Gokyo Trek vs Everest Three Pass Trek: An Introduction

Combining two of Nepal’s most iconic trekking routes, the EBC with Gokyo Trek is an exhilarating journey through the heart of the Himalayas. It is a mesmerising journey spanning 18 to 20 days, depending on the itinerary. Starting from Lukla, the trail passes through picturesque Sherpa villages like Namche Bazaar, the bustling heart of the Khumbu region. The trail then descends into Gokyo Valley, where the stunning Gokyo Lakes await.

Gokyo Trek vs Everest Three Pass Trek: An Introduction

Continuing, you will join the main Everest Base Camp trail, passing through iconic landmarks like Tengboche Monastery and the Khumbu Icefall before reaching EBC. The major highlights of this trek are Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam. This trek perfectly blends adventure, culture, and natural beauty.
The Everest Three-Pass Trek is an exciting yet challenging adventure that takes trekkers deep into the Nepal Himalayas. This extraordinary journey is renowned for its demanding nature and the opportunity to conquer three high mountain passes while exploring remote and less-visited areas of the Everest region.

The trek begins in Kathmandu, Nepal's bustling capital, where trekkers prepare for their incredible ascent into the Everest region. As the journey progresses, it passes through dense rhododendron forests, picturesque Sherpa villages, and suspension bridges spanning rushing glacial rivers. The gradual ascent allows trekkers to acclimatise to the increasing altitude as they travel deeper into the Himalayas.

Trekkers will cross three high mountain passes

Kongma La, Chola, and Renjo La. These passes provide stunning views of towering peaks such as Mount Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu, among others. Conquering these passes offers a tremendous sense of accomplishment and is a highlight of the journey. Furthermore, this trek takes you through remote villages such as Chhukung, Thame, and Lungden, providing an off-the-beaten-path experience. These less-visited areas offer an exceptional opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture and interact with the warm and welcoming Sherpa communities. You'll learn about their traditional way of life, including ancient customs and practices.

Everest Base Camp with Gokyo Trek Highlights:

• Everest Base Camp: The trek takes you to the world-famous Everest Base Camp, where climbers prepare for their ascent of Mount Everest. You'll have the chance to see the Khumbu Icefall and the majestic Everest up close.
• Gokyo Lakes: The trek also includes a visit to Gokyo Lakes, a series of high-altitude glacial lakes surrounded by towering peaks. The turquoise waters of these lakes are incredibly scenic.
• Gokyo Ri: You can climb the Gokyo Ri trek, a nearby peak, for a stunning panoramic view of the Everest region, including Everest itself.

Everest Three Pass Trek Highlights:

• Three High Passes: This trek is known for crossing three high mountain passes: Kongma La Pass, Cho La Pass, and Renjo La Pass. These passes offer breathtaking views and a sense of adventure.
• Remote Villages: You'll visit less-touristy villages like Chhukung, Thame, and Lungden, experiencing the local culture and lifestyle.
• Varied Scenery: The trek offers diverse landscapes, including glaciers, valleys, high-altitude lakes, and forests.

Overall, both the Normal Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Valley and the Everest Three Pass Trek provide unique and unforgettable experiences in the Nepal Himalayas. Regardless of your choice between the Three Passes Trek and the Everest Base Camp Trek, you'll be treated to breathtaking mountain panoramas and the chance to engage deeply with the local culture and lifestyle of the region.

Difficulties of Normal EBC with Gokyo Trek vs Everest Three Pass Trek Routes

Everest Three Passes Trek:

• High Passes: As the name implies, this trek will take you through three high passes: Renjo La (5,360 metres), Cho La (5,420 metres), and Kongma La (5,535 metres). Because of the steep ascents, technical terrain, and unpredictable weather, these passes can be difficult.
• Acclimatisation and Altitude: The Three Passes trek takes you to high altitudes, so proper acclimatisation is essential. You must be prepared to deal with the effects of altitude.
• Crossing Cho La Pass (5,420 metres or 17,782 feet): The trek includes a crossing of Cho La Pass (5,420 metres or 17,782 feet), which requires basic mountaineering skills and can be dangerous in bad weather.
• Remote and less crowded: While this trek is less crowded compared to the standard EBC route, it also means fewer resources and facilities along the way.
• Remote and rugged terrain: This trek takes you to less-visited and more remote areas of the Everest region. In comparison to the standard EBC trek, the terrain can be rugged, and the trails are less well maintained.
• Longer duration: The Three Passes trek is longer than the standard EBC trek, typically lasting 16-20 days. This necessitates greater physical and mental endurance.

Preparation for the Everest Three Pass Trek:

• Physical fitness: The Three Passes trek is more demanding than the standard EBC trek. You need to be in excellent physical condition with a strong cardiovascular system, leg strength, and endurance. Consider incorporating high-altitude training if possible.
• Altitude experience: Prior experience trekking at high altitudes is highly recommended. If you haven't trekked at high altitudes before, consider doing shorter treks in the Everest region or other high-altitude regions to familiarise yourself with the effects of altitude.
• Technical skills: Learn basic mountaineering and trekking skills, such as how to use crampons and an ice axe, as you'll encounter glacier crossings and potentially icy conditions on the passes.
• Gear and equipment: Similar to the EBC trek with Gokyo, invest in high-quality gear and equipment, and make sure you have additional layers of warm clothing and specialised equipment for high passes.
• Permits and documentation: Obtain the necessary permits, including the Sagarmatha National Park entry permit and the TIMS card. Ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your trek's end date.
• Travel and accommodation: Book your flights to and from Lukla or Kathmandu well in advance. Make accommodation arrangements in Kathmandu and Lukla if required.
• Travel insurance: Ensure that your travel insurance covers high-altitude trekking, technical mountaineering sections, emergency evacuations, and medical expenses.

In both cases, it's advisable to hire a local guide and porter to assist you during the trek. They can provide valuable support, ensure your safety, and help carry your gear. Additionally, consult with a reputable trekking agency in Nepal for detailed guidance on preparation and logistics specific to your chosen trek.

Accommodation Options and Amenities

Accommodation options along the Gokyo trek include teahouses and lodges. These offer basic amenities such as meals, lodging, and hot showers. The facilities may vary in quality and comfort, with more basic accommodation in remote areas. Accommodation for the Everest Three Pass trek also includes teahouses and lodges. However, remote areas may have more limited facilities. So, you should be prepared for basic amenities and shared facilities, especially at higher altitudes.

How to Contact Them: Nepal Wilderness Trekking for More Info

Nepal Wilderness Trekking Pvt. Ltd. is an authentic local trekking company based in Kathmandu, Nepal, specialising in multi-day tours for solo travellers and private groups. You can contact them at himalghale99@gmail.com or via WhatsApp at +977-9849693351

What about you, have you ever been hiking to Nepal? Feel free to share any tips & advice below!

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We overland. We eat plants and fungi. We live outside as much as possible. We are all connected. A female travel blogger overlanding and writing about ecotourism, ethical and sustainable travel, socially conscious travel and housesitting. An online travel magazine since 2015.