19 Days Everest Three Passes Trek Itinerary, Map & Best Price

Trip Overview

The Everest Three Passes Trek is the ultimate high-altitude circuit of the Khumbu region, challenging trekkers with three 5,000-meter crossings: Kongma La (5,535 m), Cho La (5,420 m), and Renjo La (5,360 m). This route offers a complete exploration of the Sagarmatha National Park, bypassing the crowded linear trails for a rugged, 360-degree Himalayan experience.

This trek is an excellent choice if you seek solitude in the Everest region, unparalleled views of four 8,000-meter peaks (Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu), and the challenge of navigating Nepal’s longest glacier, the Ngozumpa Glacier.

This is a 19-day trip, of which 14 days are spent trekking from Lukla to Lukla. The remaining five days cover travel, acclimatization, and cultural immersion in Kathmandu.

The Three Passes route connects the major valleys of Khumbu: Imja, Khumbu, Gokyo, and Bhote Koshi. While the standard Everest Base Camp trail sees thousands of visitors, the passes remain quiet, offering a raw connection to the alpine environment.

The Government of Nepal classifies this region as a protected area under the Sagarmatha National Park buffer zone. Trekkers must obtain specific local and national park permits to enter.

Travel To Nepal guides have over 8 years of experience navigating these high passes. We prioritize safety on technical sections like the Cho La glacier and ensure proper acclimatization schedules to mitigate high-altitude risks.

What Are the Main Attractions of the Trek?

The Everest Three Passes Trek offers 10 key attractions including high-pass crossings, glacial lakes, and Sherpa culture, which are listed below:

• Three High Passes: You will cross Kongma La (5,535 m), Cho La (5,420 m), and Renjo La (5,360 m), each offering distinct panoramic perspectives of the Mahalangur Himal range.
• Gokyo Lakes: The trail skirts the pristine, turquoise waters of the Gokyo Lakes system, the world’s highest freshwater lake system comprising six main lakes.
• Everest Base Camp: You will stand at the foot of the world’s highest peak (5,364 m), observing the Khumbu Icefall and expedition teams during climbing season.
• Kala Patthar Viewpoint: This vantage point at 5,545 meters offers the most accessible close-up view of Mt. Everest, Nuptse, and Pumori, especially at sunrise or sunset.
• Ngozumpa Glacier: You will traverse the Ngozumpa Glacier, the longest glacier in the Himalayas (36 km), witnessing its shifting ice and gray moraines up close.
• Gokyo Ri: A climb to Gokyo Ri (5,357 m) rewards you with a view of four 8,000-meter giants—Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu—lined up on the horizon.
• Thame Village: You will visit the historic home of famous mountaineers like Apa Sherpa and Tenzing Norgay, exploring its ancient monastery and traditional stone-walled fields.
• Sherpa Culture: The route passes through authentic Sherpa settlements like Khumjung and Pangboche, where Tibetan Buddhism permeates daily life through prayer wheels, mani walls, and monasteries.
• Tengboche Monastery: You will visit the spiritual center of the Khumbu region, witnessing the daily rituals of monks against the backdrop of Ama Dablam.
• Rare Wildlife: The Sagarmatha National Park protects endangered species; trekkers often spot Himalayan Tahr, Musk Deer, and the majestic Danphe (Himalayan Monal).

Who Is This Trek Right For?

The Everest Three Passes Trek is highly recommended if you are an experienced hiker looking to push your physical limits, explore beyond the commercial trails, and experience the full grandeur of the Everest region.

We have listed additional criteria below so you can determine whether this trek is a good fit for you:

• Trek Difficulty: Strenuous. You will walk an average of 6-8 hours per day, with pass-crossing days involving 9-10 hours of exertion and steep, icy sections requiring microspikes.
• Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge. Lodges offer clean rooms with twin beds. Facilities vary; lower altitudes have attached bathrooms and Wi-Fi, while high camps like Dzongla and Lungden offer basic shared amenities.
• Food and dietary options: Vegetarian and vegan-friendly. Teahouses serve Dal Bhat, pasta, potatoes, and soup. We do not recommend eating meat above Namche Bazaar due to freshness concerns.
• Age requirement: 16+ Recommended. Due to the extreme altitude and physical demand, we generally recommend this trek for adults. Minors with strong hiking experience may join if accompanied by a guardian.
• Group size: Flexible. We arrange private treks for solo travelers (with a guide) or small groups to ensure personalized attention on technical sections.

Everest Three Passes Trek Complete Itinerary

This 19-day Everest Three Passes itinerary outlines each stage of the entire trip with elevation details, route segments, and key highlights for every day.

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu City

Trekkers arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM), receive a private hotel transfer, and attend a pre-trek briefing in Kathmandu to prepare for the Everest region.

Overview

• Meals Included: None
• Average Elevation: 1,300 meters / 4,265 feet
• Overnight Stay: Kathmandu

Full Description

Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, you will complete the on-arrival visa process and customs clearance. This typically takes 30–60 minutes depending on the queue. After exiting the terminal, our representative will greet you and escort you to your hotel in a private vehicle.

The remainder of the day is reserved for rest to recover from jet lag. In the evening, a pre-trek briefing will be held at the hotel. During this session, you will:

• Meet your lead guide.
• Review the gear checklist specifically for high passes (microspikes, down layers).
• Check your insurance coverage for high-altitude evacuation.
• Settle any remaining balance.

This is the ideal time to rent or purchase missing gear in Thamel.

Day 2: Kathmandu sightseeing and Trek Preparation

Trekkers visit cultural landmarks like Boudhanath Stupa and Pashupatinath Temple, followed by final gear checks and packing for the flight to Lukla.

Overview

• Meals Included: Breakfast
• Average Elevation: 1,300 meters / 4,265 feet
• Sightseeing Duration: Approximately 3 hours
• Highlights:
  • Circumambulating the massive Boudhanath Stupa.
  • Observing Hindu cremation rituals at Pashupatinath (UNESCO site).
• Overnight Stay: Kathmandu

Full Description

Note: A buffer day in Kathmandu is crucial before the trek to account for potential flight delays to Lukla.

The morning begins with a visit to Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest spherical stupas in Nepal and a focal point of Tibetan Buddhism in Kathmandu. You will see monks in maroon robes and devotees spinning prayer wheels. Next, you visit Pashupatinath Temple, a sacred Hindu complex on the banks of the Bagmati River.

The afternoon is dedicated to final packing. You will separate your luggage into a duffel bag (carried by porters) and a daypack (carried by you). We ensure your down jacket and sleeping bag are packed and ready.

Day 3: Fly to Lukla, Trek to Phakding

Trekkers take a thrilling 35-minute flight to Lukla (2,840 m) and hike 3-4 hours to Phakding village (2,610 m) along the Dudh Koshi River.

Overview

• Meals Included: Breakfast
• Endpoint Elevation: 2,610 meters / 8,563 feet
• Flight Duration: 35 minutes
• Walking Duration: 3-4 hours
• Trek Difficulty: Easy
• Highlights:
  • Scenic flight over the Himalayan foothills.
  • Passing Mani walls and prayer wheels.
  • Crossing the first suspension bridge of the trek.
• Overnight Stay: Phakding

Full Description

You will transfer to the domestic airport early in the morning for the flight to Tenzing-Hillary Airport in Lukla. The flight offers dramatic views of terraced hills and the high Himalaya. Upon landing, you meet your porters and begin the trek.

The trail descends gradually towards the Dudh Koshi River. You will pass through the village of Chheplung, catching sight of Mt. Khumbila, a sacred peak that remains unclimbed. The walk to Phakding is gentle, allowing your body to adjust to the altitude. You check into a riverside lodge and rest.

Day 4: Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar

Trekkers walk from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m), entering Sagarmatha National Park and crossing the famous Hillary Suspension Bridge.

Overview

• Endpoint Elevation: 3,440 meters / 11,286 feet
• Walking Duration: 6 hours
• Trek Difficulty: Moderate
• Highlights:
  • Entry into Sagarmatha National Park at Monjo.
  • Crossing the high Hillary Suspension Bridge.
  • First viewpoint of Mt. Everest (weather permitting).
• Overnight Stay: Namche Bazaar

Full Description

The trail follows the river valley through pine forests to Monjo, the entry point of Sagarmatha National Park. After completing permit checks, you descend to Jorsale and cross the river.

The final ascent to Namche Bazaar involves a steep climb known as the Namche Hill. Halfway up, a rest stop offers your first view of Mt. Everest peering over the Lhotse-Nuptse ridge. You arrive in Namche Bazaar, the bustling Sherpa capital shaped like a horseshoe amphitheater, in the late afternoon.

Day 5: Acclimatization Day in Namche Bazaar

Trekkers spend the day in Namche hiking to the Everest View Hotel (3,880 m) for active acclimatization and visiting the Sherpa Culture Museum.

Overview

• Maximum Altitude: 3,880 meters / 12,729 feet
• Walking Duration: 3-4 hours
• Highlights:
  • Panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam.
  • Visit to Khumjung village and the “Yeti Skull” monastery.
  • Exploring Namche market.
• Overnight Stay: Namche Bazaar

Full Description

Active acclimatization is vital. You hike up to the Everest View Hotel, one of the highest hotels in the world, for tea with a panoramic backdrop of Ama Dablam and Everest.

You may continue to Khumjung Village to visit the Edmund Hillary School and the local monastery, which houses a purported Yeti scalp. Returning to Namche, you can visit the Sherpa Culture Museum to learn about the history of mountaineering and Sherpa traditions.

Day 6: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Tengboche

Trekkers walk 5-6 hours to Tengboche (3,860 m), descending to the river at Phunki Tenga before a steep climb through rhododendron forests to the monastery.

Overview

• Endpoint Elevation: 3,860 meters / 12,664 feet
• Walking Duration: 5-6 hours
• Trek Difficulty: Moderate
• Highlights:
  • Stunning views of Ama Dablam.
  • Evening prayers at Tengboche Monastery.
• Overnight Stay: Tengboche

Full Description

The trail contours around the hillside with magnificent views before descending to the river at Phunki Tenga for lunch. The afternoon involves a sustained climb through forests of birch and rhododendron.

You arrive at Tengboche Monastery, the largest in the Khumbu region. Visitors are welcome to observe the monks’ afternoon prayer ceremony (puja). The view of Ama Dablam rising behind the monastery is one of the most iconic scenes in the Himalayas.

Day 7: Trek from Tengboche to Dingboche

Trekkers descend to Deboche, cross the Imja Khola, and climb to the summer settlement of Dingboche (4,410 m).

Overview

• Endpoint Elevation: 4,410 meters / 14,468 feet
• Walking Duration: 5-6 hours
• Trek Difficulty: Moderate
• Highlights:
  • Crossing the Imja Khola suspension bridge.
  • Views of Island Peak and Lhotse.
  • Entering the alpine tundra zone.
• Overnight Stay: Dingboche

Full Description

You descend through a mossy forest to Deboche and cross the Imja Khola. The trail passes the village of Pangboche, home to the region’s oldest monastery. As you gain elevation, the tree line disappears, replaced by scrub juniper and alpine tundra.

You arrive in Dingboche, a village surrounded by stone walls protecting barley crops from wind. This village serves as a critical acclimatization stop.

Day 8: Acclimatization / Trek to Chhukung

Trekkers take a short hike to Chhukung (4,730 m) to prepare for the first pass, Kongma La.

Overview

• Endpoint Elevation: 4,730 meters / 15,518 feet
• Walking Duration: 3 hours
• Highlights:
  • Close-up views of the Lhotse South Face.
  • Preparation for the Kongma La crossing.
• Overnight Stay: Chhukung

Full Description

Instead of a stationary rest day, you move to Chhukung, the gateway to Island Peak and Kongma La. The trail is gradual but the altitude makes breathing harder.

In Chhukung, you can hike up Chhukung Ri (5,550 m) in the afternoon for acclimatization if you feel strong. This trek prepares your body for the 5,535m pass tomorrow.

Day 9: Cross Kongma La Pass to Lobuche

Trekkers cross the first high pass, Kongma La (5,535 m), and traverse the Khumbu Glacier to reach Lobuche (4,910 m).

Overview

• Endpoint Elevation: 4,910 meters / 16,108 feet
• Pass Elevation: 5,535 meters / 18,159 feet
• Walking Duration: 7-8 hours
• Trek Difficulty: Strenuous
• Highlights:
  • Crossing the highest of the three passes.
  • Views of Makalu and Baruntse.
  • Walking on the Khumbu Glacier moraine.
• Overnight Stay: Lobuche

Full Description

We start at dawn. The trail ascends steeply over loose rock to the summit of Kongma La. Prayer flags mark the top, offering views of Makalu to the east.

The descent is steep and leads onto the Khumbu Glacier. Navigating the undulating moraine requires care. You climb out of the glacier to reach Lobuche, a small settlement nestled near the terminal moraine.

Day 10: Trek to Everest Base Camp, Return to Gorakshep

Trekkers hike to Gorakshep (5,140 m) and continue to Everest Base Camp (5,364 m) before returning to Gorakshep for the night.

Overview

• Endpoint Elevation: 5,140 meters / 16,863 feet
• Max Elevation: 5,364 meters / 17,598 feet
• Walking Duration: 7-8 hours
• Trek Difficulty: Challenging
• Highlights:
  • Standing at the base of Mt. Everest.
  • Viewing the Khumbu Icefall.
• Overnight Stay: Gorakshep

Full Description

The trail follows the lateral moraine of the Khumbu Glacier to Gorakshep, the last human settlement. After a quick lunch, you hike to Everest Base Camp.

Standing at base camp, you are surrounded by icescapes and the massive Khumbu Icefall. Note that the summit of Everest is not visible from Base Camp itself; it is hidden by the West Shoulder. You return to Gorakshep for the night.

Day 11: Hike Kala Patthar, Trek to Dzongla

Trekkers climb Kala Patthar (5,545 m) for sunrise views of Everest, then retrace steps to Lobuche and turn west to Dzongla (4,830 m).

Overview

• Endpoint Elevation: 4,830 meters / 15,846 feet
• Max Elevation: 5,545 meters / 18,192 feet
• Walking Duration: 7 hours
• Highlights:
  • Sunrise over Mt. Everest and Pumori.
  • Scenic walk beneath the north face of Cholatse.
• Overnight Stay: Dzongla

Full Description

A pre-dawn start takes you up Kala Patthar. The 360-degree panorama reveals the classic view of Everest’s black pyramid.

After breakfast in Gorakshep, you descend to Lobuche and branch off towards Dzongla. The trail traverses a spur beneath Awi Peak, offering stunning views of Cholatse and Taboche. Dzongla is a solitary lodge settlement at the base of Cho La.

Day 12: Cross Cho La Pass to Thangnak

Trekkers cross the technical Cho La Pass (5,420 m), which often involves walking on snow/ice, and descend to Thangnak (4,700 m).

Overview

• Endpoint Elevation: 4,700 meters / 15,420 feet
• Pass Elevation: 5,420 meters / 17,782 feet
• Walking Duration: 7-8 hours
• Trek Difficulty: Strenuous / Technical
• Highlights:
  • Traversing a glacier on the pass summit.
  • Entering the Gokyo Valley.
• Overnight Stay: Thangnak

Full Description

This is often considered the toughest day. You scramble up a rocky path to reach the glacier edge. Depending on conditions, microspikes may be required to cross the snowfield to the summit of Cho La Pass.

The descent into the Gokyo Valley is steep and loose. You reach Thangnak (Dragnag), a small hamlet by the Ngozumpa Glacier.

Day 13: Trek to Gokyo Lakes

Trekkers cross the Ngozumpa Glacier to reach the turquoise Gokyo Lakes (4,790 m).

Overview

• Endpoint Elevation: 4,790 meters / 15,715 feet
• Walking Duration: 3 hours
• Highlights:
  • Crossing the longest glacier in the Himalayas.
  • The stunning turquoise color of Gokyo Third Lake.
• Overnight Stay: Gokyo

Full Description

The trail crosses the treacherous, shifting rock-ice of the Ngozumpa Glacier. Following cairns is essential. Once across, you climb the lateral moraine to behold the Gokyo Third Lake (Dudh Pokhari). The village of Gokyo sits on its shore, creating one of the most picturesque settings in Nepal.

Day 14: Climb Gokyo Ri, Trek to Renjo La Base Camp (Lungden)

Trekkers climb Gokyo Ri (5,357 m) for sunrise, then trek towards the final pass, Renjo La. (Note: Many itineraries cross Renjo La on this day. To keep the day manageable, we may stay at Lungden after crossing, or stay at Gokyo and cross tomorrow. Standard itinerary crosses Renjo La and descends to Lungden on the same day.)

Overview

• Endpoint Elevation: 4,380 meters / 14,370 feet (Lungden)
• Pass Elevation: 5,360 meters / 17,585 feet
• Walking Duration: 7-8 hours
• Highlights:
  • Best panoramic view of four 8,000m peaks from Renjo La.
  • Descending into the remote Bhote Koshi valley.
• Overnight Stay: Lungden

Full Description

You may choose an early morning climb of Gokyo Ri for the famous view. Afterward, you ascend the Renjo La Pass.

The view from Renjo La is often voted the best in the Khumbu—Everest, Makalu, Lhotse, and Cho Oyu are visible across the lake. The descent on the western side is on a stone-paved trail leading to the remote village of Lungden.

Day 15: Trek from Lungden to Thame

Trekkers walk down the Bhote Koshi valley to the historic village of Thame (3,820 m).

Overview

• Endpoint Elevation: 3,820 meters / 12,532 feet
• Walking Duration: 4-5 hours
• Highlights:
  • Exploring the historic Thame Monastery.
  • Walking a centuries-old trade route to Tibet.
• Overnight Stay: Thame

Full Description

The trail descends gradually through the Bhote Koshi valley, a historical trade route between Nepal and Tibet. You arrive in Thame, the childhood home of Tenzing Norgay Sherpa.

In the afternoon, visit the Thame Monastery, perched high on a cliff. It is one of the oldest and most important monasteries in the region.

Day 16: Trek from Thame to Monjo

Trekkers return to the main trail, passing through Namche Bazaar and descending to Monjo (2,835 m).

Overview

• Endpoint Elevation: 2,835 meters / 9,301 feet
• Walking Duration: 6 hours
• Highlights:
  • Rejoining the lush green forests.
  • Celebrating the completion of the high altitude circuit at Namche.
• Overnight Stay: Monjo

Full Description

You walk back towards Namche Bazaar, enjoying the oxygen-rich air as you descend. After a lunch break and perhaps some celebration shopping in Namche, you descend the Namche Hill to Monjo.

Day 17: Trek from Monjo to Lukla

The final day of trekking retraces the route along the Dudh Koshi river to Lukla (2,840 m).

Overview

• Endpoint Elevation: 2,840 meters / 9,318 feet
• Walking Duration: 4-5 hours
• Highlights:
  • Final crossing of suspension bridges.
  • Celebration dinner with the trekking crew.
• Overnight Stay: Lukla

Full Description

The walk to Lukla is pleasant and familiar. Upon arrival, you check into your lodge. This evening is reserved for a Farewell Dinner with your guides and porters to celebrate the successful completion of the Three Passes Trek.

Day 18: Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu

Trekkers take an early morning flight back to Kathmandu and transfer to their hotel.

Overview

• Endpoint Elevation: 1,300 meters / 4,265 feet
• Flight Duration: 35 minutes
• Overnight Stay: Kathmandu

Full Description

You bid farewell to the mountains on the scenic flight back to Kathmandu. After transfer to your hotel, the rest of the day is free for souvenir shopping or a sound healing session to recover.

Day 19: Departure

We transfer you to the airport for your flight home.

Overview

• Meals Included: Breakfast

Full Description

Our representative will transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport three hours before your scheduled flight. You leave Nepal with memories of the high passes and the resilience of the Sherpa people.

Why Choose Travel To Nepal?

• Expert Guides: Our guides for the Three Passes Trek are certified High Altitude Leaders with specific training for glacier crossings (Cho La) and emergency evacuation. They carry satellite phones and pulse oximeters.
• Small Groups: We limit group sizes to ensure safety on technical passes.
• Transparent Costs: No hidden fees for permits or “emergency” transport.
• Responsible Tourism: We employ local porters and ensure they are insured and equipped with proper gear for high-altitude passes.
• Personalized Pace: We design our itinerary with adequate acclimatization days to maximize your success rate on the 5,000m passes.

Cost Inclusion & Exclusion

Included Service & Amenities

• Airport Pickup/Dropoff in a private vehicle.
• Return Flights Kathmandu–Lukla–Kathmandu (or Ramechhap–Lukla depending on season).
• Accommodation in Kathmandu (3-star hotel, twin-sharing, breakfast included).
• Accommodation during the trek in Teahouses/Lodges.
• Licensed English-speaking Trekking Guide.
• Porter service (1 porter for every 2 trekkers, max 25kg combined).
• Sagarmatha National Park Permit.
• Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit.
• Staff insurance, wages, food, and equipment.
• Trekking Map and Duffel Bag (to use).
• First Aid Kit and Oximeter.
• Farewell Dinner.

Excluded From The Package

• Meals (Lunch & Dinner) during the trek: Approx. USD 25-30 per day.
• Nepal Visa fees.
• International airfare.
• Travel Insurance (Mandatory: must cover helicopter evacuation up to 6,000m).
• Personal trekking gear (down jacket, sleeping bag – available for rent).
• Wifi, hot showers, and battery charging at teahouses.
• Tips for guide and porter.
• Drinks, snacks, and personal expenses.

Key Points to Know Before Trekking Three Passes

• Permits Required: You need the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit (NPR 3,000) and the Sagarmatha National Park Permit (NPR 3,000). Both are obtained locally (Lukla/Monjo) or in Kathmandu. Note: TIMS card is no longer required for Khumbu as of recent local government rules.
• Difficulty: This is a technical and strenuous trek. You must be comfortable walking 8+ hours on rubble, ice, and snow. Cardio training 3 months prior is essential.
• Clockwise vs Counter-Clockwise: We recommend Counter-Clockwise (Kongma La first). This allows better acclimatization profile and saves the best views (Renjo La) for the finale.
• Cash: ATMs are unreliable beyond Namche. Carry sufficient NPR cash for meals and extras (approx. NPR 40,000–50,000).
• Insurance: Helicopter rescue costs upwards of USD 4,000. Ensure your policy covers “high altitude trekking up to 6,000m.”

Best Scenic Spots on the Trek

• Renjo La Pass (5,360 m): Widely considered the best photogenic spot. It frames Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu perfectly above the turquoise Gokyo Lake.
• Gokyo Ri (5,357 m): The best sunset spot. The view of the Ngozumpa Glacier stretching like a gray serpent below the 8,000ers is unmatched.
• Kala Patthar (5,545 m): The classic “black rock” viewpoint for the closest encounter with Everest’s summit and the Khumbu Icefall.
• Kongma La Summit (5,535 m): A rugged, isolated vantage point offering a unique view of Makalu and the frozen glacial lakes beneath the Nuptse wall.
• Ama Dablam Base Camp (Optional): A side trip from Pangboche takes you to the foot of the “most beautiful mountain in the world.”

Facilities Available During the Trek

Lodging Standards:

Teahouses on the Three Passes route range from comfortable to basic. In Namche and Lukla, rooms may have attached showers and electric blankets. However, in Dzongla, Thangnak, and Lungden, facilities are basic: plywood rooms, shared squat toilets, and a communal dining hall heated by yak dung fires.

Food:

Menus are extensive. You can order pasta, pizza, momos (dumplings), and the staple Dal Bhat (rice and lentils). At high camps, the menu shrinks to simpler, carb-heavy options like noodle soup and potatoes.

Connectivity:

Wi-Fi (Everest Link) is available in most villages but becomes expensive and spotty at high camps. Ncell/NTC mobile data works up to Pangboche and sporadically in Gokyo.

Best Time to Trek

• Spring (March–May): Rhododendrons bloom in the lower valleys. Temperatures are warmer, but haze can obscure afternoon views.
• Autumn (October–November): The skies are crystal clear, offering the best mountain photography. It is colder, especially on the passes.
• Winter/Monsoon: Not recommended for Three Passes due to avalanche risk on Cho La and heavy snow blocking the trails.

How to Physically Prepare?

This is a Grade 4/5 (Strenuous) trek.

• Cardio: 3-4 months of running, swimming, or cycling (3-4x week).
• Strength: Leg presses, lunges, and step-ups with a weighted pack (10kg).
• Endurance: Weekend hikes of 6+ hours with elevation gain.
• Mental: Prepare for freezing nights, thin air, and consecutive long days.

Health & Safety

• AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness): The risk is high. We adhere to the “climb high, sleep low” principle. Acetazolamide (Diamox) is recommended as a preventative (consult your doctor).
• Hygiene: Bring hand sanitizer and water purification tablets. Do not drink untreated water.
• Insurance: Mandatory. Verify that your policy covers “High Altitude Mountaineering/Trekking” up to 6,000m, not just “Hiking.”

Packing Guide (Specific additions for Three Passes)

In addition to standard EBC gear, you must pack:

• Microspikes: Essential for the icy descent of Cho La and crossing the Ngozumpa Glacier.
• Gaiters: To prevent snow from entering boots on the passes.
• Warmer Layers: Temperatures on the passes can drop to -15°C even in sunlight due to wind chill.

Spotting Wildlife

While the high passes are barren, the lower trails (Monjo to Tengboche) are rich in wildlife.

• Himalayan Tahr: Often seen grazing on the cliffs above Namche.
• Musk Deer: Elusive but present in the birch forests near Deboche.
• Danphe: Nepal’s national bird, often spotted near bushy areas in the morning.
• Snow Leopard: Extremely rare, but they inhabit the remote rocky ridges of the Gokyo valley.

Trekkers Reviews

Name: Sarah Jenkins (UK)

“I’ve done EBC before, but the Three Passes with Travel To Nepal was a different league. Crossing Cho La was terrifyingly beautiful. Our guide, Pasang, was incredible on the glacier—he literally carved steps for us. The solitude in the Gokyo valley was worth every breathless step.”

Name: Mark & Elena (Australia)

“We wanted a challenge, and we got it. Renjo La was the highlight—better views than Kala Patthar and zero crowds. Travel To Nepal handled the logistics perfectly, especially when our Lukla flight was delayed. Highly recommend the counter-clockwise route!”