The Everest region is home to the amazing mountainous landscape and is known for a wide variety of mountaineering, trekking, and hiking destinations. Normally tourists tend to choose a lighter and easier way to explore this Himalayan region. However, those who are planning a challenging hiking trip must explore this adventure destination. Among these, The Three Passes Trek is one of the best high-altitude trekking routes in the world. As the name suggests this hiking route comprises three major high mountain passes above the 5000-meter mark, namely Kong Ma La 5535m, Cho La 5420m, and Renjo La 5345m.
Except for these passes, there are several points that are higher than the 5000 Meters, among which Kalapathar (5550m), Everest Base Camp (5340m), and Gorakshep (5134m) are the main highlights. With this much difficulty, the trek is blessed with magnificent views of the tall snowcapped mountains of the region. Everest 8848m, Lhotse 8516, Makalu 8481m, Cho Oyu 8188m, Ama Dablam 6812m, Thamserku 6623 m are among the major peaks.
Besides, the glaciers and the glacial lakes make this trek even more tempting. The longest Himalayan glacier Ngozumba and the Khumbu glacier are the major glaciers in this region. There is also an abundance of water bodies in this region in the form of lakes, ponds, and streams. Gokyo Lake system is the major pilgrimage destination for Hindus and Buddhists whereas several smaller lakes do exist elevating above 5000 m. Some of them are even frozen throughout the year. The melting of ice and glaciers serves as an origin point for major rivers like Dudh Koshi, Bhote Koshi, and Imja Khola.
As the Three Passes trek lies in the Sagarmatha National Park, listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site, trees and plants are much of a rare encounter during this trek except for the regions below 4 thousand meters in elevation. Blue Sheep and some smaller rodents are most likely to be seen whereas Snow Leopards, Bears, and wolves are nowhere to be seen. But different kinds of birds including different types of pheasants can be seen during the trek. The weather is mostly chill and sunny with clouds moving frequently. During the winter the region is mostly covered in snow. These conditions make this region a trekking paradise.
Apart from the natural attraction, the cultural aspect is also an important feature of this trek. Home to the indigenous Sherpa people, glimpses of Himalayan Buddhism culture can be seen throughout the trek duration. Monasteries, Stupas, Chhortens, Mani Walls, Prayer Flags, and Prayer wheels are common sightings. Vivid cultural festivals celebrated during different times of year are open for tourists and travelers to witness.
Here in Vertex Holiday, we encourage people to achieve something previously thought unachievable. So if you are seeking a trip of a lifetime and don’t mind spending a couple of weeks in the mountains, we will be pleased to arrange your trip. For more detailed information about this once-in-a-lifetime hiking trip and other essential information consider connecting with us.
Day 1 Arrive in Kathmandu (1300m), transfer to hotel, and have dinner with the Nepali cultural program.
Day 2 Fly to Lukla (2804m) and trek to Phakding (2610): walk approx 3-4 hrs.
Day 3 Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3440m): walk approx 5 – 6 hrs.
Day 4 Acclimatization day at Namche Bazaar -day hiking to Khumjung valley over Everest viewpoint hotel.
Day 5 Trek from Namche Bazaar to Tengboche Monastery (3,860m): walk approx 5 – 6 hrs.
Day 6 Trek from Tengboche Monastery to Dingboche (4,350m): walk approx 5 – 6 hrs.
Day 7 Dingboche (4,350m) rest
Day 8 Dingboche to Chhukung valley (4,720m): walk approx 5 hrs.
Day 9 Chhukung – Kongma La (5,535m/18,154ft) – Lobuche (4,940m/16,204ft): 9-10 hrs
Day 10 Lobuche – Gorak Shep (5,170m) to Everest Base Camp (5,364m) and back to Gorak Shep: walk approx 8-9 hrs.
Day 11 Hike up to Kalapatthar (5,555m) early in the morning and trek down to Dzonglha (4,830m) 8-10 hrs
Day 12 Dzonglha – Cho La (5420m) – Thangnak (4,680m) – Gokyo (4,800m): 9-10 hrs
Day 13 Gokyo Valley: Climb Gokyo Ri (5357m) 5 – 6 hours.
Day 14 Gokyo – Renjo La (5345m) – Lungden (4,380m) Marulung (4210m): 8-9 hrs
Day 15 Lungden – Namche Bazaar (3,440 m): 8-9 hours
Day 16 Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla (2804m): walk approx 6-7 hrs.
Day 17 Fly back to Kathmandu after the Three Passes trek/Rest day.
Day 18 Transfer to the international airport for your final flight departure.
Congratulation!