Three-pass trek itinerary from Jiri

The Three Passes Trek starting from Jiri is a challenging and demanding trek in the Everest region of Nepal. It’s an extended version of the classic Everest Base Camp trek, and it involves crossing three high mountain passes: Renjo La Pass, Cho La Pass, and Kongma La Pass. This trek requires a high level of fitness, stamina, and experience with high-altitude trekking. Here’s an overview of the difficulty of the Three Passes Trek:

Physical Fitness: This trek is physically demanding due to its length, elevation gain, and the need to cross three high passes. You’ll be walking for long hours each day, often on steep and uneven terrain. Prior cardiovascular conditioning, strength training, and hiking experience are highly recommended.

Altitude Acclimatization: Acclimatization is crucial on this trek as you’ll be crossing high passes that exceed 5,000 meters (16,400 feet) in altitude. Gradual ascent and proper rest days are built into the itinerary to help your body adjust to the decreasing oxygen levels.

Technical Challenges: While the Three Passes Trek does not involve technical climbing, you’ll encounter challenging sections that require surefootedness and a bit of scrambling. Crossing the high passes involves steep ascents and descents, and some sections may involve walking on snow and ice, especially during the early trekking season.

Weather Conditions: The weather in the Everest region can be unpredictable and harsh, especially at higher altitudes. Be prepared for cold temperatures, strong winds, and the potential for snowfall, even in the spring and fall trekking seasons.

Long Days: Trekking days can be long, and you’ll be walking for 6-8 hours on average. The length of the trek and the need to cross the passes means that stamina and endurance are key.

Remote and Basic Accommodations: Accommodations along the trail are basic tea houses or lodges. Facilities may become more basic and crowded as you gain altitude. It’s important to be mentally prepared for basic amenities and shared accommodations.

Altitude Sickness: Due to the high elevations, there’s a risk of altitude sickness. It’s important to be aware of the symptoms and take necessary precautions, including proper acclimatization and hydration.

Self-Sufficiency: While there are tea houses along the route, they might not always have the same level of services as those on the popular Everest Base Camp route. You should carry some essentials like water purification tablets, energy snacks, and basic medical supplies.

Navigational Challenges: The trail might not always be well-marked, and there could be instances where you need to rely on a map, GPS, or the help of local guides.

In summary, the Three Passes Trek from Jiri is a challenging trek that requires a combination of physical fitness, mental resilience, and previous high-altitude trekking experience. It’s ideal for experienced trekkers who want to explore more remote and less crowded parts of the Everest region while taking on the adventure of crossing three high mountain passes. Proper preparation, training, and respect for the altitude are crucial for a safe and enjoyable trek.

Here’s a detailed itinerary for the three-pass trek from Jiri to Everest Base Camp:

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu

Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. Transfer to your hotel and rest. Explore the vibrant streets of Thamel,

Day 2: Kathmandu to Jiri (1,955m/6,414ft)

Take an early morning bus or private vehicle from Kathmandu to Jiri (approximately 7-8 hours). Enjoy scenic views of the countryside and terraced fields along the way. Overnight in Jiri.8-9 hours.

Day 3: Jiri to Bhandar (2,195m/7,202ft)

Begin your trek from Jiri and head towards Bhandar. Pass through beautiful forests, cross several suspension bridges, and enjoy the rural landscape. Overnight in Bhandar 6-7 hours.

Day 4: Bhandar to Sete (2,575m/8,445ft)

Trek through a lush forest of rhododendron and oak trees. Ascend to the Likhu Khola Valley and continue towards Sete. Overnight in Sete.5-6 hours.

Day 5: Sete to Junbesi (2,675m/8,776ft)

Ascend a steep trail through a rhododendron forest. Pass through Lamjura La Pass (3,530m/11,581ft) and enjoy panoramic views. Descend to Junbesi, a Sherpa village with a beautiful monastery. Overnight in Junbesi.5-6 hours.

Day 6: Junbesi to Nunthala (2,220m/7,283ft)

Descend through terraced fields and cross the Dudh Koshi River. Trek through the village of Ringmo and continue towards Nunthala. Overnight in Nunthala.5-6 hours.

Day 7: Nunthala to Bupsa (2,360m/7,742ft)

Trek through forests and cross several suspension bridges. Pass through the Sherpa village of Jubing and Khari Khola and trek continue towards Bupsa. Overnight in Bupsa.5-6 hours.

Day 8: Bupsa to Surke (2,290m/7,513ft)

Descend to the Dudh Koshi River and cross a suspension bridge. Trek through dense forests and reach Surke. Overnight in Surke.5 hours.

Day 9: Surke to Phakding (2,610m/8,562ft)

Continue trekking along the Dudh Koshi River. Pass through Chaurikharka and descend to Phakding. Overnight in Phakding.5 hours.

Day 10: Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440m/11,286ft)

Cross several suspension bridges and enter Sagarmatha National Park. Ascend to Namche Bazaar, the gateway to the Everest region. Overnight in Namche Bazaar.5 hours.

Day 11: Acclimatization Day in Namche Bazaar

Spend a day acclimatizing in Namche Bazaar. Explore the town, visit the local market, and enjoy the panoramic views. Optional hike to Khumjung and Khunde. Overnight in Namche Bazaar.

Day 12: Namche Bazaar to Thame (3,820m/12,532ft)

Trek along the Bhote Koshi River and reach Thame. Visit Thame Monastery and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Overnight in Thame.5 hours.

Day 13: Thame to Lungden (4,380m/14,370ft)

Ascend through alpine landscapes and yak pastures. Trek to Lungden, a small settlement with tea houses. Overnight in Lungden.6-7 hours.

Day 14: Lungden to Gokyo (4,750m/15,584ft) via Renjo La Pass (5,360m/17,586ft)

Cross the challenging Renjo La Pass and enjoy panoramic mountain views. Descend to the stunning Gokyo Valley and reach Gokyo village. Overnight in Gokyo.5-6 hours.

Day 15: Acclimatization Day in Gokyo

Explore the Gokyo Valley and hike up to Gokyo Ri (5,357m/17,575ft) for breathtaking views of Everest, Cho Oyu, and other peaks. Overnight in Gokyo.4-5 hours both ways.

Day 16: Gokyo to Thagnak (4,700m/15,416ft) via Cho La Pass (5,420m/17,782ft)

Trek to the challenging Cho La Pass and enjoy the spectacular mountain scenery. Descend to Thagnak, a small settlement in the Ngozumpa Glacier Valley. Overnight in Thagnak.2-hour walk from Gokyo.

Day 17: Thagnak to Dzongla (4,830m/15,846ft)

Trek along the lateral moraine of Ngozumpa Glacier. Ascend to Dzongla, a small village with stunning views of Ama Dablam and other peaks. Overnight in Dzongla.6-7 hours.

Day 18: Dzongla to Lobuche (4,910m/16,108ft)

Enjoy panoramic mountain vistas. Descend to Lobuche, a popular stop en route to Everest Base Camp. Overnight in Lobuche.3 hours.

Day 19: Lobuche to Gorak Shep (5,170m/16,961ft) Everest Base Camp (5,364m/17,598ft)

Trek along the Khumbu Glacier and reach Gorak Shep. After a short rest, continue to Everest Base Camp. Explore the base camp area and return to Gorak Shep for an overnight stay.5-6 hours.

Day 20: Gorak Shep to Kala Patthar (5,545m/18,192ft)

Hike early morning to Kala Patthar for stunning sunrise views of Mount Everest and surrounding peaks. Descend to Gorak Shep and continue to Lobuche. Overnight in Lobuche.5-6 hours.

Day 21: Lobuche To Chhukung Via Kongma La Pass (5535 Meters)18,159ft)

Corrosing to Kongma La pass is a long day about 7-8-hours walking. After Kongma La pass descend to Chhukung Valley with a view of Amadablam, Island Peak, and other mountain views.

Day 22: Chhukung To Tengboche (3800 Meters)

From Dingboche to Tengboche easy day and you will see the biggest monastery in your Khumbu trek. Overnight at Tengboche.6 hours.

Day 23: Tengboche To Namche Bazaar (3,440 Meters)

Descend from Tengboche and retrace your steps back to Namche Bazaar. Enjoy the familiar trails and bid farewell to the mountains as you descend. Overnight in Namche Bazaar.5 hours.

Day 24: Namche Bazaar To Lukla (2,800 Meters)

Continue your descent from Namche Bazaar and reach Lukla. Celebrate the completion of your trek with your guide and fellow trekkers. Overnight in Lukla.7 hours.

Day 25: Lukla To Kathmandu. (1300 Meters)

Take an early morning flight from Lukla to Kathmandu. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel in Kathmandu. Rest and relax, or explore the city’s vibrant streets and markets. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 26: Kathmandu Safty Day

It is your safety day and you can visit Kathmandu city or you can rest in Kathmandu up to you in Kathmandu hotel its include breakfast service.

Day 27: Departure From Kathmandu

Your Three Passes Trek from Jiri comes to an end. You’ll be transferred to the airport for your departure flight. Say goodbye to Nepal with unforgettable memories of the Himalayas.

Jiri to Three Passes Trek is a challenging and adventurous trek in the Everest region of Nepal. It takes you through three high mountain passes: Kongma La Pass (5,535 meters), Cho La Pass (5,420 meters), and Renjo La Pass (5,360 meters). This itinerary includes a detour to the village of Thame, which is off the main trekking route but offers a unique cultural experience. Here’s a detailed itinerary for the Everest Three Passes Trek via Thame:

Please note that this itinerary is a general guideline and can be subject to changes based on various factors such as weather conditions, your fitness level, and the pace of the trek. It’s always good to consult with your trekking agency or guide to customize the itinerary and make it suitable for your needs.

The best time to do the Three pass trek from Jiri is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons. These months offer the most favorable weather and optimal trekking conditions in the Everest Three pass trek. Here’s why:

Spring (March to May): This is the post-winter season when the weather starts to warm up, and the trekking trails become vibrant with blooming flowers and rhododendrons. The temperature is generally mild, with clear skies and excellent visibility. It’s a great time to witness the beautiful landscapes, lush greenery, and panoramic mountain views.

Autumn (September to November): This is the post-monsoon season when the weather is stable, and the skies are generally clear. The temperature is comfortable, making it ideal for trekking. The autumn months offer breathtaking views of the mountains, including the Everest trek, and the overall trekking experience is enhanced by the festive atmosphere during the Nepalese Dashain and Tihar festivals.

Three-pass trek from Jiri the choice ultimately depends on your preferences. If you enjoy seeing colorful flowers and blooming vegetation, spring is a good choice. If you prefer clearer skies and panoramic mountain views, autumn is a great option. It’s worth noting that the Everest region can be visited year-round, but other seasons such as winter (December to February) and monsoon (June to August) may bring more challenges due to cold temperatures, snowfall, and potential landslides.