Everest Three High Passes Trek - 22 Days

Download and print
  • Duration 22 Days
  • Trip Grade Moderate
  • Country Nepal

The Everest three high passes trek is demanding but not too demanding. It presents a mini peak climbing-like experience, but it is not a climbing expedition!

The Everest three high passes trek takes backpacking in the Himalayas to the next level. It is a truly adventurous and challenging journey amidst deep valleys and tall mountains of the Khumbu region (Everest region). Trekkers get to test their endurance, push their limits, and conquer three mountain passes above 5,000 meters. The Everest 3 passes trek is one of our longest treks in Nepal, requiring 22 days.

If you are up for a challenging venture, then look no further than the Everest three high passes trek 22 days. You will explore Namche Bazaar, Thame Monastery, Gokyo Lakes, Everest Base Camp, Kala Patthar, and Tengboche Monastery on this trek while crossing the Renjo La, Cho La, and Kongma La passes. All these destinations are connected by these three passes.

Highlights

  • A demanding and adventurous trek amidst the deep valleys and tall mountains of the Khumbu region
  • Test your endurance, push your limits, and conquer the three high mountain passes above 5,000 meters
  • Explore the Sherpa villages and their lifestyle while trekking
  • Visit ancient monasteries along the way and get to know about the cultural heritage of the mountain communities
  • Trek through dense forests and gradually ascend to glacier moraines
  • Discover the stunning Gokyo Lakes and other alpine lakes and streams
  • Hike to Everest Base Camp, the base of the tallest mountain in the world
  • Cross the three high passes - Renjo La, Cho La, and Kongma La
  • Enjoy acclimatization hikes to Khumjung Monastery, Gokyo Ri, and Kala Patthar
  • Witness breathtaking mountain panoramas and diverse landscapes as you traverse different climatic zones

What to expect during the Everest 3 passes trek?

The Everest 3 passes trek is the most strenuous route in the Khumbu region. Trekkers explore beyond the mainstream EBC trail and touch the hidden, less visited parts of the region. You will enjoy offbeat trekking via remote Sherpa villages and glacier moraines.

The accommodation and meals on the Everest three high passes trekking are basic. You will get cozy and clean rooms to spend the nights, but the overall lodging experience will be very simple. Spring and autumn are the best times for the Everest three passes trek. Winter trek is also possible with proper preparation and planning.

The journey starts with a short Lukla flight that you will take either from Kathmandu or Ramechhap airports. In the starting few days of the expedition, follow rhododendron, pine, and oak-covered trails, crossing numerous suspension bridges on the way. The trail ascends and descends via diverse climatic zones.

The later part of the route is steep & offbeat and follows rugged high-altitude terrain. You will navigate glacier moraines and explore alpine lakes. Our Everest three high passes trek itinerary is designed to offer you ample time to enjoy the mountains and relax. You will travel with a professional crew who will take care of all the essentials.

Major attractions of the 3 passes trek in Nepal

The Everest three high passes trek 22 days is one of the best treks to witness the surreal beauty of the Khumbu region. It is an adventurous itinerary to the lap of the world's tallest mountain, Everest Base Camp. You will explore many hidden gems of the Khumbu region, including the Gokyo Lakes, Gokyo Ri, Ngozumpa Glacier, Thame monastery, Nangpa La Valley, Marlung village, etc.

Sherpas are one of the major highlights of the Everest three high passes trekking. Explore picturesque mountain villages and get to see the daily life and culture of Sherpas and other communities like Lama, Limbu, Rai, Bhotiya, etc. You will get to discover some of the oldest monasteries along the way, like Khumjung, Thame, Pangboche, and Tengboche.

Following our Everest 3 passes trek itinerary, you will get ample time to rest and recover. We have crafted the itinerary in a way to provide a perfect balance between adventure and relaxation to our trekkers. The diverse terrain presents various vegetation, landscapes, and environments. Enjoy the nature and wilderness of the region.

Mountains like Everest, Lhotse, Kanchenjunga, Cho Oyu, Makalu, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Nuptse, Choltase, Pumori, Island Peak, and numerous others are seen throughout the trail. The interactions with the locals, their warm hospitality, and the tranquility of nature will make the journey a lifetime experience.

Who can do the Everest three high passes trek, and how to prepare?

The Everest three high passes trek is very challenging, so only recommended for trekkers with strong physical and mental fitness. Moreover, the participant must have previous trekking experience or any high-altitude expertise. If you meet these two requirements, then there is no age limit.

Before the trek starts, trekkers are advised to train themselves physically and mentally. Work on their stamina, improve core strength, and build endurance. Exercise, day hikes, and cardio activities are recommended. Likewise, arrange the trekking gear and educate yourself about the Everest three high passes trail by reading blogs and watching vlogs.

2024/2025 Everest three high passes trek bookings are open with Himalayak Trekking

We, Himalayak Trekking, are a 100% Nepali trekking company. We are based in Kathmandu and organize all of our trips throughout Nepal from here. Our team is spread all over the country, facilitating smooth and safe ventures for our guests. You will get a flexible itinerary, free airport pick-up and drop-off service as per the itinerary, and the best Everest three high passes trek cost with us.

Our Everest three high passes trek 2024 bookings are open. You can also book the trek for spring 2025 and start preparing early. Our easy booking system allows you to reserve any trek with us in Nepal without any hassle. You can customize the itinerary and add-ons to your package. For more information, contact us.

Trek safety and sustainable travel

We welcome groups, families, solo trekkers, students, etc. With us, you can travel freely and confidently in Nepal because our team will take care of all of your needs. You will have a fun and exciting time in the mountain trekking and mingling with the locals, as the guide will bridge the communication gap.

Likewise, all of our treks are eco-friendly. You will only leave your footprints behind. We exclusively work with locals and support and uplift the mountain community.

Itinerary

*Note: Lukla flights are operated from Ramechhap Airport in March, April, May, September, October, and November. It takes 4 to 5 hours to drive to Ramechhap Airport from Thamel, Kathmandu. You will leave your hotel around 1:00 to 2:00 AM to catch the morning flight. Likewise, in June, July, August, December, January, and February, the Lukla flights are operated from Kathmandu Airport.

Trip Plan
Expand allCollapse all

Meet the team of the Himalayak Trekking at the Tribhuvan International Airport, eagerly waiting to welcome you on your arrival day. They will escort you to the hotel. You will have some time to rest and later meet your mountain guide and core team members. We will have a short trek briefing. After that, we will do packing and any last-minute shopping.

  • Accommodation: Hotel

On this day, you will fly from Kathmandu to Lukla airport. The flight will be short and offer stunning mountain views of Langtang Range, Gaurishankar, Numbur Himal, Everest Range, etc. At Lukla, you will meet with the porters who are going to accompany you on the trek. The first night you will spend in Phakding village, which is located around 200 meters below Lukla.

This descent is important to avoid altitude sickness. The trail goes through rhododendron forests, following the Dudh Koshi River. On the way, you will cross numerous suspension bridges and pass by small villages. You can see superb views of Mt. Kusum Kanguru on the way.

  • 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

You will trek from Phakding village to Namche Bazaar. The trail follows the Dudh Koshi River via rhododendron and magnolia forests. You will cross many suspension bridges and pass by small villages like Toktok and Monjo.

The permits are registered in Monjo because Sagarmatha National Park starts from here. From here onwards, the terrain steeply ascends to Namche Bazaar. The views of Mt. Kusum Kangaroo, Kongde Ri, Mt. Thamserku, and Tabuche Himal are excellent along the way.

  • Max Altitude: 3,440 m/11,290 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Accommodation: Lodge
  • Duration: 5-6 hours
  • Distance: 7.4 km/4.6 miles

You will spend an acclimatization day in Namche Bazaar. Hike to Khumjung Monastery and visit the Sir Edmund Hillary School there. During the hike, you can see views of mountains like Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Kongde Ri, Kangtega, etc. Later, return to Namche Bazaar to spend the night. Here, you will visit the Sherpa Culture Museum and Everest Photo Gallery.

  • Max Altitude: 3,790 m/12,434 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Accommodation: Lodge
  • Duration: 4-5 hours

The trail from Namche Bazaar continues to Thame village, following a less crowded route. You will walk via forests of pine, oak, and rhododendrons. Walk uphill along the Dudh Kosi River and pass by small settlements like Phurte, Thamo, and Samde before reaching Thame. You will enjoy the serenity and lovely views of mountains like Kongde Ri, Thamserku, Nangpa, Lumding Himal, Tengi-Rangi Tau, etc.

  • Max Altitude: 3,800 m/12,467 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Accommodation: Lodge
  • Duration: 4 hours
  • Distance: 6.8 km/4.2 miles

In Thame, spend another acclimatization day. Explore the Rongbuk monastery, which was built at the beginning of the 20th century. Likewise, explore the village and go on a short hike early in the morning to acclimatize.

  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Accommodation: Lodge
  • Duration: 4 hours

From Thame village, the trail ascends to Thame Teng. You will then walk up to the beautiful Marulung village. It is one of the less explored Sherpa villages in the Khumbu region with no crowd. From here, follow a rugged, steep route to Lungdeng. You are close to the Tibetan border.

  • Max Altitude: 4,380 m/14,370 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Accommodation: Lodge
  • Duration: 5 hours
  • Distance: 8.2 km/5 miles

Leaving Lungdeng, you will begin ascending towards Renjo La pass. On the way, trek past frozen ponds and follow a steep uphill route that leads to the top of the pass. The views of Mt. Everest, Mt. Cho Oyu, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Makalu, Mt. Thamserku, and many others are breathtaking from the top of the pass. You will also see a wonderful view of the Gokyo Lake and the Ngozumpa Glacier.

  • Max Altitude: 5,340 m/17,519 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Accommodation: Lodge
  • Duration: 7-8 hours
  • Distance: 11 km/6.8 miles

Wake up early in the morning and hike to Gokyo Ri. This is a viewpoint that offers a sensational mountain panorama. You can also hike to the isolated fourth and fifth Gokyo Lakes. After the hike, you will descend to Dragnak. On the way, trek via the Ngozumpa glacier moraines.

  • Max Altitude: 5,357 m/17,575 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Accommodation: Lodge
  • Duration: 6-7 hours
  • Distance: 4 km/2.4 miles

On this day, you will cross the Cho La pass. It is the toughest pass among the three. Start climbing before the day breaks and reach the top of the pass before late morning.

You will cross the eastern side of the glacier and ascend to the pass that offers excellent views of Mt. Cholatse, Lobuche Peak, Mt. Ama Dablam, and Cholatse Glacier. The trail further descends from the pass to a small lake and continues to Dzongla.

  • Max Altitude: 5,420 m/17,782 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Accommodation: Lodge
  • Duration: 7-8 hours
  • Distance: 9 km/5.5 miles

Leaving Dzongla, you will descend to Lobuche village. From here, the trail goes along the Khumbu Glacier moraine to Gorak Shep. It is the last settlement area before Everest Base Camp. The trail will be rocky and steep. The mountain views are fantastic, as usual.

  • Max Altitude: 5,364 m/17,598 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Accommodation: Lodge
  • Duration: 6-7 hours
  • Distance: 10.8 km/6.7 miles

As you trek from Gorak Shep to Everest Base Camp, you can only see barren hills, rocks, glaciers, frozen streams, and tall mountains around you. The landscape is truly mesmerizing throughout the way. Explore the EBC and have a close view of the infamous Khumbu Icefall. Later, you will trek back to Gorak Shep to spend the night.

  • Max Altitude: 5,364 m/17,598 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Accommodation: Lodge
  • Duration: 5 hours
  • Distance: 3.5 km/2.1 miles

Begin the morning with a quick hike to the Kala Patthar viewpoint. You will get to witness mountains all around you from this place. The view of Mt. Everest is especially outstanding from here. After the hike, return to Gorak Shep and retrace the route to Louche village.

  • Max Altitude: 5,545 m/18,192 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Accommodation: Lodge
  • Duration: 5 hours
  • Distance: 7 km/4.3 miles

On this day, you will cross the last pass, Kongma La. You will again wake up before the sunrises and start climbing to the top of the pass. The route will be steep and challenging. The panorama from the top of the pass will blow your mind.

Further, you will follow a downhill route and gradually descend to Chhukung village for the night stay. The highlight of this day is the views of Mt. Ama Dablam, Mt. Nuptse, Mt. Pumori, Island Peak, Mt. Cholatse, etc.

  • Max Altitude: 5,535 m/18,159 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Accommodation: Lodge
  • Duration: 8 hours
  • Distance: 10.6 km/6.5 miles

In the morning, you can hike to Chhukung Ri if you want. The hike will be fantastic, along with the views. From Chhukung, the trail descends to Dingboche village. You will follow an isolated, steep route. Dingboche is known as the summer valley of the Khumbu region, where you can see terraced fields.

  • Max Altitude: 4,410 m/14,470 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Accommodation: Lodge
  • Duration: 6-7 hours
  • Distance: 4.5 km/2.7 miles

Leaving Dingboche, the trail descends via Shomare village and takes you to Pangboche. Visit the ancient Pangboche monastery and descend to the Imja Khola. Cross the rivers via a suspension bridge & follow a lush forested route to Deboche. Then, gradually ascend from Deboche to Tengboche village. You will get to see wonderful views of Mt. Ama Dablam, Mt. Everest, Mt. Thamserku, and Mt. Kangtega today.

  • Max Altitude: 3,860 m/12,660 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Accommodation: Lodge
  • Duration: 5 hours
  • Distance: 12 km/7.45 miles

From Tengboche village, you will descend to Phungi Thanga. Crossing a river, follow an uphill route that leads to Namche Bazaar. From Namche, descend to Monjo via dense forests.

  • Max Altitude: 2,835 m/9,301 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Accommodation: Lodge
  • Duration: 5 hours
  • Distance: 10 km/6.2 miles

As you will trek from Mojo to Lukla, recross the long Hillary Suspension bridge and trek to Phakding. From here, walk uphill along the Dudh Koshi River, passing by rhododendron forests and small villages to Lukla.

  • Max Altitude: 2,846 m/9,337 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Accommodation: Lodge
  • Duration: 5 hours
  • Distance: 9.5 km/5.9 miles

You will take a morning flight back to Kathmandu. Upon landing at the airport, the guide will drop you at the hotel. The rest of the day is free in the city.

  • Max Altitude: 1,400 m/4,600 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast only
  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Duration: 35 minutes flight

You will get a free day in Kathmandu. Spend the day exploring tourist sites and shopping. You can also purchase a guided sightseeing tour from us. Enjoy your last day in the city and have a good time.

  • Meals: Breakfast only
  • Accommodation: Hotel

Our team will drop you at the international airport as you will be flying back to your home or next destination today.

  • Meals: Breakfast only
Unable to locate what you're seeking?

Reach out to our travel experts.

Customize Trip
Add-ons and Options
  • Helicopter flight from Kathmandu to Lukla: If you want to skip the commercial Lukla flight, add a comfortable helicopter flight from Kathmandu to Lukla.
  • Helicopter flight from Lukla to Kathmandu: If you want to skip the commercial Lukla flight, add a comfortable helicopter flight from Lukla to Kathmandu. Give a grand ending to your venture in the Himalayas.
  • Update to luxury lodge: Upgrade the accommodation to a luxury lodge to get heated rooms with private washrooms, charging, WiFi, and hot showers.
  • Single room while trekking: If you want a single room during trekking, add this upgrade to your package.
  • Guided sightseeing tour in Kathmandu: Explore the historical sites in Kathmandu with an experienced tour guide and get to learn deeply about Nepali history and culture.

Availability

Select month and year
Departure Date
Price
Status

We will strictly follow the proposed itinerary. However, there could be changes if the weather gets poor or unforeseen circumstances arise. Be flexible and open to changes. If our Everest three high passes trek itinerary does not match your requirements, feel free to contact us to customize the itinerary. You can design the itinerary as per your wish and budget.

Essential Info

Everest three high passes trek difficulty

Everest three high passes trek is strenuous. It is a very challenging trek in the Himalayas. Trekkers need strong physical and mental fitness to join this trek along with previous trekking experience. The terrain varies and takes you across different climatic zones. You will walk through dense forests, rugged cliff sides, rocky tracks, glacier moraines, and steep uphill and downhill slopes.

  • Trek distance: You will cover around 130 kilometers (81 miles) during the Everest three high passes trek 22 days.
  • Daily walking hours: The daily walking hours go from 5 to 7 on average. On the day you will cross the passes, it may involve up to 8 hours of walking.
  • Tourist infrastructure: The tourist infrastructure along the Everest three high passes trek route is decent. Villages like Lukla, Phakding, Namche Bazaar, Thame, Tengboche, and Dingboche have better services than others. You will get cozy accommodation and clean food and drink, but everything will be basic.

Altitude Sickness

Altitude sickness happens to the trekkers if they are not acclimatized. To avoid altitude sickness, trekkers need rest days and follow hiking high and sleeping low rules. Our Everest three high passes trek itinerary has two acclimatization days and many side hikes that allow trekkers to avoid altitude sickness.

  • Symptoms: Bad headache, insomnia, vomiting, nausea, difficulty in breathing, dizziness, loss of appetite, etc.
  • Preventive measures: Drink plenty of water daily, avoid alcoholic drinks, smoke & high consumption of caffeine, maintain your pace, get lots of rest, eat good food, and listen to your body.

Travel insurance for Everest three passes trek

Travel insurance is mandatory for the Everest three high passes trek. Foreigners are not allowed to take part in this trek without travel insurance that covers emergency helicopter evacuation and medical bills.

There are risks with trekking in the Himalayas, such as unstable weather, natural disasters, injury, altitude sickness, etc. So, travel insurance is needed in case we have to immediately rescue the trekker.

Everest three high passes trek permits

For the Everest three high passes trek- the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance permit and the Sagarmatha National Park Entry permits are required. These permits cost Nrs. 2000 and Nrs. 3000 respectively per person. Our 3 passes trek package cost includes both permit fees.

The best time to do 3 passes trek in Nepal

Spring and autumn seasons are the best time to do the Everest three high passes trekking. Other seasons are off time, however trekking is possible with extra planning and precautions.

  • Spring (March to May): March to May has the best weather conditions, and the trekking routes in the lower elevation are covered with rhododendrons. You will see clear mountain views and enjoy a mild climate.
  • Summer/monsoon (June to August): Between June to August, a very hot climate and high rainfall make trekking very demanding. The trail conditions are not good, and the views are also not clear every day. You have to face high exposure to the sun as you trek higher.
  • Autumn (September to November): From late September to November, the weather begins to stabilize & trekking routes are open. You will enjoy the 3 pass trek very much because of the moderate climate, stable weather, long daylight hours, and stunning mountain views. These months also have the biggest Nepali festivals, so the environment is very joyful.
  • Winter (December to February): December to February makes trekking difficult because of extreme cold and snowfall. Passes get closed if the weather is too bad. There is also a risk of snowstorms and avalanches in nearby mountains. A winter trek is possible with us. For more information, talk to our team.

Accommodation & food during the trek

In Kathmandu, you will get tourist-standard hotels with breakfast. During trekking, you will get basic lodge accommodation with three meals a day. All the meals will be provided as per the menu of the lodge. Food like dal bhat, chapati, momo, noodles, pizza, pasta, burger, thukpa, thenduk, stew, soups, porridge, pancakes, oatmeal, etc is widely available.

  • Rooms: Rooms are twin shared in lodges. There are rooms with three beds and two beds rooms available. Single rooms cost extra money. Carry a sleeping bag for more comfort.
  • Washroom: Both western-style and squat-style toilets are available. At higher elevations, squat-style is mostly found. Washrooms are mainly shared in the lodges.
  • Services in the lodge: Charging, WiFi, and hot shower services are available in the lodge for extra money. You have to carry additional money for these expenses (not covered by our package cost). Get an adapter, spare batteries, solar power bank, etc.
  • Drinking water: Boiled water is available to drink. You can get bottled water at a minimal cost and use a water purification tablet for extra safety.
  • Snacks: Pack your favorite snacks, bars, nuts, etc for the journey. You can also buy additional food and beverages on your own.
Book This Trip
Our Key Contacts