Everest Three Pass Trek
Everest Three Pass Trek itinerary
Your Journey, Step by Step
Inclusions
What’s Covered in Your Adventure
- All airport pick up and departure and all ground transportation during trips.
- Domestic Flight according to itinerary Kathmandu- Lukla- Kathmandu Domestic Flight 2 way flight ticket
- Hotel in Kathmandu three star category in twin sharing bed with breakfast basis and standard Guesthouse/ Trekking Lodge
- All Breakfast in t Lunch, Dinner in trekking
- Whole accommodations during trips
- Some seasonal fruit items
- First aid medicine items
- Necessary staff, guide & porters including all their (Food Accommodation, Salary, and Insurance)
- One special cultural show and farewell dinner program
- Our government tax & official expenses
- Sagarmatha National Park entrance fee, Pasang Lhamu Rular Municipality Entrance fee, TIMS
- Sleeping Bag, Down Jacket (If you Needed Return after Trekking)
- Duffle Bag, T-shirt, and Trip certificate
- One cultural show and dinner program
- Our service charge and government taxes
- Extra Breakfast, Lunch in the Kathmandu
- Dessert & Bar Bills
- Your international air ticket & travel insurance
- Tips for the trekking crew members
- Additional accommodation nights and meals in Kathmandu beyond included
- Equipment rentals beyond provided items and helicopter return flights
Essential Gear & Packing List for the Three Passes
Packing correctly is not about comfort; it’s a critical safety requirement for the Everest Three Pass Trek. The extreme altitude and rapidly changing weather conditions demand high-quality, reliable gear. This list has been refined over hundreds of successful treks and is designed to ensure you are prepared for everything from sunny hikes to freezing, windy pass crossings.
A Key Note on Provided Gear: To lighten your load and ensure quality, Bold Himalaya provides a high-quality expedition-grade Down Jacket and a Sleeping Bag rated to -20°C for the duration of your trek. This is one less major expense and packing headache for you.
Waterproof Trekking Boots
Camp Shoes
Trekking Socks
Fleece Jacket or Pullover
Waterproof & Windproof Jacket
Waterproof & Windproof Pants
Sun Hat or Cap
Gloves
Personal first-aid kit
Diamox
Hand sanitizer and wet wipes
Toothbrush, toothpaste, biodegradable soap, and shampoo
Quick-dry towel
Toilet paper and small plastic bags for waste
Detailed Map of Everest three pass trek
Altitude Chart of Everest Three Pass Trek
Good to Know
Your Journey, Step by Step
Best Time to Visit
The Everest Three High Pass Trek has to be undertaken in the spring season, March to May, and the autumn season, September to November, when the three passes offer a more picturesque view of the mountain, better weather, and the best cross passes. Two seasons offer the best mix of view, temperature, and trail conditions.
- Autumn Season (September-November): Provides good mountain views, a well-established climatic regime, and moderate daily temperatures. Optimum season with optimum rate of success and optimum overall condition for the cross passes.
- Spring Season (Mar-May): Offers great warm weather, blooming of the low-altitude rhododendrons, and otherwise great conditions. Afternoon thunderstorms become increasingly frequent later in the season, so passes need to be traversed as early in the day as possible.
- Winter Treks (Dec-Feb): Only for bold trekkers but with proper gear; anything short of expedition gear would be insufficient for as low as -25°C overnight lows. All lodges except a handful are shut, and the weather is unpredictable.
- Monsoon Season (Jun-Aug): With constant rains, mist-shrouded mountain vistas, poor trail conditions, and high chances of flight cancellations to/from Lukla.
Accommodation & Facilities
Three Pass trek mountain lodges go from very basic teahouses to decent ones, and the facilities also improve significantly in larger towns like Namche Bazaar and Gokyo. Most lodges feature shared bathrooms, communal dining halls, and simple twin-bedded rooms with basic bedding.
Namche Bazaar also has good facilities for hot showers (with additional cost), Wi-Fi internet, bakery shops, and gear shops. High-altitude stay has smaller rooms with shared toilet facilities, which are warm, and plain high-calorie food for acclimatization.
Power for charging equipment is usually provided in most camps (extra cost), but not high-altitude power. Charge cables and power packs should be carried. Shower stations that offer hot showers in a few camps range from $3-5 but reduce with altitude and climatic conditions.
Food & Dietary Considerations
Mountain teahouses serve primarily Nepali dal bhat (rice and lentils), noodles, pasta, potatoes, and basic international dishes adapted for high altitude. Vegetarian cuisine is typical and less likely to cause digestive problems at high altitude, with meat being left out at over 4,000m to accommodate storage needs.
Acclimatization (garlic soup) is a must to consume at altitude, calming digestion (ginger tea), and a carb diet as fuel. Avoid raw vegetables, raw food, and milk products from Namche Bazaar onwards to avoid stomach disease that will ruin your trek.
Munch between meals path snacks of high-calorie foods like nuts, chocolate, energy bars, and dried fruits. Drink purified water (filter bottles or iodine pills are good) and no booze, which is slow acclimatizing and enhances altitude sickness.
Altitude Sickness Prevention & Management
Greater popularity with acclimatization days at Namche Bazaar, Chhukung, and Gokyo greatly lowers the risk of altitude sickness, but still requires preventive sensibility and awareness. Stick with the golden rule of “climb high, sleep low” and stay generally well hydrated on the trek.
Recognize early manifestations of headache, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, and loss of appetite. More extreme symptoms of confusion, shortness of breath, or loss of balance require immediate descent. Pulse oximeters are always carried and certified in altitude sickness recognition and emergency descent.
Consider inquiring from your physician whether it is worth taking Diamox (acetazolamide) as a help for acclimatization, but a sound ascent plan takes priority over drugs. Avoid sleeping pills, alcohol, and overwork fatigue in the first few days above 3,000m altitude.
Permits & Documents Required
Permits Required:
- Sagarmatha National Park Entrance Permit (NPR 3,000 for foreign tourists)
- TIMS Card – Trekkers’ Information Management System (NPR 2,000)
- Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit (NPR 2,000)
Documents Required:
- Passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of travel
- Nepal visa (available on arrival at Kathmandu airport for most countries)
- High-altitude trek and helicopter evacuation travel insurance (mandatory)
- 4-6 passport-sized photographs for permit and record keeping
Bold Himalaya organizes all reservations of permissions in our package, an advance deposit, a photocopy of your passport, and photos. Ensure that your travel insurance policy covers direct trekking above 5,000m and emergency helicopter evacuation, as most policies will not pay out for high-altitude activity.
Packing List for All Seasons
Clothing Essentials:
- Insulated down jacket (from Bold Himalaya if needed)
- Waterproof/windproof outer shell jacket and trousers
- Insulating mid-layers (fleece or synthetic insulating layers)
- Moisture-wicking base layers (best merino wool)
- Warm winter hat and brimmed sun hat
- Outer insulated gloves and liner gloves
- Warm trekking socks (4-6) and liner socks
- Quick-drying trekking shorts and trekking trousers
- High-altitude and night-time thermal underwear
Footwear & Accessories:
- Strong good waterproof trekking boots (well-worn in)
- Camp shoes or sandals for lodge comfort
- Gaiters for snow and debris protection
- Micro spikes or crampons (passes need to be crossed)
- Trekking poles (highly recommended for support and joint protection)
- Sunglasses (glacier-rated UV protection required)
- Headlamp with extra light and reserve batteries
Technical Equipment:
- -20°C-rated sleeping bag (could be arranged by Bold Himalaya if necessary)
- Sleeping bag liner for hygiene and warmth
- Large rucksack (65-75L) for porter carry
- Daypack (30-40L) for day excursions
- Water bottle or hydration system (frost-proofed to be cold-temperature proof)
- Water purification tablets/filter system
Personal & Medication Items:
- Altitude sickness medication in the first aid kit
- Prescription medication & medications
- High SPF sunblock at high altitude
- Sun-protective lip balm
- Toiletries (RECOMMENDED using Biodegradable soap)
- Dry the towel and toilet paper
- Portable charger/power bank (multiple recommended)
- Waterproof bags for gear and electronics protection
Winter kit (Dec-Feb):
- Inner insulating layers for a sleeping bag
- Face mask or windproof balaclava
- Chemical hand/foot warmers
- Insulated cover for a water bottle
- Expedition-grade gloves and spares
Internet & Communication Facilities
Mobile phone network (Nepal Telecom and Ncell) is present nearly the whole trekking path to an altitude of around 4,500m, although the signal is very poor in the higher altitude and the valley parts. Purchase local SIM cards in Kathmandu with data packages for more reliability than in lodge Wi-Fi networks.
Wi-Fi is available in most tea houses at reasonable prices ($2-5/day) but is slow and unreliable, especially during peak trekking months when bandwidth is consumed by many users. There is little or no connectivity beyond Gorak Shep, and in very remote areas far from passes.
For emergency use, satellite communication equipment is also accessible to Bold Himalaya guides and rental emergency beacons. Download maps and information required beforehand offline, and inform family/friends of the anticipated time of communication blackout.
Money & Banking Facilities
There is no ATM facility after Namche Bazaar, and therefore adequate Nepali rupees must be carried for the entire trek. Spends $15-25 per day on other miscellaneous expenses like hot shower, Wi-Fi, drinks, snacks, and tips, apart from those included in the Bold Himalaya package.
Exchange money in Kathmandu in advance since it is a broader option that offers a better rate compared to the hills. Carry US dollars as backup money, which most lodges accept, but at terrible rates of exchange. Store money in a dry condition and separate it in different locations.
No credit card facilities are offered, and mountain lodges never have any mobile payment systems. Spend all the trek cash on spending, including emergency expenditure and helicopter evacuation charges if needed.
Training & Preparation Guidelines
Physical training must be initiated 12-16 weeks before departure with cardiovascular training, leg strengthening, and endurance hiking. Running up hills, stair climbing, and pack weight training must be done regularly to replicate the trekking stress and induce specific muscle recall.
Mental training must also be employed in managing bad weather, pain, and aches, and in negotiating crossing technical difficulties. Meditate, stress management, and positive visualization. Gain Sherpa culture and the Buddhist way of life to be aware of the culture and give it its rightful respect.
Consider completing a practice trek at altitude (above 3,000m) before attempting the Three Pass circuit. Get familiar with all technical gear like crampons, trekking poles, and cold-weather equipment by conducting dry runs before the trek.
Environmental Responsibility & Ethics
Bold Himalaya has No Trace policies and follows them strictly to achieve maximum environmental preservation by all the trekkers and with minimum environmental deterioration through proper waste disposal, water, and preservation of the natural environment. Dispose of all the non-biodegradable types of waste and utilize available toilet facilities.
Benefit the local community by traveling responsibly, being a respectful visitor to your cultural encounters, and being courteous to guides and porters. Never give gifts or money directly to children because it confines them to begging dependency and has the impact of undermining traditional social hierarchies.
Be respectful to Buddhist customs by going around monasteries and chortens in a counterclockwise direction, never pointing your feet towards religious objects, and requesting permission prior to taking a photo of people or religious objects. Dress humbly and behave respectfully at religious sites and villages.
Travel Insurance Requirement
Travel insurance is a must-have for those planning to embark on the Everest Three Pass Trek, as it provides coverage for unexpected situations. Insurance offers security in emergencies like altitude sickness or injuries, trip cancellations due to flight delay, or personal issues. It also includes protection for stolen items, emergency evacuation and rescue expenses in mountainous areas, and any legal responsibilities that may arise during the trek. With travel insurance in place, hikers can tackle the challenges of the Everest region confidently, knowing they are covered for any circumstance and can fully immerse themselves in the breathtaking beauty and thrills of the Himalayas.
Tipping in Nepal
The tipping custom is ingrained in the trekking culture of Nepal and is used to express gratitude for the porters’ and guides’ tireless efforts. It is a common habit and is seen as a sign of gratitude for the assistance given during the walk. Trekking guides are essential for guiding hikers over difficult terrain, ensuring their safety, and offering insightful information about the local way of life and environment. An average tip for porters is between 10% and 15% of the entire cost of the hike. Trekkers may decide to tip more generously as a sign of appreciation if the guide has gone above and above in providing great service or guaranteeing the group’s safety.
Three passes trek vs Everest base camp
Everest Three-Pass Trek |
Everest Base Camp Trek |
| Includes crossing the Renjo La, Cho La, and Kongma La Passes. | Â Includes Gorakshep and Everest Base Camp. |
| Along the way, you’ll explore the Gokyo Valley, Chhukung Valley, Renjo Valley, and Kala Patthar. | Excludes Gokyo Valley while encompassing Kala Patthar. |
| The total distance covered is 166 kilometers | The total distance covered is 130 kilometers |
| 14 to 18 days to complete | 12 to 14 days to complete |
| One of the lesser-known treks | One of the most popular in Nepal. |
| This route is recommended for those with some hiking experience due to its demanding nature. | Does not necessitate any specific skills. |
FAQs
Your Questions, Answered
2. What is the best time to attempt the Everest Three Pass Trek?
The best months are spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November), but best October-November with clear sky and sunshine, and most stable. An attempt can be made during winter by experienced climbers with proper equipment, but monsoon (June-August) should not be attempted since visibility is very poor, and the terrain is very hazardous.
3. What is the extent of experience and physical fitness needed?
The hike requires elite cardiovascular conditioning, adequate lower body power, and prior high-altitude trekking experience above 4,000m+. You must be able to hike 6-10 hours daily and be experienced in the use of crampons and walking poles on uneven slopes.
4. How much does the Everest Three Pass Trek cost with Bold Himalaya?
Bold Himalaya offers rates of $1,800-2,200/person for 2-4 people, more than 4 people discounted rate. Tips ($150-200), money for personal expenses ($15-25/day), and a Heli back flight (optional) ($1,200-2,000) are additional expenses.
5. What is the accommodation facility for trekking?
Accommodation ranges from comfortable lodges in Namche Bazaar with hot showers and Wi-Fi to basic teahouses at higher altitudes with shared facilities. Twin beds with minimal bedding, shared dining rooms, and more austere facilities with altitude are the norm in most lodges.
6. Is altitude sickness a factor in this trek?
There is some risk of altitude sickness, but tempered by our carefully planned schedule with ample acclimatization days at Namche Bazaar, Chhukung, and Gokyo. The guides are told to identify altitude sickness and bring first aid supplies like pulse oximeters and emergency medicine along with them.
7. How does the Three Pass Trek differ from the other treks of the Everest region?
The Three Pass Trek is the sole one that attempts to form a loop of the Everest region, covering all the highlight spots such as Everest Base Camp, Kala Patthar, and Gokyo Lakes. It fills what the others lack with glacier trekking, technical crossing of passes, and pristine wilderness regions with relatively fewer trekkers.
8. Will a helicopter rescue be arranged if needed while trekking?
Yes, helicopter rescue facilities are in place in addition to the majority of the trekking route, and Bold Himalaya has pre-arranged with rescue operators. Full travel insurance with helicopter evacuation is required, and the cost of rescue will typically range between $3,000-8,000, depending on the location.
9. What technical skills are required for pass crossings?
Basic mountaineering skills are essential including crampon use on icy terrain, pole balancing with a trekking pole, and loose scree slope experience. Technical climbing is not involved, but steep slope experience and perhaps icy traverses on passes must be well known to you.
10. How populated is the Three Pass Trek about the normal EBC route?
The Three Pass Trek is less touristic than the standard Everest Base Camp trek, particularly after the Chhukung area and in Gokyo Valley. Technicality and higher mileage inherently limit involvement, hence making it an upmarket and authentic mountain experience.
11. What happens if weather prevents pass crossings?
Dynamic trek route planning with back-up routes and buffer days in our itinerary for inclement weather, dynamic guides who remain current on prevailing weather conditions, and make decisions on the timing of pass ascents and side trail ascents based on safety considerations.
12. Is it possible to combine this trek with other activities in Nepal?
Yes! Bold Himalaya offers excellent add-on activities like Chitwan National Park safari, white-water rafting, Kathmandu Valley cultural tours, or other trek destination variations. Peak packages will have helicopter flights, summit climbing activities, or rest activities to offer complete Nepal experiences.
13. What is the group size and guide-to-trekker ratio?
Bold Himalaya maintains limited groups of a maximum of 12 to 20 trekkers in a group for personal care and experience management. We believe in and practice having one experienced guide for every 4-6 trekker, with additional assistant guides for larger groups for small group handling.
14. How do I prepare for the technical aspects of pass crossings?
Essential preparation includes practicing with crampons on various terrain types and developing confidence with trekking poles for stability. Attend a beginner’s course and develop rough ground balance, core strength, and confidence with frequent practice sessions.
15. How difficult is the Everest Three Pass Trek?
The Everest Three Pass Trek is considered one of the most challenging non-technical treks in the world. It is significantly harder than the standard Everest Base Camp trek due to three major factors: the high altitude of the passes (all above 5,300m), long and strenuous daily walking hours (often 7-9 hours), and the technical terrain on the passes themselves, which can involve loose scree, steep rock, and glacier travel. Excellent physical fitness and mental resilience are mandatory.
16. What is the best Everest Three Pass Trek itinerary?
The most effective and safe itinerary for the Everest High Pass Trek is an 18-day journey, like the one we offer. This duration is carefully designed with built-in acclimatization days in Namche Bazaar, Chhukung, and Gokyo to maximize your chance of success. Rushing the itinerary significantly increases the risk of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) and failure to complete the passes.
17. Do I need a guide for the Everest Three Pass Trek?
While not legally mandatory like in some restricted areas, a guide is highly recommended for the Everest High Pass Trek. The route over Kongma La, Cho La, and Renjo La is complex and not always well-marked. An experienced guide provides critical navigation, especially in poor weather, manages acclimatization, handles any emergencies, and ensures safe passage across the technical sections of the passes, particularly the glacier on Cho La.
18. Can I add a peak climb, like Island Peak, to this trek?
Yes, it is a popular and fantastic option to combine Island Peak with the Everest Three Pass Trek. The trek already passes through Chhukung, which is the starting point for the Island Peak ascent. This combination creates the ultimate Himalayan mountaineering adventure. Adding Island Peak typically extends the itinerary by 3-4 days and requires prior climbing experience or a willingness to learn basic mountaineering skills from our guides.
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