Everest Three High Passes Trek - 19 Days

based on 4 reviews
  • Duration 19 Days
  • Difficulty Level Very Strenuous
  • Destination Nepal
  • Trip Type Lodge based Trekking
  • Best Season Spring (March - May) & Autumn (Sept - Nov)
  • Group Size 16
  • Maximum Altitude 5,545 m

Everest Three High Passes Trek is the best Everest trekking package for those trekkers who are looking for the most challenging trek in Nepal. It is a 19-day trek in the Khumbu region, amidst towering Himalayan mountains and picturesque villages of Sherpas. You'll explore every nook and cranny of the Khumbu region on an Everest three-pass trek and relish breathtaking mountain views.

Everest three high passes trek is the most adventurous trek in the Everest region and encompasses seven points above 5,000 meters: Cho La, Renjo La, Kongma La, Chhukung Ri, Gokyo Ri, Everest Base Camp, and Kala Patthar.

The Everest Three High Pass Trek involves the crossing of Renjo La (5,360 m), Cho La (5,420 m), and Kongma La (5,540 m). While crossing these challenging passes, you trek through the beautiful Dudh Koshi Valley, Imja Khola Valley, and Gokyo Valley. The trail ascends and descends via lush rhododendron forests and remote villages alongside verdant hills. 

You hike to Everest base camp (5,364 m), the foot of the highest mountain in the world, Mt. Everest (8,849 m). The trail further takes you to Kala Patthar (5,644 m). The Kala Pathar is the highest point of Everest three high passes trek. Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche, Gokyo Village, Chhukung, Thagnak, Thame, etc. are the villages where you stop for overnight stays. All these villages are home to Shperas and other communities. 

The Everest Three High Pass Trek carries adventure and cultural experience hand in hand. As every new bend in the trail has a distinct thill, every new village will take you one step closer to the locals. The Everest Three High Pass Trek Route has many ancient monasteries. Some of the monasteries you get to visit during the trek are Khumjung Monastery (3,790 m), Tengboche Monastery (3,860 m), Pangboche Monastery (3,985 m), etc. Likewise, there are numerous stupas, chortens, prayer wheels, and mani walls on the way. 

Highlights of Everest High Passes Trek

  • Reach seven points in the Everest region above 5,000 meters.
  • Cross the three famous passes: Cho La, Renjo La, and Kongma La.
  • Trek through Sagarmatha National Park and dense forests of rhododendron and magnolia.
  • Spend nights in the beautiful Sherpa villages and learn about their culture.
  • Visit ancient monasteries like Tengboche, Pangboche, and Khumjung along the way.
  • Catch gorgeous sunrises from different viewpoints like the Everest View Hotel, Chhukung Ri, Gokyo Ri, and Kala Patthar.
  • Stand at the base of Mt. Everest, Everest base camp.
  • Explore the beautiful Gokyo village and Gokyo Lakes.
  • Witness breathtaking mountain panoramas and stunning glacier views.

How does the Everest three high passes trek route look?

The Everest Three High Passes trek route links EBC and Gokyo Lake with two other trails in the east and west of the Khumbu region. Our Everest Three High Pass Trek itinerary follows an anticlockwise direction, which is less demanding. From Lukla (2,860 m), the trail ascends to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m) via Phakding (2,610 m). Up to Dingboche village (4,340 m), you'll follow the general EBC trail. Instead of directly going to Lobuche village (4,940 m), you'll take another route to Chhukung village (4,730 m) and cross Kongma La pass before descending to Lobuche village. 

For the next couple of days, you'll hike to EBC and Kala Patthar. The trail then descends to Dzongla (4,830 m), and crossing Cho La Pass takes you to Thagnak (4,700 m). The next stop is Gokyo village (4,750 m) and the holy Gokyo Lakes (4,700 m to 5,000 m). Crossing the last pass, Renjo La, you'll descend to Lungden (4,500 m) and trek back to Namche Bazaar via Thame (3,750 m). The following day, the trail retraces the path back to Lukla airport. This is what your Everest three-high-pass trekking looks like in short. 

The Views you see and witness in The Everest Three Passes Trek

For mountain lovers, the three-high pass trek is a paradise. On this trek, you will see some of the highest mountains in the world, including up-close views of Mt. Everest (8,849 m), Mt. Kanchenjunga (8,586 m), Mt. Lhotse (8,516 m), Mt. Cho Oyu (8,188 m), and Mt. Makalu (8,463 m). All of these mountains are above eight thousand meters. Similarly, the trail also offers constant views of many other snow-capped mountains like Ama Dablam (6,812 m), Nuptse (7,861 m), Pumori (7,161 m), Khumbila (5,761 m), Chamlang (7,319 m), Thamserku (6,608 m), Island Peak (6,160 m), etc. 

While trekking, you go on short excursions to different viewpoints to catch gorgeous sunrises along the mountain panorama. Enjoy many lovely sunsets, too. Apart from the mountains, you'll see beautiful waterfalls, rushing rivers, the Khumbu Glacier, the Ngozumpa Glacier, Gokyo Lakes, and moraines. 

Is the Everest three high passes trek doable for everyone? How difficult is Everest 3 pass trek?

The Everest Three High Pass Trek is not doable for everyone. It is the most challenging trek in Nepal and is graded as a very strenuous venture. This trek is only good for experienced trekkers who have strong physical fitness and determination to complete the trek. The terrain is rough, offbeat, and steep. There are long ascents and descents throughout the trail, with some days going above 8 hours of walking. Everest three-high pass trek in Nepal is challenging but not impossible. With the right itinerary, support, and ample acclimatization, one can do this trek. The Everest Three High Pass Trek is not recommended for children or trekkers who are 60+.

What do you get in our Trek to Everest Three High Passes?

We offer the best Everest three high pass trek cost with expert guides and arrange everything for your trip to Nepal. All of our policies are transparent, and you'll not be liable for any kind of hidden charge. Nepal Gateway Trekking is one of the oldest travel companies in Nepal and has been organizing adventurous trips in the Himalayas for many years. 

You can book the Everest Three High Pass Trek 2024 with a departure date or tailor-make the itinerary as per your wishes. For quick assistance, contact us at +977 9851055520 (WhatsApp/Viber). You can also e-mail us at [email protected]

Itinerary

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Meet our company representative at the international airport terminal gate. They will drop you at the hotel in a private vehicle and also inform you about the day program. As we have nothing much planned on this day, you can rest and unpack. 

  • AccommodationHotel
  • Maximum Altitude1,310 m

The trek begins with a thrilling flight to Lukla from Kathmandu early in the morning. The flight offers a great bird's eye view of the Himalayan mountains. At Lukla airport, we meet with the porters and begin trekking towards Phakding village. The trail is rugged and forested. We walk past small villages, crossing multiple suspension bridges over the Dudh Koshi river.

  • AccommodationLodge
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude2,840 m

The trail between Phakding and Namche Bazaar goes through dense forests of rhododendron and crosses numerous suspension bridges. From Phakding, the trail ascends to Monjo village, where we'll stop to have lunch and also register our permits. From here onwards, we trek in the Sagarmatha National Park. The final ascent to Namche Bazaar is steep.

  • AccommodationLodge
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude3,441 m

We have a rest day in Namche Bazaar to get used to the elevation. Today, we go on a short excursion to the Hotel Everest View, from where we can see stunning views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, etc. If we feel okay, we may continue the hike to the ancient Khumjung monastery. After the hike, return back to Namche Bazar and spend the rest of the day exploring the village. Visit the Sherpa Culture Museum and Everest Photo Gallery.

  • AccommodationLodge
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude3,740 m

The trail ascends and descends through lush forests. We may come across wildlife along the way. Passing by Phunki Thanka village, we walk on an uphill route that leads to Tengboche village. Here, we'll visit the Tengboche monastery, the biggest monastery in the Khumbu region. And the view of Mt. Ama Dablam from this village is outstanding.

  • AccommodationLodge
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude3,860 m

We walk past many chortens and mani walls today. From Tengboche, the trail goes through dense rhododendron forests and passes by Pangboche village. We walk along the verdant foothills and terrace fields, enjoying captivating mountain views, and reach Dingboche village. This village is called the Summer Valley of the Khumbu region.

  • AccommodationLodge
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude4,410 m

Today you hike to Nagarjun Hill (5050m) after your breakfast. The hike offers the spectacular views of Ama Dablam, Island Peak, Makalu and surroundings. 

  • AccommodationLodge
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude5,050 m

Today is short and easy walking day on alpine terrian. After we reach Chhukung, we can do a small hike around the settlement. 

  • AccommodationLodge
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude4,700 m

The trail today crosses Kongma La pass. We wake up early in the morning and ascend following a steep trail to the top of Kongma La pass that will welcome us with a grand mountain landscape. On the way, we pass by small frozen lakes. From the top, we'll walk on a steep downhill route to Lobuche village. 

  • AccommodationLodge
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude5,364 m

On this day, we’ll reach the Everest base camp. It's the lap of Mt. Everest. From Lobuche, we walk alongside the Khumbu Glacier and reach Gorak Shep. From here, walking on a rocky steep route, we reach EBC. We'll spend some time taking pictures and enjoying the views before descending back to Gorak Shep to spend the night.

  • AccommodationLodge
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude5,545 m

Before leaving Gorak Shep, we'll hike to the very famous Kala Patthar. The sunrise from this point is spectacular. We can see mountains and clouds all around us. After visiting Kala Patthar, we descend to Gorak Shep and walk on a rough path. The trail ascends to Dzongla, where we'll be spending the night.

  • AccommodationLodge
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude5,420 m

Today, we’ll cross the Cho La pass. From Dzongla, we walk on rocky trails and glacial moraines. The trail gradually climbs to Cho La pass. The scenery from the top of the pass is jaw-dropping. After enjoying the view, descend to Thagnak. The downhill route is steep, so be careful while walking.

  • AccommodationLodge
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude4,780 m

The trail is very gentle for walking. We cross the Ngajumpa glacier passing rocking path and ice lakes. On the way, stunning snow-capped mountains accompany us. Before reaching Gokyo village, we'll walk past a few alpine lakes and reach Dudh Pokhara, where the village is situated.

  • AccommodationLodge
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude5,360 m

Today is our acclimatization day in Gokyo village. We'll hike to the Gokyo Ri early in the morning to witness a glorious sunrise with snow-capped mountain views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Pumori, Cho Oyu, etc. Later in the day, we'll visit the different Gokyo Lakes and enjoy the views.

  • AccommodationLodge
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude5,360 m

From Gokyo Valley, the trail ascends along the Dudh Pokhari, and we walk for about a couple of hours on the steep path to reach the top of the Renjo La pass. The views of Gokyo Ri, emerald Gokyo Lakes, and Ngozumpa Glacier from the top of the pass are outstanding. The trail then descends following stone staircases and loose rocks to the south bank of Angladumba Tsho lake. From here, we walk on a slippery field of ice and pass by Relama Tsho & Renjo Lake before trekking down a narrow valley to Lungden.

  • AccommodationLodge
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude3,750 m

The trail from Lungden descends to Thame. We gradually walk through the remote villages of Sherpas. The mountain scenery is also excellent while trekking. In Thame, we'll visit the ancient Thame monastery. Leaving Thame, we walk through lush forests. On the way, we pass by small villages, seeing locals doing their daily chores. Likewise, the mountain views along the trail are fantastic.

  • AccommodationLodge
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude3,441 m

The trail from Namche Bazaar descends steeply through dense forests and settlement areas, crossing numerous suspension bridges. We'll reach Monjo village and continue walking towards Phakding. From here, we walk following the Dudh Koshi river to Lukla.

  • AccommodationLodge
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude2,840 m

After an early morning breakfast with stunning mountain views, we get ready to fly back to Kathmandu. The flight is short and scenic. From Kathmandu airport, the team will escort you to the hotel. Spend the rest of the day exploring the vibrant streets of Thamel and doing window shopping. In the late evening, we meet you over a farewell dinner and also give a trek certificate.

  • AccommodationHotel
  • MealsBreakfast & Farewell dinner
  • Maximum Altitude1,310 m

The trek has ended, and our airport team will take care of your check-out from the hotel. They will drop you at the Tribhuvan International Airport and bid our last goodbye.

  • MealsBreakfast

This is our standard and recommended itinerary. If this itinerary doesn’t suit to you, we can customize your trip as per your interest and time-frame. Click here for Tailor-Made program

Map

Everest Three High Passes Trek - 19 Days map

Includes

  • All grounded transportation as per itinerary by private car
  • Two nights’ accommodation in Kathmandu inclusive breakfast
  • Round flight ticket (Kathmandu/Lukla/Kathmandu) inclusive domestic airport taxes
  • Three times meal (Breakfast/lunch/dinner) and accommodations during the trekking
  • One highly experience, English speaking & friendly trekking guide and required porter including their expenses 
  • Sagarmatha National Park permit and TIMS card
  • Everest Three High Pass Trekking map
  • Nepal Gateway Company T-shirt and achievement certificate
  • Local fresh fruit
  • First aid kit
  • Evacuation assist if needed
  • Government taxes
  • Office service charge

Excludes

  • Lunch and Dinner in Kathmandu
  • Your travel insurance
  • Nepal entry visa. 
  • Your international flight ticket to/from Kathmandu
  • Your personal nature expenses, equipment and medical kit
  • All kinds of hot and cold drinks and alcoholic beverage in trekking
  • Hot shower, internet and phone call unless it is free
  • Tipping to field staffs (Tipping is not mandatory but expected)

Dates & Price

Date StatusPrice 
Start DateStart: WednesdayMarch 20, 2024End DateEnd: SundayApril 07, 2024StatusAvailablePriceUS$1690
Start DateStart: SaturdayMarch 23, 2024End DateEnd: WednesdayApril 10, 2024StatusAvailablePriceUS$1690
Start DateStart: WednesdayMarch 27, 2024End DateEnd: SundayApril 14, 2024StatusAvailablePriceUS$1690
Start DateStart: SaturdayMarch 30, 2024End DateEnd: WednesdayApril 17, 2024StatusAvailablePriceUS$1690

This is our set fixed departure date. The arrival and departure date to/from Kathmandu, Nepal. The date and price are specified for group joining. 
For Private Trip 

Useful Info

Altitude Sickness during the Everest Three High Passes

The Everest Three High Passes Trek carries altitude sickness risks. As you touch 5,000 meters above elevation multiple times, you'll be exposed to acute mountain sickness if your body does not acclimatize. Our Everest Three High Passes Trek itinerary has ample rest days, and we do not ascend more than 500 meters a day. These keep you somewhat far from altitude sickness. 

Choose fresh meals to avoid indigestion, drink plenty of water, and avoid smoking or drinking alcoholic beverages while trekking. Be careful of symptoms like a bad headache, difficulty breathing, insomnia, loss of appetite, etc.

Everest Three High Passes Trek for Solo/Group

Join our Everest Three High Passes Trekking Package in a group or as a solo traveller. We usually have groups in the peak trekking season for three-pass trekking, so if you are a solo traveller, you can join them. Or, we'll provide you with the best guide and a porter for your journey, and you can trek alone. 

If you want to book the trek at the last minute, we need the total package cost. Cancelling a last-minute booking may charge you the entire package cost as a cancellation fee. For more information, we kindly request that you get in touch with us. 

Best time to do the Everest Three High Passes Trek

The best times to do the Everest Three High Pass Trek are from March to April (spring) and October to November (autumn). These two seasons are the peak trekking times of the year in the Himalayas. As the Everest Three High Passes Trek is a strenuous venture, not many trekkers go for this specific package. So, you'll still get to enjoy a tranquil journey even in the peak trekking season. 

You'll not be bothered by unclear views or visibility in spring and autumn. Likewise, the stable weather and moderate climate are perfect for trekking. There'll be no issue with safety either. Off-seasons (summer, monsoon, and winter) are not suitable for the Everest Three High Passes Trek. 

Travel Tips for Trek to Everest Three High Passes Route

Accommodation: In the lower part of the 3 passes trek, the accommodations are quite good. You'll get services (paid) like WiFi, hot showers, charging, etc. As the trail turns further towards the remote areas, the accommodation gets very simple. You cannot expect anything more than a room with double beds and a table. 

Food: Khumbu region trekking routes have decent meal options. During this trek, you will get a good variety of meals from pizza and burgers to dal bhat, roti tarkari, etc. Likewise, bakery items, non-veg, and many beverage options are available too. In the upper part of the trail, the options get limited & expensive.  

ATM: There are things such as charging, hot shower, extra snacks, etc that are not covered in the package cost. So, we recommend you withdraw enough Nepali cash to get these services while trekking. There's no ATM above Namche Bazaar. 

Charging: The charging slots are separately kept in all the lodges. You can pay a few bucks to charge your devices. Because Everest Three High Passes Trek is a long venture, we suggest you get a solar charger or spare batteries at least to save some bucks. 

Luggage: We use a duffel bag to carry our heavy luggage during the trek. It's carried by porters. Each trekker gets a 10 kg weight limit for a duffel bag and a 5 kg weight limit for a day pack. If you have any additional luggage, you can leave it in the hotel's locker room free of cost. 

Personal Expenses: As we said earlier, you have to pay a few extra bucks to get some services during the trek. Similarly, you may want to do the shopping and visit a spa, nice restaurants, etc in Kathmandu. So, we suggest you keep a budget to cover these needs. 

Travel Insurance: The Everest Three Passes trek is very adventurous, no doubt but also has underlying risks that we cannot control even with our best efforts. So, travel insurance with emergency evacuation and medical bill coverage is necessary. You have to show us the documents while booking the trek. 

Tipping: Tipping is expected at the end of the trek. You can tip whatever amount you wish to our guides and the porter carrying your bag. It's not included in our package cost. 

FAQs

  • Q1. How hard is the 3 passes trek?

    Everest three high passes trek is one of the most challenging treks in the Himalayas. This trek is for only serious challenge lovers who wish to push themselves and conquer the three high alpine passes above 5,000 meters from sea level.

  • The Everest three high passes trekking is an adventurous trekking itinerary in the Khumbu region that crosses Cho La, Renjo La, and Kongma La passes and explores Dudh Koshi Valley, Imja Khola Valley & Gokyo Valley.

  • Our 3 passes trek is 19 days long, but you can customize the itinerary as per your wish. Moreover, you can also change the departure date and include additional services in the package. Do know that doing these changes can also change the package cost accordingly.

  • Yes, Everest three high passes trek is safe because you trek with an experienced guide and porters who will support you on the trail. The terrain is offbeat, but following the footstep of our guide, you can do this trek safely.

  • We do not recommend Everest three high passes trekking alone, even for experienced trekkers. Crossing the steep, glacial passes alone can be very risky. There are many twists and turns in the trail and several tough sections that demand the expertise of guides.

  • Yes, you'll need a sleeping bag for Everest three high passes trekking to keep yourself extra warm in the mornings & nights.

  • Yes, you can join Everest three high passes as a solo traveler. You can join one of our departure dates and trek in a group with trekkers from other parts of the world. Or, you can also do a private trek with us.

Client Reviews

tatp
  • Amazing Three Passes Trek Experience as a Solo Female Traveler

    I completed the Three Passes Trek in June 2023 with Nepal Gateway Trekking, and I couldn't have had a better experience!
    As a solo female traveller, I received a lot of warnings and worried looks when I first decided to fly to Nepal to complete a 3-weeks trek in the Himalayas.
    Armed with my laptop and 3 mere weeks to decide on an agency and on a package, I found Nepal Gateway Trekking's website and decided to make an inquiry.
    Ram, one of the agency's owners, was immediately responsive, informative, and honest, adapting the trip to my needs and preparing all the necessary details for my arrival.
    From the minute I stepped out of the arrival gates in Kathmandu to the moment I had to sadly walk into the departure doors one month later, Ram and his team were constantly helpful and adapted to every last-minute change of plans (for example, my flight from Lukla to Kathmandu at the end of the trek unfortunately never departed because of monsoon weather, and they planned a last minute Jeep ride for me to arrive back to the city as soon as possible...and much more!).
    During the trek itself, I was paired with an experienced guide named Nir. The agency was kind enough for him to come all the way to Kathmandu to accompany me to the airport for my flight to Lukla (despite him coming from a remote village 2 days away), and from then he has been a trusted companion and a source of laughs and wisdom for the following 19 days.
    I was bringing my own gear and backpack as I have some hiking experience, but Nir was always making sure I was comfortable and had everything I needed. We respected all the necessary acclimatization days and I never suffered more than I slight headache, which is quite the win at those altitudes, and I think Nir was pivotal in this outcome.
    I would repeat this trek 100 more times without changing a thing!

    I will never be able to express in words how grateful I am to Nepal Gateway Trekking for this amazing experience.
    I will definitely be back in Nepal, and I already know who I'll contact!

    Ms. Sabrina Migliorini
    Ms. Sabrina MiglioriniItaly, Travel Date: 17/06/2023
  • Mesmerizing Adventure

    A friend of mine had been using Raj and his colleagues for 11yrs trekking in Nepal. When I decided to visit Nepal again I didn't hesitate to reach out to Raj to get some help with a few trekking itineraries. From the very first email communication to the pickup on arrival at the airport it was a great experience. Good communication and assistance every step of the way.

    Had an amazing trip in the Everest Region (three passes trek), I saw so much and experienced the food, culture, and friendly nature of locals and guide me along the whole journey. Nepal Gateway Trekking crew was so nice and full of knowledge. I learned so much from them, such a fun trip. Would definitely do it again. Cherished memories.

    Thank you, Raj and the team. Hope to see you again soon.

    Phillip Koch
    Phillip KochAustralia, Travel Date: 02/09/2022

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