Trip overview
Everest Three Passes Trek Overview
The 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.
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
The 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 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
