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Everest Three Passes Trek (Chola Pass, Gokyo Lake, and Renjo La Pass)

16 Reviews

Everest Three Passes Trek (Chola Pass, Gokyo Lake, and Renjo La Pass)

$2387

per person

Book Now
22 Days
12 People
Daily Tour
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Overview

Trekking in the Everest region isn't simply confined to the classic Everest Base Camp route. In fact, the Everest Three Passes Trek unveils an array of other enticing trails waiting to be explored, offering you opportunities to fuse them with your Everest Base Camp journey.

Everest Three Passes Trek: An Overview

When you set foot in the region of the world's pinnacle - Everest, know that it's an adventure that extends beyond the renowned Base Camp. While Everest Base Camp is undoubtedly one of the world's top-notch trekking expeditions, the Everest region promises a plethora of magnificent trails that can be seamlessly combined with the Base Camp trek, utilizing three notable high passes - Renjo La, Cho La, and Kongma La, truly takes the adventure a notch higher. These routes reward trekkers with awe-inspiring views from the summit, an experience that's hard to encapsulate in words.

Highlights of Three Passes Trek

  • Embark on a scenic flight to Lukla
  • Explore the renowned Sherpa town of Namche Bazaar and Syangboche, Nepal's highest airport
  • Marvel at views from high passes: Kongma La, Cho La, Renjo La, and the peak of Gokyo Ri
  • Visit the serene Tengboche Monastery and explore the enchanting Gokyo Lakes
  • Stay at the lofty Everest Hotel
  • Immerse in the vibrant local culture depicted by prayer wheels, colorful flags, and high suspension bridges
  • Discover diverse wildlife and unique flora and fauna
  • Traverse the highest Khumbu Glacier
  • Capture breathtaking panoramic views from Kala Patthar.

3 Passes Trek Difficulty

Everest Three High Passes Trek presents a challenge, but one that's incredibly rewarding for those who undertake it. This trek may be particularly appealing if you have previous trekking experience or simply enjoy outdoor adventures, however, such experience isn't a prerequisite. The trek's terrain comprises long ascents, steep descents, and a challenging forward trail along rocky paths and through lush forests. 

The hike typically spans between 5 to 7 hours each day, with the duration varying based on the destination. Therefore, a solid level of fitness can significantly enhance the comfort and enjoyment of your journey. However, rest assured, there will be ample opportunities for regular breaks to soak in the awe-inspiring mountain vistas.

Note: This trek may not be suitable for individuals with serious medical conditions, such as heart, blood, or lung diseases.

Cost of Three Passes Trek

With Earthbound Expeditions, you’ll get the best value for the three passes trek at the cost of $2187 per person.

You might also want to check details of the Classic Everest Base Camp Trek package.

Cost Includes/ Excludes

Includes

  • 3 star Hotel in Kathmandu and Farewell dinner with cultural show
  • All domestic flight (fixed wing aircraft), hotel/airport transfer
  • All ground transportation by private vehicles
  • Kathmandu sightseeing with city tour guide
  • All accommodations in guest house / tent / camp
  • Full board meal during the trekking days 
  • All portages costs
  • All cost for a EBE Sherpa leader (First Aid and Eco trained English Speaking) and sherpa assistance to help while on trek
  • All necessary paper works, permits & entry fees 
  • Travel & Rescue arrangements if necessary (at the end need to pay by your Insurance company the cost)
  • Exclusive Medical Kit Bag
  • All government and local taxes
  • EBE Kit Bag

Excludes

  • Visa fees/ International airfare to & from home city/ international airport departure taxes
  • Excess baggage charges, your personal clothing and gears
  • Lunch & evening meals in Kathmandu.
  • Travel and rescue insurance
  • All personal expenses such as phone calls, laundry, extra porters, bar bills, beverages, snacks etc.
  • Tips for guides and porters.
  • Optional trips and sightseeing (in case of trip extension)

Itinerary

Day 1: Kathmandu Arrival

Welcome to Kathmandu, Touchdown in Kathmandu airport, followed by transfer to your hotel for rest and relaxation.

Day 2: Sightseeing in Kathmandu Valley

Embark on a sightseeing adventure after breakfast, exploring the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Kathmandu. This includes the Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), Pashupatinath, Boudhanath (the world's biggest Buddhist temple), and Patan Durbar Square, known for its fine arts.

Day 3: Kathmandu - Lukla - Monjo

Start the day early with a flight to Lukla, your gateway to the Everest Region. Enjoy the aerial views of the Himalayas before beginning the trek towards Monjo via Phakding.

Day 4: Journey to Namche

Trek along the Dudh Koshi River up to the Hilary suspension bridge, then ascend to the beautiful town of Namche Bazaar. Enjoy views of Himalayan peaks and Sherpa culture along the way.

Day 5: Acclimatization at Namche

Spend the day in Namche for acclimatization. Hike to the Everest viewpoint, then return to explore the local atmosphere of Namche Bazaar.

Day 6: Trek to Thame

Set off for Thame, staying overnight at a tea house located at an altitude of 3845 meters.

Day 7: Trek to Marlung

Continue the trek to Marlung, resting at a tea house at an elevation of 4135 meters.

Day 8: Ascend to Lungden

Press on to Lungden, resting overnight at a tea house at 4600 meters.

Day 9: Reach Renjo La Base Camp

Make the trek to Renjo La Base Camp, staying overnight at a tea house at 4890 meters.

Day 10: Over Renjo La Pass to Gokyo

Cross the Renjo La Pass to reach Gokyo, resting at a tea house located at an altitude of 4775 meters.

Day 11: Rest at Gokyo

Take a day to rest in Gokyo. In the afternoon, ascend to Gokyo RI for a beautiful sunset view of Mt. Everest.

Day 12: Trek to Thangnak

Continue the journey to Thangnak, with an overnight stay at a tea house at 4695 meters.

Day 13: Over Cho La Pass to Dzong La

Cross the Cho La Pass to reach Dzong La, resting at a tea house at an elevation of 4840 meters.

Day 14: March on to Lobuche

Trek onward to Lobuche, spending the night at a tea house at 4925 meters.

Day 15: Reach Everest Base Camp

Trek to Everest Base Camp and back to Gorakhshep, resting and reflecting on the incredible journey.

Day 16: Climb Kala Patthar View point

Early morning we ascend Kala Patthar for an unparalleled view of Mt. Everest and Himalayan Panorama, then descend to Lobuche for the night stay.

Day 17: Lobuche to Kongma La to Chhukung

Trek from Lobuche via Khumbu Glacier to Kongma La Base Camp before ascending to Kongma pass, then make a gradual walk up to Chhukung.

Day 18: Chhukung to Tengboche

Descend through scrub junipers and around Mani stones, ascending to Pangboche and finally to Tengboche, the site of the largest monastery in the Khumbu region.

Day 19: Return to Namche Bazaar

Descend from Tengboche to Phunki Tenga, then climb to Namche Bazaar, resting overnight in this familiar and welcoming town.

Day 20: Namche Bazaar to Lukla

Retrace your steps back to Lukla, celebrating the completion of your trek with local beverages, 'Chang' or 'Rakshi,' and traditional Sherpa dance.

Day 21: Lukla to Kathmandu

Take a morning flight back to Kathmandu, spend the rest of the day at leisure, exploring the city, or doing some last-minute shopping.

Day 22: Departure or Further Adventure

Depending on your plans, transfer to the airport for your onward journey or extend your stay for additional activities like safari, rafting, cycling, or more trekking in different regions.

Tour's Location

Unraveling the Unique Sherpa Culture

The Everest Three Passes Trek is not only about exploring nature's grandeur but also about immersing yourself in the rich Sherpa culture. As you traverse through quaint villages, you’ll have the opportunity to observe their unique way of life, traditional architecture, and centuries-old monasteries. The friendly and warm hospitality of the Sherpa people is bound to leave a lasting impression on your heart.

The Mesmerizing Flora and Fauna

While the magnificence of the towering peaks may seem daunting, the Everest region is also home to an incredible variety of wildlife and unique flora. Amid the tranquil silence of the Himalayas, you may spot Himalayan Tahrs, Snow Leopards, or even the Red Panda, a unique species endemic to the region. Rhododendron forests bloom beautifully in spring, painting the trails in a splash of colors, adding another dimension to the trekking experience.

The Ever-Changing Himalayan Weather

In the Everest region, the weather can be unpredictable. It is essential for trekkers to have some knowledge about the weather and the best times for the trek. Generally, the trek is favorable in the post-monsoon period (September to November) and pre-monsoon season (March to May), with clear skies and panoramic mountain views.

Necessary Gear and Equipment

The success of your trek highly depends on your gear and equipment. You should carry the essentials like warm clothing, hiking boots, water purification tablets, sun protection, first aid kit, snacks, etc. Also, equipment like crampons, ice axe, and ropes may be needed for crossing the high passes.

The Unforgettable Taste of Local Cuisine

One of the highlights of the trek is tasting the local cuisine. Make sure to try the traditional Dal Bhat (rice, lentil soup, and curries), Sherpa stew, and Tibetan bread. These hearty meals will fuel your strenuous journey. A sip of butter tea or the local brew 'Chang' in the chilly weather can make your evenings more enjoyable.

High Altitude Sickness and Safety Measures

High Altitude Sickness is a significant concern while undertaking the Everest Three Passes Trek. It is crucial to be aware of its symptoms and adopt appropriate prevention methods. Your guide will ensure you acclimatize correctly and maintain a steady pace throughout the trek. Moreover, make sure your insurance covers any potential rescue and medical expenses.

FAQs

How can I physically prepare for the Everest Three Passes Trek?

Regular cardio exercises like jogging, swimming, and cycling for a few months prior to the trek are advisable. Strength and endurance exercises will help you tackle the challenging terrains more comfortably.

What kind of accommodation can I expect during the trek?

You will stay in tea houses or lodges along the route. While they provide basic facilities like beds and meals, don't expect luxurious amenities on this this package. If you need more luxury, we have the Luxury Everest Base Camp Trek Package for you.

What is the daily drinking water requirement during the trek?

It's advisable to drink at least 3-4 liters of water per day to stay hydrated. Always carry a water purification method with you as bottled water isn't easily available everywhere.

What is the role of our guides during the Everest Three Passes Trek?

Our guides are highly experienced professionals who will accompany you throughout the trek. They'll guide you on the trails, provide detailed information about the various sites, and manage all logistics. They're trained to handle emergencies and will continually monitor your health and comfort to ensure a safe and enjoyable trek.

How do our guides manage altitude sickness?

Our guides are trained to recognize the symptoms of altitude sickness and will monitor you closely. They'll ensure that the trek's pace allows for proper acclimatization and will always be ready to take necessary action if you exhibit any signs of sickness. In severe cases, they can organize a rescue operation to ensure your safety.

Reviews

Ttej

Ttej

Awesome Everest Base Camp
Awesome trek and Rajan were extremely helpful in ensuring that the needful questions on the trek were answered. Accommodations along the trek, and selection of the guide were very well thought out. All in all, it was a fantastic experience with Earthbound

David2112

David2112

Highly recommended
Our trip to Nepal (Everest Base Camp) was expertly handled by Rajan and his team at Earthbound Expeditions. There were three of us on the trek, myself, my partner and an English lady who had only decided to come a couple of weeks before the trek started. Our guide, Sri, was very knowledgable about the Himalayas and was only too happy to share his passion for the mountains. He was very professional and was concerend not only for our welfare but that of the two porters, Lama and Babik Rei. Nothing was too much trouble for the three of them and they helped ensure we had an unforgettable trek up to Everest Base Camp. In Kathmandu Rajan ensured we were looked after by suggesting other sights we might be interested in, and, of course, dinner on the last night with him and our other companion was a great way to end our time in Nepal. I would have no hesitiation in recommending Earthbound Expeditions or using their services again should I once again go trekking in that part of the world.

MDtraveler001

MDtraveler001

first rate trekking company
If you want to trek in Nepal, bypass your home country provider and contact earthbound expeditions directly for big savings and a high quality provider. The president is Rajan Simkhada. He is excellent about answering e mails promptly making allarrangements and has a high quality staff of guides and porters most of whom have been with him a while thanks to generous financial benefits. We took the Everest base camp trek. It is a tough trek, only for those in very good shape. There will be unforeseen problems which our guide dealt with very efficiently and cheerfully. Our main one was the backup that occurred in Lukla due to bad weather when we tried to get back to Kathmandu. Well-publicized in international news. Our guide seemed to have connections that got us out while others were stuck for days. We were very well taken care of, both on the trek and in Kathmandu with sightseeing , airport pickups, etc always right on time. Pay a little extra for private "baths" on the trek itself. Do your homework re medical problems of high altitude trekking.

Brenda D

Brenda D

Fantastic TrekTo Everest Base Camp
My husband and I decided to go with Earthbound Expeditions for our trek to Everest Base Camp. The reason for the decision was due to the recommendation in The Lonely Planet guide book as well as all of the positive reviews on tripadvisor. It was definitely the right decision. Rajan answered all of our emails/questions prior to our departure very promtly. We arrived in Kathmandu quite late at night and were a bit nervous regarding the pickup from the airport. However, there was no reason to be nervous as a representative from Earthbound was standing right at the door with a sign to pick us up and bring us to the hotel. We stayed at the Eco Lodge in Kathmandu which is also owned by Rajan. It is a very nice hotel with a good breakfast. I recommend to try and get a room in one of the higher floors as they are much nicer. The staff was very friendly and we felt comfortable and safe the entire time. Everything about our trek was organized perfectly and went off without a hitch. Our guide Hari was fantastic! The Tea Houses were quite comfortable and the food was good. Neither my husband or I felt sick from the food at any point during our trek. We did our trek during high season and it was quite busy. However we never had to worry about getting a room as Hari always made sure to book the rooms in advance and to send our porter ahead of us as a double check. This was not the case in other agencies as we witnessed some people arriving at the tea houses only to find out that even though they had a "reservation" the room had been given to someone else. Rajan's attention to detail and passion for his job are very apparent and we are so glad we went with Earthbound. We really did have the time of our lives and we highly recommend Earthbound Expeditions... you will not be disappointed!!

Trekker_6805

Trekker_6805

Fantastic Gokyo Lakes and EBC Trek
I recommend Earthbound Expeditions 100%. Rajan was fantastic to deal with and made the entire journey pain free. We will definitely go through Earthbound Expeditions again and recommend this company to anyone who wants a well-organised adventure with excellent guides and porters.

Cindy A

Cindy A

Thank you for a great trip!
Many thanks to Rajan for organizing our smooth and enjoyable trip to Gokyo and Everest Base Camp! His attention to detail and the warmth with which he welcomed us to Nepal were both outstanding. Our guide Nama was very caring and gave us important suggestions to deal with the altitude. We enjoyed the beautiful views and hospitality!

Kiran D

Kiran D

Everest Base Camp 2012 - infinite Experience
This is the 2nd time we've travelled with Earthbound Expeditions (EE), the first trip being Kailash in 2006. Warm hospitality by Rajan Simkhada and his crew makes travelling with EE a delightful experience. His highly trained staff kept us very comfortable throughout our trek and instilled reassurance when the going got tough. This, along with the superior level of local knowledge and enthusiasm by all crew members allowed us to soak up and thoroughly appreciate every ounce of the culture and customs that we encountered en route making the whole trip thoroughly enjoyable. We felt Rajan and his team had a unique way of identifying personal needs from an early stage and made a conscientious effort to cater for these throughout the trek- this really gave the experience a personal touch and is great in making you feel at home when in reality you couldnt be further! Without EE we wouldn't have reached Everest Base Camp 2012 and fulfilled a life-long dream- For this reason I will definately be booking a 3rd trip with this organisation and highly recommend it to all those reading this since EE really are second to none in aiding you to transform your dreams into reality!!

m_hjelmslund

m_hjelmslund

Naturally Nepal "once is not enough"...
We've just came back home from a fabulos enriching trekking tour in the Everest area (Gokyo Lakes, Cho La Pass and Everest Base Camp) with Earthbound Expeditions. Not so much to say then I would definitely travel with Rajans agency again. From the first day in Nepal to the very last day in Kathmandu's airport, they were there for us, welcoming, friendly, and highly professional. Always similing! :) So, thank you, Rajan & Team, we had a wonderful time and Nepal is astonishing beautiful. I would also like to say thanks to Maule Tamang - our highly skilled professional mountain guide from Earthbound, who took care of us, guided us, took us over 5000 m four times, taught us about life in the Himalayas, joked with us and breathed together with us in two long amazing weeks on the trail. Finally, he safely reopened the Cho La Pass from Gokyo, after heavy snowfall and under the threat of avalanches and falling rocks. Again, together with us. Thank you, Maule! You are a great guide and a wonderful person. See you in Annapurna! :)

Oregon-Trout-Hunter

Oregon-Trout-Hunter

A welcome guest from start to finish!
Earthbound took care of my family and made sure we experienced the best Nepal had in a short period of time. This organization knows how execute an itinerary while maintaining a reasonable cost to the customer. Rajan was responsive and thorough while we organized the trip via email. Shree, Ganesha & Suresh trekked us seamlessly about a portion of the ABC route. Rafting was a blast...canoe safari awesome...elephant safari cool...city tour educational...can't say enough. Earthbound rocks and we will utilize their services in Nepal and other countries in the future. Namaste.

obonga

obonga

EBC trek AMAZING
Where do I start?? Earthbound Expeditions was amazing on so many levels. We had the highest of the highs and some lows! Lows secondary to crazy GI issues, but to be normal coming from the USA. Rajan was a great director of the show. All of our guides were amazing, but I can only refer to Apar who was great, several of us could not make it to EBC, so we were accompanied back to a lower level. They did everything they could to make sure our HOliday was perfect. Everything was totally organized beyond our expectations. Crazy Kathmandu was made relaxed with Earthbound Expeditions. An experience to last a lifetime, a life-changer, whatever, but the memories we made with Apar and the gang will last forever. Not a fan of group travel, but we made friends for a lifetime. Keep up the good work.

Flower1712

Flower1712

Amazing customer service and care
Rajan and the team at Earthbound provided nothing short of outstanding customer care whilst we were in Nepal. Our trek to Gokyo (including flights) was organised within 24hours, our guide Shyam was excellent and provided us with both knowledge and fun, and the team took care of all our needs aside from the trek, such as cars to the airport etc. At all times, the answer was 'yes' and we are truly grateful to all at Earthbound :) F & K

revealthehiddenbeach

revealthehiddenbeach

Excellent trekking experience
We trekked with EE in April 2014. It was our first visit to Nepal, and EE was fantastic. I was a little nervous booking online, especially as sending a deposit in dollars was a MASSIVE faff, but as soon as we met Rajan at the hotel our worries were put to bed. Rajan was very professional, and the hotel (Eco Resort) was clean and well-staffed. Whilst in Kathmandu we had a day tour to various temples and sights, which was a great way to get a feel for the (hideously dirty but very interesting) city and find our way around. We chose to do the Gokyo Lakes, Cho La Pass and Everest Base Camp trek, which was very reasonably priced. Our tour guide, Ram, was very friendly and informative and did everything within his power to get us on a plane to Lukla when the first day's flights were canceled due to bad weather. Throughout the trek Ram was fantastic - he organized things to suit us, including pausing the trek for 24 hours when I got the mother of all colds, carrying packs when I twisted my ankle, and offering advice, medicine and good company. We were delighted to make it to the lakes, the pass and EBC, and Ram and our porter Nima were fantastic the whole way. The trek itself was breathtaking, so many beautiful views, and although a real physical challenge, was definitely doable for anyone with a decent base fitness level. Still can't get over quite how cold it was at night when we were at altitude, but many of the tea houses provided extra blankets if you asked. An element that really highlights the fantastic customer service was when we returned to Kathmandu. Back in the hotel, I sadly suffered from a bout of food poisoning, and Rajan helped my husband to get the right antibiotics, and re-booked a party due to arrive in our room that day so that I would not also have to move rooms whilst suffering. (I'm making this sound like so many things went wrong... seriously, it was an amazing experience, and EE fixed every minor issue.) I've recommended EE, Rajan, Ram and Nima to anyone who has mentioned trekking in Nepal, and will continue to do so as their service was so fantastic.

ShivlalVekaria

ShivlalVekaria

Truly amazing experience with Earthbound. Highly professional. Breathtaking scenery
14-day trek to Kala Pathar and Everest Base Camp via Gokyo Lakes with a ''family'' of 24, unforgettable experience with the entire team of Earthbound Expeditions. Pushed to our mental and physical limits, ''No pain no gain''. First time for most of us, will savor every minute. Well planned and looked after on the entire trek. Hats off to Badriji, what an inspiration you are, and his entire team. Food was excellent considering the remoteness of lodges. Never seen and never will see anything like the scenery of the mighty Everest and the Himalayas. Would recommend anytime again, the love and hospitality throughout from the locals very touching, not forgetting the farewell dinner and culture dances in Kathmandu.

Bajrangi

Bajrangi

In safe hands
My heartfelt thanks to Badri and all at Earthbound Expeditions for curating a memorable experience to the EBC and the Gokyo Lakes. For me, making it or breaking down on this 14 day trek, hinged on 3 things: a) Food- Narayan, the travelling chef, was endlessly imaginative with thin air and garlic. He, Badri, Sarki and Kagi were then at hand to coax our AMS riddled appetite with a smile and good natured banter. To top it, we even marked 4 birthdays along the way with freshly baked cake (no garlic even)! b) Sleep- Even with the amenities being basic, we always had a comfortable, warm and ever accommodating tea house to rest our weary bodies in, after a hard day's slog. c) Health and Safety- The itinerary was carefully thought of, to allow for acclimatization. Badri knew how much to push us and was then at hand with his inexhaustible medicine kit, ever present smile and very broad shoulders (irony intended) to minister to our every real and imagined ache and illness. Weather forced a change of itinerary, which was handled calmly and professionally, with nothing lost from the overall enjoyment of the trek. What stood out for me was their professionalism- their experience at doing this shows. AND they do it with a smile and sensitivity to the local people. I am coming back to them again.

Keshwi P

Keshwi P

Everest base camp with Gokyo lakes 2017
We organized a personalized 14-day trek to Everest base camp and Gokyo lakes for 24 people with Badri and his team. We had an absolutely fantastic time. The entire expedition went so smoothly- food, lodges and travel were all well organized considering the remote nature of the trip. They try as hard as possible to cater to everyone including food for multiple vegetarians and vegans. The team have a constant wide smile and bubbly energy which makes the experience so enjoyable. A trip to the Himalayas is one in a lifetime and this company are the best to accompany you!

CKotillil

CKotillil

Everest Base Camp Trek via Gokyo and Chola Pass
Thanks to Rajan and his super efficient team for helping me and my wife plan a 12 day trip to Everest Base Camp, via Gokyo Lakes and the Chola Pass. It was a very well planned trip, and we had the best of his team - Gokul Bishal Rai and Chatur (our indefatigable porter). Rajan went out of his way to make sure our trip was well organized. This was despite a 2 day delay due to elections in Nepal and unpredictable weather at Lukla. Rajan arranged for additional stays for us and was prompt with alternative flight arrangements. Gokul's guidance during the 12 day trek was excellent, he ensured that we were fighting fit for long hours of trekking each day and knew the routes very well. His sense of humor and knowledge made our travel light and enjoyable. Both him and Chatur our porter, literally dragged us up during the arduous climb up Chola pass. Chatur, our porter was already an extraordinary person...a machine really, who was not only carried our burden but was always ready to come back and help us during difficult climbs. The weather in May 2nd and 3rd week was also exceptional, we saw magnificent Mount Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyu in brilliant clear light and summitted Gokyo Ri and Kala Patthar en route. This is our second trip with Earthbound Expeditions, earlier in October 2016 , we did an even longer 19 days trek covering the Entire Annapurna Circuit and Annapurna Base Camp in one sustained trip. The Earthbound's team hospitality and care and concern is what brought us back to Nepal. Great Job Rajan, Thank you for making a once in a lifetime journey like this even more memorable.

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