Everest Three High Passes Trek
The Everest Three High Passes Trek is the most thrilling and complete trekking adventure in the Khumbu region of Nepal. This challenging route offers a full-circle journey that includes Everest Base Camp (5,364m), Gokyo Lakes, Kala Patthar (5,545m), and three of the region’s most dramatic mountain passes: Kongma La (5,535m), Cho La (5,420m), and Renjo La (5,360m).
This trek is a dream for adventurous trekkers who want to experience raw nature, remote Himalayan valleys, cultural richness, and unforgettable views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Cho Oyu, and Makalu. From the bustling Sherpa capital of Namche Bazaar to the peaceful lakes of Gokyo and the spiritual village of Thame, every day offers new landscapes and cultural discoveries.
Whether it's standing at Everest Base Camp, watching sunrise from Kala Patthar, crossing snow-covered mountain passes, or exploring sacred monasteries, this trek is a life-changing Himalayan journey for those with strong determination and a passion for the outdoors.
Why Book the Everest Three Passes Trek with Namaste Roving?
- Expertly crafted itinerary with 3 acclimatization days for safety
- Highly experienced and licensed trekking guides
- Trained porters with proper equipment
- Personalized service in small group settings
- Best lodge/teahouse accommodation available en route
- Emergency backup, oxygen, and first-aid kit included
- Real-time support and pre-trip consultation
- Expertly crafted itinerary with proper acclimatization
- Highly experienced & licensed guides
- Trained porters with insurance
- Best lodge/teahouse accommodations along route
- Emergency backup & oxygen support
- Pre-trip consultation & real-time support
Highlights
- Cross three dramatic high passes: Kongma La (5,535m), Cho La (5,420m), Renjo La (5,360m)
- Visit Everest Base Camp (5,364m) and climb to Kala Patthar (5,545m) for Everest's best view
- Discover the turquoise Gokyo Lakes and ascend Gokyo Ri (5,360m)
- Trek through traditional Sherpa villages: Namche, Tengboche, Dingboche, Thame
- Enjoy spectacular views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Cho Oyu, Ama Dablam, and Makalu
- Explore ancient monasteries, including the famous Tengboche Monastery
- Hike across glaciers, alpine valleys, and remote mountain trails
- Carefully designed itinerary with proper acclimatization for safe altitude gain
Strengths of Everest Three High Passes Trek
Epic Himalayan Scenery
- Trekking over three major high passes: Kongma La (5,535 m), Cho La (5,420 m), and Renjo La (5,360 m).
- Panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, Ama Dablam, and surrounding peaks.
Challenging & Rewarding
- Combines multiple high passes, providing a physically and mentally rewarding adventure.
- Suitable for trekkers with prior high-altitude trekking experience.
Diverse Landscapes
- From lush forests and Sherpa villages to high alpine deserts and glacial moraines.
- Variety of terrains: suspension bridges, rhododendron trails, glacial valleys, and moraine paths.
Cultural Experience
- Visit Namche Bazaar, Tengboche Monastery, Pangboche, and other Sherpa villages.
- Witness traditional Buddhist monasteries, mani walls, and local festivals if timed right.
Everest Base Camp Inclusion
- Trek passes Everest Base Camp (5,364 m), giving an up-close experience of the world’s highest peak.
- Opportunity for sunrise and sunset views over Everest from Kala Patthar.
Less Crowded than Classic EBC Trek
- Though part of the Everest region, the Three Passes route is less crowded, especially around high passes and Renjo La.
Adventure & Solitude
- Remote trails through high alpine areas offer tranquil trekking and authentic Himalayan experience.
- Excellent for photography, trekking challenges, and personal achievement.
Basic Information
- Destination
- Duration
- Start / End Location
- Accommodation Type
- Difficulty Level
- Max Altitude
- Age Limit
- Transportation Mode
- Everest Base Camp
- 22 Days
- Kathmandu (Flight to Lukla) / Kathmandu (Flight from Lukla)
- Teahouses/Lodges during trek, Hotels in KTM
- Strenuous
- 5,545m (Kala Patthar)
- 12+
- Flight / Domestic Airline
Best Season
Best Seasons for Everest Base Camp Trek
1. Autumn (Late September to November)
- Why: Clear skies, stable weather, and excellent visibility of Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and surrounding peaks.
- Advantages:
- Moderate temperatures during the day.
- Crisp mountain views ideal for photography.
- Popular trekking season with well-maintained lodges along the route.
2. Spring (March to May)
- Why: Blooming rhododendrons, moderate temperatures, and good mountain visibility.
- Advantages:
- Colorful alpine forests along the lower and mid-hills.
- Wildlife spotting opportunities (Himalayan tahr, snow leopard sightings are rare but possible).
- Slightly fewer trekkers than autumn, more peaceful trekking experience.
3. Seasons to Avoid
- Winter (December to February): Extremely cold, heavy snow at high passes, risk of frostbite, and some lodges may be closed.
- Monsoon (June to August): Heavy rainfall, slippery trails, and frequent cloud cover obstructing mountain views.
Inclusions
- Airport pickups and drop-offs
- Domestic flights: Kathmandu – Lukla – Kathmandu
- 3 meals/day (breakfast, lunch, dinner) during trek
- Lodge/teahouse accommodation during trek
- Licensed English-speaking guide and porter (1 porter per 2 trekkers)
- Salaries, insurance, meals, equipment for staff
- Trekking permits:
- Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit
- Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit
- First-aid kit and oximeter
- Trek completion certificate
- Duffel bag (to be returned after trek)
Tour Plan
Arrival in Kathmandu (1,350m)
- Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport.
- Welcome by staff and transfer to hotel.
- Program briefing upon arrival.
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Meals: Not included
Rest & Trek Preparation Day in Kathmandu
- Rest
- Trek briefing, document collection, and final payments.
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Meals: Not included
Fly to Lukla (2,840m), Trek to Phakding (2,610m)
- Scenic flight to Lukla (approx. 30 min).
- Short trek to Phakding (3 hrs, 8 km).
- Views of Kusum Kanguru and green valleys.
- Accommodation: Lodge or teahouse
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440m)
- Cross several suspension bridges.
- Forests of pine and cedar.
- Explore Namche, the trading hub of Khumbu.
- Duration: 6–7 hrs, Distance: 10–12 km
- Accommodation: Lodge or teahouse
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Acclimatization – Hike to Everest View Hotel (3,880m)
- Panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam.
- Visit Sherpa Culture Museum & Photo Gallery.
- Duration: 3–4 hrs
- Accommodation: Lodge or teahouse
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Trek to Tengboche (3,860m)
- Trail through rhododendron forests.
- Visit Tengboche Monastery, spiritual heart of Khumbu.
- Excellent views of Everest and Ama Dablam.
- Duration: 5 hrs, Distance: 10–11 km
- Accommodation: Lodge or teahouse
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Trek to Dingboche (4,410m)
- Cross Imja Khola and Pangboche village.
- Trail through open pasture lands.
- Duration: 5 hrs, Distance: 11–12 km
- Accommodation: Lodge or teahouse
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Trek to Chhukung (4,730m)
- Short hike up the Imja Valley.
- Duration: 2 hrs, Distance: 3–4 km
- Accommodation: Lodge or teahouse
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hike to Chhukung Ri (5,546m) and return
- Stunning views of Island Peak, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam.
- Duration: 5–6 hrs, Distance: 7–8 km round trip
- Accommodation: Lodge or teahouse
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Cross Kongma La Pass (5,535m), Trek to Lobuche (4,910m)
- First high pass crossing.
- Frozen lakes, moraine valleys, and Khumbu Glacier views.
- Duration: 7–8 hrs, Distance: 9–10 km
- Accommodation: Lodge or teahouse
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Trek to Everest Base Camp (5,364m), Return to Gorak Shep (5,170m)
- Explore Khumbu Icefall and glacier.
- Reach iconic Everest Base Camp.
- Duration: 8 hrs, Distance: 14–15 km
- Accommodation: Lodge or teahouse
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Climb Kala Patthar (5,545m), Trek to Dzongla (4,830m)
- Early morning climb to Kalapattar for sunrise over Everest.
- Duration: 7 hrs, Distance: 13–14 km
- Accommodation: Lodge or teahouse
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Cross Cho La Pass (5,420m), Trek to Dragnak (4,700m)
- Challenging high pass crossing with icy sections.
- Duration: 7 hrs, Distance: 10–11 km
- Accommodation: Lodge or teahouse
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Trek to Gokyo Lakes (4,790m)
- Cross Ngozumpa Glacier.
- Explore Gokyo’s turquoise lakes.
- Duration: 2–3 hrs, Distance: 3–4 km
- Accommodation: Lodge or teahouse
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Climb Gokyo Ri (5,360m)
- 360° view of Everest, Cho-Oyu, Makalu, and Gokyo Lakes.
- Duration: 3–4 hrs, Distance: 3–4 km round trip
- Accommodation: Lodge or teahouse
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Cross Renjo La Pass (5,360m), Trek to Lunden (4,380m)
- Final high pass of the trek.
- Chance to see Tibetan yak caravans on trade route.
- Duration: 7 hrs, Distance: 12–13 km
- Accommodation: Lodge or teahouse
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Trek to Thame (3,800m)
- Visit Thame Monastery, home to Mani Rimdu Festival.
- Duration: 4–5 hrs, Distance: 13 km
- Accommodation: Lodge or teahouse
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Trek to Namche Bazaar
- Return through pine forests and yak pastures.
- Duration: 4–5 hrs, Distance: 8–9 km
- Accommodation: Lodge
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Trek to Lukla
- Final day of trekking along the Dudh Koshi River.
- Duration: 7 hrs, Distance: 17–18 km
- Accommodation: Lodge
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Fly back to Kathmandu
- 30-min scenic flight to Kathmandu.
- Transfer to hotel.
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Meals: Breakfast included
Leisure Day in Kathmandu
- Optional sightseeing.
- Rest and relax.
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Meals: Breakfast included
Final Departure
- Airport transfer 3 hours before your flight.
- Meals: Breakfast included
