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The Everest Region is the premier trekking destination in Nepal, and the Three Passes Trek is rated to be its ultimate trekking adventure in the world’s most spectacular mountain terrain. We are off-the-beaten-track trekking through remote valleys and over high passes with superlative scenery every step of the way. Cross three passes over 5,000m, each offering amazing scenery and views. The trek links both the Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lakes trek with two additional trails to the east and west of the region. Acclimatization is the key with slow and steady ascents that make up the three long and demanding pass trekking days. This trek is ranked by many hardened trekkers to be the best trek in Nepal.
Spring (March-May) and Autumn (October-November) are the best seasons to do this trek. It is possible to do in the monsoon season (June – early September) but the weather is less predictable, some people however still choose this time as it fits better with their vacation schedule. Winter season (December – February) is quite cold, and there is a good possibility that snow may block the passes, but often offers clear skies. We rate this trek as “Challenging to strenuous” you need to be fit and resilient given its high pass crossings. It is much more challenging than a trek to Everest Base Camp, but not quite as challenging as summiting a trekking peak such as Island Peak and Mera Peak.
Variations for the trek:
Himalaya Heart chooses to do the Three Passes trek counter-clockwise. It is possible to trek clockwise but due to the steep altitude gain of crossing the Renjo La, first, it is not recommended. From Gokyo, we add an extra day to visit the remote Gokyo Lakes farther up the glacial valley.
Himalaya Heart provides total support to you all the way. Our mountain guides have spent many years leading groups at high altitude and are well able to deal with any problems. Our teams are always well prepared, we provide our porters and support staff with excellent equipment for travel into the mountains. Your trip leader will be paying careful attention to all clients and staff, making sure everyone stays as comfortable as possible and has the best chance of attaining their goals and completing the trip successfully.
Please note:
Delays with Lukla flights: These can happen any time of year, but are especially likely around monsoon season (late May to early Sept.). If your flight is delayed Himalaya Heart will reschedule you on the next possible flight. As conditions can change rapidly this may be very soon after your scheduled departure, or on very rare occasions be as much as a few days later – it is very difficult to predict. This can be pretty frustrating, but is simply part of the journey to the Everest region. We strongly recommend you add at least a day or two to the end of your trip if you have an international connecting flight to give yourself some flexibility in the case of any delays.
- Sightseeing tour around Kathmandu
- Trek a challenging circuit around the entire Everest region
- Amazing views of the highest mountains in the world
- Cross three challenging 5,000 m passes: Renjo La, Cho La, and Kongma La
- Leave the crowds on the major route for a much more personal experience
- Sherpa Mountain Culture
One of our team will be at the airport to pick you up for the hotel transfer. Here we will go over the tour in more detail and you will meet your guide.A chance for you to ask any questions you may have. The rest of the day is free to explore the bustling streets of Kathmandu
Today we visit many of the historical sites in and around Kathmandu, destinations that have managed to find a place in the UNESCO world’s heritage list. We begin with Swayambhunath climbing its stairs which are said to encompass the 13 paths to reach enlightenment. The Hindu heritage of Pashupatinath is next on our list resonating in the prayers of thousands who visit the temple each day. We head towards Kathmandu Durbar square to witness a historical journey encompassing generations of Nepalese Kings before ending our journey at Boudhanath well known for its sunset views. Overnight Kathmandu.
We are up early for the transfer to the domestic airport for our flight to Lukla (2780m /9175ft)the gateway to Everest Base Camp a great 35 minutes Trans Himalaya flight culminating in a dramatic landing on a hillside Lukla. After we gather our team together introduce porters etc we trek downhill to beautiful Sherpa settlement Choplung. The trail continues along the side of the Dudh Koshi valley before ascending to Ghat ((2530m /8350ft) Trail we then have a gently again for about an hour to final destination Phakding,
A lovely day today as the trek leads us through a beautiful pine forest, along Dudh Koshi River crossing many suspension bridges via the Sherpa villages Benkar, Chimoa, Monjo, and Jorsole. Jorsale is the entrance to The National Park and the permit checkpoint Mt. Thamserku (6618 m) sits strong on the horizon. The trail continues along the Dudh Koshi riverbed to the confluence of Bhote Koshi and Dudh Koshi rivers. It then climbs steadily crossing the high Tenzing- Hilary suspension bridge. On the way we get tantalising glimpses of Mt. Everest and the Nuptse- Lhotse ridge on the way. The next 3 hours we trek up through a wonderful pine forest to finally reach the prosperous trading center of Namche Bazar.
As we are going to be at over 5000 metrs in a few days we need to spend a day here allowing our systems to get used to the higher altitude. Set in a beautiful natural amphitheater, Namche Bazaar is one of the most attractive settlements in the Khumbu region. This is a good opportunity today to make short acclimatization treks.We go up to Khumjung, a lovely Sherpa village above Namche visit The Everest View Hotel from where there are wonderful panoramic views of Everest, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Nuptse, Lhotse, Tawche, and Kwangde . Then back down to pick up on the atmosphere Namche provides.
We beginn today on a fairly flat trail with superb views of Mt. Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam and close up view of Thamserku and Khangtaiga. The area is rich in wildlife you may spot musk deer (a herd of Himalayan Thar) colorful pheasants (Danphe, National bird) we then need to descend to Dudh Koshi river where there are a few lodges and series of ancient water driven prayer wheels. Crossing the suspension bridge over Dudh Koshi River we have a steep climb through pine and juniper forest for about 2 hours before reaching our overnight stop at Tengboche.Tengboche Monastery with the background of Ama Dablam, Nupte, Mt. Everest and many more peaks has a surreal atmoshphere. During October/November in full moon the colorful Mani Rimdu festival is held here with masked dancing and Tibetan opera in the monastery courtyard.
After leaving Tengboche we descend to Deboche a small village with Chortens and Mani stone walls and nuns monastery. Cross suspension bridge over Imja Khola there is an ascent to Pangboche from where there is a towering view of Ama Dablam considered to be the most beautiful mountain in Everest region. We follow the trail upstream along the Imja River. The trail opens at the confluence of Lobuche river and onwards to Dingboche. Dingboche id the the last Sherpa living settlement with beautiful terraced fields enclosed by stone walls to protect the barley, buckwheat and potatoes grown there from the cold wind and grazing animals.
Another nice day as we leave Dingboche,through its stone walled fields and alpine landscape. The views as we head up the Imja valley are breathtaking now we are getting truely amongst them.Lhotse towers on our left and delicate Ama Dablam flanks our right. We reach Bibre at 4570m a place used by yak herders. Straight ahead soars Island peak the most popular trekking peak in Nepal.The trail ahead is intersected by small often icy streams as we make our way to Chhukung.We probably have time today to hike to the rocky knoll of Chhukung Ri at 5546m. From here there are tremendous views of Mnt. Lhotse, Island Peak, Ama Dablam, Makalu and several others including Baruntse.
We need a second rest day for better acclimatization however rest day is misleading it is essential that we take every opportunity to make the days ahead more rewarding and easier to negotiate. We take the opportunity to climb to Island Peak Base Camp (4970 m) passing along the Lhotse glacier and along Imja Lake.A good workout.
We are up early at first light for a hard day on the trail from Chhukung, we need to negotiate the highest pass of our journey. There are no Lodges on the way so we need to stock up on snacks and take plenty of water. This is remoteness at its best.this is a huge day as we ascend to the Kongma La pass. From the pass, we descend steeply to the Khumbu Glacier which we need to cross, fairly tough going clambering up the moraines on the far side to reach a meadow where there is an Italian high altitude research pyramid. Our final descent is a stiff challenge, the most difficult stage as the trail turns north through the Khumbu Glacier then on to Lobuche.
From Lobuche we follow the narrow gap between the glacial moraine and the mountain walls. It is possible to make a detour to the edge of moraine to look over the Khumbu glacier if we have time. Wonderful views of Mt. Pumori, Nuptse, and other magnificent peaks on the way to Gorakshep which is the original location of the Everest Base Camp.The new camp is situated further up the valley.After lunch we continue to Everest Base Camp Distance 3.5 km one way. The trail passes over rocky moraine and several small streams. At Base Camp a chance to experience the freezing and harsh conditions that mountaineers brave to summit this famous mountain. It is a place for climbers to gather to make their final preparations. We explore base camp and its surrounding glacier before our return back to Gorakshep.
We set off early to climb Kalapathar, around 2 km from Gorakshep. It is now you fully appreciate your effort of the last 10 days. We are rewarded by an almost surreal experience of the 360-degree dramatic panoramic view of Mt Everest and the surrounding mountains of Mt. Pumori, Mt. Lingtren, Mt. Khumbetse, Mt. Nuptse, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Ama Dablam, Mt. Thamserku along with many other peaks in the range. Spend some time to gather your thoughts before we leave for the easy walk for about 2hrs to Lobuche and onwards downhill to Pheriche. Continue down moraine then drop to the bridge over a gushing stream that flows out of the glacier to Dzonglha.
After the breakfast, we head off towards Cho La Pass. The pass is a gateway for the combined trek to Gokyo Valley and Everest Base Camp. We have a steep ascent up a steep rocky incline into the valley by the side of the glacier, passing the first of the holy lakes and onto to the flag strewn Cho La Pass. It is an enjoyable day today, scenic and the route is not difficult although in bad weather it can be a challenging route some times. From the pass, we descend to Thagnak which is a small Sherpa settlement before a steep final push up to Gokyo.
A great day with a hike to Gokyo Ri.If the Gods give us good weather our climb of Gokyo RI will be even more spectacular. Some people say the views from the top are the best to be had, not only in the Everest region but when it comes to mountains anywhere on this planet. Get close and personal with Ngozumpa Glacier, the longest glacier in Nepal. Outstanding views of Mt. Everest (8,848 m), Mt. Cho Oyu (8,188 m), Mt. Makalu (8,481 m) and Khumbu icefall as they layout before us. Return to the lodge for overnight
Another day, another pass and another early start the Renjo La Pass (5400m.) We need to start at dawn today as we have to trace our trail up to Langden after crossing the Renjo La. We leave the main trail and turn to Renjo La trail at Dudh Pokhari. After a slog for around 3 hours, the colourful prayer flags of Renjo La are there to greet us where a dazzling vista also awaits. Everest, Lhotse, Cholatse and Taboche shimmering in the sun. The views from Renjo La are similar to the ones from Gokyo Ri with third Gokyo Lake and Gokyo Village beneath the gray smear of Ngozumpa Glacier. The trail winds down a stone staircase from the pass and then a scramble over loose scree to reach the south bank of a small lake, Angladumba Tsho. There may well be ice on the trial so care is needed. Along the way, we pass Relama Tsho and Renjo Lakes. then down through a narrow valley clogged with giant boulders to Lumde. There is a support Lodge at Lumde but it is often closed. We hike on for an hour along the east bank of the Bhote Kosi to finally reach Marlung. A long day.
After breakfast at Marlung we head towards Namche Bazaar crossing the Bhote Koshi river. We then follow a lush green trail through the valley of Langmuche Khola and our hike finally brings us to the small village of Phortse where there is a monastery, which is popular among westerners for Buddhist study, it is also a well-known meditation center. We trek on walking past some Gompas, colorful prayer flags to finally reach Namche Bazaar.
There is a steep descent from Namche to the Dudh Koshi. Once we have crossed the suspension bridge high over the river, the path runs mostly level. A lovely trail through rhododendron and pine forests with distant views of snow-covered peaks before we reach Phakding. Hiking on passing through local Sherpa villages to finally arrive in Lukla. A chance to celebrate with the team befor the flight back to Kathmandu the following morning.
After breakfast, we say goodbye to the mountains for the flight back to Kathmandu. On arrival one of our reps will be waiting for the transfer back to the hotel. An evening meal is often arranged on the last day. Overnight Hotel.
Time to move on we hope you have enjoyed your time with us and we look forward to meeting again. One of our team will take you to the airport as per your time schedule. Or alternatively, assist you with any other plans you may have.
You can bring your sleeping bag from home or you can rent one in Kathmandu or Himalaya Heart will loan you one. Most tea houses also have blankets but we suggest you bring a warm bag with a liner to use with the blankets.
Yes. All of the necessary permits and conservation fees for your trek are included in the price and will be arranged for you by Himalaya Heart prior to your trek. (we prefer doing this online before your arrival) For certain restricted regions (like Manaslu and Upper Mustang) we need to have a full day in Kathmandu prior to your trek as we need your passport for the permit registration.
We have fixed departures clearly stated in the website otherwise if you are planning to make your tour specific to you and your group the tour starts on the date that works best for you. Typically, you need 2 days in Kathmandu prior to your trek.
You can leave your additional luggage at your hotel in Kathmandu or at our company office in Thamel. Either way, your luggage will be waiting for you at your hotel when you return back from your trek.
You can buy virtually everything you need for trekking from down jackets to water bottles in Kathmandu. There is a variety of branded stores as well as a large selection of copied products mainly in Thamel that are of fairly good quality. It’s still worth bringing your own gear if it doesn’t take up too much weight, especially your own trekking boots to avoid any potential issues when purchasing new shoes.
You should bring trekking boots that are comfortable and broken in. There can be some snow at higher altitudes especially when crossing high passes, so it’s good to be prepared for a variety of conditions. Your footwear should be strong and durable. It should have a chunky sole—preferably made of Vibram or another durable material—and should also protect your ankles.
Tipping is not required but is expected, and really depends on how happy you were with the service. Guides (both for trekking and cultural tours), porters, and drivers are typically provided with a tip at the end of their service with you.
If you fall ill during your trek, the course of action depends on what’s wrong. If it’s altitude sickness, moving to lower altitudes and taking altitude medication will solve this in most cases; if it’s severe, our guide will arrange for an emergency evacuation by helicopter Himalayan Heart will cover the initial costs then claim from your insurer (be sure that emergency helicopter rescue is covered in your travel insurance it is an essential requirement before travelling with us). If you have stomach sickness or another type of food or water-related illness, our guide will have medication on-hand for most common illnesses.
Most days in the mountains involve 4-6 and occasionally more hours trekking. When you consider your day starts at 8 am and ends around 4-5 pm, it’s not too arduous as you’ll be taking a number of breaks and stopping for lunch along the way. The higher you get in elevation (especially in the Everest region), the shorter your trekking days will get to ensure we minimize the risk of altitude sickness.
You only need to carry your day pack with daily essentials (sunblock, water, hat, light jacket, and camera) Our porters carry the bulk of your gear, such as extra clothing and overnight essentials.
For group treks (treks that start on a specific date and are open for travelers to join), the group size can range from 2-10 people but typically ends up being around 4-6 people.
All of our guides at Himalaya Heart speak English and have had many years of experience in guiding foreign travelers. It’s a requirement that they all are trained in first aid as well and we carry a first aid kit during the trek.
When’s the best time to visit Nepal?
The main seasons for trekking are the spring (Mar to May) and autumn (Sep to Nov) when you’ll have clear skies and superb mountain views. The winter (Dec to Feb) is also a great time to visit— these months offer a unique experience and fewer crowds but lower altitude treks are better at this time of year as its cold at night.
What is it like during the monsoon season
(Jun to Aug), Most of Nepal experiences heavy rain for a few hours each day. It’s humid, wet, and the trails in the lower regions (Ghorepani, Ghandruk, Langtang, etc) can be quite muddy. If you don’t mind the rain you’ll have the trails to yourself, the skies often clear up in the morning, and certain treks offer stone-paved trails that drain the rain and make for easy trekking. Also, certain regions, like Mustang and the upper reaches of Everest, lie in the rainshadow of the Himalaya and receive little rain but views however are still likely to be restricted.
Is Wi-Fi available on treks:
The main trekking regions of Everest / Annapurna / Langtang have Wi Fi facilities on the major trekking routes. There will be times when trekking in remote areas when it is not available.
What is Altitude Sickness?
Many sites on Google speak about 2.500 meters as when problems may arise. In our experience this is misleading you may feel a slight headache but rarely anything more that a painkiller won’t relieve. If we are talking about the possibility of contracting a more severe form of altitude sickness it is likely to occur over 4.000 meters and once again rare and easily resolved by descending to a lower altitude. Altitude sickness describes several symptoms that happen to your body when you’re exposed to a higher elevation within a short period of time. When people are traveling or either climbing to a higher elevation quickly. The higher you climb, the lower the air pressure and oxygen levels get. Our bodies can handle the shift, but they need time to gradually adjust. Himalaya Heart carefully designs treks to minimise any risk.Having said that genrally people will experience the following to a lesser or higher degree.
Lack of appetite/ nausea /Fatigue/ Shortness of breath
Money and payment in Nepal.
Payment in hotels, trekking/travel agencies, and airlines are made in foreign exchange. Most of the International Cards including Visa Card, Master Card, JCB, Maestro, Americal Express etc. are widely accepted by hotels, restaurants and leading travel/trekking agents. The receipts may be needed to change left-over Nepalese Rupees into hard currency before leaving the country. However, only 10 percent of the total amount may be converted by the bank. ATM and Debit cards are widely in use in major cities of Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan, Lumbini and others.
Nepalese Rupees are found in denominations of 1000, 500, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1. One rupee equals 100 paisa. The rate regularly fluctuates and is fixed and published by Nepal Rastra Bank every other day.
What’s the difference between private and group tours?
Private tours are tailor-made itineraries built by us around your travel dates and personal interests, whereas group trips are pre-packaged and depart on specific dates. Group trips are also open for others to join, whereas private trips are just for you. You will find a list of fixed departure dates on our website.
How do I get my visa for Nepal?
For most nationalities visa can be obtained on arrival in Kathmandu. It takes around 45 minutes and is the most convenient way to get your visa you will need passport size photos.. You can also apply for a visa in advance from a local Nepali consulate in your country if you’d like to have everything arranged in advance. Cost15 Days – 25 USD / 30 Days – 40 USD / 90 Days – 100 USD
How much luggage can I take on domestic flights?
For mountain flights, you’re allowed 5 kg. carry-on to the plane and 10 kg. for checked-in luggage. For non-mountain sector flights, the check-in allowance increases to 20-25 kg.
Are hotels included in the tour price?
Himalaya Heart organise complete tours, meaning everything is taken care of from the moment you arrive in Nepal to the moment you leave, including all of your accommodation in a three star Hotel. If you require better accommodation please let us know and we can arrange this and adjust the tour cost accordingly. Each of our tour pages shows clearly what is and what is not included in the tour price.
Are there any extra expenses not included in my tour price?
Personal expenses (tips, soft drinks, bar bills, laundry, telephone calls, donations, and extra snacks, etc) are not included in your tour price. When checking a particular trek page on our website we have clearly stated what is and what is not included. If you’re going trekking, the only things you’ll need to pay for out of pocket are wifi and battery charging (when available), extra meals outside of what’s included, alcohol, and soft drinks and perhaps hot showers.
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