The Everest Three High Passes Trek is one of the most adventurous and rewarding journeys in the Himalayas. Designed for those seeking a complete and immersive trekking experience in the Everest region, this trek offers more than just a glimpse of Mount Everest. It takes you deep into the heart of the Khumbu region, across three challenging but stunning high mountain passes; Kongma La, Cho La, and Renjo La, each offering breathtaking views and a true sense of accomplishment.
The trek begins with a scenic flight to Lukla, followed by a gradual ascent through traditional Sherpa villages like Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, and Dingboche. Along the way, you will experience the rich culture, hospitality, and daily life of the Sherpa people, who have lived in these highlands for generations. Prayer flags flutter in the wind, ancient monasteries sit quietly on hillsides, and the sound of yak bells echoes through the valleys.
Crossing the three passes is both physically demanding and deeply rewarding. Each pass rises above five thousand meters and presents its own unique landscape, from vast snowfields to rocky ridgelines with dramatic mountain backdrops. The effort is well worth it, as the views from the top of each pass reveal some of the highest peaks in the world, including Mount Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Makalu, Ama Dablam, and many more.
This trek also includes visits to iconic sites such as Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar, where you can stand in the shadow of Everest and watch the sunrise paint the mountains in golden hues. The final stretch of the journey leads through quieter trails, offering a peaceful contrast to the busier base camp route and allowing you to fully appreciate the remoteness and natural beauty of the region.
The Everest Three High Passes Trek is best suited for trekkers with previous high-altitude experience, a strong level of fitness, and a sense of adventure. It is a journey that challenges your body and inspires your spirit, offering unforgettable memories and a deep connection to one of the most majestic landscapes on Earth.
This is a challenging high-altitude trek requiring good physical fitness and prior trekking experience. The route crosses three major passes above 5000 meters, so proper acclimatization is essential. Weather conditions in the mountains can change quickly, which may affect the itinerary. Travel insurance covering high-altitude trekking and emergency evacuation is strongly recommended.
Your journey begins as you arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. A warm welcome awaits you, followed by a transfer to your hotel. You will have the rest of the day to relax, recover from your flight, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Nepal's capital city. Kathmandu sits at an altitude of around one thousand four hundred meters.
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Early in the morning, you will take a scenic domestic flight to Lukla, a small mountain town perched at two thousand eight hundred sixty meters. From there, you begin your trek with a pleasant walk to the riverside village of Phakding. This short hike takes about three hours and helps your body begin the process of acclimatization.
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Today you follow the Dudh Koshi River through pine forests and cross several suspension bridges before reaching the famous Sherpa town of Namche Bazaar. This is a longer trekking day, taking around six hours, but you are rewarded with your first views of Mount Everest along the way. Namche sits at three thousand four hundred forty meters.
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To help your body adjust to the altitude, you spend an extra day in Namche. There are several short hikes you can take today, such as visiting the Everest View Hotel or nearby Sherpa villages. It is a good day to explore, relax, and prepare for the higher elevations ahead.
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You continue your journey through beautiful rhododendron forests and pass by charming mountain settlements before reaching Tengboche. This small village is home to the region's most famous monastery and offers breathtaking views of Ama Dablam and Everest. The trek takes about five hours.
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The trail descends through forested paths and then climbs gradually toward the wide-open valley of Dingboche. You begin to notice a change in landscape as trees become scarcer. Dingboche, located at four thousand four hundred ten meters, is a scenic and peaceful village where you spend the night.
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You spend another rest day to help your body adjust to the altitude. You may take a short hike to nearby viewpoints such as Nangkartshang Peak for stunning views of Lhotse and other Himalayan giants. This day plays a key role in ensuring a safe and enjoyable trek ahead.
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From Dingboche, you trek for about three hours to reach Chhukung, a small settlement at the foot of Island Peak. This is a relatively short day, allowing for more rest and preparation for the next challenge ahead.
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Today is one of the most challenging and rewarding days of the trek. You cross the first of the three passes, Kongma La, which reaches five thousand five hundred forty meters. After enjoying the stunning views from the top, you descend to Lobuche, where you rest for the night. This full-day trek takes around seven to eight hours.
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A highlight of the entire trek, today you make your way to Everest Base Camp, located at five thousand three hundred sixty four meters. You walk alongside the Khumbu Glacier and stand in the shadow of the world's tallest peak. After some time at base camp, you return to the nearby settlement of Gorakshep for the night.
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Before sunrise, you hike up to Kala Patthar for the most iconic panoramic views of Everest and the surrounding peaks. After enjoying this unforgettable moment, you descend and continue trekking to Dzongla, a small village tucked into the mountains.
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The second of the three passes, Cho La, awaits today. The ascent to the pass is steep and sometimes icy, but the views from the top are incredibly rewarding. You then carefully descend to the village of Thangnak where you will spend the night.
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You spend a rest day in Gokyo, but for those feeling energetic, a hike to Gokyo Ri is highly recommended. From the summit, you can enjoy sweeping views of Everest, Cho Oyu, and Makalu. You can also explore the fourth and fifth Gokyo lakes if time and energy allow.
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The final pass of the trek, Renjo La, offers one of the most dramatic mountain panoramas in the entire region. After reaching the top at five thousand three hundred sixty meters, you descend to the quiet village of Lungden. This is another long but memorable trekking day.
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Today you follow a quieter trail toward Thame, a traditional Sherpa village that is less visited by trekkers. The area is rich in culture and offers a more peaceful side of the Khumbu region.
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You retrace your steps and return to the lively town of Namche Bazaar. This marks the beginning of the end of your trek, and you can enjoy a well-earned rest, a good meal, and perhaps some local shopping.
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Your final trekking day leads you back to Lukla. The trail descends through familiar villages and across the same suspension bridges you passed in the early days. Arriving in Lukla is a time to celebrate the completion of your journey.
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After breakfast, you take an early morning flight from Lukla back to either Kathmandu or Manthali, depending on the flight schedule. Once in the city, you are transferred to your hotel where you can rest and reflect on your incredible adventure.
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Today marks the end of your journey in Nepal. Depending on your flight time, you will be transferred to the international airport for your onward journey, filled with memories of the Himalayas and the accomplishment of crossing three of the most iconic high passes in the Everest region.
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In Kathmandu your stay includes a bed and breakfast plan. We will organize a welcome dinner when you arrive and a farewell dinner before your departure. Any other meals during your time in Kathmandu will be at your own cost.
During the trek all meals including breakfast lunch and dinner are covered in your package. You will also be served tea or coffee throughout the trekking days. Meals are prepared by trained local chefs at guesthouses and we make sure the food is fresh and hygienic.
While on the climb your meals will be prepared by our Sherpa cook and support team. They ensure the food is fresh and sanitary and drinking water is boiled for safety.
For this trip we arrange your stay in deluxe four star luxury hotels in Kathmandu to ensure a high level of comfort. During the trek you will stay in mountain lodges and guest houses run by local Sherpas providing a pleasant and comfortable experience. In Lukla you will stay in a hotel with an attached bathroom while in other locations you will be accommodated in regular Sherpa community lodges which are clean neat and comfortable.
We have prepared a list of departure dates for the Everest Three High Passes Trek available each month. You are welcome to choose a date and time that best fits your schedule. If none of the listed options work for you, please let us know your preferred date and time, and we will be happy to arrange it accordingly. As a customized trekking operator in Nepal, we mainly offer private departures for this trek.
If you would rather join a group for the Everest Three High Passes Trek, just inform us. We can easily organize a group departure on a date and time that works well for you.
The Everest Three High Passes Trek is a challenging 20-day adventure through the heart of the Everest region, ideal for experienced and fit trekkers. The route crosses three major high passes Kongma La, Cho La, and Renjo La, each over 5,000 meters, and also includes Everest Base Camp, Kala Patthar, and the stunning Gokyo Lakes. The trek starts and ends in Lukla, with domestic flights from Kathmandu or Manthali. Accommodation is in comfortable teahouses during the trek and hotels in Kathmandu. All meals are included on the trail. The best seasons for this trek are spring and autumn, offering clear skies and stable weather. This is a demanding but unforgettable journey for those seeking dramatic landscapes, cultural immersion, and panoramic Himalayan views.
Yes, prior high-altitude trekking experience is strongly recommended. This trek is best suited for those who have already done moderate to difficult treks and are comfortable walking for several hours each day at altitude.
The best seasons are spring from March to May and autumn from September to November. These months offer stable weather, clear skies, and great mountain views. Avoid the monsoon season and peak winter due to heavy rain, snow, or extreme cold.
The full trek usually takes around twenty days, including arrival and departure. The trekking portion alone covers about seventeen to eighteen days depending on the route and pace.
You will stay in standard mountain lodges or teahouses along the route. These are basic but comfortable, with shared rooms and common toilets in most places. In Lukla and Namche, you may find more well-equipped lodges with private rooms and attached bathrooms.
Yes, all meals during the trekking days are included. You will be served breakfast, lunch, and dinner with options such as rice, noodles, soups, pasta, potatoes, and traditional Nepali meals like dal bhat. Hot drinks like tea and coffee are also provided.
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