Three Passes Trek – Khumbu
1 368,00 €
The Khumbu in the Everest region is one of the most visited trekking areas in Nepal. This trek takes you through a slightly varied path highlighting the crossings of three high passes over 5000m. But we also take you to the most desired spots: Gyoko Ri and Kala Patthar.
This is the most demanding yet satisfying trek in the Everest region towards Kala Patthar, combining the crossing of three passes of the upper Khumbhu: le Renjo La, Cho La, and Kongma La, the path less travelled. These passes and 2 viewpoints with magnificent views of the region: Gokyo Ri and the rock of Kala Patthar. The latter has the most dazzling views of some of the highest and most beautiful peaks in the world: Everest, Cho Oyu, Pumori, and Ama Dablam!
A short flight from Kathmandu or Ramechap (300km from Kathmandu) takes you to Lukla, from where our trek begins. After a phase of acclimatisation in the heart of the mountains and a hike to the Sherpa capital of Namche, we leave the well-travelled valley to take the less-known path to Thame, before crossing the first high pass. Visitors are often stunned by the amazingly beautiful Gokyo lakes before the second pass. Finally, you find yourself as close as it’s possible to Everest before the Kongma La, which lies partly on a glacier. Then a descent through Chukhung, the last village in the region before Island Peak, nestled at the foot of Ama Dablam (the Mother of the Mountains). This brings to an end the 10 days in the icy world of extreme high altitude.
- Nepal Country
- Hiking and trekking Thématique
- Very difficult Difficulté
- 17 days Duration
- 13 days Hiking days
- 5 535 m Max. altitude
- Yes Guide
- Kathmandu Departure / Arrival
- Kathmandu – Lukla – Kathmandu Domestic flights
Itinerary
Airport pick-up, transfer to hotel and check-in.
Catch an early morning flight to Lukla from Kathmandu and enjoy panoramic views of the Eastern Himalayas: Langtang, Gauri Shankar, Numbur, Manglungtse and more. After much anticipation, Everest suddenly appears during this 45-minute flight. In Lukla (2,700 m), our Sherpas will be waiting with the equipment and all the gear. The trek begins with a short descent to the Dudh Koshi Valley. From the village of Chauri Kharka (2,621 m.), the trail leads towards the north through little Sherpa villages where wheat, potatoes, corn, and vegetables are grown. We cross the Dudh Koshi River via a wooden suspension bridge.
Today the hike is along the Dudh Koshi (Milk River) and the trail at first climbs up gently. After crossing the river several times, we come across the village of Jorsale (2,805 m.) and start the steep ascent towards Namche Bazaar. We walk for half an hour and Everest comes into view. Namche is reached quite early giving us ample time to explore this famous Sherpa village and meet its inhabitants. Some Tibetan shops and street hawkers sell jewelry and handicrafts from Tibet. Once a week, a special market springs up where villagers from the region gather to sell their crops like wheat, maize, millet and more.
Day of acclimatization and rest in Namche (3,440 m).
Day of acclimatization.
A relatively difficult day as we climb up to Langden in the Bhote Koshi Valley.
It’s a long day and it starts with a steep ascent to Renjo La, 5350 m.-high pass between the Bhote Koshi Valley and Gokyo. After the Renjo La Pass, a 1 ½ hour of hiking takes us to the village of Gokyo. Enjoy amazing views of all the summits in the Everest region along with Ngozumpa and the Gokyo Lakes.
We climb up to the little peak above the enchanting Gokyo Lake to get the most beautiful panorama of Himalayan peaks: a view of Cho Oyu, Makalu, Lhotse, Everest, Cholatse and Tawachee. Then we go down to Nha for an overnight stay.
We descend to Tajung Tsho, cross the moraine of the Ngozumpa Glacier, and arrive at Thangnak. A gradual ascent takes us to the pass after which a gradual descent leads to Dzong Lha.
We hike to Lobuche, a place with remarkable views of Nuptse, Pumori, Lobuche Peak, and Langtren.
An early morning departure ensures great views. The hike is along the Khumbu Glacier. The climb is relatively easy up to Gorak Shep but becomes steeper before reaching Kala Patthar. We are at the heart of a huge amphitheater surrounded by the highest and most famous summits in the world.
This day brings another long hike as we cross the Kongma La (pass) and head towards Chukhung.
We then walk down through Pangboche and visit one of the oldest gompas (monastery) of Nepal. We encounter forests and villages along the way and descend to Tengboche, the spiritual heart of Khumbu. We visit the famous Tengboche Monastery, a beautiful site with a spectacular backdrop dominated by the beautiful peak, Ama Dablam.
Yet another long hike. After crossing the Gumila forest, we hike up to Lukla and cross the Monjo La (pass) along the way.
Start the day with an early morning flight to Kathmandu. If the weather permits, the view of the Himalayan range is outstanding. Transfer to the hotel.
Free day in Kathmandu.
Hotel in Kathmandu
Transfer to TIA (Kathmandu Airport) for your return flight. End of our services.
Practical Info
What is included
- Domestic airport taxes
- Bonus for the local team for crossing the Kongma La Pass and collective equipment.
- 3 nights in a shared double room in Hotel Holy Himalaya in Kathmandu on a B&B
- Airport transfers in the vehicle as per itinerary.
- 13 days of trekking in lodge full board.
- English-speaking guide for the trek and the visits
- Trekking team: 1 porter for 2 people and 1 assistant for a group of 4 or more (the local team varies based on the group size)
- Carrying baggage up to 13 kg/people during the trek
- Trekking permit for Sagarmatha national park & TIMS card
- Staff insurance
What is not included
- Flights Kathmandu – Lukla
- Kathmandu: 359 US $/ person
- Single room extra for the 3 nights in Kathmandu: 95 US $
- Meals in Kathmandu, excluding breakfast
- Visa for Nepal to obtain at the airport (50$ + photos)
- International flights
- Compulsory repatriation insurance
- Tips, personal expenses, and equipment, drinks, hot showers, charging batteries during the treks, etc.
FAQ
This exceptional trek links three of the highest Himalayan passes accessible on foot: Renjo La (5,350 m), Cho La (5,355 m) and Kongma La (5,535 m). Each opens onto a unique side of the Himalaya, between glaciers, turquoise lakes and grand views of Everest, Pumori, Ama Dablam and Cho Oyu. A challenging route for lovers of high mountains.
Two accessible viewpoint summits complete the experience: Gokyo Ri (5,360 m) and Kala Patthar (5,545 m). At these altitudes, the view of the roof of the world is breathtaking. These high points let you contemplate Everest from several angles, far from the crowds, in a silent, mineral atmosphere.
This Khumbu trek avoids the classic base camp route by taking less-visited valleys such as Thame and Chukhung. This gradual approach aids acclimatisation while immersing you in spectacular landscapes and an unspoilt Himalayan world of perched monasteries and high-altitude hamlets.
