- Airport Pick up and Drop Services
- All necessary permits such and TIMS, National Park Fee
- All nights’ Lodge or tea house accommodation while trekking
- 3 times meals in a day such as Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Trekking Gears such as Duffle Bag, Walking sticks during trekking (needs to be returned)
- Medical Kit First-Aid Bag
- English Speaking Professional license holder Local Guide
- Kathmandu to Lukla to Kathmandu flight and domestic airport taxes including guides
- One porter for every 2 trekkers including his entire expenses
- Staff insurance, Salary, necessary equipment, Food, and accommodation
- Rescue Arrangements but Not the bills Please.
Journey overview
The experience at a glance
Everest Three High Passes Trek: One of the most adventurous and challenging trekking trips in Nepal. It will take you deep into the heart of the Everest region, and you will pass through three great mountain passes along the way: Kongma La (5,535 m), Cho La (5,420 m), and Renjo La (5,360 m). You will see the beautiful valley of the Khumbu Valley, Sherpa villages and high-altitude valleys, glaciers, and some of the most beautiful mountain places in the world.
The Everest Three High Passes Trek is perfect for those who are experienced trekkers looking for more than a classic Everest Base Camp route. It passes through the most iconic Himalayan villages such as Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche, Chhukung, Lobuche, Dzongla, and Gokyo. You will get to see Sherpa culture; visit ancient Buddhist monasteries; cross suspension bridges and travel under the highest mountains in the world.
One of the major highlights of this Everest Three Passes Trek is the chance to combine in one journey several of the most famous Everest-region attractions of all time. Everest Base Camp (5,364 m), Kala Patthar (5,545 m), Gokyo Lakes, and Gokyo Ri are among the three high passes, and all three are a real adventure challenge for trekkers. On the trails and mountain passes, you can see the mountains of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Makalu, Cho Oyu, Pumori, and Cholatse.
The Three High Passes Trek in Nepal is more challenging than the Everest Base Camp Trek and Gokyo Lakes Trek. Long trekking days, steep ascents, rocky terrain, high altitude, and maybe snowy parts all contribute to proper preparation and acclimatization. Yet it does not involve technical peak climbing like Island Peak or Mera Peak and is suitable for experienced trekkers who want a challenging Himalayan adventure without climbing.
Best time for Everest Three High Passes Trek
The best seasons for the Everest Three High Passes Trek are spring (March, April, and May) and fall (October and November), which generally bring good weather, clearer skies, comfortable trekking, and good mountain views.
In spring, the Everest region is bright with lush rhododendrons and Himalayan flowers, and clear mornings have amazing views of the surrounding mountains. Autumn is also a popular season with the mountain air crisp, weather stable, and clear Himalayan panoramas after the monsoon season.
Planning for the right season will really help in the Everest Three High Passes Trek. This challenging Everest Three Passes Trek can be very interesting for the mountaineering adventure level for beginners and a lot of people in Nepal's Everest region.
Trip highlights
What makes this journey
- 01
Stunning views of Mount Everest, Mt. Makalu, Cho Oyu, Lhotse, Mt. Pumori, etc
- 02
Explore the World's highest national park - 'SAGARMATHA NATIONAL PARK'
- 03
Most challenging but rewarding trek in the Everest region
- 04
Beautiful Sherpa Villages and experience local culture
- 05
Cross Three High Passes; as Cho La Pass (5380m), Kongma La Pass (5535m), and Renjo La Pass (5388m)
Day by day
17 days · 1 region
Walk the route one day at a time — meals, overnight stays, and the details that shape each stage.
Your Everest adventure starts with a smooth flight to Lukla. After arriving at the mountain airstrip, you meet your porter and begin walking through the Dudh Koshi Valley. The trail descends initially and then follows the river through small Sherpa settlements, mani walls, and Buddhist prayer wheels. You pass through villages like Chaurikharka and Ghat before reaching Phakding. As a beginner, this is intentionally a short first trekking day so that your body can start to get used to the altitude.
- Meals
- Full Board
- Overnight
- Lodge
- Distance
- 8 km
- Altitude
- 2,610m
NoteFlight: 30 minutes | Lukla Elevation: 2860m
After breakfast, cross a few suspension bridges and continue north along the Dudh Koshi River. You enter Sagarmatha National Park at Monjo before moving on to the famous Hillary Suspension Bridge. From here, the trail climbs steeply through pine and rhododendron forest toward Namche. The last ascent is demanding, but reaching Namche Bazaar is a major milestone. Namche is the commercial and cultural center of the Khumbu region and an important acclimatization point.
- Meals
- Full Board
- Overnight
- Lodge
- Distance
- 12 km
- Altitude
- 3,440m
NoteElevation gain: around +850 m.
Today is one of the essential acclimatization days. Rather than spending the entire day resting, take a gradual hike above Namche. A popular route is the trail to Syangboche, Khumjung and Everest View Hotel. At higher places, you can see the most beautiful Himalayan peaks like Everest, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Kongde and Lhotse. The concept is: “climb high, sleep low”. You gain altitude in the day but return to Namche to sleep.
- Meals
- Full Board
- Overnight
- Lodge
- Distance
- 4 km
- Altitude
- 3,440m
NoteElevation gain: +300-400m during acclimatization hike.
The trail leaves Namche and contours along the mountainside with beautiful views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam and Thamserku. After descending toward the Dudh Koshi River at Phunki Tenga, you begin a sustained climb through pine, rhododendron and fir forests to Tengboche. Tengboche is known for one of the major Buddhist monasteries in Khumbu, Tengboche Monastery. The views of Ama Dablam from Tengboche are particularly impressive in the afternoon.
- Meals
- Full Board
- Overnight
- Lodge
- Distance
- 11 km
- Altitude
- 3,860m
NoteElevation gain: approximately +550 m.
Descend through the forest to Deboche and cross the Imja Khola before gradually climbing toward Pangboche. As the mountains are higher, the landscape becomes more and more alpine. You pass Sherpa settlements with the view of Ama Dablam getting much more dramatic. From Pangboche, the trail continues towards Somare and finally reaches Dingboche, a wide high-altitude valley surrounded by spectacular peaks. Dingboche is an important acclimatization stop before entering the high-pass section.
- Meals
- Full Board
- Overnight
- Lodge
- Distance
- 11 km
- Altitude
- 4,410m
NoteElevation gain: approximately +550 m.
Today is another key acclimatization day. A good hike should be to Nangkartshang Peak, from which the Imja Valley and surrounding mountain ranges are viewed. You can see Ama Dablam, Island Peak, Makalu, and other Himalayan peaks from higher places. This acclimatization day is particularly valuable because the next section takes you above 5,000 m.
- Meals
- Full Board
- Overnight
- Lodge
- Distance
- 4 km
- Altitude
- 4,410m
NoteElevation gain: About +400 -500 m. Highest hiking elevation: 4,800 -5,000 m.
Today is a relatively short but strategically important day. You leave the main Everest Base Camp trail and enter the Imja Valley, following a gradual trail toward Chhukung. The scenery becomes more and more dramatic with views of Island Peak, Ama Dablam, Lhotse and Nuptse. Chhukung is the final settlement before crossing Kongma La. The short day allows you to conserve energy for the following high-pass crossing.
- Meals
- Full Board
- Overnight
- Lodge
- Distance
- 6 km
- Altitude
- 4,730m
NoteElevation gain: approximately +320 m.
First High Pass - Kongma La This is one of the most difficult days of the entire trek. You leave Chhukung early in the morning and climb toward Kongma La. Your path may pass through rocky areas and possibly snow-covered areas depending on trail conditions. The climb is much steeper as you approach the pass. At around 5,535 m, you reach Kongma La, the highest of the three named passes on the standard route. It is at this place that you have an amazing view of the surrounding Himalayan giants and glaciers. After crossing the pass, go down to Khumbu Glacier and continue to Lobuche. This is a long day, and it is hard work, so an early start and proper acclimatization are required.
- Meals
- Full Board
- Overnight
- Lodge
- Distance
- 11 km
- Altitude
- 4,910m
NoteKongma La: approximately 5,535 m | Duration: 7-9 hours | Elevation gain: about +900 m cumulative ascent
The trail follows the lateral moraine of the Khumbu Glacier toward Gorak Shep. After reaching Gorak Shep and having lunch, continue toward Everest Base Camp. The trail passes through rugged glacial terrain and provides a fantastic view of Khumbu Icefall and its surrounding peaks. At Everest Base Camp, you are at about 5,364 m, the starting point for climbers attempting the South Col route to Everest. After spending time at Base Camp, return to Gorak Shep for the night.
- Meals
- Full Board
- Overnight
- Lodge
- Distance
- 15 km
- Altitude
- 5,164m
NoteEverest Base Camp: 5,364 m | Duration: 7-8 hours, including EBC excursion | Elevation gain: around +450 m.
Kala Patthar Sunrise Wake up early and climb towards Kala Patthar, the famous viewpoint for panoramic Everest views. The climb is steep but relatively short. From the summit, you get one of the best views of Mount Everest, Nuptse, Pumori and the Khumbu Glacier. After descending to Gorak Shep, have breakfast and continue toward Lobuche before taking the trail toward Dzongla. Dzongla is located in a spectacular valley below Cho La and provides a crucial resting point before the second high pass.
- Meals
- Full Board
- Overnight
- Lodge
- Distance
- 12 km
- Altitude
- 4,830m
NoteDuration: 7-8 hours | Elevation gain: approximately +450 m |Maximum altitude: 5,545 m (Kalapatthar)
Second High Pass - Cho La Cho La is one of the most technically demanding areas of the Three Passes Trek because of its steep approach and glaciated terrain. The trail climbs from Dzongla toward the Cho La glacier. Snow and ice can make this section a lot harder depending on season and weather. At about 5,420 m you cross Cho La Pass with spectacular mountain views around you. You then descend carefully toward the eastern side of the pass and continue toward Thangnak. As conditions at Cho La can change rapidly, a qualified local guide and suitable equipment are very much needed. Some seasons may require traction equipment depending on snow and ice conditions.
- Meals
- Full Board
- Overnight
- Lodge
- Distance
- 10 km
- Altitude
- 4,750m
NoteMax. Elevation: Cho La Pass (5,420m) | Duration: 7-9 hours | Elevation gain: about +650 m cumulative ascent
After the difficult Cho La crossing, today’s trek is relatively short. You follow the trail beside the Ngozumpa Glacier toward the spectacular Gokyo Valley. The landscape changes dramatically from the rugged Khumbu Glacier area to the turquoise glacial lakes of Gokyo. Once you reach Gokyo, you can relax at Gokyo Lake and view Cho Oyu and the surrounding peaks.
- Meals
- Full Board
- Overnight
- Lodge
- Distance
- 7 km
- Altitude
- 4,790m
NoteElevation gain: approximately +100 m.
Today you go to Gokyo Ri, one of the most beautiful views of the Everest range. The climb is steep and takes several hours round trip. You can take a panoramic view of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, Cholatse, Taboche and the Ngozumpa Glacier from the summit. The afternoon will be spent resting and preparing for the final high pass back for Gokyo.
- Meals
- Full Board
- Overnight
- Lodge
- Distance
- 5 km
- Altitude
- 4,790m
NoteGokyo Ri: 5,357m | Duration: 4-5 hours | Elevation gain: about +570 m.
Third High Pass – Renjo La Today you cross the last of the three high passes. The trail grows steadily from Gokyo to Renjo La. The climb becomes steeper as you approach the pass. At about 5,360 m, you reach Renjo La. From the top you can see extraordinary views from the Everest region, including the Gokyo lakes and the mountains in the distance. After celebrating the completion of the third pass, drop down to the remote Bhote Koshi Valley and continue on to Lungden. This completes the Kongma La–Cho La–Renjo La circuit.
- Meals
- Full Board
- Overnight
- Lodge
- Distance
- 16 km
- Altitude
- 4,380m
NoteMax. Elevation: Renjo La (5,360m) | Duration: 7-9 hours | Elevation gain: around +650 m cumulative ascent.
After crossing the last high pass, the trail descends through the remote Bhote Koshi Valley. You find Thame, a historic Sherpa settlement associated with famous mountaineers and traders. From Thame, go on to Namche Bazaar through traditional villages and alpine areas. The long descent is welcome relief after so many days above 4,500 m.
- Meals
- Full Board
- Overnight
- Lodge
- Distance
- 16 km
- Altitude
- 3,440m
NoteElevation gain: minimal; approximately +150 m. Elevation loss: approximately -940 m.
our final trekking day is the Dudh Koshi Valley. You pass through Monjo, Phakding and several suspension bridges before climbing gradually toward Lukla. The trail is familiar, but can still feel long after completing the Three High Passes. Your final evening in the Khumbu with your guide and porters.
- Meals
- Full Board
- Overnight
- Lodge
- Distance
- 20 km
- Altitude
- 2,860m
NoteElevation gain: approximately +300 m cumulative ascent. Elevation loss: about -900 m
Take the morning flight from Lukla to Kathmandu, subject to weather and flight operations. Because mountain flights can be affected by weather, it is wise to keep flexibility in your post-trek schedule. Once in Kathmandu, enjoy a well-deserved rest, shower, and comfortable evening.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Altitude
- 1,400m
NoteFlight: about 30-40 minutes, subject to weather conditions.
Private vehicle & English-speaking guide throughout · Lukla
Places covered
Destinations on this trip
The places this journey moves through, in the order they shape the experience.
Lukla
Namche Bazaar
Dingboche
Kongma La Pass
Everest Base Camp
Gokyo Ri
Trip essentials
What your journey covers
A clear split between what we arrange and what you budget yourself.
- Accommodation and meals in Kathmandu
- Nepal Visa Fee
- Extra Night in Kathmandu because of early arrival, late departure, or early arrival from the mountain than the scheduled itinerary
- Any drinks such as hard or soft
- Personal insurance
- Personal Expenses
- Rescue operation charges
- International Airfare To and From Kathmandu
- Tips for Supports staff and etc.
Before you go
Trip Information
Before you go
Frequently asked
More about travelling in Nepal
