Conquer the ultimate Himalayan challenge on the Everest Three Passes Trek. Cross three high alpine passes, visit Everest Base Camp, and witness stunning views of Gokyo Lakes and Kala Patthar.
The Everest Three High Passes Trek is a premier adventure designed for thrill-seekers eager to explore the Everest region in its entirety. This demanding trek not only leads you to Everest Base Camp but also challenges you to cross the three highest mountain passes in the Khumbu region—Kongma La (5,535 m / 18,159 ft), Cho La (5,420 m / 17,782 ft), and Renjo La (5,340 m / 17,520 ft).
The Everest Three High Passes Trek is a rewarding challenge tailored for experienced trekkers seeking an immersive Himalayan journey. Spanning approximately 17 days, the trek takes you across all major valleys of the Everest region while conquering Renjo La (5,360 m), Cho La (5,420 m), and Kongma La (5,535 m).
Your adventure begins with a short flight from Kathmandu or Manthali to Lukla, followed by a gradual trek through Phakding to Namche Bazaar, where you’ll spend time acclimatizing. From Namche, the route heads toward Thame and Lungden before crossing Renjo La Pass to reach the serene Gokyo Lakes. A dedicated rest day allows for an early-morning ascent of Gokyo Ri, rewarding you with sweeping Himalayan panoramas.
Continuing onward, you’ll tackle the technical Cho La Pass into the Khumbu Valley, where the iconic Everest Base Camp awaits, along with a breathtaking sunrise view from Kala Patthar. The final and most demanding crossing—Kongma La Pass—completes the circuit, revealing ever-changing landscapes that range from dense forests and traditional villages to glacial terrain and high-altitude lakes.
After descending to Chhukhung, the trail leads to Tengboche and gradually returns south through Namche Bazaar to Lukla, before your flight back to Kathmandu.
With a thoughtfully designed itinerary that includes sufficient acclimatization, this trek offers rare viewpoints of natural wonders such as the Ngozumpa Glacier and sacred alpine lakes. Surrounded by legendary peaks including Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu, this journey stands as a true testament to the grandeur and challenge of Himalayan trekking.
Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), you will be welcomed by a Himalayan Glacier representative and transferred to your hotel. After check-in, you may rest or explore Thamel, Kathmandu’s lively tourist district. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner featuring traditional Nepali cuisine.
After breakfast, embark on a guided tour of four UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Kathmandu Durbar Square, the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupatinath, Swayambhunath (the Monkey Temple), and the impressive Boudhanath Stupa—one of the largest stupas in the world. Later in the afternoon, visit the Himalayan Glacier office for a pre-trek briefing, where you’ll meet your guide and fellow trekkers.
Early in the morning, fly to Lukla aboard a Twin Otter aircraft, enjoying spectacular views of the Himalayan range. Upon landing, begin a gentle trek of 8 km toward Phakding. Along the way, pass through Cheplung village, where you’ll catch your first glimpse of the sacred Mt. Khumbila, a peak never climbed. Continue descending to Phakding for the night.
The trail today involves gradual ascents and descents with several crossings over the Dudh Koshi River. Enjoy views of Mt. Thamserku from Benkar village before entering Sagarmatha National Park at Monjo. After passing through Jorsale, make a final climb to Namche Bazaar, the bustling hub of the Everest region, offering your first views of Everest, Lhotse, and Tawache.
This acclimatization day helps your body adjust to the altitude. Enjoy short hikes around Namche, including a walk to the Everest View Hotel for panoramic mountain views. Visit Khumjung Monastery, the Hillary School, and the Sagarmatha National Park Visitor Center to learn about Sherpa culture, Everest history, and local wildlife.
Follow an easy trail to Phunki Thanga before ascending to Tengboche, home to the largest monastery in the Everest region. Set within Sagarmatha National Park, Tengboche offers spectacular views of Everest, Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Thamserku. You may also witness an afternoon Buddhist ceremony at the monastery.
Spend the day acclimatizing in Dingboche. Take a hike to Nagarjun Hill for incredible views of Makalu, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and surrounding peaks. Dingboche’s stone-walled fields and alpine setting offer a peaceful atmosphere for rest and recovery.
Trek through the Imja Valley toward Chhukung, passing glacier moraines and yak pastures. After lunch, ascend Chhukung Ri, involving some light scrambling near the summit. From the top, enjoy outstanding views of Ama Dablam and Amphu Labsa before descending to Chhukung for the night.
Start early for the challenging crossing of Kongma La Pass—the highest point of the trek. The route involves navigating glacial moraines and steep descents marked by prayer flags and cairns. After crossing the Khumbu Glacier, continue north to Lobuche.
Note: Crossing Kongma La is optional; an alternative route to Lobuche is available.
Follow the lateral moraine of the Khumbu Glacier toward Gorak Shep, surrounded by towering Himalayan peaks. After a short rest, continue to Everest Base Camp, trekking across rocky terrain and glacial streams. Enjoy views of Pumori, Nuptse, and Khumbutse before returning to Gorak Shep.
Begin an early-morning climb to Kala Patthar to witness sunrise over Mount Everest. From the summit, enjoy breathtaking close-up views of Everest and surrounding peaks. Descend to Gorak Shep, then trek back to Lobuche.
Descend alongside the Khumbu Glacier, passing memorials and alpine lakes including Chola Tsho. Cross the Chola Khola before reaching the quiet village of Dzongla.
A challenging day crossing Cho La Pass. The ascent is steep and rocky, with a glacier section near the top. From the pass, enjoy dramatic views of surrounding peaks. Descend toward Thangnak and cross the Ngozumpa Glacier to reach Gokyo Village beside the turquoise Gokyo Lakes.
Climb Gokyo Ri for panoramic views of Everest, Cho Oyu, Lhotse, Makalu, and the vast Ngozumpa Glacier. Later, hike to the 4th and 5th Gokyo Lakes and admire the scenery from Scoundrel’s Viewpoint before returning to Gokyo.
Begin early for the crossing of Renjo La Pass. Enjoy sweeping views of Everest, the Gokyo Lakes, and the Rolwaling range. Descend carefully past alpine lakes and rocky valleys to Lumde.
Descend along an ancient trade route once used by Tibetan merchants. Pass through Thame village, cross the Bhote Koshi River, and continue through small settlements before reaching Namche Bazaar.
Retrace your steps along the Dudh Koshi River, crossing suspension bridges and passing Sherpa villages adorned with prayer flags and mani stones. Arrive in Lukla, marking the completion of your incredible Himalayan journey.
Take an early morning flight back to Kathmandu. Spend the rest of the day at leisure—relax, shop for souvenirs, or explore the city. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner celebrating the successful completion of your trek.
Your Everest Three High Passes adventure comes to an end today. A company representative will transfer you to the airport approximately three hours before your international departure.
