Everest Three Passes Trek 20 Days

Trip Facts
  • Trip Grade Strenuous
  • Destination Everest Region
  • Max. Altitude 5,644 m
  • Trip Style Trekking & Hiking
  • Trip Type Solo or Group
  • Best Time Autumn & Spring

Highlights

  • Take scenic flights to/from Lukla airport
  • Explore the beautiful villages and verdant valleys
  • The trail has continuous ups & downs through dense forests 
  • Come across a range of flora and fauna
  • Get to see the daily lifestyle of Sherpa
  • Cross Renjo La, Kongma La, and Cho La passes
  • Explore the Everest Base Camp
  • Witness gorgeous sunrises from Gokyo Ri and Kala Patthar
  • Get to see a jaw-dropping panorama at Gokyo Lakes
  • Visit ancient monasteries like Tnegbcohe and Pangboche
  • Witness majestic Himalayan mountains and diverse landscapes

"The Everest three passes trek is the true Himalayan journey that covers six gems of the Khumbu region- Renjo La, Cho La, Kongma La, Everest Base Camp, Kala Patthar, and Gokyo Lakes. It is an ultimate venture in the eastern part of Nepal, packed with adventure, challenges, views & lifetime experience."

Everest three passes trek is a 20 days trekking package in the Himalayas of Nepal. The trek route links the stunning Gokyo Lakes and the famous Everest Base Camp with two additional gorgeous trails from east to west. As the name of the package suggests, the itinerary has three high passes all above 5,000 metres. 3 passes trek is for trekkers who are not afraid to face challenges and push their limits. It's a trek for real adventurous hearts. 

On Everest's three high passes trek, you explore all the major highlights of the Khumbu region. Kongma La (5,535 m/18,159 ft), Cho La (5,420 m/17,782 ft), and Renjo La (5,340 m/17,520 ft) are the three passes you cross during the trek. The trek takes you to the lap of Mt. Everest, Everest Base Camp (5,364 m). You hike to viewpoints like Hotel Everest View (3,962 m), Gokyo Ri (5,484 m), and Kala Patthar (5,644 m). Likewise, you get to visit the holy Gokyo Lakes (4,700 m to 5,000 m), one of the highest freshwater lake systems in the world. 

The trail winds through Sagarmatha National Park. You walk by beautiful rhododendron and juniper forests. Explore gorgeous valleys and picturesque villages. Make friends with Sherpas and see their lifestyle. Likewise, trek along rivers and terraced fields. See mules and yaks grazing on pastures. Visit the ancient monasteries and come across numerous prayer wheels and stupas on the way.

On every bend in the trail, you see a distinct landscape. The giant Himalayan mountains suddenly become your big motivators. And the breathtaking views fuel you to walk further. Some famous mountains you see on Everest three passes trekking are Mt. Everest (8,849 m), Mt. Lhotse (8,516 m), Mt. Makalu (8,463 m), Mt. Cho Oyu (8,188 m), Ama Dablam (6,812 m), Island Peak (6,160 m), Mt. Nuptse (7,861 m), etc. 

3 passes trek route & difficulty

Crossing these three passes is very challenging and demands slow & steady ascents. Your body has to be properly acclimatised and physically fit to make the three long ascents on steep, rocky uphill trails. At the same time, you'll be facing high altitude pressure and may be fluctuating weather conditions. 

The daily 6 to 7 hours walk can go above 8 hours on some days. The lower part of the Everest three passes trek route goes through dense forests. The terrain is rugged and sloppy. From Dingboche (4,410 m) onwards, you'll be trekking above the treeline. The rich greenery scenery changes into dry, barren landscapes. 

The upper part of the trail has slippery glacier walks, moraines, and gorges. The trail is exposed to sun and cold. Even an easy walk can get very exhausting because of thin air. The lower oxygen pressure tires your body quickly.

Altitude sickness

The Everest three passes trekking goes above 5,000 metres multiple times during the trek. You'll be traversing at a high elevation that carries the risk of altitude sickness. It is also called acute mountain sickness. Altitude sickness is a common illness during this kind of venture. However, if not cared & controlled, one may need emergency evacuation. 

From Kathmandu at 1,300 metres, your journey goes up to 5,644 metres at Kala Patthar. To be honest, everybody reacts differently to the drastic change in elevation, so we cannot guarantee an altitude sickness-free journey. But we'll make sure you get ample time to acclimatise during the trek, and our expert guide will take care of you in any adversity. 

Preparation for three passes trekking in the Everest region

We have listed some of the things that you should do to prepare for Everest three high passes trekking. These preparations will help you a lot while trekking.

3 passes trek is not for beginner trekkers or someone who is not physically fit. So, go on a few treks and hikes before to prepare your mind & body for 3 passes. 

Get your body and especially legs for all the long ascents. Do cardio and strength training. Build your core strength, stamina, and endurance. 

Pack your favourite snacks to munch while trekking.

Eat a balanced diet and keep yourself hydrated. Carry water purification tablets.

Do not wear new trekking shoes during the trek. 

Double-check all the documents.

Visit your doctor once before the beginning of the trek.

Booking

To book Everest three passes trek 2022/2023, call us anytime or send a booking request through our site. You can tailor-make the Everest three passes trekking itinerary too. 

These are some other challenging treks in the Himalayas; Upper Dolpo Trek, Upper Mustang Trek, Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek, Manaslu Circuit Trek, and Nar Phu Valley Trek. 

 

Trip Itinerary

 


 

 

  • Day 1:​​Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu
  • Day 2:Day 2: Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing
  • Day 3:Fly to Lukla & trek to Phakding Village
  • Day 4:Day 4: Trek to Namche Bazaar
  • Day 5:Acclimatisation in Namche Bazaar
  • Day 6:Trek to Thame Village
  • Day 7:Trek to Lungden Village
  • Day 8:Trek to Gokyo village (4,750 m) via Renjo La Pass
  • Day 9:Hike to Gokyo Ri
  • Day 10:Hike to Thagnak Village
  • Day 11:Trek to Dzongla village (4,855 m) via Cho La Pass 
  • Day 12:Trek to Gorak Shep village via Lobuche (4,930 m)
  • Day 13:Explore Everest Base Camp and spend the night in Gorak Shep
  • Day 14:Hike to Kalapatthar & trek back to Lobuche Village
  • Day 15:Trek to Chhukung village (4,730 m) via Kongma La Pass
  • Day 16:Trek back to Pangboche Village
  • Day 17:Trek back to Namche Bazaar
  • Day 18:Trek back to Lukla Village
  • Day 19:Fly back to Kathmandu
  • Day 20:Departure day

We welcome you at the airport. You can meet our team representative at the terminal gate of the international airport. We use a private vehicle to escort you from the airport to your hotel. In the late evening, meet some core team members over a welcome dinner. 

  • AccommodationOvernight in the hotel
  • MealsMeals: Welcome dinner

This extra day in Kathmandu, we utilise to look around the city and prepare for the trek. For the morning, we have planned a guided sightseeing tour of Boudhanath Stupa, Monkey Temple, Pashupatinath Temple, and Kathmandu Durbar Square. Our tour guide will assist you on the tour. 

You'll explore temples, monasteries, palaces, courtyards, and museums during the tour. In the later part of the day, we meet with the trek guide over a short briefing for Everest three passes trek.

 

 

  • AccommodationOvernight in the hotel
  • MealsMeals: Breakfast only

Duration: 30 minutes flight & 3 hours trek

In the morning, we take a flight to Lukla. Here, porters join us, and we begin trekking toward Phakding village. The trail descends along the Dudh Koshi River and crosses a few bridges on the way. It's a forested path with occasional views of Kongde Ri. 

  • AccommodationOvernight in the lodge
  • MealsBreakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Max. AltitudeAltitude: 2,860 m

Duration: 6 hours

The trek begins after a warm breakfast. We walk along the banks of the Dudh Koshi River and cross it numerous times on suspension bridges. We reach Monjo village and from here enter the Sagarmatha National Park. For the next few hours, we walk by dense forests and small settlement areas. The trail has beautiful waterfalls and many streams. The final ascent to Namche Bazaar is steep. 

  • AccommodationOvernight in the lodge
  • MealsBreakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Max. Altitude3,440 m

 

Duration: 4-5 hours

We’ll spend a rest day in Namche Bazaar before trekking ahead. To acclimatise, we hike to Hotel Everest View and Khumjung monastery. The views of the mountains during the hike are spectacular. We can see Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Pumori, and Thamserku. Later in the day, we explore the Namche Bazaar and visit museums.

  • AccommodationOvernight in the lodge
  • MealsBreakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Max. Altitude3,962 m

 

Duration: 5-6 hours

The trail further follows the Bhote Koshi river and passes by rhododendron & pine forests. We'll come across many stupas on the way. Further, passing by Thamo gompa, we walk on a steep downhill route to Khumbu Hydroelectric Plant. From here, we trek and reach Thame village for a night's stay.  

  • AccommodationOvernight in the lodge
  • MealsBreakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Max. Altitude3,750 m

 

Duration: 5-6 hours

We begin the day early and walk around it. Later, relishing the tempering mountain landscapes, we trek through Marulung village (4,200 m). From here, the trek leads us to Lungden village. If we are not tired, we can visit the Nakpa valley to Cho Relmo Lake. 

  • AccommodationOvernight in the lodge
  • MealsBreakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Max. Altitude4,500 m

 

Duration: 8 hours

It's a big day. Today, we cross the first pass, Renjo La and enter Gokyo Valley. From Lungden, we continue trekking on an uphill rocky route to the top of Renjo La pass. The top offers sensational views of the surrounding mountains like Cho Oyu, Makalu, Everest, Lhotse, etc. We can also see the third lake, Dudh Pokhari and Gokyo village from here. Further, we descend to Gokyo valley and pass by a couple of lakes before reaching Gokyo village. 

  • AccommodationOvernight in the lodge
  • MealsBreakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Max. Altitude5,446 m

Duration: 2 hours

We have a second rest day in Gokyo village. We take this chance and hike to Gokyo Ri to acclimatise and of course witness jaw-dropping sunrise. We wake up early in the morning and walk on the steep rugged path to Gokyo Ri. The sunrise with snow-capped mountain view from this point is out of this world. Later, we explore Gokyo Lakes and spend time chit-chatting with locals in the Gokyo village. 

  • AccommodationOvernight in the lodge
  • MealsBreakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Max. Altitude5,400 m

Duration: 5 hours

The trail today walks past the Ngozumpa glacier. It is the biggest glacier in Nepal. The trail is rocky and has many ups & downs. We walk on the eastern glacial moraine and soon reach Thagank. The views are fantastic along the trekking route. 

  • AccommodationOvernight in the lodge
  • MealsBreakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Max. Altitude4,700 m

Duration: 6-7 hours

It's time to cross the second pass, Cho La. We begin the day early in the morning to doge strong winds & unstable weather in the afternoon. Walking on rocky trails, we further continue trekking along moraines. From here, we walk on a glacier and come across frozen streams on the way to Cho La pass. The views from the top make us forget all the hard walks. The trail then descends to Dzongla, and we spend the remaining day relaxing. 

  • AccommodationOvernight in the lodge
  • MealsBreakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Max. Altitude5,420 m

Duration: 6 hours

We continue the trek towards Lobuche village. The trail descends alongside Cho La lake and pas by memorial statues of climbers. The views of the snow-capped mountain are prominent in this part of the train. Further, we follow the Imja Khola Valley trail to reach Lobuche village. 

After taking a short break here, we trek to Gorak Shep. In the early climbing days, Gorak Shep used to be the base camp of Mt. Everest. From Lobuche to Gorak Shep goes along the lateral moraine of Khumbu Glacier.

  • AccommodationOvernight in the lodge
  • MealsBreakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Max. Altitude5,185 m

Duration: 4-5 hours

We'll have a warm breakfast and begin an exciting day. We reach Everest Base Camp today. From Gorak Shep, the trail ascends in the north direction to the base camp. The route is steep and filled with loose boulders. Upon reaching the EBC, we can see mountaineers' tents and prayer flags. We take some time to explore the base camp. Later, descend to Gorak Shep to spend the night. 

  • AccommodationOvernight in the lodge
  • MealsBreakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Max. Altitude5,364 m

 

Duration: 5-6 hours

Every day has something adventurous and exciting on this trek. And today, we take to the famous Kala Patthar viewpoint. As the Everest base camp does not provide a view of Mt. Everest, this hike will offer that. The trail is steep uphill. 

From Kala Patthar, we catch a glorious sunrise, along with 360 degrees views of the mountains around us. After soaking in the views, we descend to Lobuche village, retracing the path. 

  • AccommodationOvernight in the lodge
  • MealsBreakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Max. Altitude5,644 m

 

Duration: 7-8 hours

We cross the third pass today, Kongma La pass and approach the end of this adventurous trek. So far, the trail and the altitude have been brutal for us. With this one final ascent, we make the end of the high uphill walk. From Lobuche village, we walk on a steep route dotted with frozen lakes and to the top of the pass.

From the pass, outstanding views of Lhotse, Makalu Baruntse, Everest, and Ama Dablam are seen. Further, the trail descends to the eastern side of Nigyang Khola valley, and we continue to Chhukung village. We can see yak pastures. Chhukung is not a permanent settlement area. 

  • AccommodationOvernight in the lodge
  • MealsBreakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Max. Altitude5,535 m

Duration: 5-6 hours

From Chhukung village, we descend to Imja Khola valley. The trail passes by Dingboche village. We walk by terraced fields and alpine pastures. We see more greenery compared to the last few days. Further, passing by Tsura, Orsho, and Shomare, we reach Pangboche village. Here, we visit one of the oldest monasteries in the Khumbu region, Pangboch monastery.

  • AccommodationOvernight in the lodge
  • MealsBreakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Max. Altitude3,985 m

Duration: 5-6 hours

After having breakfast, we begin ascending toward Tengboche village. The trail then descends through rhododendron forests, offering stunning views of Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, etc to Namche Bazaar. 

  • AccommodationOvernight in the lodge
  • MealsBreakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Max. Altitude3,440 m

Duration: 6-7 hours

Today is our last day of the trek. We follow the same trail back to Lukla. The first part of the trail steeply descends through dense forests, crossing remote villages and dense forests. We again cross many suspension bridges and pass by Phaking village. Further, an uphill walk through Ghat village takes us to Lukla. 

  • AccommodationOvernight in the lodge
  • MealsBreakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Max. Altitude2,860 m

After the last breakfast with mountain views, we’ll take an early morning flight to Kathmandu. The flight will be sensational and nerve-racking. In Kathmandu, you'll have an entire day free to rest and explore. We meet you in the late evening over farewell dinner. 

  • AccommodationOvernight in the hotel
  • MealsBreakfast & farewell dinner
  • Max. Altitude1,300 m

The trek has ended. You fly back to your home today. Our airport team will help you with airport transfer. If you have a few more days in hand, you can join our other adventurous trek, tour, or hike. 

Time to say Goodbye. 

    It is our regular itinerary if you are looking for a personalized or planning an offline trip. Please, feel free to share our travel experts.

    Trip Map

    Everest Three Passes Trek 20 Days map

    Cost Details

    • Airport pick up and drop by private tourist vehicle.
    • local SIM card with internet and balance.
    • 3-4 star hotel in Kathmandu stay.
    • Fully guided Sightseeing in Kathmandu and nearby cities on private vehicle.
    • Flight tickets from Kathmandu- Lukla & Lukla- Kathmandu
    • Government licensed Englsh speaking local Guide with porters.
    • Dinner at local restaurant with cultural show.
    • All food (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) in trekking
    • Tea/ coffee and other local non-alcoholic drinks in trekking.
    • Tea house/lodge accommodation.
    • All land transportation (private vehicles)
    • TIMS (Trekking information Management System) card.
    • All require national park and entry Permit.
    • Duffel/kit bag, sleeping bag, down Jacket, hat .
    • All food, drinks, Lodge, salary, Insurance, medical equipments, for guide and porters.
    • All government taxes.
    • International flight tickets.
    • Nepal entry visa: you can obtain a visa easily upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu. (A multiple-entry tourist visa good for 30 days can be obtained by paying US $ 50 or equivalent foreign currency. Similarly, multiple-entry tourist visas for 90 days can be obtained by paying US $ 120. Please bring 2 copies of passport-size photos.)
    • Any bar bills (alcoholic drinks, mineral water, and cold drinks), cigarettes, client’s personal insurance, any kind of unforeseen expenses.
    • Travel insurance (should include high altitude resuce in an emergency)
    • Tips for Guide and Porter (Tips are not compulsory but expected).
    • Personal treeking gear.

    Essential Info

    Best time 

    The weather determines not only the difficulty level of the trek but also the experience you will get on the journey. Even if you are trekking in the best season, one cannot predict the weather, especially in the Himalayas. Still, the most suitable time to go on Everest Three High Passes Trek is during spring and autumn. The crystal clear sky with stable weather, mild climate, and fantastic views makes the journey incredible. 

    The spring welcomes numerous flora and diverse vegetation. You can see locals celebrating their biggest festivals in the autumn season, which makes your trip to Nepal even more immersive. The mornings and nights are usually cold. And, the best thing is you can see breathtaking scenery. Off seasons like monsoon and winter are not a good time to go on Everest Three High Passes Trekking. The trail gets slippery and risky, with a high chance of blockage of the route. 

    Travel Insurance

    Everest High Passes Trek traverses a very remote and challenging part of the Himalayas. Even with all the precautions and measures, no one can predict anything up there. Likewise, there are not good health care facilities available in the region. 

    So, in case of any worse situation related to health, you will be air evacuated to the nearby hospital in the city. Moreover, to join the trip, you must carry travel insurance with you. Your travel insurance should have air evacuation and medical bill coverage. 

    Accommodation 

    The accommodation during Everest High Passes Trek 20 days is a lodge. On the lower elevations like Namche Bazar, Tengboche, and Dingboche, the lodges offer basic to luxury facilities. With the rise in elevation, everything gets basic and expensive. The rooms are small but good enough to spend the night. The washroom is most likely to be common. Likewise, In Kathmandu, you stay overnight in a tourist standard hotel. 

    Food

    You will get three meals a day during the trek. The region offers an extensive range of cuisines like Tibetan, Nepali, Western, and Indian. For breakfast you get oatmeal, toast, corn flakes, jam, butter, cheese, hashed brown egg, porridge, fruits, tea, coffee, etc. Similarly, in lunch and dinner, there are options like dal bhat, soups, momo, steak, sandwiches, macaroni, tenduk, noodles, thukpa, pasta, curries, veggies, pizza, etc. 

    Child Policy

    Everest three high passes trek is not a kid-friendly trek. The challenges of this trek are too much for a child. Therefore, we do not recommend a 3 passes trek for kids. For more information, contact us.

    Packing list for Everest High Passes Trek 

    • Top (Half sleeves shirt, Full sleeves shirt, Thermal tops, Windcheater, Down jacket, Waterproof jacket, Undergarments) 
    • Bottom (Convertible hiking pants, Lightweight hiking pants, Thermal trousers, Hiking trousers, Woollen trousers, Waterproof shell pants)
    • Headscarf, Beanie
    • Woollen hat, Sun hat
    • Lightweight woollen gloves
    • Poly liner gloves
    • Mittens
    • Feet (Thin & heavy woollen lightweight socks, Lightweight hiking boots (must be broken-in and water-resistant), Running sneakers, Sandals)
    • Hiking bag (compulsory)
    • Small backpack (only if you are taking a porter with you)
    • Waterproof covers for your bags
    • Trekking poles
    • Headlamp
    • Small first-aid kit ( anti-headache pills, aspirin, band-aids, knee pads, bandages, cold medicines, painkillers, antibiotics, etc)
    • Reusable water bottles & Water Purification tablets
    • Toiletries (quick-drying towel, toilet papers, toothbrush and toothpaste, soap, deodorants, sunscreen with at least 50 SPF, moisturiser, sunblock lip care, sanitary pads, wet tissues/baby wipes, handwash, etc)
    • Miscellaneous (ziplock bags, GPS tracker, small folding knife, power bank, camera, extra batteries, journal, card game, snacks & bars, etc)

    FAQs

    • Q1. How many miles is 3 passes trek?

      The Everest Three Passes Trek is approximately 111.9 miles. On average, 6 to 7 hours of walking is needed every day. 

       

    • Everest Three Passes Trekking is a 20 days trek. You can customise the itinerary as per your need. In our 20 days of Everest Three Passes Trek itinerary, you trek for 16 days and use another four days for commuting and arrival/departure from Kathmandu.

    • A Mountain pass means a high route above a river or between two valleys. Usually, mountain passes are known as great vantage points.

    • Everest Three Passes Trek is a strenuous trek. This trek is for experienced trekkers with strong physical fitness. It is one of the most challenging treks in the Himalayas. 

       

    • Yes, you can join the 3 passes trek as a solo traveller. You can do this trek privately or in a group. For more information or book the trek, contact us.

    • In the lower altitude, you can use paid wifi. To use the internet on the upper part of the trail, we recommend getting a Nepali sim card with data. Similarly, electricity is available in all the villages to charge your device. It is a long trek, and paying every time while trekking can get very expensive, so we recommend getting a solar charger.

       

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