Three Passes of Everest Trek: Everest High Passes Trek Itinerary

Three Passes of Everest Trek is a most challenging yet adventure trekking route in the Everest region. The classic trekking route takes you through the different valley and combined with “three high passes” in Khumbu region.

During this adventurous trek, you’ll get stunning and unparalleled mountain views including Mt. Everest, Mt. Ama Dablam, and Mt. Lhotse. Despite the challenging trail, you’ll get plenty of opportunities to indulge yourself in breathtaking mountain vistas than in regular Everest Base Camp Trek.

Moreover, during the trekking journey you’ll come across different Sherpa settlement, ancient Buddhists monasteries, Chorten, Stupas, and Prayer Wheels. Visiting these wonderful places will offer you an insight into culturally vibrant Sherpa lifestyle.

Furthermore, this challenging trekking trail in Khumbu is often known as Everest High Trek, Everest High Pass Trek or Everest Three Passes Trek. The main center of attraction of this trek is series of high passes in Khumbu that is Renjo La Pass (5,465 m), Cho La Pass (5,420 m), and Kongma La Pass (5,535 m).

Likewise, you can do this trek either clockwise or anti-clockwise. You can either start with Jiri or Lukla. If you want to add more adventure and challenge to Three Passes of Everest Trek then you can opt for, Kala Patthar (5,545m), and Chukung Ri (5,550 m).

Highlights of Three Passes of Everest Trek

Jaw-dropping views of the highest mountain in the world, Mt. Everest
Hiking around the entire the Everest region
Walking through the least crowded trail of the Everest region
Crossing the three challenging passes above 5,000 meters; Renjo La, Cho La, and Kongma La
Visit ancient Tibetan monasteries and learn about the ancient Tibetan culture
Chances to soak into the lifestyle and cultures of the unique Sherpa people

Three Passes of Everest Trek Difficulty

Three Passes of Everest trek is normally graded as “challenging and adventurous” treks in the Everest region of Nepal. This trek involves long days of strenuous trek including crossing the three highest passes of the Everest region.

Besides, you also need to walk 6-7 hours per day and reach the maximum altitude of 5,400 meters. So, to complete this trek without any hurdles you need to be both physically and mentally stable.

Well, it is quite challenging than classic Everest Base Camp Trek and Gokyo Valley Trek but not as challenging as climbing Island Peak or Meera Peak. Despite being the challenging trek, Three Passes of Everest Trek is very popular among the adventures junkies!

Best Time for Three Passes of Everest Trek

Like all treks in the Everest region, the best time for Three Passes of Everest Trek is autumn (September-November) and spring (March_May). During these months, the weather condition is stable and dry. Besides, the weather stability these months also offer the best mountain vistas.

Likewise, you need to avoid Monsoon season (June-August) and Winter season (December-February). Because during monsoon the trail is usually wet and weather at the high Himalayas is unpredictable. So, there will be a high chance of roadblock and flight cancellations. Also, this trek includes crossing the high passes, so in winter it gets quite cold and snow makes impossible to cross the passes.

Outline Itinerary

Detail Itinerary

Cost Included

Cost Excluded

Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu 1,300m via respective airlines and drive to your hotel.

Day 02: Half day sightseeing tour of Kathmandu.

Day 03: Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla & trek to Phakding. (Tea House)

Day 04: Trek to Namche Bazaar 3,440m. Approx. (5 - 6 hrs) (Tea House)

Day 05: At Namche for acclimatization. (Tea House)

Day 06: Trek to Thame village 3,880m Approx (4 - 5 hr) walk. (Tea House)

Day 07: Trek to Mingbo 3,900m after visiting the monastery (3 - 4 hrs) (Tea House)

Day 08: Trek further to Marulung 4,200m (5 - 6 hrs) (Tea House)

Day 09: Trek to Sumna 4,900m (5 - 6 hrs) (Tea House)

Day 10: Trek to Chulung 4,380m (5 - 6 hrs) (Tea House)

Day 11: Trek towards Renjo Pokhari (pond) at approx 4,600m (4 - 5 hrs) (Tea House)

Day 12: Trek and cross Renjo-la at 5,345m and camp at Gokyo. (5 - 6 hrs) (Tea House)

Day 13: Morning at Gokyo for local hike and trek to Thagnag, 4,830m (Tea House)

Day 14: Cross Cho-la 5,400m and camp at Dzong-la 4,850m (5 - 6 hrs) (Tea House)

Day 15: Trek to Lobuche 4,930. (4 - 5 hrs) (Tea House)

Day 16: Trek towards Kongma-la 5,150m. (4 - 5 hrs) (Tea House)

Day 17: Trek and cross Kongma-la 5,535m and camp at Bibre (5 - 6 hrs) (Tea House)

Day 18: Trek to Dingboche 4,350m. (2 - 3 hrs) (Tea House)

Day 19: Trek to Kyangjungma 3,600m. (6 - 7 hrs) (Tea House)

Day 20: Trek to Monjo 2,860m. (5 - 6 hrs) (Tea House)

Day 21: Trek to Lukla (4 - 5 hrs)

Day 22: Fly back to Kathmandu.

Day 23: Final Departure

Note: Renjo, Tsho-la, and Kongma-la passes are possible all the year round, however in heavy snow condition, one's has to be extremely careful including the porters. On normal snow condition, ropes are fixed maximum 100 meters or minimum 50 meters. The loose scree or stone fall portion is just for 10 or 15 minutes, nothing serious but although one's got to be careful.

If you want to extend your trip, please feel free to choose from our DAY TOURS, NEPAL TOURS or Jungle Safaris. here are some trip extensions that might interest you.

Extended Trips

Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu 1,300m via respective airlines and drive to your hotel.

Once you arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport, our representative will pick you up via private vehicle and drop you at the respective hotel. After checking in, you’ll have a small team meeting at our head office. Our guide will brief you about Three Passes of Everest Trek.

Overnight stay at Kathmandu.

Day 02: Half day sightseeing tour of Kathmandu

On this day, you’ll do sightseeing of cultural world heritage sites in Kathmandu valley. You’ll visit the pilgrimage sites of Hindus temple Pashupatinath and the world biggest Boudhanath stupa. Similarly, you’ll also visit Swayambhunath stupa known as monkey temple. After exploring these places you’ll visit historical and culturally rich Kathmandu Durbar Square. In the evening, you’ll have time for trek preparation. Overnight stay at Kathmandu.

Day 03: Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla & trek to Phakding

Your adventure begins at Kathmandu International Airport with your 45 minutes of scenic flight to Lukla (2,800 m). After resting for some time, you’ll start your trek passing via several Sherpa villages. Enroute you’ll pass several suspension bridges decorated with colorful prayer flags. After 3 to 4 hours of walk, you’ll reach Phakding (2,652 m), a dense settlement of Sherpa people for an overnight stay.

Day 04: Trek to Namche Bazaar 3,440m. Approx. 5 – 6 hrs

On this day, you’ll continue your trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m) through a bank of the Dudh Koshi river. You’ll cross it over small suspension bridge twice before reaching Monjo village, the main entrance of the Sagarmatha National Park.

Further, the trail gradually descends towards the suspension bridge over the Bhote Koshi river and you’ll reach Jorsalle village. This is the last village till Namche Bazaar. You’ll cross the high Tenzing-Hilary suspension bridge. On the way, you’ll get a jaw-dropping view of Mt. Everest next to Nuptse-Lhotse ridge.

Again, after walking for 3 hours through beautiful pine forests you’ll finally reach Namche Bazaar. Overnight stay at Namche Bazaar.

Day 05: At Namche for acclimatization

On this day, you’ll take a rest day in order to acclimatize to the high-altitude. But don’t think you’ll spend your whole day boringly! Instead, you’ll hike to a nearby viewpoint to enjoy the spectacular views of Mt. Everest, Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Thamserku, and other surrounding peaks.

On the way back, you’ll explore Khumjung valley and visit the Hillary school and Khunde hospital. Remaining of the day, you can explore Namche Bazaar visit Sherpa Museum. It is a great place to learn the history of mountaineering and Sherpa culture as well. Overnight stay at the teahouse of Namche Bazaar.

Day 06: Trek to Thame village 3,880m Approx 4 – 5 hr walk

On this day, you’ll trek from Namche Bazaar to Thame village which will take around 4-5 hours. Thame village lies at 3,880 m on the way to old trade route to Tibet via Nangpa La Pass. Enroute you’ll enjoy the mountain views, waterfalls, and picturesque villages.

Today’s walk is easy mostly on flat land with few short uphills. Thame is the home of various famous Sherpa mountaineers including Apa Sherpa. After crossing Thamo, Gumba, and Samde village you’ll finally reach Thame village for an overnight stay.

Day 07: Trek to Mingbo 3,900m after visiting the monastery 3 – 4 hrs

On this day, leaving behind Thame village you’ll enter into the absolute wilderness near towards Tibet border of Nangpa La, where most of the Tibetans enters Nepal to trade. After 3-4 hours walk, you’ll reach Mingbo (3,990 m), a small herder’s village for overnight stay.

Day 08: Trek further to Marulung 4,200m 5 – 6 hrs

On this day, you’ll leave Mingbo after having breakfast. You’ll continue your trek towards Marlung through winding trail. Enjoying the surrounding views of high barren hills and snow-capped peaks you’ll reach Marlung at 4,200 m of altitude. It’ll take around 5 hours to reach Marlung.

Day 09: Trek to Sumna 4,900m 5 – 6 hrs

On this day, you’ll continue your walk on the grassy meadow with the great views of distant mountains and valleys. After 5-6 hours of walk, you’ll reach Sumna (4,900 m) small yak herders. This place is small and beautiful yak herders temporary settlement. You’ll spend a night at Sumna.

Day 10: Trek to Chulung 4,380m 5 – 6 hrs

On this day, you’ll walk towards near Renjo with breathtaking scenery. After 6 hours of walk, you’ll reach a small summer pasture at Chulung (4,380 m) for the overnight stay.

Day 11: Trek towards Renjo Pokhari (pond) at approx 4,600m 4 – 5 hrs

On this day, you’ll walk almost 5 hours before reaching Renjo Pokhari at an altitude of 4,600 m. Although this is a shorter day compare to other trekking days it will be a bit tiring as you’ll ascend most of the day with occasional descends.

Day 12: Trek and cross Renjo-la at 5,345m and camp at Gokyo. 5 – 6 hrs

On this day, you’ll cross one of the first passes of the Everest trek. After trekking for the 4 hours you’ll reach the top of the pass, Renjola at an altitude of 5,345 m. From the top, you can see the astonishing view of Mt. Cho Oyu. It is the sixth highest mountain in the world. After enjoying the view you’ll go down to the other side to Gokyo for the overnight stay.

Day 13: Morning at Gokyo for local hike and trek to Thagnag, 4,830m

On this day, you’ll go for an early morning Gokyo Ri hike. It is one of the major highlights of the Three Passes of Everest Trek. It lies at an altitude of 5,357 m and offers a fabulous 180-degree mountain view of the Everest region including Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Gyachung Kang, and Taweche. It will take around a couple of hours to reach the top via steep trail. You’ll again come back the same way and continue your trek towards Thagnag (4,830 m) for an overnight stay.

Day 14: Cross Cho-la 5,400m and camp at Dzong-la 4,850m 5 – 6 hrs

On this day, early in the morning, you’ll start your trek towards Dzong La (4,850 m) which will take around 5-6 hours. At first, you’ll climb on a steep trail and then trail descends to the bottom of the Chola. After that, the trail leads you via the rock toward the top which is also steep climbing. Cho La Pass lies at an altitude of 5,400 m and at the top, there are some Buddhist prayer flags. After enjoying the great mountain views from the top you’ll return back to Dzongla for an overnight stay.

Day 15: Trek to Lobuche 4,930. 4 – 5 hrs

On this day, early in the morning, you’ll start your trek with an easy downhill walk for a while. After a few up and downhill trek, you’ll reach Lobuche for an overnight stay. It’ll take around 4-5 hours to reach Lobuche village which lies at 4,930 m of altitude. It is a beautiful settlement of stone house sitting in the middle of the icy wilderness.

Day 16: Trek towards Kongma-la 5,150m. 4 – 5 hrs

On this day, you’ll trek via the trail that leads towards more wilderness away from the main trekking trail. The trail follows the upper moraine and will take you towards the Khumbu Glacier. Walking on a zig-zag path is totally challenging and adventure as well.

Further, you’ll climb steadily towards the other side of the glacier nearby the Nuptse wall. After 4-5 hours of slow walk, you’ll reach the base of Kongma La at 5,200 m.

Day 17: Trek and cross Kongma-la 5,535 m and camp at Bibre 5 – 6 hrs

On this day, you’ll trek towards the top of the Kongma La Pass (5,335 m). It is the highest point of the trek. It is also less crowded trail as it is one of the challenging passes of Nepal. After crossing the pass, you’ll descend to Bibre for overnight camp. Bibre is also the junction where the path from Dingboche and Chukung meet. After 5-6 hours of challenging walk, you’ll reach Bibre for overnight camp.

Day 18: Trek to Dingboche 4,350m. 2 – 3 hrs

On this day, you’ll start your trek from Bibre to Dingboche, (4,350 m). After one hour of walk, you’ll reach Chukkung village. Today’s hike is relatively easy through stone wall fields and alpine landscape.

Further, you’ll walk through the Imja Khola valley on glacier moraines with towering mountains on both side; Mt. Lhotse on your right and Mt. Ama Dablam on your right. The views are just breathtaking! After 2-3 hours of a pleasant walk, you’ll reach beautiful Sherpa settlement Dingboche for an overnight stay.

Day 19: Trek to Kyangjungma 3,600m. 6 – 7 hrs

On this day, you’ll trek through the main Everest path where you can witness many trekkers, yaks, and villagers. This scenic walk takes you through the village of Pangboche. Further, after a few hours of a pleasant walk through the pine and rhododendron forests, you’ll reach Deoboche. After 40 minutes of an uphill climb, you’ll reach Tengboche village.

Tengboche village hosts the largest monasteries of the Everest region i.e, Tengboche Monastery. Besides, the village offers spectacular scenery of surrounding peaks including Mt. Everest, Mt. Ama Dablam, Mt. Nuptse, and Mt. Lhotse.

After exploring Tengboche Monastery, you’ll gradually descend towards Kyangjungma (3,600 m) for the overnight stay.

Day 20: Trek to Monjo 2,860m. 5 – 6 hrs

On this day, you’ll cross a couple of villages. Leaving Kyangjunma village, the trailhead towards Namche Bazaar. Following the downhill path, from Namche Bazaar you’ll reach Monjo (2,860 m) for an overnight stay.

Day 21: Trek to Lukla 4 – 5 hrs

On this day, after early morning breakfast, you’ll trek back to Lukla. You’ll trek via the forests of rhododendron and pine until you reach the Sherpa village. Once you reach Lukla you can relax and celebrate the success of your adventurous Three Passes of Everest Trek. Overnight stay at a teahouse of Lukla village.

Day 22: Fly back to Kathmandu

On this day, you’ll take an early morning flight to Kathmandu. Upon your arrival at Kathmandu International Airport, our guide will drop you at the respective hotel. You’ll have enough time to relax and in the evening you can explore Thamel and purchase some souvenirs to take back home. Overnight stay at Kathmandu.

Day 23: Final Departure

On this day, according to your flight scheduled time, our representative will transfer to Kathmandu International Airport. Hope to see you again and wish you a safe journey!

Three Passes of Everest Trek - 23 Days