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The Everest Three Passes Trek is one of the most challenging and rewarding trekking adventures in Nepal, offering a complete exploration of the Everest region. Often referred to as the Everest High Passes Trek, this spectacular journey crosses three high mountain passes—Kongma La (5,535m), Cho La (5,420m), and Renjo La (5,360m)—while visiting Everest Base Camp, Kala Patthar, and the stunning Gokyo Lakes.
The standard Everest Three Passes Trek itinerary takes approximately 16 to 18 days from Kathmandu, including domestic flights to and from Lukla and important acclimatization days. The trek follows a circular route through the Khumbu region, allowing trekkers to experience diverse landscapes, remote valleys, traditional Sherpa villages, ancient monasteries, and some of the most breathtaking mountain scenery in the Himalayas.
Beginning with a scenic flight to Lukla, the trail passes through Phakding and Namche Bazaar before ascending into the higher reaches of the Everest region. Trekkers visit iconic destinations such as Everest Base Camp (5,364m), Kala Patthar (5,545m), and Gokyo Ri (5,357m), each offering unforgettable panoramic views of Mount Everest (8,848.86m), Lhotse (8,516m), Makalu (8,485m), Cho Oyu (8,188m), Ama Dablam (6,812m), and numerous surrounding peaks.
The Everest Three Passes Trek difficulty is classified as strenuous due to its high altitude, long trekking days, and challenging mountain pass crossings. Trekkers typically walk 6–8 hours per day over rugged terrain, glacial moraines, and steep ascents. Previous trekking experience, good physical fitness, and proper acclimatization are strongly recommended for a safe and successful journey.
Accommodation during the trek is provided in traditional teahouses located throughout the Khumbu region. Most trekking packages include experienced licensed guides, porters, domestic flights, permits, meals during the trek, and teahouse accommodation, ensuring a well-organized Himalayan adventure.
The best time to undertake the Everest Three Passes Trek is during the spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) seasons, when weather conditions are stable, mountain views are clear, and trail conditions are at their best.
Combining Everest Base Camp, Gokyo Lakes, Kala Patthar, and the three legendary high passes into a single journey, the Everest Three Passes Trek is widely regarded as the ultimate trekking experience in the Everest region and one of the finest high-altitude adventures in the world.
Drive Time: 4 hours and 30 minutes (Kathmandu to Ramechhap)
Flight Time: 15 minutes from Ramechhap | Trek Duration: 3–4 hours
Take a scenic flight to Lukla, the gateway to Everest. Your trek begins as you descend through Chaurikharka Village, following the Dudh Koshi River to the charming village of Phakding.
Overnight: Teahouse in Phakding
Trek Duration: 6–7 hours
Today’s trek takes you through lush forests and over suspension bridges, including the famous Hillary Suspension Bridge. You will enter the Sagarmatha National Park and continue toward Namche Bazaar (3,440m / 11,286ft). Namche is a bustling Sherpa town with cafes, bakeries, and gear shops, and it’s a great place to acclimatize and explore.
Overnight: Teahouse in Namche Bazaar
This day is dedicated to acclimatization, which is essential to prevent altitude sickness. You’ll take a short hike to the Everest View Hotel (3,880m / 12,723ft), where you can enjoy a panoramic sunrise view of Everest (8,848m / 29,029ft), Ama Dablam, and other peaks. In the afternoon, you can visit the Sherpa Culture Museum and explore the local market.
Overnight: Teahouse in Namche Bazaar
Trek Duration: 6 hours
Today's trek takes you through rhododendron forests and up to the famous Tengboche Monastery (3,870m / 12,697ft). The views along the way are simply breathtaking, with Everest, Ama Dablam, and Nuptse towering over the landscape. Tengboche is known for its spiritual significance and offers fantastic views of the surrounding mountains.
Overnight: Teahouse in Tengboche
Trek Duration: 5–6 hours
Today’s trek leads you across the Imja Khola River and through Pangboche Village. As you ascend, the landscape changes, and you’ll reach Dingboche (4,400m / 14,435ft), often referred to as the Summer Valley of Everest. The altitude begins to affect you, but the stunning mountain views make the journey worthwhile.
Overnight: Teahouse in Dingboche
This is another important acclimatization day. You’ll hike to Nagarjun Hill (5,100m / 16,732ft), which offers stunning views of the surrounding peaks, including Makalu and Lhotse. You can also explore the Imja Valley or take the day to rest and prepare for the challenges ahead.
Overnight: Teahouse in Dingboche
Trek Duration: 3-4 hours
Today is a short day for the trek through the valley to the small village of Chukhung, which is located near the base of Island Peak. As a popular hub for climbers, you will see many preparing for ascents. After lunch, you can take a short walk up the beautiful valley from your teahouse.
Overnight: Teahouse in Chhukung
Trek Duration: 8-9 hours
Today is a big day, as you tackle the first of the three passes, Kongma La. The trail leads through hills and pastures, with spectacular mountain views guiding you toward the top. From the summit, you will be rewarded with fantastic views of Cholatse, Pokalde, Nuptse, Lhotse, Makalu, and Ama Dablam. The trail then descends to the bottom of the hills, where you will cross the Khumbu Glacier before reaching Lobuche for the night.
Overnight: Teahouse in Lobuche
Trek Duration: 7–8 hours
Today is the culmination of your trek as you make your way to Everest Base Camp (5,364m / 17,598ft). The trek from Lobuche to Gorak Shep (5,164m / 16,942ft) takes you along the Khumbu Glacier, and from Gorak Shep, you'll hike to the base camp itself. Reaching EBC is a huge accomplishment, and you’ll be surrounded by some of the tallest mountains in the world. After celebrating at base camp, you’ll return to Gorak Shep for the night
Overnight: Teahouse in Gorakshep
Trek Duration: 7–8 hours
Wake up early to hike to Kala Patthar (5,545m / 18,192ft), which offers the best sunrise view of Everest. This is a challenging hike, but the rewards are worth it. After capturing the majestic Himalayan panorama, descend to Gorakshep for breakfast, then continue your trek to Dzongla via rugged glacial trails.
Overnight: Teahouse in Dzongla
Trek Duration: 7–8 hours
Today is another thrilling day as you ascend the icy slopes of Cho La Pass (5,420m / 17,782ft). You will cross the glaciated saddle, which is surrounded by jagged peaks. The descent leads into the tranquil Gokyo Valley, home to a series of stunning turquoise lakes. This may be the most challenging day of the trek, but your acclimatization from visiting Everest Base Camp should make you feel stronger. While the pass can be difficult in bad weather, and microspikes may be helpful, the views from the top more than make up for the tough climb.
Overnight: Teahouse in Gokyo
Climb Duration: 5–6 hours
Today begins with an early morning ascent to the summit of Gokyo Ri (5,357m / 17,575ft). From this vantage point, you will witness a spectacular sunrise and panoramic views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu. The incredible sight of the massive Ngozumpa Glacier below makes the experience unforgettable. After descending to the teahouse, you can spend the rest of the day relaxing or exploring the shores of the stunning Gokyo Lakes.
Overnight: Teahouse in Gokyo
Trek Duration: 7–8 hours
Today is your final high-pass crossing on the Three Passes trek: Renjo La Pass (5,360m). You will trek through hills, past glaciers, and along lakes before descending into the Thame Valley to reach Lungden for the night. This is another challenging day, but the incredible views of Cho Oyu (8,201m), Makalu (8,463m), Lhotse (8,516m), and Everest (8,850m) from the top make the effort worthwhile.
Overnight: Teahouse in Lungden
Trek Duration: 6–7 hours
We descend along the Tibetan trade route, passing Thame Village, before reaching Namche Bazaar for a well-earned rest.
Overnight: Teahouse in Namche Bazaar
Trek Duration: 6–7 hours
Today, you will complete your trek by retracing your steps to Lukla (2,800m / 9,186ft), crossing suspension bridges and enjoying the views one last time. Celebrate your achievements with your fellow trekkers.
Overnight: Teahouse in Lukla
Flight Duration: 40 minutes
Take a scenic flight back to Kathmandu. After arrival, enjoy leisure time in the city or explore its vibrant markets and cultural sites.
April 2, 2025
“We did the Everest Base Camp trek in April with Above & Beyond. The views were breathtaking and our guide made everything so easy and fun. Highly recommend!”
October 10, 2025
“It was a trip of a lifetime! Our guide Sam was incredibly professional, and always ensured we were safe and comfortable. I will never forget this experience”
October 12, 2025
“My trek to Everest Base Camp with Above & Beyond Trekking exceeded all expectations. Everything was well-organized from airport pickup to the final descent.”
April 2, 2023
“The Everest Base Camp trek was an experience of a lifetime! And a knowledgeable guide like Sam was a definite plus. We learned so much about the Nepali culture. He took extra time to answer our questions and explain customs of the wonderful local people. All details were well worked out and logistics went smoothly. Sam was kind and gentle but also made the call when needed to get a horse for me to finish the last leg of the journey”
April, 2023
“Sam is possibly the best trekking guide in Nepal if not the world. Guide, porter, medic, comidian, singer he does it all! Sam is very friendly and so easy to talk too. I found it very easy to bring up any issues I had (not that I had many) which helped to make the trekking experience the best it could possibly be. Sam is very knowledgeable about the mountains and the local culture and thought us so much. Sam also chooses the best local porters. Very friendly and very helpful. Couldn't have asked for any better. I couldn't recommend above and beyond trekking more highly”