Trip overview
Everest Three Passes Trek Overview
Challenge yourself in an abode of the world’s tallest mountain by crossing three high-altitude Mountain Passes. Are you looking for the Himalayan wilderness adventure? Look no further! The Everest Three Passes Trek itinerary knitted by the Himalaya View Treks can never be matched with other ordinary itinerary. In fact, travel with locals. Then quench your thirst to leave your mark or footprints in the challenging higher elevation places of Khumbu Nepal. These places are inside the Sagarmatha National Park. Additionally, it is the highest park of the world. inside the Sagarmatha National Park,
Everest Three Passes Trek is a one-stop adventure through some of the most rugged and remote trails on Earth. 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. Renjo La (5,360m), Cho La (5,420m), and Kongma La (5,535m) . Each offering lifetime experiences and awe-inspiring views.
Along the route, we also hike to Everest Base Camp (5,364m) and the turquoise Gokyo Lakes, making this journey one of the most complete and rewarding trekking adventures in Nepal. The Everest Three Passes Trek connects the main highlights of the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu rural municipality while taking you through less-visited trails and authentic Sherpa villages.
Best Time for the Everest Three Passes Trek
The ideal seasons for the Everest Three Passes Trek are March to May (spring) and September to November (autumn) — when the weather is clear, and the mountain views are spectacular. Nowadays, winter season is also okay to trek in the trail like the Everest View Trek and the Everest Base Camp Trek in Nepal. However, we highly recommend you to avoid monsoon season and winter season especially for the Everest 3 Passes trek in Nepal.
Anti-clockwise route or clockwise route? Renjo La first or Kongma La first?
The trek usually follows either a clockwise or anti-clockwise route. While the anti-clockwise route is more challenging, the clockwise direction (starting with Renjo La Pass) is slightly easier and offers better acclimatization.
Moreover, Your adventure begins with a scenic flight to Lukla, followed by a hike to Namche Bazaar, the bustling capital of the Khumbu region. From there, the trail leads to the charming village of Thame, known for producing famous high-altitude climbers. Continuing onwards, you’ll reach the pristine Gokyo Lakes before crossing Renjo La Pass. The journey continues across Cho La and Kongma La, with side hikes to Gokyo Ri (5,357m) and Kala Patthar (5,545m). Both View point offering magnificent close-up views of Mt. Everest.
Everest Three Passes Trek Highlights
- Cross three high passes — Renjo La (5,360 m), Cho La (5,420 m), and Kongma La (5,535 m) — all above 5,000 meters.
- Climb Gokyo Ri (5,357 m) and Kala Patthar (5,545 m) for spectacular panoramic views of Mount Everest and the surrounding Himalayan peaks.
- Reach Everest Base Camp (5,364 m) and experience the legendary Khumbu region and views toward the Khumbu Icefall.
- Explore the Gokyo Lakes and Ngozumpa Glacier, surrounded by some of the most impressive mountain scenery in the Everest region.
- Visit traditional Sherpa villages, including Khumjung, and learn about the local culture and way of life.
- Cross the famous Hillary Suspension Bridge and explore the lively mountain town of Namche Bazaar.
- Experience the remote high-altitude landscapes of the Everest region, with opportunities to see Himalayan wildlife and yak herds along the trail.
- Stay overnight in Gorakshep (5,140 m), the final settlement before Everest Base Camp.
- Enjoy breathtaking views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, Cholatse, and other Himalayan peaks throughout the trek.
15 Days Everest Three Passes Tek
The 15 Days Everest Three Passes Trek is a challenging journey through some of the most spectacular landscapes in the Everest region. The route combines three high mountain passes with Everest Base Camp, Gokyo Lakes, Gokyo Ri, Kala Patthar, remote valleys, glaciers, and traditional Sherpa villages.
The trek requires good physical preparation and proper acclimatization because several days involve hiking above 5,000 meters. Our experienced local guides and porters provide support throughout the journey, while the itinerary allows time for acclimatization before crossing the high passes.
October and November are among the best months for the trek, offering generally stable weather, clear mountain views, and good visibility. Spring, particularly March to May, is another popular season for trekking in the Everest region.
If you are new to high-altitude trekking, the Everest Three Passes Trek may be more challenging than a standard Everest Base Camp trek. In that case, we recommend considering the Everest Base Camp Trek first to gain experience with altitude and long trekking days
Trek Distance Calculation of Three Pass Trek and EBC Trek
Before you book the Everest Three Passes Trek in Nepal, know about the total trekking distance. Normally, the Everest Base Camp Trek is about 165 kilometers long including return trip. However, you must add another 33 to 69 kilometers long depending upon the trekking itinerary during the Three Passes Trek. The biggest hindrance in the successful trekking trip of the Everest Three Passes Trek is the mental state of a trekker. It plays vital role in avoiding the altitude sickness even in the higher elevation trekking activities! Interestingly,
Why We Recommend the Clockwise Route
Most Everest Three High Passes Trek itineraries follow the anti-clockwise route, crossing Kongma La Pass (5,535 m) first. This option is popular because trekkers usually acclimatize in Namche Bazaar and Dingboche or Chhukung before attempting the highest pass.
However, starting from Thame and crossing Renjo La Pass first is generally less demanding. The route through the beautiful Gokyo Valley and Gokyo Lake before crossing Cho La Pass offers a more gradual and comfortable trekking experience.
Many trekkers struggle to complete all three passes after hiking to Everest Base Camp (5,364 m). Reaching the base camp often leaves them too tired to continue, causing some to skip the remaining passes.
For this reason, Himalaya View Treks recommends the clockwise route. It allows you to cross Renjo La and Cho La before reaching Everest Base Camp, increasing your chances of completing all three high passes. Along the way, you’ll also enjoy the spectacular scenery of Gokyo Valley, its turquoise lakes, and panoramic views from Gokyo Ri.
Glaciers Along the Everest Three Passes Route
The enticing and captivating factor in terms of Himalayan experiences is definitely the excursion of legendary glaciers. During the journey of the Everest 3 High Passes Trek in Nepal, one can walk in the world’s largest and the world’s longest Himalayan glaciers. The Ngozumpa glacier starting from Choyou Mountain is the world’s longest and the Khumbu glacier coming out from ridge between Everest and Lhotse – Nuptse ridge is the highest in the world and largest in Nepal. Besides glacier, you can also knit the experiences of Himalayan moraines.
What are the permits that you need to do the Everest High Passes Trekking in Nepal?
Get two trekking permits to do the Everest Three Passes Trekking trip. Earlier, trekkers had to take the Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) permit but it is no longer in use. Obtain the Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality entry permit that costs NRs. 3000 to all. Similarly, you must also obtain the Sagarmatha National Park Entry permit that costs NRs. 3000 to foreigners and NRs. 1500 to SAARC nationals. You can get the rural municipality entry permit in Lukla and the Sagarmatha National Park entry permit in Jorsalle near Monjo Village.
Important Things to Know Before the Trek
Know about various things to remember before 3 High Passes Everest Trek in Nepal. Please understand that the Everest Three Passes Trek is different from other regular treks in Nepal. Even if the treks are considered challenging, those treks may not be par with the passes trek in Everest region. Altitude, trail, and the surroundings my make you feel dwarfed and may decrease your confidence. Therefore, you must consider lots of things from physical preparation to food habits. Similarly it is from acclimatization to proper trekking crew members for a successful trek.
How to Prepare for the Everest Three Passes Trek
The journey of the Everest Three High Passes Trekking in Nepal requires lots of physical fitness level. You also need cardio – vascular abilities. Make sure to start the fitness regime at least one month prior to the trek to build up the adequate fitness level. Perform exercises like cycling, swimming, running, hiking, and walking. Average walking hours per day during this amazing challenging trekking trip in Nepal range from 6 to 7 hours. Build up the fitness level to endure this demand for a successful trekking trip.
Please note that you mustn’t ignore the difficulty of crossing High Passes of Everest region like Chola, Kongma La, and Renjo La. Inquire with our travel planners to prepare well to tackle these challenging courses of the Everest Region. For more information, you can refer to our travel blogs or simply contact the travel planners.
Which Is the Hardest Pass on the Everest Three Passes Trek?
The Everest Three Passes Trek crosses three high mountain passes: Kongma La (5,535 m), Cho La (5,420 m), and Renjo La (5,360 m). Each pass presents different challenges, and the difficulty can vary depending on weather, trail conditions, altitude, and a trekker’s experience and fitness.
Based on our decades of experience trekking in the Everest region, we consider Kongma La Pass (5,535 m) the hardest overall. It is the highest of the three passes and involves a long, demanding day at high altitude, with steep and rocky terrain and limited facilities along the route.
Cho La Pass can also be particularly challenging because conditions around the glacier can make the crossing more technically demanding. Renjo La Pass, although the lowest of the three, still requires good acclimatization and physical preparation.
For this reason, trekkers should be well prepared, properly acclimatized, and accompanied by an experienced guide when crossing the high passes. The combination of altitude, challenging terrain, and changing mountain conditions makes the Everest Three Passes Trek one of the most demanding trekking routes in the Everest region.
Everest Three Passes Trek Cost
Our travel planners have knitted the trekking package. It is in such a way that you are ensured of successful trek and also the impeccable hospitality. Furthermore, you will also be personally taken care especially during the passes crossing day. Note down that these activities to reach the top of the pass and navigating through the trail requires lots of experiences. The package starts from 1430 $ per person for pax from 30 plus. Similarly, the single trekker may have to spend about 1490 $ to 1600 $ for standard trekking package.
Why Trek with HIMALAYA View Treks?
HIMALAYA View Treks is a government-registered local trekking company based in Nepal, dedicated to providing safe, authentic, and memorable Himalayan adventures. Our experienced team is committed to delivering personalized service and ensuring a successful trekking experience from arrival to departure. You can easily contact our travel planners via WhatsApp before booking, during trip preparation, and throughout your trek for quick assistance and support.
1, More than 35 licensed guides and trekking staff
2, Experienced local Sherpa, Rai, Tamang, Gurung, and Magar team
3, Government-registered trekking company in Nepal
4, Complimentary airport pickup and drop-off service
5, Licensed, experienced, and friendly Everest High passes trek Familiar local trekking guides
6, 24/7 emergency support during the trek
7, Well-trained guides with first aid and altitude awareness
8, Staff insurance and fair wages for guides and porters
9, Free duffel bag and HIMALAYA View Treks T-shirt
10, Personalized service with small and private groups
11, Trek on Clients preferred dates
12, Transparent pricing with no hidden costs
13, Assistance with permits, transportation, and trekking logistics
14, Personalized trip completion certificate with your name printed
15, Excellent reviews from trekkers around the world
Join HIMALAYA View Treks and discover the beauty of Everest Three High Passes Trek Nepal with a trusted local team that puts your safety, comfort, and satisfaction first.
Another Longer Adventure
Manaslu and Annapurna Circuit Trek – 19 Days
If you are looking for another long and rewarding Himalayan adventure, the Manaslu and Annapurna Circuit Trek – 19 Days is an excellent choice. This combined trek takes you through two of Nepal’s spectacular trekking regions, with remote mountain valleys, traditional villages, diverse landscapes, and challenging high-altitude trails. The journey offers impressive views of Manaslu, Annapurna, and surrounding Himalayan peaks while allowing you to experience the unique culture and natural beauty of the Nepal Himalayas. For experienced trekkers who enjoy longer routes and want to explore more of Nepal beyond the Everest region, the Manaslu and Annapurna Circuit Trek – 19 Days provides a memorable and adventurous Himalayan experience.
What Our Trekkers Say
Planning the Everest Three Passes Trek? Read our TripAdvisor reviews to see what previous trekkers say about our guides, support, and trekking experience in the Everest region.
Short Itinerary
Everest Three Passes Trek Itinerary - 15 Days
Day 01: Fly to Lukla (30 minutes) at 2,800 m/9,156 ft and trek to Phakding. Walking distance: 7.6 km (2–3 hours), 2,640 m/8,659 ft.
Day 02: Trek to Namche Bazaar. Walking distance: 12.3 km (6–7 hours), 3,440 m/11,283 ft.
Day 03: Acclimatization day in Namche Bazaar. Hike to Everest View Hotel and explore the surrounding area.
Day 04: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Thame. Walking distance: 8.5 km (4 hours), 3,800 m/12,464 ft.
Day 05: Trek from Thame to Lungdeng. Walking distance: 8.6 km (5–6 hours), 4,600 m/15,088 ft.
Day 06: Trek from Lungdeng to Gokyo via Renjo La Pass. Walking distance: 12 km (6–7 hours), 4,760 m/15,612 ft. Renjo La Pass: 5,360 m/17,580 ft.
Day 07: Acclimatization day in Gokyo. Hike to Gokyo Ri. Walking distance: approximately 3 km round trip (about 2 hours), 5,357 m/17,575 ft.
Day 08: Trek from Gokyo to Thangnak. Walking distance: 7 km (4–5 hours), 4,700 m/15,416 ft.
Day 09: Trek from Thangnak to Dzongla via Cho La Pass. Walking distance: 10 km (6–7 hours), Cho La Pass: 5,417 m/17,767 ft.
Day 10: Trek from Dzongla to Gorakshep. Walking distance: 11.3 km (approximately 5 hours), 5,140 m/16,859 ft. Continue to Everest Base Camp at approximately 5,364 m/17,598 ft.
Day 11: Early morning hike to Kala Patthar (5,545 m/18,187 ft), followed by a trek back to Lobuche. Walking distance: approximately 5 km (2–3 hours).
Day 12: Trek from Lobuche to Dingboche via Kongma La Pass. Walking time: approximately 7 hours. Kongma La Pass: 5,535 m/18,154 ft.
Day 13: Trek from Dingboche to Namche Bazaar. Walking distance: 14.2 km (7–8 hours), 3,440 m/11,283 ft.
Day 14: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla. Walking distance: 13.5 km (6–7 hours), 2,800 m/9,184 ft.
Day 15: Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu. Flight duration: approximately 35 minutes. Transfer to your hotel.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 01: 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.
Day 02: 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.
Day 03: 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.
Day 04: 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.
Day 05: 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.
Day 06: 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.
Day 07: Acclimatization day
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.
Day 08: 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.
Day 09: 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.
Day 10: Trek to Gorakshep
Trek to Gorakshep ( 5140m. 5-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.
Day 11: 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.
Day 12: 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 Kongma 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 and have Hot Tea and then Trek to Dingboche for the overnight sleep.
Day 13: 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.
Day 14: 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.
Day 15: Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu
Early in the morning, we will take a scenic flight from Lukla to Kathmandu. The flight takes approximately 35 minutes, depending on weather and operating conditions. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, our guide will transfer you to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for rest, relaxation, or exploring Kathmandu.
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
- 14 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 porter service to carry trekkers’ luggage — one porter for every two trekkers. Porter service is not included for solo travellers and can be arranged at an additional cost upon request.
- 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, 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
Trip Map
