Everest Three Passes Trek

Overview

About this journey

Kongma La, Cho La, and Renjo La are the three infamous passes of the Khumbu region that connect the different sections of the region- hence, it is called the Everest Three Passes trek. It is a thrilling 21 days expedition in Nepal, offering a unique blend of adventure, local heritage, and stunning mountain panoramas. The Everest Three Passes trek is like a circuit trek that provides an opportunity for trekkers to go beyond the classic EBC trail and discover the hidden gems of the Khumbu region. If you are traveling to Nepal and you have strong physical and mental fitness, you should definitely do the Everest Three Passes trekking. Do note that this trek is very demanding. It is not a leisure walk in the mountains. You will face high altitudes, varying climatic zones, offbeat terrain, and limited tourist infrastructure. So, only when you are ready to commit and push yourself join the Everest Three Passes trek 21 days with us. The journey will reward you for all the hard walk with some of the greatest mountain vistas on Earth. Not only that, but the hospitality of the Sherpas, the interactions with fellow trekkers and locals along the way, the ancient cultural roots, and all the stories and myths surrounding the trails will make the trek a once in a lifetime venture for you.

Key Highlights

What makes this journey stand out

First Glimpse of Everest from Namche Bazaar

The excitement of spotting Everest for the first time while sipping tea at a Namche Bazaar viewpoint is surreal.
Acclimatization Hike to Everest View Hotel

A rewarding short hike offering one of the best panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam.
Crossing High Suspension Bridges

Adrenaline rushes as you walk across swaying suspension bridges over deep gorges, prayer flags fluttering in the wind.
Reaching the Everest Base Camp

The thrill of standing at the foot of Everest, surrounded by climbers, colorful tents, and the mighty Khumbu Icefall.
Sunrise at Kala Patthar

The awesomeness will drive you next level

Itinerary

Your day-by-day route

01 Day 1: Welcome to Kathmandu and transfer to the hotel

02 Day 2: Full-day sightseeing tour of Swayambhunath Temple, Pashupatinath Temple, Bouddhanath Stupa, and Kathmandu Durbar Square

03 Day 3: Fly from Kathmandu/Ramechhap to Lukla airport and trek to Phakding

Flight

The trek starts with a thrilling flight to Lukla. From March to May and September to November, you have to catch the Lukla flight from Ramechhap Airport. From Kathmandu, it takes around 4 to 5 hours to drive to reach this airport. So, trekkers leave the hotel at around 1:00 AM. Likewise, between June to August and December to February, the Lukla flights are available from Kathmandu Airport. Upon reaching Lukla, you will begin trekking to Phakding village. It is a downhill walk through forests, crossing many suspension bridges.

Trek

Altitude

2,610 m

Accomodation

Lodge

Trek Hours

3 hours

04 Day 4: Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar

Trek

The trail from Phakding ascends to Namche Bazaar. You will register the permit in Monjo. From here, the Sagarmatha National Park. The trek route spreads within rhododendron and magnolia forests. The final 2-3 hours of ascending to Namche Bazaar is steep.

Altitude

3,440 m

Accomodation

Lodge

Trek Hours

6 hours

05 Day 5: Acclimatization day - hike to the Hotel Everest View

Trek

Spend a rest day in Namche Bazaar. Hike to the Hotel Everest View to witness the first glimpse of Mt. Everest. The hike offers views of other mountains as well, like Thamserku, Lhotse, Nuptse, etc. After the hike, the remaining day is free.

Altitude

3,962 m

Accomodation

Lodge

Trek Hours

5-6 hours

06 Day 6: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Tengboche Monastery

Trek

Follow uneven hillsides from Namche Bazaar and trek to Kyangjuma. From here, you will descend to Phungi Thanga. Cross a bridge and start walking uphill to Tengboche village. Views of Mt. Ama Dablam and Mt. Everest is fantastic from here.

Altitude

3,860 m

Accomodation

Lodge

Trek Hours

5-6 hours

07 Day 7: Trek from Tengboche to Dingboche

Trek

Leaving Tengboche, the trail descends to the Imja Khola via Deboche. Cross a suspension bridge and hike to Pangboche village. The trail goes through rhododendron forests till here. Further, as you ascend, the treeline gets thinner, and you will pass by bushes and terraced fields to Dingboche.

Altitude

4,410 m

Accomodation

Lodge

Trek Hours

6 hours

08 Day 8: Trek from Dingboche to Chhukung

Trek

The trail to Chhukung goes off the main EBC route and follows an offbeat trail. You will see stunning views of Mt. Makalu and Island Peak. On the same day, you can also hike to Chhukung Ri to enjoy a spectacular mountain panorama.

Altitude

4,730 m

Accomodation

Lodge

Trek Hours

4-5 hours

09 Day 9: Trek from Chhukung to Kongma La pass and descend to Lobuche village

Trek

You will cross the first pass today. From Chhukung village, the trail steeply ascends to the top of the pass. Trekkers get to enjoy beautiful mountains and glacier views while trekking. The ascend will be fairly steep. From the Kongma La pass, the trail descends to the Khumbu glacier moraine—Trek via the moraine to reach Lobuche village.

Altitude

5,540 m

Accomodation

Lodge

Trek Hours

3-4 hours

10 Day 10: Trek from Lobuche to Gorak Shep to Everest Base Camp and back to Gorak Shep

Trek

Today, you will trek to Everest Base Camp. From Lobuche, the trail ascends along the Khumbu Glacier moraine. You will then walk on steep and rocky tracks to Gorak Shep. You will spend this night at Gorak Shep, but before that, hike to EBC. Get to see a close view of the Khumbu Icefall.

Altitude

5,364 m

Accomodation

Lodge

Trek Hours

8 hours

11 Day 11: Hike to Kala Patthar and trek down to Dzonlga

Trek

Begin the day before the sunrise and hike to Kala Patthar. It is a viewpoint that offers a breathtaking view of Mt. Everest and many other mountains. After the hike, you will descend to Dzongla. Retrace the trail to Lobuche village, and from here, a different route to Dzongla.

Altitude

5,545 m

Accomodation

Lodge

Trek Hours

6 hours

12 Day 12: Trek from Dzongla to Cho La pass and descend to Thangnak

Trek

You will cross the most challenging pass today, Cho La. From Dzongla, the trail ascends to the top of the pass. You will walk on rugged, icy, and steep paths. The views of Mt. Ama Dablam and Chola Lake are most stunning. From the pass, the trail descends to Thangnak, where you will spend the night.

Altitude

5,420 m

Accomodation

Lodge

Trek Hours

7-8 hours

13 Day 13: Trek from Thangnak to Gokyo village

Trek

As you continue trekking from Thangnak, the trail takes you to Longponga Lake (4,720 m). You can see excellent mountain views on the way. Soon, you will traverse the Ngozumpa Glacier moraine, the biggest glacier in Nepal. The trail goes past the first and second Gokyo lakes. The Gokyo village is situated near the third Gokyo Lake.

Altitude

4,750 m

Accomodation

Lodge

Trek Hours

3-4 hours

14 Day 14: Acclimatization day in Gokyo village - hike to Gokyo Ri

Trek

In the morning, hike to Gokyo Ri. You will see a gorgeous sunrise and a jaw-dropping panorama of Everest, Makalu, Cho Oyu, Island Peak, Cholatse, etc. You can also hike to the fourth and fifth Gokyo Lakes.

Altitude

5,357 m

Accomodation

Lodge

Trek Hours

5 hours

15 Day 15: Trek from Gokyo Village to Lungden via Renjo La pass

Trek

On this day, you will cross the last pass, Renjo La. From Gokyo village, the trail gradually ascends via boulders scattered along the path. The route gets steeper as you climb towards the top of the pass. Upon reaching the pass, you will see a marvelous mountain panorama. From here, descend to Lungden along an ancient trading route used by Tibetan traders.

Altitude

5,345 m

Accomodation

Lodge

Trek Hours

8-9 hours

16 Day 16: Trek from Lungden to Thame

Trek

From Lungden, the trail descends in the south direction to Thame. Following the east side of the river, keep trekking and pass by peaceful villages like Marlung and Taranga. The scenery is superb. In Thame, you will get to explore an old monastery.

Altitude

3,850 m

Accomodation

Lodge

Trek Hours

5-6 hours

17 Day 17: Trek from Thame to Namche Bazaar

Trek

Continuing the trek from Thame, the trail descends to Namche Bazaar. You will walk along a stream and descend to Bhotekoshi Valley. Cross a suspension bridge and trek through lush forests of rhododendron, birch, and pine.

Altitude

3,440 m

Accomodation

Lodge

Trek Hours

6 hours

18 Day 18: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla

Trek

The trail from Namche Bazaar steeply descends through a forested route to Monjo. From here, you will walk to Phakding village and follow an uphill trail to Lukla. Cross many suspension bridges on the way and pass by small villages.

Altitude

2,846 m

Accomodation

Lodge

Trek Hours

7-8 hours

19 Day 19: Morning flight back to Kathmandu from Lukla airport

Flight

Fly back to Kathmandu early in the morning. The guide will drop you at the hotel. The remaining day is free in the city. You can visit spa and massage centers.

Altitude

1,400 m

Accomodation

Hotel

20 Day 20: Free day in Kathmandu

21 Day 21: Trip ends! Fly back home with memories to cherish forever

Costs Include

What's covered

All Transport (Private)
Standard Accommodation (Twin share) in Kathmandu with Breakfast
Duffle Bag for Trekking
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner during the Trekking
Accommodation in Tea house (mountain lodge) while trekking
Domestic Flight with Airport Tax
Trekking Porter with Insurance (1 porter for two trekkers)
Trekking Guide with insurance
Trekking Guide and Porters food and accommodation, wages etc.
Everest Three Passes Trekking map
Sagarmatha (Everest) National park permits fee
Farewell dinner with cultural program
Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality entry permit fee
Trekker’s Information Management system (TIMS)
All Government taxes (Income tax plus VAT)
Office services charge
Water purification tablets

Costs Exclude

Not included

International Airfare
Your travel insurance of any kind
Nepal entry Visa fee (US$ 50 for 30 days) (US$ 30 for 15 days)
Drinks, Dessert, Juice, Mineral Water, Heater charge, Hot Shower, Wi-Fi etc. during the Trekking and main meals in cities
Tips for Guide, Porter and driver

Essential Tips

Things worth knowing before you go

Train Before You Trek

Prepare with cardio, strength training, and endurance hikes to handle the demanding terrain and altitude.

Acclimatize Properly

Take rest days in Namche Bazaar and Dingboche to let your body adjust to the high altitude and prevent AMS.

Pack Smart, Pack Light

Carry only the essentials—layered clothing, a warm sleeping bag, a water purification system, and high-energy snacks.

Stay Hydrated

Drink at least 3-4 liters of water per day to combat dehydration and altitude sickness.

Embrace the Trekking Culture

Respect local customs, greet with "Namaste," and take time to connect with Sherpa guides and fellow trekkers.

Gallery

Moments from the trail

Altitude: 5,545 m
Duration: 21
Difficulty: Challenging
Starts: Kathmandu
Ends: Kathmandu
Best Time :: September to May

Mt. Everest Expedition — Standard

Mt. Everest Expedition — Premium

Mt. Everest Expedition — Luxury

Mt. K2 Expedition

Mt. Kanchenjunga Expedition

Mt. Lhotse Expedition

Mt. Makalu Expedition

Mt. Cho-Oyu Expedition

Mt. Dhaulagiri Expedition

Mt. Pumori Expedition

Mt. Baruntse Expedition

Lobuche Peak

Mt. Ama Dablam Expedition

Mera Peak Expedition

Island Peak Expedition (Imja Tse)

Everest Base Camp Trek

Everest View Panorama Trek

Gokyo Lake Trek