Everest Three Passes Trek | 20-Day Ultimate Challenge
About This Tour
The Everest Three Passes Trek is one of the most challenging and adventurous trekking routes in the Everest Region. It connects several high mountain passes and remote valleys, allowing trekkers to experience diverse landscapes, traditional Sherpa villages, and breathtaking Himalayan scenery. The route is known for its rugged trails, glaciers, and panoramic mountain viewpoints.
During the trek, hikers cross three major high-altitude passes: Kongma La Pass, Cho La Pass, and Renjo La Pass. Each pass rises above 5,000 meters and offers dramatic views of some of the world’s tallest peaks, including Mount Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu. The trek also passes through famous locations such as Gokyo Lakes and Everest Base Camp.
The journey usually takes around 18–21 days and requires good physical fitness and proper acclimatization. Trekkers experience high-altitude terrain, suspension bridges, glaciers, and remote Himalayan culture along the way. Because of its altitude and difficulty, the trek is considered suitable for experienced trekkers seeking a complete and immersive Himalayan adventure.
Day 01 – Arrival in Kathmandu (1,350m / 4,429ft)
Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be welcomed and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax or explore nearby markets and cultural sites in the vibrant capital city.
Day 02 – Kathmandu Sightseeing & Trek Preparation (1,350m / 4,429ft)
Today you explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu while preparing for the trek. Your guide will brief you about the route, equipment, and safety measures before the Himalayan journey begins.
Day 03 – Fly to Lukla, Trek to Phakding (2,800m / 9,187ft) – 3–4 hrs
A scenic mountain flight takes you to Lukla, the gateway to Everest. From Lukla, the trek begins with a gentle walk through Sherpa villages and pine forests to reach the riverside village of Phakding.
Day 04 – Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,438m / 11,280ft) – 5–6 hrs
The trail follows the Dudh Koshi River and crosses several suspension bridges before entering Sagarmatha National Park. After a steep climb, you reach Namche Bazaar, the bustling Sherpa hub of the Everest region.
Day 05 – Acclimatization Day in Namche Bazaar (3,438m / 11,280ft)
To adapt to the increasing altitude, you spend the day in Namche Bazaar. A short hike to Everest View Hotel or nearby viewpoints offers your first glimpse of Mount Everest and surrounding peaks.
Day 06 – Namche Bazaar to Tengboche (3,870m / 12,697ft) – 5–6 hrs
The trail contours high above the valley with spectacular views of Everest, Ama Dablam, and Lhotse. You reach Tengboche, home to the famous Tengboche Monastery, the largest monastery in the Everest region.
Day 07 – Tengboche to Dingboche (4,360m / 14,305ft) – 5–6 hrs
Descending through rhododendron forests and crossing the Imja River, the trail gradually climbs to Dingboche. This beautiful village is surrounded by stone walls and towering Himalayan peaks.
Day 08 – Acclimatization Day in Dingboche (4,360m / 14,305ft)
A rest day helps your body adapt to higher altitude. You may hike to Nagarjun Hill or nearby viewpoints to enjoy panoramic views of Makalu, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam.
Day 09 – Dingboche to Chhukung & Climb Chhukung Ri (5,546m / 18,196ft)
A short trek leads to Chhukung, a small settlement surrounded by glaciers and high peaks. From here, you climb Chhukung Ri for incredible views of Island Peak, Makalu, and the vast Himalayan landscape.
Day 10 – Cross Kongma La Pass, Trek to Lobuche (5,535m / 18,160ft) – 6–7 hrs
Today you cross the first high pass of the trek, Kongma La. The challenging ascent rewards you with spectacular glacier views before descending to Lobuche.
Day 11 – Lobuche to Gorak Shep & Visit Everest Base Camp (5,364m / 17,599ft) – 6–7 hrs
The trail continues along the Khumbu Glacier to Gorak Shep. From there, you hike to Everest Base Camp, standing at the foot of the world’s highest mountain.
Day 12 – Kala Patthar Sunrise & Trek to Lobuche (5,545m / 18,193ft) – 8–9 hrs
Early morning hike to Kala Patthar provides the best panoramic view of Mount Everest and surrounding giants. After enjoying the sunrise, you descend back through Gorak Shep to Lobuche.
Day 13 – Lobuche to Dzongla (4,830m / 15,847ft) – 3–4 hrs
The trail heads west along a quieter path to Dzongla. This peaceful village sits beneath towering peaks and prepares you for the next high mountain pass.
Day 14 – Trek to Gokyo via Cho La Pass (5,420m / 17,783ft) – 7–8 hrs
Crossing the icy Cho La Pass is one of the most exciting sections of the trek. After descending from the glacier pass, you arrive at the beautiful turquoise lakes of Gokyo.
Day 15 – Rest Day in Gokyo: Climb Gokyo Ri & Explore Lakes (5,357m / 17,576ft) – 3–4 hrs
An early morning climb to Gokyo Ri offers one of the finest panoramic views in the Everest region. Later, you explore the fourth and fifth Gokyo Lakes surrounded by dramatic Himalayan scenery.
Day 16 – Gokyo to Lumde via Renjo La Pass (5,360m / 17,586ft) – 6–7 hrs
You cross the final pass, Renjo La, which provides stunning views of Everest, Gokyo Lakes, and the surrounding snow peaks. The descent leads to the quiet valley of Lumde.
Day 17 – Lumde to Namche Bazaar (3,438m / 11,280ft) – 6–7 hrs
The trail follows the Bhote Koshi valley through traditional Sherpa villages and yak pastures before returning to Namche Bazaar.
Day 18 – Namche Bazaar to Lukla (2,800m / 9,187ft) – 6–7 hrs
Retracing the trail along the Dudh Koshi River, you pass through forests and villages before reaching Lukla. In the evening, you celebrate the successful completion of the trek.
Day 19 – Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu (1,350m / 4,429ft)
A scenic flight brings you back to Kathmandu. The rest of the day is free for relaxation, shopping, or exploring the city's cultural attractions.
Day 20 – Final Departure
Your adventure in Nepal comes to an end. Our team will transfer you to the airport for your onward journey.
Destination
Everest
Duration
20 Days
Difficulty
Extreme
Activity
Trekking
Best Season
FEB-MAY/SEP- NOV
Rating
4.5 / 5
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Starting from
$3,300
per person
We accept
What's Included
- Airport pick-up and drop-off in Kathmandu
- 3 nights hotel accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast (Day 1, 2 & Day 19)
- Domestic flights: Lukla – Kathmandu – Lukla
- All airport transfers and ground transportation as per itinerary
- Sagarmatha National Park entry permit
- Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality permit
- Government licensed English-speaking trekking guide
- Required number of porters (1 porter for 2 trekkers)
- All accommodation during the trek in teahouses/lodges
- Three meals per day during the trek (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
- Guide and porter salary, food, accommodation, and insurance
- Comprehensive first aid kit carried by the guide
- All government taxes and company service charges
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Starting from
$3,300