Everest Three Passes Trek - Yeti Special Three Passes Trek

Calling all adventurers--enjoy supreme Himalayan vistas on one of Secret of the Himalaya's most challenging treks, the Khumbu Three Passes. We fondly refer to this epic journey as Yeti's Special Trek, in honor of the Khumbu's most famous critter, the legendary Yeti. This trek is ideal for people feeling fit and fine and looking for an all-out adventure in the Khumbu Himalaya that traverses three high passes.

The highest of the three passes encountered on this trek is also the first pass on a counterclockwise journey. It is called the Kongma La (5,535 m / 18,159 ft) and connects the Chhukung Valley with the Khumbu Valley. The next pass is the famed Cho La (5,420 m / 17,783 ft) connecting the Everest base camp trek of the Khumbu Valley with the Gokyo Valley and the Gokyo Lakes trek. The third and final pass is known as Renjo La (5375m, 17,634 feet) with jaw-dropping views of the region, including Mount Everest soaring in the distance and shimmering alpine lakes below both sides of the otherwordly high pass.

Experience Everest's main highlights in one trek, it is Yeti's Special Trek, the Khumbu Three Passes. The journey begins with a flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, a mountain settlement next to an airfield. We then follow a timetable designed for sufficient rest to acclimatize to the elevation and enjoy the surroundings. The trail follows from Lukla along the Dudh Kosi (Milk River) up to the famous Sherpa town of Namche Bazaar. Namche is considered the gateway of the Khumbu Region. We take a rest and acclimatization day in Namche that includes the option of hiking to Kunde and Khumjung, two enchanting, sister villages in a highland meadow with a monastery where so-called Yeti relics are kept! A

s we continue up the Dudh Kosi Valley, the landscape becomes more and more stark, remote and serene. The scenery along the whole way is jaw dropping as we are encircled by snow-dressed peaks towering into the skies above the trail. The scenery includes the snowy peaks of Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Nupste, Cho Oyu, Pumori, Thamserku, Kangde, Makalu, Baruntse and many more soaring spires.

The Khumbu region that we travel through is sparsely populated by the renowned high mountain people, the Sherpa, many of whom still follow a customary way of life in this remote area. Also known as Tigers of the Snow, the Sherpa are famed for mountaineering talents and the Khumbu Three Passes Trek Yeti Special allows insight into their mountain lifestyle and traditions. We have the chance to visit Vajrayana Buddhist monasteries along the way, regally perched near highland settlements. Exotic wildlife in the surrounding highlands include the musk deer, Himalayan thar, snow leopard, snow cock, and pheasant (many people even lay claim that the fabled yeti resides somewhere in the Khumbu, and if that is true, then this trek is the best chance to encounter the shaggy legend on its own trails).

Read more about the Yeti in Nepal's Everest Region (written for Nepal's leading culture magazine ECS Nepal by Secrets of the Himalaya founder Alonzo Lyons)--Cracking the Yeti Myth

After completing Renjo La, the third and final pass of the Everest Three Passes Trek, we make a pleasant return hike to Namche Bazaar and back down the Dudh Kosi Valley as we end the trek with a return flight to ancient Kathmandu from Lukla.

The best season for trekking in the Everest area and tackling these three mountain passes is considered to be October to late November and March to early June for the clearest weather and views, and actually, all seasons are open for a visit, though winter season will be very cold and requires sufficient extra clothing and the summer monsoon will have more cloud cover than usual and likely showers and snows.

Secrets of the Himalaya has regular departures for Yeti's Special Trek year-round, and we can even tailor the journey according to specific styles and preferences. Yeti's Special Trek can be designed to include other options and shorter/longer timetables are possible, too--just let us know your preferences. There is much to explore in and around the Khumbu Region.

Please contact us anytime for more questions or concerns and booking details. We truly look forward to hearing from you, and ultimately, Secrets of the Himalaya hopes to be given the opportunity of guiding you along the world’s most fascinating trek, Yeti's Special Trek in the Khumbu Region of Nepal, the Everest Three Passes Trek. We our sure that you will be satisfied with the experience and our services. Adventure is calling in the Khumbu, and Secrets of the Himalaya is ready to answer with you.

Please Note: We strongly advise visitors flying into and/or out of the Everest Region at Lukla to include extra days in their international travel itinerary to ensure that they have the time to meet their scheduled international departure from Kathmandu. Flights between Kathmandu and Lukla are regularly delayed by weather. These delays sometimes last days. In such cases, we will always do our best to re-schedule flights to/from Lukla upon first availability. However, the chance of delayed flights and sometimes even cancellations are real. Therefore, we recommend that you please schedule at least two extra days into your international flight schedule to avoid possible conflicts with departure date from Nepal and consider travel insurance, too. In the event of extended delays, an option is to arrange a helicopter evacuation at extra cost. Nevertheless, it is also likely that there are no delays to/from Lukla. In that case, if you have scheduled extra days and have free time in Kathmandu, then we can suggest and arrange for sightseeing tours and other activities.

Experience Everest's main attractions in one trek, The Yeti Special Everest Three Passes Trek, a trekking journey of a lifetime!

Book The Three Passes Trek - Yeti's Special Trek Now

Day to Day

Day 01Arrival at Kathmandu’s International airport (1350 m/4450 ft)Welcome to Nepal. You will be greeted at the arrival area of Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), Kathmandu's international airport by our representative and escorted to your hotel. Welcome to Kathmandu, the ancient capital of the Himalaya. Take the time to refresh yourself after your international travel. The first evening is open to enjoy as you like, rest and relax at the hotel or explore the surroundings.

Day 02Full Day Tour, Sightseeing of Kathmandu Valley After a leisurely breakfast, our seasoned guide leads a tour of Kathmandu Valley’s highlights and attractions, including World Heritage Sites of cultural and historical significance. After the tour, we will hold a pre-departure discussion with our Trek Leader and staff.

Day 03Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla (2,850 m/9,350 ft), trek to Phakding (2,650 m/8,690 ft) After an early morning breakfast we transport you to the airport for a brief, scenic flight to the mountain settlement of Lukla. There, our tour leader will introduce the porters and staff and we then start the first day’s hike up the Dudh Kosi (Milk River) Valley to our destination of Phakding. After settling into the lodge, according to your interest, we can take a side trip to a village monastery.

Day 04Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,435 m/11,270 ft)The trek continues up the valley with sneak peaks of the snowy mountains. We enter the Sagarmatha National Park at Monjo village and enjoy a lunch break before continuing to trek through pine trees to the bustling Namche Bazaar. Namche Bazaar has immense views of surrounding peaks and the valley below.

Day 05Rest & acclimatization day at Namche Bazaar We take a chance to get used to the increased altitude with an acclimatization rest day before forging ahead. If feeling fit and fine, we start by exploring Namche with an abundance of lodges, restaurants and souvenir shops. We can visit the national park visitor center above town which has information on the region’s history and its mountains, plants and animals. We have an optional hike to Khunde and Khumjung over a ridgeline with beautiful views of the peaks on the way, including Mount Everest. Kunde and Khumjung are Sherpa communities with monasteries which we can visit before returning to Namche Bazaar for our overnight stay under the stars which, on clear nights may seem close enough to touch.

Day 06Trek from Namche Bazaar to Tengboche (3867 m/12,887 ft) After a leisurely breakfast in Namche, we begin our trek to Tengboche a settlement with a famous monastery and magnificent views of Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku and more along the way and at Tengboche, too.

Day 07Trek from Tengboche to Dingboche (4360 m, 14,304 ft) We start our trekking with an easy descent through rhododendron forest, passing a nunnery at Debouche to a bridge over the Imja River with stunning views of Ama Dablam. We then reach mani walls with Buddhist prayers inscribed in stone as we arrive at the village of Pangboche, one of the oldest Sherpa settlements in the Khumbu . Our route continues rising, passing Shomare and seasonal pastures to reach Dingboche.

Day 08Rest & acclimatization day at Dingboche Today gives us a chance to rest and relax while we acclimatize before going higher. The day offers optional hikes to nearby viewpoints and the valley that leads to Imje Tse (Island Peak). The sights include breathtaking, unforgettable views of the surrounding peaks with the massive Lhotse-Nuptse head wall and the north face of Ama Dablam leading the show.

Day 09Trek from Dingboche to ChhukumWe make a pleasant hike from Dingboches’s stone-walled fields through alpine landscape to the Imja Khola valley to a land surrounded by towering mountains. The valleys around Chhukum offer a lot to explore before a good night’s rest for our first pass the next day.

Day 10Trek from Ckukum by Kongma La pass (5535 m, 18,159 ft) to Lobuche We start our day early with plenty of water and a packed lunch as there are no tea shops on the way to Lobuche. It is a beautifully remote area with an unforgettable mountain landscape. Eventually, we reach a clear blue lake below the pass, then a brief ascent over the pass and down the other side through the Khumbu Glacier to our lodge in Lobuche.

Day 11Trek from Lobuche to Everest Base Camp and back to Gorakshep (5184 m , 17,008 ft)This will be a long but rewarding day. We start by following a glacial moraine with amazing views of its wide path below the trail. We break for lunch at Gorakshep, where we can drop off most of our gear at the lodge before a hike to Everest Base Camp, the ultimate destination of this trek and closest place to the world’s highest peak without needing mountaineering skills and equipment. Our heartiest congratulations, you made it! The view of the famous Khumbu Icefall is outstanding. After spending sometime at Base Camp we return to Gorakshep for the night.

Day 12Trek from Gorakshep to Kala Patthar and trek to Zongla (4850 m / 15,912 ft) After a hot drink at the break of dawn, we begin the climb to Kala Patthar (5550 m, 18,208 ft) to witness the views of a spectacular sunrise on Mt. Everest. The highest peak on the planet is right in front of you and other peaks in the panorama from Kala Patthar include Pumori, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku and many more. After taking in the rewarding sights, we trek down to Gorakshep for a lunch break and then descend to Zongla in a splendid location for a good rest before the Cho La pass.

Day 13Trek from Zongla to Cho La (5420 m / 17,783 ft ) and Thagnak (4690m / 15,387 ft)We start early and climb a through a pleasant meadow before the challenging ascent to the pass. There is a glacier at the top that we cross and then enjoy great views of Ama Dablam, Kantega, Thamserku, Taboche, Cholatse and more. The pass is streaming with prayer flags and we can savor wonderful views before we head down to our lodge at Thagnak.

Day 14Trek from Thannak to Gokyo (4750 m / 15,584 ft) This is an adventurous day including a crossing of theNgozumpa Glacier, Nepal’s largest glacier. On the other side is Gokyo, a seasonal village and grazing area built beside the third and biggest lake of the Gokyo Valley. Gokyo offers many options for greater exploration.

Day 15Gokyo rest day with excursion around Gokyo valley & LakeGokyo offers much to explore. Today, we will make a scenic walk around the third lake and a side trip up to the fourth and fifth lakes if you are up for it or visit the sensational viewpoint of Gokyo Ri (5340m / 17,519 ft).

Day 16Trek from Gokyo to Lunde via Renjo Pass (5417 m, 17,772 ft) We begin early with a climb up to the high point of the journey, Renjo La pass. We take in riveting views of both sides of the pass including Everest and up-close, surrounding peaks with the lake shimmering below it all. We descend into the serene Thame Valley past more lakes to Lunde.

Day 17Trek from Lunde to Thame (3800 m / 12,467 ft) Today is a relaxed day with easy trekking down to Thame, a Sherpa village with a beautiful monastery in the hills overlooking the village.

Day 18Trekking form Thame to Namche BazaarIt is a relatively easy day of pleasant trekking as we pass Thamo and its monastery as we return back to vibrant Namche Bazaar.

Day 19Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla (2,850 m/9,350 ft)This is our last day of trekking in the Khumbu Region. It is a pleasant return hiking to the mountain village of Lukla where our trek began. In Lukla, we have a celebration with the crew and friends you have trekked with over the days gone by. We hope that you enjoy a last merry night in these beautiful mountains.

Day 20Fly from Lukla to KathmanduWe are scheduled for an early morning flight back to Kathmandu and the rest of the time is available to explore the city on your own, search for souvenirs for friends and loved ones back home, and relax and enjoy yourself after the remote, high elevation trekking. In the evening we will enjoy a farewell dinner together.

Day 21Transfer to the international airport for your final departureOur representative will escort you to the airport for your departure back home. We are sure that you will have enjoyed the experience and our services. As you travel to your own country, hopefully you will remember us and Nepal very fondly. Farewell friend.

Cost Include

Vehicle transportation to and from your trip arrival point, for example, from Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport to your hotel in the city; Pokhara airport or bus station to hotel in Pokhara.
Three-star (or above) accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara (breakfast meals are included).
A sightseeing tour of Kathmandu Valley with professional guide and entrance fees to World Heritage Sites, Palace Squares and temples.
Round Trip flight between Kathmandu and Lukla*
Tea–house accommdation during journey.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner during the journey.
Trained, certified and experienced guide with assistants (we typically provide one porter per two clients--weight limits apply).
Fees and taxes for entering Sagarmatha National Park, Conservation Areas and other reserves.
Trekker’s Information Management System (TIMS) card (necessary in all trekking areas).
First Aid Kit and supplies
Farewell Meal following the journey and typically, on the eve of your international departure
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*Please Note: We strongly advise visitors flying into and/or out of the Everest Region at Lukla to include extra days in their international travel itinerary to ensure that they have the time to meet their scheduled international departure from Kathmandu. The flights between Kathmandu and Lukla are often delayed by weather. These delays sometimes last days. We will always do our best to re-schedule flights to/from Lukla upon first availability. However, the chance of delayed flights and sometimes even cancellations are real. Please schedule at least two extra days into your international flight schedule to avoid possible conflicts with departure date from Nepal and consider travel insurance. In the event of extended delays, one option is to arrange a helicopter evacuation for extra fees. Nevertheless, the chances that there are no delays to/from Lukla are also likely. In that case, if you have scheduled extra days and have free time in Kathmandu, then we can suggest and arrange for sightseeing tours and adventure activities and others options.

Cost Exclude

International travel to and from Nepal.
Major meals other than breakfast while staying in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
Personal Expenses, for example, laundry expenses, extra drinks and extra snacks, telephone calls.
Personal clothing and gear.
Personal toiletries.
Travel Insurance and Medical Insurance with rescue coverage.
Extra fees at tea-houses and trailside lodges, for example, extra fees for hot shower, fees for recharging electronic equipment, alcoholic drinks, laundry and similar personal expenses.
Tips for crew and staff along the journey.
Unforeseen expenses due to cancellation of events and activities because of circumstances beyond our control, for example, weather delays, trail changes, political disruptions, illness of a group member and similar events beyond our control.

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