Everest 3 High Passes

Nepal
Trekking
Moderate
18
5,420 m

The Everest Three High Passes Trek is one of the most challenging and rewarding adventures in the Himalayas, taking trekkers across three formidable mountain passes – Kongma La (5,535m), Cho La (5,420m), and Renjo La (5,360m) – while visiting iconic sites like Everest Base Camp and the stunning Gokyo Lakes. This 18-20 day journey offers unparalleled diversity, from the spiritual ambiance of Tengboche Monastery to the adrenaline-pumping glacier crossings on Cho La. Unlike the standard Everest Base Camp route, this trek ventures into remote valleys and high-altitude terrain, providing breathtaking 360-degree views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu with far fewer crowds. The physical challenge is significant, but the payoff is extraordinary: standing atop windswept passes, gazing at turquoise glacial lakes, and experiencing the raw majesty of the Khumbu region.

What sets this trek apart is its perfect blend of adventure, culture, and natural beauty. The route combines the highlights of the classic EBC trek with the serenity of Gokyo Valley and the thrill of high-mountain pass crossings. Trekkers experience authentic Sherpa hospitality in villages like Thame and Dingboche, while navigating dramatic landscapes – from the icy moraines of the Ngozumpa Glacier to the rocky trails of Kongma La. Proper acclimatization is crucial, as altitudes exceed 5,500m at Kala Patthar, but those who complete the circuit gain bragging rights to one of the world’s most epic treks. Whether you’re drawn by the physical challenge, the photographic vistas, or the cultural immersion, the Three Passes Trek delivers an unforgettable Himalayan experience.

Trip Facts

Activities
Trekking
Starting Price
US$ 1649/PP
Accommodation
Tea house / lodge
Max. Altitude
5,420 m
Best Season
Autumn
Trip Hours/Day
5 - 6 Hours
Trip Grade
Moderate
Group Size
2 - 10

Highlights & Attractions

Three High Passes: Kongma La (5,535m), Cho La (5,420m), Renjo La (5,360m)
Everest Base Camp (5,364m) + Kala Patthar (5,555m)
Gokyo Lakes & Gokyo Ri (5,357m) – Turquoise glacial lakes
Less Crowded Routes – Remote trails beyond standard EBC
Sherpa Culture – Tengboche Monastery, Thame village

Trip Itinerary
Include & Excludes
Trip Notes
Reviews

Trip Itinerary

Day 01 - 03: Arrival & Trek to Namche Bazaar

Day 1: Arrive Kathmandu (1,400m), gear check, briefing Day 2: Fly to Lukla (2,860m), trek to Phakding (2,610m) (3-4 hrs) Day 3: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440m) (5-6 hrs) – Enter Sagarmatha National Park
Day 04 - 06: Acclimatization & Everest View

Day 4: Acclimatization hike to Everest View Hotel (3,880m) Day 5: Trek to Tengboche (3,860m) – Visit famous monastery Day 6: Descend to Dingboche (4,410m) (5-6 hrs)
Day 07 - 09: First Pass (Kongma La, 5,535m) & EBC

Day 7: Acclimatize in Dingboche (hike to Nangkartshang Peak, 5,083m) Day 8: Cross Kongma La Pass (5,535m) → Lobuche (4,940m) (7-8 hrs, toughest pass) Day 9: Trek to Everest Base Camp (5,364m) + Kala Patthar (5,555m) for sunset views
Day 10 - 12: Second Pass (Cho La, 5,420m) to Gokyo

Day 10: Lobuche → Dzongla (4,830m) (3-4 hrs, prepare for Cho La) Day 11: Cross Cho La Pass (5,420m) → Thangnak (4,700m) → Gokyo (4,790m) (8-9 hrs) Day 12: Hike Gokyo Ri (5,357m) + explore Gokyo Lakes
Day 13 - 15: Third Pass (Renjo La, 5,360m) & Exit

Day 13: Cross Renjo La Pass (5,360m) → Lungden (4,380m) (6-7 hrs, stunning lake views) Day 14: Lungden → Thame (3,800m) (4-5 hrs, cultural Sherpa village) Day 15: Thame → Namche Bazaar (4-5 hrs)
Day 16 - 18: Return to Lukla & Kathmandu

Day 16: Namche → Lukla (6-7 hrs, final Himalayan views) Day 17: Fly to Kathmandu (or extra buffer day for weather delays) Day 18: Departure or explore Kathmandu

Package Includes

Sagarmatha National Park entry permit
Roundtrip Kathmandu-Lukla flights (including airport taxes)
Full board meals during trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Teahouse lodges during trek (shared twin rooms).
Experienced English-speaking trekking guide

Package Excludes

Nepal visa fees ($30-50)
Travel insurance (must cover 6,000m altitude)
Extra accommodation/food due to itinerary changes
Extra hotel nights in Kathmandu/Lukla if trek is extended

Trip Notes

Important Notes

Altitude Warning: Reaches 5,535m (Kongma La) - proper acclimatization essential
Payment: Carry cash (NPR/USD) - ATMs only in Namche
Insurance: Must cover high-altitude trekking up to 6,000m

Reviews

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