20 Days Everest Three Passes trek

Recommended by 99% of travelers

Country

Nepal

Duration

20 Days

Difficulty

Challenging

Activity

Trekking

Best Season

February to May, August to November

Accommodation

Hotel in city and Lodge on the mountain

Region

Everest Region Treks

Start / End Point

Kathmandu to Kathmandu

Max. Altitude

5545m

Group Size

1 - 30

Meals Included

All Meals (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) during the trek

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Sed maximus ante neque, et tincidunt metus convallis ut.

Nature Of Trek

Lodge to Lodge

Activity Per Day

4-8 hours walking

Transportation

Domestic Flight

Highlights

  • Cross three high Himalayan passes above 5,000 meters: Kongma La (5535m), Cho La(5420), and Renjo La(5360)
  • Explore the entire Everest region circuit, including Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Valley
  • Panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, and Ama Dablam
  • Visit iconic landmarks: Everest Base Camp, Kala Patthar, Gokyo Lakes, Gokyo Ri
  • Experience authentic Sherpa culture, monasteries, and mountain villages
  • Scenic mountain flight to and from Lukla
  • Visit Kala Patthar and Gokyo Ri, iconic Everest-region viewpoints famed for their sweeping Himalayan panoramas.
  • Professionally guided trek with carefully planned acclimatization
  • Ideal for experienced trekkers seeking a challenging and rewarding adventure

Overview

The Everest Three Passes trek is widely regarded as the ultimate trekking adventure in the Everest region of Nepal. It offers an unparalleled combination of high-altitude challenge, dramatic Himalayan scenery, and cultural immersion. This iconic trek is designed for experienced trekkers seeking a comprehensive exploration of the Khumbu region beyond the classic Everest Base Camp route.

The Everest Three Passes Trek is widely regarded as the ultimate trekking adventure in the Everest region of Nepal, offering an unparalleled combination of high-altitude challenge, dramatic Himalayan scenery, and cultural immersion. This iconic trek is designed for experienced trekkers seeking a comprehensive exploration of the Khumbu region beyond the classic Everest Base Camp route.

The trek crosses three spectacular high mountain passes, Kongma La Pass (5,535m), Cho La Pass (5,420m), and Renjo La Pass (5,360m), each presenting breathtaking panoramic views of the world’s highest peaks. Along the journey, trekkers visit legendary destinations including Everest Base Camp, Kala Patthar, the pristine Gokyo Lakes, and ascend Gokyo Ri, one of the finest viewpoints in the Himalayas.

The Three Passes route ventures into remote valleys and less-crowded trails, delivering a more authentic and adventurous trekking experience. Trekkers are rewarded with close-up views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, Ama Dablam, and numerous surrounding peaks, alongside glaciers, alpine lakes, and dramatic mountain landscapes.

The journey also offers rich cultural experiences through traditional Sherpa villages, ancient Buddhist monasteries, and the vibrant trading hub of Namche Bazaar. Carefully planned acclimatization days and professional guiding ensure safety and comfort while trekking at extreme altitudes.

Ideal for adventure seekers, mountaineering enthusiasts, and seasoned trekkers, the Everest Three Passes Trek stands as the ultimate Everest region experience, combining challenge, beauty, and exploration into one unforgettable journey.

Day to day itinerary

Day 01:

Arrival in Kathmandu

Highest Altitude

1350m

Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our representative and transferred to your hotel in Kathmandu. After check-in, you may rest from your journey or explore the surrounding area at your leisure. In the evening, you will be hosted at a traditional welcome dinner at a local restaurant. During dinner, a brief orientation about the trek will be provided.

Day 02:

Sightseeing of Kathmandu valley

Highest Altitude

1350

After breakfast, enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of Kathmandu Valley’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The tour includes Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), and Kathmandu Durbar Square. This cultural introduction provides valuable insight into Nepal’s rich history, religion, and architecture.

Day 03:

Flight from Kathmandu to Lukla and Trek to Phakding

Trek Duration

+-4hours

Flight Hours

+- 25 Minutes

Highest Altitude

2652 m

We take a packed breakfast and drive to the domestic terminal of Kathmandu Airport for an early morning flight to Lukla (2,800m), a gateway destination from where our trek begins. After an adventurous flight above breathtaking green and white mountains, we reach the Tenzing-Hillary Airport at Lukla. This is one of the most beautiful air routes in the world, culminating in a dramatic landing on a hillside surrounded by high mountain peaks. Here we meet our other crew members, and after some packing and arrangements, we start our trek through the prosperous village of Lukla until we reach Phakding. To assist in acclimatization, we only have a short hike today. However, if interested in additional activities,s we can take a side trip to a nearby monastery.

Day 04:

Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazzar

Trek Duration

6/7 hours

Highest Altitude

3440

Walking through a beautiful pine forest, the track leads us along the Dudh Koshi River through many suspension bridges, one of which is the famous Hillary Suspension Bridge. First, we catch a wonderful prospect of the glistening Mt. Thamserku (6618 m). Through the settlement of Benkar, Chumoa, and Monjo, we come to the check post and entrance to Sagarmatha National Park. We pass through the last village of Jorsale before reaching Namche Bazaar. The trail climbs through the forests and bridges until we reach the confluence of the Dudh Koshi and Bhote Koshi rivers. After a final steep ascent of about two hours, we get our first sight of Mt. Everest peering over the Lhotse-Nuptse ridge. We stop at Chautara to admire the view. We still need to hike about 1.5 hours to reach Namche Bazaar, a gateway to Mt. Everest and the main trading centre of this region.

Day 05:

Rest day in Namche Bazzar

Highest Altitude

3440

Today is a scheduled acclimatization day. Rather than resting completely, we stay active with short hikes to help our bodies adjust to the altitude.

Visit the Sagarmatha National Park Visitor Center, showcasing Everest history, Sherpa culture, and local flora and fauna. Optional hikes include Everest View Hotel, Syangboche Airstrip, and Khumjung Village, home to the Hillary School and a monastery said to house a yeti scalp.

Namche Bazaar offers cafes, bakeries, shops, ATMs, and vibrant local markets.

Day 06:

Trek to Thame

Trek Duration

5-6 hours

Highest Altitude

3820 m

After breakfast we leave Namche, the trail heads northwest along a quieter route with views of Kongde Ri (6187m), Khumbi Yul La (5765m), and Kusum Kanguru (63773 m). After passing forests and small settlements such as Phurte and Samde, we cross the Bhote Koshi River and make a final ascent to the traditional Sherpa village of Thame.

Day 07:

Trek to Lungde

Trek Duration

6-7 hours

Highest Altitude

4380 m

Today, the trail grows quieter as we leave the busier Everest routes behind, heading north along the Bhote Khosi, “River from Tibet.” We pass through Tangmote and follow a wide, gently ascending trail along the river. After about 2½ hours, we reach Tharngga, then continue for another hour to Marlung (4,210 m). From here, it’s a 2-hour trek to Lungde.

Day 08:

Trek to Gokyo (4760m) via Renjo La pass

Trek Duration

7-8 hours

Highest Altitude

5360 m

After an early breakfast, we set out for the Gokyo Lakes, following a scenic trail to the top of Renjo La. From the pass, we enjoy spectacular views of Everest, Lhotse, Cholatse, and Taboche glistening in the sun, before descending to Gokyo.

Day 09:

Hiking to Gokyo Ri and back to Gokyo

Highest Altitude

5357m

Gokyo Ri is the highlight of the trek. We start early morning for the steep 3-hour climb to the summit. Even from the trail, the views of Gokyo village, the third lake, Cholatse, and the vast Ngozumpa Glacier are breathtaking. At the top, we are surrounded by a panorama of peaks—Kusum Kanguru, Thamserku, Kangtega, Taboche, Cholatse, Makalu, Lhotse, Nuptse, Everest, Changtse, and Pumori with the sun illuminating Everest itself. The experience is unforgettable.

Day 10:

Trek to Thangnak

Trek Duration

4-5 hours

Highest Altitude

4700m

After breakfast, trek along the edge of the Ngozumpa Glacier, passing the second Gokyo Lake, to reach Thagnak

Day 11:

Trek to Dzongla (4830) via Cho La Pass

Trek Duration

8 hours

Highest Altitude

5420m

Cho La Pass is one of the highlights of the trek and makes for a demanding day. Though not technically difficult, the pass is steep and involves a glacier traverse on the eastern side, requiring careful footing on narrow, ice-glazed rocky trails. The ascent from Phedi climbs steadily through a rocky ravine, and as we gain elevation, the views become increasingly rewarding. We pass a frozen lake before reaching the prayer-flag-adorned summit of Cho La Pass. From the trail and the top, we enjoy magnificent views of Kyajo Ri, Tengkangpoche, Numbur, Kangchung, Ama Dablam to the south, Cholatse to the west, and Lobuche East and Baruntse to the right. Crossing several crevasses, we descend to Dzongla, a beautiful settlement offering panoramic views of Mt. Cholatse, Mt. Ama Dablam, Lobuche Peak, and the village of Pheriche far below.

Day 12:

Trek to Gorak Shep (5170 m)-Everest Base Camp (5364m) Gorak Shep

Trek Duration

6-7 hours

Highest Altitude

5364m

The trail to Gorak Shep continues along the lateral moraine of the Khumbu Glacier, passing the pyramid-shaped signpost along the way. As we move forward, we enjoy views of the north ridge of Everest along with Mt. Pumori, Mahalangur, Lingtren, Khumbutse, and Nuptse. A short ascent brings us to Thangma Riju before continuing to Gorak Shep. Upon arrival, we are surrounded by towering snow-capped mountains, including the highest peak in the world, Mount Everest. After lunch and rest, we follow the trail to Everest Base Camp, crossing the once-vast Gorak Shep Lake, before returning to Gorak Shep.

Day 13:

Morning to Kalapather and trek to Labuche (4940m)

Trek Duration

4-5 hours

Highest Altitude

5545 m

We start early in the morning to witness the first light of day illuminating Mount Everest from Kala Patthar. The morning is often cold and windy, so warm preparation is essential. Familiar peaks such as Lingtren, Khumbutse, and Changtse rise to the east as Everest gradually reveals itself between the West Shoulder and Nuptse. During the ascent, we pause at several viewpoints to catch our breath and capture photographs. After a steady climb, we reach Kala Patthar and scramble up the rocky outcrop marked with prayer flags and cairns. From the summit, we enjoy an unforgettable Himalayan panorama, taking in one majestic peak after another. We then descend to Gorak Shep for breakfast before continuing our trek back to Lobuche.

Day 14:

Start early trek and. Cross Kongma La to Chukhung (4,720m)

Trek Duration

7-8 hours

Highest Altitude

5535 m

From Lobuche, the trail gradually ascends for about 3.1 miles (5.3 kilometers) to reach Chukhung. Chukhung Ri is a rocky peak located near the village of Chukhung in Nepal’s Everest region and offers breathtaking views of Imja Tse, Ama Dablam, Makalu, and Nuptse. However, Mount Everest is not visible from Chukhung Ri.

Day 15:

Trek to Tengboche

Trek Duration

4-5 hours

Highest Altitude

3840m

Today’s trek is mostly downhill. We cross the Khumbu Khola on a wooden suspension bridge and follow the Imja Khola to the village of Pangboche. Continuing along the river, we cross it again and then climb through birch and rhododendron forests to reach Tengboche. From here, we enjoy magnificent views of Kwangde, Mount Everest, and Ama Dablam. Tengboche is renowned for its famous monastery, and in spring, the surrounding hillsides come alive with vibrant pink and red rhododendron blossoms.

Day 16:

Trek to Namche Bazzar

Trek Duration

5-6 hours

Highest Altitude

3440 m

After breakfast, we start our trek with a steady descent to the river, followed by a climb after crossing a prayer-flag-draped bridge over the Dudh Koshi River. The trail then descends through pine forests along the Dudh Koshi Gorge to Sansa, a key trail junction. We continue to Kyangjuma (3,570 m) for lunch, enjoying spectacular views of Ama Dablam, Thamserku, and Nuptse. In the afternoon, the trail toward Namche Bazaar offers chances to spot local wildlife along the way.

Day 17:

Trek to Lukla

Trek Duration

6 hours

Highest Altitude

2850 m

After breakfast, we start our trek back along the same route, yet the scenery feels entirely different. Along the way, we capture a wide variety of landscapes, from open plains to rhododendron and pine forests, with snow-capped peaks rising in the distance.
As we pass through traditional Sherpa villages, we observe the deep-rooted Buddhist faith and cultural heritage, reflected in prayer stones and fluttering prayer flags lining the trail.
Upon arrival in Lukla, we stretch our tired legs and reflect on the unforgettable experiences of the past couple of weeks. The journey concludes on a joyful note, with everyone safely returned, smiling, and celebrating the successful completion of a truly remarkable trek.

Day 18:

Flight from Lukla to Kathmandu

Flight Hours

+- 25 Minutes

Highest Altitude

1350 m

Morning flight back to Kathmandu. Transfer to the hotel and enjoy free time.

Day 19:

Free day in Kathmandu

Highest Altitude

1350 m

Leisure day for shopping, sightseeing, or optional tours.

Day 20:

Departure

After breakfast, free and at leisure, and transfer to the international airport for your onward destination.

Want to read it later?
Download this tour’s PDF brochure and start tour planning offline.

Altitude chart

Altitude in:

What Is Included?

  • All airport transport by private vehicle
  • Welcome dinner upon arrival
  • Domestic flight ticket from Kathmandu/Ramechhap to Lukla and from Lukla to Kathmandu/Ramechhap.
  • Twin sharing accommodation in 3* hotel in Kathmandu, including breakfast.
  • Three meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) a day during trekking, including one cup of tea/coffee
  • Senior Government-licensed, English-speaking trekking guide during the trek.
  • Porter (1 porter for 2 clients) during the trek
  • National Park and other necessary permits
  • Senior Government-licensed culture guide for city sightseeing in Kathmandu Valley
  • Private transport during city sightseeing in Kathmandu Valley
  • First aid kit including an oximeter to monitor your oxygen and heart rate in the mountains.
  • All administration expenses and government taxes

What Is Excluded?

  • Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
  • Personal insurance and a helicopter rescue in case of emergency
  • International flight and airport tax
  • Monument entrance fee during city sightseeing in Kathmandu Valley
  • Personal expenses

FAQs

Plan your trip on your own date

Ready to create your perfect adventure? Use our trip planner to customize your itinerary and schedule according to your preferences. We’re here to help you tailor every detail to fit your unique needs.

Similar Trips

Join us on similar trips in the same region

21 Days Rinjo La & Kalapattar Trek
ev3 Himalayan Leaders
Previous Slider Item
Next Slider Item

21 Days Rinjo La & Kalapattar Trek

21 Days

Nepal

View Detail Itinerary
18 Days Everest Base Camp Trek
Everest base camp
Way to tanbochen
Tangboche
Everest base camp
Previous Slider Item
Next Slider Item

18 Days Everest Base Camp Trek

18 Days

Nepal

4.8 (3 Reviews)
View Detail Itinerary
15 Days Gokyo Lake Trek
Gokyo Lake Trek
Previous Slider Item
Next Slider Item

15 Days Gokyo Lake Trek

15 Days

Nepal

5.0 (1 Reviews)
View Detail Itinerary

Attractions, Tips & Activities. Explore Now!

Everest Base Camp Trek

Everest Base Camp Trek: Walking to the Foot of the World’s Highest Mountain

Everest Base Camp Trek: Walking to the Foot of the World’s Highest Mountain
Trekking to Manaslu Circuit

Best Trekkings in Nepal – Where Every Step Tells a Story

Best Trekkings in Nepal – Where Every Step Tells a Story
tiji festival jeep tour

Upper Mustang Tiji Festival in Upper Mustang 2026 | May 14–16

Upper Mustang Tiji Festival in Upper Mustang 2026 | May 14–16

Explore the Himalayas

Craft Your Dream Nepal Itinerary

Speak with our representative

Europe

Peter Soons

WhatsApp / Call
+41767742536

Asia

Jagat

WhatsApp / Call
+9779851047789