19 Days
We Offer Group Discount
Dec 1 - Dec 1, 2023
Oct 12 - Oct 18, 2025
Oct 12 - Oct 18, 2025
Oct 12 - Dec 18, 2025
Oct 12 - Oct 18, 2025
Everest Region
Hotel and Teahouse
Forest and Mountain Trail
Spring and Autumn
Challenging
19 Days
6-7 hours
138 km (86 miles)
The Everest Three Passes Trek is Nepal’s ultimate high-altitude adventure, combining the Everest Base Camp trek with the scenic Gokyo Valley and three major passes: Renjo La (5,360m), Cho La (5,420m), and Kongma La (5,535m). This 19-day trek explores Sagarmatha National Park, crossing glaciers, valleys, and Sherpa villages while offering views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, and the sacred Gokyo Lakes. Required permits include a Sagarmatha National Park entry pass and TIMS card, while travel insurance covering high-altitude rescue is essential.
Day | Route | Altitude | Distance | Duration | Elevation Change |
1 | Arrival Kathmandu | 1,324m | - | - | - |
2 | Kathmandu to Pokhara | 820m | - | Bus/Flight | -504m |
3 | Flight to Lukla & trek to Phakding | 2,610m | 6.2km | 35min + 3hrs | +1,286m |
4 | Phakding to Namche Bazaar | 3,440m | 7.4km | 6hrs | +830m |
5 | Namche to Marlung | 4,249m | 14km | 7-8hrs | +809m |
6 | Marlung to Gokyo via Renjo La | 4,800m | 10km | 6-7hrs | +551m |
7 | Acclimatization Gokyo | 4,800m | - | Rest day | - |
8 | Gokyo to Dzongla via Cho La | 4,830m | 20km | 8-9hrs | +30m |
9 | Dzongla to Lobuche | 4,910m | 8.3km | 4-5hrs | +80m |
10 | Lobuche to EBC via Gorak Shep | 5,164m | 15km | 7hrs | +254m |
11 | Kala Patthar to Lobuche | 4,910m | 5km | 2-3hrs | -254m |
12 | Lobuche to Chhukung via Kongma La | 4,730m | 10.5km | 7-8hrs | -180m |
13 | Chhukung to Dingboche | 4,410m | 4.5km | 3hrs | -320m |
14 | Rest day 14 Dingboche | 4,410m | - | Rest day | - |
15 | Dingboche to Tengboche | 3,860m | 10.5km | 5-6hrs | -550m |
16 | Tengboche to Namche | 3,440m | 6km | 5-6hrs | -420m |
17 | Namche to Lukla | 2,860m | 13.5km | 6hrs | -580m |
18 | Lukla flights to Kathmandu | 1,324m | - | 35min | -1,536m |
19 | Departure Kathmandu | - | - | - | - |
Known for its difficulty, the Three Passes Trek demands strong fitness and prior trekking experience. Costs cover permits, guides, tea house stays, and porter support, making it a complete package. The Everest Three Passes itinerary starts with a Lukla flight, acclimatizes at Namche and Gokyo, crosses all three passes, visits Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar, and descends via Tengboche. Best done in spring and autumn, it remains the most challenging and rewarding trek in the Everest region.
Scenic Flight from Kathmandu to Lukla
The breathtaking view of Mount Everest, Cho Oyu, Makalu, Kala Patthar, and Chhukung
Explore Gokyo Lake, famous for its religious significance to the Hindus and Buddhists
Explore various Monasteries, and villages with enriching culture and history
Carvings on the Mani walls, spinning wheels, and prayer flags display a rich buddhist culture
Amazing Landscape through the trail
Wild range of Flora and Fauna
Wildlife like musk deer, colorful pheasants, snow leopard, and Himalayan Thar
The Everest Three Passes Trek stands as the ultimate adventure for experienced trekkers seeking the most comprehensive exploration of the legendary Khumbu region. This challenging Everest three high passes trek combines the classic Everest Base Camp route with the spectacular Gokyo Valley, creating an extraordinary 19-day journey through three formidable mountain passes: Renjo La (5,360m), Cho La (5,420m), and Kongma La (5,535m). The three passes trek Nepal offers the most complete Everest region experience, encompassing iconic destinations including Everest Base Camp, Kala Patthar (5,644m), and the pristine Gokyo Lakes, while traversing traditional Sherpa villages and ancient monasteries that showcase the rich Buddhist heritage of this remarkable region.
This Everest three passes trek itinerary demands excellent physical fitness and previous high-altitude trekking experience, as it reaches extreme elevations and covers challenging terrain across glaciers, rocky passes, and exposed mountain slopes. The trek requires careful acclimatization with strategic rest days to prevent altitude sickness, comprehensive travel insurance, and proper preparation for weather conditions that can change rapidly at higher altitudes. Trekkers stay in traditional tea houses throughout the journey, enjoying authentic mountain hospitality while supporting local Sherpa communities. The EBC three passes trek provides unparalleled mountain views of the world's highest peaks, including Mount Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu, making it the pinnacle achievement for serious mountain adventurers.
The three pass trek Nepal operates best during peak seasons of spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November), when weather conditions offer optimal visibility and safer passage through the high passes. This comprehensive adventure begins with the scenic but weather-dependent flight to Lukla, setting the stage for an unforgettable journey through the heart of the Himalayas. The trek demands respect for the mountain environment and thorough preparation, but rewards adventurers with some of the most spectacular trekking experiences available anywhere in the world.
This forest and mountain trail has a challenging difficulty rating. Proper preparation and fitness are essential.
Best season for this adventure is Spring and Autumn. Weather conditions can change rapidly in the mountains.
We'll conduct a pre-trip briefing to discuss the Three Passes Trek route, safety guidelines, equipment requirements, and what to expect during your 19 Days adventure.
Farewell dinner at the end of the trek
Note: ( Quick update on Lukla flight schedules! Your journey might be impacted by certain flight details of Lukla. When it's crowded (think March, April, May, October, November), the plane to Lukla takes off from Ramechhap/Manthali Airport. That's a 5 to 6-hour drive from Kathmandu. Now, during the quieter months (like January, February, June, July, August, September, December), the flight originates from Kathmandu. Hope this helps! )
Therefore, if you intend on trekking in the land of Everest region, arranging additional one or two days in your trip is highly preferable.
The main concept of fastpacking is to carry lighter bag will help you travel further distance in lesser time. Fastpacking gears helps trekkers to run and walk cover multiple days. By fitting all necessary supplies into a lightweight backpack, you can travel faster and cover greater distances, enabling you to explore more without needing to return to a fixed base each night.
The Khumbu region represents the heartland of Sherpa culture, where traditional mountain communities maintain ancient customs while adapting to modern tourism pressures. Buddhist monasteries, prayer wheels, mani walls, and colorful prayer flags demonstrate the deep spiritual heritage that permeates every aspect of Sherpa life.
The trek in Nepal provides essential economic opportunities for Sherpa communities through guide services, porter employment, tea house operations, and cultural tourism. Responsible trekking practices support sustainable development while preserving traditional lifestyles and cultural authenticity.
Ancient monasteries including Tengboche serve as spiritual centers for Sherpa communities while welcoming respectful visitors seeking cultural understanding. These sacred sites provide context for understanding the Buddhist philosophy that guides Sherpa approaches to mountain life and environmental stewardship.
Meaningful interactions with local communities enhance the trekking experiences beyond physical accomplishment. Cultural exchanges provide insights into traditional mountain lifestyles, environmental adaptation, and the remarkable resilience of Sherpa people living in extreme Himalayan conditions.
The Everest three passes trek ranks among the world's most demanding trekking adventures, requiring exceptional physical fitness, previous high-altitude experience, and mental determination. The combination of extreme altitudes, technical terrain, glacier crossings, and extended duration creates challenges that demand serious preparation and respect for mountain conditions.
Successful completion requires months of cardiovascular training, strength building, and preferably previous experience above 4,000 meters. Pre-trek preparation should include regular hiking with weighted backpacks, stair climbing, running, and altitude training if available. The trek's extreme nature demands peak physical condition and mental resilience for overcoming inevitable challenges.
The trek reaches extreme elevations where altitude sickness poses serious risks to unprepared trekkers. A comprehensive understanding of altitude sickness symptoms, prevention strategies, and emergency procedures becomes essential for safe completion. The itinerary includes strategic acclimatization days, but individual responses to altitude vary significantly and require constant monitoring.
While not requiring mountaineering expertise, the three passes demand confidence in steep, exposed terrain, glacier travel, and navigation in potentially adverse weather conditions. Experience with trekking poles, crampons, and basic mountaineering techniques proves beneficial for safe passage through the most challenging sections.
The trek in Nepal utilizes traditional tea houses operated by local Sherpa families throughout the journey. These rustic mountain lodges provide basic but adequate accommodation with shared facilities, communal dining areas, and authentic mountain hospitality. The tea house system supports local communities while providing essential services for high-altitude adventures.
Tea houses typically offer simple rooms with basic beds requiring personal sleeping bags for warmth and hygiene. Shared bathroom facilities vary in quality with altitude, and hot shower availability becomes limited and expensive at higher elevations. Charging facilities for electronic devices exist but reliability decreases with altitude and weather conditions.
Above 4,000 meters, tea houses become more basic with limited heating and minimal amenities. The extreme environment demands realistic expectations while appreciating the incredible logistics required to maintain facilities at such remote and challenging locations. These authentic experiences provide deep appreciation for Sherpa culture and mountain lifestyle.
During peak seasons, tea houses may experience overcrowding, requiring flexible sleeping arrangements and early arrival times for securing accommodation. The trek's popularity demands planning and acceptance of basic mountain conditions throughout the journey.
All trekkers require Sagarmatha National Park entry permits supporting conservation efforts and community development in the Khumbu region. These permits help maintain trail infrastructure, protect unique ecosystems, and preserve the cultural heritage of the Everest region.
The Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) card provides safety tracking and emergency support for all registered trekkers. This permit includes insurance provisions and coordination with rescue services for emergencies.
Travel insurance covering high-altitude trekking and helicopter evacuation becomes mandatory for the Everest Three High Passes trek. Comprehensive coverage must include activities up to 6,000 meters and emergency evacuation from remote mountain locations.
The three passes trek in Nepal operates optimally during the peak seasons of spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November). These periods offer the most stable weather conditions, clearest mountain views, and safest passage through the high passes. Visibility and temperature conditions during peak seasons provide the best trekking experiences for this challenging adventure.
High-altitude weather conditions can change rapidly from clear skies to dangerous storms requiring constant monitoring and flexible decision-making. The three passes expose trekkers to extreme weather, including high winds, sudden snowstorms, and temperature extremes that demand proper preparation and quality equipment.
Winter conditions (December-February) create extreme challenges with heavy snow, dangerous avalanche conditions, and life-threatening cold temperatures, making the passes largely impassable. Monsoon season (June-August) brings rain, limited visibility, and increased avalanche risk, generally discouraging high-altitude trekking activities.
Lukla flights remain highly dependent on weather conditions, with frequent delays and cancellations during marginal conditions. Kathmandu to Lukla flights operate only during clear weather windows, requiring flexible scheduling and patience from all trekkers beginning and ending their adventures.
Experienced trek in the Everest guides possess extensive knowledge of local conditions, emergency procedures, altitude sickness recognition, and cultural sensitivity. Their expertise ensures safe navigation through challenging terrain while providing essential support for managing the physical and mental demands of extreme altitude trekking.
Comprehensive emergency protocols include helicopter evacuation insurance, satellite communication systems, and coordination with international rescue services. The remote mountain environment demands thorough preparation for medical emergencies, severe altitude sickness, or unexpected weather-related situations.
Mandatory travel insurance must cover high-altitude activities, helicopter evacuation, and medical treatment for altitude sickness and mountaineering-related injuries. Comprehensive coverage provides essential protection for the inherent risks associated with extreme altitude adventures in remote mountain environments.
Conservative pacing, experienced guides, weather monitoring, and emergency preparedness minimize but cannot eliminate the risks associated with extreme altitude trekking. Successful completion requires accepting inherent dangers while taking all reasonable precautions for safe passage through challenging mountain terrain.
Sagarmatha National Park protects critical habitats for endangered species including snow leopards, Himalayan tahr, musk deer, and numerous bird species. The diverse ecosystems from subtropical forests to arctic-alpine conditions showcase the incredible biodiversity requiring protection from increasing tourism pressures.
Balancing tourism development with environmental protection creates ongoing challenges for park management and local communities. Trekking experiences must incorporate environmental responsibility through Leave No Trace principles, proper waste management, and sustainable tourism practices.
The changing elevations and diverse ecosystems provide opportunities for wildlife observation, including colorful pheasants, Himalayan monals, and potentially elusive larger mammals. Photography and observation must respect wildlife habitats while appreciating the remarkable adaptations enabling survival in extreme mountain environments.
All trekkers bear responsibility for minimizing environmental impact through proper waste disposal, water conservation, and supporting eco-friendly accommodation choices. The pristine mountain environment requires collective stewardship from all visitors to ensure preservation for future generations.
The Everest three passes trek represents a significant investment reflecting the extreme logistics, specialized guide services, and comprehensive support required for safe completion. Package costs include professional guides, porter services, permits, accommodation, meals, and emergency support throughout the challenging journey.
Personal expenses include equipment purchases or rentals, travel insurance, tips for guides and porters, optional hot shower fees, and personal items during the trek. Emergency evacuation insurance and quality gear represent essential investments for safe participation in extreme altitude adventures.
The three passes trek distance and difficulty create once-in-a-lifetime experiences that justify the significant investment for serious mountain adventurers. The combination of physical challenge, cultural immersion, and spectacular mountain scenery provides incredible value for those seeking the ultimate Himalayan adventure.
Trek participation supports entire communities through direct employment and indirect economic benefits. Responsible tourism practices ensure that investment in extreme mountain adventures contributes to sustainable development and cultural preservation in the Khumbu region.
Quality sleeping bags rated for extreme temperatures, technical mountaineering boots, layered clothing systems, and specialized equipment for glacier travel represent essential investments. The extreme conditions demand reliable gear that performs in life-threatening situations requiring no compromise on quality or capability.
Crampons, ice axes, harnesses, and helmets may be required for glacier crossings and exposed terrain, depending on seasonal conditions. Rental options exist in Kathmandu and Namche Bazaar, though personal equipment ensures proper fit and familiarity with critical safety gear.
Personal medical kits must include altitude sickness medications, general first aid supplies, and prescription medications for the extended mountain duration. Comprehensive preparation includes consultation with altitude medicine specialists and understanding of high-altitude physiological challenges.
Satellite communication devices provide essential emergency contact capabilities in remote mountain areas where cell phone coverage becomes unreliable or nonexistent. These devices provide peace of mind and emergency coordination capabilities for serious mountain adventures.
The Everest Three High Passes trek offers comprehensive exploration compared to standard Everest Base Camp treks, including additional high passes, Gokyo Valley, and extended mountain exposure. The increased duration, difficulty, and altitude demands create significantly more challenging but rewarding experiences for serious mountain adventurers.
The three-pass trek in Nepal provides exclusive access to remote areas, spectacular viewpoints, and cultural experiences unavailable through standard trekking routes. The combination of technical challenges and comprehensive exploration creates the ultimate Everest region adventure for experienced trekkers.
The extended duration and extreme altitude exposure demand significantly higher preparation levels compared to standard treks. The Everest three passes trek requires peak physical condition, previous high-altitude experience, and mental resilience for overcoming inevitable challenges throughout the extended mountain journey.
Successful completion of the Everest three high passes represents elite accomplishment within the international trekking community. The combination of physical demands, technical challenges, and cultural immersion creates experiences that define serious mountain adventure participation.
