The Everest Three Passes Trek is the most complete trekking experience available in the Khumbu — an 18-day circuit that crosses three high mountain passes above 5,300m, visits Everest Base Camp, climbs Kala Patthar and Gokyo Ri, and traverses the full Khumbu region from valley to glacier without repeating a single major trail section.
The three passes — Kongma La (5,535m), Cho La (5,420m), and Renjo La (5,360m) — define this route. Each one is a genuine high-altitude crossing with fixed ropes on the technical sections and the kind of summit-level panoramas that most Nepal treks never reach. Furthermore, the circuit connects the Everest Base Camp approach with the Gokyo Valley in a single continuous loop — delivering two of the Khumbu’s finest destinations in one expedition. Consequently, the Everest Three Passes Trek is what experienced Khumbu trekkers choose when the standard EBC route is no longer enough.
No technical mountaineering experience is required. The passes are challenging and require good fitness, proper acclimatisation, and trekking poles — but no crampons, ropes, or climbing background. For a comparison with the standard EBC route, read our Everest Three Passes vs EBC Trek guide →
| Trip Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Trip Name | Everest Three Passes Trek in Nepal |
| Duration | 17 Nights / 18 Days |
| Maximum Altitude | 5,535m — Kongma La Pass |
| Major Highlights | Kongma La (5,535m), Cho La (5,420m), Renjo La (5,360m), Everest Base Camp (5,364m), Kala Patthar (5,545m), Gokyo Lakes, Gokyo Ri (5,357m) |
| Trek Difficulty | Challenging — High altitude with three technical passes |
| Trek Start / End Point | Lukla |
| Best Season | Spring (March–May) and Autumn (September–November) |
| Low Season | Winter — cold, clear, passes require more care |
| Not Recommended | Monsoon (June–August) |
| Accommodation | Teahouse lodges throughout |
| Meals Included | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
| Trek Style | Guided High-Altitude Circuit Trek |
| Region | Everest (Khumbu), Nepal |
Lukla → Phakding → Namche Bazaar → Tengboche → Dingboche → Kongma La (5,535m) → Lobuche → Gorakshep → Everest Base Camp (5,364m) → Kala Patthar (5,545m) → Dzongla → Cho La (5,420m) → Gokyo → Gokyo Ri (5,357m) → Renjo La (5,360m) → Thame → Namche Bazaar → Lukla
The standard EBC Trek takes you to Base Camp and back on the same trail. The Everest Three Passes Trek does something fundamentally different — it circles the entire Khumbu massif, crossing three distinct high passes that connect valleys most trekkers never see.
The Khumbu from Kongma La looks nothing like the Khumbu from Renjo La. Furthermore, the Gokyo Valley — approached from Cho La on this circuit — is one of the finest high-altitude valley environments in Nepal. The five sacred turquoise lakes, Nepal’s longest glacier stretching below Gokyo Ri, and the near-complete absence of the crowds that fill the main EBC trail above Tengboche all combine to make the Gokyo section one of the most rewarding days of trekking anywhere in the Himalayas. Consequently, the Three Passes circuit delivers a version of the Khumbu that the standard EBC route simply cannot provide.
This is also the most complete acclimatisation structure available on a standard Nepal trek — 17 nights progressively building altitude across three valleys before the final Renjo La crossing on the descent. Consequently, trekkers who complete this route return from the Khumbu having genuinely understood it rather than simply passed through it.
For trekkers considering options in the Khumbu, read our Everest Three Passes Trek vs EBC comparison →
This trek is challenging — significantly more demanding than the standard EBC route. Furthermore, the three pass crossings require specific fitness preparation, good balance on rocky and occasionally snowy terrain, and willingness to move in cold pre-dawn conditions on the pass days. Consequently, 8–10 weeks of specific uphill walking preparation is the minimum before this expedition. For the complete difficulty assessment read: Everest Three Passes Trek difficulty guide →
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We arrange your complete Everest Three Passes Trek journey — airport transfers, Kathmandu hotel with breakfast before and after the trek, and seamless coordination from arrival to departure.
✅ Round-trip domestic flights — Kathmandu to Lukla and return (via Ramechhap Airport in peak season)
✅ Round-trip airport transfer — Kathmandu hotel to Ramechhap Airport (midnight sharing bus)
✅ 16 nights’ accommodation in local tea houses during the trek
✅ All meals during the trek (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner), including tea or coffee in the morning
✅ Licensed, experienced English-speaking trekking guide from Lukla to Lukla
✅ Porter service (shared basis – 1 porter for every 2 trekkers) from Lukla to Lukla (Max 18Kg)
✅ Required permits: Sagarmatha National Park Permit & Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit
✅ Trekking staff wages, insurance, meals, and accommodation
✅ Basic first-aid kit carried by the guide
✅ All government taxes and service charges
✅ Pre-departure briefing and full trek coordination
❌ International airfare to and from Nepal
❌ Nepal entry visa fee
❌ Travel and medical insurance (must cover high-altitude trekking and emergency evacuation)
❌ Personal trekking gear and equipment , including personal medications
❌ Meals in Kathmandu (lunch & dinner, unless stated otherwise)
❌ Hot showers, Wi-Fi, charging of electronic devices during the trek
❌ Alcoholic beverages, bottled drinks, snacks, and personal expenses
❌ Tips for guide and porter
❌ Additional accommodation or meals due to early arrival, late departure, or itinerary changes
❌ Costs arising from delays, weather conditions, flight cancellations, or natural disasters
Altitude: 2,800m | Flight: 35 min | Trek: 3–4 hrs | Meals: Lunch, Dinner | Stay: Teahouse, Phakding
The morning flight from Ramechhap Airport — included with the midnight Kathmandu transfer — lands at Tenzing-Hillary Airport after 35 minutes. The trail descends through pine forest along the Dudh Koshi River to Phakding at 2,800m. Day 1 is short by design — the body has gained altitude quickly and the afternoon rest is the first acclimatisation step. Do not push pace today.
Altitude: 3,438m | Trek: 5–6 hrs | Ascent: +638m | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Stay: Teahouse, Namche Bazaar
The trail climbs north through suspension bridges, enters Sagarmatha National Park at Jorsale, and ascends steeply to Namche. Furthermore, the first view of Everest appears through the ridge gap below town. Namche Bazaar at 3,438m is the Sherpa capital of the Khumbu — two nights here begins the most critical acclimatisation phase of the circuit.
Altitude: 3,438m overnight / 3,880m hike | Hike: 3–4 hrs | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Stay: Teahouse, Namche Bazaar
The acclimatisation hike climbs to the Everest View Hotel ridge at 3,880m — Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and Thamserku all visible. Furthermore, this rest day is non-negotiable — the body needs 24–48 hours at 3,438m before performing above 4,000m. The afternoon is well used at the Sagarmatha National Park Museum and a full gear check with your guide.
Altitude: 3,820m | Trek: 5–6 hrs | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Stay: Teahouse, Debuche
The trail rises through rhododendron forest to Tengboche — the most atmospheric monastery in the Khumbu, set on a ridge with Ama Dablam to the south and Everest to the north. Furthermore, morning light at Tengboche before the afternoon cloud is one of the finest moments on this entire circuit. The trail descends to Debuche for the overnight.
Altitude: 4,410m | Trek: 5–6 hrs | Ascent: +590m | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Stay: Teahouse, Dingboche
Above Pangboche the vegetation thins and the high alpine landscape begins. The trail passes Ama Dablam Base Camp before reaching Dingboche at 4,410m — broad, open, with views of Ama Dablam, Lhotse, and Island Peak. Furthermore, Dingboche is where the Khumbu starts to feel genuinely remote. Eat fully and rest completely — tomorrow’s hike matters.
Altitude: 5,000m high point / 4,410m overnight | Hike: 4–5 hrs | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Stay: Teahouse, Dingboche
The acclimatisation hike climbs to Nagarjun Hill at 5,000m — the first crossing above 5,000m on the circuit. Furthermore, the panorama is extraordinary: Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Makalu, Baruntse, and Chamlang across the full horizon. Sleeping at 4,410m after a 5,000m hike is the most effective acclimatisation method available. Consequently, the body uses tonight to prepare for Kongma La tomorrow.
High point: 5,535m | Overnight: 4,910m | Trek: 7–8 hrs | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Stay: Teahouse, Lobuche
The first pass. The trail climbs steeply from Dingboche to Kongma La at 5,535m — the highest point of the entire Three Passes circuit. Furthermore, the summit views are extraordinary: Makalu, Lhotse, Nuptse, and the full eastern Himalayan chain spread across the horizon. The descent to Lobuche at 4,910m is steep and rocky. Consequently, trekking poles are essential on the descent and the pace must stay conservative on Kongma La — this is the hardest single pass day of the three.
Altitude: 5,160m overnight / 5,364m at EBC | Total: 6–7 hrs | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Stay: Teahouse, Gorakshep
The glacier moraine trail reaches Gorakshep at 5,160m. Daypacks are left here for the 2-hour walk to Everest Base Camp at 5,364m. Furthermore, EBC is a working expedition base at the foot of the Khumbu Icefall — not a viewpoint. Consequently, standing at 5,364m looking up at the same icefall that has challenged every Everest expedition since 1953 is a moment that defines this entire circuit. Return to Gorakshep for the night.
High point: 5,545m | Overnight: 4,830m | Total: 7–8 hrs | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Stay: Teahouse, Dzongla
The alarm goes at 4:30am. The pre-dawn trail climbs Kala Patthar — then sunrise turns Everest’s southwest face gold at 5,545m with Nuptse, Lhotse, and Pumori on the full horizon. This is the finest Everest sunrise viewpoint on earth. Furthermore, after the moment passes the team descends to Gorakshep and continues west to Dzongla at 4,830m — the approach base for the Cho La crossing tomorrow. Consequently, rest early and check gear tonight. The second pass goes at first light.
High point: 5,420m | Overnight: 4,790m | Trek: 7–8 hrs | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Stay: Teahouse, Gokyo
The second pass. Cho La at 5,420m involves a glacier approach and fixed ropes on the descent — the most technically demanding section of the entire circuit. Furthermore, the approach from Dzongla is rocky and steep before the pass itself. Consequently, the team leaves early, moves carefully on the glacier, and arrives in the Gokyo Valley by early afternoon. The five sacred lakes appear below Gokyo village — turquoise water, glacier backdrop, Cho Oyu rising above. The Gokyo Valley looks nothing like the EBC side of the Khumbu. That is the point.
Altitude: 5,357m high point / 4,790m overnight | Hike: 3–4 hrs | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Stay: Teahouse, Gokyo
The rest day hike climbs Gokyo Ri at 5,357m — four 8,000m peaks simultaneously visible from the summit: Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu. Furthermore, the Ngozumpa Glacier — Nepal’s longest — stretches below in both directions. Consequently, the Gokyo Ri panorama is genuinely different from Kala Patthar — broader, quieter, and with Cho Oyu dominating the west in a way the EBC approach never shows. This is the finest day of the Gokyo section.
Altitude: 4,980m | Trek: 4–5 hrs | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Stay: Teahouse, Lungden/Renjo La Base
The trail moves north through the upper Gokyo Valley past Lakes Four and Five — the most remote and least-visited of the five sacred lakes. Furthermore, the upper valley is extraordinarily quiet — very few trekkers reach this section compared to the main Gokyo village. Consequently, this is one of the most peaceful days of the circuit before the final major pass crossing tomorrow.
High point: 5,360m | Overnight: 3,820m | Trek: 7–8 hrs | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Stay: Teahouse, Thame
The third and final pass. Renjo La at 5,360m delivers the finest westward panorama of the entire circuit — Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu to the east with the full Nangpa La trade route to Tibet visible ahead. Furthermore, the descent to Thame drops 1,540m in a single day — the most significant altitude loss of the circuit. Consequently, knees and poles work hard on the Thame descent. The valley opens and the air thickens with every hour. Three passes crossed. The circuit is complete.
Altitude: 3,438m | Trek: 3–4 hrs | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Stay: Teahouse, Namche Bazaar
The trail from Thame to Namche follows the Bhote Koshi river valley — a different approach to Namche than the standard EBC route and one of the more pleasant valley walks in the Khumbu. Furthermore, Namche’s bakeries, hot showers, and electricity feel genuinely earned after 13 days above 3,400m. Consequently, use the Namche evening to charge all devices, eat a proper meal, and tip your guide and porter in cash tonight — they made this circuit possible.
Altitude: 2,860m | Trek: 5–6 hrs | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Stay: Teahouse, Lukla
The final trekking day drops through the Hillary Suspension Bridge and the lower Dudh Koshi valley back to Lukla. Furthermore, the trail carries a completely different quality on the return — three passes, two valleys, and 14 days of Khumbu altitude settled into every step. Confirm the morning flight time, pack within carry-on limits, and sleep early.
Flight: 35 min | Meals: Breakfast
The morning flight returns to Kathmandu. The Everest Three Passes Trek ends on landing. 18 days. Three passes. Two valleys. Everest Base Camp. Gokyo Lakes. Kala Patthar. Done.
Important: Always build 2–3 buffer days in Kathmandu after this flight. Lukla departures are weather-dependent. Never book a connecting international flight on the day of or the day after your scheduled Lukla return.
The Three Passes Trek is rated challenging — significantly more demanding than the standard EBC route. Furthermore, the three pass crossings above 5,300m require sustained uphill endurance, sure footing on rocky and occasionally snowy terrain, and tolerance for early pre-dawn starts on pass days. Consequently, prior experience on at least one high-altitude trek above 4,500m is strongly recommended before attempting this circuit. For the full difficulty breakdown read: Everest Three Passes Trek difficulty guide →
Yes — round-trip domestic flights Kathmandu to Lukla and return are included in Mountain Hike Nepal’s package price. Furthermore, the round-trip sharing transfer from your Kathmandu hotel to Ramechhap Airport is also included — midnight departure, arriving 5:00–5:30am for the first morning flight window. Consequently, Mountain Hike Nepal coordinates all flight logistics — you do not organise the Ramechhap transfer independently. Always build 2–3 buffer days in Kathmandu after the trek return.
Two permits cover the full circuit — the Sagarmatha National Park entry permit and the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality permit. Furthermore, both are included in Mountain Hike Nepal’s package price — no independent purchase needed. Consequently, your guide handles all documentation at every checkpoint from Jorsale onward.
The Mountain Hike Nepal package starts from USD 1,399 for groups of 8–10 and USD 1,899 for solo trekkers — covering round-trip Lukla flights, Ramechhap transfer, all permits, all accommodation, all meals, and licensed guide. Furthermore, the total all-inclusive budget including international flights, Nepal visa, insurance, and gear rental typically runs USD 3,500–5,500 per person from most origins. For the complete breakdown read: Everest Three Passes Trek cost guide →
October is the finest month — post-monsoon clarity and the most reliable conditions on all three passes. Furthermore, April is the best spring month — strong conditions before the pre-monsoon haze with the rhododendron forests in bloom on the lower approach. Avoid June, July, and August — the Cho La glacier and Kongma La can be dangerous in monsoon conditions. For the full season guide read: Best time for Everest Three Passes Trek →
Microspikes or light crampons are strongly recommended for the Cho La glacier section and occasionally for Kongma La in early spring or late autumn. Furthermore, conditions vary significantly by season — the Cho La descent has fixed ropes but can carry ice in October and November. Consequently, always confirm current pass conditions with Mountain Hike Nepal at the time of booking and rent microspikes in Kathmandu if advised. Trekking poles are non-negotiable for all three pass crossings regardless of season.
The EBC Trek is 12 days and reaches 5,545m at Kala Patthar — a linear out-and-back on the main Khumbu trail. The Three Passes Trek is 18 days and crosses three passes above 5,300m while visiting EBC, Gokyo Lakes, and Gokyo Ri in a full circuit that never repeats a major trail section. Furthermore, the Three Passes circuit is significantly more demanding but delivers a complete Khumbu experience that the standard EBC route cannot provide. For the full comparison read: Everest Three Passes vs EBC Trek →
The highest pass is Kongma La at 5,535m — crossed on Day 7. The highest overall point of the circuit is Kala Patthar at 5,545m, reached on Day 9 before dawn for the Everest sunrise. Furthermore, three of the circuit’s nights are above 4,800m — Gorakshep (5,160m), Dzongla (4,830m), and Lungden (4,980m) — making this the most sustained high-altitude overnight schedule of any standard Nepal trekking circuit.
Not recommended for complete beginners. The Three Passes Trek is best suited to trekkers who have completed at least one previous high-altitude trek above 4,500m. Furthermore, the three pass crossings, the technical Cho La glacier section, and 17 nights above 2,800m all demand specific preparation and prior altitude experience that first-time Himalayan trekkers may not have. Consequently, the standard Everest Base Camp Trek is the recommended first Khumbu experience before attempting the Three Passes circuit.
Yes — travel insurance is required before Mountain Hike Nepal confirms any booking. Furthermore, the policy must explicitly cover trekking above 5,600m and helicopter evacuation from the Khumbu region. Standard policies covering trekking to 4,000m or 5,000m are not sufficient. Confirm the altitude limit in writing with your insurer before departure — helicopter rescue from Cho La or Kongma La without adequate coverage costs USD 5,000–8,000.
Plan every aspect of this circuit with our detailed supporting guides:
