Everest Three Passes Trek
The Everest Three Passes trek is a 19-day guided circuit of the Khumbu, the most complete and challenging trek in the Everest region. Cross three high passes, Kongma La (5,535 m), Cho La (5,420 m) and Renjo La (5,360 m), and visit Everest Base Camp, Kala Patthar (5,545 m), the turquoise Gokyo Lakes and Gokyo Ri, with close views of four 8,000-metre peaks: Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyu.
The trek is graded challenging and suits fit trekkers with previous experience at altitude. The best seasons are April–May and October–November, when the passes are usually free of heavy snow. Lukla flights, national park and municipality permits, a licensed guide, porters and teahouse lodges with meals are all arranged by our team in Kathmandu.
Trip highlights
- Cross Kongma La (5,535 m), Cho La (5,420 m) and Renjo La (5,360 m)
- Everest Base Camp (5,364 m) and sunrise from Kala Patthar (5,545 m)
- Gokyo Lakes and Gokyo Ri (5,357 m), with four 8,000 m peaks in view
- A complete circuit of the Khumbu without retracing your steps
- Tengboche and Thame monasteries
- Quiet valleys around Chhukung, Dzongla and Lungden
Short itinerary
View detailed itinerary- Day 1 Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400 m) 1,400 m
- Day 2 Fly to Lukla (2,860 m), trek to Phakding (2,610 m) 2,860 m
- Day 3 Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m) 3,440 m
- Day 4 Acclimatisation day in Namche 3,880 m
- Day 5 Trek to Tengboche (3,860 m) 3,860 m
- Day 6 Trek to Dingboche (4,410 m) 4,410 m
- Day 7 Trek to Chhukung (4,730 m) 4,730 m
- Day 8 Cross Kongma La (5,535 m), trek to Lobuche (4,940 m) 5,535 m
- Day 9 Trek to Gorak Shep (5,164 m) and Everest Base Camp (5,364 m) 5,364 m
- Day 10 Kala Patthar (5,545 m), trek to Dzongla (4,830 m) 5,545 m
- Day 11 Cross Cho La (5,420 m), trek to Thangnak (4,700 m) 5,420 m
- Day 12 Trek to Gokyo (4,790 m) 4,790 m
- Day 13 Gokyo Ri (5,357 m) and rest day at Gokyo 5,357 m
- Day 14 Cross Renjo La (5,360 m), trek to Lungden (4,380 m) 5,360 m
- Day 15 Trek to Thame (3,820 m) 4,380 m
- Day 16 Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m) 3,820 m
- Day 17 Trek to Lukla (2,860 m) 3,440 m
- Day 18 Fly to Kathmandu 2,860 m
- Day 19 Final departure 1,400 m
Everest Three Passes Trek overview
For experienced trekkers, the Everest Three Passes trek is the ultimate journey in the Khumbu. Instead of walking to Everest Base Camp and back on the same trail, it makes a full loop of the region, linking the Imja valley, the Khumbu Glacier, the Gokyo valley and the quiet Bhote Koshi valley via three high passes. Along the way you see every major highlight of the Everest region, and many quieter corners most trekkers miss.
The trek combines the classic Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar with the Gokyo Lakes and Gokyo Ri, and finishes through the traditional Sherpa village of Thame. It is long and demanding, and you get a different view of the highest mountains on Earth almost every day.
Everest Three Passes trek at a glance
| Trip fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | 19 days from Kathmandu (16 days of trekking) |
| Passes | Kongma La 5,535 m, Cho La 5,420 m, Renjo La 5,360 m |
| Also visits | Everest Base Camp, Kala Patthar, Gokyo Lakes, Gokyo Ri |
| Highest point | Kala Patthar, 5,545 m (18,192 ft) |
| Grade | Challenging |
| Daily walking | 5–8 hours |
| Accommodation | Hotel in Kathmandu, teahouse lodges on the trek |
| Permits | Sagarmatha National Park and Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality |
| Best time | April–May and October–November |
Why trek the Three Passes?
- Three high passes, each quite different underfoot and in the views from the top.
- Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar, the classic Everest highlights.
- Gokyo Lakes and Gokyo Ri, with a panorama of four 8,000-metre peaks.
- A full circuit of the Khumbu without retracing your steps.
- Quiet valleys around Chhukung, Dzongla and Lungden.
- Thame, a traditional Sherpa village and monastery on the old trade route to Tibet.
The three passes
Kongma La (5,535 m) is the highest and most remote pass, linking Chhukung in the Imja valley with Lobuche. The climb crosses rocky slopes and small lakes, and the descent onto the Khumbu Glacier is steep and loose. Cho La (5,420 m) links the Everest Base Camp trail with the Gokyo valley; it includes a short, gently sloping glacier on the eastern side and a steep, rocky descent to the west, and is the most technical of the three, sometimes requiring microspikes. Renjo La (5,360 m) offers one of the finest views in the Khumbu, looking back over the Gokyo lakes to Everest, Lhotse and Makalu, before a long descent to the Bhote Koshi valley.
How difficult is the Three Passes trek?
The trek is graded challenging. It involves many consecutive days above 4,500 m, three pass crossings with long days of 7–9 hours, steep and loose descents, and possible snow and ice on the passes. It is not a technical climb, but it requires excellent fitness, sure-footedness and previous experience of multi-day trekking at altitude. We recommend completing a trek such as Everest Base Camp or the Annapurna Circuit before attempting the Three Passes.
Acclimatisation
This itinerary follows the anticlockwise direction, which allows a gradual ascent: acclimatisation days in Namche Bazaar and Dingboche, a night at Chhukung before the Kongma La, and a rest day at Gokyo. Your guide monitors every trekker daily, and if anyone is not ready for a pass, the route can be adjusted, for example by skipping the Kongma La and walking via Dingboche to Lobuche.
Best time for the Three Passes
October and November offer the most stable conditions and the clearest views. April and May are also excellent, with warmer temperatures. In winter, snow often makes the passes dangerous, and early spring can bring snow on the Cho La. The monsoon brings cloud, rain and frequent flight delays.
Accommodation and food
Lodges are available all around the circuit, from comfortable teahouses in Namche to simple lodges at Chhukung, Dzongla, Thangnak and Lungden. Menus are similar throughout: dal bhat, noodles, potatoes, soups and pancakes.
Why book the Three Passes with Himalayan Hiking?
- Experienced guides who know the passes and assess conditions daily.
- Three acclimatisation stops and a flexible plan if a pass is not safe.
- Lukla flights, permits and lodges arranged, with a buffer day in Kathmandu.
- Local team in Kathmandu supporting you throughout.
Day-by-day itinerary
What’s included
Included
- Airport pick-up and drop-off in private vehicles
- 2 nights in a hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast
- Return flights Kathmandu (or Ramechhap) – Lukla
- Sagarmatha National Park and Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality permits
- Teahouse lodge accommodation during the trek (16 nights)
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner during the trek
- Licensed, experienced trekking guide trained in first aid
- Porters (1 porter for 2 trekkers) with their wages, food, lodging and insurance
- Sleeping bag and down jacket on loan if needed
- First-aid kit and pulse oximeter carried by the guide
- All government and local taxes
Not included
- International flights to and from Kathmandu
- Nepal visa fee
- Travel insurance covering trekking to 5,600 m and helicopter evacuation (compulsory)
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara
- Drinks, snacks, hot showers, battery charging and Wi-Fi on the trek
- Extra nights caused by early return, flight delays, landslides or cancellations
- Helicopter evacuation or charter
- Personal equipment and expenses
- Tips for your guide and porters
Useful info
Fitness and preparation
You need excellent fitness and previous experience of multi-day trekking at altitude. Pass days last 7–9 hours on steep, loose ground. Train for at least three months with long hill walks on consecutive days.
Altitude sickness
You will reach 5,545 m on Kala Patthar and over 5,300 m on each of the three passes on this trek. Watch for headache, nausea, dizziness and trouble sleeping, and tell your guide about any of them early. The basics work: walk slowly, drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol, and if things get worse, descend. It is worth asking your doctor about altitude medication before the trip.
Weather and temperatures
Nights above 4,500 m are well below freezing, and the passes can be icy and windy. Snow is possible at any time on the Cho La and Kongma La, especially in early spring and late autumn.
Domestic flights and baggage
Lukla flights depend on weather; a buffer day is included. The baggage limit is around 15 kg per person including hand luggage.
Permits
The Sagarmatha National Park and Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality permits are included.
Money, charging and Wi-Fi
Bring enough Nepali rupees from Kathmandu or Pokhara for extras on the trek; ATMs are rare and unreliable in the mountains. Battery charging, hot showers and Wi-Fi are usually paid extras in lodges, and a power bank is useful.
Drinking water
Skip the plastic bottles. Lodges sell boiled or filtered water, or you can treat tap water with tablets or a filter and refill your own bottle.
Travel insurance
We can't take you on the trek without insurance. Check that your policy covers trekking to 5,600 m and emergency helicopter evacuation, and send us the details before you travel.
Visa
Most nationalities can get a Nepal tourist visa on arrival at Kathmandu airport or apply online in advance. Bring a passport valid for at least six months and passport photos for permits.
Packing list
Clothing
- Moisture-wicking base layers
- Fleece jacket or mid-layer
- Warm down jacket (can be borrowed from us)
- Waterproof and windproof jacket and trousers
- Trekking trousers and shirts
- Warm hat, sun hat and buff
- Liner gloves and insulated gloves
- Trekking socks
Footwear
- Broken-in waterproof trekking boots
- Camp shoes or sandals for the lodges
Equipment
- Sleeping bag rated to about −15°C (can be borrowed from us)
- Daypack of 25–35 litres with rain cover
- Trekking poles
- Head torch with spare batteries
- Water bottles and purification tablets
- Sunglasses with UV protection
- Power bank and charging cables
- Microspikes for the Cho La and icy sections
- Gaiters
Personal items
- High-factor sunscreen and lip balm
- Personal first-aid kit and medication
- Toiletries, quick-dry towel and wet wipes
- Snacks such as energy bars and nuts
- Passport, insurance details and copies
Add-ons & trip options
Choose add-ons and quantities on the booking form.
More trip options, quoted on request:
- Island Peak climb from Chhukung (about 3 extra days).
- Two passes only (Cho La and Renjo La) for a shorter trek.
- Clockwise route starting with Renjo La.
- Helicopter return from Gokyo or Thame.
Frequently asked questions
This itinerary takes 19 days from Kathmandu, with 16 days of trekking and acclimatisation days in Namche, Dingboche and Gokyo.
Kongma La (5,535 m), Cho La (5,420 m) and Renjo La (5,360 m).
It is challenging: long pass days, steep loose descents, many nights above 4,500 m and possible snow and ice. Previous trekking experience at altitude is strongly recommended.
No technical equipment is needed, but microspikes are often useful for the short glacier and icy sections of the Cho La. Your guide will advise based on conditions.
Anticlockwise, as in this itinerary, allows a more gradual ascent before the highest pass. The clockwise route starting with Renjo La is also possible.
Yes. The trek visits Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar between the Kongma La and the Cho La.
October–November and April–May. Snow can make the passes dangerous in winter and early spring.
Your guide assesses conditions daily. If a pass is unsafe, we use an alternative route; for example, walking via Dingboche instead of the Kongma La.
The Sagarmatha National Park permit and the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality permit, both included.
Yes. Crossing only the Cho La and Renjo La, or adding a helicopter return from Gokyo, shortens the trip by several days.
No. Beginners should start with the Everest Base Camp, Gokyo Lakes or Annapurna Base Camp treks.
Prices are per person and drop for larger groups; the price box shows the rates. It includes Lukla flights, permits, hotel, lodges, meals on the trek, a guide and porters.