Three Passes Trek without flight to Lukla (By drive)

Trip Overview

The Three Passes Trek, also known as the Everest Three High Passes Trek, is a challenging and rewarding adventure that takes you through the heart of the Everest region in Nepal. This trek involves crossing three high passes: Kongma La Pass (5,535m), Cho La Pass (5,420m), and Renjo La Pass (5,360m). These passes offer stunning panoramic views of the Himalayas, including Mount Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, and many other peaks. If you’re looking for a challenging and rewarding adventure in the Everest region, the Three Passes Trek is a great option. It offers a unique opportunity to explore the region’s breathtaking scenery and experience its rich culture.

Highlights of the Three Passes Trek:

. Crossing three high passes: This is a significant challenge that requires physical fitness and mental fortitude.
. Visiting Everest Base Camp: You’ll have the opportunity to reach the iconic Everest Base Camp and experience the atmosphere of this legendary location.
. Exploring the Gokyo Lakes: This pristine glacial lake system offers breathtaking scenery and a chance to relax in a peaceful environment.
. Trekking through diverse landscapes: You’ll encounter lush forests, alpine meadows, glaciers, and snow-capped peaks.
. Witnessing Sherpa culture: You’ll have the chance to interact with Sherpa communities and learn about their unique culture and traditions.

Key Points of Three Passes Trek:

. Difficulty: This trek is considered difficult due to the high altitude, steep ascents, and descents, and long trekking days.
. Duration: The typical duration is 17-21 days.
. Best time to trek: The best time to undertake this trek is during the spring (March-May) or autumn (September-November) when the weather is generally stable.

Preparations of Three Passes Trek

. Physical fitness: You should be in good physical condition and have experience trekking at high altitudes.
. Acclimatization: Proper acclimatization is essential to avoid altitude sickness.
. Equipment: You’ll need appropriate trekking gear, including warm clothing, sturdy boots, and a backpack.
. Guide and porter: Hiring a local guide and porter is recommended for safety and to ensure a smooth experience.

Three Passes Trek without a flight to Lukla

Three Passes Trek without taking a flight to Lukla is possible. Instead of flying, you’ll drive from Salleri, you can start trekking either from Salleri or Thamdanda (Thamdanda is reachable by driving from Salleri). From Thamdanda, the next day you will join the trail from Lukla.

Advantages of Three Passes Trek without flight:

Trekking to Three Passes without taking a flight to Lukla offers several advantages, both in terms of the trekking experience and practical considerations. Here are the main benefits of choosing this overland route:

1. Better Acclimatization
. Walking from Salleri gives your body more time to gradually adjust to the increasing altitude.
. Gradual Ascent: You’ll start trekking from lower altitudes, giving your body more time to acclimatize compared to the sudden jump to 2,860 m in Lukla.
. Reduced Risk of Altitude Sickness: The gradual altitude gain over several days helps to minimize the risk of acute mountain sickness (AMS), making the trek safer.

2. Avoiding Lukla Flight Delays
The Lukla flight is notorious for cancellations and delays due to unpredictable weather.
. No Uncertainty: By avoiding flights, you eliminate the risk of being stranded in Lukla or Kathmandu, which can disrupt your entire trekking schedule.
. Smooth Planning: Overland travel (by jeep) is more predictable, allowing for more reliable planning without depending on flight availability or cancellations.

3. Cultural Experience and Scenic Diversity
The trek from Salleri passes through beautiful villages and lower-altitude regions that are off the main tourist trail.
. Less Crowded: The overland route through Jiri or Salleri is much quieter than the busy Lukla-EBC trail, offering a more peaceful and immersive trekking experience.
. Rich Cultural Encounters: You’ll pass through traditional Sherpa, Rai, and Tamang villages, where you can experience local customs, meet people, and observe a way of life that is less influenced by tourism.
. Scenic Variety: Starting from lower altitudes means walking through terraced fields, rhododendron forests, and lush valleys, giving you a more varied landscape compared to the high-altitude desert of the Lukla route.

4. Physical and Mental Preparation
The longer trek from Salleri is more physically demanding, but it also serves as a great warm-up for the more challenging sections at higher altitudes.
. Increased Fitness: The extra days of trekking strengthen your endurance, preparing you for the tougher, higher-altitude days in the Everest region.
. More Time in Nature: With additional trekking days, you get to enjoy more time in the serene natural environment, which can be deeply rewarding.

5. Sustainability and Environmental Impact
. Lower Carbon Footprint: By avoiding the flight, you reduce your carbon footprint, making your trek more eco-friendly. Small planes to Lukla burn a significant amount of fuel, and trekking in from Salleri is a more sustainable option.

6. A True Off-the-Beaten-Path Adventure
Many trekkers fly directly to Lukla, making the trail from there to Everest Base Camp quite busy, especially during peak seasons.
. Less Touristy: The route from Salleri is much less frequented by tourists, giving you a more authentic and tranquil experience. You’ll have the trails mostly to yourself in the early part of the trek.
. Personal Satisfaction: Completing the trek without taking the flight gives you a deeper sense of achievement and adventure. Covering the distance entirely on foot makes the journey more rewarding.

Itinerary of Three Passes Trek without flight

Day 1: Arrival at Kathmandu International Airport. We welcome you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel by our car. Orientation of the trip. Preparation for the trek. Overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 2: Early morning drive from Kathmandu to Salleri (Alt. 2362m/7749ft). Driving Distance 265 Km. Driving 9/10 hours. Overnight at Tea House. Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Day 3: Drive from Salleri to Thamdanda. Trek from Thamdand to Paiya (Alt. 2730m/8957ft). Driving 5/6 hours. Walking 2 hours. Overnight at Tea House. Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Day 4: Trekking from Paiya to Phakding (Alt. 2657m/8717ft). Walking 6 to 7 hours. Overnight at Tea House. Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Day 5: Trekking from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (Alt. 3441m/11289ft). Walking 6 hours. Overnight at Tea House. Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Day 6: Day for Acclimatization in Namche Bazaar. Day trip to Shyangboche and Khumjung Village (Alt. 3780m/12402ft) and trek back to Namche Bazaar. Walking 5 hours. Overnight at Tea House. Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Day 7: Trekking from Namche Bazaar to Tengboche (Alt. 3860m/12664ft). Walking 6 hours. Overnight at Tea House. Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Day 8: Trekking from Tengboche to Dingboche (Alt. 4350m/14272ft). Walking 6 hours. Overnight at Tea House. Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Day 9: Trekking from Dingboche to Chhukung (4730m/15518ft). Walking 4 hours. Overnight at Tea House. Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Day 10: Acclimatization day at Chhukung. You may climb Chhukung Ri and back to Chhukung. Walking 4 hours. Overnight at Tea House. Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Day 11: Trekking from Chhukung to Lobuche (Alt.4910m/4910ft) crossing Kongma La Pass (5535m/18159ft). Walking 8 to 9 hours. Overnight at Tea House. Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Day 12: Trekking from Lobuche to Everest Base Camp (Alt. 5365m/17602ft) then back to Gorak Shep. Walking 7 to 8 hours. Overnight at Tea House. Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Day 13: Early in the morning hike up to Kalapatthar (Alt. 5555m/18225ft) then trek down to Dzongla (4830m/15850ft). Walking 7 to 8 hours. Overnight at Tea House. Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Day 14: Trek from Dzongla to Thangnak (4850m/15912ft) crossing Cho La Pass (5330 m/17487ft). Walking 7 to 8 hours. Overnight at Tea House. Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Day 15: Trek from Thangnak to Gokyo Lake (4750m/15584ft). Walking 4 hours. Overnight at Tea House. Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Day 16: Hike up Gokyo Ri (5357m/17575 ft) & rest day in Gokyo. Walking 3/4 hrs. Overnight at Tea House. Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Day 17: Trekking from Gokyo to Marlung (4210m/13810ft) crossing Renjo La Pass (5360m/17585ft). Walking 8 to 9 hrs. Overnight at Tea House. Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Day 18: Trekking from Marlung to Namche Bazaar (Alt. 3441m/11289ft). Walking 6 to 7 hours. Overnight at Tea House. Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Day 19: Trekking from Namche Bazaar to Surke (Alt. 2290m/7513ft). Walking 7:30 hours. Overnight at Tea House. Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Day 20: Trekking from Surke to Thamdanda. Drive from Thamdanda to Salleri (Alt. 2362m/7749ft). Walking 4 hours. Driving 5/ 6 hours. Overnight at Tea House. Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Day 21: Drive from Salleri to Kathmandu (Alt. 1400m/4593ft). Driving Distance 265 Km. Driving 9/10 hours. In the evening complimentary farewell dinner at an authentic Nepalese Restaurant in Kathmandu with cultural dances of different communities of Nepal. Overnight at Tea House. Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Day 22: Departure from Kathmandu, Nepal. Our tour officer will drop you at the Kathmandu International Airport and see you off. Meal: Breakfast. End of Service.

Please contact us by email at [email protected] or WhatsApp at +977 9851203181 for any further information about Three Passes Trek, affordable package cost, or if any questions. Once we receive your message, we get back to you within 24 hours.

Why Excellent Himalaya Company for Three Passes Trek?

Many companies promote the Three Passes Trek package. Excellent Himalaya Trek and Expedition Pvt Ltd is different from others in the sense that it is based only in Nepal and managed by Nepalese tourism experts and local guides. Our team has been engaged in the Nepalese tourism industry since 2002. We are a trekking company authorized by the Nepal Government Tourism Ministry. Our company’s government registration number is 175840/074/075 and our license number to operate trekking, tour, and mountain expeditions in Nepal is 2432. We are associated with different tourism organizations like TAAN (Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal), NMA (Nepal Mountaineering Association), etc.

Our further features are as below by which people around the world trust us as the authentic organizer of Three Passes Trek:

. Team of Local Experts and Guides: As this company is managed and run by well-trained, experienced & competent local experts, and guides, we know well about the mountain trail, ecology, culture, etc. of the trekking routes. We know the best way of trekking and also we get you the same way.

. Trustworthy: Trust is something that comes from commitment. Hence, being a legally registered company, we commit to providing the best, most satisfactory trekking, tours, and expeditions. We are operating all trekking, and climbing tours in Nepal based on reality, integrity, and honesty.

. Focus on your needs: We highly value all our clients. We always move according to your interests and requirements. Because your satisfaction is our goal. Thus, all our trekking, tour, and mountaineering packages are customizable.

. Fair Price: As we are a direct operator, not an agent, our price is always competitive and does not have any middle and hidden fees. We provide the value of what you are buying from our services at least equal to your paying amount.

. Safety: Your safety is our priority. Trekking to the Himalayas is both exciting and adventurous. So we provide you with all the safety materials needed, along with motivational counseling.

. Friendly, and Professional Staff: We have highly friendly, helpful, and professional staff. Our staff looks after you right from the moment of your arrival to the time of your departure. They can cope with most emergencies including those requiring evacuation and hospitalization.

. Real Cared Services: Our one travel consultant or our local trekking guide keeps in touch with our clients every time. We make sure their protection is guaranteed so that they will have peace of mind while trekking with us.

Packing List for the Three Passes Trek

This is a basic checklist of the essential items that you should not forget to bring with you during your Three Passes Trek:

• A sturdy pair of trekking boots with good ankle support
• Rucksack or daypack (50 to 65 liters) with waterproof cover
• Trekking pants and waterproof trousers
• T-shirts or shirts
• Down jacket*
• Wind/ waterproof light jacket
• Fleece jumper or jacket
• Inner Thermal (top and trousers)
• 4 to 6 pairs of Socks and underwear
• Sunglasses, sun hat, woolen cap, or balaclava
• Inner and outer gloves
• Headlamp, power bank, and extra batteries
• Sun protection cream, lip balm, wet wipes, and hand sanitizer
• Towel, flip-flop or rubber sandal, toiletries
• One-litre water bottle and water purification tablets
• 4 Season sleeping bag (good to -20 degrees C or 28 degrees F); *
• Hiking poles, if you need
• Your daily medicine if any, small personal first aid kit, aspirin, plasters (band-aids), anti-diarrhea pills, anti-headache pills, cough or cold medicine, anti-altitude sickness pills (Diamox or Acetazolamide), etc.
• A small daypack/backpack for carrying your valuables

*Down jacket and sleeping bag you can rent/hire from Trekking gear shops in Kathmandu

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