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The Three Passes and Peaks trip is the ultimate Everest region trekking experience, exploring trails most travelers do not see. Live out your Himalayan dreams, trekking high altitude passes and summiting smaller peaks, all without the need for any technical climbing knowledge. You’ll cross the four great valleys of Everest – the world’s most popular trekking destination: Bhotekoshi, Gokyo, Khumbu and Imja tse.
Trekkers will tackle the rugged high passes of Renjo la (5388 m), Cho la (5380 m) and Kongma la (5535 m), as well as the three peaks of Gokyo ri (5483 m), Kalapathar (5545m) and Chukung (5550 m). The adventure starts at Lukla, then enjoy two nights at Namache acclimatising, before heading to the remote trails of Thame and Lungden, close to the Tibetan boarder. The Renjo la crossing is tough, but you’re rewarded with stunning views of Everest and the pristine Gokyo lakes.
Gokyo ri is the first of the three peaks you encounter. Work your way across the Ngonumpa glacier to majestic Chola Pass. Plunge down into the Khumbu valley before trekking to Kalapathar peak and Everest Base Camp. From here the route heads to Chukung via Louche, crossing the Kongmala in another tough but rewarding day. Chukung ri is the last of the three peaks, offering hardy trekkers stunning views of Amadablam, Lhotse, Nuptse, Makalu and Cho Oyu.
Return to Lukla via the magical Thyangboche monastery, covering all the region’s major highlights and closing the circle. It’s an incomparable and unforgettable Nepalese trekking experience. 
Detailed Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu Altitude: 1350m/4428ft We’ll greet you at Kathmandu airport, where you’ll transfer to the highly recommended Hotel Blue Horizon (or similar standard accommodation). Once settled in, it’s time for a briefing and a chance to meet your guide. This is followed by a sumptuous welcome dinner of Nepalese cuisine accompanied by traditional music and dancing, giving you the chance to immerse yourself in the local culture. Day 02: Kathmandu sightseeing tour Altitude: 1350m/4428ft Depart for a half-day sightseeing tour of Kathmandu, the ‘City of Temples’. Visit Durbar Square, home to the Kasthamandap temple, Kumari Ghar Kal Bhairav, Hanuman Dhoka and Taleju Temple. It’s a chance to understand the spiritual connection the locals have to the enigmatic landscapes around them. Afterwards, visit the Swoyambhunath Stupa, set majestically on a hill overlooking Kathmandu Valley, to contemplate the life changing adventure that’s about to begin. Continue to Patan including Patan Durbar Square, Krishna Temple, Golden Temple and the Tibetan Handicraft Centre. Here you can learn more about the traditional crafts and ceremonies, giving you a deeper understanding of how Nepalese people have flourished in this majestic but hostile environment. Day 03: Fly to Lukla and Trek to Phakding 35 minute Trans Himalayan flight Altitude: Lukla at 2800m/9184ft & Phakding (2652m/8698ft) Walking distance: Approx 8 Km/3 to 4 hours Your guide will take you to the airport in time for your flight departure. The flight duration is about 35 minutes – expect incredible views from the plane. Arriving in Lukla, you’ll eat at the lodge before preparing your kit for the porters. The trek starts on the stone-paved trails towards Bhaisekharka. It’s fairly up and down to Phakding, passing plenty of prayer rocks (mani). After arriving at the lodge at Phakding, freshen up and make the short walk to the village or hike up to Gompa to acclimatise. Day 04: Trek to Namche Altitude: 3440m/11283ft Walking distance: 10-12 Km/5-6 hours An exciting start to the day as you cross a suspension bridge followed by an easy uphill to Monju, where the Sagarmath National Park begins. After completing Park entry paperwork, you’ll drop down to the river and another suspension bridge, then back up again to the high Hilary Bridge. The trail then leads further uphill to the Namche Bazzar, with stunning views of Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Kusum Khangru and more. Day 05: Namche Bazaar-Acclimatize day Altitude: 3440m Acclimatisation Day Explore the museum for a unique cultural taste of this remote region, visit Khumjung and Khongde villages where you can drink in the landscape dominated by Mt. Everest and the surroundings peaks. The rest of the day you’re free to explore Namche Bazzar, use the Internet, visit the National Park head office, museum and monastery. It’s a chance to let the experience sink in, while further appreciating the incredible people that call this place home. Day 06: Trek to Thame Altitude: 3800m Walking distance: Approx 3 to 4 hours A relatively easy start on the trail leads to Thamo, an ancient Sherpa village. Explore the village before setting off for Thame. After lunch, rest a while and immerse yourself in the Sherpa culture. Day 07: Trek to Lumde Altitude: 4137m Walking distance: Approx 4 to 5 hours Another comfortable start, as you ease into it with a peaceful walk to Marlung through the Bhote Koshi River. The trail then leads to Lumde through the valley, with views of the snow-peaked mountains along the way. After arriving in Lumde, it’s worth hiking a bit higher to acclimatise. Day 08: Exploration of Lumde. Acclimatisation day Day 09: Trek to Gokya via Ranjo la Pass Altitude at Ranjo la Pass: 5465m/17,929ft Altitude at Gokyo Lake: 4800m/ 15748ft Distance of walking: 7-8 hours A challenging start as the trail leads uphill for an hour and half to the top of the Renjo la, to enjoy breathtaking views of Mt. Everest, Mt.Nuptse, and the Gokyo Lake. From Renjo la the trail drops down to the lake and your lodge. Rest up, then make the short climb to the ridge to explore the magnificent glacier. Day 10 : Exploration of Gokyo Ri. Day 11: Trek to Thaknak Altitude: 4750m/15580ft Walking distance: 3 hours Although this is a relatively easy day, we suggest an early start. You’ll be walking across Ngozumpa – the longest glacier in Nepal. On sunny days the ice melts fast, so it’s best to cross the glacier before it warms up. Listen out for rocks tumbling into the glacier lake. Once you arrive at Thaknak, climb the small hill to acclimatise. Day 12: Trek to Zungla via Chola pass
Altitude: 5367m/17604ft Walking distance: 6-7 hours This is probably hardest day of the trip. Start with a steep climb before the trail drops down to the bottom of the Chola pass. Another steep climb this time through rocks follows. Look out for Buddhist prayer flags on the top of the pass and incredible views. The ground can be icy as the trail descends again through huge rocks, followed by easy walking to Zungla Day 13: Trek to Lobuche Altitude: 4,930m/16,000ft Walking distance: 3 hours Day 14: Trek to Gorekshep Altitude: 5,160m/16,929ft Walking distance: 3 hours A great way to begin the day, as you enjoy an easy downhill, followed by some undulating terrain to Lobuche. The trail continues toward Gorekshep through difficult, rocky ground but there are incredible vistas of Mt. Everest, Mt. Nuptse, Mt. Pumori and the Khumbu Glacier. Finally, you’ll reach Gorekshep, at the base of Kalapatthar. Day 15: Hike up to the Base Camp Altitude: 5,357m/17,575ft Walking distance: 6-7 hours Today you reach the famed Everest base camp. But there’s a three-hour walk along the ridge of the Khumbu glacier first. Drink in the majestic views, before finally spotting the Buddhist prayer flags – a sign that you’ve made it. After exploring, trek down to the lodge and spend the remainder of the day relaxing and enjoying the experience. Day 16: Hike up to Kalapatthar and trek to Lobuche Altitude: Kalapathar at 5545m Walking distance: 6-7 hours Start the day by tackling the two hour hike up to the Kalapatthar, the best view point of Mt. Everest, Mt. Nuptse, Mt. Pumori, Mt. Amadablam, Mt. Thamerserku and Mera Peak. Take lots of photos before trekking down to the lodge at Gorekshep for breakfast, and then continuing down to Lobuche. Day 17: Trek to Chukung via Kongma la pass Altitude: 4,730m/15,518ft Walking distance: 6-7 hours Start heading east by walking across Khumbu glacier. The river trail then leads up to the highest pass of the trip. There’s no water source here, so you’ll have to carry enough drinking water with you. After a hard climb to the top, the trail descends steeply to the Chukung Valley. Day 18: Trek to Tengboche Altitude: 3,867m/12684ft Walking distance: 5-6 hours An easy day hiking downhill through the valley to Dingboche, passing through a few Sherpa villages along the way. After Pangboche it descends further to the river and across a bridge. Next up is Tengboche where an ancient monastery sits on the top of the hill. At the monastery witness the Buddhist evening chanting ceremony, a deeply moving cultural and spiritual experience. Day 19: Trek to Namche Altitude: 3440m/11,284ft Walking distance: 4-5 hours Begin walking steeply downhill through a beautiful rhododendron, then climb steeply through the pine and juniper forest to Khumjung. Explore Khumjung village and after lunch continue your trek to the Namche Bazzar. Day 20: Trek to Lukla Altitude: 2,800m/9,184ft Walking distance: 18-20 Km/6 to 7 hours Enjoy an invigorating morning descent through pine forest to Monju. After a National park checkpoint, the trail continues to the Phakding for lunch before the final stage of your trek to Lukla. Take the time to reflect on what you have achieved, experienced and learnt as for many people it’s not just a physical journey but a spiritual one too. Day 21: Fly to Kathmandu Altitude: 1350m/4428ft 35minute Trans Himalayan flight Due to the weather flights are usually in the morning. Your guide will take care of airport formalities and luggage transportation, so you can enjoy breakfast at the lodge. When your guide receives news about your flight, you’ll head to the airport in time to watch your plane land. After a quick photograph, you’ll fly to to Kathmandu and have a private transfer to your hotel. Day 22: Rest and relax in Kathmandu. Day 23: Departure day Altitude: 1350m/4428ft Free day for shopping and departure After breakfast in your hotel, we’ll drop you at the airport to catch your flight home, or onto your next adventure. If you have a late flight, you’ll have plenty of time for last minute shopping. But eventually it will be time to say goodbye. |
23 days
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