Three Pass Trek

Three Passes Trek is a popular trekking trail, also known as the Gokyo Lakes Trek, which takes you over three passes: Cho La, Kongma La, and Renjo La.  The Three Pass Trek lies in the Everest Region of Nepal. This trek is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore the stunning high-altitude Gokyo lake and the base of Everest and Kalapatthar.

The duration of the Three Pass trek is typically around 15-18 days, depending on the route and the pace of the trekker. The Three Pass Trek is considered to be a challenging trek, and it is recommended for trekkers with good physical fitness and some prior trekking experience. The trek starts and ends in Lukla. The highest elevated point of the trek is at Kalapathar at 5,545m above sea level. The best season to trek the three-pass trek is from September to November and from March to May.

The Three Pass trek has everything the Everest region has to offer, from the mesmerizing Gokyo Lakes to stunning views of Everest from Kalapatthar. Combined with the world's highest peaks, such as Everest (8,848.86 m), Lhotse (8,516 m), Makalu (2,386 m), and Cho Oyu (8,188 m), it offers breathtaking views of the Khumbu glacier. The route passes through hills, lush forests, mountains, and an alpine landscape. Therefore, a variety of terrains are covered.

The trek offers plenty of opportunities for wildlife such as musk deer, jharal, barbary partridge, Danphe, etc as the trek passes through Sagarmatha National Park. The walk-and-talk of the trek is "Yeti," an ape-like intelligent creature that is said to have wandered the snowy Himalayas of this region. The three-pass trek also provides an opportunity to experience the culture and way of life of the Sherpa people.

The trek can be done independently but trekking with a guide is highly recommended, and the cost can vary depending on the route and the services included. It is important to be properly prepared for the trek, including packing appropriately and acclimatizing to the altitude before the trek.


Start/Finish

Destination

Grade

Max Altitude

Lukla & Lukla

Nepal

4

5,545 meters/18,192 feet

Region

Stay

Group Size

Season

Everest Region

18 Days and 17 Nights

2-12

September-November, March-May

Highlights

  • An exhilarating flight to Lukla.
  • Stunning views of the Himalayas, including Mount Everest, as well as other peaks such as Makalu, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Cho Oyu.
  • Beautiful glacial lakes, including the Gokyo Lakes, are a series of high-altitude freshwater lakes located in the Sagarmatha National Park.
  • Opportunities to visit Buddhist monasteries and temples, such as the Tengboche Monastery, which is one of the largest and most important monasteries in the Khumbu region.
  • Charming Sherpa villages, where you can learn about the local culture and traditions of the region.
  • The challenge and sense of accomplishment of crossing three high passes: Cho La Pass (5,420 meters), Kongma La Pass (5,535 meters), and Renjo La Pass (5,360 meters).
  • The opportunity to spot a variety of wildlife, including Himalayan Thar, Himalayan Monal, and various species of birds.

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FIG: three-pass-trek-gallery-1

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Suggested Itinerary

View Detailed Itinerary
Days
Description
Altitude
Hours
01
Arrival in Kathmandu
1,380 meters
02
Fly to Lukla and Walk to Phakding
2,850 meters
4 hours
03
Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar
3,440 meters/11,286 feet
6-7 hours
04
Acclimatization day in Namche Bazaar
3,440 meters/11,286 feet
05
Trek from Namche Bazaar to Thame
3,820 meters/12,533 feet
6-7 hours
06
Trek from Thame to Lungden
4,380 meters/14,370 feet
6-7 hours
07
Trek from Renjo La base camp to Gokyo (4,800 meters/15,748 feet) via the Renjo La pass
5,340 meters/17,520 feet
7-8 hours
08
Hike to Gokyo Ri Trek from Gokyo to Thaknak
4,750 meters/15,580 feet
5-6 hours
09
Trek from Thaknak to Dzongla (4,830 meters/15,850 feet) via the Cho La pass
5,330 meters/17,490 feet
7-8 hours
10
Trek from Dzongla to Lobuche
4,928 meters/16,174 feet
6-7 hours
11
Trek from Lobuche to Everest base camp via the Khumbu Glacier
5,364 meters/17,598 feet
6-7 hours
12
Gorak Shep - Kala Patthar
5,545 meters/18,192 feet
7 - 8 hours
13
Lobuche - Kongma La to Chhukung
5,535 meters/18,159 feet
6-7 hours
14
Chhukung to Tyangboche
3,860 meters/12,685 feet
5-6 hours
15
Trek to Tyangboche to Namche
3,440 meters/11,286 feet
6 - 8 hours
16
Trek to Namche to Lukla
3,440 meters/11,286 feet
9-10 hours
17
flight from Lukla to Kathmandu
35 minutes
18
Final Departure

Google Map (Location)

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Practical Information

Various food options include traditional Nepalese Dal Bhat, Chinese and other cuisines. The ingredients of Nepalese Dal Bhat are rice, lentils, and vegetables. These come with free refills, so you may eat as much as you like. You can choose from various options, especially in Lukla and Namche. Seasonal fruits are also available. Accommodation is often twin beds and is located in tea houses. Most single rooms are furnished with two single beds and a small table and chairs. Beds usually have a cushion, sheet, and blanket. You can also request extra blankets if it's freezing.

The best seasons are autumn (September - November) and spring (March-May). Autumn has sunny days and clear skies, and you can still see the snow-capped mountains. Springoffers the most beautiful scenery when it comes to mountain vistas. Hiking in winter (December - February) and monsoon season(June – August) is not advised. The monsoon season brings more rain than the snowy and foggy winter. Flights to and from Lukla are frequently canceled or delayed during this period.

Trekkers must be in good physical condition to complete it because it is a moderate to difficult grade trek with some steep accents on the marked trail. The trekkers have to walk for 3-9 hours a day. Trekking at such high altitudes can lead to altitude sickness, so giving yourself enough time to adapt is essential.

During the trek, there is no shortage of water for personal hygiene. We recommend bringing a purification tablet or a LifeStraw for drinking water. Volunteer doctors staff the Himalayan Rescue Association station at the base camp during the peak climbing season of April and May. Altitude sickness may occur due to the altitude of the trek. Therefore, it is advisable to keep alcohol consumption to a minimum and allow sufficient time for acclimatization. There are squat toilets throughout the trek that can be flushed with water and a ladle.



FAQs

The duration of the Three Pass trek can vary depending on the route and the pace of the trekker, but it typically takes around 12-15 days to complete.

The best time to do the Three Passes Trek is during the peak trekking seasons of Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November), when the weather is clear and the skies are generally free of clouds, offering excellent views of the surrounding mountain ranges.

The Three Passes Trek is considered to be a challenging trek, and it is recommended for trekkers with good physical fitness and some prior trekking experience. The trek involves some steep and strenuous sections, as well as crossing three high passes at altitudes of over 5,000 meters.

The maximum altitude reached during the Three Passes Trek is around 5,545 meters above sea level at Kalapathar

While it is not required to have a guide for the Three Passes Trek, it is highly recommended for several reasons. A guide is familiar with the route, can provide valuable information about the local culture and history of the region, and can help you to prepare for any unexpected challenges that may arise during the trek.

Yes, it is possible to do the Three Passes Trek independently, but it is recommended to hire a guide or join a trekking group for safety and logistical reasons.

Accommodation during the Three Passes Trek is generally in basic teahouses or lodges, which offer shared facilities and simple rooms with beds and blankets. Some teahouses may offer hot showers for an additional fee.

Some essential items to bring on the Three Passes Trek include warm and waterproof clothing, good quality hiking boots, a day pack, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, a water bottle, a flashlight, and any personal medications. It is also a good idea to bring some snacks, such as energy bars or nuts, to sustain you during the trek.

Electricity is generally available in the teahouses and lodges along the Three Passes Trek, but it is recommended to bring a portable charger or power bank as a backup. It is also a good idea to bring a charging cable for your device.

There are several additional activities that can be included in the Three Passes Trek to enhance your experience. These may include visits to local villages and monasteries, cultural tours, and nature walks. Some trekkers also choose to extend their trek to include additional destinations such as the base camp of Mount Everest or the Annapurna region. It is important to discuss these options with your guide or trekking agency to determine the feasibility and cost of adding these activities to your itinerary.

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