Everest Three Pass Trek: A Comprehensive Guide
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- Everest Three Pass Trek: A Comprehensive Guide
Budget
USD 1990
Per Person
Rating
No review has been posted yet
Duration
14 Days
Trip Overview
The Everest Three Pass Trek is one of the most challenging and rewarding trekking routes in the Himalayas, designed for experienced trekkers seeking a complete and adventurous exploration of the Everest region. This epic journey crosses three high mountain passes—Kongma La, Cho La, and Renjo La—linking the main Everest Base Camp trail with the Gokyo Valley and remote Khumbu landscapes.
The trek offers a comprehensive Himalayan experience, combining dramatic high-altitude passes, glacier crossings, remote valleys, and iconic viewpoints such as Everest Base Camp, Kala Patthar, Gokyo Ri, and the stunning Gokyo Lakes. Throughout the journey, trekkers are rewarded with spectacular views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Ama Dablam.
This trek is considered the ultimate Everest circuit, offering the most diverse landscapes, highest challenges, and richest mountain experiences in the region.
Geography and Landscape
The Everest Three Pass Trek takes place in the Khumbu region of northeastern Nepal within Sagarmatha National Park. The route begins with a flight to Lukla and follows an extensive network of trails connecting major valleys, including the Khumbu Valley, Imja Valley, and Gokyo Valley.
The landscape is extremely diverse and dramatic, featuring lush forests, deep river gorges, alpine meadows, and vast glacial systems. As trekkers ascend, the environment becomes increasingly rugged, with moraines, icy ridges, and high-altitude deserts dominating the terrain.
The trek’s defining features are its three high passes:
- Kongma La (5,535 m) – the highest and most demanding pass, offering raw alpine wilderness and glacier crossings.
- Cho La (5,420 m) – a challenging icy pass connecting the Everest Base Camp and Gokyo regions.
- Renjo La (5,360 m) – a scenic pass with one of the most beautiful panoramic views in the entire Everest region.
Additional highlights include Everest Base Camp, Gokyo Lakes, Gokyo Ri, and Kala Patthar, each offering world-class mountain views and unique perspectives of the Himalayas.
Climate and Best Time to Trek
The best seasons for the Everest Three Pass Trek are spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November). These months offer the most stable weather conditions, clear skies, and safe crossing conditions for high passes.
Spring provides moderate temperatures and blooming rhododendrons, while autumn offers exceptional clarity after the monsoon, making it ideal for panoramic mountain views. Winter (December–February) is extremely cold, and heavy snow can block high passes, making the route suitable only for highly experienced trekkers. The monsoon season (June–August) is generally not recommended due to rain, poor visibility, and slippery trails.
Overall, autumn is considered the safest and most favorable season for completing all three passes.
People and Culture
The Everest Three Pass Trek passes through the homeland of the Sherpa people, whose culture is deeply influenced by Tibetan Buddhism and high-altitude mountain life. Throughout the journey, trekkers encounter prayer flags, mani walls, chortens, and ancient monasteries that reflect the spiritual essence of the Khumbu region.
Key villages along the route include Namche Bazaar, Thame, Dingboche, Lobuche, Gokyo, and Pangboche, each offering unique cultural experiences and traditional Himalayan hospitality. A major cultural highlight is Tengboche Monastery, the spiritual center of the Everest region, surrounded by dramatic views of Ama Dablam and Everest.
The combination of extreme mountain adventure, remote wilderness, and deep cultural immersion makes the Everest Three Pass Trek the ultimate and most complete trekking experience in the Everest region.
Package Highlights:
- Three high passes – Kongma La, Cho La, and Renjo La
- Everest Base Camp & Khumbu Icefall – iconic Himalayan experience Mount Everest Base Camp
- Gokyo Lakes & Gokyo Ri – turquoise lakes with epic viewpoints Gokyo Lakes
- Everest panorama – views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, Ama Dablam
- Sherpa culture – monasteries and traditional villages in Namche Bazaar region
- Diverse terrain – forests, glaciers, alpine valleys, and rocky passes
- Less crowded route – quieter, more remote trekking experience
- Glacier & snow crossings – challenging adventure terrain
Book This Trip
Trip Information
Start : Kathmandu
Finish : Kathmandu
Difficulty :
Moderate
Max Altitude : 5545m
Group Size : 17 People
Season : SEP-NOV, MAR-MAY
Trip Gallery
Trip Itinerary
Altitude - 1400m
Welcome to Nepal’s bustling capital! Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, you’ll be transferred to your hotel. Take the rest of the day to relax after your journey or explore Kathmandu’s vibrant streets, local markets, and traditional temples.
Accomadation: Hotel
Place to visit: Nepal
Meals: Dinner
Altitude - 1400m
Today is dedicated to trek preparation and permit arrangements before beginning your Himalayan adventure. You will meet your trekking guide for a comprehensive briefing covering the itinerary, altitude awareness, safety procedures, and trekking essentials. This day also provides time to organize and check your trekking gear, complete permit formalities, and purchase any last-minute supplies if needed. You may also explore the lively streets of Thamel and enjoy the cultural atmosphere of Kathmandu.
Accomadation: Hotel
Place to visit: Nepal
Meals: Breakfast
Altitude - 1400m - 2860m - 2610m
Trek Duration - 3-4 hours
Begin with a thrilling early morning flight to Lukla, famous for its short mountain runway and stunning aerial views of the Himalayas. From Lukla, the trek starts gently along the banks of the Dudh Koshi River, passing pine forests and small villages like Chaurikharka. The trail is mostly downhill or flat, helping your body gradually adjust to the altitude while enjoying scenic river valleys.
Accomadation: Tea House
Place to visit: Everest Region
Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Altitude - 2610m - 3440m
Trek Duration - 5-6 hours
A moderately challenging day awaits as you cross several suspension bridges, including the iconic Hillary Suspension Bridge, spanning the roaring Dudh Koshi River. The trail ascends steeply through rhododendron and pine forests before reaching Namche Bazaar, the vibrant Sherpa trading hub and gateway to the high Himalayas.
Accomadation: Tea House
Place to visit: Everest Region
Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Altitude - 3440m - 3880m - 3440m
Trek Duration - 4-5 hours
Rest is crucial at this stage of the trek. You may spend the day hiking to Everest View Hotel or visiting nearby Sherpa villages such as Khumjung and Khunde for breathtaking views of Everest, Ama Dablam, and surrounding peaks. The day also offers an opportunity to experience Sherpa culture, monasteries, cafes, and local markets in Namche Bazaar.
Accomadation: Tea House
Place to visit: Everest Region
Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Altitude - 3440m - 4040m
Trek Duration - 5-6 hours
Today’s trail climbs steadily through alpine landscapes and scenic ridges toward Mong La before continuing to the peaceful settlement of Dole. Along the route, enjoy panoramic mountain views, yak pastures, rhododendron forests, and the tranquil atmosphere of the high Himalayas.
Accomadation: Tea House
Place to visit: Everest Region
Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Altitude - 4040m - 5535m - 4830m
Trek Duration - 8-9 hours
One of the most challenging yet rewarding days of the trek, today involves crossing the dramatic Kongma La Pass through rugged rocky terrain and glacier landscapes. From the summit, enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and surrounding Himalayan peaks before descending carefully to the remote village of Dzongla.
Accomadation: Tea House
Place to visit: Everest Region
Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Altitude - 4830m - 4790m
Trek Duration - 5-6 hours
The trail continues through alpine meadows, glacier moraines, and remote Himalayan valleys toward the stunning Gokyo Lakes. Gokyo village sits beside beautiful turquoise glacial lakes surrounded by snow-capped peaks, offering a peaceful and less crowded trekking experience.
Accomadation: Tea House
Place to visit: Everest Region
Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Altitude - 4790m - 5360m - 4790m
Trek Duration - 4-5 hours
Today’s hike to Gokyo Ri rewards trekkers with one of the finest panoramic viewpoints in the Himalayas. From the summit, enjoy spectacular views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, and the massive Ngozumpa Glacier stretching below. After enjoying the scenery, descend back to Gokyo for rest and acclimatization.
Accomadation: Tea House
Place to visit: Everest Region
Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Altitude - 4790m - 5420m - 4910m
Trek Duration - 7-8 hours
Cho La Pass is a demanding high-altitude crossing through rocky and icy glacier terrain. The route offers dramatic mountain scenery and unforgettable Himalayan landscapes before descending toward Lobuche near the Khumbu Glacier. Along the trail, enjoy incredible views of surrounding peaks and rugged alpine terrain.
Accomadation: Tea House
Place to visit: Everest Region
Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Altitude - 4910m - 5164m - 5364m - 5164m
Trek Duration - 7-8 hours
From Lobuche, trek toward Gorak Shep before continuing to the legendary Everest Base Camp. Walk across rocky glacier moraines while witnessing the famous Khumbu Icefall and surrounding Himalayan giants. Standing at Everest Base Camp is a truly unforgettable experience for every trekker.
Accomadation: Tea House
Place to visit: Everest Region
Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Altitude - 5164m - 5545m - 4280m
Trek Duration - 7-8 hours
Wake early for a sunrise hike to Kala Patthar, the most famous viewpoint in the Everest region. The summit offers breathtaking panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Pumori glowing in the morning light. After the hike, descend through alpine valleys toward the peaceful village of Pheriche.
Accomadation: Tea House
Place to visit: Everest Region
Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Altitude - 4280m - 3440m
Trek Duration - 6-7 hours
Retrace your steps through beautiful forests, rivers, and Sherpa villages while descending toward Namche Bazaar. The lower altitude provides easier breathing and a comfortable trekking experience while allowing you to enjoy the scenery from a different perspective.
Accomadation: Tea House
Place to visit: Everest Region
Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Altitude - 3440m - 2860m
Trek Duration - 6-7 hours
The final trekking day follows scenic riverside trails and suspension bridges through pine forests and traditional villages back to Lukla. Celebrate the successful completion of your Himalayan journey with your trekking crew and fellow travelers.
Accomadation: Tea House
Place to visit: Everest Region
Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Altitude - 2860m - 1400m
Travel Duration - 35 minutes flight
Take an early morning scenic flight back to Kathmandu while enjoying one final aerial view of the Himalayas. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy free time to relax, explore the city, or shop for souvenirs.
Accomadation: Hotel
Place to visit: Nepal
Meals: Breakfast Dinner
Altitude - 1400m
Depending on your flight schedule, enjoy a free day in Kathmandu to explore cultural landmarks, local markets, temples, and traditional restaurants before your onward journey. Later, transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your final departure.
Place to visit: Nepal
Meals: Breakfast
USD 1990 / person
See group booking discount- No. of person Price per person
- 1 USD 1990.00
- 2-3 USD 1705.00
- 4-7 USD 1675.00
- 8-12 USD 1615.00
- 13-17 USD 1585.00
The price may varies
Speak to an Expert
Mr. Sonam G. Sherpa
Mr. Ang Dawa Sherpa
Cost Includes
1. Transportations
- Private/tourist vehicles for airport pickup and drop-off in Kathmandu.
- Private/tourist vehicles transfer as per itinerary to access the trailheads.
- Domestic flight included for access to the trekking starting & ending point.
2. Accommodation & Meals
- 3 Night 3-star hotel in Kathmandu with bed & breakfast basis.
- Breakfast, lunch & dinner with tea & coffee during the trekking Period.
3. Permits
- Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit. (Permit required for the Everest region)
- Local Government Entry Permit. (Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Munacipality)
- Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) permits.
4. Guide & Staff
- Professional and experience License holder trekking guide salary & insurance.
- Porter salary, equipment’s & insurance.
- First aid medical kit for emergency support.
1. Transportations
- Private/tourist vehicles for airport pickup and drop-off in Kathmandu.
- Private/tourist vehicles transfer as per itinerary to access the trailheads.
- Domestic flight included for access to the trekking starting & ending point.
2. Accommodation & Meals
- 3 Night 3-star hotel in Kathmandu with bed & breakfast basis.
- Breakfast, lunch & dinner with tea & coffee during the trekking Period.
3. Permits
- Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit. (Permit required for the Everest region)
- Local Government Entry Permit. (Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Munacipality)
- Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) permits.
4. Guide & Staff
- Professional and experience License holder trekking guide salary & insurance.
- Porter salary, equipment’s & insurance.
- First aid medical kit for emergency support.
Cost Excludes
1. International Flights
- Airfare from your home country to Nepal (Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu).
- Return airfare from Nepal (Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu) to your home country.
2. Visa Fees
- Nepal entry visa fee for entering Nepal (available on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, or through a Nepalese embassy).
3. Travel Insurance (Mandatory)
- Comprehensive travel insurance covering high-altitude trekking, emergency medical treatment, helicopter evacuation, trip cancellation, and other unforeseen circumstances.
4. Personal Expenses
- Tips, gifts, and souvenirs for trekking guides and porters.
- Personal trekking equipment and gear.
- Charges for lodge Wi-Fi, hot showers, battery charging, and laundry services.
5. Meals & Beverages
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu, Pokhara, and other locations where accommodation is provided in 3-star category hotels.
- Soft drinks, bottled water, alcoholic beverages, and snacks consumed during meals
1. International Flights
- Airfare from your home country to Nepal (Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu).
- Return airfare from Nepal (Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu) to your home country.
2. Visa Fees
- Nepal entry visa fee for entering Nepal (available on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, or through a Nepalese embassy).
3. Travel Insurance (Mandatory)
- Comprehensive travel insurance covering high-altitude trekking, emergency medical treatment, helicopter evacuation, trip cancellation, and other unforeseen circumstances.
4. Personal Expenses
- Tips, gifts, and souvenirs for trekking guides and porters.
- Personal trekking equipment and gear.
- Charges for lodge Wi-Fi, hot showers, battery charging, and laundry services.
5. Meals & Beverages
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu, Pokhara, and other locations where accommodation is provided in 3-star category hotels.
- Soft drinks, bottled water, alcoholic beverages, and snacks consumed during meals
Essential Info
Accommodation
Accommodation is provided in basic teahouses and mountain lodges throughout the route. Facilities are simple, offering twin-sharing rooms with limited amenities and shared bathroom facilities.
In lower villages such as Lukla, Phakding, and Namche Bazaar, lodges are relatively more developed. At higher and remote settlements including Lobuche, Dzongla, Gokyo, and Thagnak, accommodation becomes very basic due to altitude and isolation.
Meals
A full-board meal system (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner) is provided during the trek. Meals are freshly prepared and designed to meet the high energy demands of continuous high-altitude trekking.
Typical menu options include:
- Traditional Dal Bhat set meals
- Noodles, pasta, and fried rice
- Soups, potatoes, and seasonal vegetables
- Eggs, bread, and pancakes
- Tea, coffee, and hot drinks
Food variety becomes limited at higher elevations but remains sufficient for endurance trekking.
Difficulty & Physical Requirements
The Everest Three Passes Trek is classified as very strenuous and is suitable only for experienced trekkers with excellent physical fitness and prior high-altitude trekking experience.
Daily trekking ranges from 6 to 9 hours, with significant elevation gain and repeated high-pass crossings:
- Kongma La Pass (5,535m)
- Cho La Pass (5,420m)
- Renjo La Pass (5,360m)
This trek requires strong endurance, mental resilience, and proper acclimatization.
Permits
Required permits include:
- Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit
- Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit
- TIMS Card (Trekkers’ Information Management System)
All permits are arranged in advance by the trekking operator.
Best Season
- Spring (March–May): Stable weather, clear mountain views, and blooming rhododendrons
- Autumn (September–November): Best visibility and safest trekking conditions
- Winter (December–February): Extremely cold but clear skies and fewer trekkers
- Monsoon (June–August): Not recommended due to heavy rainfall, snow risk, and poor visibility
Transportation & Access
The trek begins with a scenic mountain flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, the main gateway to the Everest region.
From Lukla, the route follows a long circular circuit covering both Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Valley before returning to Lukla.
Safety & Acclimatization
This trek reaches extreme altitudes above 5,500 meters and requires careful acclimatization planning.
Key acclimatization stops include Namche Bazaar, Dingboche, and Gokyo. Proper rest days are essential to reduce the risk of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).
Experienced guides closely monitor trekkers’ health, weather conditions, and route safety. Emergency helicopter evacuation is available if required.
Travel Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory and must include:
- High-altitude trekking coverage (minimum up to 6,000m)
- Emergency helicopter evacuation and rescue
- Medical treatment and hospitalization
- Accidental injury and repatriation coverage
Additional Information
Guide & Porter Services
The trek is led by highly experienced licensed guides who ensure navigation, safety, and high-altitude management. Porters assist with luggage, allowing trekkers to carry only a light daypack.
Guide support is essential, especially during technical and high-risk sections such as the three passes.
Technical Preparation
No technical climbing is required, but strong alpine preparedness is essential:
- Walking with crampons on snow and ice
- Trekking pole usage on steep ascents and descents
- Glacier crossing awareness
- High-altitude pacing and endurance management
Essential Equipment
Recommended gear includes:
- High-quality, broken-in trekking boots
- Layered alpine clothing system
- Expedition-grade down jacket (-20°C to -30°C)
- Waterproof jacket and trousers
- Gloves, thermal hat, buff, and UV sunglasses
- Trekking poles and 30–40L daypack
- Sleeping bag rated for extreme cold
- Personal first aid kit and medications
Communication & Connectivity
Mobile network coverage (Nepal Telecom and Ncell) is intermittent and often unavailable in high passes and remote valleys.
Wi-Fi is available in some teahouses at lower elevations, but connectivity becomes very limited in high-altitude sections such as Kongma La, Cho La, and Renjo La.
Why Choose the Everest Three Passes Trek?
This trek is considered the ultimate Everest region adventure, offering unmatched diversity and challenge:
- Complete circuit of the Everest region in one trek
- Crossing of all three major high passes (Kongma La, Cho La, Renjo La)
- Combined experience of Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lakes
- Exceptional panoramic Himalayan views of Everest, Makalu, Lhotse, and Cho Oyu
- Remote and less crowded trekking routes
- Highly challenging and rewarding adventure
- Ideal for experienced high-altitude trekkers
- Ultimate Himalayan expedition in the Khumbu region
Trip Date And Time
We'll Be There, Like We've Been There Before
|
Departing |
Finishing |
Trip Price Per Person |
Action |
Enquire |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 Aug, 2026 | 14 Aug, 2026 | 1990 | Book Now |
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