Everest 3 High Passes trek

Everest Three High Passes Trek, Renjo La, Cho La, Kongma La, Gokyo Lakes, Everest Base Camp & Kala Patthar Adventure

  •   Nepal
  •   Trekking
  •   Moderate to hard
  •   18
  •   5,545 m

Everest Three High Passes Trek
  • Everest Three High Passes Trek

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$ 1749/PP

  • Accommodation

    Tea house / Mountain lodge

  • Max. Altitude

    5,545 m

  • Best Season

    Autumn and Spring

  • Trip Hours/Day

    5 - 6 Hours

  • Trip Grade

    Moderate to hard

  • Group Size

    1 - 15

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 : Arrival TIA airport and transfer to hotel and briefing about trip
    Arrive Kathmandu (1,400m), gear check, briefing about your adventure trip.
  • Day 02: Fly Kathmandu to Lukla (2,860 m) and Trek Phakding (2,610 m)
    Early morning, take a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. After landing at Lukla, meet the trekking crew and begin your walk toward Phakding. The trail descends gradually and follows the Dudh Koshi River, passing through small Sherpa settlements, prayer wheels, mani stones, and pine forests. After around 3–4 hours of walking, reach Phakding and relax at the lodge.
  • Day 03: Trek Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m) (6/7 hours.
    After breakfast, continue north along the Dudh Koshi Valley. Cross several suspension bridges and pass through Monjo, where you enter Sagarmatha National Park. The trail continues toward Jorsale and then follows the river before beginning the steep climb to Namche Bazaar. The final section involves a sustained uphill walk through pine forest. With clear weather, the first views of Everest and surrounding peaks may appear along the route. Arrive at Namche Bazaar, the famous Sherpa trading town and main gateway to the Everest region.
  • Day 04: Acclimatization Day in Namche Bazaar
    Today is dedicated to acclimatization. Rather than spending the entire day resting, take a gradual hike toward Syangboche and Everest View Hotel. From the viewpoint, you can see spectacular Himalayan peaks including Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam and Thamserku, depending on weather conditions.
  • Day 05: Trek Namche Bazaar to Tengboche (3,860 m) and Dibuche (3821 m) 6/7 hours
    Today is one of the most scenic sections of the trek. Leave Namche and follow the hillside trail toward Kyangjuma and Sanasa. The trail provides excellent views of Everest, Ama Dablam and Thamserku. It then descends toward Phunki Tenga, beside the Dudh Koshi River. After crossing the river, the trail climbs steadily through rhododendron, pine and fir forests toward Tengboche. The final climb brings you to Tengboche Monastery, one of the most important Buddhist monasteries in the Khumbu region. little down to Dibuche .
  • Day 06: Trek from Diboche to Dingboche (4,410 m) 5/6 hours
    Trek to Pangboche and Somare Typical Sherpa village with closer mountain views Walking past the tree line into stark, dramatic alpine fields with sweeping panoramas of Island Peak and Ama Dablam Great Himalayas views all the trials
  • Day 07: Acclimatization Day in Dingboche (4,410 m)
    A critical second acclimatization phase. Strenuous day-hike up Nangkartshang Hill (5,100 m) to adjust your lungs before attempting the 5,000+ meter marks
  • Day 08: Trek Dingboche to Chukhung (4750 m) 3 hours
    After breakfast in Dingboche (4,410 m), follow the scenic trail toward Chhukung (4,730 m) in the upper Imja Valley. The trail gradually climbs through the wide alpine valley, with spectacular views of Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Nuptse, Island Peak, and surrounding Himalayan peaks. As you approach Chhukung, the landscape becomes increasingly rugged, with rocky slopes, glaciers, and high mountain terrain. Chhukung is an important base for trekkers heading toward Island Peak and Kongma La Pass.
  • Day 09: Cross Kangma-La (5535) to Lobuche (4940m) 9/10 hours
    After an early breakfast in Chhukung (4,730 m), begin one of the most challenging and spectacular sections of the Everest Three High Passes Trek. The trail climbs steadily toward Kongma La Pass (5,535 m), the highest of the three major passes. The route passes through rugged alpine terrain with rocky slopes, glacial moraines, and panoramic views of Island Peak, Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Nuptse, Makalu, and Baruntse. The final ascent to Kongma La is steep and demanding, particularly at high altitude. After reaching the top of Kongma La Pass, take time to enjoy the breathtaking Himalayan panorama. Descend carefully across rocky and glacial terrain toward the Khumbu Valley. Continue toward Lobuche (4,910 m), where you spend the night.
  • Day 10: Trek from Lobuche to Gorak Shep (5,164 m) & Visit Everest Base Camp (5,364 m) (6/7 hours
    Morning Trek: 2 hours to Gorak Shep A monumental day. Check into your teahouse at Gorak Shep, then make the rocky push over the glacier to stand at the actual Everest Base Camp next to the Khumbu Icefall. Retrace your steps back to Gorak Shep to sleep. Afternoon: 3-4 hour roundtrip to Everest Base Camp EBC Experience: Walk on Khumbu Glacier
  • Day 11: Kalapatthar (5545m) Dzonghla (4830m)
    Early Morning Excursion to Kalapatthar for great sunrise view then down to hotel after breakfast down to Lobuche and turn right towards Chola Pass.
  • Day 12: Trek Dzongla to Cho-La Pass and down Thangnak 8/9 hours
    After an early breakfast at Dzongla (approximately 4,830 m), begin the challenging ascent toward Cho La Pass (5,420 m). The trail climbs through rugged alpine terrain with spectacular views of Cholatse, Taboche, Lobuche and surrounding Himalayan peaks. The route becomes steeper as you approach the pass, with rocky and potentially icy sections depending on the season. After reaching Cho La Pass, take some time to enjoy the dramatic mountain panorama. From the pass, descend carefully toward the Ngozumpa Glacier and continue through the remote glacial valley. The trail gradually leads down to Thangnak (approximately 4,700 m), where you spend the night.
  • Day 13: Trek Thangnak to Gyoko Lake (4750 m)
    After breakfast at Thangnak (approximately 4,700 m), begin the scenic trek toward Gokyo Lake (approximately 4,790 m). The trail follows the Ngozumpa Glacier, the longest glacier in Nepal, through a spectacular high-altitude landscape. The route gradually climbs across rocky glacial terrain with views of Cho Oyu, Cholatse, Taboche and surrounding peaks. After crossing the glacier area, continue toward the beautiful Gokyo Valley.
  • Day 14: Cross Renjo La Pass (5,360m) to Lungden (4380m) 8/9 hours
    Start early for the challenging ascent to Renjo La Pass (approximately 5,360 m). The final climb is steep and demanding, but reaching the pass rewards you with extraordinary views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu and surrounding peaks. After enjoying the mountain panorama, descend toward the Bhote Koshi Valley and continue to Lungden.
  • Day 15: Trek Lungden to Thame (3,800m) 5/6 hours 6/7 hours
    Descend through the historic Bhote Koshi Valley toward Thame, a traditional Sherpa village known for its mountaineering heritage. Continue through Thame Valley.
  • Day 16: Trek Thame to Namche Bazar and down Manjo (3830 m) 6/7 hours
    After breakfast in Thame, follow the Bhote Koshi Valley downhill through traditional Sherpa settlements and beautiful mountain scenery. The trail gradually descends through forests of pine and rhododendron, passing Namche Bazaar on the way. From Namche, continue downhill toward Jorsale and then follow the Dudh Koshi River to Monjo, where the trail passes through the Sagarmatha National Park checkpoint.
  • Day 17: Manjo to Lukla 4/5 hours
    Follow the Dudh Koshi River through Phakding and other Sherpa settlements. Continue toward Lukla and enjoy your final evening with the trekking team.
  • Day 18: Fly to Kathmandu
    Morning Fly to Kathmandu and transfer to Hotel.

Package Includes

  • All airport transfers in Kathmandu
  • Kathmandu to TIA Airport Ttransport by private car/jeep/van and Sharing Transport for Ramechhap
  • Domestic flights (KTM-LUK-KTM) with airport taxes
  • or
  • Drive to Manthali then Domestic flights (Manthali Ramechhap to Lukla and back to Ramechhap) with airport taxes and back to Kathmandu
  • Sagarmatha National Park permits & TIMS card
  • PasangLamu rular municipality entry permit
  • Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner (3 times meals as per The Menu) during the trek
  • First Aid Kit
  • Tea houe/Lodge accomodation with twin sharing basis
  • Daily Fresh seasonal fruits during diner time
  • Experienced English-speaking with goverment license holder guide
  • Insurance, meals, and accommodation for staff

Package Excludes

  • International flights & Nepal visa
  • Personal Travel & Trekking insurance
  • Kathmandu accommodation (can be arranged)
  • Personal trekking equipment, portern (for your loggdge, Wi-Fi internet, and phone calls unless it’s free
  • Single room in the mountain Extra Charge
  • Tips and gratuities for trekking Guide and staff and drivers
  • Snacks and other personal expenses
  • Battery Charging/Hot showers
  • Soft drinks, including Water, Your Tea & Coffee during the Trek

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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