Three Passes and Island Peak

  • Duration22 Days
  • DestinationNepal
  • Difficulty Level Hard
  • Maximum Altitude 6,189m
  • Activity Trekking
  • Group Size 2+
  • Accommodation Hotel/Teahouse/Lodge
  • Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Best Season March to May and September to December
Overview of Three Passes and Island Peak

Three Passes and Island Peak is an adventurous expedition that combines trekking through three high mountain passes in the Everest region of Nepal with the exhilarating climb of Island Peak. This challenging journey offers a unique opportunity to experience the stunning landscapes, remote trails, and the thrill of conquering a Himalayan peak.

Undertaking the Three Passes and Island Peak expedition is a physically demanding and challenging endeavor. Prior trekking experience, physical fitness, and proper acclimatization are essential. It is highly recommended to embark on this adventure with experienced guides or mountaineering companies who can ensure your safety, provide the necessary equipment, and guide you through the intricacies of the route and the climb.

Overall, the Three Passes and Island Peak expedition is a thrilling and rewarding experience that combines the beauty of high mountain passes with the exhilaration of summiting a Himalayan peak. It offers a unique blend of adventure, natural beauty, cultural exploration, and a true sense of accomplishment in the heart of the Everest region.

Highlights
  • Renowned Mountain Passes: The Three Passes route takes you through three high-altitude mountain passes: Renjo La Pass (5,388m/17,513ft), Cho La Pass (5,380m/17,650ft), and Kongma La Pass (5,535m/18,159ft). Crossing these passes offers breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks and a sense of achievement.
  • Remote and Less Crowded: The Three Passes route is less traveled compared to the popular Everest Base Camp trek. As a result, you'll have the opportunity to experience the wilderness, solitude, and tranquility of the region, away from the crowds.
  • Scenic Landscapes: The journey takes you through diverse landscapes, including glacial valleys, alpine meadows, rugged terrains, and picturesque villages. You'll encounter beautiful lakes, towering mountains, and breathtaking panoramas at every turn.
  • Technical Mountaineering: Climbing Island Peak (Imja Tse) requires technical mountaineering skills, including the use of crampons, ropes, and ice axes. The ascent involves crossing glaciated terrain, negotiating steep slopes, and navigating through crevasses.
  • Stunning Summit Views: From the summit of Island Peak at an elevation of 6,189m (20,305ft), climbers are rewarded with stunning 360-degree views of the surrounding peaks, including Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Ama Dablam. The panoramic vistas are truly awe-inspiring.
  • Himalayan Accomplishment: Reaching the summit of Island Peak is a remarkable achievement. It offers a sense of pride and accomplishment, allowing climbers to celebrate their mountaineering skills and revel in the majestic beauty of the Everest region.
  • Sherpa Villages: Along the journey, you'll have the opportunity to visit traditional Sherpa villages such as Namche Bazaar, Dingboche, and Pangboche. These villages provide insights into the unique Sherpa culture, their warm hospitality, and their connection to the mountains.
  • Buddhist Monasteries: The region is dotted with Buddhist monasteries, including the famous Tengboche Monastery. These monasteries offer a peaceful and spiritual atmosphere, allowing you to immerse yourself in the local religious traditions and practices.
Itinerary

Day 01 Arrival Kathmandu 1,350m/4,429ft
Day 02 Trip Preparation Day 1,350m/4,429ft
Day 03 Fly to Lukla then trek to Phakding 2,800m/9,187ft 3-4 hrs
Day 04 Phakding to Namche Bazaar 3,438m/11,280ft 5-6 hrs
Day 05 Namche Bazaar: Acclimatization Day 3,438m/11,280ft
Day 06 Namche Bazaar to Thame 3,736m/12,258ft 5-6 hrs
Day 07 Thame to Lumde 4,368m/14,331ft 3-4 hrs
Day 08 Lumde: acclimatization day 4,368m/14,331ft
Day 09 Lumde to Gokyo via Renjo La Pass 4,800m/15,749ft 7-8 hrs
Day 10 Acclimatization Day in Gokyo Valley: Hike to Gokyo Ri 5,357m/17,576ft 3-4 hrs
Day 11 Gokyo to Thangnak 4,600m/15,093ft5-6 hrs
Day 12 Thangnak to Cho La pass to Lobuche 4,940m/16,208ft 8-10 hrs
Day 13 Lobuche to Gorak Shep , visit Everest Base Camp 5,170m/16,963ft 6-7 hrs
Day 14 Gorak Shep to Kala Patthar and back to Lobuche 4,940m/16,208ft7-8 hrs
Day 15 Lobuche to Kongma La to Chhukung 4,730m/15,519ft 6-7 hrs
Day 16 Chhukung to Island Peak Base Camp, pre-climb training 5,200m/17,061ft 3-4 hrs
Day 17 Island Peak Base Camp to Summit, and back to base camp 6,189m/20,306ft10-12 hrs
Day 18 Island Peak Base Camp to Pangboche 3,985m/13,075ft 5-6 hrs
Day 19 Pangboche to Namche Bazaar 3,438m/11,280ft 4-5 hrs
Day 20 Namche Bazaar to Lukla 2,800m/9,187ft 6-7 hrs
Day 21 Fly to Kathmandu
Day 22 Final departure

    Notes: The flight from Lukla to Kathmandu is redirected to Ramechhap due to traffic congestion and a high influx of tourists during the high season. The high tourist season in Nepal is spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). In the season of tourism, there are many international and domestic flights operating in different sectors which is more than capacities of the small Tribhuban international airport. Due to this reason, there is the problem with air traffic and delays in Lukla flights too. Lukla flights are only in the morning time and it does not fly during day time due to heavy wind and foggy weather on the way to Lukla. If the flights are from Ramechaap, there is no issue of air traffic and flight duration is also less than from Kathmandu. Flight to Ramechhap will add 5 hours approx. to your journey. It seems like an added inconvenience but let’s see the brighter side

    Cost Details
    Includes

    1. Arrival & Departure by Private Car

    2. Accommodation in a standard hotel in Kathmandu for 4 nights on sharing basis

    3. All meals are prepared by our experienced cook during the climb

    4. All accommodation and food in lodges before base camp

    5. All Domestic Flight tickets with Airport Tax

    6. All camping equipment and gear, including two-person tent, dining tent, toilet tent, porter tent, and Kitchen tent

    7. All camping equipment, including kitchen equipment, tables, chairs/stools, etc

    8. Porters/pack animals to carry all personal gear and group equipment

    9. Experienced Guide/Escort

    10. Private Transport from Kathmandu to/ from trek starting and ending points

    11. Basic first Aid kit

    12. Trekking maps

    13. Trekking permit & fees, National Park entry fees, Conservation fees

    14. Insurance for all staff

    15. High altitudes chamber bags (PAC) for very high altitudes

    Excludes

    1. International Air-fare

    2. All bar bills during the trek (soft drinks, hot drinks & alcoholic drinks)

    3. PCR Tests

    4. Items of personal drinks, Dessert, and main meals in cities

    5. Your Travel Insurance

    6. Hot showers during the trek

    7. Personal trekking equipment

    8. Nepal entry visa: you can obtain a visa easily upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu.

    9. Tips for trekking staff and driver (Tipping is respected but it is not obligatory)

    FAQs

    • Everest shares the border with Nepal and Tibet, an autonomous region of China. At 8,848.86 meters (29,032 feet), it is the tallest point on Earth above sea level. 

    • The trek generally takes around 18 to 21 days to complete, depending on the specific itinerary and your pace.

    • Yes, prior trekking experience is recommended for the Everest Three Pass Trek. The trek involves steep ascents, long hikes, and high-altitude conditions, requiring a good level of fitness and familiarity with trekking in rugged terrains.

    • Essential items to pack include warm clothing layers, a good quality sleeping bag, sturdy trekking boots, a backpack, a down jacket, a rain jacket, trekking poles, a first aid kit, high-altitude medication, water purification tablets, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a camera.

    • Yes, altitude sickness is a concern during the trek, as you will be crossing high mountain passes. Proper acclimatization, staying hydrated, ascending gradually, and being aware of symptoms are crucial. It's advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before the trek.

    • The Everest Three Pass Trek is considered a challenging trek that requires a good level of physical fitness, endurance, and stamina. It involves long and steep ascents and descents, as well as walking for several hours each day at high altitudes.

    • The Everest region is home to various wildlife, including Himalayan thar, musk deer, snow leopards (rarely spotted), and a variety of bird species. However, spotting wildlife requires luck and patience.

    • Teahouses along the route offer a variety of meals, including Nepali, Tibetan, Indian, and Western dishes. Dal bhat (lentil soup with rice), momo (dumplings), noodles, pasta, and fried rice are commonly available. Vegetarian and vegan options are also offered.

    • It's advisable to carry enough cash in Nepalese Rupees to cover your expenses during the trek. ATMs are available in some larger villages, but they may not always be reliable or accessible, and it's better to be prepared.

    • There are rescue services available in the Everest region in case of emergencies. It's important to have travel insurance that covers emergency evacuations. Contact local authorities or your trekking agency for assistance in case of emergencies.

    • The three highest passes are Kongma La Pass, 5,535 m/ 18,159 ft, Cho La Pass, 5,420m /17,782 ft and Renjo La Pass 5,360 m /17,560 ft . 

    • Like most of the trekking in the Everest Region, trekking in the Three Pass in Everest requires two main permits.

      Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit
      Khumbu Rural Municipality Entrance
      [Note: TIMS card is not required for this trek]

      1. Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit
      Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit can be obtained at the Entry Gate in Monjo.

      The cost of the Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit is different for people of different countries.

      For Nepalese – Rs. 100 (Nepali) / 0.84 (USD),

      For SAARC countries -Rs. 1500 (Nepali) / $12 to $13 (USD),

      For Other countries -Rs. 3000 (Nepali) / $24.5 to $26 (USD),

      Note: The above cost is per person and costs an additional 13% VAT.

      Khumbu Rural Municipality Permit
      Khumbu Rural Municipality Permit can be obtained at Lukla.  it can’t be obtained at Kathmandu.

      The cost of the permit to Khumbu Rural Municipality is the same for all nationals which is NPR 2000 or $16 to $18. However, the cost is applicable for 4 weeks only.

      If you decide to visit for more than 4 weeks, you have to pay  NPR 2500 which is equal to 20 to 22 USD.

    • Three Pass trek is one of the longest trekking done in Nepal. The trekking distance ranges between 160 kilometers(99 miles) and 185 meters(115 miles), depending upon the side trips you take.

      And the distance from Kathmandu to Lukla is additionally 138 km which is just a 30-minute flight.

    • Three Pass Trekking is one of the hardest destinations around Everest. You will walk through the three passes which all are above 5300 meters. The trek is classified as Difficult trek and  EBC Trekking is classified as Intermediate.

      And you will be walking for around 5-8 hours of constant walking through the varying lands.

      Walking in the rough, steep, and sloppy paths along with the snowy paths are toiling but rewarding. It will give you a lifetime experience.

    Price Per PersonUS$2499
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