Everest Three Passes Trek
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Days
20
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Trip Grade
Very Strenuous / Advanced
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Maximum Altitude
5,545 m (Kala Patthar) / 5,535 m (Kongma La)
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Starts
Kathmandu
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Ends
Kathmandu
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Best Time
March–May & September–November
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Country
Nepal
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Activity
High-altitude circuit trekking
Trip Price:
US $ 2,996 per person
The Everest Three Passes Trek is the most complete and challenging trekking circuit in the Everest region. It connects the classic Everest Base Camp route with the spectacular valleys of Gokyo, Chhukung, and Thame, through three high-altitude passes—Kongma La (5,535 m), Cho La (5,420 m), and Renjo La (5,360 m).
This trek is a dream for experienced trekkers who want more than just Base Camp. It offers a true loop through dramatic landscapes: glacier crossings, turquoise lakes, monastery visits, hidden Sherpa villages, and the best mountain views in Nepal—including Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Makalu, Cho Oyu, and Nuptse.
The trail begins with a flight into Lukla, passes through Namche Bazaar, Dingboche, Lobuche, and climbs to Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar before circling west to Gokyo Lakes via Cho La, and back to Namche via Renjo La. It’s strenuous, requires acclimatization, and occasionally crossing icy terrain—but the rewards are Himalayan perfection.
- Three Iconic Passes: Kongma La, Cho La, and Renjo La—all over 5,300 m
- Everest Base Camp & Kala Patthar: Visit the world’s most famous base camp and sunrise viewpoint
- Gokyo Lakes & Gokyo Ri: Nepal’s highest freshwater lake system and 360° views of Everest & Makalu
- True Himalayan Circuit: A full loop, not a backtrack, combining EBC and Gokyo in one trek
- Sherpa Culture: Monasteries, yak herders, and mountain traditions in villages like Thame, Tengboche, and Dingboche
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,300 m)
Pick-up and transfer to your hotel in Thamel. Briefing, gear check, and welcome dinner.
Day 2: Fly to Lukla (2,840 m), trek to Phakding (2,610 m) – 3 hrs
Short, thrilling flight to Lukla and gentle hike through forests and riverside villages to Phakding.
Day 3: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m) – 6 hrs
Cross Hillary Suspension Bridge and climb steeply into Namche, the lively capital of the Khumbu.
Day 4: Acclimatization Day at Namche (Optional Hike)
Explore Khumjung, Syangboche, or the Everest View Hotel. Learn about Sherpa culture.
Day 5: Trek to Tengboche (3,870 m) – 5 hrs
Descend to the river and climb through forests to Tengboche Monastery, framed by Ama Dablam.
Day 6: Trek to Dingboche (4,410 m) – 6 hrs
Walk through rhododendron forests and glacial valleys, staying beneath towering alpine walls.
Day 7: Acclimatization Day at Dingboche
Optional hike to Nangkartshang Peak (5,100 m) for panoramic views of Island Peak and Lhotse.
Day 8: Cross Kongma La (5,535 m), trek to Lobuche (4,910 m)
Steep climb and descent over the highest pass of the trek, with massive glacier views.
Day 9: Trek to Gorak Shep (5,164 m), visit Everest Base Camp (5,364 m)
Push through glacier moraine to EBC, the foot of the world’s tallest mountain.
Day 10: Hike Kala Patthar (5,545 m), descend to Dzongla (4,830 m)
Early morning summit of Kala Patthar for the best close-up of Everest. Continue down to Dzongla.
Day 11: Cross Cho La Pass (5,420 m), trek to Dragnag (4,700 m)
Cross icy Cho La, surrounded by glaciers and dramatic cliffs. Short day.
Day 12: Trek to Gokyo (4,790 m)
Cross Ngozumpa Glacier to reach the sacred Gokyo Lakes, nestled in a serene alpine basin.
Day 13: Sunrise hike to Gokyo Ri (5,357 m), explore 4th/5th lakes
Incredible 360° summit view. Optionally visit farther lakes for solitude and glacier vistas.
Day 14: Trek to Lungden via Renjo La (5,360 m) – 7 hrs
Ascend to Renjo La—arguably the most scenic pass, with a full panorama of the Khumbu giants. Descend to Lungden.
Day 15: Trek to Thame (3,800 m) – 4 hrs
Visit Thame Monastery, one of the oldest in the region. Birthplace of many Everest climbers.
Day 16: Trek to Namche Bazaar – 4 hrs
Descend along the Bhote Koshi river valley, rejoining the main trail.
Day 17: Trek to Lukla – 6 hrs
Final leg through pine forests and Sherpa settlements to Lukla. Celebrate with your crew.
Day 19: Contingency / Free Day
Built-in day for flight delays or extra rest. Optional sightseeing in Kathmandu.
Day 20: Final Departure
Transfer to airport or continue on to Pokhara, Chitwan, or another Himalayan trek.
Included in The Cost
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An experienced English-speaking trek leader (trekking guide) and Sherpa porter to carry luggage (25 kg) including their salary, insurance, equipment, flight, food and lodging.
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All meals three times a day (breakfast, lunch and dinner during the trekking)
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Accommodation in Tea house (lodges) during the trek
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All necessary paper work and permits (National park permit, TIMS)
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3 nights Hotel in Kathmandu, with breakfast
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Domestic flights and airport departure taxes
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Necessary insurance and equipment for trekking staff
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Airport pick- up and drop-off service
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Government taxes and Our service charge
Not Included in The Cost
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Personal nature expenses
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Drinks, beverages, etc.
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Tips
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Sleeping bag and down jacket if required
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Road Blockeds and personal Expense.
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In Case of emergency , your personal travel insurance includes your helicopter rescue, trip cancellation and medical expenses.