30th May, 2025

Everest Three High Passes Trek – 17 Days of Ultimate Himalayan Adventure

If you’re looking for the most comprehensive, challenging, and scenic trekking experience in the Everest region, the Everest Three High Passes Trek is a bucket-list adventure. This 17-day trek is not just about reaching Everest Base Camp—it’s a journey through the heart of the Khumbu region, crossing three of the highest and most spectacular passes in Nepal: Kongma La (5,535m), Cho La (5,420m), and Renjo La (5,340m).

Designed for seasoned trekkers and mountain lovers, the Everest Three Passes Trek offers an unparalleled experience, combining jaw-dropping views of the world's tallest peaks, remote Sherpa villages, spiritual monasteries, and a real test of physical endurance.

What Makes the Everest Three High Passes Trek Unique?

Unlike the standard Everest Base Camp trek, the Three Passes Trek takes you on a circuit through lesser-trodden paths. It offers a richer and more diverse adventure in terms of both landscapes and cultural interactions. Each high pass brings a new valley, a new viewpoint, and a new challenge. It’s an immersive Himalayan experience that few other treks can match.

From the vibrant town of Namche Bazaar to the serene Gokyo Lakes, and from the iconic Everest Base Camp to panoramic views from Kala Patthar and Gokyo Ri, this trek is a full-circle exploration of the Everest region.

Detailed Itinerary Overview – 17 Days of Adventure

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m)

Your journey begins in Kathmandu, Nepal’s bustling capital. Here, you’ll meet your guide and prepare for the trek. Depending on your arrival time, you may explore Thamel, the tourist hub.

Day 2: Flight to Lukla (2,840m) & Trek to Phakding (2,610m)

Take a scenic flight to Lukla, known as the gateway to Everest. From Lukla, begin your trek with a gentle walk to the village of Phakding alongside the Dudh Koshi River.

Day 3: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440m)

Enter Sagarmatha National Park and cross suspension bridges en route to Namche. The trail ascends steeply, but you’re rewarded with your first glimpse of Mount Everest.

Day 4: Acclimatization Day in Namche Bazaar

Take a rest day to adjust to the altitude. Hike to Everest View Hotel or explore the Sherpa Museum. Namche is a vibrant town with bakeries, shops, and stunning views.

Day 5: Trek to Tengboche (3,860m)

Ascend through pine forests and rhododendron groves to reach the spiritual hub of Tengboche, home to the famous Tengboche Monastery with views of Ama Dablam.

Day 6: Trek to Dingboche (4,410m)

Move into alpine terrain with dramatic mountain views. The landscape opens up as you reach the windswept village of Dingboche.

Day 7: Acclimatization in Dingboche

Another acclimatization day, with a possible hike to Nagarjun Hill (5,100m) for panoramic views of Lhotse, Island Peak, and Makalu.

Day 8: Cross Kongma La Pass (5,535m) to Lobuche (4,940m)

The first and arguably the most challenging pass awaits. Climb steeply to Kongma La with stunning views of the Khumbu Glacier before descending to Lobuche.

Day 9: Trek to Gorak Shep (5,170m) & Everest Base Camp (5,364m)

An iconic day! Follow the moraine of the Khumbu Glacier to reach Gorak Shep. From there, hike to Everest Base Camp. Celebrate at the foot of the world’s highest peak before returning to Gorak Shep.

Day 10: Hike to Kala Patthar (5,545m) & Trek to Dzongla (4,830m)

Wake up early for a sunrise hike to Kala Patthar, the best viewpoint for Mount Everest. Then descend and head towards Dzongla, preparing for the next high pass.

Day 11: Cross Cho La Pass (5,420m) to Thagnak (4,700m)

Ascend the rocky trail to Cho La, a stunning glacier-covered pass. The descent into Thagnak is steep but spectacular.

Day 12: Trek to Gokyo (4,790m)

Cross the Ngozumpa Glacier to reach the serene Gokyo Valley and its turquoise lakes. Gokyo is a peaceful alternative to the busy EBC route.

Day 13: Climb Gokyo Ri (5,360m) & Rest Day

Climb Gokyo Ri for 360-degree views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu. Enjoy a well-earned rest by the lakes.

Day 14: Cross Renjo La Pass (5,340m) to Lungden (4,380m)

The final high pass of the trek offers breathtaking views back over the Gokyo Lakes and the Everest range. Descend into the remote Bhote Koshi Valley.

Day 15: Trek to Namche Bazaar

Rejoin the main Everest trail and return to the comforts of Namche Bazaar.

Day 16: Trek to Lukla

Your final trekking day takes you back to Lukla. Celebrate with your team after an epic journey.

Day 17: Fly back to Kathmandu

Return to Kathmandu with memories of a lifetime. You can enjoy a farewell dinner or shop for souvenirs in the city.

Physical & Mental Preparation

The Everest Three High Passes Trek is not for beginners. It requires excellent physical fitness, prior trekking experience, and the mental strength to handle long days, high altitudes, and rapidly changing weather. Altitude sickness is a real concern, so proper acclimatization and hydration are essential.

Training for at least 3-4 months before your trek with a combination of cardio, strength, and endurance exercises will greatly improve your performance on the trail.

Best Time to Go

The ideal seasons are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). During these months, you’ll have the clearest skies, moderate temperatures, and the best mountain views. The passes can be treacherous in winter due to snow and ice, and the summer monsoon brings heavy rain and poor visibility.

Accommodation and Meals

Tea houses provide accommodation along the route, offering basic but comfortable lodgings. Most have shared rooms, common dining areas, and simple but hearty meals such as dal bhat, noodles, and fried rice. Hot showers and charging facilities are available in many places, often for an extra fee.

Essential Gear

Some must-have items include:

• Quality trekking boots
• Down jacket and layers
• Trekking poles
• Sleeping bag (rated for -10°C or colder)
• UV-protected sunglasses
• Headlamp
• Personal first aid kit and altitude sickness medication
• Water purification tablets

Packing smartly and lightly is key—many trekkers hire porters or share loads with their group.

Cultural Highlights

The trek is not just about mountains. You’ll pass through Sherpa villages rich in Buddhist culture. Mani walls, chortens, fluttering prayer flags, and monasteries dot the route, offering moments of peace and reflection. You’ll also have a chance to learn about the unique way of life that the Sherpas have cultivated in one of the harshest environments on Earth.

Conclusion

The Everest Three High Passes Trek – 17 Days is a once-in-a-lifetime expedition that goes far beyond the typical Everest Base Camp experience. It’s a complete immersion into the Himalayas, combining challenging trails with spiritual moments, and landscapes that defy imagination.

For experienced trekkers seeking a true Himalayan odyssey, this trek delivers unmatched adventure, cultural connection, and personal triumph.