The Everest Three Passes Trek is one of the most challenging and scenic treks in Nepal, designed for experienced trekkers who want to explore the remote corners of the Everest region. This trek takes you through high-altitude passes, offering unparalleled views of the Everest massif, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu. The journey crosses three major passes—Kongma La (5,535m), Cho La (5,420m), and Renjo La (5,388m)—which are physically demanding but rewarding, with breathtaking panoramas of the Himalayas. Along the way, trekkers pass through Sherpa villages, Buddhist monasteries, and ancient cultures. The trek offers an opportunity for deep immersion in the Himalayan way of life, as well as views of famous peaks like Mount Everest and Mount Makalu. This trek also includes visits to Gokyo Lakes and the Everest Base Camp, offering diverse experiences of the region. The trek is long and strenuous, with multiple acclimatization days built in to avoid altitude sickness. It is recommended for those who are fit and prepared for the high-altitude trek. The best seasons for this trek are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November).
Duration
18 days
Difficulty Level
Difficult
Trip Start and End
Starts and ends in Kathmandu
Best Season
Spring & Autumn
Trip Area
Everest Region
Max Elevation
5,545 meters
Per Day Walk
5-7 hours per day
Group Size
2-12 trekkers
Accomodation
Tea houses and lodges
Crossing three high passes: Kongma La, Cho La, and Renjo La
Panoramic views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and other Himalayan peaks
Visit to Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar for stunning views of Everest
Exploring the Sherpa culture and Buddhist monasteries in the Solu-Khumbu region
Trekking through picturesque villages like Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, and Gokyo
Beautiful Gokyo Lakes and the opportunity to climb Gokyo Ri for breathtaking views
The sight of the majestic Everest and its surrounding peaks offers a backdrop for romance like no other.
Engage with the Sherpa culture, gaining insights into their traditions and Buddhist practices, enriching your journey with spiritual depth.
Savor the taste of local dishes, each a delightful fusion of traditional ingredients and mountain freshness.
Every challenge overcome and every laughter shared becomes a precious memory, etching this trek into the story of your lives.
Standing together at Everest Base Camp, you’ll feel a sense of shared triumph that only such a formidable quest can provide.
A detailed description of the itinerary
Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, you’ll be greeted by your guide and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to relax after your flight, or you can explore Kathmandu’s vibrant Thamel area or visit the Kathmandu Durbar Square. In the evening, you'll meet your trekking guide, who will brief you about the trek ahead.
In the morning, fly from Kathmandu to Lukla. This flight offers fantastic views of the mountains as you approach Lukla’s short runway. After landing, start your trek to Phakding, which takes about 3-4 hours. The trek takes you through pine forests and small Sherpa villages. Overnight in Phakding.
Today’s trek takes you from Phakding to Namche Bazaar, a vibrant town in the Khumbu region. The trail involves a series of bridges, including the famous Hillary Suspension Bridge, and a steady uphill climb. Expect to walk for 6-7 hours. Namche Bazaar is a bustling hub with shops, restaurants, and stunning views of Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam. Overnight in Namche Bazaar.
Acclimatization is key at this stage to ensure a safe trek. Today, take a short hike to the Everest View Hotel, located at 3,880m, for panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam. You can also explore the town and learn about the Sherpa culture at the Sherpa Museum. Overnight in Namche Bazaar.
Today’s trek takes you on a 5-6 hour hike to Tengboche, known for its monastery. The trail passes through alpine forests, and as you approach Tengboche, you’ll be treated to incredible views of Everest, Lhotse, and the beautiful Ama Dablam. The Tengboche Monastery is an important spiritual site and worth visiting. Overnight in Tengboche.
Today’s trek is a 5-6 hour journey to Dingboche, which lies at the base of the Annapurna and Everest ranges. The route offers more excellent views of the surrounding mountains, and you will trek through traditional Sherpa villages and lush forests. Dingboche is a good place to rest and acclimatize further. Overnight in Dingboche.
Spending another day here is important for acclimatization. A short trek to the Nangkartshang Peak (5,080m) offers spectacular views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and other peaks. The climb provides a good opportunity to adjust to the altitude. Overnight in Dingboche.
A short 3-4 hour trek takes you to Chukkung, a small village situated at the base of the Kongma La Pass. The area is famous for its stunning views and is also the starting point for the ascent to Kongma La Pass. Overnight in Chukkung.
Today is one of the more challenging days of the trek. You will hike for 8-9 hours, crossing Kongma La Pass. The pass offers stunning panoramic views, and after reaching the top, you will descend to Lobuche. Overnight in Lobuche.
Today’s trek takes you from Lobuche to Gorak Shep, where you’ll rest before heading to Everest Base Camp. The hike to Everest Base Camp takes around 2-3 hours, and once there, you’ll have an incredible view of the Khumbu Glacier and surrounding peaks. After spending some time at Base Camp, return to Gorak Shep for the night.
Early in the morning, hike to Kala Patthar, the highest point on this trek. The views from Kala Patthar are unparalleled, with close-up views of Mount Everest and the surrounding peaks. After taking in the sunrise, descend back to Dingboche. This will take about 8-9 hours of trekking. Overnight in Dingboche. great place to rest before the next big climb. Overnight in Dzongla.
Return to Lobuche for a more relaxed day of trekking. The descent to Lobuche takes around 4-5 hours, passing through familiar landscapes. You’ll have more opportunities to take in the views and rest. Overnight in Lobuche.
Trek from Lobuche to Dzongla, a small village nestled at the foot of the Cho La Pass. This trek will take you around 3-4 hours. Dzongla is a great place to rest before the next big climb. Overnight in Dzongla.
This is another challenging day as you will cross the Cho La Pass, one of the three major passes on the trek. The ascent to the pass will take 5-6 hours, and after crossing it, you will descend to Thagnak. The whole journey will take 8-9 hours. Overnight in Thagnak.
Today’s trek takes you to the beautiful Gokyo Lakes, a peaceful spot surrounded by glaciers and towering peaks. The trek takes about 4-5 hours. You’ll have plenty of time to relax and explore the area. Overnight in Gokyo.
In the morning, hike to Gokyo Ri for incredible views of Everest, Cho Oyu, Makalu, and other surrounding peaks. Afterward, descend to Dole, a small village where you’ll spend the night. The trek today will take around 6-7 hours. Overnight in Dole.
Trek from Dole to Namche Bazaar, passing through dense forests, small villages, and crossing several suspension bridges. The trek will take about 6-7 hours. Overnight in Namche Bazaar.
Today, trek back to Lukla for 6-7 hours. This marks the end of your Everest Three Passes Trek. From Lukla, you’ll take a flight back to Kathmandu. Upon arrival, enjoy some free time to relax and shop before preparing for your departure. Overnight in Kathmandu.
➤ Trekking Boots: Waterproof, sturdy, and comfortable boots with good ankle support.
➤ Sleeping Bag: Rated to withstand cold temperatures, typically -10°C to -15°C.
➤ Backpack (30-40L): A daypack for carrying essentials like water, snacks, and a first-aid kit.
➤ Trekking Poles: For added stability on uneven terrain and during descents.
➤ Headlamp: A reliable headlamp with extra batteries for early starts or late arrivals.
➤ Water Bottle or Hydration System: A 2-liter capacity to stay hydrated during the trek.
A detailed description of Trip FAQs
The best time to undertake the trek is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons. These months offer stable weather and clear views.
The Everest Three Passes Trek is considered a challenging trek due to its high altitude, rugged terrain, and long trekking days. It requires good physical fitness and prior trekking experience at high altitudes.
The highest point of the trek is the Kongma La Pass at 5,535 meters (18,159 feet). The total altitude gain throughout the trek can be significant, so acclimatization is crucial.
Yes, you will need two main permits: the TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) card and the Sagarmatha National Park entry permit. These can be obtained in Kathmandu.
While prior trekking experience is recommended, the trek is doable for individuals with good fitness levels and a positive attitude toward high-altitude hiking. However, it’s important to be prepared for the altitude and strenuous conditions.
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