Phaplu to Three Pass Trekking Itinerary

Phaplu to Three Pass Trekking Itinerary

Day i: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,300m), and transfer to the hotel.

Day 2: Jeep drive to Phaplu (2,364m). 9-10 hours. Stay overnight at the Lodge.

Day 3: Phaplu (2,413m) to Nunthala (2,200m) – 5 hrs. Gentle trekking through mixed forest and Sherpa villages. Stay overnight at the Lodge.

Day 4: Nunthala to Bupsa (2,360m) – 5–6 hrs. Cross the Dudh Koshi River and ascend to Bupsa. Stay overnight at the Lodge.

Day 5: Bupsa to Paiya (Chutok) (2,730m) – 5–6 hrs. Pass through Kari La, forest sections, and narrow trails. Stay overnight at the Lodge.

Day 6: Paiya to Phakding (2,610m) – 5 hrs. Join the main Everest trail before Lukla. Stay overnight at the Lodge.

Day 7: Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440m) – 5 hrs. Cross several suspension bridges; climb the Namche hill. Stay overnight at the Lodge.

Day 8: Acclimatization in Namche. Hike to Everest View Hotel (3730m), or Khumjung. Stay overnight at the Lodge.

Day 9: Namche to Tengboche (3,860m) – 5 hrs. Visit Tengboche Monastery. Stay overnight at the Lodge.

Day 10: Tengboche to Dingboche (4,410m) – 5 hrs. Stay overnight at the Lodge.

Day 11: Acclimatization in Dingboche. Hike to Nagarjun viewpoint (5,050m). Stay overnight at the Lodge in Chhukung (4.730m).

Day 12: Chhukung → Kongma La Pass (5,535m) → Lobuche (4,910m) – 8–10 hrs. First and highest pass. Stay overnight at the Lodge.

Day 13: Lobuche → Gorakshep (5,164m) → Everest Base Camp (5,364m) → return to Gorakshep – 7–8 hrs. Stay overnight at the Lodge.

Day 14: Gorakshep → Kala Patthar (5,545m) → Dzongla (4,830m) – 7–8 hrs. Stay overnight at the Lodge.

Day 15: Dzongla → Cho La Pass (5,420m) → Dragnag (4,700m) – 7–8 hrs. Stay overnight at the Lodge.

Day 16: Dragnag → Gokyo (4,790m) – 3–4 hrs. Cross Ngozumpa Glacier. Stay overnight at the Lodge.

Day 17: Gokyo → Gokyo Ri (5,357m) → Rest day-Stay overnight at the Lodge.

Day 18: Gokyo → Renjo La Pass (5,360m) → Lumde (4,380m) – 6–7 hrs. Stay overnight at the Lodge.

Day 19: Lumde to Thame (3,800m) – 6–7 hrs. Stay overnight at the Lodge.

Day 20: Thame to Namche (3,440m) 4-5 hrs. Stay overnight at the Lodge.

Day 21: Namche to Lukla (2,800m) – 7 hrs. Stay overnight at the Lodge.

Day 22: Flight to Kathmandu and transfer to the Hotel.

Day 23: Your safety day in Kathmandu (1,300m). The hotel includes breakfast.

Day 24: After breakfast, drive to Kathmandu airport for your Departure.

Best Trekking Seasons

Autumn (October – November), BEST

This is the most recommended time. Stable weather, clear skies, and excellent mountain visibility.Comfortable daytime temperatures and cold but manageable nights.

Ideal conditions for crossing high passes: Kongma La, Cho La, and Renjo La. Trails are dry and less risky. Perfect for a long approach like Phaplu ➝ Three Pass.

Spring (March – May), Second Best

Great for trekkers who enjoy warmer temperatures and flowers. Stable weather after early March. Rhododendron forests from Phaplu to Namche. Passes normally clear by mid/late March. Some afternoon clouds and wind, but generally safeShoulder Seasons (Less Ideal but Possible)

Early Winter (December – early January), Possible

Clear skies, excellent views. Very cold above 5,000m. Snow can make Cho La and Kongma La icy. Only recommended for experienced trekkers with proper gear.

Late Monsoon (September), Mixed

Early September is still rainy and leechy in the Phaplu region. Passes may have fresh snow. From late September, conditions improve quickly. Better to start after 20 September.

Not Recommended

Monsoon (June – mid-September)

Slippery trails between Phaplu–Bupsa, Surke. Clouds block mountain views, High avalanche/snow risk on passes

Peak Winter (Mid January – February)

Heavy snow blocks Cho La and sometimes Kongma La. Extreme cold (–20°C to –30°C at night)

Recommendation for Guides & Porters (Your Work)

For guiding clients from Phaplu to the Three Pass, the best months for business and safe crossings are: