities with breakfast
  • Lodge or tea house accommodation during trekking
  • All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
  • Domestic flights for guides and clients
  • Private transportation for planned travel
  • Guides and porters with meals, accommodation, transport, and insurance
  • All permits and entry fees
  • First aid kit
  • Single room supplement when applicable

What's excluded

  • International flights, visas, and airport charges
  • Mandatory insurance covering emergency evacuation and illness
  • Unspecified activities or side tours
  • Trekking gear (rental assistance available)
  • Personal spending such as drinks, laundry, and snacks
  • Tea house charges for hot showers or device charging
  • Tips for guides, drivers, and crew
  • Expenses from unforeseen disruptions or cancellations

Gallery

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Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you need a professional certification guide to trek the three-pass EBC, as this trek is challenging and involves high-altitude crossings, complex terrain, and rapidly changing weather conditions. If you are a beginner, you definitely need a guide but if you are well experienced, fit and have a good mental condition, you can do it solo.

The three-pass trek is recognized as one of the most challenging hikes compared to other treks, as hikers need to navigate high-altitude mountain passes - Kongma La (5,535m), Cho La (5,420m), and Renjo La (5,360m) - and endure long walking hours in extreme weather conditions.

There is no age restriction for trekking on a three-pass trek. If the hiker is in good physical and mental shape, they are capable of completing the trek. But, the minimum recommended age to trek is around 10 years, and the maximum age is above 50.

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Starting From:

US$2907

No. of peoplePrice per person
1 Pax$ 4061
2-3 Pax$ 2907
4-5 Pax$ 2656
6-7 Pax$ 2628
8-9 Pax$ 2587
10 Pax$ 2506

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