• Duration 21 Days
  • Trip Grade Strenuous

    The strenuous grade is both moderate and difficult. Even in this grade, treks reach around 5000-5500 meters. You walk generally 6-7 hours every day. Strenuous treks require good physical condition and acclimatization. if some problems appear, you have to walk down and take some hot drinks or soup. You may get affected fast if you have high blood pressure, asthma, heart disease or complicated medical conditions.

  • Country Nepal
  • Maximum Altitude 5,545
  • Starts Kathmandu
  • Ends Kathmandu
  • Activities Tour / Trekking
  • Best Time September to May

Kongma La, Cho La, and Renjo La are the three infamous passes of the Khumbu region that connect the different sections of the region- hence, it is called the Everest Three Passes trek. It is a thrilling 21 days expedition in Nepal, offering a unique blend of adventure, local heritage, and stunning mountain panoramas.

The Everest Three Passes trek is like a circuit trek that provides an opportunity for trekkers to go beyond the classic EBC trail and discover the hidden gems of the Khumbu region. If you are traveling to Nepal and you have strong physical and mental fitness, you should definitely do the Everest Three Passes trekking.

Do note that this trek is very demanding. It is not a leisure walk in the mountains. You will face high altitudes, varying climatic zones, offbeat terrain, and limited tourist infrastructure. So, only when you are ready to commit and push yourself join the Everest Three Passes trek 21 days with us.

The journey will reward you for all the hard walk with some of the greatest mountain vistas on Earth. Not only that, but the hospitality of the Sherpas, the interactions with fellow trekkers and locals along the way, the ancient cultural roots, and all the stories and myths surrounding the trails will make the trek a once in a lifetime venture for you.

Highlights

  • Cross the three high mountain passes (Kongma La, Cho La, and Renjo La) of the Khumbu region, all above 5,000 meters
  • Go beyond the classic EBC trek route and discover the hidden gems of the Khumbu region
  • An adventurous and offbeat trekking program in Nepal for fit and experienced trekkers
  • Enjoy the warm hospitality of the Sherpas and get to see their lifestyle
  • Witness stunning mountain vistas and diverse landscapes
  • Go on exciting side hikes for acclimatization
  • Hike to Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar
  • Explore the stunning Gokyo Lakes and witness a surreal view of Everest from Gokyo Ri
  • Come across the biggest glacier of Nepal, Ngozumpa Glacier

What is the Everest Three Passes trek like?

The Everest Three Passes trek also goes by 3 Passes trek and Three Passes trek names. On this trek, you will explore iconic destinations such as Namche Bazaar, Tengboche Monastery, Everest Base Camp, Kala Patthar, Gokyo Lakes, Gokyo Ri, and Thame Monastery.

You will go above 5,000 meters multiple times throughout the trek and enjoy stunning mountain views. Not many foreigners are aware of this hike, so the route is comparatively less crowded once you are off of the mainstream Everest trail.

We can guarantee the Everest Three Passes trekking will be the most rewarding hike you will go on. For the best trekking experience, you should embark on this trek during the optimum weather conditions. April to May and October to November have the finest weather, views, and climate.

Mountains like Everest (8,849 m/29,032 ft), Lhotse (8,516 m/27,940 ft), Makalu (8,463 m/27,766 ft), Cho Oyu (8,188 m/26,864 ft), Kanchenjunga (8,586 m/28,169 ft), Nuptse (7,861 m/25,791 ft), Ama Dablam (6,812 m/22,349 ft), Thamserku (6,608 m/21,680 ft), and many others are visible along the Everest Three Passes trail.

How to train for the Everest High Three Passes trek in Nepal?

A sensitive and demanding trek like Everest Three Passes requires good planning, proper packing, and physical readiness. We will take care of planning the trip and logistics. Participants are requested to make sure that they are physically and mentally ready for the trek and have all the necessary trekking equipment ready on time.

If you have planned to do the Everest Three Passes trekking in Nepal, then start building your stamina, strength, and endurance. Book the trek with us simultaneously, and keep training yourself.

You should be able to walk 6 hours a day at high altitude. This is the bare minimum requirement for the three passes trek. Finally, good health is obviously important.

*Tip: If you are getting a new pair of trekking boots, then train in them. Get used to the boots to avoid blisters in the mountains.

Who can do the 3 passes trek? Are you ready for the voyage?

You will cross three high mountain passes on this trek, which are regarded as equal to 5,000-meter peaks. So, the trek will be extremely demanding. Technical climbings are not involved, but you will traverse steep, rocky, and snowy slopes. As per the weather and trail conditions, we may use crampons for stability.

Given the challenges of this trek, we recommend the Everest Three Passes trek only to experienced and fit trekkers. If you think you are ready to take on this adventure of a lifetime, do not hesitate & book the Everest Three Passes trek 2024 departure with us.

Our autumn bookings are open along with 2025 spring/autumn bookings. We have also designed a custom Everest Three Passes trek map for you. Please scroll below to see the map. It is easy to understand and gives you a good idea about the trail.

What are some alternative trek options for the Everest Three Passes?

If you are in search of more advanced trekking options in Nepal, then these are the top options - Annapurna Circuit trek, Manaslu Circuit with Tsum Valley trek, Nar Phu Valley trek, Kanchenjunga Circuit trek, Langtang Gosaikunda Helambu trek, etc.

You can also tailor-make the Everest Three Passes trek 21 days as per your wish. For example, you can combine a helicopter flight in and out of Lukla. A helicopter flight will make your trip furthermore adventurous and exhilarating.

Three Passes trek with Adventure Treks Nepal

We are mountain experts with more than three decades of hands-on experience. Our company is 100% Nepali trekking and tour company. Therefore, you will get a very authentic experience. Our Everest Three Passes trek price is very reasonable, and the service we provide surpasses the cost of the package.

We assure you a safe three passes trek. You can freely contact us anytime for your queries. Are you ready to make memories in the Himalayas? Then this is the right time to book your trip.

Itinerary
Trip Plan
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You will be picked up by our team upon your arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. They will escort you to the hotel. The remaining day is free. Rest and explore your surroundings.

  • Accommodation: Hotel

In the morning, you will visit some famous tourist sites with our professional tour guide. Explore Swayambhunath Temple (Monkey Temple), Pashupatinath Temple, Bouddhanath Stupa, and Kathmandu Durbar Square.

After the tour, the guide will drop you at your hotel. Get some rest, and later, meet us for a trek briefing. Purchase anything that is missing from your equipment and pack your duffle bags.

  • Meals: Breakfast only
  • Accommodation: Hotel

The trek starts with a thrilling flight to Lukla. From March to May and September to November, you have to catch the Lukla flight from Ramechhap Airport. From Kathmandu, it takes around 4 to 5 hours to drive to reach this airport. So, trekkers leave the hotel at around 1:00 AM.

Likewise, between June to August and December to February, the Lukla flights are available from Kathmandu Airport. Upon reaching Lukla, you will begin trekking to Phakding village. It is a downhill walk through forests, crossing many suspension bridges.

  • Max Altitude: 2,846 m/9,337 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Accommodation: Lodge
  • Duration: 35 minutes flight & 3 hours trek
  • Distance: 6.2 km/3.8 miles

The trail from Phakding ascends to Namche Bazaar. You will register the permit in Monjo. From here, the Sagarmatha National Park. The trek route spread within rhododendron and magnolia forests. The final 2-3 hours of ascending to Namche Bazaar is steep.

  • Max Altitude: 3,440 m/11,290 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Accommodation: Lodge
  • Duration: 6 hours
  • Distance: 7.4 km/4.6 miles

Spend a rest day in Namche Bazaar. Hike to the Hotel Everest View to witness the first glimpse of Mt. Everest. The hike offers views of other mountains as well, like Thamserku, Lhotse, Nuptse, etc. After the hike, the remaining day is free.

  • Max Altitude: 3,962 m/12,998 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Accommodation: Lodge
  • Duration: 5-6 hours
  • Distance: 9.6 km/5.9 miles

Follow uneven hillsides from Namche Bazaar and trek to Kyangjuma. From here, you will descend to Phungi Thanga. Cross a bridge and start walking uphill to Tengboche village. Views of Mt. Ama Dablam and Mt. Everest is fantastic from here.

  • Max Altitude: 3,860 m/12,660 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Accommodation: Lodge
  • Duration: 5-6 hours
  • Distance: 9.6 km/5.9 miles

Leaving Tengboche, the trail descends to the Imja Khola via Deboche. Cross a suspension bridge and hike to Pangboche village. The trail goes through rhododendron forests till here. Further, as you ascend, the treeline gets thinner, and you will pass by bushes and terraced fields to Dingboche.

  • Max Altitude: 4,410 m/14,470 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Accommodation: Lodge
  • Duration: 6 hours
  • Distance: 9.1 km/5.6 miles

The trail to Chhukung goes off the main EBC route and follows an offbeat trail. You will see stunning views of Mt. Makalu and Island Peak. On the same day, you can also hike to Chhukung Ri to enjoy a spectacular mountain panorama.

  • Max Altitude: 4,730 m/15,518 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Accommodation: Lodge
  • Duration: 4-5 hours
  • Distance: 5.3 km/3.1 miles

You will cross the first pass today. From Chhukung village, the steeply ascends to the top of the pass. Trekkers get to enjoy beautiful mountains and glacier views while trekking. The ascend will be fairly steep. From the Kongma La pass, the trail descends to the Khumbu glacier moraine—Trek via the moraine to reach Lobuche village.

  • Max Altitude: 5,540 m/18,176 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Accommodation: Lodge
  • Duration: 3-4 hours
  • Distance: km/ miles

Today, you will trek to Everest Base Camp. From Lobuche, the trail ascends along the Khumbu Glacier moraine. You will then walk on steep and rocky tracks to Gorak Shep. You will spend this night at Gorak Shep, but before that, hike to EBC. Get to see a close view of the Khumbu Icefall.

  • Max Altitude: 5,364 m/17,598 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Accommodation: Lodge
  • Duration: 8 hours
  • Distance: 15 km/9.32 miles

Begin the day before the sunrises and hike to Kala Patthar. It is a viewpoint that offers a breathtaking view of Mt. Everest and many other mountains. After the hike, you will descend to Dzongla. Retrace the trail to Lobuche village, and from here, a different route to Dzongla.

  • Max Altitude: 5,545 m/18,192 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Accommodation: Lodge
  • Duration: 6 hours
  • Distance: 9.6 km/6 miles

You will cross the most challenging pass today, Cho La. From Dzongla, the trail ascends to the top of the pass. You will walk on rugged, icy, and steep paths. The views of Mt. Ama Dablam and Chola Lake are most stunning. From the pass, the trail descends to Thangnak, where you will spend the night.

  • Max Altitude: 5,420 m/17,782 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Accommodation: Lodge
  • Duration: 7-8 hours
  • Distance: 9.38 km/5.8 miles

As you continue trekking from Thangnak, the trail takes you to Longponga Lake (4,720 m). You can see excellent mountain views on the way. Soon, you will traverse the Ngozumpa Glacier moraine, the biggest glacier in Nepal. The trail goes past the first and second Gokyo lakes. The Gokyo village is situated near the third Gokyo Lake.

  • Max Altitude: 4,750 m/15,584 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Accommodation: Lodge
  • Duration: 3-4 hours
  • Distance: 3.7 km/2.3 miles

In the morning, hike to Gokyo Ri. You will see a gorgeous sunrise and a jaw-dropping panorama of Everest, Makalu, Cho Oyu, Island Peak, Cholatse, etc. You can also hike to the fourth and fifth Gokyo Lakes.

  • Max Altitude: 5,357 m/17,575 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Accommodation: Lodge
  • Duration: 5 hours

On this day, you will cross the last pass, Renjo La. From Gokyo village, the trail gradually ascends via boulders scattered along the path. The route gets steeper as you climb towards the top of the pass. Upon reaching the pass, you will see a marvelous mountain panorama. From here, descend to Lungden along an ancient trading route used by Tibetan traders.

  • Max Altitude: 5,345 m/17,536 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Accommodation: Lodge
  • Duration: 8-9 hours
  • Distance: 12 km/7.4 miles

From Lungden, the trail descends in the south direction to Thame. Following the east side of the river, keep trekking and pass by peaceful villages like Marlung and Taranga. The scenery is superb. In Thame, you will get to explore an old monastery.

  • Max Altitude: 3,850 m/12,631 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Accommodation: Lodge
  • Duration: 3,850 m/12,631 ft
  • Distance: 8.2 km/5 miles

Continuing the trek from Thame, the trail descends to Namche Bazaar. You will walk along a stream and descend to Bhotekoshi Valley. Cross a suspension bridge and trek through lush forests of rhododendron, birch, and pine.

  • Max Altitude: 3,440 m/11,290 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Accommodation: Lodge
  • Duration: 6 hours
  • Distance: 6.8 km/4.2 miles

The trail from Namche Bazaar steeply descends through a forested route to Monjo. From here, you will walk to Phakding village and follow an uphill trail to Lukla. Cross many suspension bridges on the way and pass by small villages.

  • Max Altitude: 2,846 m/9,337 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Accommodation: Lodge
  • Duration: 7-8 hours
  • Distance: 13.6 km/8.3 miles

Fly back to Kathmandu early in the morning. The guide will drop you at the hotel. The remaining day is free in the city. You can visit spa and massage centers.

  • Max Altitude: 1,400 m/4,593 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast only
  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Duration: 35 minutes flight

You have a free day in Kathmandu. Spend as you visit. Rest, explore tourist sites, and do window shopping in Thamel. In the late evening, we will meet and hand over the trek completion certificate.

  • Meals: Breakfast only
  • Accommodation: Hotel

Our team will drop you at the international airport. You will depart from Nepal today. Make sure to be ready to leave on time.

  • Meals: Breakfast only
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Cost Details
Included
  • All Transport (Private).
  • Standard Accommodation (Twin share) in Kathmandu with Breakfast.
  • Duffle Bag using for Trekking.
  • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner during the Trekking.
  • Accommodation in Tea house (mountain lodge) while trekking.
  • Domestic Flight with Airport Tax.
  • Trekking Porter with Insurance. (We Provide 01 Porter for two trekkers)
  • Trekking Guide with insurance.
  • Trekking Guide and Porters food and accommodation, wages etc.
  • Everest Three passes Trek Trekking map.
  • Sagarmatha (Everest) National park permits fee.
  • Farewell dinner with cultural program.
  • Khumbu pasang lhamu rural municipality entry permit fee.
  • Trekker’s Information Management system (TIMS).
  • All Government taxes Income tax plus VAT.
  • Office services charge.
  • Water purification tablets.
Excluded
  • International Airfare.
  • Your travel insurance of any kind
  • Nepal entry Visa fee (US$ 50 for 30 days) (US$ 30 for 15 days) you should get visa open your arrival)
  • Drinks, Dessert, Juice, Mineral Water, Heater charge, Hot Shower, Wi-Fi etc during the Trekking and main meals in cities.
  • Tips for Guide, Porter and driver.
Route Map
Everest Three Passes Trek - 21 Days
Altitude Chart
Everest Three Passes Trek - 21 Days
Essential Information

Everest Three Passes trek permits

the Everest Three Passes trek, you will need the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance permit & the Sagarmatha National Park Entry permit. Both permit fees are covered in our package cost. They cost USD 20 and USD 30 respectively per person. The permits are non-refundable and non-transferable once issued.

The Everest Three Passes trail difficulty

The Everest Three Passes trek is a very challenging trek in the Khumbu region. This is the ultimate offbeat trek that crosses three high mountain passes that are nothing less than climbing 5,000-meter peaks. The trek is for the fittest individuals with strong minds and determination.

You will trek a 5 to 6 hours a day on average. The walking duration can go up to 8 hours or more on the days you cross the passes. The trail ascends and descends through various climatic zones, so you will be exposed to different environments. Similarly, high altitude will tire you quickly, demanding you to constantly push yourself.

Prevent altitude sickness during the Everest Three Passes trekking

The altitude sickness can ruin your trek, so you have to try your best to avoid it. However, if you suffer from its symptoms, your priority should be to cure it and only move forward. Our guide will provide you with first aid. Altitude sickness is common while trekking in the Himalayas. However, do not underestimate it.

Drink plenty of water and other fluids to keep yourself hydrated. It will help you avoid altitude sickness. Do not drink alcohol and high amounts of caffeine. Avoid smoking. Likewise, maintain your pace, listen to your body, get ample rest, and be aware of symptoms like vomiting, nausea, insomnia, headache, difficulty in breathing, etc.

Everest Three Passes trek best season

The best seasons to do the Everest Three Passes trekking are pre-monsoon (spring) and post-monsoon (autumn). The stable weather, clear sky, moderate climate, and good trail conditions make crossing the passes safer in these seasons. Other seasons have higher risks of bad weather, poor trail conditions, and unclear views.

Ensure your safety with travel insurance: helicopter evacuation coverage is mandatory

Treks like Everest Three Passes have a high risk of altitude sickness and injuries. Our crew does their best to keep you safe during trekking, however we cannot predict unseen events and natural calamities. So, to be on the safe side, we require the necessary travel insurance with medical bills and helicopter evacuation coverage for this trek.

Lodge accommodation and fantastic food options along the trail

During the trekking duration, you will spend nights in lodges. It is a simple but clean and cozy accommodation. Washrooms are generally made outside of the lodges and shared between the trekkers. In some villages, you can upgrade the accommodation to a luxury lodge with better rooms and a private washroom.

Our Everest Three Passes trek package has twin-shared rooms in the mountains. So, if you are hoping for a single room, let us know in advance. It costs extra money. The food in the Everest region is fantastic. You will get freshly brewed coffee, pizza, burgers, pasta, French fries, etc.

Some of the common foods widely available throughout the trail are dal bhat, thukpa, stew, porridge, momo, chowmin, fried rice, and chapati. The breakfast menu has pancakes, oatmeals, cornflakes, muesli, etc. Clean drinking water is also available everywhere.

Gear up for the Himalayan terrain and climate

For the Everest Three Passes trek, you will need the following trekking clothes and equipment:

  • Comfortable, light-weight underwear
  • Trekking t-shirts and pants
  • Base and thermal layers
  • Windproof/waterproof jacket and pant
  • Fleece jacket
  • Down jacket
  • Gloves, socks, scarf, beanie, sun hat, etc
  • Trekking boots and a casual pair of shoes/slippers
  • Dry towel, zip local bags
  • Duffel bag and daypack
  • Trekking pole, map, reusable water bottle
  • Sleeping bag
  • Toiletries, first aid, snacks
  • Camera, adapter, charger, power bank
  • Journal/pen and traveler games

You need to get a travel visa to enter Nepal.

Trekkers can apply for an on-arrival visa. Fill up the form online and keep the visa fee and documents ready on hand. Upon landing at the Tribhuvan International Airport, you can quickly go through the process and obtain a travel visa.

However, travelers from selected countries such as Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Swaziland, Cameroon, Somalia, Liberia, Ethiopia, Iraq, Palestine, Afghanistan, Syria, and refugees with travel documents are not eligible for on-arrival Nepali travel visas. They have to obtain a travel visa for Nepal in their country from the Nepalese Embassy or Consulate Office.

FAQs

The Everest Three Passes trek is one of the longest treks in Nepal. Our itinerary is 21 days long. You may see 17 or 18 days itineraries as well online.

No, the Everest Three Passes trek is not for beginner trekkers. This trek is very demanding and requires previous trekking experiences.

To do the three passes trek in the Khumbu region, trekkers have to be extremely fit physically and mentally. This trek is not for weak and faint hearts. The journey demands you to push yourself relentlessly.

If your Luka flight gets canceled, we will book you the next possible flight. In case there is no flight on the same day, you may opt for a helicopter flight from Lukla to Kathmandu and vice versa. The cost starts around USD 650 per head in the shared helicopter flight, and the flight duration is 45 minutes.

Legally, foreigners can embark on the Everest Three Passes trek without a guide. However, it is a very difficult trek with tricky routes and glacier navigation. So, expert support is essential for safe travel.

One porter carries up to 18 kg. The weight is divided between two trekkers (9kg each).

A solo trekker can join our fixed departure group for the Everest Three Passes trekking or choose our private trek option.

The mobile network comes and goes as per the location. The higher you will go, the more unstable the network will get. Our guides are equipped with a satellite phone for emergency

If you get sick during the trek, the guide will provide you with medicine. If your health worsens, we will evacuate you to Kathmandu in a helicopter.

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