Everest Three Passes Trek

4.9

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Trek at a Glance

Price From

US$ 1699 per person

Duration

17-18 days

Trip Grade

Strenuous

Max. Altitude

5,545m

Best Season

Mar-May, Sep-Nov

Group Size

Priced for 3 pax

Region

Everest

Accommodation

Tea houses

Meals

All meals

Start / End Point

Kathmandu / Kathmandu

Permits

Sagarmatha NP permit, Pasang Lhamu permit

Everest Three Passes Trek Overview

Itinerary designed by Rohit Timilsina, Co-Founder & Lead Guide Verified local guide

A 17-day loop through the Khumbu over Kongma La (5,535m), Cho La (5,420m) and Renjo La (5,360m), with Everest Base Camp, Kala Patthar and the Gokyo lakes on the way.

The Everest Three Passes Trek is the full circuit of the Khumbu. Instead of walking up to Everest Base Camp and back down the same trail, you make a loop through three valleys and cross three high passes: Kongma La at 5,535m, Cho La at 5,420m and Renjo La at 5,360m. Everest Base Camp and the Kala Patthar viewpoint (5,545m) sit in the middle of the route, and the Gokyo lakes come after Cho La.

We walk the loop anticlockwise. After flying into Lukla, you gain height slowly, with acclimatisation days at Namche and Dingboche, before the first pass. From there it is Kongma La to Lobuche, Base Camp and Kala Patthar, Cho La to Gokyo, a sunrise on Gokyo Ri, then Renjo La and the quiet walk back through Thame to Namche and Lukla.

This is a strenuous trek. The pass days are 7 to 9 hours at altitude, and Cho La means crossing a glacier. It suits fit trekkers who already have some multi-day trekking behind them. You trek with a government-licensed guide who knows all three passes, and you can choose a package with the Lukla flight and porters included.

High Pass Crossing

Kongma La, Cho La and Renjo La

5,535 m / 18,159 ft

Three passes above 5,300m on one loop. Kongma La is the highest at 5,535m, Cho La crosses a glacier at 5,420m, and Renjo La at 5,360m looks back across the Gokyo lakes to Everest.

Everest Three Passes Trek Highlights

Cross three high passes: Kongma La (5,535m), Cho La (5,420m) and Renjo La (5,360m)
Stand at Everest Base Camp (5,364m)
Watch sunrise on Everest from Kala Patthar (5,545m), the highest point of the trek
Climb Gokyo Ri (5,357m) above the turquoise Gokyo lakes
Cross the Ngozumpa Glacier on the way to Gokyo
Acclimatise in Namche Bazaar and Dingboche before the passes
Walk back through Thame, a quiet Sherpa valley away from the main trail

Everest Three Passes Trek Itinerary

Day	Itinerary	Max Altitude	Duration
Day 1	Fly to Lukla, Trek to Phakding (2,610m)	2,610m / 8,563ft	3-4 hours
Day 2	Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440m)	3,440m / 11,286ft	About 6 hours
Day 3	Acclimatisation Day in Namche (3,440m)	3,440m / 11,286ft	Acclimatisation hike
Day 4	Namche to Tengboche (3,860m)	3,860m / 12,664ft	About 5 hours
Day 5	Tengboche to Dingboche (4,410m)	4,410m / 14,469ft	5-6 hours
Day 6	Acclimatisation Hike to Nangkartshang (5,083m)	4,410m / 14,469ft	Acclimatisation hike
Day 7	Dingboche to Chhukung (4,730m)	4,730m / 15,518ft	Short day
Day 8	Chhukung to Lobuche over Kongma La (5,535m)	4,940m / 16,207ft	8-9 hours
Day 9	Lobuche to Everest Base Camp (5,364m), Overnight Gorak Shep	5,164m / 16,942ft	7-8 hours
Day 10	Kala Patthar Sunrise (5,545m), Descend to Dzongla	4,830m / 15,846ft	7-8 hours
Day 11	Dzongla to Thagnak over Cho La (5,420m)	4,700m / 15,420ft	7-8 hours
Day 12	Thagnak to Gokyo (4,790m)	4,790m / 15,715ft	3-4 hours
Day 13	Gokyo Ri Sunrise (5,357m), Rest Day at Gokyo	4,790m / 15,715ft	About 3 hours
Day 14	Gokyo to Lumde over Renjo La (5,360m)	4,210m / 13,812ft	7-8 hours
Day 15	Lumde to Namche via Thame (3,440m)	3,440m / 11,286ft	6-7 hours
Day 16	Namche to Lukla (2,840m)	2,840m / 9,318ft	6-7 hours
Day 17	Fly Lukla to Kathmandu (1,400m)	1,400m / 4,593ft	Flight
Day 18	Buffer Day	—	Spare day

Day 01: Fly to Lukla, Trek to Phakding (2,610m)
2,610m / 8,563ft
Duration3-4 hours
Altitude2,610m / 8,563ft
An early flight takes you from Kathmandu, or from Ramechhap (Manthali) in peak season, to Tenzing-Hillary Airport at Lukla (2,840m). You meet the rest of the crew, then walk a short, mostly downhill stretch along the Dudh Koshi to Phakding.
The first day is deliberately easy. You lose a little height after landing, which gives your body a gentle start before the climb to Namche.
Day 02: Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440m)
3,440m / 11,286ft
DurationAbout 6 hours
Altitude3,440m / 11,286ft
Elevation Gain+830 m
The trail follows the Dudh Koshi upstream, crossing it several times on suspension bridges, and enters Sagarmatha National Park at Monjo. The last part is the long climb up the hill to Namche Bazaar, the main Sherpa town of the Khumbu.
On a clear day you get your first view of Everest on the way up.
Day 03: Acclimatisation Day in Namche (3,440m)
3,440m / 11,286ft
DurationAcclimatisation hike
Altitude3,440m / 11,286ft
Elevation Gain0 m
A rest day for your body, not your legs. You hike up to the Everest View area and Khumjung village, then come back down to sleep in Namche. Climbing high and sleeping low is the simplest way to help your body adjust.
The afternoon is free to explore Namche's bakeries, gear shops and lanes.
Day 04: Namche to Tengboche (3,860m)
3,860m / 12,664ft
DurationAbout 5 hours
Altitude3,860m / 12,664ft
Elevation Gain+420 m
A balcony trail above the Dudh Koshi with Ama Dablam ahead of you most of the way. After dropping to the river at Phunki Thenga, the path climbs through forest to Tengboche and its monastery, the best known in the Khumbu.
Day 05: Tengboche to Dingboche (4,410m)
4,410m / 14,469ft
Duration5-6 hours
Altitude4,410m / 14,469ft
Elevation Gain+550 m
You drop through rhododendron forest to Deboche, cross the Imja Khola and climb past Pangboche into open, high country. Dingboche sits in a wide valley of stone-walled fields below Ama Dablam and Island Peak.
Day 06: Acclimatisation Hike to Nangkartshang (5,083m)
4,410m / 14,469ft
DurationAcclimatisation hike
Altitude4,410m / 14,469ft
Max Elevation5,083m / 16,677ft
Elevation Gain0 m
Your second acclimatisation day. You climb the ridge above Dingboche towards Nangkartshang Peak for views of Makalu, Lhotse and Ama Dablam, then return to Dingboche for the night.
This is your first time above 5,000m, a useful test before the passes begin.
Day 07: Dingboche to Chhukung (4,730m)
4,730m / 15,518ft
DurationShort day
Altitude4,730m / 15,518ft
Elevation Gain+320 m
A short walk up the Imja valley to Chhukung, the last settlement before Kongma La. The short day keeps you rested for tomorrow, the longest of the trek.
Day 08: Chhukung to Lobuche over Kongma La (5,535m)
4,940m / 16,207ft
Duration8-9 hours
Altitude4,940m / 16,207ft
Max Elevation5,535m / 18,159ft
Elevation Gain+210 m
The first and highest of the three passes. You start before dawn and climb steadily over rock and moraine, past small glacial lakes, to the prayer flags on Kongma La at 5,535m. The descent is steep, and you then cross the Khumbu Glacier to reach Lobuche.
This is a long, hard day. Your guide sets the pace and the turnaround time.
Day 09: Lobuche to Everest Base Camp (5,364m), Overnight Gorak Shep
5,164m / 16,942ft
Duration7-8 hours
Altitude5,164m / 16,942ft
Max Elevation5,364m / 17,598ft
Elevation Gain+224 m
You walk up beside the Khumbu Glacier to Gorak Shep, drop your bags, and continue to Everest Base Camp at 5,364m. You then return to Gorak Shep (5,164m) for the night.
Day 10: Kala Patthar Sunrise (5,545m), Descend to Dzongla
4,830m / 15,846ft
Duration7-8 hours
Altitude4,830m / 15,846ft
Max Elevation5,545m / 18,192ft
Elevation Gain-334 m
An early climb to Kala Patthar at 5,545m, the highest point of the trek and the classic close view of Everest at sunrise. After breakfast back at Gorak Shep, you head down the valley and turn west to Dzongla, the base for Cho La.
Day 11: Dzongla to Thagnak over Cho La (5,420m)
4,700m / 15,420ft
Duration7-8 hours
Altitude4,700m / 15,420ft
Max Elevation5,420m / 17,782ft
Elevation Gain-130 m
The second pass. A steep climb leads to the Cho La glacier, which you cross to the top of the pass at 5,420m. Ice cleats are often needed here, and your guide will check conditions before you set off. A rocky descent brings you to Thagnak.
Day 12: Thagnak to Gokyo (4,790m)
4,790m / 15,715ft
Duration3-4 hours
Altitude4,790m / 15,715ft
Elevation Gain+90 m
A short day across the Ngozumpa Glacier, the large glacier at the head of the Gokyo valley. On the far side you reach Gokyo village, set on the shore of the third Gokyo lake.
Day 13: Gokyo Ri Sunrise (5,357m), Rest Day at Gokyo
4,790m / 15,715ft
DurationAbout 3 hours
Altitude4,790m / 15,715ft
Max Elevation5,357m / 17,575ft
Elevation Gain0 m
An early climb up Gokyo Ri (5,357m) for a sunrise view of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyu above the Gokyo lakes and the Ngozumpa Glacier. The rest of the day is easy, back at the lakeside in Gokyo.
Day 14: Gokyo to Lumde over Renjo La (5,360m)
4,210m / 13,812ft
Duration7-8 hours
Altitude4,210m / 13,812ft
Max Elevation5,360m / 17,585ft
Elevation Gain-580 m
The third and last pass. You climb from the lakeshore to Renjo La at 5,360m, then look back east across the Gokyo lakes to Everest. A long descent takes you down to Lumde (Marlung) in the Bhote Koshi valley.
Day 15: Lumde to Namche via Thame (3,440m)
3,440m / 11,286ft
Duration6-7 hours
Altitude3,440m / 11,286ft
Elevation Gain-770 m
You follow the Bhote Koshi down through Thame, a quiet Sherpa village with its own monastery, and back to Namche. This valley is much quieter than the main trail.
Day 16: Namche to Lukla (2,840m)
2,840m / 9,318ft
Duration6-7 hours
Altitude2,840m / 9,318ft
Elevation Gain-600 m
The last day on foot. You retrace the Dudh Koshi trail down past Monjo and Phakding, then make one final climb to Lukla. It is your last night in the mountains with the crew.
Day 17: Fly Lukla to Kathmandu (1,400m)
1,400m / 4,593ft
DurationFlight
Altitude1,400m / 4,593ft
Elevation Gain-1,440 m
A morning flight back to Kathmandu, or to Ramechhap with a drive on to Kathmandu in peak season. Lukla flights depend on the weather, so this day can slip.
Day 18: Buffer Day
DurationSpare day
A spare day for weather delays on the Lukla flight, or for a slower pace on the trail. If you don't need it, it is a free day in Kathmandu. We strongly recommend you keep it, and don't book a tight international connection right after the trek.

Elevation Profile

Highest point: 5,545m (Day 10)Start: 2,610mEnd: 1,400m

Route Map

Your Trek Is Prepared & Led by a Local Guide

Govt. License #1497

Rohit Timilsina

Co-Founder & Lead Guide · 6K Nepal Treks

Hi, I'm Rohit Timilsina

I started 6K Nepal Treks to give travellers the trek I would want myself: small groups, honest prices and a guide who actually knows the trail. I have guided across the Annapurna, Manaslu and Everest regions for over five years, and I design every itinerary on this site personally.

“Whether it is your first teahouse trek or your tenth Himalayan expedition, I want you back home telling everyone it was the best trip of your life.”

Govt. License #14974.9★ from 90+ reviews30+ countries guidedHighest guided: 5,416m

Meet the full team

Everest Three Passes Trek Cost & What's Included

Pick a package to see exactly what it covers. Prices are per person for a group of 3, shown in the booking card.

What is included in this trek package?

Government-licensed, English-speaking guide experienced on the three passes, with their wages, flights, food, lodging and insurance covered

Teahouse accommodation for all 16 nights of the trek, twin-share

All meals during the trek: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Sagarmatha National Park permit and Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality permit, taxes included

Pre-trip briefing and on-trail coordination

Round-trip Lukla flight (Kathmandu or Ramechhap to Lukla and back)

Two porters to carry the group's trekking gear, with their wages, flights, food, lodging and insurance covered

What is excluded in this trek package?

International flights to and from Kathmandu

Nepal entry visa

Kathmandu hotel nights and meals before and after the trek

Travel and medical insurance that covers trekking above 5,000m and helicopter evacuation (mandatory)

Personal trekking gear and equipment

Drinks, bottled water, snacks, hot showers, device charging and Wi-Fi on the trail

Tips for the guide and porters

Costs from flight delays, early exit, evacuation or extra buffer days

Private departures, your dates

We run this trek as a private trip on the dates that suit you. Tell us when and we will confirm availability.

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Everest Three Passes Trek Reviews

4.9★ from 90+ Google Reviews

Trekkers guided from 30+ countries.

No published review names the Everest Three Passes Trek yet.

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Why Book With 6K Nepal Treks

Licensed & Insured

Registered with Nepal Tourism Board, TAAN and NMA. Fully insured for trekking, climbing, and high-altitude emergencies.

Expert Local Guides

Every trek is led by a licensed, first-aid trained Sherpa or Gurung guide, born and raised in these mountains.

Safety First

Pulse oximeter and emergency oxygen carried on all high-altitude treks. Helicopter evacuation protocol on standby.

Small Groups

Maximum 12 trekkers per group, and one porter per two guests whenever porters are part of your package. You are a person, not a tour number.

Fair & Transparent Pricing

No hidden fees. Every quote itemises exactly what your package covers and what it does not, so nothing lands on you at the trailhead.

Responsible Travel

Fair wages for all staff, eco-friendly practices on the trail, and direct support for the mountain communities we work with.

Know Before You Go

Lukla's Tenzing-Hillary Airport is one of the most weather-sensitive airports in the world. Flights can be delayed or cancelled at short notice, sometimes for a full day or more, because of cloud, wind or low visibility at Kathmandu, Ramechhap or Lukla.

In spring and autumn, flights usually leave from Ramechhap (Manthali), about a 4 to 5 hour drive from Kathmandu, often before dawn. This is normal and built into the plan.

If flights are disrupted, you can wait for the next available flight or charter a helicopter at extra cost. Costs from weather delays, such as extra hotel nights, meals, other transport or a helicopter, are not included in the package price. Keep 1 to 2 buffer days at the end of the trek, and don't book a tight international connection right after it.

You need two permits for the Everest Three Passes Trek: the Sagarmatha National Park permit and the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality permit. Both are included in every package, and we arrange them for you.

The best seasons are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). The weather is most stable then, and the passes are usually in their best condition.

Winter brings heavy cold and snow on the passes, and the monsoon (June to August) brings cloud and rain that often stop Lukla flights. We don't recommend either for this route.

It is strenuous. All three passes, Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar sit above 5,000m, and you cross the passes over several 7 to 9 hour days at altitude. Cho La includes a glacier crossing.

Good cardiovascular fitness and some earlier multi-day trekking are strongly advised. The route gains height slowly, with acclimatisation days at Namche and Dingboche before the first pass, and your guide adjusts the pace to the group.

The following is a solid starting point for most multi-day treks we run. Adjust for the season and the maximum altitude of your specific route. Shorter, lower-altitude hikes need far less than this full list. For the key insulation items (down jacket and four-season sleeping bag) we offer rental in Kathmandu or Pokhara for USD 35 each.

General

Four-season (zero degree) sleeping bag (rental available: USD 35)
Insulated down jacket (rental available: USD 35)
Daypack, 30 to 45 litres, with rain cover
Sleeping bag liner

Head & Face

Sun hat or cap
Beanie or knitted hat for colder mornings and evenings
Buff or neck gaiter
Sunglasses with full UV protection
Headlamp with spare batteries

Upper Body

Technical base layer shirts, two
Technical long-sleeve shirts, two
Fleece or synthetic mid-layer
Waterproof and windproof shell jacket

Lower Body

Hiking pants, two pairs
Technical base-layer leggings for cold mornings
Waterproof or windproof outer shell pants
Comfortable pants for evenings in the teahouse

Hands

Lightweight liner gloves
Insulated outer gloves for high altitude or winter conditions

Feet

Waterproof trekking boots with ankle support, broken in before the trip
Hiking socks, three to five pairs
Liner socks if prone to blisters
Comfortable shoes or sandals for evenings
Microspikes recommended November to March on routes above 4,000m

First Aid & Medications

Personal prescription medications
SPF 50+ sunscreen and SPF lip balm
Blister care, plasters, and antiseptic cream
Electrolyte sachets or tablets
Note: our guides carry a comprehensive group first aid kit with pulse oximeter

Other Essentials

Passport, two passport-sized photos, and photocopies of travel documents
One-litre reusable water bottle or hydration bladder
Trekking poles (strongly recommended)
Small toiletry kit, quick-dry towel, and toilet paper
High-protein snacks for the trail (bars, nuts)
Waterproof dry bag for documents and electronics

We provide a free duffel bag at your pre-trip meeting, used for luggage carried by the porter. The duffel stays yours afterwards.
One porter is assigned per two trekkers. The duffel bag should weigh no more than 10 kg / 22 lbs per person.
Always carry your own daypack with essentials: cash, documents, water, camera, rain gear.
Non-trekking luggage can be stored securely at your hotel in Kathmandu or Pokhara.
Down jacket and four-season sleeping bag are available for rent at USD 35 each. Loss or damage reimbursement is USD 100 per item.

Guide & Porter Services

Every trek is led by a government-licensed, English-speaking lead guide who is also trained in first aid and high-altitude emergency response. For groups of seven or more we add an assistant guide. Porters are assigned one per two trekkers, each carrying up to 10 kg of your main luggage so you only carry a daypack. All staff wages, accommodation, meals, gear, and insurance are fully covered in the package price.

Accommodation Bookings

We pre-book every night's accommodation before you start, so you never arrive at a full teahouse during peak season. Nights before and after the trek are in 3-star hotels in Kathmandu or Pokhara with breakfast included. On the trail you stay in tea houses or local lodges on a twin-sharing basis, with the best available rooms in each village. Private rooms and en-suite bathrooms are available where offered, usually at lower altitudes.

Transportation Arrangements

All ground transfers are arranged by private or shared tourist vehicles as specified in the itinerary. Airport pick-up and drop-off are included. Where a domestic flight is required (for example, Kathmandu to Lukla for Everest, or Jomsom to Pokhara for Mustang routes), the round-trip fare is covered in the package. We monitor flight and road conditions daily and adjust logistics proactively when weather or landslides affect the schedule.

Equipment Rental

A four-season sleeping bag and an insulated down jacket can be rented in Kathmandu or Pokhara at USD 35 per item for the duration of the trek. Trekking poles, microspikes, and additional layers are also available on request. We supply a 75-litre duffel bag for you to keep at your pre-trip briefing. A full packing checklist is sent after you book so you can pack with confidence.

Insurance Requirements

Comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory for every trek we operate. Your policy must explicitly cover trekking at the maximum altitude of your route and include emergency helicopter evacuation, medical treatment, and trip cancellation. Please send us a copy of your policy at least two weeks before departure. We cannot start the trek without confirmation of valid coverage. This is for your safety and ours.

Good to know. Arrive in Kathmandu at least one day before departure so there is time for your pre-trip briefing and any last-minute gear hire. We can store spare luggage while you trek.

FAQs for Everest Three Passes Trek

Our itinerary is 17 days from Kathmandu back to Kathmandu, plus one recommended buffer day for Lukla flight delays, so plan for 18 days. Of those, 16 are on the trail.

For a group of 3 sharing one guide, it costs US$ 1,699 per person without the Lukla flight, US$ 2,099 with the flight, and US$ 2,699 with the flight and two porters. Solo trekkers and pairs pay more. Message us for a quote for your group size.

Kongma La, at 5,535m, is the highest of the three. Cho La is 5,420m and Renjo La is 5,360m. The highest point of the whole trek is Kala Patthar at 5,545m.

It is included in the With Lukla Flight and Full Support packages. On the Land Only package you book and pay for it yourself, at about US$ 420 per person for the round trip.

You can trek without one, but we recommend it. With glacier crossings and long days at altitude, porters make the trek safer and more enjoyable. The Full Support package includes two porters for a group of 3.

Insurance is mandatory. It must explicitly cover high-altitude trekking above 5,000m and helicopter evacuation. Most standard policies do not, so check the wording before you buy.

Yes. The pace, rest days, side trips such as extra time at the Gokyo lakes or around Everest Base Camp, and the start and end points can all be adjusted to your group's fitness and schedule. Tell us what you have in mind.