Himalayan Green TripsLeave only footprints Book

Three Passes Trek

The Three Passes Trek is the perfect choice for adventurous trekkers seeking a challenging and immersive Himalayan experience.

Duration
19 days
Max elevation
≈5,550 m
Difficulty
Moderate to challenging
Price
On request
Book this trekAll adventures
Route altitude profile

Khumbu region

Lukla to Kala Patthar, via Namche Bazaar and Thame

Route altitude profile

Highest point: Kala Patthar · ≈5,550 m

2,7103,4204,1304,840≈5,550345678910111213141516Day
Meters above sea level, days 3 to 16 in the profile · 1 acclimatization day included
  • Route stop
  • Pass or day visit
  • Shaded area: above 3,500 m

Several points on the same day show places visited that day.

Best season
Spring and autumn
Trek start and finish
Lukla
Permits
Sagarmatha national park permit and Pasang Lhamu Rural municipality permit

Three Passes Trek Overview

The Three Passes Trek is the perfect choice for adventurous trekkers seeking a challenging and immersive Himalayan experience.

Route highlights

  • Crossing the three iconic passes of Kongma La (5,535 m), Cho La (5,420 m), and Renjo La (5,360 m), this challenging journey offers unparalleled views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, Ama Dablam, and numerous other Himalayan peaks.
  • The trek also includes visits to renowned destinations such as Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar, providing trekkers with unforgettable panoramic views of the world's highest mountain.

Culture and communities

  • As you venture through the heart of the Everest region, you will explore traditional Sherpa villages, ancient monasteries, pristine alpine lakes, and dramatic glacial landscapes.

Responsible travel

  • At Himalayan Green Trips, we are committed to responsible and sustainable tourism in the Everest region.
  • As increasing visitor numbers place growing pressure on the fragile mountain environment, we strive to minimize our environmental impact through eco-friendly trekking practices, responsible waste management, and support for local communities.

More about this trek

Route highlights

  • Himalayan Green Trips invites you to embark on an unforgettable eco-friendly adventure through the spectacular Khumbu region of Nepal.
  • The Three Passes Trek is widely regarded as one of the most rewarding and comprehensive trekking experiences in the Everest region, combining high-altitude adventure, breathtaking Himalayan scenery, rich cultural heritage, and spiritual discovery.
  • Since the historic first ascent of Everest by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa in 1953, the region has inspired adventurers from around the world, and the Three Passes Trek offers a unique opportunity to experience its beauty beyond the classic trekking routes.

Culture and communities

  • More than just a physical challenge, this trek is a journey through the cultural and spiritual heart of the Himalayas.
  • Along the trail, trekkers encounter centuries-old Buddhist monasteries, prayer flags, chortens, and sacred sites that reflect the deep connection between the local communities and the mountains they call home.
  • The warmth, resilience, and hospitality of the Sherpa people add a meaningful cultural dimension to this extraordinary adventure.

Responsible travel

  • By prioritizing local resources, preserving cultural traditions, and protecting the natural ecosystem, we ensure that future generations can continue to experience the magic of the Himalayas.
  • Combining stunning natural beauty, rich cultural encounters, and a strong commitment to sustainability, this remarkable journey offers memories that will last a lifetime while contributing to the preservation of one of the world's most iconic mountain regions.
Stone cairns on Gokyo Ri above the turquoise lakes and the glacier
Snow peaks above a boulder field on the moraine
A snow-covered peak against a clear blue sky

What is included

Cost includes

  • Airport pick-up and drop-off in Kathmandu
  • 4 nights boutique / 3 star Hotel in Kathmandu
  • Domestic flight tickets (Kathmandu-Lukla, Lukla-Kathmandu)
  • Accommodation in the mountains (Important note: Twin bed with a private attached bathroom in most places. A few high-altitude lodges have basic facilities with shared toilets)
  • Three meals daily during the trek (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
  • Tea and coffee during the trek
  • Purified drinking water during the trek (important note: In locations such as Lobuche Gorakshep, Thangnak, Dzongla, and Chhukung water filtration is not possible due to limited and unclean water sources. At higher altitudes, boiled water or bottled mineral water is recommended.)
  • English-speaking, government-certified trekking guide
  • English-speaking, government certified assistant trekking guide
  • Porters service (One porter for two participants and maximum load 20 kg)
  • Guide and porter salary, meals, accommodation, insurance, equipment, domestic flights and transportation
  • All required permits and documentation, including Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit and Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit
  • First aid medical kit
  • 20 trees will be plant
  • Welcome and farewell dinner
  • Save the Mountains eco-friendly bag
  • Government taxes and company service charges
  • Appreciation certificate (if required)

Cost excludes

  • Nepal visa fee and international airfare
  • Travel insurance (must cover high-altitude trekking and helicopter evacuation)
  • Personal expenses (laundry, snacks, bottled water, drinks, Wi-Fi, hot shower, charging devices, etc.)
  • Entrance fees, city tour guide, transportation
  • Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu due to early arrival, late departure, or flight delays
  • Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
  • Tips for trekking crews
  • Any additional costs due to itinerary changes caused by weather, landslides, flight cancellation, sickness, or unforeseen circumstances
  • Helicopter rescue/evacuation cost (covered by the traveler's insurance)
  • Helicopter charter flight in case of Lukla flight cancellation
  • Personal trekking equipment (sleeping bag, down jacket, trekking poles, etc.)
  • Any services not mentioned in the “Cost Includes” section

Trek essentials

Accommodation

  • The Khumbu Everest region provides a well-established network of teahouses and lodges catering to trekkers throughout the route.
  • Accommodation is generally clean and comfortable, offering twin-sharing rooms with basic furnishings and shared bathroom facilities.
  • In major trekking hubs such as Lukla, Namche Bazaar, Dingboche, and Lobuche, select lodges offer upgraded amenities including attached bathrooms, hot showers, charging points, and Wi-Fi services at an additional cost.
  • As altitude increases, accommodation becomes more basic, reflecting the remote mountain environment.

Food and drinks

  • Teahouses and lodges along the trekking route offer a diverse selection of meals, ranging from traditional Nepali and Tibetan cuisine to simple Western dishes.
  • Common menu items include dal bhat, rice, noodles, pasta, soups, potatoes, and seasonal vegetables.
  • Breakfast options typically consist of eggs, pancakes, porridge, bread, and cereals.
  • A variety of hot beverages such as tea, coffee, and hot chocolate are widely available.
  • Due to transportation challenges at higher altitudes, food and beverage prices gradually increase along the trail.

Food safety

For your health and safety during the trek, we strongly recommend consuming vegetarian or vegan meals in the upper Khumbu region. Due to the remote location, meat is often transported from lower Solukhumbu to higher villages, which can take 3 to 7 days. During this time, it is typically carried in baskets and wrapped in plastic, without proper refrigeration. As a result, hygiene standards may not always be reliable, increasing the risk of illness. To avoid potential health issues, we advise our guests not to consume meat in the upper valleys. If you wish to enjoy non-vegetarian meals, it is best to do so in cities or lower villages near road access, where food is fresher and handled more safely.

At Himalayan Green Trips, your well-being is our priority. We encourage eating freshly prepared, locally grown vegetables and fruits throughout the trek. This not only helps keep you healthy but also supports local farmers and small businesses in the region.

Phone and Wi-Fi

  • Mobile phone coverage is available in most populated areas of the Khumbu region, primarily through local service providers such as Ncell and Nepal Telecom (NTC).
  • Network coverage may be intermittent and limited in remote sections of the trail and at higher elevations.
  • Wi-Fi services are commonly available in lodges through prepaid Everest Link cards; however, connection speeds can be slow and unreliable due to terrain and weather conditions.
  • Internet access becomes increasingly limited at higher altitudes.

Travel and flight delays

Flights between Kathmandu and Lukla are highly weather-dependent and subject to frequent delays or cancellations due to factors such as poor visibility, strong winds, and cloud cover. During peak trekking seasons, congestion at Kathmandu airport and limited flight windows at Lukla can further impact schedules. Travelers are strongly advised to include contingency days in their itinerary to accommodate potential flight disruptions.

Important note: October and November usually offer stable weather and clear skies. However, mountain flights between Kathmandu and Lukla can still be affected by sudden weather changes. Therefore, it is important to be prepared with backup options.

Plan B (Helicopter charter)

If regular flights are delayed or canceled due to weather, we can arrange a helicopter charter from Kathmandu to Lukla or Lukla to Kathmandu. A helicopter can carry up to 5 passengers, so the entire team must reserve the charter together. If only 1–2 people need to fly, it may also be possible to share the helicopter with other travelers, depending on availability.

Plan C (Additional waiting day)

If helicopter flights are also not possible due to bad weather, or if the cost is not affordable, the only option will be to wait an extra day in Kathmandu or Lukla until flights resume. This situation may apply on either side.

Please note that if flights are canceled due to weather, the airline will provide a full refund for the flight tickets. This refunded amount can help reduce the cost of arranging a helicopter charter.

Also, the helicopter charter cost will include a seat for your guide, as Nepali guides are not able to afford helicopter fares separately.

We hope you understand that these arrangements are necessary to ensure safety and smooth travel in the mountains.

Safety and rescue

The Everest region has reliable helicopter rescue services available every day, especially during the trekking and climbing seasons. In case of an emergency, helicopter evacuation can be arranged quickly from most areas, depending on weather conditions and visibility.

However, we only request helicopter rescue if the situation is critical, such as severe altitude sickness, serious injury, or any medical condition that requires immediate evacuation. For mild symptoms or non-emergency cases, our first priority is always safety through proper acclimatization, rest, and descending to a lower altitude. In most cases, descending is the safest and most effective solution.

Our team closely monitors each participant’s health throughout the trek and takes early action if anyone shows signs of altitude-related illness. We always follow a responsible rescue policy to ensure both the safety of our clients and the ethical use of helicopter services in the Himalayas.

Tipping

  • Tipping in Nepal is not mandatory but is appreciated, especially in the tourism sector.
  • During treks and tours, it is customary to tip guides, porters, and support staff at the end of the trip as a gesture of thanks for good service.
  • While our staff members are paid fairly, tips are always welcome and reflect your satisfaction with the experience.
  • In hotels and restaurants, small tips for exceptional service are appreciated, though many establishments already include a service charge.
  • Taxi drivers generally do not expect tips for regular rides.
  • However, if you hire a vehicle for a round trip, city tour, sightseeing excursion, or multi-day journey, tipping the driver is appreciated and commonly expected as recognition of their service and assistance.
  • There are no fixed rules, and visitors are encouraged to tip according to the quality of service received.

Gear and clothing

  • Rain jacket or poncho
  • Gore-Tex jacket
  • Down jacket (recommended for -15°C)
  • Fleece jacket
  • Thermal set (top and bottom)
  • Warm pants for evening and morning
  • T-shirts
  • Long-sleeved shirt
  • Warm hat
  • Cap
  • Neck gaiter (Buff)
  • Gloves (recommended for -15°C)
  • Trekking boots
  • Light shoes or sandals
  • Sleeping Gear
  • Down sleeping bag (recommended for -15°C)
  • Dry towel
  • Trekking Accessories
  • Trekking poles
  • Daypack and bag cover
  • Reusable water bottle and light thermos
  • Water filter
  • Sunglasses
  • Solar charger

Personal items

  • ATM card and extra money for external expenses (food and drinks)
  • Passport, Insurance document
  • Personal beauty care kit
  • Personal medicines
  • Toiletries

Waste and responsible travel

The Nepal Himalayas are increasingly facing serious waste management challenges, and the Everest region is no exception. As one of the world’s most popular destinations for trekking and mountaineering, the Khumbu region attracts hundreds of visitors each day. This growing number of visitors contributes to a significant increase in waste, including plastic, cans, paper, glass, and batteries, etc., much of which is not properly recycled. Although local organizations and communities are making ongoing efforts to keep the region clean, the accumulation of waste continues to rise each year. Improper disposal methods, including open burning, further damage the fragile mountain environment.

At Himalayan Green Trips, we are committed to minimizing environmental impact by reducing the use and consumption of plastic, cans, and glass products during our trips. We actively promote responsible practices, such as reuse and mindful consumption, to help protect the Himalayas. We also encourage our guests to be conscious of their environmental footprint. Avoiding plastic-packaged products and bottled beverages can make a meaningful difference. Your actions speak louder than words; by choosing not to purchase items that contribute to pollution, you help preserve the mountains while also inspiring fellow travelers and local communities to adopt more sustainable habits. Together, we can protect the beauty and purity of the Everest region for future generations.

On every trip

  • Need to follow the pack in and pack out principle.
  • Leave only footprints on the mountain.
  • Do not bring single-use plastic bags on the trek.
  • Priority is drink natural water, filter, boiled water.
  • Bring your own reusable water bottle.
  • Carry out whatever you buy in the mountains.
  • Clean up the trekking trails if possible.
  • Carry out 1 kg of recyclable waste from the mountains to the city for the city to reduce mountain pollution.
  • Support the Let's Clean Up Nepal Green initiative by spreading an environmental message by displaying posters at guesthouses and educating guides, porters, trekkers, and locals, etc.

Your quote will include the route, itinerary, price, and what is included or excluded. We can also arrange camping treks and tailor an itinerary to your preferences.

All travel plans and itineraries are based on the pack in and pack out principles.