TREKKING DESCRIPTION
Embark on one of the most spectacular and challenging routes in the Himalayas with our Everest Base Camp trek via the Three High Passes. This unique expedition combines the great classics of the Khumbu with less-traveled paths, traversing three high mountain passes: Renjo La (5,360 m), Cho La (5,420 m), and Kongma La (5,535 m).
For over two weeks, you'll traverse otherworldly landscapes: emerald glacial lakes, snow-capped ridges, endless moraines, and viewpoints offering views of the planet's most iconic eight-thousanders. From the serene Gokyo Valley to the challenging Cho La crossing, including the magnificent Kongma La traverse to Chhukung, every day will demand your best... and reward you with unforgettable experiences.
This trek is not just a physical test; it's a total immersion in Sherpa culture, life at altitude, and the soul of the Himalayas. You'll pass through centuries-old monasteries, sleep in remote villages, and follow in the footsteps of great mountaineers on the way to Everest. For those seeking a complete, unconventional experience steeped in adventure, the Three Passes is the ultimate journey.
Total Adventure: The Three Great Himalayan Passes
This itinerary is much more than a route to Everest Base Camp: it's a comprehensive trek across three of the most spectacular and challenging passes in the Himalayas. Kongma La (5,535 m), Cho La (5,420 m), and Renjo La (5,360 m) not only demand endurance and determination, but also reward with breathtaking panoramas. From privileged views of Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu to blue glaciers, emerald lakes, and ice walls, crossing these passes is an experience that will define any mountain lover. Each one represents a new horizon, a new challenge, and a personal triumph over limits.
A Route Designed for Experienced Mountaineers
This trek has been designed for those seeking something more than the classic route. With more than two weeks at altitude, multiple passes above 5,000 meters, and days that combine technical terrain and long distances, this expedition is ideal for mountaineers with a good physical condition and an adventurous spirit. Progressive acclimatization, strategic rest days, and professional guidance will allow you to experience the Himalayas intensely and safely. If you dream of a true challenge, this is the route for you.
Gokyo and the Sacred Lakes: The Blue Heart of the Himalayas
After crossing Cho La, the landscape transforms radically: you enter the Gokyo Valley, home to a series of turquoise glacial lakes at almost 5,000 meters above sea level. Here, time seems to stand still. The climb to Gokyo Ri (5,357 m) offers one of the best panoramic views of Everest, Cho Oyu, and the Khumbu valleys. This remote and less-traveled corner combines spirituality, serenity, and pure natural beauty. It's the perfect respite before the final major pass of the journey: Renjo La.
WHY CHOOSE ALTURA EXPEDITIONS?
INDIVIDUALIZATION
We design completely customized trekking routes so you can enjoy an unforgettable experience, tailored to your interests, level, and goals. Contact us with your preferences.
SUPPORT
You won't be alone in preparing for your next trek. We offer monthly calls with our specialists to answer your questions, choose the best gear, and help you prepare with confidence.
TRAINING
We're the only agency that prepares you with a personalized training plan tailored to your experience, specifically designed to help you successfully tackle your next trek.
SUSTAINABILITY
We believe in giving back to the mountains. That's why we donate 1% of our profits to projects that support local communities and protect the natural environments that inspire us.
TREKKING DETAILS
Duration: 19 days (excluding international flights)
Maximum height: 5,540 m
Total distance: 144 km
Total elevation: +/- 7,645 m
Difficulty: T4 - Trekking with minimal technical difficulty on the climb to Cho La Pass; the main challenge is the altitude.
Group: Open group from 4 to 10 people (private expeditions and larger groups, please inquire)
Recommended dates: March - May / October - November 2025/2026
Price: €2,168 (fixed price, no surprises)
👣 Safety and Comfort Every Step of the Way: Your safety is our priority. We have experienced guides and trained porters, first aid kits, and an itinerary that prioritizes your well-being. We ensure every traveler has the best possible experience, offering accommodations in local teahouses, nutritious meals, and assistance at all times so you can enjoy your trip worry-free.
📩 Contact us for more information or to design your own adventure.
TREKKING ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,350 m)
✈️ Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. Reception by our team and transfer to the hotel.
🌆 Rest of the day free to rest or explore the Thamel neighborhood.
Day 2: Free day in Kathmandu
🧭 Day to prepare your gear, rest from the journey, or visit the main cultural sites of the city.
📍We recommend visiting Swayambhunath, Boudhanath, or Durbar Square.
Day 3: Travel to Ramechhap and flight to Lukla (2,840 m) – Trek to Phakding (2,610 m)
📏 Distance: 7 km
⏳ Duration: 4 hours
📉 Elevation Gain: -230 m
🚙 Early departure by private transport to Ramechhap (4-5 hours).
✈️ Scenic flight to Lukla (30 minutes) and start of the trek.
🥾 Hike through the Dudh Koshi River valley to Phakding.
Day 4: Phakding – Namche Bazaar (3,440 m)
📏 Distance: 10 km
⏳ Duration: 6-7 hours
📈 Elevation Gain: +830 m
🌉 Cross several suspension bridges, including Hillary Bridge.
🛂 Entrance to Sagarmatha National Park.
🏔️ Challenging ascent to Namche Bazaar, the capital of the Sherpas.
Day 5: Acclimatization Day in Namche Bazaar
🔄 Acclimatization hike to Everest View Hotel (3,880 m) and visit to the Khumjung village.
🏛️ Visit to the Sherpa Museum and Hillary School.
Day 6: Namche Bazaar – Tyangboche (3,860 m)
📏 Distance: 10 km
⏳ Duration: 5 hours
📈 Elevation Gain: +420 m
🌿 Hike through pine and rhododendron forests with views of Everest and Ama Dablam.
🛕 Visit to the famous Tyangboche Buddhist monastery.
Day 7: Tyangboche – Dingboche (4,250 m)
📏 Distance: 12 km
⏳ Duration: 5 hours
📈 Elevation Gain: +390 m
🌄 Hike through alpine valleys with views of Lhotse and Ama Dablam.
Day 8: Acclimatization Day in Dingboche
🥾 Optional hike to Nangkartshang Viewpoint (5,083 m) for panoramic views of Makalu.
Day 9: Dingboche – Chhukung (4,600 m)
📏 Distance: 5 km
⏳ Duration: 3 hours
📈 Elevation Gain: +350 m
🏞️ Leisurely walk to the last settlement before Kongma La.
Day 10: Chhukung – Kongma La (5,535 m) – Lobuche (4,940 m)
📏 Distance: 10 km
⏳ Duration: 7 hours
📈 Elevation Gain: +935 m / -595 m
🧗 Crossing the first high pass: Kongma La, with spectacular views of the Khumbu Valley.
🏔️ Technical descent to the glacier moraine and Lobuche.
Day 11: Lobuche – Everest Base Camp (5,364 m) – Gorak Shep (5,170 m)
📏 Distance: 12 km
⏳ Duration: 8 hours
📈 Elevation Gain: +425 m / -195 m
🌋 Hike on glacial terrain to the legendary Everest Base Camp.
📸 Return to sleep at Gorak Shep, the highest inhabited village on the route.
Day 12: Gorak Shep – Kala Patthar (5,545 m) – Dzongla (4,830 m)
📏 Distance: 13 km
⏳ Duration: 8 hours
📈 Elevation Gain: +375 m / -715 m
🌅 Early morning ascent to Kala Patthar to see the sunrise over Everest.
🥾 Descent towards Dzongla, at the foot of the Cho La pass.
Day 13: Dzongla – Cho La Pass (5,420 m) – Gokyo (4,800 m)
📏 Distance: 13 km
⏳ Duration: 9 hours
📈 Elevation Gain: +590 m / -1,020 m
❄️ Crossing the Cho La pass between glaciers and rock blocks.
🏞️ Arrival at Gokyo Lakes, one of the most beautiful spots in the Himalayas.
Day 14: Rest Day in Gokyo – Ascend Gokyo Ri (5,357 m)
📏 Distance: 4 km
⏳ Duration: 4 hours
📈 Elevation Gain: +560 m / -560 m
🏔️ Optional ascent to Gokyo Ri for 360° views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu.
Day 15: Gokyo – Renjo La (5,360 m) – Lungden (4,210 m)
📏 Distance: 12 km
⏳ Duration: 8 hours
📈 Elevation Gain: +560 m / -1,150 m
🗻 The final major pass of the expedition, with spectacular views of Gokyo and Everest.
Day 16: Lungden – Namche Bazaar (3,440 m)
📏 Distance: 13 km
⏳ Duration: 6-7 hours
📉 Elevation Loss: -770 m
🌲 Descent on remote trails until reconnecting with the main valley.
Day 17: Namche Bazaar – Lukla (2,860 m)
📏 Distance: 18 km
⏳ Duration: 5 hours
📉 Elevation Loss: -580 m
🚶 Last trekking day following the Dudh Koshi River course to Lukla.
Day 18: Flight Lukla – Ramechhap and transfer to Kathmandu (1,350 m)
✈️ Early flight from Lukla.
🚙 Road transfer back to Kathmandu.
🎉 Farewell dinner with cultural performance in the evening.
Day 19: Final Departure
🚕 Transfer to the airport for your return flight or onward journey through Nepal.
WHAT'S INCLUDED?
Prior to dispatch:
Advice and guidance before trekking.
Management of mandatory permits, including the TIMS card, Sagarmatha (Everest) National Park entrance fee, and Khumbu Village Development Committee fees.
In the city (Kathmandu):
Pick-up and drop-off from domestic and international flights.
Accommodation in Kathmandu in a double/twin room with breakfast included.
Farewell dinner after trekking with Nepalese cultural show.
During the trek:
Road transfer from Kathmandu to Ramechhap
Domestic flights Ramechhap - Lukla - Ramechhap, with 13 kg of luggage allowed.
Accommodation in hostels (Tea Houses) in shared rooms with two beds.
Complete meal plan for the trek: breakfast, lunch, and dinner, plus tea, coffee, and hot drinking water.
Local English-speaking trekking guide, including salary, accommodation, meals, logistics, and insurance.
Local porters, including salary, accommodation, meals, logistics and insurance (maximum 13 kg of luggage per person).
First aid kit.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED?
Prior to dispatch:
International flights.
Visa for Nepal (€50, valid for 30 days, processed at the airport upon arrival).
During the expedition:
Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu (only breakfast in the city is included).
Single room option in Kathmandu (€155 supplement for 3 nights).
Personal expenses, such as laundry, phone calls, Wi-Fi, drinks, bar, desserts, and battery recharging.
Travel insurance and medical insurance.
Helicopter rescue in case of emergency (only administrative assistance is provided to coordinate it).
Tips for guides and porters (recommended between €100 and €150 per participant).
Costs associated with an expedition/trek ending early or with your early departure from the expedition/trek.
Costs associated with trip extensions due to weather delays or other circumstances, including the cost of additional nights' accommodation and, if necessary, the cost of helicopter transportation to and from Lukla (including a proportional share of the leader's cost).
Any other service not mentioned in the "included" section.
JOIN THE TREKKING
You're just one step away from an unforgettable mountain adventure. Complete your reservation and get ready to enjoy spectacular scenery, exciting challenges, and a unique mountain experience.
💡 Private and personalized tours: If you're looking for a tailor-made adventure, we can design a special itinerary for you. Contact us to customize the tour to suit your needs.
📩 Write to us for more information: If you have questions or are interested in any other expedition that isn't listed, don't hesitate to write to us at info@alturaexpeditions.com or contact us at +34 684 79 41 56. We're here to help you plan the best mountain experience possible. We look forward to exploring with you!
