Everest Three Passes Trek
The Everest Three Passes Trek is considered one of the most challenging and rewarding treks in the Everest region. Designed for experienced trekkers, this epic journey crosses three high Himalayan passes — Kongma La (5,535 m), Cho La (5,420 m), and Renjo La (5,360 m). Along the way, trekkers experience dramatic mountain scenery, iconic Everest viewpoints, remote valleys, and the deep-rooted Sherpa culture of the Khumbu region.
Trip Overview
- Duration: 18–22 days
- Maximum Elevation: 5,535 m (Kongma La Pass)
- Difficulty: Very Challenging
- Region: Everest (Khumbu) Region
- Starting Point: Lukla
- Ending Point: Lukla
- Permit Required: Yes
Travel Timeline (Typical 20-Day Itinerary)
- Day 1: Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla, trek to Phakding
- Day 2: Trek to Namche Bazaar
- Day 3: Acclimatization day at Namche
- Day 4: Trek to Tengboche
- Day 5: Trek to Dingboche
- Day 6: Acclimatization day at Dingboche
- Day 7: Cross Kongma La Pass to Lobuche
- Day 8: Trek to Gorakshep, hike to Everest Base Camp
- Day 9: Hike Kala Patthar, trek back to Dzongla
- Day 10: Cross Cho La Pass to Thagnak
- Day 11: Trek to Gokyo
- Day 12: Explore Gokyo Valley and Gokyo Ri
- Day 13: Cross Renjo La Pass to Lungden
- Day 14: Trek to Thame
- Day 15: Trek to Namche Bazaar
- Day 16: Trek to Lukla
- Day 17: Fly back to Kathmandu
Trekking Route
The trek begins with a scenic flight to Lukla, followed by a gradual ascent through the Dudh Koshi Valley to Namche Bazaar. After exploring the classic Everest Base Camp route, the trail diverts into remote valleys crossing Kongma La, Cho La, and Renjo La passes. Highlights include Everest Base Camp, Kala Patthar, the turquoise Gokyo Lakes, and panoramic viewpoints overlooking Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu.
Major Highlights
- Crossing three high Himalayan passes above 5,300 meters
- Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar sunrise view
- Gokyo Lakes and Gokyo Ri viewpoint
- Panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu
- Remote valleys and fewer crowds
- Authentic Sherpa villages and monasteries
Cultural Experience
The Khumbu region is home to the Sherpa people, renowned for their mountaineering heritage and Buddhist traditions. Along the trail, trekkers encounter prayer wheels, mani walls, chortens, and monasteries such as Tengboche Monastery. The hospitality of the Sherpa community adds a warm cultural dimension to this demanding trek.
Accommodation & Food
Accommodation throughout the Everest Three Passes Trek is in teahouses and mountain lodges. Rooms are basic but comfortable. Meals include dal bhat, noodles, soups, momos, pasta, potatoes, and eggs. Food variety decreases at higher elevations, but meals remain hearty and energizing.
Difficulty & Fitness Level
This trek is classified as very challenging and is recommended only for experienced trekkers with excellent physical fitness. Long walking days, extreme altitude, steep ascents, and glacier crossings demand strong endurance, mental resilience, and proper acclimatization.
Permits Required
- Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit
- Sagarmatha National Park Permit
Best Time to Trek
- Spring (March–May): Stable weather and clear mountain views
- Autumn (September–November): Best trekking conditions and visibility
Why Choose the Everest Three Passes Trek?
The Everest Three Passes Trek is the ultimate challenge in the Khumbu region. Combining adventure, altitude, iconic landmarks, and remote Himalayan beauty, it offers one of the most complete and unforgettable trekking experiences in Nepal.