Everest Three Passes Trek
The ultimate Khumbu challenge — three high passes in 19 days
The Three Passes trek is the most demanding and rewarding trek in the Everest region. Over 19 days, you cross three passes above 5,300m — Kongma La (5,535m), Cho La (5,420m), and Renjo La (5,360m) — while also visiting Everest Base Camp, Kala Patthar, and Gokyo Lakes. This is for experienced trekkers who want to go beyond the standard EBC route and see the Khumbu from every angle.
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Day-by-Day Itinerary
A detailed look at each day of your Everest Three Passes Trek adventure. Every itinerary is crafted to balance trekking, acclimatization, and cultural experiences.
Day 1: Kathmandu — Arrival & Briefing
Arrive in Kathmandu. Trek briefing, gear check, permit verification.
Day 2: Fly to Lukla (2,840m) — Trek to Phakding (2,610m)
Flight to Lukla. Easy walk to Phakding along the Dudh Koshi. Walking time: 3-4 hours.
Day 3: Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440m)
Enter Sagarmatha National Park. Steep climb to Namche. Walking time: 5-6 hours.
Day 4: Acclimatization Day in Namche Bazaar
Hike to Khumjung or Everest View Hotel. Rest and prepare for the demanding days ahead.
Day 5: Namche to Tengboche (3,867m)
Classic route to Tengboche Monastery with panoramic Himalayan views. Walking time: 5-6 hours.
Day 6: Tengboche to Dingboche (4,358m)
Through thinning forest to the high alpine settlement of Dingboche. Walking time: 5-6 hours.
Day 7: Acclimatization Day in Dingboche
Hike to Nangkartshang Peak (5,083m). Essential preparation for the first pass.
Day 8: Dingboche to Chhukung (4,730m)
Short trek east to Chhukung, the base for Kongma La. Views of Island Peak and the Lhotse-Nuptse wall. Walking time: 3-4 hours.
Day 9: Chhukung — Kongma La (5,535m) — Lobuche (4,940m)
First pass. Early start for the steep, rocky climb to Kongma La (5,535m). Descend the far side to Lobuche. This is the most technically challenging of the three passes. Walking time: 8-9 hours.
Day 10: Lobuche to Gorak Shep (5,164m) — Everest Base Camp (5,364m)
Trek to Gorak Shep, then to Everest Base Camp. Return to Gorak Shep. Walking time: 7-8 hours.
Day 11: Kala Patthar (5,545m) — Gorak Shep to Dzongla (4,830m)
Pre-dawn Kala Patthar for Everest sunrise. Descend and trek to Dzongla, the base for Cho La. Walking time: 7-8 hours.
Day 12: Dzongla — Cho La Pass (5,420m) — Thagnak (4,750m)
Second pass. Cross the glacial Cho La with its steep ice section (crampons provided). Descend to Thagnak on the Gokyo side. Walking time: 7-8 hours.
Day 13: Thagnak to Gokyo (4,790m)
Short trek to the turquoise Gokyo Lakes — among the highest freshwater lakes on Earth. Afternoon free to explore the lakeside. Walking time: 2-3 hours.
Day 14: Gokyo Ri (5,357m) — Rest in Gokyo
Morning climb to Gokyo Ri for a panorama rivaling Kala Patthar — Everest, Cho Oyu, Lhotse, Makalu, and the massive Ngozumpa Glacier below. Afternoon rest at Gokyo.
Day 15: Gokyo to Lumde (4,370m) via Renjo La (5,360m)
Third and final pass. Climb Renjo La for views back over Gokyo and forward to the Bhote Koshi valley. Descend to Lumde. Walking time: 7-8 hours.
Day 16: Lumde to Namche Bazaar (3,440m)
Descend through the Thame valley back to Namche. Walking time: 5-6 hours.
Day 17: Namche to Lukla (2,840m)
Final trekking day. Farewell dinner in Lukla. Walking time: 6-7 hours.
Day 18: Fly Lukla to Kathmandu
Morning flight to Kathmandu. Free afternoon. Celebration dinner.
Day 19: Departure Day
Airport transfer and departure.
What Is Included
Included in Your Trip
- Three High Passes
Cross Kongma La (5,535m), Cho La (5,420m), and Renjo La (5,360m) — a feat few trekkers accomplish.
- EBC + Gokyo + Kala Patthar
Visit all three major highlights of the Khumbu in a single comprehensive itinerary.
- Crampons Provided
Crampons and technical equipment for the Cho La glacier crossing are included.
- Experienced High-Altitude Guide
Your Sherpa guide has specific Three Passes experience and can assess conditions on each pass.
Not Included
- International flights to and from the destination
- Travel insurance (required, purchased separately)
- Personal gear and equipment
- Tips for guides and support staff (recommended)
- Meals not specified in the itinerary
Difficulty: Hard
Understanding what to expect helps you prepare properly and enjoy your trek to the fullest.
Fitness Requirements
- Previous high-altitude trekking experience above 4,500m strongly recommended
- Excellent cardiovascular fitness — can trek 8-9 hours on consecutive days
- Comfortable on steep, rocky terrain and basic glacier crossings
- Looking for a challenge beyond the standard EBC trek
- 19 days available for the complete experience
Everest Three Passes Trek — Frequently Asked Questions
How does this compare in difficulty to the Classic EBC?
Ready to Book Everest Three Passes Trek?
Secure your spot on this incredible adventure. 19 days of expert-guided trekking from $1,800. Contact us today to check availability.