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Trip overview
Everest Three Passes Trek – 17 Days
The Everest Three Passes Trek is the most challenging and complete trekking adventure in the Everest region. This 17-day Everest Three High Passes Trek crosses three major mountain passes — Renjo La (5,340m), Cho La (5,420m), and Kongma La (5,535m) — and also includes Everest Base Camp and the stunning Gokyo Lakes. It is the perfect choice for experienced trekkers seeking a high-altitude Himalayan journey. This Everest Three Passes Trek in Nepal offers a full circuit of the Khumbu region and is considered more adventurous than the classic Everest Base Camp trekking.
Everest Three High Passes Trek Overview
The Everest Three Passes Trek is a one-stop adventure through some of the most rugged and remote trails in Nepal. Every step rewards you with breathtaking Himalayan panoramas and unforgettable moments. Designed for true adventure lovers, this trek challenges you to cross three of the highest mountain passes in the Everest region.
Along the route, you will visit Everest Base Camp (5,364m) and explore the turquoise Gokyo Lakes, making this one of the most complete trekking experiences in the Himalayas. The trail connects the main highlights of the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality while taking you through less-visited paths and authentic Sherpa villages.
The best time for the Everest High Passes:
- Spring (March to May) – Clear skies and blooming rhododendrons
- Autumn (September to November) – Stable weather and crystal-clear mountain views
October is considered the ideal month for this trek due to excellent visibility and pleasant weather conditions.
High Passes Difficulty Level
Accommodation & Meals
Route Options: Clockwise vs Anti-Clockwise
The Everest Three High Passes Trek can be done in two directions:
- Clockwise Route (Recommended)
Starts via Renjo La Pass. It offers better acclimatization and is slightly easier.
- Anti-Clockwise Route
More challenging due to faster altitude gain and tougher pass crossings.
Everest Three Passes Treks Highlights
- Cross three high mountain passes above 5,000m
- Visit Everest Base Camp and the Khumbu Icefall
- Explore the stunning Gokyo Lakes and Ngozumpa Glacier
- Climb Gokyo Ri and Kala Patthar for panoramic Himalayan views
- Experience Sherpa culture in traditional villages
- Walk across the iconic Hillary Suspension Bridge
- Enjoy views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, and more
Why Choose Everest Three Passes Trek?
The Everest Three Passes Trek is more than just a trek — it’s a complete Himalayan adventure. Compared to the standard Everest Base Camp trek, this route offers:
- Less crowded trails
- More diverse landscapes
- Higher and more adventurous passes
- A complete circuit of the Everest region
This trek is perfect for those seeking a true challenge and a deeper exploration of the Himalayas.
Experience of a Lifetime
The Everest high Passes Trek is a true test of endurance, spirit, and determination. From glacial crossings to turquoise lakes and high mountain passes, every moment is unforgettable.
Hiking up Kala Patthar offers one of the closest and most breathtaking views of Mount Everest — a moment that will stay with you forever.
With experienced local guides and strong porter support, your journey is safe, well-managed, and deeply rewarding.
Ready for the Adventure?
Challenge yourself on the Everest Three High Passes Trekking and experience one of the most incredible journeys in Nepal. Book today or customize your itinerary with our expert team on WhatsApp.
Short Itinerary
Everest Three Passes Trek Itinerary - 17 Days
Day 01: Fly to Lukla 30 Minutes (2800m/9156ft and trek to Phakding (walking distance 6 km (2/3 hours) 2640m/8659ft
Day 02: Trek to Namche Bazaar walking distance 7.4 km (6/7 hours) 3440m/11283ft)
Day 03: Rest day in the same place for acclimatization ( Hike to Everest View Hotel )
Day 04: Trek From Namche to Thame walking distance 6.8 km (4 hours) 3800m/12464ft
Day 05: Thame to Lungdeng walking distance 8.6 km (5/6 hours) 4600m/15088ft
Day 06: Lungdeng to Gokyo (4760m.15612ft) via Renjo pass walking distance 6/7 hours (5360m/17580ft)
Day 07: Acclimatization day, Hike to Gokyo Peak walking distance 1.3km (4/5 hours) 5560m/18236ft)
Day 08: Gokyo to Tangnak walking distance 3.7 km ( 4 hours) 4700m/15416ft
Day 09: Thannak to Zhong la via Cho La Pass walking distance 9.4km (6/7 hours) 5417m/17767ft
Day 10: Zhong La to Lobuche walking distance 6.6km (4 hours) 4930m/16170ft
Day 11: Lobuche to Gorakshep walking distance of 4.5km. (3 hours) 5140m/16859ft) Everest base camp 5346m/17593ft
Day 12: Hike to Kalapattar (5545m/18187ft) and trek back to Lobuche walking distance of 3.9 km (2/3 hours)
Day 13: Lobuche to Dingboche via Kongma-La (5535m/18154ft) 7 hours walking)
Day 14: Dingbiche to Tengboche walking distance of 9.1 km (5/6) hours. (3860m/12660ft)
Day 15: Tengboche to Namche Bazaar walking distance (5/7 hours) 5.9km. (3440m/11283ft) 6/7
Day 16: Namche to Lukla walking distance of 13.5 km (6/7 hours) (2800m/9184ft)
Day 17: Fly back to Kathmandu early in the morning around 07:00 AM (35 minutes)
Detailed Itinerary
1. Fly to Lukla and trek to Phagding
Early in the morning the guide will pick you at the hotel and head to domestic terminal for the flight to Lukla. The 35 minutes flight from Kathmandu to Lukla is amazing. It can be termed as the mountain flight as well. You get to see plethora of mountains. The landing at the Tenzing Hillary airport is also the experience to gather. As the airstrip is the world's most extreme airport. We will meet the rest of the crew members in Lukla. After short coffee break, we will start to walk to Phakding. The trail is easy as it traverse through small hamlets, streams, Mani walls and suspension bridges.
2. Trek to Namche Bazar
Trek to Namche Bazaar (3440m.) via Jorsalle, Hillary Bridge adn Top danda to Namche ( 6/7 hours walking) stay overnight at Lodge.
We will start our trek after breakfast. Today's trail is marvelous. We will enter the Sagarmatha National Park in Manjo. There are more than 5 suspension bridges in the trail. The trail is easy to walk on and you will have to cross many suspension bridges. The most interesting suspension bridge to cross is the Twin Hillary bridge at the foothill of Namche Bazaar. We will also get the first glimpse of Mt. Everest today. Just before reaching Namche, you can get an amazing view of Mt. Everest for the first time if weather permits. In the evening you can stroll around the marketplace. Namche Bazaar is the biggest Sherpa town on the Everest Base Camp Trek.
3. Acclimatization day
Acclimatization day, Hike to Everest view hotel (3,880m) and Khumjung village, including Hillary school and hospital
On this day we will do our first acclimatization exercises. Today's main purpose is to reach high altitude and rest in low altitude. You can get the splendid scenery of mountains like Tabuche, Lhotse, Nuptse etc.
After visiting the Sherpa Mountain Museum, we will return back to our teahouse/lodge.
4. Trek to Thame
Trek to Thame (3800m) 4 hours walking, overnight at a lodge, this village is well known by all Everest climbers and the starting point of the three passes trek.
We will leave the main trekking trail of Everest Base Camp and head to Thame. If we trek following the left trail, we will reach to Everest Base Camp but right trekking trail takes us to Thame. For about 4 hours we trek on the trail starting from the right side of Namche Bazaar.
Thame village is the best village of Sherpa people. The village is known as the society of Everest Summitteers. Therefore, you can get to hear lots of mountaineering stories during stay in Thame village.
5. Trek to Lumde
Trek to Lumde (Lungdeng) (4600m) 5/6 hours walking) stay overnight at Lodge.
We will continue our trekking after breakfast. On this day we will trek to Lumde. It is the best day to observe surrounding Khumbu landscape as well as Sherpa culture & rituals.
6. Cross Renjo la pass to Gokyo
Finally, today is the day to cross the first high pass in our three high passes trek journey. It takes about 6-7 hours to cross the pass. From the top of the pass, we can see mountains like Everest, Choyou, Lhotse and Makalu. These mountains are within the top ten mountainsof the world. The final destination on this day is Gokyo Lake area. Enjoy your strolling on the shores of the lake and get the picturesque vibes today. Relish the chance to experience the blue turquoise lake and peaceful Sherpa hamlets.
Trek to Gokyo (4760m.) via Renjo pass (5435) 6 hours walking) stay overnight at Gokyo.
7. Hike to Gokyo Ri
It is a spare rest day. However you can hike to Gokyo Ri and get the outstanding 360 degree view of mountains. Visit Gokyo Ri (Gokyo Peak 5560m.) in the morning (4 ½ hours walking) for sunrise view and all-mountain views, from here we able to see 4 mountains more than eight thousand meters high. Mt. Everest, Mt. Makalu, Mt, Lhotse and Mt Cho yo. Hike back to Gokyo and stay overnight at same Lodge.
8. Trek to Thagnak
Trek to Tangnak ( 4700m. via Gokyo Ngozumpa glacier, 5 hours walk, overnight at the lodge in Thagnak
After breakfast, we will continue our trekking to Thagnak. The trail is over the rugged rocky terrain in the Ngozumba glacier. We will rest and relax as tomorrow early in the morning we will have to cross the Chola Pass.
9. Chola Pass to Zhong La
Trek to Zhong la via Chola Pass (5320m. 6/7 hours walking) stay overnight at lodge
In the wee hours, we will start the trekking. We will take the packed breakfast. It is necessary to walk the trail as early as possible. From the top of Chola Pass, we will be able to see panoramic view of mountains. The landscape is amazing. You can get the best pictures from the top. Heed the instructions of the guide while descending to Zhong La. Rest and relax in the evening.
10. Trek to Lobuche
Easy day, Trek to Lobuche (4930m. 4 hours walking) stay overnight at Lodge.
Today is an easy day to walk. We will casually walk on the trail enjoying the view of mountains to Lobuche. Evening in Lobuche is peaceful and you can get the best view of Mt. Pumori and Lobuche.
11. Trek to Gorakshep
Trek to Gorakshep ( 5140m. 3-hour walking, same day visit to Everest base camp and back to Gorakshep, overnight at Lodge,
Today, we will reach the Everest Base Camp. Early in the morning, we will walk on the moraine and glacier to Gorakshep. After checking in at the lodge, we will hike to Everest Base Camp. Enjoy your time being at the base camp of the world's tallest mountain Mt. Everest. After exploring the base camp area, we will return back to Gorakshep for overnight stay.
12. Hike to Kalapathar and trek back to Labuche
Visit Kalapattar (5545m.) Early in the morning for the best Everest view and then trek back to Lobuche (5 hours walking stay Overnight at lodge.
In the wee hours, we will hike to the top of Kalapathar. You will have to follow the instructions of the guide. It is still dark as we are hiking to the top of the hill for sunrise. The sunrise from the top is splendid. You can get the best view of Mt. Pumori and Mt. Everest. After returning back from the top, we will have breakfast and retrace back to Lobuche.
13. Cross to Kongma-La (5535m)
Cross to Kongma-La (5535m) 7 hours walking) stay overnight at Lodge in Dingboche.
Early in the morning, we will start to trek towards the top of the Kong Ma La Pass. At first we will trek on the glacier and trek uphill to the top. The trail is narrow and rugged. Always heed the instructions of the trekking guide. Don't wander on your own. There are many crevasses and vertical trails. Don't trek on your own. Upon crossing the pass we will reach Chhukung. If time permits, we will trek further to Dingboche for the overnight sleep.
14. Trek back to Tengboche
Trek back to Tyangboche (3860m) 5 hours walking) and stay overnight at Lodge.
The return trek in any trekking trails is amazing as the altitude decreases, air density to increases. It makes easier to breathe and enjoy the surrounding scenery. We will explore the monastery in the evening. Enjoy the view of Mt. Amadablam, Pangboche Valley and Namche Valley from the top of the Tengboche.
15. Trek back to Namche
Trek back to Namche Bazaar (3440m. 6/7 hours walking) and stay overnight at Lodge.
We will have to trek downhill to Phungi Thanga and again climb uphill to Kyangjuma. The trail traverses through green lush forests. Upon reaching the Namche Bazaar we will complete the circumambulation of the Khumbu circuit.
16. Trek Back to Lukla
Trek back to Lukla ( 2800m. 7/8 hours walking) and overnight at Lodge.
We will trek through Manjo and Phakding to Lukla. In the evening we will bid farewell to our crew members. We will also celebrate our trek success.
17. Fly back to Kathmandu
Fly back to Kathmandu early in the morning around 07:00 AM (35 minutes) overnight at your own hotel.
We will fly back to Kathmandu. The guide will take you back to your own hotel. In the evening the agency will host the farewell dinner at the Nepalese style cultural restaurant. We will discuss the trip feedback as well.
Included
- Airport pickup and drop as per client’s arrival and departure date
- Hotel- domestic airport- hotel by car/ van, depend on group sizes
- Domestic flights (Kathmandu - Lukla - Kathmandu) tickets including airport taxes
- All meals (Breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during your Everest Three passes Trek
- 16 nights Hotel Accommodation during Everest Three passes Trek
- Government licensed holder, fluent English Speaking, Familiar HVT guide
- Assistant guide if Group sizes is more than 10 trekkers)
- Guide and Porter wages including their meals, accommodation, and Salary
- Staff insurance including medication coverage
- Guide and Assistance both ways Lukla flight Ticket
- Strong local Porters for Carry trekker’s luggage One porter every 2 trekkers
- Water purification drop or tablets for safe drinking water
- Sagarmatha National Park entry permit fee
- Khumbu Pashang Lhamu Rural Municipality permits fees
- Seasonal fresh fruits every day during Everest Three passes trek
- Oximeter to measure Pulse and oxygen level
- Himalaya View Treks Company T-shirt as a Souvenirs and duffel bag if you needed
- Safe storing at company store during the trek
- Local government, taxes, including official Service Charge
- Trip completion Certificate
Not Included
- Hotel accommodation and meals In Kathmandu
- Personal expense (shopping, snacks, boil bottle water, hot (tea, coffee) and cold drinks, hot shower, alcohol, Wi-Fi, telephone call, battery charge fee during the Everest three passes Trek)
- Personal clothing and trekking gear
- Sleeping bag and down jacket available for rent in our store
- Personal travel insurance including evacuation coverage (compulsory) up to 6000m)
- Additional costs if delays flights and outside the itinerary
- All the costs and expenses which are not mentioned in includes list
- Tips for Guide and Porters at the end of the treks
Useful Info
Useful Information for Everest Three Passes Trek
Travel Insurance
Equipment List for the Everest High Passes Trek
FAQs
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What is the Everest Three Passes Trek?
The Everest Three Passes Trek is the most adventurous trekking route in the Everest region, crossing three high mountain passes: Renjo La (5,340m), Cho La (5,420m), and Kongma La (5,535m). It also includes visits to Everest Base Camp and the beautiful Gokyo Lakes.
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How difficult is the Everest Three Passes Trek?
This trek is considered very challenging and is suitable for experienced trekkers. It involves long walking days (6–8 hours), high altitudes above 5,000 meters, and steep ascents and descents.
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How many days does the Everest Three Passes Trek take?
The standard itinerary is 17 to 20 days, depending on acclimatization days, route choice, and weather conditions.
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What is the best time to do the Everest Three Passes Trek?
The best seasons are: • Spring (March to May) – Clear skies and blooming rhododendrons • Autumn (September to November) – Stable weather and best mountain views October is considered the most ideal month.
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Do I need previous trekking experience?
Yes, prior trekking experience at high altitude is highly recommended. Trekkers should be physically fit and mentally prepared for demanding conditions.
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What permits are required for the trek?
You need: Sagarmatha National Park Permit and Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit, These are mandatory for all trekkers.
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What is the highest point of the trek?
The highest point is Kongma La Pass (5,535m), making it one of the highest trekking passes in Nepal.
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Is altitude sickness a risk?
Yes, due to high elevation, there is a risk of Altitude Sickness. Proper acclimatization, hydration, and a gradual ascent are essential to minimize the risk.
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Which route is better: clockwise or anti-clockwise?
The clockwise route (starting via Renjo La) is considered easier and better for acclimatization. The anti-clockwise route is more challenging.
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What accommodation is available during the trek?
Accommodation is in teahouses (lodges) with basic but comfortable facilities. At higher altitudes, services become more limited.
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Can beginners do the Everest Three Passes Trek?
This trek is not recommended for beginners. It is better suited for trekkers with prior high-altitude trekking experience like Everest Base Camp or Annapurna Circuit.
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What should I pack for the Everest Three Passes Trek?
Essential items include: Warm layered clothing, Down jacket & sleeping bag, Trekking boots, Trekking poles and Basic first aid kit
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Is a guide necessary for the trek?
Yes, hiring a guide is highly recommended for safety, navigation, and local knowledge, especially while crossing high passes.
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. What are the major highlights of the trek?
• Crossing three high passes above 5,000m • Visiting Everest Base Camp • Exploring Gokyo Lakes • Stunning views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu • Experiencing Sherpa culture in villages like Namche Bazaar
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How much does the Everest Three Passes Trek cost?
The cost varies depending on services, guide, permits, and itinerary. On average, it ranges between USD 1,500 to 2,500 per person.


