Everest Three Passes Trek- 18 Days
The Everest Three Passes Trek is the ultimate high-altitude adventure in the Khumbu region of Nepal. This 18-day circuit trek combines all the highlights of the Everest Base Camp trail with the added challenge of crossing three iconic passes: Kongma La (5,535m), Cho La (5,420m), and Renjo La (5,360m).
You’ll visit legendary locations like Namche Bazaar, Everest Base Camp, and Gokyo Lakes, while trekking through remote valleys and experiencing 360° views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu.
This trek is ideal for experienced trekkers who are looking for both physical challenge and dramatic mountain scenery, far beyond the standard EBC route. It’s a complete Himalayan adventure — challenging, rewarding, and unforgettable.
The Everest Three Passes Trek is the ultimate high-altitude adventure in the Khumbu region of Nepal. This 18-day circuit trek combines all the highlights of the Everest Base Camp trail with the added challenge of crossing three iconic passes: Kongma La (5,535m), Cho La (5,420m), and Renjo La (5,360m).
You’ll visit legendary locations like Namche Bazaar, Everest Base Camp, and Gokyo Lakes, while trekking through remote valleys and experiencing 360° views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu.
This trek is ideal for experienced trekkers who are looking for both physical challenge and dramatic mountain scenery, far beyond the standard EBC route. It’s a complete Himalayan adventure — challenging, rewarding, and unforgettable.
Highlights
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Cross three major high-altitude passes: Kongma La, Cho La, and Renjo La
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Visit Everest Base Camp and climb Kala Patthar (5,545m) for sunrise views
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Explore the beautiful Gokyo Lakes and hike up Gokyo Ri
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Full circuit trek — no backtracking, more adventure
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Experience authentic Sherpa culture in Namche, Thame, and Dingboche
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Ideal for experienced trekkers seeking a real challenge
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Unmatched 360° views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu
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Optional helicopter return or rescue service available (extra cost)
Fly to Lukla (2,840m), Trek to Phakding (2,610m) – 4 hrs
Start your journey with a thrilling 30-minute flight to Lukla. After meeting your guide and porters, begin your trek with a gradual descent through Sherpa villages to reach Phakding, located beside the Dudh Koshi River.
Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440m) – 6 hrs
Cross suspension bridges and pass through pine forests as you slowly climb toward Namche. The final climb is steep, but you’ll get your first glimpse of Mt. Everest. Namche is a vibrant Sherpa town with shops, bakeries, and great mountain views.
Acclimatization Day in Namche
Hike to the Everest View Hotel (3,880m) for stunning views of Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam. You can also visit the Sherpa Museum or explore the village. This rest day helps your body adjust to the altitude.
Trek to Tengboche (3,860m) – 5 hrs
Enjoy a scenic walk with views of Everest and other peaks before descending to the Dudh Koshi River. A final uphill climb brings you to Tengboche, home to the region’s most famous monastery. Perfect spot for mountain photography.
Trek to Dingboche (4,410m) – 5 hrs
Descend through rhododendron forest, cross rivers, and slowly ascend into the alpine zone. Dingboche is a peaceful village with stone walls and amazing views of Ama Dablam and Island Peak.
Acclimatization Day in Dingboche
Take a half-day hike to Nagarjun Hill (approx. 5,100m) for panoramic views. This second rest day is essential for safe acclimatization before crossing the first pass.
Trek to Chhukung (4,730m) – 3 hrs
A short, easy walk to Chhukung, a small village at the edge of the Imja Valley. Rest and prepare for tomorrow’s first big challenge: Kongma La Pass.
Cross Kongma La Pass (5,535m), Trek to Lobuche (4,910m) – 8 hrs
Begin early to cross the highest and most demanding pass. The trail is steep and rocky, with incredible glacier and mountain views. After a long descent, reach Lobuche, where you’ll rejoin the main Everest trail.
Trek to Gorak Shep (5,170m), Visit Everest Base Camp (5,364m) – 7 hrs
Follow the rocky path along the Khumbu Glacier to Gorak Shep. After lunch, trek to Everest Base Camp — the closest you can get to the world’s highest mountain without climbing it! Return to Gorak Shep for the night.
Climb Kala Patthar (5,545m), Trek to Dzongla (4,830m) – 6–7 hrs
Hike before sunrise to Kala Patthar for a dramatic view of Everest glowing in the early light. After returning for breakfast, head west toward Dzongla, away from the crowded trail.
Cross Cho La Pass (5,420m), Trek to Thagnak (4,700m) – 7 hrs
Another challenging day — start early to cross icy trails and rocky sections of Cho La Pass. Descend carefully to the glacier valley of Thagnak.
Trek to Gokyo (4,800m) – 3 hrs
Short and beautiful walk to the magical Gokyo Valley. Enjoy the turquoise lakes, glacier views, and peaceful surroundings.
Climb Gokyo Ri (5,357m), Rest at Gokyo – 2–3 hrs
Early morning climb to Gokyo Ri for one of the best panoramic views in Nepal — Everest, Cho Oyu, Lhotse, Makalu, and more. Relax and explore Gokyo in the afternoon.
Cross Renjo La Pass (5,360m), Trek to Lumde (4,380m) – 7 hrs
The final pass offers amazing views of the entire Everest region. Steep descent through stone steps and a remote valley leads to Lumde.
Trek to Thame (3,800m) – 4 hrs
Easy downhill walk to the peaceful Sherpa village of Thame — once home to famous mountaineers including Tenzing Norgay.
Trek to Namche Bazaar – 5 hrs
Return to Namche along a quiet trail. Enjoy hot showers, bakeries, and celebrate completing the three passes!
Trek to Lukla – 6 hrs
Final trekking day, following the same path back. Time to relax and celebrate with your guide and porter team.
Fly back to Kathmandu
Early morning scenic flight to Kathmandu. Transfer to hotel and relax — your epic journey is complete!
Cost Includes
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Airport transfers in Kathmandu (arrival & departure)
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Domestic flights: Kathmandu ↔ Lukla (round-trip)
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Licensed English-speaking trekking guide and experienced porter (1 porter per 2 trekkers)
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All meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner with tea/coffee)
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Accommodation in trekking lodges/tea houses during the Trek
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Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit and VDC entry fee
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First aid kit, oximeter, and safety support from guide
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Duffel bag for the trek (provided by agency)
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All local & government taxes
Cost Excludes
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Nepal visa fee on arrival ($30 for 15 days / $50 for 30 days)
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International airfare to/from Kathmandu
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Meals in Kathmandu (only breakfast included)
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Personal trekking gear (boots, poles, etc.)
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nternet, hot showers, and battery charging in lodges
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Tips for guide, porter, and driver (customary but optional)
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Travel insurance (must cover emergency helicopter rescue)
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Extra nights in Kathmandu due to flight delays or early return Note: Private room in the mountain is not always guaranteed Helicopter evacuation service is available if needed (covered by insurance)
The Everest Three Passes Trek is considered one of the most challenging treks in Nepal. It involves crossing three high-altitude passes above 5,000 meters — Kongma La (5,535m), Cho La (5,420m), and Renjo La (5,360m). It requires excellent physical fitness, previous hiking experience at altitude is recommended, and strong mental determination.
Yes. This trek is not for beginners. You should have previous high-altitude trekking experience (such as Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Circuit, or Langtang). Daily walks last 6–8 hours, and the terrain includes glaciers, steep climbs, and snowy passes.
The best seasons are: Spring (March to May): Clear skies, warm days, and rhododendrons in bloom. Autumn (late September to November): Crisp weather and perfect mountain visibility. Avoid monsoon (June–August) and winter (Dec–Feb) due to snow and weather risks.
No, a guide is not legally mandatory in the Everest (Khumbu) region. However, due to the remote trails, high passes above 5,000m, and unpredictable mountain weather, hiring a licensed trekking guide is highly recommended. A guide ensures safety, navigation, altitude care, and a richer cultural experience. Most trekkers who complete the Three Passes Trek successfully do so with an experienced guide.
You’ll need the following: Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit Khumbu Rural Municipality Entry Permit All permits are included when you book with Nepal Boundary Trekking.
Our guides carry first aid kits and oximeters, and we follow a slow, safe acclimatization schedule. In case of serious symptoms, immediate helicopter evacuation can be arranged. We strongly recommend travel insurance that covers high-altitude rescue.
You’ll stay in local teahouses and trekking lodges, which are simple but clean. Rooms usually have twin beds with blankets. In some remote villages, facilities may be basic, and hot showers or Wi-Fi may cost extra.
Wi-Fi is available in most villages but may be slow and unreliable. Ncell and NTC mobile networks work in some areas. Don’t expect internet during high pass crossings or remote sections.
Yes. We offer free luggage storage at our office or hotel in Kathmandu. You can safely leave non-trekking items until you return.
We are a local, registered trekking agency with years of experience. Our expert guides are trained in high-altitude safety, we offer fair prices, flexible bookings, and personalized service. Our goal is to provide authentic, safe, and unforgettable Himalayan adventures.
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