• Duration:20 Nights 21 Days
  • Difficulty: Strenuous
  • Max. Altitude: 5545m
  • Group Size: 1-12
  • Activity: Hiking & Trekking
  • Pick Up: TIA Airport

About Khumbu Three High Passes Trekking

The Khumbu Three High Passes Trekking is for the adventurous who crave something more challenging than the Classic Everest Base Camp Trek. The Khumbu Three Passes Trek crosses three non-technical high altitude passes: Renjo La, 5345m, Cho La 5420m, and Kongma La, 5535m. The Khumbu Three Passes Trek is packed with spectacular panoramic views of the world’s most awesome peaks: Everest (8848m), Lhotse (8516m), Makalu (8463m) and Cho Oyu (8201m), four of the world’s eight highest peaks.

Besides the three high passes, this trek includes Khumbu favorites like Gokyo Ri, Kala Patthar, and Everest Base Camp.

Khumbu Three High Passes Trekking has long days of trekking at high altitudes, which are strenuous, even for the physically fit. Your senses will be saturated with the natural beauty of the Khumbu and you will be ready for the warm welcome of the local guest house where you experience the cultural beauty of the Sherpa people. Picturesque villages and monasteries give glimpses into the Khumbu culture.

Starting at Lukla, 2828m, on the Classic Everest Base Camp trail, we follow the Dudh Koshi River up to the bustling, modern Sherpa capital of Namche. We make the most of luxuries we will do without on the rest of the trek, and head off up the Bhote Koshi Valley via Thame. The long ascent to Renjo La is challenging, but the view from the top makes it well worth the effort. The scene from here will be one of your favorite memories of this trek.

We descend into the Gokyo Valley where we see the turquoise blue, sacred Gokyo Lakes alongside the Ngozumpa Glacier. From Gokyo we climb up to Gokyo Ri, 5330m, which is considered as the best view point in the entire Everest Region. Next, we cross over the creaking glacier, and start the ascent to Chola La. The trail covers grassland, then scree and finally loose stones and ice. Chola La pass, on the edge of a glacier, offers another fantastic view. Besides watching your step on the tricky descent over glacial icefall and boulders, you will look up and see Ama Dablam is facing you, beautifully framed by the Khumbu Valley. We rejoin the main trail to Everest Base Camp which follows along the Khumbu glacier. From nearby Kala Patthar, 5550m, we get the best close up view of Mt. Everest.

The trail to Kongma La, the final and highest of the three passes, branches off the Everest Base Camp trail at Lobuche. It crosses the Khumbu glacier to grassy slopes. The most challenging part of the ascent is on loose stone. The mountains seen best from Kongma La Pass are Makalu, Lhotse, 8516m, Nuptse, 7861m, Pumori, Lobuche and Ama Dablam. The descent into the Chhukung Valley is steep. We make our way back down to Lukla via Dingboche and Tengboche.

The Khumbu Three High Passes Trekking is a 21-days trek but the itinerary can be lengthened or shortened according to your preference and needs. The best season for Three High Passes Trek is from March to May and from September to November. Many companies will guide you through Kongma La, the highest pass, first. We, at Annapurna Foothills Treks, prefer the itinerary to start with Renjo La first and Kongma La last. Trekking to Renjo La first gives your body more time to acclimatize, reducing the risk of climbing too high too fast.

Ready to challenge yourself with an interesting climb of a 6000m peak? We organize exciting adventure climbs of Island Peak 6189m and Lobuche East Peak 6119m as an add on climb to any of the Everest region treks. We recommend our guests to do the Everest Base Camp Trek or Gokyo Valley and Everest Base Camp Trek or Khumbu Three High Passes Trek before attempting for either Island Peak or Lobuche East Peak.

 

Highlights of Khumbu Three High Passes Trekking

  • stunning view of Mount Everest and other mountains of the Khumbu from many vantage points
  • learn about Sherpa Culture in remote parts of the Khumbu
  • visit fascinating Namche Bazaar
  • visit Gokyo Lakes
  • cross the Renjo La & climb Gokyo Ri
  • challenging trek with ample acclimatisation days

Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu 1,300 m/4,265 ft

Flying to Kathmandu is in itself an exciting and memorable experience. On a clear day you will get a panoramic view of the snow-capped mountains. In the airport, after completing the visa formalities collect your luggage downstairs. As you exit the airport terminal, you will be met by our representative carrying your name on a signboard as well as our company signboard, Annapurna Foothills Treks & Expedition. You will be taken to your hotel in our vehicle, where you will be staying before commencing the trip. 

  • Hotel

The Managing Director of our company will meet you in the hotel and provide more information about the expedition. Your dues must be cleared before we proceed on the trip. Afterward, you are free to relax or explore around the city. We will finalize paperwork-permit for your trip and make a final check of your equipment. In case you need additional trekking equipment, you will have a chance to buy it. Sightseeing tours of Kathmandu Valley are also an option. 

  • Breakfast
  • Hotel

Flying from Kathmandu to Lukla

We head to the domestic airport for our early morning flight to Lukla. From the twin otter plane, we will enjoy some amazing views of several of the world’s highest mountains including Cho Oyu, 8153m, Lhotse, 8516m, Gauri Shankar, 7145m, Menlungtse, 7181m, and Mount Everest. Because of Air Traffic Congestion (ATC), direct flight from Kathmandu to Lukla is only operated in off seasons (December - February, June - August. Usually, it takes around 40 minutes to reach Lukla.

Flying from Manthali to Lukla

Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) are the busiest time in Everest region because of which Lukla airport gets congested. So, during these months, all the flights to Lukla are re-routed from Manthali. Drive to Manthali from Kathmandu is somewhat 5-6 hours. Accordingly, leave for Manthali at 1:45 a.m. (approx.) on tourist vehicle. By doing so, will reach Manthali on time to catch our flight to Lukla. From Manthali, it takes around 15- 20 minutes (depending upon weather condition) to reach Lukla.

 Helicopter Option

Flying in helicopter is a unique experience that adds a touch of luxury to your journey, allowing you to enjoy the pristine beauty of Khumbu Himalaya in style. You can book your spot for a direct helicopter flight from Kathmandu to Lukla for an additional USD 300 Dollar per Person. Do note that the price is quoted on a sharing basis of 5 people.

At Lukla, our support crew will be waiting to welcome us. After distributing our luggage among the strong Sherpa porters who will so cheerfully carry our burdens for the trip, we set out downhill into the Dudh Koshi (milk river) Valley. The trails in these parts reflect the large roll Tibetan Buddhism plays in the lives of the Sherpa people. There are many mani stones, which are large stones with Tibetan prayers chiseled into them, all along the trails. You will soon become familiar with the customary way of passing chortens, mani stones, and prayer wheels in a clockwise direction. We reach Phakdingma, a small village beside the Dudh Koshi River

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Lodge/Tea House

Namche Bazaar, known as the capital of Khumbu and the gateway to Everest, has many good hotels and lodges. This is the biggest village along the entire Everest trail. 

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Lodge/Tea House

we will spend a day here in order to acclimatize and adjust to the thinner air. We will visit a museum which displays the traditions and customs of the Sherpa people. We hike up to the Syangboche Airport around Everest View Hotel where we can see the panorama of Khumbu peaks. 

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Lodge/Tea House

We start trekking from Namche bazaar towards Thame. Thame is at the far end of the Khumbu valley, and you may feel it is also almost the end of the earth! The local inhabitants are still untouched by modern civilization. We go past the large prayer flags, the entrance monument, Chortens and the carved Mani stones. 

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Lodge/Tea House

The trail to Lungden today passes though ancient Sherpa villages with stone walls encircling them such as Tarang. This is a dry area because of which the flora and fauna is different than what you have seen so far. We may also have to share trail with Tibetan yak caravans as this is a trading route from Namche to Tibet.  

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Lodge/Tea House

Today, we rest preparing for a big day tomorrow. We visit the Nakpa valley, the old trade route to Tibet and take a short hike to the nearby Darkyachhulung peak and Lake Cho Relmo. 

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Lodge/Tea House

The trail starts out with steep ups and downs over rocks before leveling out to Yak Kharkas (pastures) and Twin Renjo lakes before reaching the sandy ridge of Renjo La pass. We cross a frozen stream and scramble over boulders on the way down to reach Gokyo Lake. 

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Lodge/Tea House

In the morning we climb for around two hours up to Gokyo Peak, 5360m. This is a straight-forward, but steep climb and also tiring (due to the altitude). However, it will be worth the effort as this is one of the best panoramic views in the Khumbu. From the rocky summit, four peaks over 8000 metres can be seen which are Mount Everest (8848m), Cho Oyo (8153m), Lhotse (8511m) and Makalu (8481m) respectively and other snow giants too. 

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Lodge/Tea House

From here we follow the lateral moraines and walk for two hours on glacial scree across the Ngozumpa glacier, a series of ups and downs. After crossing the glacier, we reach the yak herders' huts and tea houses of Thagnag.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Lodge/Tea House

This day will be a big challenge. You should carry at least 2 liters of water as it is not possible to buy in this area. We have to start early morning, between 4:30-5:30. The first two hours we have will be a steep climb up to yak pasture which we call the Chola High Camp. Though there aren’t any houses there, you will see Buddhist prayers flags blowing in the wind instead. The next 1 and half hours won't be that steep because of loose stones and uneven ground. So, we recommend that you use trekking poles and be careful enough to take the advice of our guide. The ascent to the snowy Cho La pass is very steep and it will take about 2 hours. From the pass, there is a superb view of Dzonglha Valley and its lake as well as the impressive North face of Jobo Lhaptshan, 6300m. The descent to Dzonglha, on the Cho La glacier is an endurance test. 

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Lodge/Tea House

Early in the morning, we set out for the summit of Lobuche East, where you will get one of the best views of the greatest mountains in the world: Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Cholatse, Pumori, and many more. We spend some time at the summit celebrating our accomplishment and taking pictures before heading down to Base Camp. 

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Lodge/Tea House

Today, we trek on past Gorak Shep 5130m to reach Everest Base Camp. After celebrating our efforts and photographing this achievement, we return to Gorak Shep. 

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Lodge/Tea House

An early morning climb will take us to our destination peak, Kala Pattar, following the Khumbu Glacier. From Kala Pattar, we will see the sunrise and enjoy superb views of the surrounding mountains. We descend for lunch at Lobuche, 4915m, and continue down to Dingbuche. 

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Lodge/Tea House

An early morning climb will take us to our destination pokalde base camp. After crossing the Kongma La Pass (5535 m), the trail starts out with steep ups and downs over rocks rather you will see Buddhist prayers flags blowing in the wind. The next is not so steep but because of loose stones and uneven ground, we recommend that you use walking sticks. Be careful and take the advice of our guide who is an expert and there fro you whenever you need him.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Lodge/Tea House

Today, we pass through the Pangboche village, the same trail we used on the way up. The trail leads down to a river. After crossing the river, we walk for an hour up through the forest and reach Tengbuche after continuously to Namche. 

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Lodge/Tea House

Boosted by all our new red blood cells, we rush down the footpath toward Sagarmatha National Park gate, in Jorsale. Later, Lukla's footpath leads us back to the first villages we saw two weeks ago: Gumila, Phakdingma, and Choplung. The high peaks disappear behind the hills. In Lukla, this last evening in the mountains is the ideal opportunity for a farewell party with your sherpa guides and porters, and a good chance to sample some chhang, try Nepali and Sherpa dance and look back on the memorable trekking experiences. The staff will be hoping for some precious and well deserved tips. 

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Lodge/Tea House

Flying from Lukla to Kathmandu

During off season in Nepal which refers to months like December - February, June – August so travelers can enjoy direct flight from Lukla to Kathmandu. It approximately takes 40 minutes to reach Kathmandu from Lukla on a flight. From domestic airport, you’ll be transferred to your hotel on a private tourist vehicle.

Flying from Lukla to Manthali

The flight from Lukla to Manthali is takes approximately 20 minutes. Afterwards, we drive back to Kathmandu from Manthali which usually takes 5-6 hours (hours may differ depending on traffic condition). Expect to fly from Lukla to Manthali on peak seasons: Spring (March –May) & autumn (September – November). Upon reaching Kathmandu, you’ll be transferred to your hotel on a shared tourist vehicle.

 Helicopter Option

Flying in helicopter is a unique experience that adds a touch of luxury to your journey, allowing you to enjoy the pristine beauty of Khumbu Himalaya in style. You can book your spot for a direct helicopter flight from Kathmandu to Lukla for an additional USD 300 Dollar per Person. Do note that the price is quoted on a sharing basis of 5 people

 

  • Breakfast
  • Hotel

After breakfast, there will be free time for souvenir shopping and other independent activities. 

  • Breakfast
  • Hotel

We will accompany you to the International Airport in time to board your flight. 

  • Breakfast

What's Included

  • Transfer from Airport – Hotel – Airport: Car, Van, Hi-ace or Coaster in a private vehicle.
  • Authentic Nepali welcome dinner with Live Nepalese Cultural Program.
  • Accommodation in Kathmandu, Four nights on Twin share Bed and Breakfast Basis.
  • Accommodation during Trek ; local lodges 16 nights (With twin-share rooms ,beds with comfortable foam mattress and pillows)
  • All standard meals(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) during the trekking
  • English speaking experienced Sherpa guide (Govt. Trained/License Holder).
  • One Sherpa guide-assistant if group size is more than 4 Trekkers.
  • Porters: One porter for 2 Trekkers basis.
  • Trek Staff costs including their salary, insurance, equipment, food and accommodation.
  • Annapurna Foothill’s Duffle bag for Trekking.
  • Annapurna Foothill’s Tshirt.
  • Energy Supplies; Snickers, Mars, Bounty etc. 
  • First aid & medicine kit.
  • Sagarmatha National Park Fee and Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit.
  • Excess baggage charge(s) (Domestic Flights).
  • Round-Trip airfare between Kathmandu and Lukla (Airport Tax Included)
  • All government and local taxes

What’s Excluded

  • Your Personal Travel Insurance.
  • Nepal Entry Visa Fee.
  • Lunch & Dinner in cities - allow $ 10 to 14 for per meal in Tourist restaurants.
  • Beverages (drinks, mineral water,boiled water and beer).
  • Tips for guide, porters and driver (customary).
  • Any personal expenses not mentioned in above services.
  • Additional night accommodation in Kathmandu because of early return from Trek (due to any reason) than the planned itinerary.

Departure Dates

FromToStatusPrice  
Start Date20 Mar, 2025End Date09 Apr, 2025AvailableUS$ 1900

Departure Note:

Guaranteed- We already have trekkers booked for those dates and you can join the group.

Available - The date is available to book and once you confirm your trip it will be guaranteed.

Limited - The departure date is filling fast and only limited seats are available to join.

Closed- The Trip cannot be booked on that specific date. Contact us for customized dates.

The departure dates are your arrival dates in Nepal.

We have set dates for departure to the Amazing Khumbu Three High Pases Trekking. So, pick your preferable date and let the adventure begin.

Khumbu Three High Pases Trekking is available and can be done throughout the year. So, if the date you prefer is not listed on our departure dates then you can contact us directly to book the trip on your own desired date.

We have listed the price up to 12 trekkers at maximum. If you are more than 12 trekkers, then please feel free to contact us for amazing discounted group price and further booking process.

Private Trips to Khumbu Three High Passes is possible on any date of the year. Contact us to design your own private trips with you loved ones.

Solo Trips: Single trekkers are always welcome to join the trek. On your arrival at Kathmandu, you’ll have a single room in Kathmandu Hotel as per your requirement and have to share a room at the local teahouses during the trekking.

Useful Info

Best Seasons for Khumbu Three High Passes Trekking:

The best seasons for the Everest Base Camp Trek are from September to November and from March to May. These months are known for sunny and warm weather and outstanding views.

Khumbu Three High Passes Trekking is a Tea House/Lodge Trek:

Accommodation is included in the cost of your package. Annapurna Foothills Treks takes great care to arrange the most comfortable accommodation possible throughout your stay.

During the trek, the nights will be spent in clean and comfortable tea houses with plenty of character and good food. The simple rooms usually have two narrow beds. The family run lodges are a great place to get to know the Nepalese people. In Nepalese culture, a guest is equal to god, and surely this has become even more of a reality since the tourism industry has improved their meager opportunities to earn. You will be made very welcome!

Meals on the Khumbu Three High Passes Trekking:

Three meals a day are included during your Everest Three High PassesTrek. The menu will be fairly simple, but freshly cooked and hygienic. You can enjoy typical Nepali, Tibetan and Sherpa food, as well as all types of international cuisine. Dinners and breakfasts will be provided in the teahouse/lodge where you spend the night. Lunches will be eaten in a teashop on the way to the destination of the day.

Drinking Water on Khumbu Three High Passes Trekking:

We suggest that you drink boiled water or bring chlorine tablets to purify the normal water available in the guest houses along the way. There is a small fee charged for the boiled water. Although mineral water is available in most places, there is no provision to dispose of the plastic bottles, so we encourage the guests to do what they can to protect the environment.

Fitness/Health:

If you have a reasonable level of fitness, this trek should be more than manageable. The altitude becomes more noticeable the higher we go, so we walk at a slow pace and take plenty of breaks to rest and acclimatize.

Local Customs You Should Know About for Everest Trekking:

Ethnic groups of the hilly and mountain regions are predominantly Buddhist, and you will see many mani stones, stupas, gumbas and prayer wheels. It is respectful to pass these objects with your right side nearest to the object, in a clockwise direction. Avoid sitting or standing on mani stones, stupas, tables used for worship or anything that is a religious symbol, as that is considered disrespectful.

Safety:

When travelling in remote mountain regions, uncertainties such as weather, health problems and natural disasters require a certain amount of flexibility. While our goal is to follow the itinerary, that is not our first priority; your safety is always our first priority. Annapurna Foothills Treks and Expeditions request your cooperation to accept the decisions and advice of our trusted and experienced guides if they deem it necessary to change or cancel any part of the itinerary due to safety concerns.

Travel Insurance for Khumbu Three High Passes Trekking:

It is strongly recommended to be sufficiently protected when you go into remote areas. You need specialized travel insurance that covers emergency evacuation, injury, lost baggage, liability and medical treatment. Make sure the insurance covers all the activities that you will be undertaking during your stay in Nepal. Annapurna Foothills Treks and Expeditions Pvt. Ltd. can organize the appropriate medical response based on your policy.

Flight Delay/Cancellation:

Domestic flights to mountain regions can be delayed or cancelled due to bad weather. Be aware that you may have long waits in the airports. From our side, if a flight is cancelled we make sure you get on the next possible flight.

If flight cancellations at the start of your trek delay your trek to the point of disturbing your onward travel schedule, you will be free to choose an alternative trip; there are many excellent options in the Annapurna, Langtang and other regions. If you do not wish to take an alternative trek, and wait in Kathmandu for the flight to Lukla, your original trek may be shortened due to the days lost in waiting. In such case, the client will be responsible to bear all additional expenses including food and accommodation.

If the client wishes to make an alternative arrangement such as a helicopter flight, Annapurna Foothills Treks and Expeditions will assist in making the booking, but will not cover the cost of the alternative arrangement. The refunded money of the unused flight ticket would be credited to the concerned client, however.

There will be no refund for the days of the trek that are missed. You will not be entitled to any refund for services in the package (ie hotel, transport, flight) that you did not use due to the cancellation.

It is advisable to allow one or two extra days at the end of your trip to allow for flight delay/cancellation.

In an emergency, or upon request by our clients, a heli-rescue can be organized. The helicopter costs around USD 3500, and can lift 4-5 persons per flight.

If flight cancellations at the end of your trek delay your return to Kathmandu, you will be responsible for all your expenses during the wait in Lukla.

Client Reviews

A wonderful and memorable trip, amazing job by Annapurna Foothills

- Roger and Sylvia, United States

Annapurna Foothills did an amazing job on our Three High Passes Trek. Our three guides (for eight trekkers) attended to every detail and in addition were always fun and friendly to be with. We (Sylvia & Roger) were much slower than the others, but Mingmar patiently encouraged us up and over the high passes until we arrived (sometimes after dark) at our destination. We confess that we two did the "lite" version of the trek---we both did just the Renjo and Cho La passes---skipping the third pass. Roger did the hike to Kala Patthar and most of the climb to Gokyo Ri, Sylvia skipped those, and both us skipped Everest Base Camp. (Roger & Sylvia had done Gokyo Ri before, and it's definitely worth the short climb, unless you are wiped out by Cho La Pass.) The trek was still challenging, breathtakingly beautiful and fun. We were definitely tired at the end. 

Tashi (the lead guide) and Ngima (Annapurna Foothills manager) handled everything with amazing skill and good nature. They accommodated us doing a lesser ordeal. Another thing: When our suitcase, with most of our trekking gear, did not arrive in Nepal till after we had started the trek, Ngima picked it up at the Kathmandu Airport, put it on a helicopter to Lukla, and arranged for a porter to carry it up to Phakding for us. This was going far beyond the call of duty and was just an example of the wonderful service we received. 

Thanks to all for the great memories. We’ll be back (though perhaps for a somewhat less ambitious trek).

Khumbu Three High Passes Trekking

- Al, United States

My wife and I along with 6 friends recently completed the Three Passes Trek with Annapurna Foothills Trekking. Ngima and Tashi did a wonderful job of organizing and dealing with the day-to-day needs of our group. Our group presented organizational difficulties due a very, very wide range of hiking speeds within the group. Also, several of our trip members needed to leave early due to health issues. Ngima and Tashi responded to these difficulties efficiently and with good cheer. 

The trek was our second with Annapurna Foothills Trekking and we are very happy with the way these trips have been organized and conducted. I recommend Annapurna Foothills Trekking to anyone planning to trek in Nepal. They are the best!

Everest Three High Passes Trekking

- Adrian Cybriwsky, United Kingdom

I have just returned after almost three weeks of trekking in the Everest region with Ngima Sherpa and his Everest Foothills Ltd Company. Having seen many other groups and guides, I can confidently say that Ngima is by far the most considerate and capable guide that we encountered anywhere in Nepal and that we were extremely lucky to have him and his company!

From the time he met us in Kathmandu to the time he saw us off, we felt that we had not just a guide, but a friend who generously and conscientiously looked after our group. Little things matter - for example, in each place we stayed, Ngima had excellent personal knowledge of the various lodges, and ensured that we stayed at the best ones available. He has an excellent and diverse knowledge of Nepalese and Tibetan history, culture, and environment - all of which he shares with an infectious and genuine smile. He gets along well with not just us but also various lodge keepers and merchants in the mountains. We enjoyed meeting and trekking with him. In fact, I am already daydreaming about planning another trip with his company. I have heard nightmare stories of others for whom a guide was more of a buden than a help. As such, I, and the rest of my group, feel doubly and triply fortunate to have encountered Everest Foothills. 

I especially note this to those who are planning on booking with a western company - honestly, for trekking (including the more serious "trekking peak" trek-climbing) , there is little to no benefit to booking with a western company. I wholeheartedly and unreservedly recommend Annapurna Foothills for your Annapurna or Everest region trek!

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