Everest Three Passes Trek
The Khumbu's ultimate challenge — three high passes, one trek
Duration
21 Days
Max Altitude
5,545 m / 18,192 ft (Kala Patthar)
Best Season
March–May & September–November
Group Size
2–10 (private trips available)
Overview
The Three Passes Trek links together everything the Khumbu has to offer by crossing all three of the region's high passes — Kongma La (5,535 m), Cho La (5,420 m) and Renjo La (5,360 m) — while also visiting both Everest Base Camp and the Gokyo Lakes. It is the most physically demanding standard itinerary in the region, recommended for trekkers with prior high-altitude experience, and rewards the effort with a genuinely complete circuit of the Khumbu's best viewpoints without repeating trail.
Trip Highlights
- All three of the Khumbu's high passes in a single trek
- Both Everest Base Camp and the Gokyo Lakes on one itinerary
- Kala Patthar sunrise and Gokyo Ri panoramas
- Genuinely remote, quiet trail sections between the passes
- The complete Khumbu experience for experienced trekkers
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in Kathmandu
Airport pickup and trek briefing.
Day 2
Fly to Lukla, trek to Phakding
Flight to Lukla, short trek to Phakding.
Day 3
Trek to Namche Bazaar
Climb to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m).
Day 4
Acclimatization in Namche
Day hike to Khumjung village.
Day 5
Trek to Tengboche
Walk to Tengboche Monastery (3,860 m).
Day 6
Trek to Dingboche
Continue to Dingboche (4,410 m).
Day 7
Acclimatization in Dingboche
Hike to Nangkartshang viewpoint.
Day 8
Trek to Chhukung
Short walk to Chhukung (4,730 m), staging point for Kongma La.
Day 9
Cross Kongma La to Lobuche
Cross the first pass, Kongma La (5,535 m), to Lobuche.
Day 10
Trek to Gorak Shep & Everest Base Camp
Reach Gorak Shep, then Everest Base Camp (5,364 m).
Day 11
Kala Patthar sunrise, trek to Dzongla
Sunrise at Kala Patthar (5,545 m), then on to Dzongla.
Day 12
Cross Cho La to Thagnak
Cross the second pass, Cho La (5,420 m), to Thagnak.
Day 13
Trek to Gokyo
Short walk to the Gokyo Lakes (4,790 m).
Day 14
Gokyo Ri sunrise
Climb Gokyo Ri (5,357 m) for the four-8,000er view.
Day 15
Cross Renjo La to Lungden
Cross the third pass, Renjo La (5,360 m).
Day 16
Trek to Namche Bazaar
Descend back to Namche Bazaar.
Day 17
Trek to Lukla
Final descent to Lukla.
Day 18
Fly to Kathmandu
Morning flight back to Kathmandu.
Day 19
Kathmandu buffer day
Contingency day for weather delays.
Day 20
Kathmandu leisure day
Free day for sightseeing or rest.
Day 21
Departure
Transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
Cost Includes
- Airport transfers
- Kathmandu–Lukla–Kathmandu flights
- Licensed trekking guide
- Porter service
- Teahouse accommodation
- All permits
Cost Excludes
- Nepal visa fee
- Travel insurance (incl. helicopter evacuation)
- Meals in Kathmandu
- Personal gear
- Tips
Permits Required
- Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit
- Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entry Permit
Everest Three Passes Trek — FAQs
Yes — we recommend at least one prior high-altitude trek (such as EBC or Annapurna Circuit) before attempting this route, given the cumulative altitude gain and three consecutive high-pass crossings.
