What is usually included in a three passes trek quote?

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A Three Passes trek quote at $1,800 to $2,800 per person for 18 to 21 days in 2027 or 2028 should include both Kathmandu to Lukla round-trip flights, Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit, Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit, TIMS Card, a licensed English-speaking guide, a porter for every two trekkers, full-board meals, tea-house lodging, and 2 to 3 contingency days for pass weather. Helicopter return, insurance, tips and personal gear are standard exclusions.

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The Three Passes trek crosses Renjo La at 5,360m, Cho La at 5,420m and Kongma La at 5,535m, connecting the Gokyo, Khumbu and Imja valleys in a single high-altitude circuit. The route starts at Lukla, climbs to Namche, then loops west to Renjo La and Gokyo, east to Cho La and EBC, then north to Kongma La and Chhukung before returning to Lukla.

This is the most comprehensive Khumbu trek and the highest non-climbing route in the region. The three passes are all above 5,300m, and weather closures are common.

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Season is the biggest variable. October and April have the most stable pass conditions, while February and March see more snow. December and January are very cold with temperatures of -20C at high camps. Group size matters because guide and porter wages are fixed, and a group of four drops per-person cost by 25 percent.

Pass conditions also affect the itinerary. If Renjo La is closed by snow, the route reverses to attempt Cho La first. If two passes are closed, the trek may need to abandon one pass and add a Gokyo Ri day instead. A good operator quotes with built-in flexibility and explains the alternate plans.

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Confirm the quote includes 2 to 3 contingency days, not as extras. The contingency days are critical because pass closures are common in shoulder season. Verify the guide has crossed all three passes multiple times, since route finding on each pass is different. Confirm the package includes crampons for the Cho La glacier crossing, since the ice is slippery even in October.

Ask for the contingency plan in writing. A good quote specifies what happens if Renjo La closes (route via Thame instead), what happens if Cho La closes (route via Phortse instead), and what happens if Kongma La closes (route via Lobuche and EBC instead). Build 2 buffer days in Kathmandu for Lukla flight cancellations, since 15 percent of flights cancel in shoulder season.

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Everest Base Camp Trek at 12 to 14 days costs $1,600 to $2,400 per person and is the standard Khumbu trek. Three Passes is $200 to $400 more for 6 to 7 extra days and 3 high pass crossings. Gokyo Lakes Trek at 12 to 14 days costs $1,500 to $2,200 and reaches Gokyo Ri at 5,357m without pass crossings.

Compared to Mera Peak Climbing at 16 to 20 days for $2,500 to $3,800, Three Passes is $500 to $1,000 cheaper and does not require a climbing permit. For trekkers who want the most comprehensive Khumbu experience without a climb, Three Passes is the right choice. For trekkers who want a 6,000m summit, Mera Peak is the alternative.

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The biggest mistake is booking a quote without contingency days. A 18-day quote sounds cheaper than a 21-day quote, but a single pass closure can collapse the entire itinerary. Another mistake is choosing a guide who has only done one or two passes, since each pass has different route-finding challenges.

Do not accept a package that lists only one porter for four trekkers. The Three Passes route has long days and high altitude, and a 1-in-4 porter ratio means each porter carries 30+ kg, which is unsafe. Also avoid packages that skip the contingency days and offer a so-called fast 16-day version, which leaves no margin for pass closures or altitude rest.

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Are the passes safe in shoulder season?

Yes, in October, April and May. February and March see more snow.

Can I include a Mera Peak climb?

Yes, with a 6 to 8 day extension at $1,500 to $2,500 plus the NMA climbing permit.

Is helicopter rescue reliable from the passes?

Yes, but only from Gokyo, EBC or Chhukung. Pass tops have no landing zone.

Can I do only two passes?

Yes, the Renjo La and Cho La combination is popular at 16 to 18 days for $1,700 to $2,400 per person.

สรุป

A Three Passes trek quote at $1,800 to $2,800 per person should include both Lukla flights, all three permits, guide, porter, full-board meals, lodging and 2 to 3 contingency days. Helicopter return, insurance, tips and personal gear are standard exclusions. Verify the guide has crossed all three passes and ask for the contingency plan in writing.

ข้อสรุป

Three Passes is the most comprehensive Khumbu trek for 2027 and 2028, but only with a well-built quote that includes contingency days. Pay for the 21-day version, choose a multi-pass-experienced guide, and budget for tips and insurance. The right quote delivers all three 5,300m+ passes without surprises.