The Everest Three Passes Trek is an 18-day high-altitude adventure through the spectacular Khumbu region of Nepal, crossing Kongma La, Cho La and Renjo La. The trek combines dramatic Himalayan landscapes, traditional Sherpa villages, ancient monasteries, glaciers, high mountain passes and some of the most iconic views in the Everest region.
The journey begins with a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Lukla before following the trail through Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche and Chhukung. From Chhukung, the route crosses Kongma La and continues toward Lobuche and Everest Base Camp. Trekkers then ascend Kala Patthar for panoramic views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse and surrounding peaks before heading toward Dzongla and crossing Cho La.
The trail continues through Thangnak to the beautiful Gokyo Valley, home to turquoise Gokyo Lakes and the famous Gokyo Ri viewpoint. The final high pass, Renjo La, leads toward the remote villages of Lungden and Thame before returning to Namche Bazaar and Lukla.
With three spectacular high passes, Everest Base Camp, Kala Patthar, Gokyo Lakes and authentic Sherpa culture, this trek offers a comprehensive and challenging journey through the heart of the Everest region.
The Everest Three Passes Trek is a very challenging high-altitude journey involving Kongma La, Cho La and Renjo La. Proper acclimatization, physical preparation, suitable trekking gear and travel insurance covering high-altitude trekking are essential. Weather and trail conditions may affect pass crossings and the itinerary may be adjusted when necessary.
The Everest Three Passes Trek is an 18-day circuit covering the major highlights of the Everest region, including Kongma La, Cho La and Renjo La, Everest Base Camp, Kala Patthar, Gokyo Lakes and Gokyo Ri. The route combines challenging high-altitude passes with spectacular mountain scenery and traditional Sherpa settlements.
This demanding trek is designed for experienced trekkers seeking a more comprehensive adventure beyond the classic Everest Base Camp route.
Take an early morning scenic flight from Kathmandu to Lukla and begin the trek through the Dudh Koshi Valley. The trail passes through traditional Sherpa settlements, pine forests, prayer flags, mani walls and suspension bridges before reaching Phakding, a peaceful village along the river.
Altitude: Kathmandu – 1,350 m | Lukla – 2,840 m | Phakding – 2,610 m
Walking Time: Approximately 3–4 hours
Distance: Approximately 8 km
Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Continue north along the Dudh Koshi River, crossing suspension bridges and passing through pine and rhododendron forests. Enter Sagarmatha National Park at Monjo and continue toward Jorsale before crossing the Hillary Suspension Bridge and climbing steadily to Namche Bazaar, the main trading and cultural center of the Khumbu region.
Altitude: Phakding – 2,610 m | Namche Bazaar – 3,440 m
Walking Time: Approximately 5–6 hours
Distance: Approximately 11–12 km
Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Spend the day acclimatizing in Namche Bazaar before entering the higher elevations. Take a short hike toward the Everest View Hotel and nearby viewpoints for panoramic views of Mount Everest, Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Nuptse and Thamserku, weather permitting. Return to Namche and explore the Sherpa town and surrounding area.
Altitude: Namche Bazaar – 3,440 m | Everest View Hotel – 3,880 m
Walking Time: Approximately 3–4 hours
Distance: Approximately 5–6 km
Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Leave the main Everest trail and follow the quieter route toward the historic Sherpa village of Thame. The trail passes through traditional settlements and forested landscapes while gradually moving into the remote Bhote Koshi Valley. Thame is known for its strong Sherpa heritage and mountaineering history.
Altitude: Namche Bazaar – 3,440 m | Thame – 3,800 m
Walking Time: Approximately 4–5 hours
Distance: Approximately 9 km
Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Continue north through the remote Bhote Koshi Valley toward Lungden. The landscape becomes increasingly rugged and alpine as you gain elevation, with traditional stone houses, yak pastures and mountain views along the trail. Lungden is the final major settlement before the approach to Renjo La Pass.
Altitude: Thame – 3,800 m | Lungden – 4,380 m
Walking Time: Approximately 4–5 hours
Distance: Approximately 9 km
Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Start early for the first major pass of the trek. The trail climbs steadily through rocky high-altitude terrain toward Renjo La Pass at approximately 5,360 m. From the pass, weather permitting, enjoy spectacular views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu and surrounding peaks before descending toward the turquoise Gokyo Lakes and the village of Gokyo.
Altitude: Lungden – 4,380 m | Renjo La Pass – 5,360 m | Gokyo – 4,790 m
Walking Time: Approximately 7–9 hours
Distance: Approximately 11–12 km
Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Spend the day exploring the spectacular Gokyo Valley and acclimatizing before the next high pass. Early morning, hike to Gokyo Ri at approximately 5,357 m for panoramic views of Mount Everest, Cho Oyu, Lhotse, Makalu, Cholatse and the Ngozumba Glacier, weather permitting. Return to Gokyo and explore the surrounding glacial lakes.
Altitude: Gokyo – 4,790 m | Gokyo Ri – 5,357 m
Walking Time: Approximately 4–5 hours
Distance: Approximately 5–6 km
Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Leave Gokyo and follow the rugged trail across the Ngozumba Glacier toward Thangnak, also known as Dragnag. The route passes through a dramatic high-altitude landscape with glacial moraine and rocky terrain. This relatively short day provides time to rest and prepare for the challenging Cho La crossing.
Altitude: Gokyo – 4,790 m | Thangnak – 4,700 m
Walking Time: Approximately 3–4 hours
Distance: Approximately 4–5 km
Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Start early for the demanding ascent toward Cho La Pass. The trail climbs through rocky terrain and reaches the high pass at approximately 5,420 m, where glacial conditions may be encountered depending on the season. After crossing the pass, descend carefully through the mountain landscape toward Dzongla, enjoying spectacular views of Cholatse, Ama Dablam and surrounding peaks.
Altitude: Thangnak – 4,700 m | Cho La Pass – 5,420 m | Dzongla – 4,830 m
Walking Time: Approximately 7–8 hours
Distance: Approximately 10–11 km
Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Continue from Dzongla along a scenic high-altitude trail toward Lobuche. The route follows rocky moraine terrain with dramatic views of the surrounding peaks and Khumbu Glacier. As you approach Lobuche, the landscape becomes increasingly barren and alpine, marking your entry into the Everest Base Camp section of the trek.
Altitude: Dzongla – 4,830 m | Lobuche – 4,940 m
Walking Time: Approximately 3–4 hours
Distance: Approximately 8 km
Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Trek toward Gorak Shep along the Khumbu Glacier and continue across the rocky moraine toward Everest Base Camp. The trail offers impressive views of the Khumbu Glacier, surrounding peaks and high-altitude landscapes. After exploring Everest Base Camp, return to Gorak Shep for the night.
Altitude: Lobuche – 4,940 m | Gorak Shep – 5,164 m | Everest Base Camp – 5,364 m
Walking Time: Approximately 7–8 hours
Distance: Approximately 12–13 km
Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Start early for the climb to Kala Patthar, the famous Everest viewpoint at approximately 5,545 m. From the summit, weather permitting, enjoy panoramic views of Mount Everest, Nuptse, Pumori and surrounding Himalayan peaks. Descend to Gorak Shep for breakfast and continue toward Dzongla along the high-altitude trail.
Altitude: Kala Patthar – 5,545 m | Gorak Shep – 5,164 m | Dzongla – 4,830 m
Walking Time: Approximately 7–8 hours
Distance: Approximately 10–11 km
Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Begin the challenging final pass section toward Kongma La, the highest of the three passes at approximately 5,535 m. The route climbs through rugged moraine and rocky terrain before reaching the pass, where spectacular views of the Khumbu peaks can be enjoyed in clear weather. Descend through the remote Imja Valley toward Chhukung for the night.
Altitude: Dzongla – 4,830 m | Kongma La Pass – 5,535 m | Chhukung – 4,730 m
Walking Time: Approximately 8–10 hours
Distance: Approximately 12–14 km
Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After crossing the three major high passes, descend gradually from Chhukung through the Imja Valley toward Dingboche. Enjoy views of Ama Dablam, Lhotse and surrounding mountains while walking through the high-altitude valley. Dingboche provides a comfortable stop to rest after the demanding pass crossings.
Altitude: Chhukung – 4,730 m | Dingboche – 4,410 m
Walking Time: Approximately 3–4 hours
Distance: Approximately 6 km
Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Descend through the Imja Valley and continue toward Tengboche. The trail passes through Pangboche and beautiful rhododendron and pine forests before reaching Tengboche, home to the famous Tengboche Monastery. Enjoy the peaceful mountain setting and spectacular views of Ama Dablam and surrounding peaks.
Altitude: Dingboche – 4,410 m | Tengboche – 3,860 m
Walking Time: Approximately 5–6 hours
Distance: Approximately 10–11 km
Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Continue descending through beautiful forests toward the Dudh Koshi River and pass through Phunki Tenga before climbing gradually back to Namche Bazaar. Enjoy the changing landscape as the trail returns to the greener lower Khumbu region and spend the evening relaxing in Namche.
Altitude: Tengboche – 3,860 m | Namche Bazaar – 3,440 m
Walking Time: Approximately 5–6 hours
Distance: Approximately 10 km
Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Begin the final trekking day and descend through the Dudh Koshi Valley, passing through Monjo, Phakding and other Sherpa settlements. Cross several suspension bridges and follow the familiar trail toward Lukla, where the trekking portion of the Three Passes adventure comes to an end.
Altitude: Namche Bazaar – 3,440 m | Lukla – 2,840 m
Walking Time: Approximately 6–7 hours
Distance: Approximately 18 km
Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Take a scenic flight from Lukla to Kathmandu, subject to weather and operational conditions. Enjoy aerial views of the Himalayan landscape before arriving in Kathmandu and completing the Everest Three Passes Trek.
Altitude: Lukla – 2,840 m | Kathmandu – 1,350 m
Flight Time: Approximately 30–40 minutes
Accommodation: Not Included
Meals: Breakfast
Flight schedules between Kathmandu and Lukla are subject to weather and operational conditions. The itinerary may be adjusted according to flight availability, trail conditions, weather, snow conditions, and the accessibility of Kongma La, Cho La, and Renjo La. Trekking times and distances are approximate and may vary depending on individual pace and local conditions. A contingency day may be required for weather-related flight delays.
At Mings Adventure Nepal, with over 10 years of trekking experience, we recommend the following equipment to ensure your trek in Nepal is safe, comfortable, and enjoyable. This checklist is a general guideline and may vary depending on the trek, season, and altitude.
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