As named, this trek crosses three exciting passes over 5400m/177715ft) of the Everest region. It encircles a huge portion of Upper Khumbu including with many famous snow peaks and offers commending views everyday. You may choose either way; clockwise or counter clockwise as there’s not much difference in the hiking and elevation gaining processes, you’re sure to have tremendous adventure from all 3 passes and an excellent adventure of high altitude trekking. The Renjola is the lowest one and Kongma or Khongma la is the highest with amazing ascending sections from Dingboche – means we would like to present this itinerary clockwise.
Overview
Our trek begins taking the flight to Lukla either from Kathmandu or Ramechhap to land at Lukla’s Tenzing-Hillary airport (2840m/9316ft) – many consider as one of the most notorious airstrip by the high Himalayan lap. We trek the Dudh Kosi (milk river) valley to begin with before reaching the town of Namche. This stands at the junction for our itinerary; one can follow Thame – Renjola – Gokyo Valley first and arrive to Nnamche at the end from Tyangboche walking. Anyway, here we have presented the clockwise itinerary; therefore we head to the east north direction to Tyangboche/Dingboche – beautiful Sherpa villages; to do the Kongma La (5535m) first – the highest pass out of all three. For many trekkers this is a fantastic idea to do it first means it helps to calm down the sheer excitement of doing more adventure.
After the successful ascent of Kongma or Khongma La, we head to visit the EBC (5365m) and Kalapatthar (5623m) for next 2-3 days before venturing to Cho La (5365m) that joins EBC valley with Gokyo section.
After the Chola, there remains one Pass to pass and to valleys to explore, that are Gokyo & Thamel valleys and the Renjo La (5340m). Gokyo valley 1 or 2 days to explore everything including the 5th Lake reaching as closer as the Cho Oyu Base Camp – this extension is really worthy.
Renjola is said to be the most scenic passes; so be ready to enjoy the grandeur vistas after the short but steep ascending from Gokyo town, before descending to Lungen (4500m), Marlung (4210m) – the pleasant alpine area. Further down to Thame (3810m) is a pleasant area where you may spend an extra day after the high route for several days. Next days to Namche to join and follow the Lukla route before taking the flight to Kathmandu or Ramechhap.
Thame village, situated at 3810m, before arrive to Namche is well-renowned mountaineering legends like Tenzing Norgay Sherpa, Apa Sherpa, Ang Rita Sherpa and so on were born. On the right-hand side of the trail while walking to Namche we see the in-take reservoir of the KBC (Khumbu Bijuli – electricity Corporation).
It’s the demanding walk for the whole trip and even it makes climbing on a long slab of rocks. The views from the top of any passes is earned after the hard toll you efforted and this will make you forget how hard the ascends were. The super panoramic views includes Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu – all 8thousanders and many other world famous, beautiful Himalayan peaks as well as the sweeping views of Khumbu Glacier, Ngojumpa glacier, the five lakes etc. This is a guaranteed trip that quenches your adventure thrill.