Everest Three Passes Trek
Strenuous Trekking 📍 Everest

Everest Three Passes Trek

The ultimate Khumbu traverse - Renjo La, Cho La and Kongma La

🗓 20 days 🏔 5,535m 👥 Max 10

Overview

The Everest Three Passes Trek is the ultimate Khumbu experience - a 20-day high-level circuit that crosses all three of the famous high passes of the region: the Renjo La (5,360 m), the Cho La (5,420 m) and the Kongma La (5,535 m). The route takes in the classic highlights of the Khumbu - Everest Base Camp, Kala Patthar and Gokyo Lakes - but adds the wild, remote valleys of Bhote Koshi, Nangpa La and the Kongma La approaches.

This is a true high-altitude expedition trek for fit, experienced trekkers. The three pass crossings are long, demanding days on rocky, often snow-covered terrain, but the rewards are unmatched: from the summit of the Renjo La, you get one of the finest views of Everest anywhere in the Himalaya, framed by the turquoise waters of the Gokyo Lakes below.

Our package includes the Lukla flights, all permits, an experienced Sherpa guide, a porter for every two trekkers, and full-board meals throughout. Previous trekking experience at high altitude is strongly recommended.

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Duration
20 Days / 19 Nights
📌
Max Altitude
5,535 m (Kongma La)
📌
Difficulty
Strenuous
📌
Group Size
2 - 10 trekkers
📌
Best Season
Mar-May, Sep-Nov
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Accommodation
Teahouse lodges
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Trekking Style
Lodge-based
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Start/End
Lukla / Lukla

Trip highlights

1 Cross three of Nepal's highest trekking passes: Renjo La, Cho La and Kongma La
2 Sunrise view of Everest from Renjo La over the Gokyo Lakes
3 Visit Everest Base Camp (5,364 m) and Kala Patthar (5,545 m)
4 Turquoise Gokyo Lakes and climb of Gokyo Ri (5,357 m)
5 Remote Bhote Koshi valley and Nangpa La trade route to Tibet
6 Authentic Sherpa culture in less-visited villages like Lungden and Phortse
7 True high-altitude expedition trek for experienced trekkers

Itinerary

5 days
1
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu and trek preparation 1,400m

Arrive in Kathmandu. Meet your guide for a full trip briefing and equipment check. Welcome dinner in the evening.

🚶 - ⏱ - 🏨 4-star hotel 🍽 Welcome Dinner 🏔 1,400m
Highlights Briefing and welcome dinner

Bring passport photos and insurance documents.

2
Day 2: Fly to Lukla and trek to Namche Bazaar via Phakding 3,440m

Fly to Lukla, then trek along the Dudh Koshi to Phakding and continue up to the Sherpa capital of Namche Bazaar (3,440 m).

🚶 19 km ⏱ 6-7 hrs 🏨 Teahouse lodge 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 🏔 3,440m
Highlights Lukla flight, Namche Bazaar

Pace yourself on the final climb to Namche.

3
Day 3: Acclimatization and trek to Thame and Lungden 4,383m

Acclimatization day at Namche with a hike up to the Everest View Hotel. Then trek west to the traditional Sherpa village of Thame and on to the remote outpost of Lungden at the foot of the Renjo La.

🚶 16 km ⏱ 7 hrs 🏨 Teahouse lodge 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 🏔 4,383m
Highlights Thame monastery, remote Lungden

Lungden is a very small settlement - pack snacks.

4
Day 4: Cross Renjo La (5,360 m) to Gokyo 5,360m

Cross the Renjo La pass at 5,360 m with one of the finest views of Everest anywhere. Descend past the turquoise Gokyo Lakes to the village of Gokyo at 4,790 m.

🚶 10 km ⏱ 7-8 hrs 🏨 Teahouse lodge 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 🏔 5,360m
Highlights Renjo La pass, Gokyo Lakes, Everest views

Steep descent on scree - use trekking poles.

5
Day 5: Cross Cho La (5,420 m) and Kongma La (5,535 m), Everest Base Camp, Kala Patthar, return to Lukla and fly back 5,545m

Over the next ten days: climb Gokyo Ri, cross the Cho La to Dzongla, trek to Lobuche, cross the Kongma La, visit Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar, then descend via Dingboche, Tengboche and Namche back to Lukla. Fly Lukla to Kathmandu on day 19. Day 20 is a buffer day in Kathmandu.

🚶 varies ⏱ varies 🏨 Teahouse lodge 🍽 Full board 🏔 5,545m
Highlights Cho La, Kongma La, EBC, Kala Patthar

Carry microspikes in shoulder seasons for icy pass crossings.

Elevation profile

1,000m2,250m3,500m4,750m6,000mD1D2D3D4D51,400m3,440m4,383m5,360m5,545m

What's included

  • Airport pick-up and drop-off in a private vehicle
  • 3 nights hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast
  • All accommodations during the trek on twin-share basis
  • All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) during the trek
  • Licensed English-speaking trekking guide
  • One porter for every two trekkers (carries up to 12 kg)
  • All required permits and TIMS card
  • Domestic flights as per itinerary
  • First-aid kit and pulse oximeter
  • Farewell dinner in Kathmandu
  • Sagarmatha National Park Permit
  • TIMS Card
  • International airfare to/from Kathmandu
  • Nepal entry visa fee
  • Travel and rescue insurance (mandatory)
  • Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
  • Personal trekking gear and equipment
  • Hot showers, Wi-Fi, device charging and laundry on trek
  • Beverages, bottled water and snacks on trek
  • Tips for guide and porter

Trip options

Choose the option that suits you best.

Extra services

Add extras to your trip. Select quantities in the booking form.

Airport Pickup
Private vehicle airport transfer each way
$35
Travel Insurance
Comprehensive trekking insurance covering helicopter rescue up to 6,000 m
$145
Helicopter Rescue Fund
Pre-paid emergency helicopter evacuation coverage
$95
Down Jacket Rental
Premium 800-fill down jacket for the trek
$25
Sleeping Bag Rental
Cold-weather sleeping bag rated to -20C
$25
Supplemental Oxygen
Personal oxygen canister with mask for high-altitude days
$45

Meet your guides

👤

Mingma Sherpa

Lead Guide
🏅 17 yrs 📜 Wilderness First Responder, Licensed Trekking Guide, NMA Climbing Instructor

<p>Mingma is a native of the Khumbu region who has guided Everest Base Camp and the three passes trek for more than 17 years. He has summited Mera Peak, Island Peak and Lobuche East multiple times and holds Wilderness First Responder certification.</p>

👤

Dawa Geljen Sherpa

Trekking Guide
🏅 9 yrs 📜 Wilderness First Aid, Licensed Trekking Guide

<p>Dawa is a Khumbu native who has guided the Gokyo Lakes and Everest Base Camp trek for 9 years. He is fluent in English and known for his patient pacing and altitude management.</p>

Departure dates

Apr 8, 2026 Apr 27
Seats: 8/10
Guaranteed
$2,290
May 6, 2026 May 25
Seats: 6/10
Guaranteed
$2,290
Jun 3, 2026 Jun 22
Seats: 3/10
Guaranteed
$2,290
Jul 1, 2026 Jul 20
Seats: 2/10
Guaranteed
$2,290

Pricing

Per person
$2,290
Based on 1 adult
Children (under 12)$1,603
InfantsFree
Group discounts

Automatically applied at checkout:

5+ travelers -5%
8+ travelers -8%
10+ travelers -10%
12+ travelers -12%

Early bird: book 60+ days ahead for extra 10% off, 90+ days for 15% off.

Route map

🗺

Map coordinates not set for this trip.

🟢 Start point: Lukla 🔴 End point: Lukla 🟠 Trek route

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Frequently asked questions

Do I need microspikes for the three passes?

Microspikes (lightweight crampons) are recommended for the Cho La pass crossing in shoulder seasons (October-November and March-April), when the snow and ice on the eastern side of the pass can be slippery. They are usually not needed for the Renjo La or Kongma La, which are mostly rocky. Your guide will advise on current conditions.

What is the most challenging pass of the three?

The Kongma La (5,535 m) is generally considered the most challenging of the three passes - it is the highest, the most remote, and has the most sustained climb. The Cho La involves a short glacier crossing that requires care. The Renjo La is the most scenic, with the famous view of Everest over the Gokyo Lakes.

Can I skip one of the passes if I am tired?

Yes, the three passes trek can be customized to skip one or more passes. For example, if you are unwell at Gokyo, you can descend the Gokyo valley back to Namche instead of crossing the Cho La. Discuss options with your guide and we will adjust the itinerary on the ground.

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$2,290