Everest Three Passes Trek-20 days

Things to Know
  • Duration20 Days
  • Difficulty Level Technical Challenging
  • Altitude 5,555 m/ 18,225 ft
  • Trip Type High Altitude Trekking
  • Start and End Kathmandu - Kathmandu
  • Best Time Mar-May, Sep-Nov
What You’ll Do
  • A scenic flight to Lukla
  • Trek through three challenging 5,000 meters passes - Renjo La (5,360m), Kongma La (5,535m) & Cho La (5,420m)
  • Explore the Gateway to the Everest region, Namche Bazaar
  • Explore the ancient monasteries like Tengboche and Pangboche
  • Gaze upon the spectacular view of the Himalayan mountains, including eight-thousanders like Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu & Kanchenjunga
  • The trail gets less crowded once you begin to approach the high Passes
  • Reach Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar
  • Enjoy mesmerizing views of the Gokyo Lakes 
  • Walk along the longest glacier in Nepal, Ngozumpa Glacier
  • Hike to viewpoints such as Hotel Everest View, Chhukung Ri, and Gokyo Ri

An exquisite fusion of three challenging mountain passes, beautiful valleys, pristine lakes, breathtaking eight-thousander peaks, and indescribable glaciers wrapped up in one incredible adventure of this 20-day Everest Three Passes Trek. 

Do you feel like you are missing a lot of thrilling aspects of the journey after reading that? Well, then you should. Described as one of the finest & favourite treks of avid trekkers, Everest Three Pass trekking is said to be one of the most visually appealing treks in the Himalayas. This multi-day adventure takes you to the flawless Dudh Koshi Valley, decorated with beautiful glacial streams, lush rhododendron forests, and alpine lakes. During the three-pass trek, you hike to Everest Basecamp Trek, catch a gorgeous sunrise from Kala Patthar (5,644 m/18,519 ft), spend nights in beautiful Sherpa villages, and explore the Gokyo Lakes.

The Gokyo lakes carry religious significance for Hindus and Buddhists. Six Gokyo Lakes (4,700 m to 5,000 m) are full of sparkling turquoise water, making them a tempting visual treat. You must cross the Kongma La and Cho La passes to reach Gokyo lakes. The trail also goes via the Nogzumpa Glacier, the biggest glacier in Nepal.  Our Everest three-pass trek itinerary has ample acclimatization days, which means multiple adventurous side excursions. The well-built market town of Namche Bazaar (3,440 m/11,290 ft) will be your first acclimatization spot where you hike to Hotel Everest View (3,962 m/13,000 ft) and can further explore the flourished markets and rich Sherpa culture. 

Then we have a rest day in Chhukung (4,730 m/15,518 ft), during which we explore Chhukung Ri (5,550 m/18,208 ft) and hike to Gokyo Ri (5,357 m/17,575 ft) while acclimatizing in Gokyo village ( 4,750 m/15,584 ft). The landscapes along the three-pass trek are out of this world, with such a captivating view. You will explore 500-year-old monasteries that not only hold a rich history but are also the hub of Nyingma Buddhism. Tengboche (3,867 m/12,687 ft) and Pangboche (3,985 m/13,074 ft) gompas are the two main ancient monasteries you visit, apart from all the stupas, chortens, mani walls, and prayer wheels along the trail. 

Views During The Everest Three Passes Trek

Filled with challenging gems of the Khumbu region, you will be crossing three significant passes, all above 5,000 meters. The first one is Renjo La Pass (5,360 m/17,585 ft), which bestows the outlook of Mt. Cho Oyu (8,188 m/26,864 ft), Mt. Everest (8,848 m/29,031 ft), Mt. Gyachung Kang (7,952 m/26,089 ft), Mt. Lhotse (8,516 m/27,940 ft), Mt. Makalu (8,481 m/27,825 ft), Mt. Nuptse (7,861 m/25,791 ft), and the longest glacier in Nepal - Ngozumba glacier. 

The second pass will be Cho La Pass (5,420 m/17,782 ft), which is more challenging than Renjo La Pass. The third pass in your three passes trek will be Kongma La (5,535 m/18,209), which lays out the miraculous view of the Himalayas, including Lobuche Peak (6,119 m/20,075 ft), Cholatse Peak (6,440 m/21,128 ft), Island Peak (6,160 m/20,210 ft), Mt. Ama Dablam (6,812 m/22,349 ft), and many others.

The landscapes from all the viewpoints, Gokyo Lakes, and villages are excellent too. You will be catching a lot of gorgeous sunrises and sunsets during the Everest Three-Passes trekking. You can combine a helicopter return flight to Lukla or Kathmandu at the end of the trek, relishing the aerial views of the Himalayas too.

Book Everest Three Passes Trek

Nothing can be as assuring as travelling with an experienced and professional trekking guide. Our team is immensely dedicated to engraving an adventurous journey into your memory long after you are gone back home. We understand that you chose one trekking agency over others, expecting a lot from them, and that is why we are focused on maintaining that trust. To learn more about Everest, three passes trek 2025, refer to the article's "useful information" section below. We have also meticulously designed our other packages; feel free to check them out. Likewise, contact our team, available 24/7 for a trouble-free interaction. 

Optional Trekking Packages

Check out these equally challenging and adventurous trekking packages in the Himalayas- Annapurna Basecamp Trek, Manaslu Circuit Trek, Langtang Gosaikunda Trek, Kanchenjunga North Basecamp Trek, Manaslu Circuit With Tsum Valley Trek and Tamang Heritage Trek

Itinerary
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  • Altitude1400 m
  • Accommodation3 Star Hotel
  • Time1-2 hours

Welcome at Airport and transfer to the hotel. An introduction to your trekking program then the rest of the day at your leisure to enjoy the sights, sounds and culture of Kathmandu.

  • Altitude1400 m
  • Accommodation3 Star Hotel

Today, you get a free day in Kathmandu. The morning is well spent visiting historical monuments like Monkey Temple, Boudhnath Stupa and  Kathmandu Durbar Square. After the guided tour, you'll get a few hours free to have lunch and rest. Later, we meet with the mountain guide and spend the rest of the evening preparing for the trek.

  • Altitude2,850 m
  • AccommodationTea house

Once you reach Lukla, have your breakfast while our guide will arrange porters. We assign one porter to every two clients. Begin the trek by descending towards the Dudh Kosi River where you join the main trail to Namche Bazaar, located just above Chaunikharka (2,713 m). The walking is easy and after passing through the small village of Ghat (2,550 m, it is a short walk to Phakding.

  • Kathmandu to Lukla Flight (January, February, June, July, August, September, and December)
  • Manthali to Lukla Flight (March, April, May, October, and November)
  • Duration: 35 mins flight from Ktm, 5-6 hrs drive & 20 mins flight from Manthali, & 3-4 hrs trek

  • Altitude3,440 m
  • AccommodationTea House
  • Time6 hours

The trail goes along the banks of the Dudh Koshi River, crossing many suspension bridges and small villages on the way. There is a police check post in Monjo where we'll register our permits. Following a lush woodland, the trail gradually ascends to Namche Bazaar. We'll walk by pine and rhododendron forests. The last few hundred meters of the path to Namche is steep, so you have to be careful while walking.

  • AltitudeHotel Everest View (3,880m)
  • AccommodationTea House
  • Time4 hours

Today will be an acclimatization day at Namche. We recommend you to explore Namche. In the morning, we'll hike to Everest View Hotel. The trail ascends along rough foothills, offering a stunning panorama of Mt. Thamserku, Mt. Chamlang, Kongde Ri, etc. Once we reach Hotel Everest View, we can see a clear view of Mt. everest and other peaks like Lhotse, Nuptse, Taboche, etc. We will also hike up the Syangboche Airport and the Everest View Hotel, one of the highest-placed hotels in the world. From this point, we can see rewarding views of the Himalayas including Mt Everest.

  • Altitude3,855 m
  • AccommodationTea House
  • Time6 hours

The trail from Namche Bazaar to Tengboche offers stunning views of Taboche and Khumbi La. We'll ascend and descend along rugged foothills. From Phortse Thanga, it's an uphill walk to Tengboche Village. Tengboche is a beautiful Sherpa village with the biggest monastery in the Khumbu region and a sensational view of Mt. Ama Dablam.

  • Altitude4,360 m
  • AccommodationTea House
  • Time5-6 hours

From Tengboche, it's a rhododendron-covered trail that descends to the Imja River. Crossing a bridge over the river, we'll walk toward Pangboche village. The route further ascends to Imja Khola Valley and goes through terraces to Dingboche village.

  • Altitude4,730 m
  • AccommodationTea House
  • Time3-4 hours

Leaving Dingboche, we ascend and descend on a rugged trail. The trail involves walking via terraced farms and small settlements. Passing by the village called Bibre, we'll walk to Chhukung Village,

  • Altitude5,550 m Chhukung RI
  • AccommodationTea House
  • Time2 hours

We’ll take another rest day in Chhukung village. To spend the morning, the team leader will take you to Chhukung Ri (5550). It is a viewpoint that presents breathtaking views of Mt. Ama Dablam, Pumori, Makalu and Lhotse peaks. We'll see many other mountains too.

  • Altitude5,535 m Kongma La pass
  • AccommodationTea House
  • Time8 hours

The trail gets strenuous as we start walking towards the Kongma La Pass. Two trails lead to Kongma La. One goes northwest of Chhukung over the Nuptse Glacier moraines. Another route first retraces its path back to Bibre and ascends above the Niyang Khola. Because there aren't any lodges or tea houses on the way, we'll carry packed food with us. The landscape from the top of Kongma La Pass is outstanding. From here, it's a downhill walk to Lobuche village.

  • Altitude5,364 m
  • AccommodationTea House
  • Time7 hours

Up to Gorak Shep, the trail is relatively gentle. We'll be walking alongside the Khumbu Glacier, enjoying the vast remoteness of the Khumbu region. Away from the bustle of villages at the start of the trek, you'll now see the remoteness and isolation of the Everest Region. The trail then continues to Everest base camp, crossing glacial streams and moraines. The trail gets steep and rocky. From the Mt. Everest base camp, the view of Khumbu Icefall is exceptionally gorgeous. After a quick detour over the base camp, we'll descend to Gorak Shep.

  • Altitude5,555 m
  • AccommodationTea House
  • Time7-8 hours

Early in the morning, we'll hike to Kala Patthar. It is a steep hike that leads to one of the most popular viewpoints in Nepal. Our goal is to catch the breathtaking sunrise over snow-capped mountains. The Mount Everest view is heavenly, and we can see the tops of numerous mountains & peaks. After the hike, we'll descend to Dzongla via Lobuche village. The trail is steep and rugged.

  • AltitudeCho La Pass (5,368 m)
  • AccommodationTea House
  • Time7-8 hours

On this day, we'll cross another widely known pass called Cho La. The day begins early in the morning, around 4 AM-5 AM. Leaving Dzongla, we ascend following a loose boulder path and pass by a rock fall area. The trail is steep and strenuous. We have to walk on the snow and glacier paths. Upon reaching Cho La top, we get to see the striking panorama of mountains. From here, we carefully descend to Thangnak to spend the night.

  • Altitude4,790 m
  • AccommodationTea House
  • Time3 hours

We have to cross the Khara, Pangka, and Ngozumpa glacier (which is the longest glacier in Nepal).  We can see the beautiful view of Kantaga and the big Mountain Cho-oyu. There are a series of six lakes and the third one is the Gokyo Lake. There is a small village near Gokyo Lake where we will stay 2 nights as we will have a sightseeing and hiking trip around Gokyo.

  • Altitude5,400 m
  • AccommodationTea House
  • Time3-4 hours

In the morning, we'll go on a hike to Gokyo Ri. The trail is steep and rugged, but the views are worth all the hard walk. We get to see a wonderful panorama of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Cho Oyu, Makalu, Nuptse, and Gychyng Kang. The sunrise is equally tempting too. After enjoying the views, we will hike back to Gokyo village and later explore the Gokyo Lakes.

  • AltitudeRenjo La Pass (5,360m )
  • AccommodationLodge
  • Time7 hours

Today, we will be crossing the last pass of our three high passes trek, Renjo La. Leaving Gokyo village, we walk past alpine lakes and glaciers. The trail gradually ascends to the top of the pass. The route is slippery, snowy, and rocky, so we have to be careful while ascending. As usual, the view from the top of the pass is jaw-dropping. Further, gradually descend to Lunden to spend the night. 

  • Altitude3,400 m
  • AccommodationTea House
  • Time7-8 hours

After having a warm breakfast in Lumde, we’ll descend to Thame. The mountain views on the way are superb. The trail then further goes through lush forests to Namche Bazaar. It is mostly a downhill walk today with fantastic mountain landscapes.

  • Altitude3,440 m
  • AccommodationTea House
  • Time7 hours

Leaving Namche Bazaar, we walk on a steep downhill trail. The trail goes through rhododendron forests and small settlements. Soon we cross the Hillary Suspension Bridge and walk past remote villages. On the way, we will cross many suspension bridges over the Dudh Koshi river. From Phakding, the trail ascends to Lukla.

  • Altitude2,850 m
  • AccommodationTea House
  • Time35-minute flight

Early in the morning, we will take a flight back to Kathmandu. The team will drop you at the hotel after landing and let you unpack & relax. As the remaining day is leisure, you can go shopping and spend as you wish. In the late evening, we will meet for a farewell dinner.

    Our airport team will drop you at the Tribhuvan International Airport terminal, depending on your flight departure time. You also have the option to extend your trip with us in Nepal.

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    Trip Map
    Everest Three Passes Trek-20 days map
    Trip Cost Details
    Included
    • All (international and domestic) airport transfers on a tourist vehicle
    • Standard twin-sharing/double accommodation in a 3-star hotel in Kathmandu including breakfast
    • Twin-sharing guesthouse accommodation during the trek
    • All your standard meals during the trek (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner) including one hot drink and seasonal fruits  
    • All necessary trekking permits for Sagarmatha National Park, TIMS card, etc
    • Complementary duffel bag, agency T-shirt, trekking map, sleeping bag 
    • Government-registered and first-aid-trained professional local guide who speaks English
    • First-aid kit
    • Round-trip airfare between Kathmandu/Manthali and Lukla
    • Staff insurance, meals, accommodation, equipment, transportation etc.
    • Rescue arrangements if necessary
    • Agency service charge and government TAX/VAT
    • Certificate of achievement
    Excluded
    • Meals (lunch and dinner) in Kathmandu
    • International flight fare and airport departure tax
    • Any beverages including bottled and boiled water
    • Travel insurance along with high-altitude emergency evacuation coverage
    • Tips to trekking staff and driver
    • Nepal Entry Visa (Visa can be acquired easily after your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu with a fee of USD 50 for 30 days visa and USD 125 for 90 days visa)
    • Personal Trekking gear and equipment
    • Any expenses other than the Price Include section
    Useful Info

    Everest Three Passes Trek Difficulty

    Everest Three High Passes trek is one of the most challenging trekking packages in the Khumbu region. This trek is for experienced trekkers aware of high altitude and the Himalayan trail. The trek demands strong physical and mental fitness. The trekkers must be determined to cross the three mountain passes above 5,000 meters.

    The trek begins gently from Lukla and gradually ascends & descends through Sherpa settlement areas and dense rhododendron forests. As the days pass by, the terrain gets rugged and steep. Every day is 6 to 7 hours of walking minimum. Not only does the landscape get demanding, but the services get limited & expensive too.

    Altitude Sickness

    Altitude sickness (acute mountain sickness) is inevitable during the Three High Passes trek in Nepal. You will spend many days above 3,000 meters and exceed 5,000 meters multiple times. What makes three passes trekking safe with us is our itinerary. We have a perfect balance of elevation rise and sleeping low with great acclimatization days. Likewise, our experienced and trained mountain guide will monitor your health while trekking. We use an oximeter and other devices to monitor your oxygen level. The group will be equipped with all the necessary medicines and first aid kits to respond immediately to any medical emergency.

    In case the trekker gets altitude sickness symptoms such as vomiting, headache, nausea, difficulty in breathing, insomnia, etc., the mountain guide takes the necessary actions to subside the symptoms before gaining any other altitude.

    Best Season

    The best season to do Everest three passes trekking is during spring & autumn. These two seasons have the ideal weather conditions to cross the high passes in the Everest region. March, April, and early May (spring) and late September, October & November (autumn) see a massive flow of trekkers along with blooming forests & diverse range of vegetation.

    To make the trek safe, we cannot compromise on the weather even slightly. So, our team correctly studies the weather and stays in touch with our crew members in the mountains before we kick-start the venture. You cannot trek everest three passes in summer/monsoon or winter; these seasons have high risks and trail blockage.

    Accommodation & Meals During The Trek

    We use simple lodges for our accommodation during the Three High Passes Trek. We have lodge accommodation throughout our itinerary, so we do not need to camp. The tea houses provide basic service, with shared rooms and washrooms. You will get a comfortable and clean twin-shared room to spend the nights. The rooms are usually small, with a few pieces of furniture to accommodate you.

    The meals are provided as per the menu of the lodge. You will get various options, like dal bhat, curries, roti, momo, noodles, thukpa, pizza, sandwiches, burgers, etc. Drinking water is also available in all the lodges to refill your water bottle. We suggest you Carry enough high protein bars and chocolate.

    Internet, Charging, & ATM On The Trail

    The things like charging, internet, and hot showers will cost you a few extra bucks during the trek. These expenses are not covered in the Everest three passes trek cost, so we highly recommend that trekkers carry additional Nepali cash. So getting the best power bank to keep them going on trail is essential.

    The WiFi service is available in many tea houses. Getting a Nepali sim to use data whenever you want is better. The connection will not be stable and sturdy all the time. Likewise, electric sockets are in the reception or dining area. You can ask the service provider to charge your devices. Because it is a long trek, we highly recommend a solar charger or spare batteries. There is only one ATM in the Everest region, and that is in Namche Bazaar, and you can withdraw Nepali cash here.

    Travel Insurance

    We need travel insurance for Everest three high passes trek. We use travel insurance to get a prompt response from the rescue providers if emergency air evacuation is needed. Without travel insurance, it is very tough and may take time that we can't afford during an emergency. The travel insurance should include air evacuation up to 6,000 meters. You can also add an international flight cancellation, luggage loss, etc., in the insurance. Make sure you thoroughly go through the clauses of the insurance before confirming it.

    Everest Three Passes Trek Without A Guide

    Everest three passes trekking without a guide is possible but not recommended. It is a very strenuous trek, and crossing the passes needs someone experienced to guide. Even though you may have high altitude experience, you might not know the route and the blind spots, so trekking without a guide is extremely dangerous. Please visit the following link for the Latest Travel Updates.

    FAQs

    • Everest base camp trekking usually is 14 to 16 days long. It's the standard time. You can shorten it or extend the itinerary as per your wish. Many travelers also like to combine helicopter returns from Kala Patthar to ditch another 2-3 days of walking back.

    • The three passes trek is 20 days long. You can customize the itinerary to suit your requirements. It is one of the longest treks in Nepal. Each day you walk 9 to 11 km.

    • Yes, you will need a guide for the three passes trek even though you are not obligated to hire one. For safety reasons, we advise our guests to not trek alone in the Himalayas, especially when they are going to cross challenging mountain passes.

    • The three passes connect different areas of the Khumbu region to one another. They are Kongma La (18,209 ft/5,550 m), Cho La (17,782 ft/5,420 m), and Renjo La (17,560 ft/5,360 m).

    • There are three ways to reach Lukla from Kathmandu. The most common one is the Kathmandu Lukla flight. It takes 35 minutes to reach Kathmandu. The second option is to drive to Jiri or Phaplu and trek to Lukla before continuing the journey further. And the last option is a comfortable 45 minutes helicopter flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. Our Everest three passes trek covers commercial Kathmandu Lukla flights.

    • No, you cannot see Mt. Everest from Lukla. You get the first view of Everest from the Hotel Everest View during your acclimatization hike in Namche Bazaar.

    • Yes, you hike to Everest base camp and Kala Patthar during the 3 high passes trek. You reach EBC right after crossing the first pass, Kongma La.

    • No, the Everest three passes trek is not for beginner trekkers. This trek is challenging and demands previous trekking experience. For beginner trekkers, we have many adventurous trekking packages in the Himalayas that you can check on our site.

    • Yes, you can see Mt. Everest from Gokyo Ri. Moreover, Gokyo Ri offers one of the best views of Mt. Everest, along with other eight-thousanders like Cho Oyu, Lhotse, and Makalu. Many other snow-capped peaks are seen from Gokyo Ri.

    • Gokyo Lakes are oligotrophic lakes ranging from 4,700 meters to 5,000 meters (15,400 ft to 16,400 ft) above sea level. Also known as the world's highest freshwater lake system, there are altogether six Gokyo Lakes.

    • No, crossing the three passes does not involve technical climbing, however the trail is very steep and rugged. Proper knowledge and previous experience are a must to navigate through the passes safely.

    Price fromUS$1750US$2050(per person)
    We Offer Group Discount Price
      
    1 paxUS$1750
    2 - 5 paxUS$1700
    6 - 11 paxUS$1625
    12 - 20 paxUS$1550
    US$1750

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