Trekking In Nepal · Everest Region
Everest Three Pass Trek
- Duration21 Days
- DifficultyModerate
- Max altitude5545m
- Group size17 People
- Best seasonSEP-NOV, MAR-MAY
- Start / finishKathmandu
Trip overview
The Everest Three Pass Trek is one of the most challenging and rewarding trekking routes in the Himalayas, designed for experienced trekkers seeking a complete and adventurous exploration of the Everest region. This epic journey crosses three high mountain passes—Kongma La, Cho La, and Renjo La—linking the main Everest Base Camp trail with the Gokyo Valley and remote Khumbu landscapes.
The trek offers a comprehensive Himalayan experience, combining dramatic high-altitude passes, glacier crossings, remote valleys, and iconic viewpoints such as Everest Base Camp, Kala Patthar, Gokyo Ri, and the stunning Gokyo Lakes. Throughout the journey, trekkers are rewarded with spectacular views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Ama Dablam.
This trek is considered the ultimate Everest circuit, offering the most diverse landscapes, highest challenges, and richest mountain experiences in the region.
Geography and Landscape
The Everest Three Pass Trek takes place in the Khumbu region of northeastern Nepal within Sagarmatha National Park. The route begins with a flight to Lukla and follows an extensive network of trails connecting major valleys, including the Khumbu Valley, Imja Valley, and Gokyo Valley.
The landscape is extremely diverse and dramatic, featuring lush forests, deep river gorges, alpine meadows, and vast glacial systems. As trekkers ascend, the environment becomes increasingly rugged, with moraines, icy ridges, and high-altitude deserts dominating the terrain.
The trek’s defining features are its three high passes:
- Kongma La (5,535 m) – the highest and most demanding pass, offering raw alpine wilderness and glacier crossings.
- Cho La (5,420 m) – a challenging icy pass connecting the Everest Base Camp and Gokyo regions.
- Renjo La (5,360 m) – a scenic pass with one of the most beautiful panoramic views in the entire Everest region.
Additional highlights include Everest Base Camp, Gokyo Lakes, Gokyo Ri, and Kala Patthar, each offering world-class mountain views and unique perspectives of the Himalayas.
Climate and Best Time to Trek
The best seasons for the Everest Three Pass Trek are spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November). These months offer the most stable weather conditions, clear skies, and safe crossing conditions for high passes.
Spring provides moderate temperatures and blooming rhododendrons, while autumn offers exceptional clarity after the monsoon, making it ideal for panoramic mountain views. Winter (December–February) is extremely cold, and heavy snow can block high passes, making the route suitable only for highly experienced trekkers. The monsoon season (June–August) is generally not recommended due to rain, poor visibility, and slippery trails.
Overall, autumn is considered the safest and most favorable season for completing all three passes.
People and Culture
The Everest Three Pass Trek passes through the homeland of the Sherpa people, whose culture is deeply influenced by Tibetan Buddhism and high-altitude mountain life. Throughout the journey, trekkers encounter prayer flags, mani walls, chortens, and ancient monasteries that reflect the spiritual essence of the Khumbu region.
Key villages along the route include Namche Bazaar, Thame, Dingboche, Lobuche, Gokyo, and Pangboche, each offering unique cultural experiences and traditional Himalayan hospitality. A major cultural highlight is Tengboche Monastery, the spiritual center of the Everest region, surrounded by dramatic views of Ama Dablam and Everest.
The combination of extreme mountain adventure, remote wilderness, and deep cultural immersion makes the Everest Three Pass Trek the ultimate and most complete trekking experience in the Everest region.
Highlights
- Three high passes – Kongma La, Cho La, and Renjo La
- Everest Base Camp & Khumbu Icefall – iconic Himalayan experience Mount Everest Base Camp
- Gokyo Lakes & Gokyo Ri – turquoise lakes with epic viewpoints Gokyo Lakes
- Everest panorama – views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, Ama Dablam
- Sherpa culture – monasteries and traditional villages in Namche Bazaar region
- Diverse terrain – forests, glaciers, alpine valleys, and rocky passes
- Less crowded route – quieter, more remote trekking experience
- Glacier & snow crossings – challenging adventure terrain
Day-by-day itinerary
-
Welcome to Nepal’s bustling capital! Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, you’ll be transferred to your hotel. Take the rest of the day to relax after your journey or explore Kathmandu’s vibrant streets, local markets, and traditional temples.
Accomadation: Hotel
Place to visit: Nepal
Meals: Dinner
-
Today is dedicated to trek preparation and permit arrangements before beginning your Himalayan adventure. You will meet your trekking guide for a comprehensive briefing covering the itinerary, altitude awareness, safety procedures, and trekking essentials. This day also provides time to organize and check your trekking gear, complete permit formalities, and purchase any last-minute supplies if needed. You may also explore the lively streets of Thamel and enjoy the cultural atmosphere of Kathmandu.
Accomadation: Hotel
Place to visit: Nepal
Meals: Breakfast
-
Trek Duration - 3-4 hours
Begin with a thrilling early morning flight to Lukla, famous for its short mountain runway and stunning aerial views of the Himalayas. From Lukla, the trek starts gently along the banks of the Dudh Koshi River, passing pine forests and small villages like Chaurikharka. The trail is mostly downhill or flat, helping your body gradually adjust to the altitude while enjoying scenic river valleys.
Accomadation: Tea House
Place to visit: Everest Region
Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
-
Trek Duration - 5-6 hours
A moderately challenging day awaits as you cross several suspension bridges, including the iconic Hillary Suspension Bridge, spanning the roaring Dudh Koshi River. The trail ascends steeply through rhododendron and pine forests before reaching Namche Bazaar, the vibrant Sherpa trading hub and gateway to the high Himalayas.
Accomadation: Tea House
Place to visit: Everest Region
Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
-
Trek Duration - 4-5 hours
Rest is crucial at this stage of the trek. You may spend the day hiking to Everest View Hotel or visiting nearby Sherpa villages such as Khumjung and Khunde for breathtaking views of Everest, Ama Dablam, and surrounding peaks. The day also offers an opportunity to experience Sherpa culture, monasteries, cafes, and local markets in Namche Bazaar.
Accomadation: Tea House
Place to visit: Everest Region
Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
-
Trek Duration: 5–6 hours
Leave Namche and follow the beautiful trail along the hillside above the Dudh Koshi Valley.
The route provides some of the finest early views of Ama Dablam, one of the most recognizable mountains in the Himalayas. The trail gradually descends toward Phunki Tenga before climbing through rhododendron and pine forests toward Tengboche. Tengboche is famous for its historic Buddhist monastery and panoramic mountain setting.
If conditions permit, visit Tengboche Monastery and experience the peaceful atmosphere of this important spiritual centre.
Overnight: Tengboche
Accomadation: Tea House
Place to visit: Everest Region
Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
-
Trek Duration: 5–6 hours
Leave Tengboche and descend through beautiful forests toward Deboche before crossing the Imja Khola. From here, the trail gradually climbs toward Pangboche, one of the oldest permanent settlements in the Khumbu region.
As you continue higher, the landscape becomes increasingly rugged and alpine, with spectacular views of Ama Dablam, Lhotse and other surrounding peaks. The trail eventually enters the wide Imja Valley before reaching Dingboche.
Dingboche is an important acclimatization stop and one of the main settlements before entering the high-altitude sections of the Three Passes route.
Overnight: Dingboche
Accomadation: Tea House
Place to visit: Everest Region
Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
-
Trek Duration: 4–5 hours
Spend the day acclimatizing in Dingboche before heading toward the higher elevations of the Three Passes. After breakfast, take a gradual hike toward Nangkartshang Ridge, gaining additional altitude while enjoying spectacular views of the surrounding mountains.
From higher points along the ridge, you can see Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Makalu and the dramatic peaks surrounding the Imja Valley.
After the hike, return to Dingboche and spend the afternoon resting, hydrating and preparing for the challenging days ahead.
Overnight: Dingboche
Accomadation: Tea House
Place to visit: Everest Region
Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
-
Trek Duration: 3–4 hours
Leave Dingboche and follow the trail deeper into the Imja Valley toward Chhukung. The relatively short walking day allows you to gradually gain altitude before attempting the first major high pass.
As you move farther into the valley, the surrounding mountains become increasingly dramatic. You will have excellent views of Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Nuptse and Island Peak.
Chhukung is the final settlement before crossing Kongma La and provides an ideal location to rest and prepare for the demanding pass crossing.
Overnight: Chhukung
Accomadation: Tea House
Place to visit: Everest Region
Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
-
Trek Duration: 4–5 hours
Spend another acclimatization day in Chhukung before tackling the first of the three high passes. A gradual hike toward Chhukung Ri provides an opportunity to gain additional altitude while enjoying spectacular views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks.
From higher elevations, you can admire Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Island Peak and the rugged landscape leading toward Kongma La.
After returning to Chhukung, spend the remainder of the day resting and preparing your equipment for the first major pass crossing.
Overnight: Chhukung
Accomadation: Tea House
Place to visit: Everest Region
Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
-
Trek Duration: 8–10 hours
Begin early from Chhukung for the challenging ascent toward Kongma La, the highest of the three major passes on the trek.
The trail climbs through rugged and remote terrain, with steep sections and changing surfaces depending on the season. As you approach the pass, the landscape becomes increasingly barren and alpine.
Reach the summit of Kongma La at approximately 5,535 metres and take in spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks. After crossing the pass, begin the long descent toward the Khumbu Glacier and continue onward to Lobuche.
This is one of the most physically demanding days of the trek, so a slow and steady pace is essential.
Overnight: Lobuche
Accomadation: Tea House
Place to visit: Everest Region
Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
-
Trek Duration: 7–9 hours
Leave Lobuche and continue along the rugged trail toward Gorak Shep. The landscape becomes increasingly dramatic as you enter the high-altitude zone surrounding the Khumbu Glacier.
After reaching Gorak Shep and taking a short break, continue toward Everest Base Camp. The trail follows the glacier and rocky moraine while providing impressive views of the Khumbu Icefall, Nuptse, Pumori and surrounding peaks.
Reach Everest Base Camp and take time to appreciate this iconic Himalayan destination before retracing the trail back to Gorak Shep for the night.
Overnight: Gorak Shep
Accomadation: Tea House
Place to visit: Everest Region
Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
-
Trek Duration: 7–9 hours
Begin early in the morning for the climb to Kala Patthar, one of the most famous viewpoints in the Everest region.
The ascent is steep but rewarding, with magnificent views of Mount Everest, Nuptse, Pumori and the surrounding Himalayan peaks. Reaching the viewpoint around sunrise offers an unforgettable panorama across the Khumbu.
After spending time at Kala Patthar, descend back toward Gorak Shep for breakfast before continuing toward Dzongla. The trail leaves the main Everest Base Camp route and crosses rugged alpine terrain toward the remote settlement of Dzongla.
Overnight: Dzongla
Accomadation: Tea House
Place to visit: Everest Region
Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
-
Trek Duration: 7–9 hours
Begin early from Dzongla for the challenging ascent toward Cho La, the second high pass of the Three Passes Trek.
The trail climbs through rugged mountain terrain toward the pass, with steep sections and potentially icy or snowy conditions depending on the season. Careful footing and a steady pace are important during the ascent.
Reach Cho La at approximately 5,420 metres and enjoy spectacular views across the surrounding Himalayan landscape. After crossing the pass, descend carefully toward the Gokyo Valley and continue to the small settlement of Thangnak.
Overnight: Thangnak
Accomadation: Tea House
Place to visit: Everest Region
Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
-
Trek Duration: 3–5 hours
Leave Thangnak and continue toward the beautiful Gokyo Valley. The trail crosses sections of the Ngozumpa Glacier, the longest glacier in the Himalayas, before gradually approaching the turquoise Gokyo Lakes.
As you near Gokyo, the landscape opens into a spectacular mountain basin surrounded by some of the highest peaks in the region.
Arrive at Gokyo village beside the main lake and spend the afternoon relaxing after the previous day's challenging pass crossing.
Overnight: Gokyo
Accomadation: Hotel
Place to visit: Nepal
Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
-
Trek Duration: 4–5 hours
Start early in the morning for the climb to Gokyo Ri, one of the finest viewpoints in the Everest region.
The trail climbs steadily above Gokyo, rewarding you with increasingly impressive views of the surrounding mountains and Gokyo Lakes below. From the summit, enjoy panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu and the vast Ngozumpa Glacier.
After enjoying the mountain panorama, descend back to Gokyo and spend the afternoon relaxing beside the lakes or exploring the surrounding valley.
Overnight: Gokyo
Place to visit: Nepal
Meals: Breakfast
-
Trek Duration: 7–9 hours
Begin early from Gokyo for the final and third high pass of the trek, Renjo La.
The trail climbs gradually through rugged Himalayan terrain before becoming steeper as you approach the pass. After reaching the summit at approximately 5,360 metres, enjoy spectacular views across the Gokyo Valley and surrounding Himalayan peaks.
Renjo La marks the completion of all three major passes. From the pass, begin the long descent toward the remote Bhote Koshi Valley and continue to Lungden.
Overnight: Lungden
Accomadation: Tea House
Place to visit: Everest Region
Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
-
Trek Duration: 4–6 hours
Leave Lungden and descend through the remote Bhote Koshi Valley toward thame to Namche Bazaar. Continue toward Thame, a historic Sherpa village known for its strong mountaineering heritage and beautiful surrounding mountains. If time permits, visit the historic Thame Monastery before settling in for the evening.As you approach Namche, the landscape becomes greener and the altitude decreases noticeably. Arrive in Namche in the afternoon and enjoy some well-earned rest after completing all three high passes.
Overnight: NamcheAccomadation: Tea House
Place to visit: Everest Region
Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
-
Trek Duration: 6–8 hours
Begin the final trekking day by descending from Namche toward the Dudh Koshi Valley.
Follow the familiar trail through forests and Sherpa villages, crossing suspension bridges and passing through Phakding before continuing toward Lukla.
After reaching Lukla, check into your accommodation and spend the evening celebrating the completion of your Everest Three Passes adventure with your trekking team.
Overnight: Lukla
Accomadation: Tea House
Place to visit: Everest Region
Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
-
Flight Duration: Approximately 30–40 minutes
After breakfast, head to Lukla Airport for your scenic flight back to Kathmandu.
The flight offers one final opportunity to enjoy views of the Himalayan landscape before returning to the capital. After arriving in Kathmandu, transfer to your hotel and spend the remainder of the day relaxing or exploring the city.
Overnight: Kathmandu
Accomadation: Hotel
Place to visit: Nepal
Meals: Breakfast
-
Enjoy your final breakfast in Kathmandu before transferring to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward journey.
Your Everest Three Passes Trek officially comes to an end, taking with you memories of three spectacular high passes, Everest Base Camp, Kala Patthar, Gokyo Lakes and the remote valleys of the Khumbu.
Meals:
What’s included
Cost includes
1. Transportations
- Private/tourist vehicles for airport pickup and drop-off in Kathmandu.
- Private/tourist vehicles transfer as per itinerary to access the trailheads.
- Domestic flight included for access to the trekking starting & ending point.
2. Accommodation & Meals
- 3 Night 3-star hotel in Kathmandu with bed & breakfast basis.
- Breakfast, lunch & dinner with tea & coffee during the trekking Period.
3. Permits
- Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit. (Permit required for the Everest region)
- Local Government Entry Permit. (Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Munacipality)
- Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) permits.
4. Guide & Staff
- Professional and experience License holder trekking guide salary & insurance.
- Porter salary, equipment’s & insurance.
- First aid medical kit for emergency support.
Cost excludes
1. International Flights
- Airfare from your home country to Nepal (Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu).
- Return airfare from Nepal (Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu) to your home country.
2. Visa Fees
- Nepal entry visa fee for entering Nepal (available on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, or through a Nepalese embassy).
3. Travel Insurance (Mandatory)
- Comprehensive travel insurance covering high-altitude trekking, emergency medical treatment, helicopter evacuation, trip cancellation, and other unforeseen circumstances.
4. Personal Expenses
- Tips, gifts, and souvenirs for trekking guides and porters.
- Personal trekking equipment and gear.
- Charges for lodge Wi-Fi, hot showers, battery charging, and laundry services.
5. Meals & Beverages
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu, Pokhara, and other locations where accommodation is provided in 3-star category hotels.
- Soft drinks, bottled water, alcoholic beverages, and snacks consumed during meals
Photos & video
Dates & prices
Private departures run on any date. Pick the start date that suits you and we will build the trip around it — same price, your own guide and team.
Good to know
Essential information
Accommodation
Accommodation is provided in basic teahouses and mountain lodges throughout the route. Facilities are simple, offering twin-sharing rooms with limited amenities and shared bathroom facilities.
In lower villages such as Lukla, Phakding, and Namche Bazaar, lodges are relatively more developed. At higher and remote settlements including Lobuche, Dzongla, Gokyo, and Thagnak, accommodation becomes very basic due to altitude and isolation.
Meals
A full-board meal system (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner) is provided during the trek. Meals are freshly prepared and designed to meet the high energy demands of continuous high-altitude trekking.
Typical menu options include:
- Traditional Dal Bhat set meals
- Noodles, pasta, and fried rice
- Soups, potatoes, and seasonal vegetables
- Eggs, bread, and pancakes
- Tea, coffee, and hot drinks
Food variety becomes limited at higher elevations but remains sufficient for endurance trekking.
Difficulty & Physical Requirements
The Everest Three Passes Trek is classified as very strenuous and is suitable only for experienced trekkers with excellent physical fitness and prior high-altitude trekking experience.
Daily trekking ranges from 6 to 9 hours, with significant elevation gain and repeated high-pass crossings:
- Kongma La Pass (5,535m)
- Cho La Pass (5,420m)
- Renjo La Pass (5,360m)
This trek requires strong endurance, mental resilience, and proper acclimatization.
Permits
Required permits include:
- Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit
- Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit
- TIMS Card (Trekkers’ Information Management System)
All permits are arranged in advance by the trekking operator.
Best Season
- Spring (March–May): Stable weather, clear mountain views, and blooming rhododendrons
- Autumn (September–November): Best visibility and safest trekking conditions
- Winter (December–February): Extremely cold but clear skies and fewer trekkers
- Monsoon (June–August): Not recommended due to heavy rainfall, snow risk, and poor visibility
Transportation & Access
The trek begins with a scenic mountain flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, the main gateway to the Everest region.
From Lukla, the route follows a long circular circuit covering both Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Valley before returning to Lukla.
Safety & Acclimatization
This trek reaches extreme altitudes above 5,500 meters and requires careful acclimatization planning.
Key acclimatization stops include Namche Bazaar, Dingboche, and Gokyo. Proper rest days are essential to reduce the risk of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).
Experienced guides closely monitor trekkers’ health, weather conditions, and route safety. Emergency helicopter evacuation is available if required.
Travel Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory and must include:
- High-altitude trekking coverage (minimum up to 6,000m)
- Emergency helicopter evacuation and rescue
- Medical treatment and hospitalization
- Accidental injury and repatriation coverage
Additional information
Guide & Porter Services
The trek is led by highly experienced licensed guides who ensure navigation, safety, and high-altitude management. Porters assist with luggage, allowing trekkers to carry only a light daypack.
Guide support is essential, especially during technical and high-risk sections such as the three passes.
Technical Preparation
No technical climbing is required, but strong alpine preparedness is essential:
- Walking with crampons on snow and ice
- Trekking pole usage on steep ascents and descents
- Glacier crossing awareness
- High-altitude pacing and endurance management
Essential Equipment
Recommended gear includes:
- High-quality, broken-in trekking boots
- Layered alpine clothing system
- Expedition-grade down jacket (-20°C to -30°C)
- Waterproof jacket and trousers
- Gloves, thermal hat, buff, and UV sunglasses
- Trekking poles and 30–40L daypack
- Sleeping bag rated for extreme cold
- Personal first aid kit and medications
Communication & Connectivity
Mobile network coverage (Nepal Telecom and Ncell) is intermittent and often unavailable in high passes and remote valleys.
Wi-Fi is available in some teahouses at lower elevations, but connectivity becomes very limited in high-altitude sections such as Kongma La, Cho La, and Renjo La.
Why Choose the Everest Three Passes Trek?
This trek is considered the ultimate Everest region adventure, offering unmatched diversity and challenge:
- Complete circuit of the Everest region in one trek
- Crossing of all three major high passes (Kongma La, Cho La, Renjo La)
- Combined experience of Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lakes
- Exceptional panoramic Himalayan views of Everest, Makalu, Lhotse, and Cho Oyu
- Remote and less crowded trekking routes
- Highly challenging and rewarding adventure
- Ideal for experienced high-altitude trekkers
- Ultimate Himalayan expedition in the Khumbu region
Keep exploring
