What the adventure involves

Royal Nepal Group’s Three Passes Trek takes in all the highlights of the Khumbu region of Nepal, including Everest Base Camp, and three high alpine passes at Renjo La, Cho La and Kongma La, that take you over 5,000m above sea level.

Beginning in Kathmandu, we explore the temples, stupas and busy bazaars of the Nepalese capital before catching a plane to Lukla, one the most scenic flights in the world. From here, we head out on the same route as the Everest Base Camp trek, taing in the Khumbu Sherpa capital of Namche Bazaar, the monastery village of Tengboche, and climbing up to 5,545m above sea level to reach Kala Patthar, from where you will have a stunning view of Mount Everest itself.

After visiting Base Camp, we leave the crowds doing the Everest Base Camp trek behind, and head on towards the Cho Lo Pass, and past the glacial blue water of the Gokyo lakes towards the last of our 5,000m passes, the Renjo Lo Pass, before turning back towards Lukla.

It’s a physically demanding challenge that takes 20 days in all. But if you have the required level of fitness, it’s incredibly rewarding. Our three passes trek itinerary allows for plenty of time to acclimatize, and rest days so you can soak up the sights, sounds and culture of the towns and villages we pass through. 

Royal Nepal Group is an entirely Nepalese-run, with our record-breaking leaders priding themselves on their ability to bridge the gap between western and Himalayan climbing cultures, and offer the best of both worlds. Their mountaineering prowess is well-documented, but perhaps more importantly, their safety record is second to none, and the handpicked guiding team they have assembled to lead Elite Exped’s trips and treks are all trained in the latest high altitude rescue and recovery techniques.

Because we’re used to operating at above 8,000m, nothing on an Royal Nepal Group trip is left to chance - and that includes our treks. We oversee every aspect of every expedition, keeping as much in-house as possible, so we’re self-reliant.

We know this region intimately, and speak the language ourselves. Our local knowledge further bolsters our ability to operate safely, but it also allows us to offer you insights that other operations can’t. If you’re looking to make the most out of a trip to the Khumbu region, and you’re ready for a tough physical challenge, the Three Passes Trek will tick all your boxes.