Three Passes

Three Passes Trek via Shivalaya – 25 Days

The Three Passes Trek is one of Nepal’s most challenging and rewarding treks, offering a true adventure for those seeking stunning landscapes, high-altitude crossings, and an immersive experience in the Everest region. Beginning in Shivalaya, this route follows in the footsteps of early Everest explorers before reaching the famed high passes of Renjo La, Cho La, and Kongma La.

Overview

• Starting Point: Shivalaya, Nepal 
• Ending Point: Kathmandu, Nepal
• Duration: 25 days
• Difficulty: Challenging
• Best Seasons: Spring (March–May) and Autumn (September–November)
• Permits Required: Sagarmatha National Park Permit & the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entry Permit

Optional: Add 2 days in Kathmandu

• Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu (1,400m) – Explore Thamel, prepare for the trek.
• Day 2: Kathmandu sightseeing & trek briefing – Visit Swayambhunath, Boudhanath, and Pashupatinath.

Trek Itinerary:

Day 1: Drive from Kathmandu to Shivalaya (1,770m) [8-10 hours]

• Point of Interest: Scenic drive through rural Nepal, passing terraced fields, local villages, and glimpses of the Himalayan foothills. The journey ends at Shivalaya, the gateway to the trek.

Day 2: Trek from Shivalaya to Bhandar (2,200m) [5-6 hours]

• Point of Interest: Deurali Pass (2,700m) provides sweeping views of the surrounding valleys and the distant snow-capped mountains. Arriving in Bhandar, you’ll see Tibetan-influenced architecture and culture.

Day 3: Trek from Bhandar to Sete (2,575m) [6-7 hours]

• Point of Interest: The route passes through terraced fields and traditional Sherpa villages. Sete offers peaceful surroundings with beautiful views of the surrounding peaks.

Day 4: Trek from Sete to Junbesi (2,700m) via Lamjura La Pass (3,530m) [6-7 hours]

• Point of Interest: Lamjura La Pass offers panoramic views of the high Himalayas, including Makalu and Everest, making this a memorable day of the trek. Junbesi is a charming village with Tibetan influences.

Day 5: Trek from Junbesi to Nunthala (2,200m) [6-7 hours]

• Point of Interest: Trakshindo La Pass (3,071m) is the highlight today, with excellent views of the Dudh Koshi Valley and the snow-covered peaks of the region. Nunthala is a small village where you can witness local life.

Day 6: Trek from Nunthala to Bupsa (2,360m) [6-7 hours]

• Point of Interest: The trek follows the Dudh Koshi River, passing through dense forests of rhododendron and oak. Views of the surrounding hills and peaks add to the beauty of the trek.

Day 7: Trek from Bupsa to Surke (2,290m) [5-6 hours]

• Point of Interest: A steep ascent through pine forests leads to Surke, a quiet village situated at the foot of the Everest region. The surrounding hills and river valley are peaceful and picturesque.

Day 8: Trek from Surke to Namche Bazaar (3,440m) [7-8 hours]

• Point of Interest: Join the main Everest Base Camp trail, with spectacular views of peaks like Thamserku, Kusum Kanguru, and Everest in the distance. Namche is the bustling gateway to Everest, with cafes, markets, and Sherpa culture.

Day 9: Acclimatization Day in Namche Bazaar

• Point of Interest: Take a short hike to the Everest View Hotel for panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam. You can also visit the local museum or explore Namche’s vibrant markets.

Day 10: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Thame (3,800m) [4-5 hours]

• Point of Interest: The peaceful village of Thame is known for its traditional Sherpa culture and the famous Thame Monastery. The views of Thamserku and surrounding peaks are breathtaking.

Day 11: Trek from Thame to Lungden (4,380m) [4-5 hours]

• Point of Interest: Trek through yak pastures and rugged terrain with views of Kongde Peak and other nearby mountains. Lungden is the last settlement before crossing Renjo La.

Day 12: Cross Renjo La Pass (5,360m) and trek to Gokyo (4,790m) [7-8 hours]

• Point of Interest: Renjo La Pass offers magnificent views of Everest, Lhotse, and Cho Oyu, with panoramic vistas of the Gokyo Valley and surrounding peaks. The descent to Gokyo Lake is serene and peaceful.

Day 13: Rest & exploration day in Gokyo (optional Gokyo Ri ascent – 5,357m)

• Point of Interest: Explore the glacial lakes of Gokyo, a stunning blue collection of lakes nestled between towering peaks. For a spectacular view, hike to Gokyo Ri for a panoramic view of the Everest region.

Day 14: Trek from Gokyo to Dragnag (4,700m) [3-4 hours]

• Point of Interest: Trek across the Ngozumpa Glacier, the largest glacier in Nepal, towards the small settlement of Dragnag. The stark glacial landscape is awe-inspiring.

Day 15: Cross Cho La Pass (5,420m) and trek to Dzongla (4,830m) [6-7 hours]

• Point of Interest: The ascent of Cho La Pass is challenging but offers unrivaled views of the surrounding peaks and glaciers. Dzongla is a small settlement with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.

Day 16: Trek from Dzongla to Lobuche (4,940m) [4-5 hours]

• Point of Interest: The trek today offers stunning views of the Khumbu Glacier and peaks like Ama Dablam and Pumori. Lobuche is a high-altitude settlement that offers a great view of the glacier.

Day 17: Trek from Lobuche to Gorak Shep (5,164m), visit Everest Base Camp (5,364m) [7-8 hours]

• Point of Interest: The long trek to Everest Base Camp is one of the most exciting days, offering close-up views of the Khumbu Icefall and the surrounding peaks. The emotional moment of standing at Everest Base Camp is unforgettable.

Day 18: Hike to Kala Patthar (5,545m), trek to Lobuche [6-7 hours]

• Point of Interest: A sunrise hike up Kala Patthar rewards you with one of the best panoramic views of Mount Everest and the surrounding peaks. Afterward, trek back to Lobuche for the night.

Day 19: Cross Kongma La Pass (5,535m) and trek to Chhukung (4,730m) [7-8 hours]

• Point of Interest: Kongma La Pass is the highest of the three passes, offering incredible views of the glaciers and peaks. The trek down to Chhukung provides stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

Day 20: Trek from Chhukung to Tengboche (3,860m) [6-7 hours]

• Point of Interest: Trek through Pangboche village and visit the famous Tengboche Monastery, one of the most iconic monasteries in the Khumbu region. Enjoy views of Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam.

Day 21: Trek from Tengboche to Namche Bazaar [5-6 hours]

• Point of Interest: The descent through lush forests and small villages offers spectacular views and a chance to relax in the vibrant town of Namche.

Day 22: Trek from Namche to Lukla (2,860m) [6-7 hours]

• Point of Interest: Retrace your steps along the Dudh Koshi River to reach Lukla, where the trek concludes. Lukla is the starting and ending point of most Everest treks.

Day 23: Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu

• Point of Interest: A thrilling mountain flight offers dramatic views of the Everest region before descending back to Kathmandu.

Day 24: Free day in Kathmandu

• Point of Interest: Take time to explore the ancient temples, markets, and cultural sites of Kathmandu, such as the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Kathmandu Valley.

Day 25: Departure from Kathmandu

• Point of Interest: Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward journey, concluding an unforgettable adventure through the Everest region.

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Final Thoughts:

The Three Passes Trek is a once-in-a-lifetime journey, offering an incredible challenge for seasoned trekkers. It’s not just the breathtaking views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu that make this trek unforgettable, but also the sense of adventure that comes with crossing three high-altitude passes. The trek combines the beauty of remote Himalayan villages, the intensity of tough climbs, and the serenity of high-altitude lakes, making it one of the most comprehensive trekking experiences in Nepal.

Though challenging, the trek offers ample opportunities for acclimatization, helping you tackle the altitude with relative ease. Prepare yourself physically and mentally, as the terrain and altitude will test your endurance. Most importantly, embrace the journey, meet the warm-hearted Sherpa people, and enjoy the rare and unparalleled beauty of the Everest region.