
The Everest Three Passes Trek is a challenging and rewarding adventure that combines three spectacular high mountain passes in the heart of the Himalayas. This ultimate trekking experience takes you over Kongma La Pass (5,535 m), Cho La Pass (5,420 m), and Renjo La Pass (5,345 m), offering breathtaking views of the world’s highest peaks.
Along the way, you’ll explore iconic destinations such as Everest Base Camp and the sparkling Gokyo Lakes, surrounded by dramatic glaciers and towering mountains. The journey is enriched with visits to traditional Sherpa villages, vibrant Buddhist monasteries, and scenic trails lined with alpine vegetation, making it one of the most complete and unforgettable treks in the Everest region.
Your Everest Three Passes Trek begins with an unforgettable cultural experience in Kathmandu, exploring UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as ancient temples, palaces, and bustling markets. A scenic mountain flight to Lukla marks the start of your trekking adventure. From here, you follow the Dudh Koshi River to reach the charming Sherpa village of Phakding.
The trail continues through Monjo and Jorsalle, leading you to Namche Bazaar – the gateway to the Everest region. After an acclimatization day exploring this lively Sherpa hub, you trek towards Tengboche, home to the sacred Dawa Choling Monastery with a backdrop of the majestic Ama Dablam (6,812 m).
From Dingboche, you make your way to Chhukung and climb to the Chhukung Ri (5,550 m) viewpoint for panoramic Himalayan views. The adventure intensifies as you cross your first high pass, Kongma La (5,535 m), offering sweeping vistas of the Khumbu Himalayas before reaching the legendary Everest Base Camp (5,364 m).
A highlight of the trek is witnessing sunrise from Kala Patthar (5,550 m), where the golden light touches the summit of Mount Everest (8,848 m). Next, you tackle the icy slopes of Cho La Pass (5,420 m), leading to the turquoise waters of the Gokyo Lakes. The final challenge is Renjo La Pass (5,345 m), revealing yet another spectacular angle of Everest and surrounding peaks.
Your descent takes you back through Namche Bazaar to Lukla, followed by a flight to Kathmandu, completing one of the most rewarding treks in the Everest region. This journey is a perfect mix of high-altitude adventure, stunning Himalayan scenery, and rich Sherpa culture.
Lukla is the gateway to the Everest region and the starting point of your trekking journey. It is famous for its short and thrilling mountain airstrip surrounded by stunning Himalayan landscapes. Trekkers begin their adventure here, soaking in the excitement of the trail ahead.
Namche Bazaar is the bustling heart of the Khumbu region and a key acclimatization stop. This vibrant Sherpa town offers mountain cafés, shops, and panoramic views of Everest and nearby peaks. It’s the perfect place to immerse yourself in local culture before heading to higher altitudes.
Tengboche Monastery is the spiritual center of the Everest region, set against the backdrop of Ama Dablam and Everest. It is the largest monastery in Khumbu and a peaceful place to witness Buddhist ceremonies. The surrounding scenery makes it one of the most photogenic spots on the trek.
Everest Base Camp (5,364 m) is one of the most iconic trekking destinations in the world. Here, trekkers get stunning close-up views of the Khumbu Icefall and the towering peaks of the Himalayas. Just above base camp, Kala Patthar (5,550 m) offers the best viewpoint for sunrise over Mount Everest, where the first golden rays light up the summit and create unforgettable panoramic mountain views.
The Everest Three Passes Trek challenges trekkers to cross three spectacular high mountain passes. Kongma La Pass (5,535 m) is the highest and offers incredible views of the Khumbu Glacier and surrounding peaks. Cho La Pass (5,420 m) is famous for its icy terrain and leads you to the beautiful Gokyo Lakes. Finally, Renjo La Pass (5,345 m) rewards trekkers with panoramic views of Mount Everest, Cho Oyu, and the shimmering lakes below. Crossing these passes is the ultimate adventure for experienced hikers in the Everest region.
Season | Average High Temperature (°C) | Average Low Temperature (°C) | General Weather Conditions |
---|---|---|---|
Spring (Mar-May) | 10-15°C | -5 to -10°C | Clear skies, mild days, cold nights, ideal trekking conditions. |
Summer/Monsoon (Jun-Aug) | 15-20°C | 0 to 5°C | Heavy rainfall, cloudy skies, and slippery trails. |
Autumn (Sep-Nov) | 10-15°C | -5 to -10°C | Clear and dry weather, stable conditions, and excellent visibility. |
Winter (Dec-Feb) | -5 to 5°C | -10 to -20°C | Extremely cold, occasional snowstorms, fewer trekkers, and challenging conditions. |
The best time to do the Everest Three Passes Trek in Nepal is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (late September to November) seasons. These months offer clear skies, moderate temperatures, and stunning views of the Himalayan peaks. Spring brings blooming rhododendrons and vibrant landscapes, while autumn provides stable weather and excellent visibility for trekking.
Winter (December to February) is colder and has more snow on the high passes, making the trek more difficult and risky. Summer (June to August) is the monsoon season with heavy rainfall, slippery trails, and limited mountain views. For the safest and most enjoyable trekking experience, plan your Everest Three Passes Trek during spring or autumn in Nepal.
Permit Name | Cost (in USD) | Where to Obtain |
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Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit | 30 | Nepal Tourism Board Office in Kathmandu or Monjo Checkpoint |
Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit | 20 | Lukla or Monjo Checkpoint |
TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) Card | 10 (Group Trekkers) / 20 (Independent Trekkers) | Nepal Tourism Board Office in Kathmandu or Pokhara |
Note: All the require permits for the Everest Three Passes trek will be arranged by the Highroue Adventure at free of cost when you book with us.
Our 19 Days Everest Three Passes Trek Package Cost starts from the 1755 USD Per Person. We provide speical discount to our clients if they are in a group. The more you are in a group the more discount you can get in the package. If you are traveling solo and want to join a group, you can contact our tour operator to find a departure date that fits your schedule. Customization of the itinerary is possible as per your need and interest. Here is our package according to group size.
Number of People | Price Per Person (USD) |
---|---|
1 – 1 | $2085 |
2 – 6 | $1755 |
7+ | $1695 |
Beginner Travellers Tips: For the first time trekkers we sujjest to choose easy trek in the Everest Region: Everest Base camp trek or Gokyo Valley Trek
Touching down at Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be welcomed by our office representatives who will guide you directly to your hotel. Following a short introduction session with other members of the staff, you will be shown to your rooms for freshening up from the day's journey. You are free to head down into the local markets to enjoy a pleasant evening.
Your journey to the Himalayasbegins with a leisurely day at the capital city, preparing for your journey as well as touring some of the UNESCO world heritage sites in Kathmandu. The company will gather all the required permits for the travels in the due course. The Kathmandu city tour begins with a visit to the ancient Hindu heritage of Pashupatinath. Holy ground for people throughout the nation, many consider the temple to be the Guardian Deity of the nation. For the cultural side of the city, we make our way to the stunning Kathmandu Durbar Square where each building depicts an ancient style of architecture reflecting the culture and way of life of a bygone era. Meanwhile, you can shop for any last-minute items that you would require for the trek. Overnight at the hotel in Kathmandu.
An early start to the day, we begin our Himalayan adventure with a thrilling flight to the town of Lukla. A stunning adventure high above the lush green valleys, the 30-minute flight brings us closer to the Himalayas and into the Everest region. Taking a brief rest at the picturesque town of Lukla, we begin our trek to the hamlet of Phakding, where we are to stay for the night. The trail is ascending and descends as we follow the forested track alongside the banks of Dudh Koshi River. Heading past the hamlet of Chheplung, we make our way to Koshiguan followed by Ghat. A quick climb from Ghat brings us to the beautiful village of Phakding.
Following the banks of the Dudh Koshi River, we continue our journey through the forest of rhododendron and fir to reach Thulo Ghamela. The Himalayas start to appear in the background as we make our way through the quiet villages of Chumoa, Bengkar, and Monjo which brings us to Jorsalle. Entering Sagarmatha National Park at Jorsalle, the final stretch of today’s journey brings us under the shadow of Kusum Kanguru (6367m) leading forward to the famous Sherpa town of Namche. Overnight in Namche.
The first of our acclimatization days, today we take some time off at Namche enjoying the stunning Himalayan panorama. Touring around the traditional Sherpa town, we get to witness the local culture and lifestyle. For our acclimatization hike, we make our way to the Everest View Hotel (3880m) which, like its name, boasts stunning views of Mt. Everest (8848m) along with its surrounding mountains. We ascend through a hilly trail past vibrant hamlets of the Sherpas and also come across several monasteries and Chortens. Relishing the Himalayan panorama, we make our way back to Namche for the night.
Today we leave Namche early in the morning and make our way to Tengboche. The trail ascends through the forests and reaches the villages of Sanasa and Lawi Schyasa en route. Crossing Dudh Koshi River at Phungi Thenga, we cross several Mani walls and prayer-laden Chortens until reaching the small settlement of Tengboche. Home to the Dawa Choling Monastery, the ancient hamlet boasts stunning Himalayan panorama, especially the gorgeous Ama Dablam (6812m) glimmering on the horizon. Overnight in Tengboche.
We begin our journey early today making our way to the village of Dingboche. Exiting Tengboche, the trail leaves behind the tree lines in favor of alpine Himalayan landscapes stretching towards the hamlet of Debuche. With the majestic Ama Dablam (6812m) and Lingtren (6749m) as our constant companion, we continue our ascending run until reaching Milingo, where we meet up with the banks of Imja River. Following the rugged Himalayan trail leading to Pangboche, we make our way to Shomare and Worshyo before reaching Dingboche for the night.
The trek from Dingboche to Chhukung is an ascending one that takes us past a cluster of traditional settlements and sacred monasteries, each with enchanting folklore. En route, we climb the summit of Chhukung Ri(5550m), which is the highest altitude of this trek. Through the rugged Himalayan trail, the journey takes us atop the hill summit where a stunning Himalayan panorama comprising of Lhotse (8516m), Cho Oyu (8201m), Nuptse (7861m), and Changtse (7543m) awaits us. A steep descent from Chhukung Ri(5550m)takes us to the quaint village of Chhukung, where we stay for the night.
One of the longer days of the journey, today we make our way to the hamlet of Lobuche crossing the arduous Kongma La Pass (5535m), the first one of the three passes. From Chhukung, we can cross the mountain pass via two routes. The first takes us northeast ascending to the hill before reaching the lateral moraines of the Nuptse Glacier, while the latter takes us over to the hamlet of Bibre above the Nayang River. The summit of Kongma La(5535m) is marked by Chortens and prayer flags and features an unforgettable Himalayan panorama. The descending journey is a difficult one as the trail takes us through the moraines of Khumbu Glacier turning north to reach Lobuche. Overnight in Lobuche.
We start our day early today to reach Everest Base Camp (5364m) during the early hours. Ascending from Lobuche, the trail traverses the lateral moraines of Khumbu Glacier to reach the last settlement before Everest Base Camp, that is, Gorakshep. Taking a brief rest here, we once again set off on the snowy Himalayan trail leading to Everest Base Camp. With the challenging yet gorgeous Khumbu Glacier stretching in front of us, the trail constantly dips in and out of the lateral moraines before reaching the monumental grounds paying homage to mountaineers who lost their lives in Everest. A final climb through the icy trail takes us to Everest Base Camp (5364m), the foot of the world’s highest mountain. Take some time to soak in the breathtaking Himalayan panorama before heading back to Gorakshep. Overnight in Gorakshep.
This is one of the most exciting days of the trek, for we climb Kalapatthar (5550m) today to experience the best sunrise of our lives. Right in front of our eyes, a stunning Himalayan panorama unfolds coloring the summits of Everest (8848m), Nuptse (7861m), Changtse (7543m), Lhotse (8516m), Cho Oyu (8201m), and several others. After spending some time at the top of Kalapatthar, we retrace our trail to Gorakshep and then descend along the rugged paths to reach Dzongla for the overnight stay.
The second of our three Himalayan passes, today we cross the taxing Cho La Pass (5420m) to reach Thangnak. Exiting Dzongla, we begin our ascending journey heading past a cluster of settlements and into the Himalayan wilderness. As the majestic summits of Cho Oyu (8201m) and Cholatse (6440m) appear on the horizon, we near the summit of Cho La (5420m). The final ascend is quite difficult as the trail takes us along the crevasses to reach the summit. Relishing the breathtaking Himalayan views from the summit, we begin our descending journey to the hamlet of Thangnak for the night.
Today is one of the shortest walking days of our trek as we make our way to the stunning Gokyo lakes, enjoying the picturesque beauty of the Himalayas leisurely. Leaving Thangnak, the Himalayan trail gradually descends through the stunning valley to reach the first of the six Gokyo Lakes. Resting for a short while at the first lake, we then make our way to the second lake and then to the third Gokyo Lake beyond which lies the quaint village of Gokyo. Overnight in Gokyo.
The final of our acclimatization days, today we take some time off at the Gokyo Valley making sure we are ready for the final stretch of the journey. For our acclimatization hike, we make our way to the summit of Gokyo Ri(5357m) which boasts a stunning Himalayan vista of the Everest and Makalu Ranges along with an enchanting view of the tranquil Gokyo Lakes. Time permitting, we also hike to the 4th and 5th Gokyo Lakes savoring every moment at this dreamlike valley. Overnight in Gokyo.
Today we cross the final of our three mountain passes, Renjo La Pass (5345m), before heading to the hamlet of Marulung for the night. Bidding goodbye to Gokyo, the Himalayan trail takes us alongside the banks of the stunning Dudh Pokhari Lake before ascending to the summit of Renjo La (5345m). After enjoying stunning views of the Rolwaling and Everest Ranges from the summit, we begin our descending journey dropping down to the southern bank of Angladumba Tsho Glacier. With the picturesque views of Relama Tsho and Renjo Lake, we head down to Lumde before reaching Marulung. Overnight in Marulung.
Exiting Marulung, we begin our descending journey heading to Namche. The trail fromMarulung follows ancient routes used by Tibetan traders until reaching a village called Thame. Following the banks of the stunning Dudh Koshi River, the journey then takes us on a descending run heading to the hamlet of Samde and Thamu before crossing Thesyo Khola to reach the village of Thesyo. The final stretch of the trek takes us past Kisi book and Phurte to arrive at the vibrant Namche. Overnight in Namche.
On the final day of our trek, today we make our way back to Lukla. The trek is pleasant as we make our way through lush green forests adorned with pine and rhododendron trees. Exiting Sagarmatha National Park at Jorsalle, we follow the banks of the glimmering Dudh Koshi River heading past the settlements of Phakding and Bengkar. Making a brief stop in Phakding, we continue our descending journey to Ghat before dropping down to Koshiguan. Leaving the banks of Dudh Koshi River, the trail then turns east heading to Lukla. Overnight in Lukla.
Reliving the thrill of the Lukla airstrip once again, we bid goodbye to the stunning Himalayas relishing the mesmerizing beauty one more time. Touching down at Kathmandu, we make our way directly to the hotel which brings our Himalayan journey to a close. For the rest of the day, you are free to either explore your locality or stay back at the hotel recuperating from the journey. Overnight at the hotel in Kathmandu.
Our representatives will drop you back at Tribhuvan International Airport for your scheduled flight back home. We hope you had a lovely time with us and we look forward to seeing you again.
Flights from Kathmandu to Lukla are essential for starting the Everest Three Passes Trek and accessing the Everest region. This short flight takes about 25 to 30 minutes but can be unpredictable due to rapidly changing weather conditions. Lukla Airport, also known as Tenzing-Hillary Airport, is located at a high altitude of 2,846 meters (9,334 feet) and features a very short runway of just 527 meters, making it one of the most challenging airports for pilots flying trekkers to Everest.
The Everest Three Passes Trek is a challenging high-altitude trek that tests your physical and mental endurance. The main difficulties include crossing three high mountain passes—Kongma La (5,535 m), Cho La (5,420 m), and Renjo La (5,345 m)—which involve steep climbs, icy trails, and unpredictable weather. The trek also requires trekking at high elevations where the risk of altitude sickness is significant.
Other challenges include long daily hiking hours on rugged and rocky paths, often with heavy backpacks. The remote nature of the trail means limited facilities and harsh weather conditions, especially during winter and early spring. Overall, the Everest Three Passes Trek demands good fitness, proper acclimatization, and trekking experience.
Preparing well for the Everest Three Passes Trek is key to having a safe and enjoyable journey. First, focus on building your physical fitness with regular cardio exercises like hiking, running, cycling, or swimming. Strength training for your legs, core, and back will help you handle long days of trekking with a backpack.
Next, practice hiking on uneven terrain and gradually increase your altitude exposure if possible. Proper gear is essential, so invest in quality trekking boots, layered clothing, and a good sleeping bag. Finally, learn about altitude sickness and how to acclimatize properly, and consider joining a guided group or hiring a trained trekking guide for support throughout the trek.
There are many tea houses along the trekking trails, and Highroute Adventure will arrange three meals a day for you at these tea houses during the Everest Three Passes Trek. Trekkers can choose from both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. The menus usually feature traditional Nepali dishes, along with a few popular international meals adapted to local tastes.
Common Nepali foods include dal bhat (lentil soup with rice), momos (dumplings), and vegetable curry. International options often include pasta, noodles, and omelets, giving trekkers a variety of choices to keep their energy up. Tea houses provide a warm, comfortable place to rest and enjoy fresh, tasty meals after a long day of trekking.
Highroute Adventure will arrange comfortable rooms at tea houses throughout the Everest Three Passes Trek. Most rooms have shared beds, and facilities like WiFi, hot showers, and electricity are available but usually require an extra payment.
At lower altitude tea houses, single rooms may be available for those who want more privacy. If you prefer a single room, please inform us in advance when booking your trek so we can make the necessary arrangements.
The Everest Three Passes Trek is graded as a challenging high-altitude trek located inside the Sagarmatha National Park. For your safety and peace of mind, having the right travel insurance is essential. Here are key reasons why insurance is important and what it should cover:
The Everest Three Passes Trek is one of the most adventurous routes in the Khumbu region, crossing Kongma La, Cho La, and Renjo La passes. With altitudes over 5,000 meters, weather changes quickly, and the terrain can be challenging. Packing smart and light is the key to a safe and comfortable journey.
Base Layer (For Warmth & Moisture Control)
Mid Layer (For Insulation)
Outer Layer (For Weather Protection)
Trekking Wear
Head & Hand Gear
Footwear
✅ Tip: Try to keep your personal backpack under 8–10 kg to make the trek more comfortable. Let the porters carry heavier items in the duffel bag, and pack according to the trekking season.