Everest Three Passes Trek

Everest Three Passes Trek - 21 Days

The ultimate Everest challenge: a rigorous journey over the formidable Renjo La, Cho La, and Kongma La passes, reserved for the truly adventurous and rewarded with the Everest region's most spectacular views. This demanding 21-day expedition combines the classic EBC route with three major alpine pass crossings for the ultimate high-altitude circuit of the Khumbu region.

Country
Nepal
Duration
21 Days
Difficulty
Strenuous/Challenging
Group Size
2 or more

Everest Three Passes Trek Highlights

Conquer three magnificent high-alpine passes: Kongma La (5,535m), Cho La (5,368m), and Renjo La (5,340m)

Experience the ultimate adventure combining the classic Everest Base Camp route with three challenging pass crossings

Explore the pristine, turquoise Gokyo Lakes and Gokyo Valley

Visit the spiritual Tengboche Monastery with panoramic mountain views

Experience technical trekking over rocky, sometimes icy terrain and glacier crossings

Discover authentic Sherpa settlements in the remote Thame Valley

Reach Everest Base Camp (5,364m) and Kala Patthar (5,555m) for breathtaking sunrise views

View Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu—some of the world's highest peaks—from multiple vantage points

Everest Three Passes Trek Overview

The Everest Three Passes Trek is a challenging and demanding high-altitude circuit that provides the ultimate adventure in the Khumbu region, combining the classic Everest Base Camp route with the crossing of three major alpine passes: Kongma La (5,535m), Cho La (5,368m), and Renjo La (5,340m). This trek is significantly more arduous than the standard EBC trek, demanding an extended itinerary of around 21 days to incorporate essential acclimatization.

The route involves long days (7-9 hours of walking) over rugged terrain, with the passes featuring steep, rocky slopes, moraine, and potential glacier crossings, making a slow, deliberate pace mandatory to mitigate the risk of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). Success on this strenuous journey hinges on high-level physical fitness—requiring rigorous cardiovascular and strength training—and meticulous logistical preparation.

The Everest Three Passes Trek is the ultimate, all-encompassing high-altitude circuit of the Khumbu region, elevating the challenge far beyond the standard EBC journey. This demanding expedition incorporates every major highlight—the cultural hub of Namche Bazaar, the spiritual center of Tengboche, and the goal of Everest Base Camp (5,364m) and Kala Patthar (5,555m).

The true focus of this trek lies in conquering the three magnificent, high-alpine passes. Each pass presents a unique, strenuous challenge involving long days and technical trekking over rocky, sometimes icy, terrain, especially the glacier crossing on Cho La. Successfully traversing these passes connects the major valleys, linking the main EBC trail with the pristine, turquoise Gokyo Lakes and the silent, authentic Sherpa settlements of the remote Thame Valley. The reward is an unparalleled perspective of the world's highest mountains.

Spectacular Views and High Passes

Mount Everest

8,849 m

World's highest peak

Lhotse

8,516 m

4th highest in the world

Makalu

8,485 m

5th highest in the world

Cho Oyu

8,188 m

6th highest in the world

Kongma La Pass

5,535 m

First alpine pass crossing

Cho La Pass

5,368 m

Second alpine pass crossing

Why Choose Nepal Himal Adventures?

Expert Trekking Professionals

Trekking with Nepal Himal Adventures places you in the care and safety of our expert, experienced Trekking Professionals for the ultimate trekking experience. Our professional guides have years of experience in the Himalayas and intimate knowledge of the Everest region and high-altitude passes.

Complete Support & Safety

We provide comprehensive support including airport transfers, quality accommodation, experienced guides and porters, all necessary permits, health and safety equipment (oxygen cylinders, medical kit, satellite phone), and traditional welcome dinners. Your safety and comfort are our top priorities.

Cultural Immersion

Experience authentic Sherpa culture and traditions as you trek through traditional villages and explore remote settlements. Stay in family-run teahouses, taste local cuisine, and witness the daily life of mountain communities. Our guides will share stories about local customs and Buddhist traditions.

All-Inclusive Packages

Our packages include all essential permits, twin-bed accommodation in Kathmandu, teahouse lodging during the trek, all meals during trekking (breakfast, lunch, dinner with hot tea/coffee), ground transportation, and Nepal Himal Adventures souvenirs (sports bag, T-shirt, beanie cap, trekking map).

Detailed Itinerary

Day 01 : Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu (1,400 m)

Transfer to hotel. Overnight at a hotel.

Day 02 : Half day city tour & Trek briefing

Afternoon trek briefing & preparation. Welcome dinner in a traditional Nepali Restaurant.

Day 03 : Fly to Lukla (2,840 m) - Trek to Phakding (2,610 m)

3 to 4 hours. Begin your high-altitude circuit adventure.

Day 04 : Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m)

5 to 6 hours. Arrive at the vibrant gateway to the Khumbu region.

Day 05 : Acclimatization Day at Namche Bazaar

Hike to Hotel Everest View (3,880 m) and back – 4 to 5 hours.

Day 06 : Trek to Tengboche (3,860 m)

5 to 6 hours. Visit the spiritual Tengboche Monastery.

Day 07 : Trek to Dingboche (4,410 m)

5 to 6 hours. Prepare for high-altitude acclimatization.

Day 08 : Acclimatization Day at Dingboche

Hike to Nangkartsang Peak (5,083 m) and back – 4 to 5 hours.

Day 09 : Trek to Chhukung (4,730 m)

4 to 5 hours. Prepare for the first pass crossing.

Day 10 : Trek to Lobuche (4,910 m) via Kongma La pass (5,535 m)

7 to 8 hours. Conquer the first of three major alpine passes.

Day 11 : Trek to Everest Base Camp (5,364 m) and back to Gorak Shep (5,164 m)

8 to 9 hours. Reach your ultimate destination!

Day 12 : Early morning hike to Kala Patthar (5,555 m), descend to Lobuche (4,910 m)

8 to 9 hours. Witness the most spectacular sunrise views of Mount Everest.

Day 13 : Trek to Dzongla (4,830 m)

4 to 5 hours. Prepare for the second pass crossing.

Day 14 : Trek to Gokyo (4,800 m) via Cho La Pass (5,368 m)

8 to 9 hours. Cross the second pass and reach the turquoise Gokyo Lakes.

Day 15 : Climb Gokyo Ri (5,483 m) and return to Gokyo

3 to 4 hours. Enjoy panoramic views of Everest and surrounding peaks.

Day 16 : Trek to Lunden (4,300 m) via Renjo La Pass (5,340 m)

7 to 8 hours. Cross the third and final pass of your epic journey.

Day 17 : Trek to Thame (3,800 m)

4 to 5 hours. Explore authentic Sherpa settlements in the remote Thame Valley.

Day 18 : Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m)

4 to 5 hours. Begin your descent.

Day 19 : Trek to Lukla (2,840 m)

6 to 7 hours. Final trek back to the airstrip.

Day 20 : Fly back to Kathmandu – 35 minutes

Or drive to Manthali/Ramechhap by shared tourist vehicle – 5 to 6 hours.

Day 21 : Transfer to the International Airport for Your Final Departure

Safe travels home with unforgettable memories of the Himalayas.

Important Trip Information

Note

Activity Level: Strenuous / Challenging – Suitable for trekkers with excellent fitness levels and prior high-altitude experience

Note

Maximum Elevation: 5,555 m / 18,225 ft at Kala Patthar

Note

Best Season: Spring (March-May) and Autumn (Late September-November) for clear mountain views and stable weather

Note

Group Minimum: 2 or more people. All trekking packages can be customized per your request

Important

Trekking itineraries are subject to change by Guide/Group Leader due to weather conditions and other mitigating factors out of our control

Ready for Your Ultimate Himalayan Challenge?

Embark on the most challenging and rewarding trek in the Everest region with unforgettable views across three legendary passes