Duration: 18–21 days
Best Months: October & November
Max Altitude: 5,545m (Kala Patthar)
Difficulty: Challenging
Accommodation: Tea Houses
Region: Everest (Khumbu) Region, Nepal
Introduction
The Everest Three Passes Trek is one of the most adventurous and complete trekking experiences in Nepal. It is designed for those who seek a challenging route that explores the full beauty of the Everest region, far beyond the classic trail to Everest Base Camp. This route leads you over three of the highest trekking passes in the world—Kongma La (5,535m), Cho La (5,420m), and Renjo La (5,360m)—and offers breathtaking views of the Everest range, deep valleys, remote villages, high-altitude lakes, and glaciers. This trek is not just a journey to Everest; it is a complete circuit of the Khumbu region.
The trek typically begins with a dramatic flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, a small airport nestled between steep Himalayan ridges. This thrilling 35-minute flight sets the tone for the adventure ahead. From Lukla, you begin walking toward Phakding, a small village by the Dudh Koshi River. The early days of the trek are relatively gentle and allow your body to adjust to the increasing altitude. As you continue toward Namche Bazaar, the main trading hub and gateway to the Khumbu region, you’ll pass through dense pine forests, cross suspension bridges, and get your first glimpses of snow-capped peaks like Thamserku and Kongde Ri.
Namche Bazaar (3,440m) is not only a place to rest and acclimatize but also a lively cultural center with bakeries, internet cafes, gear shops, and Sherpa museums. Most trekkers spend an extra day here to acclimatize by hiking to nearby viewpoints like the Everest View Hotel or Khumjung village, which offers spectacular vistas of Everest, Ama Dablam, and Lhotse. From Namche, the trail splits from the standard EBC route, gradually climbing toward Tengboche, a spiritual site home to the largest monastery in the region. This is where trekkers often receive blessings from local monks before continuing higher into the mountains.
After Tengboche, the route ascends to Dingboche (4,410m), a windswept village where trekkers again rest for acclimatization. A side hike to Nagarjun Hill (5,050m) provides a useful altitude training opportunity and a panoramic view of Imja Valley. The trek then continues to Chhukung (4,730m), a remote outpost at the edge of the Imja Valley, which serves as the launching point for the first major challenge of the journey—Kongma La Pass (5,535m).
Kongma La is the highest of the three passes and also the least traveled. The climb is long and strenuous, often involving snow or ice in colder months, but the reward is worth the effort. From the top, trekkers are treated to stunning views of Nuptse, Makalu, and the vast Khumbu Glacier below. The descent is equally steep and technical, leading to Lobuche (4,910m), where trekkers reconnect briefly with the main Everest Base Camp trail.
From Lobuche, it takes about two days to reach Everest Base Camp (5,364m) via Gorakshep, the last settlement before the base camp. The terrain becomes rockier, the air thinner, and the excitement higher as you approach the foot of the world's tallest mountain. The experience of standing at Everest Base Camp is surreal—surrounded by massive ice towers, prayer flags, and colorful tents of expedition teams preparing to climb the peak. The next morning, an early hike to Kala Patthar (5,545m) offers what many call the best view of Mount Everest, especially at sunrise when the golden light hits the summit.
After completing this iconic section of the journey, the trek continues westward to Dzongla, a quiet village that serves as a base for crossing Cho La Pass (5,420m). This pass is the most technical of the three. It often involves a short section of glacier walking and a steep, icy descent. It’s essential to start the crossing early in the morning to avoid unstable weather. Once over the pass, the trail descends into a new valley and reaches Thangnak, a basic settlement sitting on the edge of the Ngozumpa Glacier, Nepal’s longest glacier.
From here, the trail leads to the mesmerizing Gokyo Valley. Gokyo is known for its chain of turquoise lakes spread across a high-altitude valley. The main village of Gokyo (4,790m) is located by the third lake, and it offers some of the most scenic views in the Khumbu region. A rest day here allows trekkers to climb Gokyo Ri (5,360m), a viewpoint that provides a sweeping panorama of four 8,000-meter peaks—Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu. Compared to Kala Patthar, Gokyo Ri offers a more complete landscape with glacial lakes, snow-capped mountains, and sprawling valleys.
The third and final challenge of the trek is Renjo La Pass (5,360m). This route was once a hidden trade path between Tibet and Nepal, and it still feels remote. The ascent is steep but well-paved with stone steps in parts, and the top offers arguably the best panoramic view of the entire trek. After crossing Renjo La, trekkers descend into Lungden (4,380m), and then follow the Bhote Koshi river down to Thame, a charming Sherpa village with ancient monasteries and a peaceful vibe.
From Thame, the trail returns to Namche Bazaar, where you may enjoy a final warm shower, a bakery treat, and some rest before retracing your steps back to Lukla. The return flight to Kathmandu marks the end of the journey, often leaving trekkers with a deep sense of achievement.
The Everest Three Passes Trek is a serious undertaking. It demands strong physical fitness, proper acclimatization, and mental resilience. Walking over 170 kilometers through rugged terrain, crossing icy passes, and sleeping at high altitudes for many nights is not for beginners. However, the reward is equally powerful. You experience the very heart of the Himalayas, explore hidden corners of the Everest region, and encounter a wide range of scenery—from thick forests and Sherpa villages to icy summits and deep-blue alpine lakes.
This trek is not just a physical journey; it's a cultural and emotional one. You'll pass through ancient villages, receive blessings from monks, share tea with yak herders, and witness the daily life of the Sherpa people who live in one of the world's most remote and majestic environments. Each pass crossed is a milestone, each sunrise viewed is a memory, and each new trail walked brings a sense of deep connection to nature.
If you’re an experienced trekker looking for an unforgettable, off-the-beaten-path adventure in Nepal, the Everest Three Passes Trek is the perfect challenge. It’s the ultimate high-altitude trekking circuit that gives you everything the Everest region has to offer—and much more.
Highlights of the Everest Three Passes Trek
🌄 Panoramic views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu from multiple angles
⛰️ Three epic mountain passes above 5,300m for serious adventure
🏞️ Gokyo Valley and its turquoise lakes with a chance to hike Gokyo Ri
🧘 Authentic Sherpa culture in villages like Namche, Thame, and Chhukung
❄️ Remote high-altitude trails with fewer crowds after Everest Base Camp
🏔️ Hike to Kala Patthar (5,545m) for close-up sunrise views of Everest
🏕️ A full circuit experience—no backtracking after EBC
Ideal Itinerary: Everest Three Passes Trek
Day 01: Fly to Lukla (2,840m) & trek to Phakding (2,610m) – 3 hrs
Day 02: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440m) – 6 hrs
Day 03: Acclimatization at Namche – Hike to Everest View Hotel
Day 04: Trek to Tengboche (3,860m) – Visit the famous monastery
Day 05: Trek to Dingboche (4,410m) – 5-6 hrs
Day 06: Acclimatization at Dingboche – Hike to Nagarjun Hill (5,050m)
Day 07: Trek to Chhukung (4,730m) – Prepare for the first pass
Day 08: Cross Kongma La Pass (5,535m) to Lobuche (4,910m) – 8-9 hrs
Day 09: Hike to Everest Base Camp (5,364m) & return to Gorakshep (5,140m)
Day 10: Hike Kala Patthar (5,545m) at sunrise, trek to Dzongla (4,830m)
Day 11: Cross Cho La Pass (5,420m), trek to Thangnak (4,700m) – 7 hrs
Day 12: Trek to Gokyo (4,790m) – Explore first lake
Day 13: Hike Gokyo Ri (5,360m) for epic panoramic views
Day 14: Cross Renjo La Pass (5,360m) to Lungden (4,380m) – 8 hrs
Day 15: Trek to Thame (3,800m) – Traditional Sherpa village
Day 16: Trek to Namche Bazaar – 5 hrs
Day 17: Trek back to Lukla
Day 18: Fly to Kathmandu
Note: Trek duration can vary based on fitness and weather.
Difficulty & Preparation – Everest Three Passes Trek
The Everest Three Passes Trek is one of the most challenging high-altitude treks in Nepal. It's not just about reaching Everest Base Camp—this trek demands endurance, acclimatization, and determination to cross three high Himalayan passes over 5,300 meters. Here's what you need to know:
Trek Difficulty:
Physical Challenge: Rated very strenuous, this trek involves 6–9 hours of walking each day over rough terrain, steep ascents/descents, glacial crossings, and rocky passes. Some days, especially on the pass-crossing days, can be 9–10 hours long.
High Altitude: You’ll spend many days above 4,000 meters, with three pass crossings above 5,300m:
Remote Sections: After the second pass, you're far from the regular Everest route, so medical support and evacuation options are limited. Proper preparation and a reliable guide are crucial.
Weather Exposure: Temperatures can drop below -15°C at night, especially in October–November. Wind, snow, or fog can make passes even more difficult.
Recommended Preparation:
Physical Fitness:
Altitude Training (if available):
Mental Preparation:
Packing Right:
Health & Safety:
Who Should Do the Everest Three Passes Trek?
This trek is ideal for:
Experienced trekkers who’ve done previous high-altitude hikes (e.g., EBC, Annapurna Circuit)
Fit individuals looking for a once-in-a-lifetime Himalayan circuit
Adventurers who want to go beyond Everest Base Camp and explore hidden valleys and epic passes
Not recommended for:
First-time trekkers
People with heart, lung, or serious joint problems
Trekkers looking for luxury or easy trails
Best Time to Go
The ideal months are October and November, when skies are clear, stable temperatures, and outstanding mountain views. Trails are well-marked, and tea houses are open along the entire route.
Packing Essentials
Down jacket & sleeping bag (-15°C)
Waterproof boots & gaiters
Trekking poles, headlamp, water purification tablets
High-energy snacks, sunscreen, lip balm
Diamox (for altitude sickness prevention)
Valid travel insurance (must cover altitude above 5,500m)
Permits Required
Sagarmatha National Park Permit
Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit
Available in Kathmandu or at entry points
Why Choose Safe Holiday Adventure Pvt. Ltd.?
At Safe Holiday Adventure Pvt. Ltd., we specialize in guided trekking tours with safety, affordability, and local expertise at the core. Our Everest Three Passes package includes:
✅ Experienced, licensed guides and porters
✅ All permits and necessary paperwork
✅ Round-trip flights to Lukla
✅ Tea house accommodation with meals
✅ Daily safety checks and altitude advice
✅ Flexible itinerary with rest days
We keep group sizes small for a more personal experience and offer private or group trips at the best possible price.
Book Your Adventure at the Best Price!
Contact Safe Holiday Adventure Pvt. Ltd. today to plan your Everest Three Passes Trek. Whether you're a solo trekker or a group, we’ll tailor the trek to your needs without compromising safety or quality.
📧 Email: safeholidayadventure@gmail.com
📱 WhatsApp: +977 9849116284 (Santu)
🌐 Website: https://nepaleverestguide.com/everest-high-pass-trekking/
Let us guide you to the adventure of a lifetime—crossing three Himalayan passes and standing at the foot of Mount Everest!
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