Everest Three Passes Trek
All journeys

Nepal · Trekking & Adventure

The most complete journey through the Khumbu

19 daysUp to 5,545 mStrenuous2–16 people (small group)Group Join / Fixed DepartureFrom US$ 1,850 pp

Trip overview

The journey

The Three Passes is the connoisseur's Khumbu: a single continuous route that links Kongma La (5,535 m), Cho La (5,420 m) and Renjo La (5,360 m), taking in Everest Base Camp, Kala Patthar, the Gokyo lakes and the quiet Bhote Koshi valley of Thame. It is a committing trek — three pass days above 5,300 m — rewarded with every great viewpoint the region has, and long stretches of trail where the crowds simply never reach.

This journey suits strong, experienced trekkers. The itinerary carries two acclimatisation days and crosses the passes in the east-to-west direction, which stacks the odds in your favour.

Trip highlights

  • Cross Kongma La, Cho La and Renjo La — all above 5,300 m
  • Everest Base Camp and sunrise from Kala Patthar
  • The turquoise Gokyo lakes and Gokyo Ri
  • Ngozumpa Glacier — the longest in Nepal
  • The quiet Sherpa valley of Thame
  • Four 8,000 m peaks seen from one summit

Detailed itinerary

Tap any day to expand it. Timings and overnights can be tailored — this is the shape we recommend.

Day 1

Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400 m)

  • Airport pickup, briefing and equipment check

Overnight: Hotel in KathmanduMeals: —

Day 2

Fly to Lukla (2,860 m, 40 min). Trek to Phakding (2610 m, 3-4 hrs).

  • Mountain flight and an easy warm-up stage, 3–4 hours

Overnight: Tea HouseMeals: B, L, D

Day 3

Trek to Namche Bazaar (3440 m, 5-6 hrs).

  • Suspension bridges and the long Namche hill, 5–6 hours

Overnight: Tea HouseMeals: B, L, D

Day 4

Acclimatisation in Namche

  • Hike to Everest View Hotel or Khumjung village.

Overnight: Tea HouseMeals: B, L, D

Day 5

Trek to Tengboche (3860 m, 5-6 hrs).

  • Balcony trail and the monastery beneath Ama Dablam, 5 hours

Overnight: Tea HouseMeals: B, L, D

Day 6

Trek to Dingboche (4410 m, 5-6 hrs).

  • Through Pangboche into the Imja valley, 5 hours

Overnight: Tea HouseMeals: B, L, D

Day 7

Acclimatisation day in Dingboche.

  • Hike toward Nangkartshang Peak or Chhukung Ri.

Overnight: Tea HouseMeals: B, L, D

Day 8

Trek to Chhukung (4730 m, 3-4 hrs).

  • Short stage into the head of the Imja valley; pass preparation

Overnight: Tea HouseMeals: B, L, D

Day 9

Cross Kongma La pass (5535 m) to Lobuche (4940 m, 7-8 hrs).

  • The highest and toughest of the three passes, 8–9 hours
  • Descent across the Khumbu Glacier moraine

Overnight: Tea HouseMeals: B, L, D

Day 10

Trek to Everest Base Camp (5364 m) via Gorakshek (5164 m) and back (7-8 hrs).

  • Base Camp beneath the Icefall, 7–8 hours total

Overnight: Tea House (Gorak Shep)Meals: B, L, D

Day 11

Hike to Kalapatthar (5545 m). Trek to Dzongla (4830 m, 6-7 hrs).

  • Sunrise on Everest, then a traverse to the foot of Cho La, 7 hours

Overnight: Tea HouseMeals: B, L, D

Day 12

Cross Cho La (5420 m) to Thagnak (Dragnag) (4700 m, 6-8 hrs).

  • Glacier crossing on the pass — microspikes provided, 7–8 hours

Overnight: Tea HouseMeals: B, L, D

Day 13

Trek to Gokyo (4790 m, 3-4 hrs).

  • Cross the Ngozumpa Glacier to the third lake, 3–4 hours

Overnight: Tea HouseMeals: B, L, D

Day 14

Acclimatisation/Exploration in Gokyo.

  • Dawn climb for Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyu view in one panorama

Overnight: Tea HouseMeals: B, L, D

Day 15

Cross Renjo La (5360 m) to Lungden (Marlung) (4300 m, 7-8 hrs).

  • The gentlest pass with the finest final view, 7 hours

Overnight: Tea HouseMeals: B, L, D

Day 16

Trek to Thame-Namche Bazaar (3440 m, 5-6 hrs).

  • Descend the quiet Bhote Koshi valley past Thame monastery, 7 hours

Overnight: Tea HouseMeals: B, L, D

Day 17

Trek to Lukla (2860 m, 6-7 hrs).

  • Final descent and farewell evening, 6–7 hours

Overnight: Tea HouseMeals: B, L, D

Day 18

Fly to Kathmandu (1400 m, 40 min).

  • Morning flight; onward departure or extension from Kathmandu

Overnight: Hotel in KathmanduMeals: B

Day 19

Departure

    Overnight: Meals: B

    Fixed Departures 2026 / 2027

    Price
    US$ 1,850

    per person · minimum 2 people

    Join a fixed departure at the published price, or ask us to run the same route privately on your own dates.

    Request a private departure
    Departure dateStatus
    28 Sep 2026AvailableEnquire →
    12 Oct 2026GuaranteedEnquire →
    02 Nov 2026AvailableEnquire →

    Showing 3 departures in 2026 · 5 across all years.

    What's included

    Included

    • Airport transfers in Kathmandu
    • Domestic flights (Kathmandu–Lukla–Kathmandu)
    • All necessary trekking permits (Sagarmatha National Park + Khumbu municipality)
    • Experienced English-speaking licensed guide
    • Porter service (1 porter for 2 trekkers)
    • Microspikes for the Cho La crossing
    • Tea-house accommodation and hotel nights in Kathmandu
    • All meals during the trek (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
    • First-aid kit, oximeter checks and emergency support
    • Government taxes and service charges

    Not included

    • International flights
    • Nepal visa fees
    • Travel insurance (mandatory — must cover high-altitude trekking)
    • Personal trekking gear and clothing
    • Tips for guide and porters
    • Extra meals and drinks in Kathmandu
    • Any costs arising from flight cancellations or itinerary changes due to weather

    Important information

    Fitness level

    Good physical fitness required. Daily walking 6–9 hours.

    Acclimatisation

    Built-in rest days for safety, following a conservative ascent profile.

    Travel insurance

    Mandatory. Must cover helicopter evacuation up to 6,000 m.

    Packing list

    A full packing list is sent with your booking confirmation.

    Altitude considerations

    Your guide monitors wellbeing daily and can adjust the schedule when needed.

    Traveller reviews

    Traveller reviews are being collected

    We publish only verified feedback from travellers who have actually made this journey, so this space stays empty until those reviews arrive. Ask us and we will gladly put you in touch with guests who have done the Everest Three Passes Trek — or if you have travelled with us, we would love your story here.

    Share your storyAsk about past travellers

    Travelled with us?

    Write about the Everest Three Passes Trek and we will add it here once we have checked it came from a real guest.

    Ready to begin your Nepal journey?

    Contact us for a free consultation or request a customized private itinerary.

    Book This TripRequest Private DepartureAsk a Question

    [email protected] · +977 9841 778 069 (WhatsApp)

    Similar tours

    More from Nepal

    All Nepal journeys →
    Ama Dablam Base Camp Trek with Heli Return
    Nepal · Trekking & AdventureGroup joinPrivate01
    10 Days4600 mChallenging

    Ama Dablam Base Camp Trek with Heli Return

    This is a scenic and relatively short trek in the Everest (Khumbu) region that takes you to the base of one of the most beautiful mountains in the world — Ama Dablam (6,812 m). Adding a helicopter return eliminates the long walk back, saves time and energy, and offers spectacular aerial views of the Himalayas.

    • Up-close views of the iconic pyramid-shaped Ama Dablam
    Indicative from
    US$ 1,400
    per person
    View journey