Everest three high passes trek is one of the beautiful trekking routes in Nepal. This trek allows you to discover the best of Everest Region. If you love to be around the high mountains during a trek, then this trek should be in your trekking list.
This is a bit difficult than Everest Base camp trek. But nothing to worry, if you have an earlier high altitude trekking experience and are physically fit, this trek can be attempted. The trails aren’t rough. You might need to use crampons during the descent from Cho La Pass.
During this trek, you will cross three passes above 5000m (Renjo La, Cho La and Khongma La Pass) and will be walking around 6-7 hours per day on average.
It is obvious that you might have doubts about the altitude for the Everest three high passes trek. Our program and the possibilities of different side trips allow you to perfectly acclimatize before crossing the passes over 5000m.
Destination: | Nepal |
Maximum Altitude: | 5,420 meters |
Best Season: | Spring & Winter |
Trip Grade: | Moderate |
Group Size: | 1 – 15 people |
Duration: | 18 Days |
Our airport representative will be there to welcome you after you arrive at Tribhuwan International Airport. A private tourist vehicle will take you to your hotel. You can choose to relax or visit our office for a comprehensive overview of the trek.
Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Kathmandu
Start the day with breakfast at the hotel, followed by an introduction to your trek leader or guide. During this pre-trip meeting, important details about the trek will be discussed. Make sure to have your passport, three passport-sized photos, and a copy of your travel insurance policy ready. The rest of the day is yours to relax or finish any last-minute shopping.
Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Kathmandu
Start the day with an early morning 40-minute scenic flight to Lukla. Breakfast will be served upon arrival, during which the guide will organize the baggage for the porters. From Lukla, the journey begins by walking through Sherpa villages on the way to Phakding. This first day of trekking involves a 3 to 4-hour hike covering 6.2 kilometers. Once you arrive in Phakding, you can take some time to explore the village.
Accommodation: Tea house or lodge
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
After breakfast in Phakding, the trek continues along the Three Pass trail, crossing five suspension bridges over the Dudh Kosi River. At Monjo, the entrance to Sagarmatha National Park, your permit number and group details will be registered at the National Park office. The journey proceeds with a climb after crossing the Hilary suspension bridge, leading to Namche Bazaar. Known as the hub of the Khumbu region, Namche Bazaar offers a variety of small shops.
Accommodation: Tea house or lodge
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Duration: 5 to 6 hours
Distance: 7.4 kilometers
Leaving the traditional Everest Base Camp trail, the journey heads toward Thame village, taking about 3 to 4 hours. Thame, the oldest Sherpa village, lies along the historic route leading to the Tibetan border. Just 150 meters above the village, you’ll find the Thame Gompa, a beautiful and serene Buddhist monastery worth visiting.
Accommodation: Tea house or lodge
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Duration: 5 to 6 hours
Distance: 6.8 kilometers
The trail from Thame continues northward to Thame Teng, passing through small villages such as Chanakpa and Taranga. Along the way, the route crosses yak pastures before arriving at Marulung village. Here, you’ll spend the night in a mountain teahouse, surrounded by the tranquility of the high-altitude landscape.
Accommodation: Tea house or lodge
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Duration: 4 to 5 hours
Distance: 5.8 kilometers
The journey continues through secluded hillsides, offering serene and remote surroundings, eventually reaching Lumde (Lungdeng). The night will be spent in a simple mountain teahouse, embracing the tranquility of the area.
Accommodation: Tea house or lodge
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Duration: 3 to 4 hours
Distance: 2.4 kilometers
This challenging day involves crossing the high-altitude Renjo La Pass. During the trekking seasons from March to May and September to November, clear weather typically offers excellent conditions for the ascent. At the top of Renjo La, take in awe-inspiring views of some of the world’s tallest peaks, including Mt. Everest (8848m), Makalu (8463m), Lhotse (8516m), and Cho Oyo (8201m). The descent to Gokyo requires caution due to the steep trail.
Accommodation: Tea house or lodge
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Duration: 7 to 8 hours
Distance: 9 kilometers
Begin the day with an early morning hike up to Gokyo Ri to witness a breathtaking sunrise over the Himalayas. From here, enjoy stunning views of Mt. Everest and the surrounding peaks. After returning to Gokyo for breakfast, continue the trek to Dragnag, passing by the second lake and experiencing a memorable walk across the Ngozumba Glacier.
Accommodation: Tea house or lodge
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Duration: 4 to 5 hours
Distance: 4.43 kilometers
This is another challenging day as we cross the Cho La Pass. Although the pass itself is not overly difficult, it is steep and requires crossing a glacier on the eastern side. Once over the pass, we descend toward Dzongla, where you’ll be rewarded with remarkable views of Cholatse Peak (6335m). Spend the night in Dzongla.
Accommodation: Tea house or lodge
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Duration: 6 to 7 hours
Distance: 9.4 kilometers
The trek continues along the moraine of the Khumbu Glacier, offering stunning views of Kalapathar and Pumori. The rocky trail to Gorakshep provides views of Everest Base Camp, Pumori, glaciers, and the surrounding mountains. After a rewarding day, we will stay overnight at Gorakshep.
Accommodation: Tea house or lodge
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Duration: 5 to 6 hours
Distance: 10.8 kilometers
After breakfast at Gorak Shep, begin the trek towards Everest Base Camp, passing the renowned Khumbu Icefall. Due to the high altitude and thin air, this hike can be strenuous. The route traverses rocky dunes and streams, offering numerous opportunities for stunning photographs at Base Camp. After exploring Everest Base Camp, return to Gorak Shep and then continue descending toward Lobuche.
Accommodation: Tea house or lodge
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Duration: 7 to 8 hours
Distance: 15 kilometers
After breakfast in Lobuche, the trek begins by crossing the Khumbu Glacier, followed by a climb through a canyon leading to the ascent of Kongma La Pass (5535m). While crossing the glacier and ascending Kongma La is challenging, the views from the summit make it all worthwhile. Afterward, descend into the Imja Khola Valley, continuing the hike from Chhukung to Dingboche, with stunning views of Ama Dablam (6856m).
Accommodation: Tea house or lodge
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Duration: 7 to 8 hours
Distance: 10.5 kilometers
From Chhukung, the trail climbs steeply, first heading south before turning east along the valley. The path then follows the southern side of the moraine from the Lhotse Glacier. After a short but pleasant walk along the riverside, you’ll reach a large rock. To the south of this rock lies the Amphu Lapcha route. The route crosses through the Imja and Lhotse glaciers, leading to a wide valley on the southwest side of Island Peak. We’ll set up camp at Island Peak Base Camp, where you’ll be served meals in the tent.
Accommodation: Tent
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Duration: 4 to 5 hours
Distance: 5 kilometers
The ascent begins early in the morning with a climb up a rock culvert. While not overly difficult, the route requires navigating several short rock steps before reaching the right side of the culvert. From here, the trail ascends to the ridgeline and onto the snout of the summit glacier. Due to the presence of crevasses on the glacier, you’ll need to rope up for safety, though the path remains manageable.
The final challenge is a 100-meter (330 ft) snow and ice slope with a 40-45° incline, which will be secured with a rope by your guides. Upon reaching the summit ridge, a sharp span of about three rope lengths leads to the summit itself.
At the top, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views before descending back to Chhukung. There, you’ll spend the night at a guesthouse and enjoy the three daily meals included.
Accommodation: Tea house or lodge
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Duration: 9 to 11 hours
Distance: 13 kilometers
Enjoy an easier walk downhill to a lower elevation. After crossing the bridge, the route follows the stream toward Pangboche village, continuing down the valley to Tengboche. This village is home to the famous Tengboche Monastery. We’ll stay overnight at a teahouse located beneath the towering, majestic peak of Ama Dablam.
Accommodation: Tea house or lodge
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Duration: 6 to 7 hours
Distance: 13 kilometers
After breakfast, begin the descent to Phunkethanga, a small settlement with a few teahouses. The trail continues through rhododendron forests, crossing a wooden bridge over the Dudh Koshi River before climbing to Sanasa. From Sanasa, descend to Namche Bazaar and then continue down the valley to Monjo for an overnight stay.
Accommodation: Tea house or lodge
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Duration: 5 to 6 hours
Distance: 9 kilometers
After breakfast in Monjo, begin the trek back to Lukla, passing through lush green scenery and charming Sherpa villages along the way. The trail eventually leads you back to Lukla, where you’ll have some time to celebrate the successful completion of your trek.
Accommodation: Tea house or lodge
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Duration: 4 to 5 hours
Distance: 9.5 kilometers
After an early morning flight back to Kathmandu, our guide will transfer you to your hotel. You’ll have some time to relax, catch your breath, and rest after the long journey, marking the end of your unforgettable Himalayan adventure with us.
Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Kathmandu
Meals: Breakfast
A private tourist vehicle will pick you up from the hotel and drop you at the airport, 3 hours before your scheduled flight. If you wish to extend your trip, you may opt for another program.
Meals: Breakfast
– Trek Distance: 6.2 km / 3.8 miles
– Trek Time: 3 hours
Your Everest 3 Passes adventure begins with an exhilarating flight to Lukla. During the peak trekking seasons (March, April, May, September, October, and November), flights may be diverted through Manthali Airport. If this happens, we’ll pick you up from your hotel in the early hours—around 12:30 AM—for a 5-hour drive to Manthali. From there, a 20-minute flight will take you to Lukla, the gateway to the Himalayas.
For a more direct route, you can opt for a helicopter flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, which costs approximately $550 per person, assuming the flight is shared by five passengers.
In the off-season (December, January, February, June, July, and August), a direct 40-minute flight will take you from Kathmandu to Lukla. Upon arriving at Lukla, you’ll descend to the Thado Koshi River, cross several suspension bridges, and make your way to the village of Phakding. This will be a relaxed trek, ideal for acclimatization. While in Phakding, you’ll have the chance to visit the peaceful Rimishung Monastery.
Tonight you’ll have a room with an attached bathroom for comfort.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
– Trek Distance: 7.4km / 4.6 miles
– Trek Duration: 6 hours
We start our journey early in the morning from Phakding, heading north along the banks of the Dudh Koshi River. The trail includes crossing several suspension bridges, including the iconic Hillary Suspension Bridge.
As we proceed, we pass through Monjo Village, dense forests, and rocky trails, eventually reaching the Sagarmatha National Park Check Post. Here, we will register our permits before climbing further into the forest. Along this route, you’ll get your first glimpse of Mt. Everest.
Continuing our trek, we eventually reach Namche Bazaar, a vibrant town known as the gateway to Everest and our destination for the day.
Overnight Stay: (room with attached bathroom)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Today is a well-deserved rest day to allow your body to adjust to the higher altitude in Namche Bazaar. We suggest you explore this vibrant town, which offers a variety of Wi-Fi cafes, restaurants, souvenir shops, and gear stores, perfect for browsing and relaxing.
If you’re interested in more cultural experiences, you can visit the Sagarmatha National Park Visitor Center to learn about the region’s natural history, or explore the nearby traditional Sherpa villages. Other great options include visiting the Hillary School, the Khumjung Monastery, Dingboche Airport, or the Everest View Hotel for spectacular views of Mount Everest and the surrounding peaks.
Take the day at your own pace to enjoy the unique atmosphere of Namche Bazaar.
Tonight, you will enjoy a comfortable room with an attached bathroom.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
– Trek Distance: 6.8 km / 4.2 miles
– Trek Duration: 6 hours
We depart from Namche Bazaar and journey toward Thame, following the Bhote Koshi River and passing through lush pine and rhododendron forests. Along the way, you’ll encounter the mud-plastered stupa at Phurte, a picturesque spot before reaching Thamo, home to the Thamo Gompa. The trail continues with a steep descent to the Khumbu Hydroelectric Plant, leading us to our destination, Thame, situated at the end of the Khumbu Valley.
Thame is a historically significant village, home to many renowned Sherpa mountaineers, including Apa Sherpa, who holds the world record for summiting Mount Everest 21 times. It is also the birthplace of Tenzing Norgay Sherpa, who, along with Edmund Hillary, was one of the first people to reach the summit of Everest.
Tonight, you will be provided with a comfortable room.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
– Trek Distance: 8.2 km / 5 miles
– Trek Duration: 6 hours
Today’s trek takes us through villages and scenic landscapes, with stunning views of the surrounding mountains, vegetation, and vibrant terrain. As the morning light illuminates the landscape, the sight of rocks, lichens, yaks, and snow-capped peaks will feel almost surreal.
The trek takes us past the last village of the valley, Taranga, before we continue through Marulung (4200m) and finally arrive at Lungden, our destination for the day.
If you have extra time, we can visit Nakpa Valley, an ancient trade route to Tibet, or take a short hike to the serene Cho Relmo Lake.
Overnight stay at the best available lodge or hotel, ensuring comfort and rest after the day’s trek.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
– Trek Distance: 9 km / 5.6 miles
– Trek Duration: 8 hours
Today marks one of the most thrilling stages of your trek, as you will cross the first major pass—Renjola Pass. Leaving Lungden behind, we head toward the stunning Gokyo Lakes region. Depending on the season, you may encounter various activities such as yak herding along the way.
Upon reaching Renjo La Pass, you’ll be greeted with awe-inspiring panoramic views of some of the highest peaks in the world, including Mt. Everest (8848m), Mt. Lhotse (8516m), Mt. Makalu (8463m), and Mt. Cho Oyu (8201m).
As we descend, we’ll reach Dudh Pokhari, the third of the five Gokyo Lakes, with the Gokyo village nestled by its side. The descent into Gokyo Valley is breathtaking, but be cautious, as the trail can be icy at higher altitudes.
Tonight, we’ll stay at Thanka Inn, where you can rest and enjoy a well-deserved meal.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
– Trek Distance: 1.5 km / 0.9 miles
– Trek Duration: 1.5 hours
Today is an acclimatization day, giving you the chance to rest and adjust to the high altitude. In the early morning, we will ascend to the Gokyo Ri viewpoint. This short but rewarding hike will take you to an altitude of 5400m, offering spectacular views of the Everest region, including Thonak Tsho Lake and Ngozuma Tsho Lake.
Located just 3 kilometers to the north of Gokyo, you can visit the Ngozumpa Tsho glacier at 5000m. A brief walk will lead you to Scoundrel’s Viewpoint, where you’ll enjoy stunning views of Cho Oyu, Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Makalu.
To the north of the fifth Gokyo Lake, you’ll find the Cho Oyu Base Camp and the Ngozumpa Glacier, the longest glacier in the Himalayas, offering even more breathtaking vistas.
After this adventure, we return to Thanka Inn for a well-earned rest.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
– Trek Distance: 3.7km / 2.3 miles
– Trek Duration: 5 hours
After a restful stay at Gokyo, we resume our trek, heading past the Ngozumpa Glacier. The trail is challenging, with rocky terrain and multiple ups and downs. However, the stunning scenery of the glacial moraine keeps the spirit high.
As we make our way down the valley along the eastern glacial moraine, the breathtaking views continue to inspire. Eventually, we reach Thangnak, a tranquil collection of lodges perfectly located as a base for the upcoming Cho-La High Pass crossing.
Overnight Stay: Hotel Khumbi-la
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
– Trek Distance: 16 km / 9.9 miles
– Trek Duration: 6-7 hours
Today’s trek is one of the more challenging ones as we navigate rocky trails and glacial moraines on our way to Dzongla. The highlight of the day is crossing the Cho La Pass, which stands at 5,420 meters (17,783 feet). This pass connects the valleys of Dzongla and Thangnak and offers some of the most breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding Himalayas, including Mt. Everest.
After soaking in the spectacular views from the top of Cho La Pass, we’ll begin our descent toward Dzongla, where we’ll spend the night.
Overnight stay at Maison Sherpa Hotel
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
– Trek Distance: 8.36 km / 5.2 miles
– Trek Duration: 4 hours
After a restful night at Dzongla, we continue our journey towards Lobuche. This day marks our reentry into the classic Everest Base Camp trek. We begin by following the moraine, descending alongside Chola Lake. As we trek, we will come across memorial statues dedicated to climbers who lost their lives in this region.
The hike to Lobuche is a smooth one, as we follow the Imja Khola Valley trail to reach our destination. The journey is both scenic and meaningful, with stunning views and a sense of history in the air.
Overnight stay at Mother Earth House
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
– Trek Distance: 15 km / 9.32 miles
– Trek Duration: 6-8 hours
On the eleventh day, the long-awaited moment arrives as you head towards Everest Base Camp (EBC). The trek begins with a walk along the lateral moraine of the Khumbu Glacier, taking you to the edge of the mighty Everest. After reaching Gorak Shep, we will leave our belongings behind and trek further north to reach the legendary Everest Base Camp.
Standing at EBC is a powerful achievement, as it is the starting point for mountaineers attempting to conquer Everest. Reaching this point signifies not only physical endurance but also inner determination, as only a few in the world have the chance to experience this. Take time to soak in the unparalleled views of the mountain that has drawn adventurers for decades.
After capturing unforgettable photos and taking in the majesty of the surroundings, we will return to Gorak Shep for an overnight stay.
Overnight stay at Buddha Lodge
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
– Trek Distance: 5 km / 3.10 miles
– Trek Duration: 3 hours
After reaching Everest Base Camp the previous day, today offers you the ultimate chance to see the majestic Mt. Everest up-close. The early morning wake-up is necessary to catch the first light of the day illuminating the mountain peaks. We will start our trek at dawn to hike up to Kala Patthar, the famous Everest viewpoint.
From this vantage point, you will have panoramic views of Mt. Everest and its neighboring peaks bathed in the glow of the morning sun. This moment will be an unforgettable highlight of your journey. After spending some time here and soaking in the beauty, we will descend back to Gorak Shep for a hearty breakfast.
Following breakfast, we continue our trek back to Lobuche for an overnight stay.
Overnight stay at Mother Earth House
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
– Trek Distance: 10.5 km / 6.5 miles
– Trek Duration: 7-8 hours
Today, you will tackle the final of the three high passes on your trek, Kongma La Pass, which is often considered the most challenging. The trek begins with a climb from Lobuche towards the pass. The path is marked by stunning views of frozen lakes and the unique sight of a mummy-wrapped crane, which is a distinctive feature at the pass.
Once at the top of Kongma La, you will be rewarded with breathtaking views of some of the highest peaks in the region, including Lhotse, Lhotse Shar, Makalu, Baruntse, and Ama Dablam.
After soaking in the views, we descend from the pass into the Nigyang Khola Valley and make our way to Chhukung. This village, known for its yak pastures, has recently gained popularity as a destination for trekkers, especially those acclimatizing before their next phase of the journey.
Overnight stay at the best possible lodge/hotel
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
– Trek Distance: 12.9 km / 8 miles
– Trek Duration: 5 hours
Today, we begin our descent down the Imja Khola valley. Our first stop will be Dingboche, a village renowned for its stone-walled potato fields and alpine pastures. As we continue on, we will pass through Kharkas (highland sheds) at Tsura, Orsho, and Shomare, all picturesque spots that showcase the beauty of the region.
After trekking further, we will reach Pangboche Village, the highest year-round settlement in the valley. From there, it’s a short hike to Tengboche, where we will be greeted by awe-inspiring views of towering peaks such as Ama Dablam (6,856m), Everest (8,848m), Nuptse (7,861m), and Lhotse (8,501m).
A highlight of the day will be a visit to the Tengboche Gompa, the oldest monastery in the Khumbu region, where you can immerse yourself in the spiritual atmosphere of the Himalayas.
Overnight stay at Paradise Lodge
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
– Trek Distance: 5.9 km / 3.6 miles
– Trek Duration: 5 hours
On this day, we descend through dense forests that are home to wildlife such as pheasants, musk deer, mountain goats, and possibly even snow leopards. As we trek along steep slopes, we will pass by chortens and prayer flags, which add to the spiritual atmosphere of the trail.
Along the way, we will be treated to spectacular views, including glimpses of the tip of Everest and the backside of Lhotse. The trail will lead us back to Namche Bazaar, where we will stay for the night, resting and reflecting on our incredible journey.
Overnight stay at Sakura Guest House, room with attached bathroom
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
– Trek Distance: 13.5 km / 8.3 miles
– Trek Duration: 6-7 hours
On the final day of our trek, we begin by descending the steep trail from Namche Bazaar to the Hillary Suspension Bridge. From there, we continue through several picturesque villages along the Dudh Koshi River Valley. The journey back to Lukla provides a chance to reflect on the unforgettable experiences of the past days.
As you near Lukla, the feeling of accomplishment will be overwhelming. After 16 days of adventure, you’ll return to Lukla, where we’ll take some time to relax and celebrate the completion of this extraordinary trek.
Overnight stay at Comfort Inn, room with attached bathroom
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
– Flight Duration: 40/20 Minutes
On the final day of your adventure, you will take a flight back to Kathmandu, marking the end of this incredible trek. Depending on the trekking season, you may fly from Lukla to Kathmandu directly, or if it’s the peak trekking season (March, April, May, September, October, or November), you will first fly to Manthali and then take a scenic drive back to Kathmandu.
If you wish to bypass the Manthali route, you can opt to charter a helicopter, with an additional cost of about 550 USD per person, if shared with four others.
After arriving in Kathmandu, we will arrange a farewell dinner, where you can reflect on your journey and celebrate the unforgettable experiences of the Everest region.
Included Meals: Breakfast