Everest Three Passes Trek (Renjo La, Cho La and Kongma La Passes)
Certified 
Sustainable 
Best Price 
Challenge level
 Destination
|
Nepal |
|---|---|
 Activity
|
Trekking |
 Duration
|
18 Days |
 Meals
|
Included (B,L, D) |
 Accomodation
|
Hotel/Lodge/Tea House during the trek |
 Group size
|
2-16 Persons |
 Best Season
|
Mar-May / Sep-Dec |
 Max Altitude
|
Kala Patthar (5,555m) |
 Trip Code
|
1028 |
|
Activity Per Day
|
6-7 hrs walk per day |
 Transportation
|
Private Vehicle & Flight |
 Grade
|
Strenuous |
The Everest Three Passes Trek is the most complete trekking journey in the Khumbu. Instead of following the standard out-and-back Everest Base Camp trail, this route links the region’s three classic high passes, the turquoise Gokyo Lakes, Everest Base Camp, Kala Patthar, and traditional Sherpa settlements into one unforgettable Himalayan circuit.
This trek is designed for strong trekkers who want more than a checklist experience. It is longer, higher, and more demanding than the classic Everest Base Camp trek, but the reward is far greater: broader mountain panoramas, more varied landscapes, quieter sections of trail, and a deeper sense of crossing the Everest region rather than simply visiting it.
The Everest Three Passes Trek is the grand circuit of the Khumbu. It combines everything trekkers love about the Everest region, dramatic high-altitude passes, glacier scenery, Buddhist culture, famous viewpoints, remote valleys, and the achievement of standing at Everest Base Camp.
The journey begins with a flight to Lukla and follows the Dudh Koshi Valley to Namche Bazaar, the cultural and commercial heart of the Khumbu. After acclimatizing, the route climbs deeper into the mountains through Tengboche and Dingboche before entering the high alpine world of Chhukung and Kongma La. From there, the trek links Lobuche, Everest Base Camp, and Kala Patthar before continuing over Cho La to Gokyo and then across Renjo La into the Bhote Koshi side of the valley. The final days return through Thame, Namche, and Lukla.
What makes this trek special is the variety. You do not just see Everest, you experience the full geography of the region: forested lower valleys, yak pastures, glacial moraines, frozen pass crossings, sacred monasteries, and vast Himalayan viewpoints.
Everest three High Passes Trek will take you to the less traveled way to the Everest Base Camp where you will have a magnificent view of the mountains such as Mount Everest, Mount Lhotse, Mount Ama Dablam, Mount Nuptse, Mount Thamserku and many more.
Three Passes Trek is one of the most challenging treks in the Everest region. If you are one of those who like to experience more thrilling and adventurous trek, Everest 3 High Pass Trekking is best for you.
Everest 3 High passes trek is a truly lifetime Adventure journey to Himalaya, this Adventure trip take you 7 Superb destination over 5 thousand meter Namely, Renjo la Pass (5388 m), Cho La Pass (5380 m) and Kongma La pass(5535 m) With climbing of the three peaks Gokyo Ri (5483 m), Kalapathar (5545m) and Chukung Ri (5550 m) ,
It is a trek with unparalleled alpine beauty and without doubt the grandest mountain scenery on the world. The highlights of the trek include the Sherpa village of Khumjung, the pristine Gokyo lake, the breathtaking scenery from the all these passes and the visit to Everest base camp. Unlike other treks in Everest region, this trek makes a loop, hence no tracing back of the route. The good thing about this 3 pass trek is despite having to cross three passes, you do not require any technical climbing and any person with good fitness and previous trekking experience can complete the trek successfully.
The best seasons for the Everest Three Passes Trek are spring (March to May) and autumn (late September to November). These periods usually offer the most stable weather, clearer mountain views, and better trail conditions. Autumn is known for crisp skies and long-range visibility, while spring brings milder temperatures and more color in the lower elevations. The trek can be done outside these windows, but winter snow and monsoon conditions can make the high passes more difficult and less predictable.
Autumn (September, October, November)
Autumn is the festive season for trekkers from all around the world for trekking In Nepal. The weather conditions in the month of September, October, and November are mostly suitable for trekking the Everest 3 High Pass.
Autumn is one of the peak seasons in Nepal for trekking. The temperature during this season is neither too hot nor too cold which fits for trekking. If you wish to trek the Everest 3 High Pass Trek in Autumn, you can also celebrate some of the major festivals in Nepal that falls during Autumn.
Spring (March, April, May)
Spring is one of the best times of the year where beautiful flowers bloom and new leaves start to grow. The whole environment becomes green which gives you fresh air and pleases your eyes.
During spring, Nepal looks ever more beautiful in nature. You will have clearer scenic mountain views during the season of Spring. The temperature and weather condition of the Everest Region is also favorable.
You may expect some light rainfall in late May. But, don’t worry, the view you get to explore in the next morning is splendid.
Everest 3 High Passes Trekking is a challenging trek as you have to climb to a higher altitude and pass some of the difficult passes such as Renjo La Pass, Cho La Pass, and Kongma La Pass. These passes are one of the most challenging and physically demanding parts of the Everest trekking.
As you will trek to a higher altitude, you might have some difficulty in breathing. The amount of oxygen becomes thinner as you move to a higher altitude. Because of this, you may also face Acute Altitude Sickness.
The difficulty level of the trek increases if you trek during the monsoon season. During the monsoon season there are heavy rainfalls making the route muddy and slippery. You must be careful with your steps. Therefore, it is best to avoid trekking in Monsoon if you are a beginner. If you are an experienced trekker, then you are sure to enjoy every hurdle in any seasons.
Similarly, during winter, the Everest region is precisely enclosed with snow. This will cause difficulty in walking and passing the trails.
The price of the Everest Three Passes Trek depends on group size, season, hotel standard in Kathmandu, guide-to-client ratio, and whether porter service, gear support, and flight contingencies are included.
The cost of the Everest 3 High Pass Trek is higher than that of Everest Base Camp and other treks like the Manaslu Circuit and Annapurna Base Camp due to the difficulty of crossing high passes.
Our Everest Three High Pass Trek Package costs start from $1500 and go up to $1950 and above. Pricing is influenced by several factors, including group size and travel season. Please take a look below for our group price offers.
| 1 People | $1700 /- |
| 2 People Group | $1650 Per person |
| 3 People Group | $1640 Per person |
| 5 - 8 People Group | $1600 Per Person |
| 9 -12 People Group | $1575 Per person |
Please contact us for a custom quote for private departures, luxury hotel upgrades, or helicopter contingency options.
For this route, you need to get a Sagarmatha National Park Permit and a Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality permit. And sometimes, TIMS, because permit practices in Nepal can change, and official guidance can differ by route and implementation.
Lukla Flights
Lukla flights are weather-sensitive and can be delayed or rerouted during busy seasons.
Those who have previously completed multi-day treks or high-altitude hikes will adapt more easily to the demands of this route.
You should be comfortable walking 6–9 hours per day, often at high altitude and on uneven terrain.
This trek involves remote sections, glacier crossings, and three high passes above 5,300 meters, making it perfect for those seeking a real challenge.
Unlike the standard Everest Base Camp trek, this route includes:
Parts of the route, especially around the passes and Gokyo Valley, are less crowded and more remote.
But, this trek might not be suitable for
Kathmandu → Lukla → Phakding → Namche Bazaar → Tengboche → Dingboche → Chhukung → Kongma La Pass → Lobuche → EBC → Gorakshep → Kala Patthar → Dzongla → Cho La Pass → Thagnak → Gokyo → Gokyo Ri → Renjo La Pass → Marlung → Thame → Namche → Lukla
Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be welcomed and transferred to your hotel. After check-in, meet your trekking guide for a detailed briefing about the journey, permits, safety, and equipment check.
Experience: Light exploration of Thamel or rest
Overnight: Hotel
Note: Stay hydrated and adjust to time zone
After early morning breakfast, we will drive to the airport and board a 45-minute flight to Lukla. During this flight, you'll enjoy the scenic beauty of the rugged foothills and the snow-capped mountains, including Kanchenjunga III, Lhotse IV, and Makalu. You'll meet your porters and start your descent to Phakding village. This trek takes us through the farming lands of the Sherpas, passing through several villages along the way.
This is a pleasant introduction to the Everest region, allowing you to enjoy the fresh mountain air, observe local village life, and begin adjusting to the trail conditions. By late afternoon, you will arrive in Phakding, a charming riverside village where you will spend the night.
Today’s trek winds through fragrant pine forests alongside the Dudh Koshi River, with several suspension bridge crossings along the way. The most iconic is the Hillary Suspension Bridge, named after Sir Edmund Hillary, who, together with Tenzing Norgay, made the first successful ascent of Everest. Along the trail, enjoy views of Mount Thamserku before passing through the villages of Benkar, Chumoa, and Monjo, just before entering Sagarmatha National Park.
Continuing onward, we pass Jorsale, the last settlement before a steady ascent through forested terrain and over more bridges to the confluence of the Dudh Koshi and Bhote Koshi rivers. A challenging climb of about two hours rewards us with our first glimpse of Mount Everest rising above the Lhotse-Nuptse ridge.
From Chautara, the views become even more impressive, offering great photo opportunities. After another 1.5 hours of trekking, we reach Namche Bazaar, the vibrant gateway to Everest and the main trading center of the region. Overnight stay in Namche Bazaar.
This is your first acclimatization day, a vital part of a safe and successful high-altitude trek. Rather than remaining inactive, you will take a gradual hike to a higher elevation and then return to Namche to sleep. This process helps your body adapt more efficiently to the thinning air.
The day usually begins with a hike toward the Everest View area, where you are rewarded with magnificent panoramas of Everest, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, and several other Himalayan peaks. The route itself is scenic, with ever-expanding views over the Dudhkoshi Valley and surrounding ridges.
You may also visit the Sagarmatha National Park Museum and the Sherpa Culture Museum, both of which provide valuable insight into the region’s natural history, mountaineering legacy, and local way of life. Another option is to continue toward Khumjung, a beautiful Sherpa village known for its monastery and traditional stone houses. Along the way, you may pass by the Everest View Hotel, one of the highest luxury hotels in the world, where many trekkers stop for tea with a spectacular mountain backdrop.
After the excursion, you return to Namche Bazaar for the night.
After breakfast in Namche, we trek towards Tengboche and along the way get to see some of the most spectacular views of Mt. Everest, Mt. Nuptse, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Ama Dablam, and a close-up view of Thamserku (6608m).
The trail includes gentle ups and downs as it passes Kayangjuma (3600m) and Sansa, an important junction where routes to Gokyo and Everest Base Camp separate. This section is also rich in wildlife, and with some luck you may spot Himalayan thar, musk deer, or colorful pheasants in the forested slopes.
We eventually arrive at Phunki Thenga, a small village with several teahouses and a small army post set among an alpine forest. After lunch at Phunki Thenga, we prepare for a more demanding climb up through pine forests before we reach Tengboche with its magnificent views of Mt Ama Dablam, Mt Nuptse, and Mt Everest. Tengboche also boasts of having the largest Buddhist Monastery in the Khumbu region. In the afternoon, around 3 PM, we visit the monastery to witness a religious ceremony by the monks. We spend the night at a lodge here in Tengboche.
In the early morning, with mountains in the background, the monastery is even more stunning. The early morning light provides us with a perfect photo opportunity of the surrounding scenery. Leaving Tengboche we take the higher trail that provides us with better views as we head to Pangboche village. On the trail we pass numerous Chortens and Mani walls and several small villages. We stop for lunch at a village well-known for its delicious food, and can also take in the close-up view of Mt Ama Dablam. In the afternoon we trek north to Pheriche or alternatively follow an eastward trail beneath the soaring north face of Mt Ama Dablam. The trail is relatively easy-going as we enter the Imja Valley that gradually widens as we approach the Lobuche River. We descend down to the river and then face our steepest climb of the day while heading up to Dingboche. Dingboche is unique in that its fields are surrounded by stone walls, protected from grazing animals and strong winds, and planted with barley, buckwheat, and potatoes. Tonight we stay at Dingboche.
Today is very important and allows us to acclimatize before climbing higher. A short trek to the Nagarjuna hills offers some amazing views of Mt. Makalu and helps us to acclimatize. Medical experts recommend being active rather than sitting idle during this process of acclimatization.
From Dingboche, there is a short hike to Chhukung, the final settlement of the Khumbu region around Imja Tse (also known as Island Peak) with its magnificent panorama of snowcapped mountains with Mt. Makalu in the east. After arriving at Chhukung we can rest or hike to Chhukung Ri for more amazing views of the mountains. It will also allow us time to prepare for our early morning departure to Kongma-la Pass.
Our day begins before dawn trekking along an icy path and then a stony trail beneath Kongma-La Pass and its Kongma Peak– also known as Mehra Peak. We then cross Kongma-La Pass at (5,535m) nestled between Mt Nuptse Wall, Mihara, and Pokalde peaks. After a strenuous climb towards Khumbu Glacier and moraine (rocky ground), we take a fairly steep trail up to the base of the Khumbu Glacier to arrive at Lobuche for an overnight stop in the comfort of a warm and comfortable lodge.
Embark on an exhilarating trek from Lobuche to Gorak Shep and Everest Base Camp, a journey that will test your stamina and reward you with breathtaking views. The trek covers a distance of approximately 15 kilometers, taking 6-7 hours. As you ascend through the rugged terrain, you'll be captivated by panoramic vistas of snow-capped peaks and the majestic Khumbu Icefall. Upon reaching Everest Base Camp (5364m), relish the sense of accomplishment amidst the towering giants of the Himalayas. After soaking in the stunning scenery, return to Gorak Shep for a well-deserved rest, reflecting on the day's awe-inspiring adventure.
An early morning start takes us to Kalapatthar (known as black rock) a well known landmark that offers the most exhilarating panoramic view of surrounding giant peaks including a close-up of Mt. Everest. We then head back to Gorakshep and then onward to Dzongla, at the base of Cho-La Pass. at Dzongla where we stay the night.
Rising early we then trek to Thangnak and get a magnificent view of Mt Cholatse (6440m). The trek heads in a westerly direction from Dzonglha. Today is the toughest day of our trek as we head to Cho-La Pass (5420m). On reaching the highest point of the valley we begin our trek through Cho La Pass taking in some amazing views of Chola Lake and Mt.Amadablam. The climbing can be quite difficult due to being rugged and with rocks glazed over with ice. Upon reaching the top of the pass we then haed downhill to Thangnak – a more relaxing descent!
An early morning start and then begin our trek to the small village of Gokyo at the base of Mt Gokyo. Along the trail we will have some fantastic mountain views. After leaving Longponga (4720m) we continue uphill on a trail that leads to Gokyo with a magnificent view of Tanjung Tsho Lake (4710m). After a short walk along the edge of the Ngozumpa Glacier (36 km is the longest glacier of Nepal). Once across the other side of the glacier we have some superb views of Gokyo Lake.
In the morning we can choose to climb Gokyo Ri, and get a panoramic vista of some of the world’s highest peaks, including Mt. Cho Oyo, Gyachung Kang, Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotse, Cholatse, Taweche and Mt. Makalu in the east. This is truly one of the highlights of the trek! We then descend to Gokyo. Option two is a trek to Gokyo’s 5th lake taking around 5 hours leading us to the very base of Cho-Oyu - the world’s 6th highest mountain bordering Tibet. From here we will also have some amazing views of Mt. Everest, Changtse and the enormous ice wall of Cho-Oyu.
Up before dawn, we head off to our final high pass following the trail at the end of Gokyo Lake where along the way we are again gifted with more awesome views of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Cholatse and Taboche, before crossing Renjo La Pass. This is also one of the most demanding parts of our trek, but once we reach the top we will be rewarded with spectacular 360-degree views of Mt. Cho-Oyu and other towering peaks. After a short break, we continue our trek to the frozen lakes below Renjo La Pass before heading on a long trek downhill to the small village of Lungdeng – close to Nangpa-La Pass The trail then takes us to Marlung village where we stay for the night just above the Bhote Koshi River.
Leaving Marlung we follow a gradually ascending trail until we reach Thame Village with its own hydropower generator. On the trail we pass several Khumbu villages, pine and rhododendron forests just prior to reaching Namche Bazaar. Our trek continues as we head back to Monjo near the Sagarmatha National Park where we stay the night.
In the morning we follow the trail to Phakding and then head back to Lukla.Tonight we celebrate our achievements and reminisce sharing the highlights and photos of this jam-packed mountain trek.
Today, in the morning, we fly back to Kathmandu after our epic mountain journey. After arriving in Kathmandu we can either rest or wander around Thamel doing some last-minute shopping. Tonight is a night of celebration after the completion of this most memorable experience, with memories to last a lifetime!
Today your journey ends and you take with you many snapshots of some of the world’s highest peaks. On this journey, you will have made friends and can share memories of this fantastic Everest High Three Pass Trek and of course the smiling faces of those who live in these remote wilderness regions. Sherpa Expedition &Trekking staff will take you to the airport for your final departure.
We highly recommend you to carry the basic clothing and accessories (Power Bank, Camera, Mobile Phones, Battery Charger, etc.) needed for the trek.
Every foreign citizen who wants to travel to the Nepal must apply for the Nepal visa. You can get a visa at the Nepal embassy or consulate in your home country or you can obtain one on arrival at Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International airport or at any land border crossing.
Trek to Everest 3 High pass trek Required Travel Insurance, The Adventure Travel Insurance allows you Trekking in Himalayas above 5000m with confidently, Travel insurance is very important for your safety In the event of any high altitude sickness or injury, the cost of emergency treatment and evacuation is shocking., Therefore, travel insurance is strongly recommended for everyone who joins with Adventure Great Himalaya , Be ensuring that your travel insurance covers you for altitude or not, Most standard policies do not cover for walking up more than 3000 meters altitude.
As with other treks in Everest, you will need 2 different permits. They are Everest (Sagarmatha) National Park Entry Permit and Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Local Tax.
The Sagarmatha National Park permit cost $ 30. It can be bought in Kathmandu or en-route to Jorsalle before Namche Bazaar. And for the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Local Tax, you have to pay $ 20 in Lukla.
Lukla is in small Town of Solukhumbu district of Nepal. It is at 2,840 m elevation above the sea level.
There are 3 Airlines Company that operates flights every day in the fair weather. It is small twineter plane and accommodates around 12, 13 people. The flights leave early in the morning because it cannot be said how the weather goes in the afternoon.
The flight to Lukla often gets cancelled due to bad weather. It usually happens in peak season. In the case your flight gets cancelled, you can have the alternative of taking helicopter. A helicopter can carry 4 or 5 people. It costs $ 350 to $500 per person.
The route of Everest Three Pass Trek has several tourist-friendly tea houses with basic accommodation facilities. The rooms are the twin-sharing type for this trek, but you can also get luxury suits at lower regions by paying an additional price.
Compared to other trekking routes, the accommodation services in this trail have advanced and developed throughout the years. Nowadays, they provide you with spongy mattresses, electric blankets, hot showers, and more.
But the facilities are limited to lower regions only, as the lodging is still simple in the upper parts. You will find a wooden bed with hard mattresses, a pillow, and a blanket.
We will be providing you a welcome or farewell dinner in Kathmandu and (Breakfast, Lunch, Diner ) throughout the Trekking . You can have any meal on the basis of your choice. There are a variety of options from typical Nepali dal-bhat, soups, snacks, momos, fried rice, to Chinese and continental dishes like noodles, spaghetti, spring rolls, and steak. The breakfast and dinner will be served in the lodge where we spend night and the lunch will be on the way in our destination
The Everest Three Pass trek trails lie in the Himalayan region of Nepal, where most of the areas are still underdeveloped. So, there are no public toilets available on the routes.
If you have to pee or poop while walking on the trail, you either go to the bushes or near the roads. So, do not feel embarrassed as everybody does the same.
Moreover, lodges and tea houses have proper toiletry, but most have pan style instead of sitting one. However, attached bathrooms are limited to lower areas only as upper regions have common toiletry.
Also, you should know that people living in these areas use water after pooping, so do not forget to carry toilet paper and tissues for yourself.
The Everest Three Pass hike is a solo trek, but we suggest hiring a guide for a better experience. Guides are great partners, navigators, and communicators who make your journey a lot safer.
Only professional and licensed guides can trek in these routes so that you can be relieved about their experience. They are the first responder in case of injuries and emergencies.
If you wish to hire a guide, then make sure they are fluent in other languages to make the communication easier. A guide also acts as a mediator between you and the local peoples and tells you about their culture, history, and lifestyles.
Traveling with a porter is also beneficial as they carry your load during the trek and become your closest companion.
Porters are residents of this region who have made several ups and downs in these trails. So, with their years of experience, they know several shortcuts and safe paths.
They carry all your baggage, belongings, and trekking gear, but the weight limit is from 20 to 30 kilograms only. Also, they only speak basic English, so communication can sometimes be a burden. However, they are very friendly, helpful, and fun people who entertain you throughout the trek.
10% of the cost of your trek is the average tips to be given to your guides and porters. It is kind and respect paid to your team. You can pay any amount above the minimum as per your service and satisfaction level.
To book the Everest Three Passes Trek, simply contact Gateway Adventure Treks and Expedition via our website or customer service for availability and detailed information. A 10% deposit is required at the time of booking to secure your spot, with the remaining balance due before the tour starts. Payments can be made through secure methods such as bank transfer, credit card, or online platforms. For cancellations or changes, Gateway Adventure Treks and Expedition provides clear guidelines, with partial refunds available depending on the timing. Be sure to review the booking terms and conditions to ensure a smooth process.
Though we recommend booking in advance to secure your spot on the tour, Gateway Adventure Treks and Expeditions accepts the last- minute bookings. For these bookings, full payment (100% of the tour price) is required at least 24 hours prior to departure. Please note that while we strive to offer flexibility, we cannot be responsible for any delays or unforeseen issues such as weather conditions or unavailable accommodations.
For last- minute bookings or inquiries, contact us at +977- 9851360663/ +977- 9802301060 or email us at info@gatewaytreks.com
Experience local culture
Best Price Guaranteed
Well-crafted itinerary
Free Sightseeing & Hotel
gatewaytreks@gmail.com
© Copyright Gateway Adventure Treks and Expedition Pvt. Ltd., 2026 All Rights Reserved
