The Everest Three High Passes Trek is a thrilling adventure designed for trekkers who seek an ultimate challenge in the Himalayas. This trek offers an unparalleled experience of crossing three of the highest passes in the Khumbu region: Kongma La Pass (5,535m/18,159ft), Cho La Pass (5,420m/17,782ft), and Renjo La Pass (5,340m/17,520ft). Along the way, you will witness breathtaking views of Mount Everest and numerous other majestic peaks.
This trek is not just about mountains; it’s about immersing yourself in the diverse landscapes of the Everest region. You’ll traverse glaciers, cross high suspension bridges adorned with colorful Buddhist prayer flags, and explore ancient Sherpa villages with rich cultural heritage. Adding to the adventure, the trek also includes hikes to three iconic viewpoints—Gokyo Ri, Kala Patthar, and Everest Base Camp—offering some of the best panoramic views in the Himalayas.
Everest Three Passes Trek Route & Experience
Your journey begins with a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, where you will meet fellow trekkers and start your adventure. The trail passes through Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche, and other picturesque locations. Along the way, you will interact with the local Sherpa community, learn about their traditions, and experience their unique way of life in this remote, high-altitude region.
As you trek through Sagarmatha National Park, keep an eye out for exotic wildlife such as musk deer, Himalayan thar, snow leopards, and colorful pheasants. Remember to carry your Sagarmatha National Park Permit, as the park is dedicated to conserving the region’s rich biodiversity.
This trek is physically demanding and requires good fitness and mental endurance. Previous trekking experience is highly recommended. If you’re up for the challenge, this trek promises a perfect blend of adventure, culture, and awe-inspiring scenery.
Highlights of Everest Three High Passes Trek
Thrilling flight to Lukla, the gateway to Everest.
Cross three high passes: Kongma La, Cho La, and Renjo La.
Explore the vibrant Sherpa town of Namche Bazaar.
Visit Syangboche, home to Nepal’s highest airport.
Hike to Gokyo Ri for breathtaking panoramic views.
Stay at Everest View Hotel, one of the highest-altitude hotels in the world.
Discover the serene beauty of Gokyo Lake.
Visit Tengboche Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Experience Tibetan Buddhist culture with prayer wheels, Mani stones, and colorful flags.
Encounter diverse flora and fauna, including rare Himalayan wildlife.
Witness the magnificent Khumbu Glacier, the highest glacier on Earth.
Ascend Kala Patthar (5,555m) for an unforgettable sunrise over Everest.
Spring Season (March, April, and May)
Optimal Conditions: Enjoy a base camp temperature ranging from 1 to 12°C, creating a temperate climate perfect for trekking.
Nature’s Revival: Rhododendrons, wildflowers, and grassy meadows bloom after the chilly winter.
Balanced Climate: Experience moderate temperatures and clear skies, ideal for navigating steep hills.
Colorful Landscapes: Vibrant autumn hues of orange, red, and yellow create picturesque scenes along the trail.
Stable Weather: Although early autumn might bring light rains, conditions soon stabilize, making it perfect for trekking.
Cooling Temperatures: As the season advances, temperatures may drop (sometimes below -12°C), enhancing the high-altitude challenge.
Along the Everest Three High Passes Trek, food is readily available at teahouses and small villages:
Breakfast: Options include pancakes, cornflakes, local bread, chapati, porridge, and various egg dishes (fried, scrambled, boiled, omelet), along with toast and muesli with milk.
Lunch & Dinner: Expect hearty meals such as dal bhat, momos, pasta, pizza, and a variety of soups (tomato, mushroom, garlic, vegetable, chicken).
Beverages: Enjoy selections like black tea, milk tea, lemon tea, ginger tea, mint tea, as well as milk coffee or black coffee.
Kathmandu: Begin and conclude your trek with a two-night stay at a comfortable three-star hotel.
On the Trail: Most accommodations are teahouses offering modest lodging. Rooms are typically twin-sharing, with simple furnishings, basic heating (usually a central burner), and shared amenities. Some teahouses may charge a small fee for hot showers or electrical charging.
The Everest Three High Passes Trek is challenging due to:
Altitude & Terrain: Long ascents and descents, high-altitude passes, and glacial moraines make for a strenuous journey.
Weather Extremes: The climb to Everest Three High Passes Trek involves exposure to severe Himalayan weather, requiring careful planning and proper gear.
Travel Insurance
For this trek, travel insurance is mandatory. Your policy must cover:
Medical Emergencies: Including high-altitude sickness.
Emergency Evacuation: Coverage up to 6,000 meters, including helicopter rescue.
Participants must submit a copy of their comprehensive travel insurance certificate within one week of booking.
Altitude sickness is common when trekking above 3,000 meters. To prevent and manage its symptoms:
Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol.
Maintain a Healthy Diet: Eat nutrient-rich foods.
Medication: Carry Diamox (after consulting your doctor).
Acclimatize: Ascend gradually and take rest days as needed.
Listen to Your Body: Descend if you experience symptoms like headache, nausea, dizziness, or difficulty breathing.
Packing List, Gear, and Equipment
Pack smart and light for this challenging trek:
Clothing: Trekking boots, down jacket, waterproof/windproof jacket, thermal wear, trekking pants, gloves, hat, and extra socks.
Gear: Backpack, sleeping bag, trekking poles, headlamp, gaiters, and micro-spikes (mini crampons).
Accessories: Sunglasses, water bottles with purification tablets, a first aid kit, toiletries, and any necessary prescriptions.
Documents: Passport, permits, and travel insurance details.
Holiday Planner Treks ensures your safety through:
Experienced Guides: All trek leaders are trained in wilderness first aid and have extensive local knowledge.
Daily Check-ups: Regular health monitoring to detect altitude issues early.
Emergency Preparedness: Comprehensive first aid kits and a clear rescue protocol are in place.
Hygiene Standards: Continuous monitoring of meal and accommodation cleanliness along the trek.
Holiday Planner Treks, a government-approved operator, makes booking your Everest Three High Passes Trek simple:
Reservation: Secure your trek with a 20% deposit.
Documentation: Email copies of essential documents (passport, passport-size photos, travel insurance, arrival/departure flight details) within one week of booking.
Payment Options: Choose from bank transfer, Western Union, or credit card payments upon arrival in Nepal.
Trip Cancellation & Loss: Protection for unforeseen events.
The cost for the Everest Three High Passes Trek varies based on group size, ensuring a seamless and well-managed trekking experience.
Cost Details (Based on Group Size)
Comfortable teahouse and lodge accommodations along the route.
Three nutritious meals per day during the trek.
Experienced, certified trekking guides and porters for safety and assistance.
All necessary trekking permits and entry fees.
Round-trip flight from Kathmandu to Lukla.
Airport transfers and in-country transportation.
Trekking gear rental options upon request.
Note: Prices may vary based on season, group size, and additional services requested. Contact us for detailed pricing and any available special offers.
Secure Online Booking: Easy, safe, and time-saving.
Flexible Trek Rescheduling: Postpone your trek if needed instead of canceling.
Customized Itineraries: Tailor your trip according to your schedule and preferences.
Hygienic & Healthy Food: Nutritious meals provided throughout the trek.
Certified Guides: Expert guides with in-depth knowledge of the Everest region.
Transportation Options: Choice of public or private vehicles.
Medical Kits: First aid and medical supplies available at all times.
20+ Years of Experience: Ensuring 100% client satisfaction.
Farewell Dinner: Celebrate your successful trek with a special dinner in Kathmandu.
For more information or to book your Everest Three High Passes Trek, feel free to contact us. We’re here to make your Himalayan adventure unforgettable!
Our Everest Three Passes Trek begins with a quick 45-minute domestic flight from Tribhuvan International Airport to Lukla. During this short but beautiful flight, you'll get to see beautiful views of the Himalayan mountain ranges, setting the stage for your exciting adventure.
To begin, we'll walk downhill from Lukla to the Thado Koshi River. We'll cross a few swing bridges as we head to Phakding. This part of the trek is not too long, and it's quite enjoyable, giving us time to get used to the higher elevation. When we're in Phakding, we'll make sure to visit the Rimishung Monastery, a beautiful Buddhist monastery located on a hilltop overlooking Phakding. The monastery is known for its unique architecture and peaceful atmosphere, making it a perfect place to relax and soak in the spiritual vibes of the Himalayas. Inside, you can explore the intricately decorated prayer halls and even have the opportunity to interact with the resident monks, who are always eager to share their wisdom and stories.
We'll start our day early in Phakding, heading north along the Dudh Koshi River's banks. Along the way, we'll cross several suspension bridges, including the famous Hillary Suspension Bridge. Our journey will lead us through Monjo Village, dense forests, and rocky paths until we reach the Sagarmatha National Park Check Post. Here, we'll complete the necessary permit registrations before ascending into the forest. It's in this forested area that you'll catch your first glimpse of Mt. Everest. However, we'll continue our trek until we finally arrive at our destination for the day, Namche Bazaar.
Today will be an acclimatization day at Namche. We recommend you explore Namche Bazaar. Namche Bazaar is a bustling town located in the heart of the Himalayas, offering a unique blend of traditional Tibetan culture and modern facilities. You can also take a walk through the narrow roads of Namche, which are lined with colorful shops selling everything from handmade crafts to mountaineering gear. Also, don’t forget to take a look at the vibrant local markets, where you can sample delicious local dishes and interact with friendly Sherpa people.
We start our journey from Namche Bazaar and head to Thame, following the Bhote Koshi River. Along the way, we walk through beautiful pine and colorful rhododendron forests. As we continue, you'll notice a unique mud-plastered stupa at Phurte. We'll also pass by Thamo and Thamo Gompa before descending steeply to the Khumbu Hydroelectric Plant. Finally, we'll reach the charming village of Thame, located at the end of the Khumbu Valley. Thame is famous for being the hometown of many celebrated Sherpa mountaineers, like Apa Sherpa, who has climbed Everest an incredible 21 times. It's also where Tenzing Norgay Sherpa, one of the first people to conquer Mt. Everest, grew up.
On this day, you can explore charming villages and enjoy the stunning views of nature and big mountains. In the morning, when the sun shines on the rocks, yaks, and snowy peaks, it makes everything look incredibly bright and colorful. The last village in this area is Taranga, but we'll keep walking through Marulung village (which is at a high place, about 4,200 meters), until we get to Lungden, where we'll stay for the night. During your free time, you can visit Nakpa Valley, which was an old trade route to Tibet, and maybe even hike to the beautiful Cho Relmo Lake.
This day is going to be really exciting because you'll be tackling the first big mountain pass of the trip, the Renjo La Pass. We'll leave Lungden behind and keep going toward the Gokyo Lake area. Depending on the time of year, you might see different things, like people herding yaks. When you climb up to the Renjo La Pass, you'll see some amazing views of really tall mountains like Mt. Everest (the tallest one at 8848 meters), Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Makalu, and Mt. Cho Oyu. You'll also get to see the third-biggest lake in the Gokyo Lakes group, Dudh Pokhari. The Gokyo village is right by this lake. Just be careful when you're coming down from the pass because the path can get slippery, especially in cold weather.
On our rest day for acclimatization, we'll hike up to Gokyo Ri Viewpoint. From there, you'll see stunning views of the Everest area, including the beautiful Thonak Tsho Lake and Ngozuma Tsho Lake. Not far from Gokyo, about three kilometers to the north, there's the Ngozumpa Tsho glacier, which is at an elevation of 5,000 meters. A quick five-minute walk from there takes you to Scoundrel's Viewpoint. This spot gives you amazing views of mountains like Cho Oyu, Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Makalu. As you move north from the fifth Gokyo Lake, you'll be treated to incredible sights of the Cho Oyu Base Camp and the Ngozumpa Glacier, which happens to be the longest glacier in the whole Himalayan region.
On this day, we continue our trek alongside the Ngozumpa Glacier. The trail can be a bit rough, with lots of ups and downs. As we move down the valley, we'll be walking on the eastern side of the glacier's rocky edge, and you'll see some truly stunning and inspiring views that'll keep you going. Finally, we'll arrive at Thangnak, a group of lodges in a peaceful spot, perfectly placed for our upcoming journey over the Cho-La high pass.
Today's trek gets tougher as we walk on rocky paths and icy parts, finally reaching Dzongla. But the most exciting part is when we cross Cho La Pass, which is really high at 5,420 meters (17,783 feet) and connects Dzongla to Thagnak. This pass treats us to amazing views of Everest and the big mountains around it. After enjoying the beautiful sights, we'll go down to Dzongla, where we'll sleep for the night.
After spending the night in Dzongla, we'll wake up the next morning and continue our trek. Our aim for the day is to reach Lobuche, where we'll rejoin the regular Everest Base Camp Trek route. To start the day, we'll walk along the rocky ridge and descend next to Chola Lake. Along the way, we'll see statues built in memory of climbers who lost their lives here. The hike to Lobuche should be quite enjoyable, as we'll simply follow the paths through the Imja Khola Valley to get there.
On the eleventh day of your journey, you'll finally make it to Everest Base Camp. The trek begins as we walk along the rocky edge of the Khumbu Glacier until we reach Gorak Shep.
In Gorak Shep, we'll leave our things behind and head north towards Everest Base Camp itself. This is where climbers start their journey up or down Mount Everest. Reaching Everest Base Camp (EBC) is a big accomplishment and shows how determined you are. It's like a personal victory—a win powered by your strong will, a positive attitude, and never giving up. We'll spend some time at EBC, soaking in the incredible views that very few people on Earth ever get to see. After taking lots of pictures to remember the moment, we'll head back down to Gorak Shep, where we'll spend the night.
Yesterday, you were at Everest Base Camp, but you couldn't see Mount Everest clearly. However, today is your chance to get a close and clear view of Mt. Everest. To watch the sunrise over Everest, we'll wake up very early and hike to Kala Patthar, a famous spot known for its great view of Everest. It's located at 5,555 meters above sea level. We'll spend some time at Kala Patthar, enjoying the beautiful sunrise over Mt. Everest, and then we'll go back down to Gorak Shep for breakfast. After breakfast, we'll hike to Lobuche, where we'll be staying for the night.
Today, you'll tackle the last of the three tough passes on your journey, and this one is known as the most challenging. It all begins in Lobuche. The hike up to Kongma La Pass starts off relatively easy, taking you past frozen lakes and a unique pass marker featuring a mummy-wrapped crane, which is quite memorable. Once you reach the pass, you'll be rewarded with views of mountains like Lhotse, Lhotse Shar, Makalu, Baruntse, and Ama Dablam.
After crossing Kongma La Pass and descending, you'll end up on the eastern side of the Nigyang Khola Valley, eventually arriving at Chukhung Village. This area is mainly used by Sherpas as a place for their yaks to graze, and there are no permanent homes here. Recently, Chhukhung has become popular among trekkers for acclimatization, especially for those getting ready for peak climbing adventures.
We start going downhill through the Imja Khola valley, passing by Dingboche, known for its fields of stone-walled potatoes and green meadows. Our journey continues, and on the way, you'll see highland sheds called Kharkas in places like Tsura, Orsho, and Shomare. As we keep moving forward, we'll reach Pangboche Village, where people live year-round in this valley. Afterward, we head to Tengboche. From the viewpoint in Tengboche, you'll get incredible views of famous peaks like Amadablam (6856m), Everest (8848 m), Nuptse (7861m), and Lhotse (8501m). Plus, we'll have the chance to visit Tengboche Gompa, which happens to be the oldest monastery in the Khumbu region.
The path leading to Namche Bazaar guides us through dense forests where you may encounter mountain wildlife like pheasants, musk deer, mountain goats, and the elusive snow leopard. We'll trek along steep slopes covered with chortens (Buddhist shrines) and colorful prayer flags. Along the way, you'll have the opportunity to catch glimpses of the summit of Everest and the rear face of Lhotse.
On the last day of our trek, we'll head back to Lukla. After breakfast, we'll walk down a steep path to reach the Hillary Suspension Bridge. Then, we'll continue through different villages along the Dudh Koshi River Valley until we reach Lukla. It's the sixteenth day of your trek, and your adventure is coming to a close. We hope you've had a fantastic time on the trek.
If all goes well, we'll catch an early morning flight back to Kathmandu on the seventh day of our trek. This short 40-minute flight will be a calm and reflective journey as you think about the wonderful time you've had on the trek.
On this day, Holiday Planner Treks will set up a special goodbye dinner for you.
Everest Three High Passes Trek is an adventurous trekking journey that involves crossing three high passes in the Everest region of Nepal - Renjo La (5,388m), Cho La (5,380m), and Kongma La (5,535m). This trek is considered one of the most challenging and rewarding treks in the region.
Everest Three High Passes Trek usually takes around 17-19 days to complete, depending on the itinerary and the pace of the trekker. The trek covers a distance of approximately 150 kilometers and involves steep ascents and descents, making it a challenging trek.
The best time to do the Everest Three High Passes Trek is from March to May and from September to November. During these months, the weather is usually clear, and the skies are bright, offering breathtaking views of the mountains. However, it is essential to keep in mind that the weather can be unpredictable in the mountains, and trekkers should always be prepared for any eventualities.
The Everest Three High Passes Trek is considered a strenuous and challenging trek that requires a good level of physical fitness and endurance. The trek involves steep ascents and descents, high altitude, and unpredictable weather conditions, making it a challenging trek for even the experienced trekkers.
The highest altitude reached during the Everest Three High Passes Trek is 5,535 meters at the top of the Kongma La Pass. Trekkers are advised to acclimatize well and take necessary precautions to prevent altitude sickness.
Trekkers need to obtain three permits to trek in the Everest region - Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit, Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit, and Gaurishankar Conservation Area Permit (if the trek route covers Gaurishankar Conservation Area). These permits can be obtained from the respective authorities in Kathmandu or Lukla.
While previous trekking experience is not mandatory for the Everest Three High Passes Trek, it is recommended that trekkers have some experience of high-altitude trekking and a good level of physical fitness. The trek involves steep ascents and descents, high altitude, and unpredictable weather conditions, making it a challenging trek.
Teahouses and lodges are available along the Everest Three High Passes Trek route, providing basic accommodation and meals. However, during peak trekking seasons, it is recommended to book accommodation in advance to avoid any inconvenience.
Teahouses and lodges along the Everest Three High Passes Trek route offer a variety of meals, including Nepali, Indian, Tibetan, and Continental cuisine. Trekkers can also find vegetarian and non-vegetarian options along the route. It is recommended to stick to a healthy and balanced diet and avoid consuming too much alcohol to prevent altitude sickness.
While it is not mandatory to hire a guide and porter for the Everest Three High Passes Trek, it is recommended for safety reasons and to make the trek more comfortable. A guide can help with navigation, provide useful
Absolutely! If you are reasonably fit and can manage 5-6 hours of walking per day, including some uphill hiking, you will successfully finish the trek.
Both the Everest 3 and Everest 2 High Passes Treks come with their share of challenges, primarily due to the high altitudes involved. However, with some preparation, you can conquer them. It's recommended to engage in light exercises for a few weeks prior to the trek and make dietary adjustments. Specifically, avoid caffeine, alcohol, and smoking, while increasing your daily water intake to at least 4 liters. Trek at a comfortable pace, making sure not to skip acclimatization days. Consider using Diamox if any altitude-related symptoms appear, and try drinking garlic soup to aid in acclimatization.
When you're getting ready for the exciting Everest Three High Passes Trek, having the right gear is super important. To make sure you have a great time, we've put together a list of gear that's just right for this trek:
If you're joining the Everest 3 Passes Trek, we've got you covered with free airport rides when you arrive and leave. When you land at Tribhuvan International Airport, our team will be there with a sign showing your name. You'll get a friendly welcome with a Khada or a garland of marigold flowers. Afterward, we'll make sure you have a comfy ride to your hotel in a private car. This way, you won't feel alone in a new place.
The Everest Three Passes Trek lasts for 17 days, and you'll spend 16 nights in some of the best lodges in the Everest area. You'll have a private bathroom in your room for five nights in Lukla, Phakding, and Namche (3N). For the other eleven nights, you'll stay in standard rooms in places like Thame, Lungden, Gokyo (2 N), Dzongla, Lobuche (2 N), Chhukung, Gorak Shep, Thangnak, and Pheriche (twin sharing). These lodges offer hot showers for a small fee. You might need two extra hotel nights before and after the trek, but please note that these are not included in the package. Kathmandu has a wide variety of hotels to choose from, catering to different budgets and preferences.
In the Everest region lodges, you'll have access to electricity for recharging your camera and mobile devices, but there is a fee for this service. You can purchase bottled mineral water from local lodges and shops along the way, or you can opt for boiled water, which comes at an additional cost. If needed, Holiday Planner Treks provides water purification tablets to ensure safe drinking water. It's important to note that you should avoid drinking water directly from rivers, taps, or wells in trekking areas as it may not be safe for consumption.
Tipping is a voluntary gesture and should be based on your satisfaction with the service, the duration of the trek, and the overall cost. In Nepali culture, tipping is a customary way to express appreciation. It's advisable to provide tips at the conclusion of the journey and consider doing so as a group.
The best season for the Everest Three High Passes Trek is generally considered to be the spring and autumn seasons:
Spring Season (March to May): Spring offers mild and stable weather with blossoming rhododendron forests and clear skies. The temperatures are gradually warming up, and the trekking paths are filled with vibrant colors.
Autumn Season (September to November): Autumn is another ideal time to undertake this trek. The weather is stable, the skies are clear, and the temperatures are pleasant. The paths are also less muddy, making for a comfortable trekking experience.
These seasons provide the best conditions for trekking, offering excellent visibility and comfortable temperatures. However, if you're well-prepared and experienced, it's possible to trek in the Everest region during other seasons as well, but be prepared for more challenging weather conditions.
The Everest Three High Passes Trek is considered a challenging yet rewarding trek.
Foreign nationals, with the exception of Indian citizens, must obtain a visa to enter Nepal. An on-arrival visa can be obtained at Tribhuvan International Airport. To apply for the visa, you'll need a passport valid for at least six months and a passport-sized photograph. The current visa fee is USD 50 for a 30-day visa, which you should pay upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport.
Chinese and SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) citizens are eligible for a complimentary visa. However, citizens from specific countries, including Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Swaziland, Cameroon, Somalia, Liberia, Ethiopia, Iraq, Palestine, and Afghanistan, may not be eligible for an on-arrival visa. In such cases, citizens from these countries should contact their local Nepalese embassy for visa arrangements. For further visa-related information, you can visit https://www.immigration.gov.np/.
The Everest 3 High Pass Trek in Nepal is challenging and involves risks like high-altitude trekking, potential altitude sickness, and unexpected weather changes.
As part of our booking conditions, all trekkers must have comprehensive travel insurance. This insurance should cover medical expenses, emergency repatriation (including helicopter rescue and evacuation at high altitudes up to 5,500m). We can suggest insurance companies based on past clients' experiences, but we don't sell insurance policies.
Please provide your detailed insurance information after booking the trek. In case of emergencies, we'll use the insurance policy and documents you've shared to arrange quick rescue operations, emergency medical assistance, and more. Make sure your insurance covers mountain rescue services at the trek's highest elevation.
We trust you've had a wonderful time in Nepal. On the day of your departure, we'll provide transportation from your hotel to Tribhuvan International Airport. We hope you've cherished your trekking experience in Nepal and look forward to welcoming you back for more thrilling adventures in the future.
Our exceptional 17 day trek included hotel stays in Kathmandu, the flight to and from Lukla, all food on the hike, porters and guides. What a great experience! From the arrival at the airport to our departure we were assisted by drivers, managers, guides and hotel staff during the whole trip. The company is extremely well run and all people associated are kind and considerate and the level of English is great. On the 14 day trek we had knowledgeable guides and highly capable porters, the porters cheered us on up the more difficult pitches. I'd highly recommend Holiday Planner Treks to anyone.
Paul Thornbury (Papa Tango)
16th Sep, 2022
If this trip is not suitable for you. We can make Tailor Made Trip for you.
