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Three Passes Trek

Classic Himalayan High Routes

A magical trek through Nepal’s most exciting and picturesque scenery in the Himalaya.

The landscape is varied and spectacular; the lodgings and tracks range from the time-worn paths of the Khumbu to the isolated and less frequented Renjo Pass region. Our journey is complemented by visits to Sherpa villages, homes and monasteries to offer you an insight into the quiet but culturally vibrant Sherpa lifestyle.

The trek continuously rewards you with dramatic Himalayan scenes, including four of the world’s eight highest peaks — Cho Oyu (8,201m), Makalu (8,463m), Lhotse (8,516m) and Everest (8,850m).

Travel through three different valley systems linked by high passes in Nepal’s Khumbu region on the doorstep to Mount Everest. First we explore the monasteries and culture in Kathmandu then fly into Lukla in the Khumbu Valley to begin the trek.

trip level
Moderate
guide ratio
Varied by group
duration
26 Days
season
September - November, April - May
Group Size
Max 12
start location
Kathmandu, Nepal
start and finish time
See Itinerary
mountain Access
Aircraft/On Foot
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price
US $5,990
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Three High Passes - One Expedition

We stay each night in good lodges with hearty meals to sustain the daily journey. We stay two nights in Namche Bazaar, the emphatic centre of the Sherpa culture.

The first crossing is the lofty Kongma La (pass) then trek to Everest Base Camp for close-up views of the world’s highest mountain. We subsequently cross the Cho La into the beautiful Gokyo Valley with deep blue lakes and mountainous backdrops.

Our final pass crossing takes us over the Renjo La and into the upper reaches of the Bhote Koshi Valley where yak herders inhabit small stone huts in this rarely visited valley. The trail then takes us back through Namche and on to Lukla for our flight back to Kathmandu.

  • We use a full day in Kathmandu to do a gear sort and organize any missing equipment.
  • Your guide will advise you on good shops and restaurants to visit.
  • The next morning, we will fly by helicopter into the village of Lukla at 2,808m, the beginning of our trek.
  • The trek to and from Base Camp takes 21 days.
  • The trekking days are moderately strenuous and involve walking between 4 and 6 hours duration with plenty of scenic places to stop along the way.
  • We place a lot of emphasis on maintaining health, to make your trekking experience enjoyable.
  • The trek has been specially planned to avoid the pitfalls of altitude sickness.

Experience has shown us that good hydration, rest days at significant elevations, and good base fitness help avoid any significant health problems during this trek.

Trip Schedule
Trek 1
24 Apr - 19 May 2026
Trek 2
14 Sept - 09 Oct 2026
Trek 3
02 Nov - 27 Nov 2026
Trek 4
27 Apr - 22 May 2027
Trek 5
12 Sept - 07 Oct 2027
Trek 6
31 Oct - 25 Nov 2027
Price List
Group Size
Price
1
NZ $4375
2
NZ $2675 per person
3
NZ $2100 per person
4
NZ $1775 per person
Trip Profile

Know before you go

Plan Your Trip
What's Included
included
  • Kathmandu Airport Transfers
  • Nepalese government royalty fees
  • All trek organisational requirements
  • All trekking permits Helicopter air transport within Nepal
  • Accommodation in lodges or tents ex Kathmandu
  • All group equipment for trek and emergency Medical supplies
  • All trek staff, including Porter support, Western and Sherpa Guides
  • Transport of 15kg of personal equipment
  • Breakfast, lunch and dinner ex Kathmandu
not included
  • Air travel to and from Nepal
  • Hotel accommodation and meals in Kathmandu
  • Purchases of bottled water, gifts or alcohol
  • Personal expenses such as laundry, battery charging, internet access and showers at lodges
  • Entry visas for Nepal (we suggest getting a 30-day tourist visa on arrival into Kathmandu)
  • Personal clothing and equipment, including sleeping bag for lodge use
  • Excess baggage charges for the trek over 15kg
  • Excess baggage charges for the flights to/from Lukla
  • Personal travel/trip cancellation insurance
  • Any rescue costs or costs of early departure from the trek
  • Gratuities for guides and Sherpa staff
Other Info
Skills you need

This is an adventurous and challenging hike. You must train for several months before departure to make the trip as enjoyable as possible.

  • You need good aerobic fitness. Expect to walk for at least 10 hours when crossing passes.
  • Previous trekking/hiking experience is essential, preferably off-trail and on rocky and icy terrain.
  • No prior altitude experince is required
Other Info
  • All prices are quoted and paid for in US Dollars, per person.
  • We need a completed expedition application form and a non-refundable deposit of US$500 to confirm your place.
  • Balance of payment is required by 90 days before the start of the trip.

26 Days of Nepalese Culture

To avoid the pitfalls of altitude sickness, we've planned rest days at significant elevations.
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Concession holder with Department of Conservation, authorised to operate in New Zealand’s alpine conservation areas.Kea Conservation Trust logo representing Alpine Guides’ support for Kea Conservation Trust and the protection of native alpine wildlife.Partner logo of International Federation of Mountain Guides Associations representing Alpine Guides’ alignment with international guiding standards and best practice.Partner logo of New Zealand Mountain Guides Association representing Alpine Guides’ commitment to professional guiding standards and safety.Partner logo of New Zealand Mountain Safety Council representing Alpine Guides’ commitment to mountain safety and education.Qualmark Gold Award logo recognising Alpine Guides’ commitment to exceptional quality and sustainable tourism practices.Qualworx - Safety Audit CertifiedTiaki logo representing Alpine Guides’ support for the Tiaki Promise.Alpine Guides support Trap NZ