The Three High Passes Trek in Nepal: An Epic Himalayan Adventure
Travel on the journey through the heart of the Nepalese Himalayas with the Three High Passes Trek. This 21-day adventure promises a blend of breathtaking landscapes, challenging terrain, and unique cultural encounters that will leave a lasting impression. Here’s what you can expect from this remarkable trek:
Your adventure begins in Kathmandu, where you’ll have a day to prepare and explore this vibrant city. The next day, a scenic flight takes you to Lukla, the gateway to the Khumbu region. From Lukla, you’ll start trekking towards Namche Bazaar, the bustling Sherpa town nestled amid the towering peaks.
Trek Highlights
- Explore High Mountain Passes: Traverse three iconic high passes—Kongma La Pass (5,535m), Cho La Pass (5,420m), and Renjo La Pass (5,360m)—each offering stunning panoramic views of the surrounding peaks, including Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Makalu, and more.
- Remote and Isolated Trails: Experience the solitude of remote trails as you venture off the beaten path, far from the crowds of the Everest Base Camp route.
- Cultural Encounters: Enjoy yourself in the rich Sherpa culture, visiting traditional villages like Dingboche, Gokyo, and Thame, and interacting with local communities along the way.
- Challenging Terrain: Conquer rugged landscapes, glacier crossings, and steep ascents, pushing your physical and mental limits in one of the world’s most demanding trekking destinations.
Why Choose the Three High Passes Trek?
The Three High Passes Trek offers a unique opportunity to explore lesser-known regions of the Everest area, providing a more secluded and authentic trekking experience. This trek is perfect for seasoned adventurers seeking a new challenge and unparalleled views of the Himalayas.
Trek Preparation
Prepare for this demanding trek by enhancing your physical fitness and endurance. Previous trekking experience at high altitudes is recommended. Invest in quality trekking gear, including sturdy boots, appropriate clothing layers, and essential equipment.
Why Trek with Us?
Choose us as your trekking partner for the Three High Passes adventure. We offer professional guides, personalized itineraries, and seamless logistics, ensuring a safe and memorable trekking experience.
Useful Information
Permits: Obtain necessary permits, including the Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit and the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit, to trek in this region.
Trek Difficulty: The Three High Passes Trek is challenging and suitable for experienced trekkers. Be prepared for long days of hiking, high altitudes, and basic tea house accommodations.
Altitude Acclimatization: Our itinerary includes adequate rest days for acclimatization, reducing the risk of altitude-related issues.
Best Time to Trek
The best time for the Three High Passes Trek is from late September to November and from March to early May, offering ideal weather and clear mountain views.
Accommodation and Meals
Accommodations along the trek are basic tea houses, providing simple rooms and meals. Enjoy local Sherpa cuisine and communal dining experiences during your journey.
Embark on the adventure of a lifetime with the Three High Passes Trek. Contact us to customize your itinerary and join us for an unforgettable Himalayan experience.
Other trip you might like: Gosaikunda Trek
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English
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Sagarmatha NP, TIMS
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Spring, Autumn
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Land, Flight
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High
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5,535m
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Provided
Overview
High passes trek is a thrilling adventure that takes you through some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the Everest region of Nepal. This trek promises an unforgettable experience for those seeking the ultimate Himalayan adventure.
The journey begins in Lukla, a small town with a bustling airport considered one of the most dangerous in the world due to its short, sloping runway. From there, trekkers travel into the heart of the Khumbu region, passing through Sherpa villages like Namche Bazaar and Tengboche, where ancient monasteries stand as testament to the region’s rich cultural heritage.
The highlight of the Three High Passes Trek is, of course, conquering the three towering passes: Renjo La, Cho La, and Kongma La. These passes challenge trekkers both physically and mentally as they navigate steep roads, rocky terrain, and sometimes bad weather conditions. However, the sense of accomplishment upon reaching each pass and being rewarded with panoramic views of the surrounding peaks, including Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu, makes every step worthwhile.
Each pass offers a unique experience. Renjo La, with its dramatic views of Gokyo Lakes and the towering peaks beyond, is a feast for the eyes. Cho La, known for its steep, icy slopes and narrow crevasses, provides an adrenaline rush like no other. Kongma La, the highest of the three passes, offers beautiful view of the Khumbu Glacier and surrounding peaks, leaving trekkers in awe of untouched beauty of the Himalayas.
As trekkers complete the circuit, they descend back to Lukla, reflecting on the challenges they’ve overcome and the memories they’ve created. The Three High Passes Trek is not just about reaching the summit; it’s about absorbing oneself in the beauty of the Himalayas, building connections with fellow trekkers and locals, and discovering the resilience of the human spirit. For anyone seeking an adventure of a lifetime, the Three High Passes Trek is an experience that will stay with them forever.
Itinerary
Arrive Kathmandu, our staff will pick you up from the airport and check into your accommodation. Explore the bustling city and various cafes and bars during the day time. Buy all the stuff for the trekking.
Begin your journey from Kathmandu to Salleri, the starting point of your trek. Enjoy a scenic drive through picturesque landscapes and traditional villages.
Trek from Salleri to Paiya, passing through diverse terrain and experiencing the natural beauty of the Solukhumbu region.
Continue your trek to Phakding, following trails alongside rivers and through forests filled with rhododendrons and other local flora.
Go through forests, cross the Imja River, and trek through alpine landscapes to reach Dingboche, beneath the Khumbu region.
Spend the day acclimatizing in Dingboche. Optionally, hike to Nagarjun Hill for views of the Himalayas.
Begin your trek from Namche Bazaar towards Tengboche, a journey that takes approximately 5-6 hours. Pass through lush forests of rhododendron and juniper, with occasional glimpses of the majestic Everest and Ama Dablam peaks. Visit the famous Tengboche Monastery, surrounded by stunning mountain vistas.
Continue your trek from Tengboche to Dingboche, a trek of around 5-6 hours. Traverse through alpine landscapes, crossing glacial rivers and enjoying panoramic views of peaks like Lhotse and Island Peak.
Trek from Dingboche to Chukung, a shorter hike of about 3-4 hours. Marvel at the rugged terrain and the looming presence of towering Himalayan peaks as you approach Chukung, a gateway to more challenging passes.
Take a day to acclimatize in Chukung, exploring the village and embarking on short hikes to nearby viewpoints for stunning vistas of the surrounding mountains.
Cross the challenging Kongma La Pass en route to Lobuche, a full day trek of approximately 7-8 hours. Admire breathtaking views from the pass and descend into the Khumbu Valley towards Lobuche.
Trek to Gorakshep and then continue to Everest Base Camp, returning to Gorakshep for the night. This trek takes about 6-7 hours round trip. Experience the thrill of standing at the base of the world's highest peak and soak in the surrounding glacial landscape.
Hike to the summit of Kala Patthar for sunrise views of Everest before descending to Dzongla, a trek of around 6-7 hours. Enjoy panoramic vistas of the Khumbu Glacier and surrounding peaks.
Cross the challenging Chola Pass and descend to Thangnak, a trek of approximately 7-8 hours. Navigate through rocky terrain and experience the dramatic landscapes of the Everest region.
Trek from Thangnak to Gokyo, a trek of about 3-4 hours. Arrive at the tranquil village of Gokyo, situated by the emerald Gokyo Lakes.
Spend a rest day in Gokyo, exploring the lakeside and taking short hikes to nearby viewpoints for stunning panoramas of Cho Oyu and other peaks.
Cross Renjo La Pass en route to Marulung, a challenging trek of around 7-8 hours. Enjoy spectacular views of Everest, Makalu, and Cho Oyu from the pass.
Descend to Thame and return to Namche Bazaar, passing through traditional Sherpa villages and enjoying the scenic landscapes of the Khumbu region.
Trek back to Lukla via Phakding, concluding your trekking journey in the Everest region. This trek takes approximately 6-7 hours.
Conclude your adventure with a scenic flight from Lukla back to Kathmandu, offering final views of the Himalayan peaks before returning to the bustling city life.
Farewell dinner at evening with Local food. Overnight at same hotel in Kathmandu.
Departure from Kathmandu involves checking out of your accommodation, heading to Tribhuvan International Airport, and boarding an international flight. Our staff will be available to drop you off at the airport.
Includes/Excludes
Includes
- All land transportation with pickups and drops.
- Guide and porter for trekking (1 porter for two people).
- Sagarmatha National Park Entrance Fee and TIMS Card fee covered.
- Necessary paperwork with the government of Nepal and Tax department.
- Insurance for guides and porters included.
- First Aid service available for minor injuries.
- Salary, food, and accommodation for guides and porters provided.
Excludes
- Meals in Kathmandu other than breakfast.
- Travel insurance for rescue, trip cancellation, health emergencies.
- Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu.
- Personal expenses like phone calls, laundry, bar bills.
- Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, including mineral water.
- Nepal entry visa fee.
- Tips for treks guide, porter (not mandatory but appreciated)
FAQs
The three high passes are Renjo La Pass (5,340 meters), Cho La Pass (5,420 meters), and Kongma La Pass (5,535 meters).
The Three High Passes Trek is more challenging than the Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lakes Trek due to the higher altitude and technical difficulty of crossing the passes.
The recommended times are the same as for Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lakes Trek: pre-monsoon (March to May) and post-monsoon (September to November) seasons.
The trek typically takes around 16-20 days, including acclimatization days. The itinerary involves crossing the three high passes, visiting Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lakes, and exploring other scenic spots in the region.
Yes, similar permits are required as for the Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lakes Trek: Sagarmatha National Park entry permit and Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality entry permit.
Trekkers should have a high level of fitness and prior trekking experience in high-altitude environments. Training should include cardiovascular exercises and strength training.
Accommodation includes basic tea houses and lodges in villages along the trail, similar to those found on other popular treks in the Everest region.
Yes, altitude sickness is a significant concern due to the high altitude of the passes. Adequate acclimatization, hydration, and a gradual ascent are crucial. Trekkers should be aware of symptoms and descend if necessary.
Essential gear includes sturdy hiking boots, warm clothing layers, a down jacket, waterproof outerwear, gloves, a hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, a first-aid kit, and personal medications.
Yes, hiring a guide and porter is highly recommended, especially for navigating the challenging terrain and ensuring safety in remote areas. Guides provide expertise in route finding, while porters can carry heavy gear, allowing trekkers to focus on the experience.
While previous trekking experience is beneficial, it’s not mandatory for the Three High Passes Trek. However, a good level of physical fitness and endurance is essential due to the challenging terrain and altitude.
The Three High Passes Trek is less crowded than the classic Everest Base Camp Trek. However, during peak trekking seasons, certain sections may have more traffic, especially around popular stops and lodges.
Medical facilities are limited along the route. Basic clinics are available in some villages, but for serious medical issues, evacuation to a larger town or Kathmandu may be necessary.
Yes, you can customize your trek by adding side trips to nearby peaks, lakes, or villages. Additionally, some trekkers combine this trek with a climb of Island Peak or Lobuche East for a more challenging adventure.
The trek passes through several Sherpa villages and monasteries, offering insight into local traditions and Buddhism. Trekkers often visit Tengboche Monastery, one of the region’s most famous monasteries.