Trip overview
Everest Three Passes Trek Overview
The 15 Days Everest Three Passes Trek is a challenging journey through the high mountains of the Khumbu region. It takes you across three major mountain passes: Renjo La (5,360 m), Cho La (5,420 m), and Kongma La (5,535 m).
The trek also takes you to Gokyo Lakes, Gokyo Ri, Everest Base Camp, and Kala Patthar. Along the way, you will walk through quiet valleys, high mountain trails, glaciers, and Sherpa villages.
This trek offers a deeper experience of the Everest region. You will leave the busy main trail at several points and explore quieter parts of the Khumbu. You will also enjoy close views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, and other Himalayan peaks.
Our Everest Three Passes Trek follows a carefully planned clockwise route. We cross Renjo La first, then Cho La, and finally Kongma La. This route gives you time to adjust to the altitude before reaching the highest and most demanding sections.
You will need good fitness and strong preparation for this trek. However, you do not need technical climbing skills. With proper acclimatization, a good pace, and an experienced guide, you can enjoy this challenging Himalayan adventure safely.
Everest Three Passes Trek Highlights
- Cross Renjo La Pass (5,360 m) and enjoy views of Everest, Makalu, and Cho Oyu.
- Cross Cho La Pass (5,420 m) and walk through a high Himalayan landscape.
- Cross Kongma La Pass (5,535 m), the highest and hardest pass on our route.
- Visit the beautiful Gokyo Lakes.
- Hike to Gokyo Ri (5,357 m) for a wide mountain view.
- Visit Everest Base Camp (5,364 m).
- Hike to Kala Patthar (5,545 m) for one of the best views of Mount Everest.
- Explore Sherpa villages such as Thame, Gokyo, Lobuche, and Dingboche.
- Walk through the high mountain valleys of the Everest region.
- Enjoy a quieter trail than the classic Everest Base Camp route.
Three High Passes on the Everest Three Passes Trek
The main goal of this trek is to cross three high passes. Each pass has its own character and challenge.
Renjo La Pass – 5,360 m
Renjo La is the first high pass on our clockwise route. The trail climbs from the Gokyo Valley and reaches the pass above the beautiful mountain landscape.
From the top, you can see several major peaks, including Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu.
Learn more about Renjo La Pass.
Cho La Pass – 5,420 m
Cho La connects the Gokyo Valley with the Everest Base Camp area. The trail crosses a high mountain pass and can become difficult when snow covers the route.
Good acclimatization is important before crossing Cho La. Your guide will check the trail and help you maintain a safe pace.
Read more about the Cho La Pass.
Kongma La Pass – 5,535 m
Kongma La is the highest pass on this trek. It is also the hardest section for many trekkers.
The climb is long, and the weather can change quickly. Snow and strong wind can make the crossing more difficult.
Our route crosses Kongma La after you have already visited Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar. By this stage, you will have more time to adjust to the high altitude.
You can also read our detailed guide to Kongma La Pass.
Everest Three Passes Trek Difficulty
The Everest Three Passes Trek is challenging. It is harder than the standard Everest Base Camp Trek because you cross three passes above 5,300 m.
You will walk for about 6 to 8 hours on many trekking days. Some days can be longer, especially when you cross a high pass.
Altitude is the main challenge. You will spend several days above 4,000 m. The trail also includes steep climbs, rocky sections, snow, ice, and changing weather.
You should have good physical fitness before starting this trek. Regular walking, hiking, and cardio training can help you prepare.
You should also take altitude seriously. Our guides monitor your pace and condition throughout the trek. If you feel unwell, tell your guide at once.
You can also read our guide about Cho La Pass difficulty.
Why Choose the Everest Three Passes Trek?
The Everest Three Passes Trek gives you much more than a visit to Everest Base Camp.
First, you cross three of the most famous high passes in the Khumbu. You also visit Gokyo Lakes, Gokyo Ri, Everest Base Camp, and Kala Patthar.
The route also takes you through quieter valleys and traditional Sherpa villages. You will see a different side of the Everest region.
Another major benefit is the route itself. Our clockwise itinerary starts with Renjo La. This gives you time to gain altitude before the more demanding sections.
You will also have acclimatization days during the trek. These breaks help your body adjust to the high altitude.
For experienced trekkers, this route offers a complete Everest region adventure in one journey.
15 Days Everest Three Passes Trek Route
Our 15-day route follows a clockwise direction. The trek begins with a flight from Kathmandu to Lukla.
From Lukla, you walk to Phakding and continue to Namche Bazaar. After acclimatization in Namche, the trail moves towards Thame and Lungdeng.
From Lungdeng, you cross Renjo La and enter the Gokyo Valley. You then spend time around Gokyo and hike towards Thangnak.
Next, you cross Cho La and reach Dzongla. From Dzongla, the trail continues towards Gorakshep and Everest Base Camp.
You then hike to Kala Patthar before heading towards Lobuche and Dingboche. From Dingboche, you cross Kongma La and continue towards Chhukung.
Finally, the trail returns to Namche Bazaar and Lukla before you fly back to Kathmandu.
You can learn more about Gorakshep and the Everest Base Camp route.
Best Time for the Everest Three Passes Trek
The best seasons for the Everest Three Passes Trek are spring and autumn.
Spring – March to May
Spring brings stable weather and warmer days. The trails become more comfortable as the season progresses.
You can also see rhododendrons and other flowers at lower elevations. The mountain views are often clear in the morning.
Autumn – September to November
Autumn is one of the best seasons for trekking in the Everest region. The weather is usually dry and stable.
The skies are often clear, so you can enjoy excellent views of the mountains. October and November are especially popular for high-altitude trekking.
Winter – December to February
Winter brings cold temperatures and more snow. The three passes can become difficult or unsafe when heavy snow covers the trail.
For this reason, we do not recommend the full Three Passes route in winter unless conditions are suitable and experienced local guides confirm the route.
Monsoon – June to August
The monsoon brings rain to lower areas of Nepal. Clouds can also block mountain views.
The Everest region receives less rain than many other parts of Nepal, but the high passes can still be difficult because of snow and changing weather.
Clockwise or Anti-Clockwise Route?
You can complete the Three Passes Trek in both directions. However, we recommend the clockwise route.
Our route crosses Renjo La first, followed by Cho La and Kongma La.
This order allows you to gain altitude step by step. You first spend time in Namche and Thame. Then you cross Renjo La before moving deeper into the high mountains.
After Gokyo, you cross Cho La and visit Everest Base Camp. Finally, you cross Kongma La before descending towards Chhukung and Namche.
We believe this order gives you a better flow and a more comfortable acclimatization process.
The route also gives you time to enjoy major highlights such as Gokyo Lakes, Gokyo Ri, Everest Base Camp, and Kala Patthar.
Why We Recommend the Clockwise Route
We recommend the clockwise route because it builds the trek gradually.
You begin at Lukla and spend time in Namche before moving higher. After Namche, you enter the quieter Thame Valley.
You then cross Renjo La and reach Gokyo. After an acclimatization period, you continue towards Cho La.
Once you reach the Everest Base Camp area, you hike to Kala Patthar. You then cross Kongma La before starting the descent.
This route also places the highest and hardest pass, Kongma La, later in the trek. By then, you have already spent more time at high altitude.
Gokyo Lakes and Gokyo Ri
Gokyo is one of the most beautiful areas of the Everest region. The valley is home to a group of turquoise glacial lakes surrounded by high mountains.
You also have the option to hike to Gokyo Ri (5,357 m). The viewpoint offers a wide panorama of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, and other peaks.
You can read more about the Gokyo Ri Trek. and Fifth Lake Trek.
Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar
The Three Passes Trek also includes two major Everest highlights.
First, you reach Everest Base Camp at 5,364 m. This is one of the main goals of the journey.
You then hike to Kala Patthar at 5,545 m. From the viewpoint, you can enjoy a close view of Mount Everest and the surrounding peaks.
The combination of the three high passes, Gokyo Valley, Everest Base Camp, and Kala Patthar makes this one of the most complete trekking routes in the Everest region.
Trek Distance and Walking Hours
The total walking distance can vary slightly because of side trips and route conditions.
Most trekking days involve around 6 to 8 hours of walking. Some days are shorter, while pass-crossing days can be longer.
The hardest days usually involve a long climb to a high pass followed by a descent. These days require good pacing and enough rest.
Mental preparation also matters. The trail can feel demanding when you are tired or when the weather changes. A steady pace and good support from your guide can make a big difference.
You can also compare this route with our Everest Base Camp Trek.
Glaciers on the Three Passes Trek
The Three Passes route takes you through several high Himalayan valleys and glacier areas.
You will see the Ngozumpa Glacier around the Gokyo Valley. The trail also passes close to the Khumbu Glacier near Everest Base Camp.
These glaciers add to the dramatic scenery of the trek. Your guide will choose the safest route based on trail and weather conditions.
Permits for the Everest Three Passes Trek
You need the required permits to enter and trek in the Everest region.
These include the Sagarmatha National Park permit and the required local entry permit for the Khumbu region.
Permit rules and fees can change. We arrange the required permits before and during the trek so you can focus on the journey.
Important Things to Know Before the Trek
The Three Passes Trek is a high-altitude adventure. Good preparation is important.
You should be ready for:
- Long walking days
- Steep climbs and descents
- High-altitude trails
- Cold temperatures
- Snow and ice
- Changing mountain weather
- Basic teahouse accommodation
- Limited facilities in remote areas
You should also bring suitable trekking clothing and footwear. Your guide can help you with practical advice before the trek starts.
Preparation for the Everest Three Passes Trek
You do not need technical climbing experience for this trek. However, you should have good fitness.
Start preparing several weeks before your trip. Regular walking, hiking, stairs, and cardio exercises can help improve your endurance.
It is also useful to practice walking for several hours with a light backpack.
Most importantly, do not rush at high altitude. Walk at a steady pace and drink enough water. Follow your guide’s advice throughout the trek.
Which Is the Hardest Pass?
Among the three passes, Kongma La is usually the hardest.
Kongma La reaches 5,535 m and involves a long climb and descent. Snow and weather can also make the crossing harder.
Cho La can also be challenging. Snow and icy sections may make the trail more difficult.
Renjo La is the lowest of the three passes, but it still requires good acclimatization because it reaches 5,360 m.
The difficulty can change with weather and trail conditions. Your guide will assess the conditions before each pass crossing.
You can also learn more about crossing the high passes.
Everest Three Passes Trek Cost
Our 15 days Everest Three Passes Trek starts from US$1,430 per person for larger groups.
The price varies by group size. A private trip for one person costs more because the guide, porter, transport, and other costs are shared by fewer people.
Our current group rates are:
- 1 person: US$1,570
- 2 people: US$1,490 per person
- 3–6 people: US$1,460 per person
- 7–10 people: US$1,430 per person
- 10+ people: US$1,430 per person
The package includes accommodation, meals during the trek, guide, porter, permits, domestic flights, and other services listed in the inclusions section.
Why Trek with Himalaya View Treks?
Himalaya View Treks is a local trekking company based in Kathmandu. Our team has years of experience organizing trekking trips in the Everest region and other parts of Nepal.
We work with experienced and licensed guides. Our team includes local guides from different Himalayan communities, including Sherpa, Rai, Tamang, and Gurung guides.
We focus on clear planning and personal service. Before your trek, we help you prepare your permits, transport, equipment, and other trip details.
During the trek, our guide stays with you and monitors the group. We also provide first-aid support and altitude awareness.
Our service includes:
- Experienced and licensed trekking guides
- Porter service
- Airport pickup and drop-off
- Required trekking permits
- Domestic flights
- Staff insurance
- Fair wages for our trekking staff
- Free duffel bag and T-shirt
- Water purification support
- Small and private group options
- Flexible departure dates
- 24/7 support during your trip
- Trek completion certificate
- Clear and transparent pricing
We also value feedback from our guests. You can read our reviews on TripAdvisor.
Another Longer Himalayan Adventure
If you want another long Himalayan journey, you can also consider our Manaslu and Annapurna Circuit Trek – 19 Days.
This route combines the remote Manaslu region with the Annapurna Circuit. It also includes the famous Larkya La and Thorong La passes.
Read more about the Manaslu and Annapurna Circuit Trek.
Book Your Everest Three Passes Trek
The Everest Three Passes Trek is a great choice if you want to explore more than the classic Everest Base Camp route.
You will cross three high passes, visit Gokyo Lakes, hike to Gokyo Ri, reach Everest Base Camp, and climb Kala Patthar.
Our local team can help you choose the right departure date and prepare for the trek.
If you have questions about the route, cost, permits, or preparation, contact Himalaya View Treks.
You can also contact us directly through WhatsApp.
Short Itinerary
Everest Three Passes Trek - 15 Days Itinerary
Day 01: Fly to Lukla and trek to Phagding walking distance of 7.5 km (3-4 Hours) 2,610m/8,563ft
Day 02: Phakding to Namche Bazaar walking distance of 12.3 km (6-7 Hours) 3,440m/11,283ft
Day 03: Acclimatization, Namche Bazaar (Day hike 3-4 Hours) 3,440m/11,283ft
Day 04: Namche Bazaar to Thame walking distance of ~11 km (4-5 Hours) 3,800m/12,467ft
Day 05: Thame to Lumde walking distance of ~11 km (5-6 Hours) 4,380m/14,370ft
Day 06: Lumde to Gokyo via Renjo La Pass (5,360m/17,585ft) walking distance of ~10 km (6-7 Hours) 4,790m/15,715ft
Day 07: Acclimatization, Gokyo (Day hike Gokyo Ri 4-5 Hours) 4,790m/15,715ft
Day 08: Gokyo to Thagnak walking distance of ~4-5 km (4-5 Hours) 4,700m/15,420ft
Day 09: Thagnak to Dzongla via Cho La Pass (5,420m/17,782ft) walking distance of ~10 km (6-7 Hours) 4,830m/15,846ft
Day 10: Dzongla to Gorak Shep and Everest Base Camp walking distance of ~12 km (7-8 Hours) 5,164m/16,942ft
Day 11: Hike to Kala Patthar (5,545m/18,192ft) and trek to Lobuche walking distance of ~8 km (5-6 Hours) 4,910m/16,109ft
Day 12: Lobuche to Dingboche via Kongma La Pass (5,535m/18,159ft) walking distance of ~15 km (7-9 Hours) 4,400m/14,436ft
Day 13: Dingboche to Namche Bazaar walking distance of ~14 km (6-7 Hours) 3,440m/11,283ft
Day 14: Namche Bazaar to Lukla walking distance of ~19 km (7-8 Hours) 2,860m/9,383ft
Day 15: We will fly from Lukla to Kathmandu (1,400m/4,593ft). Flight time 30-35 minutes.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 01: Fly to Lukla and trek to Phagding
Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla and meet your trekking crew after landing. Trek through small villages, forests, streams, Mani walls, and suspension bridges along the Dudh Koshi Valley to Phakding.
Walking distance: 7.5 km | 3–4 hours | Phakding: 2,610 m (8,563 ft)
Day 02: Phakding to Namche Bazaar
Trek through the Dudh Koshi Valley and enter Sagarmatha National Park at Monjo. Cross several suspension bridges, including the famous Hillary Suspension Bridge, before climbing to Namche Bazaar. Weather permitting, you may get your first view of Mount Everest along the way.
Walking distance: 12.3 km | 6–7 hours | Namche Bazaar: 3,440 m (11,283 ft)
Day 03: Acclimatization day In Namche Bazaar
Spend the day acclimatizing in Namche Bazaar. Hike to the Everest View Hotel at 3,880 m and visit nearby Khumjung Village, including the Hillary School and local monastery. Return to Namche Bazaar for the night.
Hiking time: About 3–4 hours | Namche Bazaar: 3,440 m (11,283 ft)
Day 04: Namche Bazaar to Thame
Leave the main Everest Base Camp trail and follow the quieter route toward Thame. The trail passes through forests and traditional Sherpa settlements before reaching this historic mountain village.
Walking distance: About 11 km | 4–5 hours | Thame: 3,800 m (12,467 ft)
Day 05: Trek from Thame to Lumde
Continue through the remote upper Bhote Koshi Valley toward Lungdeng. The landscape becomes more rugged as you gain altitude and approach the Renjo La Pass.
Walking distance: About 11 km | 5–6 hours | Lungdeng: 4,380 m (14,370 ft)
Day 06: Lungdeng to Gokyo via Renjo La Pass
Start early and cross Renjo La Pass, the first of the three high passes. From the pass, enjoy views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and other Himalayan peaks before descending toward the beautiful Gokyo Valley.
Walking distance: About 10 km | 6–7 hours | Renjo La: 5,360 m (17,585 ft) | Gokyo: 4,790 m (15,715 ft)
Day 07: Acclimatization Day in Gokyo
Take a rest day in Gokyo to help your body adjust to the altitude. You can hike to Gokyo Ri for sunrise and enjoy panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, and the surrounding peaks.
Hiking time: About 4–5 hours | Gokyo Ri: 5,357 m (17,575 ft) | Gokyo: 4,790 m (15,715 ft)
Day 08: Gokyo to Thagnak
Trek toward Thagnak along the Ngozumpa Glacier. The trail crosses rocky and glacial terrain, with impressive views of the surrounding mountains. Rest in Thagnak and prepare for the challenging Cho La crossing the following day.
Walking distance: About 4–5 km | 4–5 hours | Thagnak: 4,700 m (15,420 ft)
Day 09: Thagnak to Dzongla via Cho La Pass
Start early and cross the Cho La Pass, the second high pass of the trek. The route includes steep and rocky sections before reaching the top of the pass. After crossing Cho La, descend toward Dzongla and enjoy the dramatic mountain scenery.
Walking distance: About 10 km | 6–7 hours | Cho La: 5,420 m (17,782 ft) | Dzongla: 4,830 m (15,846 ft)
Day 10: Dzongla to Gorak Shep and Everest Base Camp
Trek toward Gorak Shep through the high Himalayan landscape. After reaching Gorak Shep, continue to Everest Base Camp and explore the area before returning to Gorak Shep for the night.
Walking distance: About 12 km | 7–8 hours | Gorak Shep: 5,164 m (16,942 ft) | Everest Base Camp: 5,364 m (17,598 ft)
Day 11: Hike to Kala Patthar and Trek to Lobuche
Start early and hike to Kala Patthar for sunrise and panoramic views of Mount Everest, Pumori, Nuptse, and the surrounding peaks. Return to Gorak Shep for breakfast, then trek back to Lobuche.
Walking distance: About 8 km | 5–6 hours | Kala Patthar: 5,545 m (18,192 ft) | Lobuche: 4,910 m (16,109 ft)
Day 12: Lobuche to Dingboche via Kongma La Pass
Start early and trek toward Kongma La Pass, the third and highest of the three passes. Cross rugged high-altitude terrain before descending toward Chhukung. Continue from Chhukung to Dingboche for the overnight stay.
Walking distance: About 15 km | 7–9 hours | Kongma La: 5,535 m (18,159 ft) | Dingboche: 4,400 m (14,436 ft)
Day 13: Dingboche to Namche Bazaar
Descend through the Imja Valley and continue toward Phungi Thanga. The trail then climbs through beautiful rhododendron and pine forests before reaching Namche Bazaar.
Walking distance: About 14 km | 6–7 hours | Namche Bazaar: 3,440 m (11,283 ft)
Day 14: Namche Bazaar to Lukla
Follow the Dudh Koshi Valley downhill through Monjo and Phakding. Continue along the trail to Lukla and celebrate the completion of your Three Passes adventure with your trekking crew.
Walking distance: About 19 km | 7–8 hours | Lukla: 2,860 m (9,383 ft)
Day 15: Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu
Take a scenic flight from Lukla to Kathmandu, depending on weather and flight operating conditions. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, transfer to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Flight time: About 30–35 minutes | Kathmandu: 1,400 m (4,593 ft)
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
