The Everest Three Passes Trek is an epic high-altitude journey across the legendary Khumbu region, covering three challenging passes—Kongma La, Cho La, and Renjo La—and offering the ultimate Everest experience for avid trekkers. This 20-day adventure combines adventure, culture, and breathtaking Himalayan scenery, taking you through traditional Sherpa villages, high alpine landscapes, glaciers, and monasteries, all while following a carefully paced itinerary for safe acclimatization.
Starting with a guided Kathmandu heritage sightseeing tour, the journey moves into the heart of the Everest region via a scenic flight to Lukla. The trek traverses Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and passes through Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche, Chhukung, Gokyo Valley, and Lobuche, before tackling the three high passes and returning via Renjo La to Gokyo and Dudh Kosi valley. Along the way, trekkers are treated to panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Cho Oyu, Makalu, and other Himalayan giants.
The trek includes several acclimatization days at Namche Bazaar, Dingboche, and Chhukung to ensure safe adaptation to high altitudes. Highlights include crossing three challenging high passes, exploring the turquoise Gokyo Lakes, reaching Everest Base Camp (5,364 m), and witnessing the iconic sunrise at Kala Patthar (5,545 m).
Everest 3 Passes Trek – 20 Days Highlights
Cross three high passes (Kongma La, Cho La, Renjo La) for the ultimate Everest experience.
Explore the stunning Gokyo Lakes Valley with panoramic Himalayan views.
Reach Everest Base Camp (5,364 m) and witness a sunrise from Kala Patthar (5,545 m).
Experience Sherpa culture, traditional villages, and monasteries.
Trek safely with expert guides and proper acclimatization days.
Outline Itinerary
- Arrival in Kathmandu (1,350m)
- Kathmandu Heritage Sightseeing Tour (3–4 hrs | Max Altitude: 1,350m)
- Fly to Lukla & Trek to Phakding (3–4 hrs | Max Altitude: 2,860m)
- Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (6–7 hrs | Max Altitude: 3,440m)
- Acclimatization Day at Namche Bazaar (3–4 hrs | Max Altitude: 3,880m)
- Trek from Namche Bazaar to Tengboche (5–6 hrs | Max Altitude: 3,860m)
- Trek from Tengboche to Dingboche (5–6 hrs | Max Altitude: 4,410m)
- Acclimatization Day at Dingboche (3–4 hrs | Max Altitude: 5,083m)
- Trek from Dingboche to Chhukung (3–4 hrs | Max Altitude: 4,730m)
- Trek from Chhukung to Kongma La Pass & Lobuche (7–8 hrs | Max Altitude: 5,535m)
- Trek from Lobuche to Everest Base Camp & Gorak Shep (7–8 hrs | Max Altitude: 5,364m)
- Sunrise at Kala Patthar & Trek to Pheriche (6–7 hrs | Max Altitude: 5,545m)
- Trek from Pheriche to Dzongla (5–6 hrs | Max Altitude: 4,830m)
- Cross Cho La Pass & Trek to Gokyo (7–8 hrs | Max Altitude: 5,420m)
- Acclimatization Day at Gokyo – Hike Gokyo Ri (3–4 hrs | Max Altitude: 5,360m)
- Trek from Gokyo to Thagnak (4–5 hrs | Max Altitude: 4,700m)
- Trek from Thagnak to Renjo La Pass & Namche Bazaar (7–8 hrs | Max Altitude: 5,360m)
- Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla (6–7 hrs | Max Altitude: 2,860m)
- Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu
- Final Departure from Kathmandu
Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,350m)
Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you will be warmly welcomed by our representative and transferred to your hotel in the city center. This first day is designed for rest and recovery after your international journey. In the evening, a comprehensive trek briefing will be conducted where your guide will explain the route, altitude challenges, safety measures, acclimatization strategy, weather conditions, and equipment requirements. This session ensures you are fully prepared for the demanding high-altitude adventure ahead.
Day 02: Kathmandu Heritage Sightseeing Tour (3–4 hrs | Max Altitude: 1,350m)
Today you explore the cultural and spiritual heart of Nepal through guided sightseeing of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Visits include Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), and Kathmandu Durbar Square. This light walking day helps keep your body active while offering insight into Nepal’s Hindu and Buddhist traditions before heading into the remote Everest region.
Day 03: Fly to Lukla & Trek to Phakding (3–4 hrs | Max Altitude: 2,860m)
An early morning scenic flight takes you to Lukla, one of the world’s most dramatic mountain airstrips. After landing, the trek begins gently along the Dudh Koshi River, passing prayer wheels, mani walls, suspension bridges, and Sherpa villages. This short trekking day allows gradual acclimatization while introducing you to the rhythms of Everest region life.
Day 04: Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (6–7 hrs | Max Altitude: 3,440m)
The trail continues along the river, crossing several high suspension bridges including the iconic Hillary Bridge. After entering Sagarmatha National Park, a steady uphill climb through pine forests leads to Namche Bazaar. Weather permitting, you will enjoy your first breathtaking view of Mount Everest, marking a memorable milestone of the trek.
Day 05: Acclimatization Day at Namche Bazaar (3–4 hrs | Max Altitude: 3,880m)
This important acclimatization day allows your body to adapt to the altitude. A guided hike to Everest View Hotel or the Sherpa Culture Museum offers panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and surrounding peaks. The afternoon is free to explore Namche’s markets, bakeries, and cafes while maintaining proper hydration and rest.
Day 06: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Tengboche (5–6 hrs | Max Altitude: 3,860m)
A scenic traverse with continuous mountain views leads through rhododendron forests and across river valleys. After a gradual climb, you reach Tengboche, home to the region’s most important Buddhist monastery. The setting beneath Ama Dablam makes this one of the most photographed locations in the Everest region.
Day 07: Trek from Tengboche to Dingboche (5–6 hrs | Max Altitude: 4,410m)
Descending through Pangboche village and crossing the Imja River, the trail ascends into open alpine terrain. Vegetation thins as stone-walled fields appear, protecting crops from cold winds. Dingboche offers wide valley views and is an important acclimatization stop before higher elevations.
Day 08: Acclimatization Day at Dingboche (3–4 hrs | Max Altitude: 5,083m)
A key acclimatization day with a hike to Nangkartshang Peak. From the viewpoint, enjoy sweeping panoramas of Makalu, Ama Dablam, Island Peak, and the Imja Valley. Returning to Dingboche for the night ensures proper altitude adaptation.
Day 09: Trek from Dingboche to Chhukung (3–4 hrs | Max Altitude: 4,730m)
A shorter trekking day leads along glacial valleys toward Chhukung. Surrounded by massive icefalls and towering peaks, this village serves as the gateway to Kongma La Pass and provides excellent views of Island Peak and Makalu.
Day 10: Trek from Chhukung to Kongma La Pass & Lobuche (7–8 hrs | Max Altitude: 5,535m)
Today is one of the most demanding days of the trek. A steep ascent across rocky terrain and glacial moraines leads to Kongma La Pass, the highest of the three passes. From the summit, dramatic views of glaciers, Lhotse, Makalu, and Ama Dablam reward your effort. A long descent follows to Lobuche near the Khumbu Glacier.
Day 11: Trek from Lobuche to Everest Base Camp & Gorak Shep (7–8 hrs | Max Altitude: 5,364m)
Following the Khumbu Glacier, you trek through a rugged high-altitude landscape to Everest Base Camp. Standing beneath the world’s highest mountain is a powerful and unforgettable experience. After exploration and photographs, return to Gorak Shep for the night.
Day 12: Sunrise at Kala Patthar & Trek to Pheriche (6–7 hrs | Max Altitude: 5,545m)
An early morning hike to Kala Patthar offers the closest and most dramatic sunrise view of Mount Everest. After descending, the trail continues downhill to Pheriche, allowing significant altitude loss and recovery.
Day 13: Trek from Pheriche to Dzongla (5–6 hrs | Max Altitude: 4,830m)
The route climbs gradually through rocky alpine terrain toward Dzongla, a remote settlement positioned beneath Cho La Pass. The surrounding peaks and glaciers create a dramatic atmosphere as you prepare for the next high crossing.
Day 14: Cross Cho La Pass & Trek to Gokyo (7–8 hrs | Max Altitude: 5,420m)
A challenging day crossing Cho La Pass involves rocky paths and glacial sections. From the top, stunning views stretch across the Everest and Gokyo regions. Descending carefully, you arrive in the beautiful Gokyo Valley, famous for its turquoise lakes.
Day 15: Acclimatization Day at Gokyo – Hike Gokyo Ri (3–4 hrs | Max Altitude: 5,360m)
A morning hike to Gokyo Ri rewards trekkers with one of the finest panoramas in the Himalayas, including Everest, Cho Oyu, Makalu, and the Ngozumpa Glacier. The afternoon is free for rest beside the Gokyo Lakes.
Day 16: Trek from Gokyo to Thagnak (4–5 hrs | Max Altitude: 4,700m)
Crossing the vast Ngozumpa Glacier, the trail leads to Thagnak. The rugged terrain and glacial landscape highlight the remoteness of this section of the trek.
Day 17: Trek from Thagnak to Renjo La Pass & Namche Bazaar (7–8 hrs | Max Altitude: 5,360m)
The final high pass, Renjo La, offers arguably the best panoramic views of the entire trek. After enjoying the summit scenery, descend through alpine valleys back to Namche Bazaar, completing the legendary three passes circuit.
Day 18: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla (6–7 hrs | Max Altitude: 2,860m)
Following the Dudh Koshi River, descend through forests and Sherpa villages back to Lukla. This final trekking day is filled with reflection and celebration of a remarkable Himalayan journey.
Day 19: Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu
A scenic morning flight returns you to Kathmandu. The rest of the day is free for rest, shopping, or sightseeing.
Day 20: Final Departure from Kathmandu
Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward journey. Optional trip extensions such as cultural tours, Chitwan jungle safari, Everest helicopter flight, or rafting can be arranged on request.
What's Included
- Round trip flight ticket from Kathmandu – Lukla – Kathmandu.
- All meals (breakfast – lunch – dinner) during the trek.
- Lodge to lodge accommodation during the trek.
- Accommodation in Kathmandu as per our itinerary.
- An experienced English-speaking trekking guide.
- Porters for luggage (1 porter per 2 trekkers).
- Guide & Potter food, accommodation, salary, insurance fees.
- Tims (trekking information management system)
- Sagarmatha national park fee.
- Trekking Map and Duffel bag if necessary.
- First aid medicine kit.
- All government & local taxes.
What's Not Included
- Meals while in Kathmandu.
- Nepal Entry Visa fee
- Client’s travel insurance.
- Personal trekking equipment.
- Emergency rescue helicopter if necessary.
- Tips for guide & porters.
General Trek Information
Accommodation
Accommodation is provided in tea houses during the trek and 3-star hotels in Everest Region Trek.
Meals
Three freshly prepared meals daily during the trek including Dal Bhat, pasta, rice, soups, and vegetables.
Drinking Water
Safe drinking water is provided using filters or purification tablets. Reusable bottles are recommended.
Guide & Porter
Licensed English-speaking guides and local porters ensure safety, navigation, and cultural insights.
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