Everest 3 Passes Trek – 18 Days
Trip Overview
Everest 3 Passes Trek is an adventurous and beautiful scenic trekking adventure in the Everest region of Nepal. It is a tough trek, which crosses three high mountain passes, Kongma La (5,535 meters), Cho La (5,420 meters), and Renjo La (5,340 meters), and provides unrivalled views of the highest mountains in the world, including Mount Everest.
On the way, you will pass by Everest Base Camp (5,364 meters), see the magnificent beauty of the Gokyo Lakes, and climb popular vantage points such as Kala Patthar, which offers a panoramic view of the sunrise over Everest. The trek further provides an opportunity to encounter the rich Sherpa culture, visit traditional mountain villages, and toddle through magnificent glacial valleys and harsh alpine scenery.
This is an ideal trek for those who are adventure enthusiasts as it offers spectacular views coupled with the experience of the Himalayas. It is a full circuit around the Everest region that challenges your stamina and gives you memories of a lifetime.
What Can You Expect From Everest 3 Passes Trek – 18 Days From Adventure Glacier?
Everest 3 Passes Trek is an exciting adventure in the Everest region’s most remote and beautiful areas. On this trip, you will see beautiful mountains, visit famous sites, and have a real Himalayan adventure.
- 3 Major High Passes, Kongma La (5,535m), Cho La (5,420m), and Renjo La (5,340m), are to be crossed to experience the ultimate adventure.
- Everest Base Camp Visit: Be at the feet of the tallest mountain in the world.
- Jaw-dropping Scenery: Climb to Kala Patthar (5,545m) to see classic sunrise views over Everest.
- Exploration of Gokyo Lakes: Visit the spectacular turquoise Gokyo Lakes.
- Full Everest Circuit: Make a circuit around the Everest region, including well-known and isolated places.
- Stunning Himalayan Scenery: Identify Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, and Ama Dablam.
- Sherpa Culture Experience: Explore Namche Bazaar, Tengboche Monastery, and traditional villages.
- Off-the-Beaten-Path: Get fewer trails and serene alpine scenery.
- Acclimatization Oriented: Itinerary with a good pace to reduce the risk of altitude sickness.
- Guided and Supported: Trek with expert guides and porters, and all logistics are arranged.
Other Related Treks in the Everest 3 Passes Trek
If you’re interested in the Everest 3 Passes Trek, you might also enjoy these exciting treks:
- Everest Base Camp Trek (12–14 Days): A classic route to the foot of Mount Everest with breathtaking views and Sherpa culture.
- Gokyo Valley Trek (12–13 Days): Explore the beautiful Gokyo Lakes and climb Gokyo Ri for panoramic Himalayan views.
- Everest Base Camp via Gokyo Lakes and Cho La Pass (15–16 Days): A scenic alternative route that combines Gokyo Valley with EBC.
- Everest View Trek (7–9 Days): A short and easy trek ideal for beginners, with views of Everest and visits to Sherpa villages.
- Ama Dablam Base Camp Trek (10–12 Days): A less crowded trek offering stunning views of Ama Dablam and surrounding peaks.
Thame Valley Trek (10 Days): A peaceful, offbeat route through beautiful Sherpa villages and spiritual sites.
Trip Itinerary
When you arrive at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, our affable representative will meet you there and help you transfer to the hotel. Once you have checked in, you may have some time to relax and shower. Depending on the time of your arrival, you will either have a welcome dinner with the team in the evening or just relax in the hotel. This day is a good chance to get over your flight and get ready for the exciting trek.
- Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Kathmandu (twin-sharing basis)
This day will be dedicated to the preparation for the adventure and the sightseeing tour of the cultural attractions of Kathmandu. You will check your trekking equipment in the morning to ensure you are ready with all the necessities to undertake the Everest Three Passes Trek. In case you lack anything, we will advise you on what to purchase, hire, or borrow in our facility so that we can fully equip you. Spend your afternoon visiting the colorful streets, temples, and historical places of Kathmandu Valley. If you would like a more organized experience, we can also provide you with a guided city tour at an additional fee.
- Highlight: Gear check and optional cultural exploration in Kathmandu
- Trek Duration: Preparation day (no trekking)
- Distance: Approx. local city travel only (optional sightseeing)
- Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Kathmandu (twin-sharing basis)
You will take an early morning drive to Ramechhap (Manthali Airport), approximately 3 hours outside of Kathmandu, to enjoy a beautiful 35-minute flight to Lukla. This is your starting point of Everest 3 Passes Trek. You will begin our journey to Phakding, an easy 3-hour walk. The path crosses prayer wheels, mani stones, and dry stone walls. You will have lunch at Thado Koshigaon, which has the magnificent scenery of Kusum Kanguru (6,367m / 20,889ft). In the afternoon, You walk down to Phakding after lunch.
- Highlight: Thrilling flight to Lukla and first day of trekking
- Trek Duration: 3 hours
- Distance: Approx. 8 to 10 km
- Accommodation: Teahouse in Phakding (twin-sharing basis)
This day's trek takes you from Phakding to Namche Bazaar, the famous town of Sherpa. Along the trail, You will cross about five suspension bridges over the Dudh Koshi River, passing through pine forests and charming villages. You will stop at Monjo and enter Sagarmatha National Park. After lunch at Jorsalle, you will continue uphill toward Namche. On the way, you will enjoy our first view of Mount Everest from Top Danda. You will then arrive in Namche Bazaar, a vibrant hub in the Khumbu region.
- Highlight: First Everest view and entering Sagarmatha National Park
- Trek Duration: 5 hours
- Distance: Approx. 10 to 12 km
- Accommodation: Teahouse in Namche Bazaar (twin-sharing basis)
This will be a rest day so your body can get used to the altitude. You will be able to visit the colorful town of Namche Bazaar, which features a weekly market, banks, ATMs, internet cafes, bakeries, and souvenir shops. If you desire a short hike, you can explore the Everest View Hotel or some neighboring Sherpa villages, such as Khunde and Khumjung. At Everest View Hotel, witness the spectacular panorama of Mt. Everest, Ama Dablam, and Khumbu Yul Lha, among others.
- Highlight: Breathtaking mountain views and Sherpa culture
- Trek Duration: Optional 2 to 3-hour hike
- Distance: Approx. 3 to 5 km (if hiking)
- Accommodation: Teahouse in Namche Bazaar (twin-sharing basis)
You will leave the breakfast table and resume our Everest Three Passes Trek to Tengboche. The path provides excellent vistas of Ama Dablam, Lhotse Shar, Kantega, and Thamserku. You will walk down through forests and cross the river at Phunki Tenga, where you will have lunch. Then, it is a constant uphill trek through deep rhododendron forests to the quiet village of Tengboche, which is the largest and most religious Buddhist monastery in the region. You will visit the monastery and enjoy the peaceful mountain air.
- Highlight: Visit to Tengboche Monastery and mountain views
- Trek Duration: 4 hours
- Distance: Approx. 9 to 10 km
- Accommodation: Teahouse in Tengboche (twin-sharing basis)
You can join the peaceful morning prayer ceremony at Tengboche Monastery before starting the day’s trek. You take a picturesque path via Deboche, Pangboche, Somare, and Orsho, with excellent views of the Imja Valley and snow peaks. The trail has many suspension bridges across the Imja Khola River to make it more adventurous. You slowly ascend to the windswept village of Dingboche, a shared acclimatization place.
- Highlight: Prayer ceremony at Tengboche Monastery, views of Imja Valley
- Trek Duration: 6 hours
- Distance: Approx. 10 to 11 km
- Accommodation: Teahouse in Dingboche (twin-sharing basis)
Our hike today is a short yet significant walk to the tiny settlement of Chhukung, which lies on the route to Island Peak. The distance is not too big, but the thin air and high altitude can make this walk more complicated. It is an acclimatization day, and your body will adapt to the altitude and also save some energy, which will be required in the strenuous Kongma La Pass the next day. You will also get a picturesque view of Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and Imja valley during the course.
- Highlight: Acclimatization and mountain views in Chhukung
- Trek Duration: 2 hours
- Distance: Approx. 5 to 6 km
- Accommodation: Teahouse in Chhukung (twin-sharing basis)
This day is the hardest and the most gratifying day of the trek. You have to start early and have a packed lunch, as there are no teahouses on the way out of Chhukung. The path towards Kongma La Pass (5,535m) is sharp and rocky, with views of Pokalde Peak, blue lakes, and pristine scenery. At the top, admire breathtaking views of the Khumbu Himalayas. You will trek down, taking caution over the Khumbu Glacier, and proceed to Lobuche to rest. It is a long day that gives fatigue and memorable landscapes.
- Highlight: Crossing Kongma La Pass and panoramic Himalayan views
- Trek Duration: 8 hours
- Distance: Approx. 10 to 12 km
- Accommodation: Teahouse in Lobuche (twin-sharing basis)
After breakfast in Lobuche, you will trek toward Gorak Shep, following a rugged trail over rocky moraines and glacial paths. You will have a short rest and lunch at Gorak Shep and then head off to Everest Base Camp, the famous destination of this trek. Reaching the base of the highest mountain in the world is a satisfying experience. You will take your time viewing and photographing the glaciers before returning to Gorak Shep to spend the night.
- Highlight: Stand at Everest Base Camp and see the Khumbu Icefall
- Trek Duration: 7 hours
- Distance: Approx. 12 to 13 km
- Accommodation: Teahouse in Gorak Shep (twin-sharing basis)
You will begin early in the morning to climb Kala Patthar (5,545m) to get the best sunrise view of Mount Everest and other peaks such as Nuptse, Lingtren, Khumbutse, and Changtse. After admiring the spectacular view, you will have breakfast at Gorak Shep. You will then retrace our steps back to Lobuche and continue with our journey to Dzongla. The route provides a picturesque appearance of the north face of Cholatshe and a quieter, less-used route.
- Highlight: Sunrise view of Everest from Kala Patthar, the north face of Cholatshe
- Trek Duration: 6 hours
- Distance: Approx. 12 km
- Accommodation: Teahouse in Dzongla (twin-sharing basis)
We start early to cross Cho La Pass (5,420m), which is one of the three toughest passes on this trek. The path is stony and slippery, particularly when covered with snow. We ascend gradually over boulders and a glacier, and then we are on the pass, where the panorama of other peaks repays our toil. We descend a steep and rocky path to Thangnak via a remote country after celebrating at the top.
- Highlights: Crossing the icy Cho La Pass, remote valleys.
- Trek Duration: 7 hours
- Distance: Approx. 10 km
- Accomodation: Teahouse in Thangnak (Twin sharing basis)
After breakfast, you will begin your trek by crossing the Ngozumpa Glacier, the longest glacier in the Himalayas. The route is rocky and bumpy, but it grants us an amazing view of snow-capped mountains. At lunchtime, we arrive at Gokyo, a gorgeous valley next to turquoise lakes. In the afternoon, you have time to relax or discover the Gokyo Lake area after lunch. You can also hike up Gokyo Ri to watch the sunset if you have the time and energy.
- Highlights: Ngozumpa Glacier crossing, Gokyo Lakes
- Trek Duration: 3 hours
- Distance: Approx. 6 km
- Day 14: Trek from Gokyo to Marlung via Renjo La Pass takes about 6 hours (5368m, 17611ft )Accommodation: Teahouse in Gokyo (Twin sharing basis)
Today, we will cross the last but one of the most beautiful passes of Everest Three High Passes Trek - Renjo La Pass. It is located at 5,368 meters and provides a spectacular view of Everest, Makalu, and the Rolwaling Himalayan range. It is not an easy climb to the top, but the scenery is worth it. We spend a little time at the pass, then cautiously slide down a rocky hillside to the quiet Sherpa village of Marlung.
- Highlight: Renjo La Pass, panoramic Himalayan views
- Trek Duration: 6 hours
- Distance: Approx. 10 km
- Accommodation: Teahouse in Marlung (twin-sharing basis)
After breakfast, we begin our descent to Namche Bazaar. The path leads us over several suspension bridges, quiet juniper forests, and typical Sherpa villages such as Tauranga, Thame, Phurte, and Gongla. Thame is a lovely village that is considered the native place of legendary climbers. We are still accompanied by the Bhote Koshi River down the valley. After a tiring day, we arrive in Namche Bazaar, the bustling main town of the Khumbu region.
- Highlight: Scenic descent, Sherpa villages, and lush forests
- Trek Duration: 9 hours
- Distance: Approx. 18 km
- Accommodation: Teahouse in Namche Bazaar (twin-sharing basis)
After breakfast, we begin the final leg of our Everest Three High Passes Trek. We then descend through pine and rhododendron forests, cross several suspension bridges, and encounter some familiar villages, such as Phakding, Monjo, and Benkar. The path provides one final look at snow-capped mountains. We arrive in Lukla, where we stay on the last night of our trekking, recollecting this unbelievable Himalayan adventure.
- Highlight: Final descent, scenic forest paths, cultural villages
- Trek Duration: 6 hours
- Distance: Approx. 19 km
- Accommodation: Teahouse in Lukla (twin-sharing basis)
This day, we take a scenic early morning flight from Lukla to Ramechhap, followed by a 3-hour drive back to Kathmandu. On arrival, check in to your hotel. Have a hot shower, put your legs up, and reward yourself with a well-earned meal within the city. And so your Everest Three High Passes Trek comes to an end, an amazing journey into the very core of the Himalayas.
- Duration: 35-minute flight plus 3-hour drive
- Distance: Approx. 132 km
- Accommodation: Hotel in Kathmandu
Note: During busy trekking seasons, 3-star hotels may be fully booked. In such cases, we provide you with the best available tourist-standard hotels that offer similar cleanliness, comfort, and service.
FAQs
What if I have trouble sleeping at high altitudes?
At high altitudes, it is normal to have problems with sleep. This is assisted by our guides, who make sure that there is a gradual gain of altitude and acclimatization. Sleeping in warm clothes, dinners, and water helps to sleep better. In case it is required, they will propose natural methods to alleviate pain.
Can I continue the trek if I have mild altitude symptoms?
Mild cases such as headache or fatigue may be treated on the trail. Your guides will keep an eye on how you are doing, promote hydration, and recommend rest. In case of persistence or aggravation of the symptoms, the guide will choose the safest way, whether it is descent or evacuation.
What is the Three Passes Everest Trek?
The Three Passes Trek is a challenging and beautiful trail in the Everest region, which traverses over three high mountain passes: Kongma La, Cho La, and Renjo La. It also includes a visit to Everest Base Camp, Kala Patthar, and Gokyo Lakes.
How difficult is the Three Passes Trek?
It is considered one of the most challenging walks in Nepal as it has high, steep climbs, and the walking days are long. A good level of fitness and a bit of trekking experience is strongly advised.
What permits are required for the Three Passes Trek?
You will require a Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit and a Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit. Both can be organized in Kathmandu or Lukla.
What should I pack for the Three Passes Trek?
Warm clothes, trekking boots, a sleeping bag, a down jacket, gloves, and basic medicine should be carried. Trekking poles, a water purifier, and a headlamp also come in handy.
How much does the Three Passes Trek cost?
It will cost between 1,200 and 2,000 dollars, depending on the trekking company, services, and the size of the group. The cost normally comprises permits, a guide, a porter, meals, and accommodation.
What makes the Three Passes Trek unique?
It is a combination of all the best features of the Everest region in a single trek, namely, three high passes, Base Camp, Gokyo Lakes, and spectacular scenery. It is ideal for those trekkers who seek adventure and diversity.
What are the highlights of the Three Passes Trek?
The key attractions will be the crossings of Kongma La, Cho La, and Renjo La, the visits to Everest Base Camp, the sight of Gokyo Lakes, and the sunrise viewing point at Kala Patthar. You will also encounter strong Sherpa culture and spectacular mountain views.
Everest 3 Passes Trek Cost 2025 and 2026
No. of Pax | Starting Price |
1 | USD 1900 |
2-3 | USD 1800 per person |
4-6 | USD 1700 per person |
6+ | USD 1600 per person |
Book Now
Price Includes
- Airport Pick up/drop
- Three night accommodation in kathmandu at tourist standard hotels
- Domestic Flights
- Trekking package such as Ground transportation
- Necessary permits entrance fess
- Professional guide, porter/porters, and their expenses including their insurance and equipments
- Your accommodation at lodges in route
- Three meals a day (breakfast, lunch & dinner) with cup of tea/coffee
Price Excludes
- Beverages
- Tips 10% of the total amount paid
- Your insurance
- Personal/natural expenses
- Food in Kathmandu except daily breakfast
