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Everest Three Passes Trek

16 Reviews on Tripadvisor

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Trip Duration

18 Days
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Max. Altitude

5,545m. / 18,192ft.
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Nature of Trip

Tea House Trek
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Trip Difficulty

Challenging
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Group Size

1-20
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Best Seasons

Feb-May/Sep-Nov
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Activity

Trekking
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Start/End

Kathmandu/Kathmandu

Everest Three Passes Trek

16 Reviews on Tripadvisor

The Everest Three Passes Trek is an incredible three-week-long trekking adventure located in the Khumbu region of Nepal. This epic journey combines the famous Everest Base Camp Trek, three high mountain passes, and the stunning Gokyo Valley.

The trek begins and ends with an unforgettable scenic mountain flight to Lukla, the entry point to Sagarmatha (Everest) National Park. You continue on foot through local Sherpa villages, huge yak pastures and some of the most spectacular mountainous landscapes imaginable. Views of four of the highest mountains in the world above 8000 m tall await you; Everest (8849 m), Lhotse (8516 m), Makalu (8485 m) and Cho Oyu (8188 m).

The Everest Three Passes Trek is challenging and immensely rewarding with all of the high mountain passes over 5300 m in elevation. Due to the high elevation and strenuous nature of this trek, it is important to thoroughly train beforehand and trek slowly to help prevent altitude sickness.

The three passes are Kongma La (5535 m), Cho La (5420 m), and Renjo La (5360 m) and can be completed in clockwise or counter-clockwise direction. Himalayan Peace Treks recommends counter-clockwise because it is safer, easier and better for acclimatization. Our itinerary is 18 days long but can be adjusted accordingly to your time-frame and preference. A longer trek is recommended in order to include more rest and acclimatization days.

Not only is the Everest Three Passes Trek full of natural beauty and physical challenges, you can enjoy the culture of the local Sherpa people and observe their Buddhist traditions.

Trekking Everest Three Passes is highly recommended for the adventurous trekker. Please consider booking your trek with Himalayan Peace Treks, a small trekking company committed to offering ethical tourist experiences in Nepal. We would love to hear from you and answer any questions you might have.

Everest Three Passes Trek Highlights

  • Combine the iconic Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lakes treks into one single adventure
  • Visit Everest Base Camp (5364 m) in the sunshine and Kala Patthar (5545 m) at sunset for close-up views of Mt. Everest
  • A challenging trek that crosses three high mountain passes; Kongma La (5535 m), Cho La (5420 m), and Renjo La (5360 m)
  • Explore the pristine Gokyo Valley and climb Gokyo Ri for stunning views of glacial lakes embedded in the mountainous terrain
  • Trek through diverse alpine landscapes including meadows, rocky trails, and glaciers
  • Witness Sherpa culture and hospitality in villages like Namche and Khumjung
  • Visit Tengboche Monastery, the spiritual hub of the region, and see lots of Buddhist representation throughout the region
  • See countless snow-capped mountains including the famous peaks of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, and Ama Dablam
  • Spot wildlife like Himalayan thar, musk deer, and Himalayan Monal Pheasant.

Why Trek With Himalayan Peace Treks?

We are a trusted, ethical trekking and tour company that facilitates incredible experiences in the Himalayas. You can feel good about choosing our company to guide you because of our genuinely excellent service and commitment to giving back to our communities and the environment.

Our ethical trekking approach means appropriate wages and working conditions for our wonderful team, community empowerment and support, and environmental consciousness. We are honest and thoughtful with our guests and everyone we do business with. We promise you transparency and enjoyment from start to finish and would be happy to customize your trip for you.

With decades of experience among the team, we want to share with you what we love about the Himalayas in the most peaceful way.

Everest Three Passes Trek Itinerary Summary

Pre-Trek Day 00: Arrival in Kathmandu (1345 m)
Pre-Trek Day 0: Final Day in Kathmandu and Trekking Preparations
Trek Day 1: Fly to Lukla (2800m) and Trek to Phakding (2610 m) 8 km, 3-4 hours
Trek Day 2: Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3440 m) 12 km, 6-7 hours
Trek Day 3: Acclimatization Day in Namche Bazaar. Rest Day or Hike to Everest View Hotel (3962 m) 3-5 km, 3-4 hours
Trek Day 4: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Tengboche (3860 m) 10 km, 5-6 hours
Trek Day 5: Trek from Tengboche to Dingboche (4410 m) 9 km, 5-6 hours
Trek Day 6: Acclimatization Day in Dingboche. Rest Day or Hike to Nagarjun Hill (5100 m) 3-4 km, 3-4 hours
Trek Day 7: Trek from Dingboche to Chhukung (4730 m) 5 km, 3-4 hours
Trek Day 8: Trek to Kongma La Pass (5535 m) and then to Lobuche (4940 m) 11-12 km, 7-9 hours
Trek Day 9: Trek to Gorak Shep (5164 m) then hike to Everest Base Camp (5364 m) 13 km, 7-8 hours
Trek Day 10: Trek to Kala Patthar (5545 m) and then to Dzongla (4830 m) 12 km, 7-8 hours
Trek Day 11: Trek to Cho La Pass (5420 m) and then to Thagnak (4700 m) 14 km, 7-8 hours
Trek Day 12: Trek from Thagnak to Gokyo (4800 m) 6 km, 2-3 hours
Trek Day 13: Rest Day in Gokyo. Hike to Gokyo Ri (5357 m)
Trek Day 14: Trek to Renjo La Pass (5360 m) and then to Lungden (4380 m) 15-16 km, 7-8 hours
Trek Day 15: Trek from Lungden to Thame (3800 m) 12 km, 4-5 hours
Trek Day 16: Trek from Thame to Manjo (2835 m) 15 km, 5-6 hours
Trek Day 17: Trek from Manjo to Lukla (2800 m) 12 km, 4-5 hours
Trek Day 18: Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu (25 min flight)

Photo/Video Gallery

Itinerary of Everest Three Passes Trek

We are happy to work with you to adjust this itinerary to create your own personalized experience.
*Times are estimated based on the average hiking pace and do not include breaks.

Feel free to arrive today, or earlier, to enjoy Kathmandu Valley, rest, and prepare for your trek. You will be greeted at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu and provided with transportation to your pre-booked hotel in Thamel, the tourist hub of Kathmandu. Please let us know your flight itinerary so we can arrange your pick-up.

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Distance: 7 km - Airport to Thamel

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Overnight Altitude: 1345m./4,413ft. (Kathmandu)

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Meal: n/a

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Accommodation: Three Star Hotel

Includes/Excludes

What is included?

  • Airport pick-up and drop-off
  • Welcome dinner in Kathmandu
  • Two nights accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast included
    • Standard itinerary includes two nights upon arrival
    • We can include additional nights or arrange for one night pre-trek and one night post-trek depending on your schedule and preference
  • Luggage storage at you hotel in Kathmandu
  • All necessary trekking permits
    • Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Fee
    • Sagarmatha National Park Permit
  • Return flights from Kathmandu to Lukla
  • All accommodation while trekking
  • Three meals a day (unless otherwise listed), with a tea or coffee at each meal
  • Daily fresh fruit whenever available
  • Trekking map
  • One experienced and professional local guide who speaks English.
    • Guide fees include their insurance, livable wages, transportation, food and accommodation.
    • Assistant guides might be added with larger groups.
  • First-aid kit carried by guide
  • If needed, our team will arrange an emergency rescue with your insurance company.
  • Company fees, administration fees, and government tax (VAT)
  • Minimum 1% of profits donated to schools and orphanages in Nepal.
  • A tree planted in your name.

What is not included?

  • International flights and tourist visa upon arrival
  • Personal sightseeing costs and meals in Kathmandu (eg. temples, monastery entrance fees, souvenirs, lunches, etc.)
  • Temple and monastery entrance fees during the trek
  • Extra costs while trekking for things like snacks, fancy coffees, hot showers, laundry, battery charging fees, wifi fees, monastery fees, donations, etc.
  • Local porters to carry the items for your trek
    • Porter fees include insurance, livable wages, transportation, food, accommodation and an optional duffle bag to carry your items
    • The number of porters and price depends on the number of trekkers: one porter carries the items for two people (maximum 20 kg)
  • Drinking water (you need to have a water filtration system or plan to buy boiled water)
  • Sleeping bag and puffy jacket rentals are available in Kathmandu and Pokhara if needed
  • Personal insurance, personal expenses, loss of property and theft, etc.
  • Staff tips
    • Many trekking guides and porters in Nepal receive an extremely low wage and rely fully on their tips. With Himalayan Peace Treks, you will be able to trek knowing that the team is being paid fairly and that any tip you want to give is a reflection of your experience
Price starts

US$ 1630

Standard trek price (per person)

  • 1 person
    US$ 2236
  • 2 - 2 people
    US$ 1895
  • 3 - 4 people
    US$ 1781
  • 5 - 6 people
    US$ 1690
  • 7 - 8 people
    US$ 1651
  • 9 + people 9999
    US$ 1630

Total Cost:

US$ 2236

Trip Information

Important Lukla Flight Information

In order to access your adventurous 3 Pass Trek, you start with a short (and beautifully scenic!) flight to Lukla. The 25 minute flights operate between Kathmandu and Lukla year-round and from Ramechhap (which is 4 hours from Kathmandu) during peak season. Be prepared to fly from either Kathmandu or Ramechhap depending on the season and availability.

If flying out of Ramechhap, you might need to leave Kathmandu in the wee hours of the morning in order to catch an early morning flight. Your jeep cost to Ramechhap is included in your trek package.

Please note that flights to and from Lukla are extremely unpredictable and often cancelled because they can only operate during clear weather. Any dense clouds (which are common in the mountains) means that the planes can’t fly. Take extra care when booking your continued travel and leave lots of buffer days at the end of your trip in case you are delayed. Any extra days due to flight cancellations will be charged in addition to your initial trek package cost. 

Everest Three Passes Trek Difficulty

The Everest Three Passes Trek is a challenging, strenuous, and deeply rewarding journey. It is challenging due to its duration, high elevation, rough terrain and long days. Of the 18 day trek, 14 days include time above 3000 m elevation and 7 days are above 5000 m elevation so there is a high risk of altitude sickness if not managed properly.

Two acclimatization days (Namche Bazaar and Dingboche) are included to help you adjust to the altitude. It is recommended that you do not choose this trek if it is your first time at altitude. There are, of course, THREE high mountain passes, all of which are adobe 3500 m and require 7-9 hours of hiking to complete.

The terrain can also be rough and slippery at certain points and includes steep ascents, descents, glacial crossings, and rocky trails. Proper training, hiring a porter, and managing your health are important for the success of your Everest Three Passes Trek.

Respecting Culture and Religion On The Everest Three Passes Trek

The Everest Three Passes trek is rich in Sherpa culture and Tibetan-Buddhist practices.

Prayer flags, mani walls, stupas, and monasteries add spiritual significance during your adventure. Be mindful of the local norms in which modesty is the standard. Openly changing in front of people and urinating in public spaces is not welcome.

Please consider the culture when selecting what clothing to bring and keep public displays of affection to a modest minimum. If you would like to enter temples, monasteries and sacred places, your knees and shoulders need to be covered and shoes removed.

Only enter homes and kitchens when invited, and ask for permission to take photos of local people and their homes (a good practice anywhere!). The right hand is considered sacred, so pass religious structures with your right side facing them (walking clockwise). Only use your right hand for spinning prayer wheels, eating, and handing items, such as currency, to someone.

Prayers wheels on the Naru Phu Yoga Trek
Prayer wheels

Major Elevation Points on the Everest Three Pass Trek

  • Kongma La Pass: 5535 m
  • Renjo La Pass: 5360 m
  • Cho La Pass: 5420 m
  • Kala Patthar: 5545 m
  • Everest Base Camp: 5364 m
  • Starting Elevation: 2800 m in Lukla
  • Finishing Elevation: 2800 m in Lukla

Everest Three Passes Trek Packing List

We have put together a detailed packing list for the 3 passes trek. It is extremely thorough and in some cases might be too much, so please use your own judgement when packing. Most people overpack for their first trek, so do your best to pack light.

Here is a detailed packing list with descriptions, and here is a printable PDF packing checklist.

Porters can carry a maximum of 20kg, which is 10kg per person.

The Weather On The Everest Three Passes Trek

If you are trekking during peak seasons, spring and autumn, you are more likely to get clear skies, little precipitation, warm days and cool nights. At low elevation you might be surprised to know that the day time can be quite hot but the days cool off as you gain elevation. At night time, it can get quite chilly, especially with higher altitude. Because of the high altitude on the Everest 3 Passes Trek, you can expect to have many colder days and nights.

If you are trekking closer to winter (which is December to mid-February), then you are likely to get clear but cold weather. If you are trekking close to monsoon season (which is mid-May to mid-September) then you can expect to get wet! Regardless of the time of year, the mornings are generally clearer in the mountains and the clouds start to roll in after midday.

The Food on the Everest Three Passes Trek

Considering that you’re trekking into the Himalayas with no road access, the food is pretty great! Each tea house has a menu to choose from including local and international dishes.

The most recommended local food to try is Nepal’s national dish, dal bhat. Dal bhat is lentil soup (dal) and a hearty portion of rice (bhat), traditionally served with curry, sautéed greens, and maybe some fresh cut vegetables, a spicy sauce or local yogurt. It’s always made fresh and has free refills to help refuel after a long day of trekking.

You can expect to see other dishes including local soups and dumplings, pasta, fried noodles and soup for lunch and dinner.  For breakfast, you’ll see pancakes, eggs, museli and oatmeal. Common food requirements such as allergies, vegan, and gluten-free can be easily accommodated for, but some cross-contamination is possible.

Photo of Dal Bhat from Manaslu Circuit Trek
Dal Bhat

Accommodation On the Everest Three Passes Trek

You will be staying in tea houses which are small, simplistic lodges with a dining hall and guest rooms to stay overnight. At lower elevation you will be more likely to find nicer tea houses with amenities such as hot showers, attached bathrooms and electricity in the rooms. As you trek into higher elevation, be prepared for more simple amenities and shared squat toilets.

The dining halls are often heated by a delightful wood stove, but there is no heating in the guest rooms so a good sleeping bag is required to keep you cozy and warm. If you would like more luxury accommodation, this can be arranged upon request.

Read more about the do’s and don’ts of staying in tea houses.

What Permits Are Required for the Everest Three Passes Trek?

When you book with Himalayan Peace Treks, we will obtain all necessary permits on your behalf. Once we arrive in Lukla, we require your passport to enter Sagarmatha National Park and commence on your trek. Required trekking permits for the Everest Three Passes trek include:

Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit

This permit is required to enter the Sagarmatha (Everest) National Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The permit costs NPR 3,000 for foreign Nationals and NPR 1500 for SAARC Nationals. This permit can be obtained at the Nepal Tourism office in Kathmandu or at the entry checkpoint in Lukla or Manjo.

Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entry Permit

To trek in the Khumbu (Everest) region you also need a permit from Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality. Your guide will get this permit directly at the entry point in Lukla or Manjo and it costs NPR 3000 for any Nationals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Trekking the Manaslu Circuit is best in the spring and autumn seasons. The spring season is typically from the mid-February to the beginning of May and the autumn season starts mid-September and continues through to mid-November. Some guests are interested in coming at quieter times, or have schedule restrictions, and choose to come at the beginning or end of a season and manage the weather conditions.

Technically, no, however it is highly recommended for better safety and enjoyment. Guides and trekking companies organize all of the trek details for you including arranging transportation, obtaining permits, and booking tea houses. Guides also offer local knowledge about the culture and language, as well as the surrounding flora, fauna and mountains. Your guide will help you set the pace, assess risks and manage emergency situations. Especially when tackling these high mountain passes, guides can help you navigate the high altitude and unpredictable weather.

A porter is not necessary, but recommended for your Everest Three Passes Trek. Many of Nepal’s treks are beginner friendly and some experienced trekkers choose to complete them without hiring porters. The Everest Three Passes Trek is one of the most challenging treks, so if you are worried at all about the terrain and high altitude, or are seeking more enjoyment instead of an intense challenge then we’d recommend a porter. Hiring a porter is a lovely way to support the local economy and have additional staff members present in case of emergency.

Remarkably, considering that you are trekking deep into the Himalayas, there is electricity at most tea houses along the trek. Very few have charging outlets in guest rooms, but you can charge your devices in the main dining hall. Some tea houses charge a small additional fee for charging devices. At lower elevation, more luxury tea houses have electricity in the rooms. Be prepared that the electricity is unpredictable and could cut out at any time. Many trekkers choose to carry a rechargeable power bank.

Yes, there is wifi accessible while trekking. Although we suggest that you use the opportunity to disconnect, many tea houses have wifi so you can still let your loved ones know that you are having the time of your life. Many tea houses charge a small fee to access the wifi for your stay, or it’s included in more luxury spots at lower elevation. Similarly to the electricity, the wifi can be extremely unpredictable and unreliable so we don’t recommend that you plan to rely on it for anything important.

Transportation to the trailhead is via flights into Lukla. The 25 minute scenic mountain flight goes either from Kathmandu or Ramechhap (which is 4 hours from Kathmandu). Be prepared to fly from either Kathmandu or Ramechhap depending on the season and availability. If flying out of Ramechhap, you might need to leave Kathmandu as early as 2am to catch your early morning flight.

*Flights to and from Lukla are extremely unpredictable and often cancelled because they can only operate during clear weather. Any dense clouds (which are common in the mountains) means that the planes can’t fly. Take extra care when booking your continued travel and leave lots of buffer days at the end of your trip in case you are delayed.

The total walking distance on the Everest Three Passes Trek is approximately 160–170 km. This number could vary slightly depending on the day tours or side hikes that you choose to do. You can expect to hike an average of 10-15 km per day on the Everest Three Passes Trek.

Altitude sickness, which occurs as a result of spending time at high elevation, can happen any time you’re above 2500 m. It is a result of gaining altitude too quickly and not allowing time for the body to adjust to the reduced oxygen and air pressure changes. Symptoms can include anything from headache, loss of appetite, dizziness, vomiting and difficulty sleeping to more severe symptoms such as fluid in the lungs, irrational behaviour, breathlessness, blue skin, and an inability to walk.

Surprisingly, altitude sickness can happen to anyone, even if they’re young, fit, and have been at high altitude before. It is important to do everything possible to prevent altitude sickness and not ignore symptoms if they arise.

The best way to prevent altitude sickness is to ascend slowly. This means physically walking slowly, as well as limiting how much elevation you gain in a short period of time and stretching your trek out over many days. To further help the body acclimatize to the elevation gain, it’s a good idea to hike up to a higher point than you plan to sleep. You can also include rest days, often referred to as “acclimatization days” in which you spend two nights at the same elevation, hiking up to a higher point during the day.

The Everest Three Passes Trek itinerary suggested by Himalayan Peace Treks already has the above ways to help prevent altitude sickness factored in. If it’s your first time at elevation or you have time to spare, then we can adjust your itinerary to include more acclimatization days and an even slower ascent. Altitude sickness medication is best used as a treatment instead of a prevention. You can consult your doctor if you have any specific questions.

DO: ascend slowly, drink lots of water, monitor your symptoms, and trek with an experienced guide
DON’T: push through severe symptoms, heavily consume alcohol, caffeinated drinks, or smoke cigarettes, take sleeping pills, or ascend too quickly

Yes, a tourist visa can be obtained at immigration on arrival. Options include a 15 day visa for $30, a 30 day visa for $50, and a 90 day visa for $125. You can pay the USD equivalent in any major currency. Although credit cards are accepted, cash is recommended. If needed, you can extend your tourist visa at the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu or Immigration office in Pokhara. The extension cost is a minimum of $45 for up to 15 days and then an additional $3 per day.

Yes, obtaining good medical travel insurance before you come to Nepal is necessary to trek safely and worry-free. Ensure that whatever insurance you get covers high altitude activities. You can send your insurance information to Himalayan Peace Treks so we can coordinate your safe return if there are any unlikely emergencies.

To pay for your trek you can bring any major currency ($€£¥) or we can coordinate an online bank transfer. For spending money in Kathmandu and on your trek, you’ll need local Nepali Rupees (NPR) as Nepal mostly deals in cash. You can exchange or withdraw local rupees in Kathmandu. Once you venture into the mountains there are no reliable ATMs, so any cash you might need for the entirety of the trek (for snacks, souvenirs, gear replacement, etc.) needs to have been already obtained beforehand.

To pay your initial 15% deposit, you can send a money transfer (eg. Wise) or an international bank transfer. To pay for the remainder of your trek once you have arrived in Kathmandu, you can pay by cash (in any major currency), or any of the above listed online transfer options. Any fees associated with a transfer or payment are your responsibility. All prices are listed in USD.

Trip Reviews

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Price starts

US$ 1630

Standard trek price (per person)

  • 1 person
    US$ 2236
  • 2 - 2 people
    US$ 1895
  • 3 - 4 people
    US$ 1781
  • 5 - 6 people
    US$ 1690
  • 7 - 8 people
    US$ 1651
  • 9 + people 9999
    US$ 1630

Total Cost:

US$ 2236

Have Questions?

Talk to our expert team and plan your trip.
Ganesh Prasad Simkhada
Hari Dhakal
Chris Brooker
Ganesh Prasad Simkhada
whatsapp viber +977 9846722055
Hari Dhakal
whatsapp viber +977 9863653779
Chris Brooker
whatsapp viber +977 9851414779

Have Questions?

Talk to our expert team and plan your trip.
Ganesh Prasad Simkhada
Hari Dhakal
Chris Brooker
Ganesh Prasad Simkhada
whatsapp viber +977 9846722055
Hari Dhakal
whatsapp viber +977 9863653779
Chris Brooker
whatsapp viber +977 9851414779

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