Trip Duration
22 DaysTrip Difficulty
ChallengingGroup Size
2 - 15Max. Altitude
5,644m. /18,517 ft.Accommodation
Hotel/ Lodge /Tea HouseBest Seasons
Mar-May/Sept-NovActivity per day
TrekkingStart/End
KathmanduTrip Overview
If you are desiring to have a complete Everest experience and wish to delve deeper into the heart of the Himalayas, then allow Adventure Tansen Trek to present to you our Everest Three Passes trekking adventure.
Our remarkably illustrious Everest three passes trek promises you the ultimate high-altitude expedition that extends beyond your wildest dreams. In this adventure, you will traverse three magnificent Everest Passes: Kongma La (5535 m), Cho La (5420 m), and Renjo La (5388 m) in an anticlockwise route.
Not only the three passes but also our Everest three passes trekking journey include the thrill of reaching the Everest Base Camp (5364 m), followed by the breathtaking ascent of the astounding Kala Patthar (5644 m).
Additionally, you will also have the splendid opportunity to ascend the impressive massive frames of Chhukung Ri (5546 m), Nagarjung (5050 m), and Gokyo Ri (5357 m) Ridges.
Along the way, you will also meet the stunning azure glacial lakes of Gokyo, a sight that never ceases to enchant its visitors. Our Everest three high passes trek is designed for experienced travelers; however, Adventure Tansen Trek wants to leave no one behind.
Therefore, we have placed several rest days in between the adventure with each day travel on a gentle pace so that every participants of all skill and experience level can partake in this extraordinary expedition.
We also have not forgotten about the cultural value of the trip. Our Everest three passes trekking also offers you the exquisite cultural experience of the time-honored Tibetan Buddhist heritage.
As you traverse through the several secluded Sherpa settlements, you will get to see their uniquely built and valued monasteries, chortens, Mani Walls, and stupas.
You will get to see and walk through the dense green thickets all the while observing the glorifying splendor of Ama Dablam (6812 m), Kongde Ri (6187 m), Thamserku (6608 m), Pumori (7165 m), Gaurishankar (7134 m), Khumbila (5761 m), Taboche (6495 m), Lhotse (8516 m), Nuptse (7861 m), Makalu (8485 m), Kusum Kanguru (6367 m), Everest (8848 m), and countless others.
Our 22 days Everest three passes trek begins after you take heart rushing flight to Lukla. Proceeding through the classic Everest trail, you will first conquer the most challenging Kongma La Pass before making it to EBC and Kala Patthar.
Then you will enter the Gokyo Valley countering the Cho La Pass en route. You will then begin your returning journey through Namche and Lukla after you triumph the Renjo La.
Perfect for autumn and spring, our Everest three passes trekking experience is incomparable in its beauty and allure. Join us and create an everlasting memory amid the world of high Himalayan altitude.
Highlights of Everest Three Passes Trekking
- Discover Kathmandu like never before
- Take the adrenalin-rushing air journey to Lukla
- Ascend the three over 5000 m Everest Passes
- Stand tall and head high at EBC and Kala Patthar
- Watch the shimmering glory of the Khumbu mountains
- Immerse yourself in the calmness of the Gokyo Valley
- Know the Sherpa communities and their time-honored Gompas
- Elevate your adventure with the ascension of enormous Gokyo and Chhukung Ri
Itinerary of Everest Three Passes Trekking
Day 01: Welcome to Kathmandu (1340 m)
Kathmandu synonymous with omnipresent beauty and hospitality welcomes you today. Our friendly rep will be at TIA to receive you who will then navigate you through Kathmandu alleys to your chosen hotel.
Take some moments to breathe and relax. Once everyone on our Everest three passes trekking journey are gathered, our guide will give you a quick short info about the trip.
You can then go to explore the amazing sights near you and get the first taste of extraordinary Nepali momos.
Max. Altitude: 1350m./4,429ft. (Kathmandu )
Meal: Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 02: Explore Day in Kathmandu
Get ready for a whole day’s amazing excursion of the amazing Kathmandu. Getting on our own ride, we will check out the holy Pashupatinath temple, the stunning Boudhanath Stupa, and the mesmerizing Swayambhunath Temple.
We will also take a calm walk through the brick alleys of Kathmandu Durbar Square. We suggest you end the evening early since we may have to head to Lukla around midnight.
Important Note
Please be informed that Lukla’s journey from Kathmandu by air is often temporarily shifted to Manthali Airstrip during the spring and fall months. We will have a private transfer arranged for you to transport you to Manthali in Ramechhap. The same conditions may also apply as we make our return to Lukla.
Max. Altitude: 1350m./4,429ft. (Kathmandu)
Meal: Breakfast, launch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 03: Flight to Lukla from Kathmandu/Ramechhap, 35 min/20 min, and trek down to Phakding (2450 m), 3 to 4 hours
Early morning calls will take us off over Jugal, Everest, Langtang, Makalu, and Kanchenjunga towards Lukla. Here, the rest of the hiking team awaits us.
Observing the beautiful frame of Kongde Ri (6187 m), we will then proceed down beside Dudkh Koshi through Chheplung, Chaurikharka, Thadokosi, and Ghat before stepping at Phakding.
The virgin peaks of Khumbila and Kusum Kanguru highlight the scene of this village.
Max. Altitude: 2450m./8,038ft. (Phakding )
Meal: Breakfast, launch, Dinner
Accommodation: Guest House
Day 04: Hike up from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3440 m), 5 to 6 hours
Walking side by side with Dudh Koshi, we will advance via Benkar to the stunning gate of Everest National Park- the Monjo. After going through the official review of our papers, we will resume our adventure to Jorsale.
Thamserku (6608 m) seems to be pleased to see us as we begin ascending now to walk over the 60 m Hilary Suspension bridge made over the Dudh and Bhote Koshi waters.
The 600 m uprising trail will now take us to 3140 height of Top Danda. The 100 m sharp ascension now separates us from the blue town of Namche.
Activity: Trek
Max. Altitude: 3440m./11,286ft. (Namche Bazaar )
Meal: Breakfast, launch, Dinner
Accommodation: Guest House
Day 05: Day off at Namche
We will have a laid-back day today to adjust to the high elevation of Namche. Taking advantage, we can take a short route up towards 3790 m Khumjung Village where we may take a peek at the said Yeti Scalp.
We can also go on towards the Everest View Hotel (3880 m)- the Guinness record holder for being the tallest hotel. Here, we can eat and drink in the midst of Ama Dablam, Taboche, Lhotse, Thamserku, Everest, Nuptse, and Cholatse.
Activity: Rest
Max. Altitude: 3440m./11,286ft. (Namche Bazaar)
Meal: Breakfast, launch, Dinner
Accommodation: Guest House
Day 06: Hike up to Tengboche from Namche (3850 m), 5 to 6 hours
The path from Namche advances through the stunning forest gorge and climbs the sunny hills that will lead us down to Dudh Koshi. Soon after, Imja Khola gracefully takes us across to the next trail that climbs towards Phungi Thanga (3250 m).
The next two hours will be quite tough as we push our legs to reach Tengboche Gompa- the largest and the most attractive one in the valley. Kongde Ri, Ama Dablam, and Thamserku dominate the village surrounding.
Activity: Trek
Max. Altitude: 3850m./12,631ft. (Tengboche )
Meal: Breakfast, launch, Dinner
Accommodation: Guest House
Day 07: Hike upward to Dingboche (4440 m) from Tengboche, 5 to 6 hours
The path after Tengboche first runs down through the jungle toward the tight gorge proceeding towards Deboche. Further, the path above divides into left and right.
The left will go to Upper Pangboche so we will take the right one and advance to lower Pangboche. Now the track will stop being tough and move upstream toward Dingboche. Pumori and Ama Dablam seem breathtaking spectacles of the village.
Activity: Trek
Max. Altitude: 4440m./14,567ft. (Dingboche)
Meal: Breakfast, launch, Dinner
Accommodation: Guest House
Day 08: Day Off at Dingboche
One more splendid relaxing day in our Everest three passes trekking itinerary. For those interested, a remarkable ridge of Nangkartshang or Nagarjun lies around the corner. To reach there, a 700 m quick climb will be needed along the rocky trail.
The tip of this ridge is encircled by the phenomenal frames of Ama Dablam, Island Peak, Thamserku, Baruntse, Lobuche, Taboche, Cholatse, and Makalu.
Activity: Trek
Max. Altitude: 4440m./14,567ft. (Dingboche)
Meal: Breakfast, launch, Dinner
Accommodation: Guest House
Day 09: Hike upward to Chhukung (4850 m) from Dingboche, 3 hours
A very brief upward pleasant hike has been planned today so we can be completely ready to tackle the altitude of the Kongma La in the later days.
The trail from Dingboche now starts to rise beside the Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and Nuptse peaks. The path won’t stop to become steep and tougher running over some boulders and rocky sections.
However, the climb will be very brief with the marvelous sights of Makalu, Island Peak, Cholatse, Taboche, Numbur, Kongde Ri, and Karyolung up front.
We will not rush today instead take an entire day to rest in the village.
Activity: Trek
Max. Altitude: 4850m./15,912ft. (Chhukung )
Meal: Breakfast, launch, Dinner
Accommodation: Guest House
Day 10: Rest day in Chukhung (climb Chukhung Ri, 5546 m)
After enjoying the dazzling morning beside the snowy Himalayan Titans, we will now set on to climb the ridge of Chhukung Ri. Traversing the glacial rocky path for about 2 to 3 hours, we will be at the top of this amazing ridge to enjoy the Himalayan landscape that spread before our eyes.
We better rest for the rest of the day for we have a huge day waiting for us the next morning.
Activity: Rest
Max. Altitude: 4850m./15,912ft. (Chukhung )
Meal: Breakfast, launch, Dinner
Accommodation: Guest House
Day 11: Hike upward from Chukhung to Lobuche (4250 m) via Kongma La Pass (5535 m), 8 to 9 hours
Rising in the dark, we will quickly have our morning breakfast and pack our lunch. Then we will set forth north to the glacial wall of Nuptse. After we pass Bibre, we will get inside the valley of Nyiang.
Here, we will be encircled on two sides by Chhukung Ri and Pokalde. From here, the trail passing west will lead us up for around 3 to 4 hours till we reach the pass of Kongma La.
Ama Dablam, Lobuche, Nuptse and countless others shine in the horsizon. The trail now winds down the pass toward the Khumbu Glacier till we are at Lobuche.
Activity: Trek
Max. Altitude: 4250m./13,944ft. (Lobuche )
Meal: Breakfast, launch, Dinner
Accommodation: Guest House
Day 12: Hike Upward from Lobuche to Gorakshep (5140 m) PM: Visit EBC (5364 m), 6 to 7 hours
The rocky slope after Lobuche will take us forward alongside the side walls of the Khumbu Glacier. We will make our way over the Thangma Riju or the Lobuche Pass via the Italian pyramid and move forward till we are resting at Gorakshep.
After a quick refreshing break, we will take a route up to EBC for around 2 to 3 hours. Traversing past the Indian Army Climbers’ Memorial, we will soon see the infamous Icefall of Khumbu at EBC followed by Khumbutse, Lhotse, Pumori, and Nuptse.
We will now retrace our foot marks to rest our night at Gorakshep
Activity: Trek
Max. Altitude: 5140m./16,864ft. (Gorakshep )
Meal: Breakfast, launch, Dinner
Accommodation: Guest House
Day 13: Early Morning Hike to Kala Pather (5644 m) and PM: hike upward to Dzongla (4830 m), 6 to 7 hours
The admiration of the Everest shimmering bright under the rising sun is really an inexplicable moment. With this aim, we will embark on our Kala Patthar ascension mission in the dark.
The Khumbu Glacier will be again our guide leading us along the steep rocky landscape for a while. In around 2 to 3 hours, we will already be observing the graceful beauty of Everest, Lingtren, Ama Dablam, Lobuche, Lhotse, Changtse, Khumbutse, Pumori, Lhotse, and Nuptse warming up in the sun from Kala Patthar.
After this magical time, we will have our breakfast at Gorakshep and then proceed down to Lobuche. Then, we will traverse over the Chola Lake and reach Dzongla.
Activity: Trek
Max. Altitude: 5644m./18,517ft. ( Kala Pather)
Meal: Breakfast, launch, Dinner
Accommodation: Tea House
Day 14: Hike Upward from Dzongla to Gokyo (4790 m) via Cho La Pass (5420 m), 8 to 9 hours
The track from Dzongla will quickly take us down to the valley floor. We will then climb upward for around 1.5 hours reaching the tail of the Cho La Pass.
The sharp vertical climb will now traverse us along the icy terrain. For extra assistance, we may use the rope and reach the summit of the Cho La.
Rolwaling Peak and its adjacent friends seem miraculous from here. Get ready for the sharp climb down towards Dragnag Village. After a quick lunch here, we will proceed along the scree ridge of the Ngozumpa glacier, the longest in Nepal.
In about 2 to 3 hours, we will reach the moraine wall of the Ngozumpa glacier and view the Longponga Lake: the first of the Gokyo. A little farther, Taujung- the second of the Gokyo, and then Dudh Pokhari- the main Gokyo Lake welcome us.
A lodge by this lake shore will offer us its warm shelter beneath Kangtega and Cho Oyu.
Activity: Trek
Max. Altitude: 4790m./15,715ft. (Gokyo )
Meal: Breakfast, launch, Dinner
Accommodation: Tea House
Day 15: Day Off in Gokyo (Climb Gokyo Ri or Visit Gokyo Lakes)
The pristine of the Gokyo Valley will certainly mesmerize us. After we eat our morning meal, we may proceed to other lakes of Gokyo or ascend the 5357 m height of Gokyo Ri Ridge.
The trail guiding us to the ridge is certainly non-technical but quite hard because of the irregular rocky terrain. Once at the ridge, we can overview the entire Gokyo Valley, lakes and Cho Oyu of course.
Activity: Rest
Max. Altitude: 4790m./15,715ft. (Gokyo )
Meal: Breakfast, launch, Dinner
Accommodation: Tea House
Day 16: Traverse Renjo La Pass (5388 m) and hike down to Marlung (4150 m), 7 to 8 hours
Our Everest three passes trekking expedition is now about to reach its conclusion. We have one more pass of Renjo La to cross before we take the steps back to Kathmandu.
Circumnavigating the massive Gokyo Ri, we will slowly ascend the stone stairs toward the Pass. After 3 to 4 hours, we will be at its foot from where we will have to tackle the zigzag steep trail to the top of the pass.
Makalu, Cho Oyu and Everest seem surprisingly up close once where we are atop the pass. Next, the steep descent will march us toward Lungden before we arrive at Marlung of Bhote Koshi Valley.
Activity: Trek
Max. Altitude: 4150m./13,615ft. (Marlung )
Meal: Breakfast, launch, Dinner
Accommodation: Tea House
Day 17: Hike Down from Marlung to Thame (3800 m), 3 to 4 hours
The upcoming journeys will be now pretty easy, fast, and downhill. 3 to 4 hours of easy and pleasant descent from Marlung will lead us down to Thame- home to a very attractive Gompa. On both sides, we can see Kongde Ri and Thyangboche surrounding us.
Activity: Rest
Max. Altitude: 3800m./12,467ft. (Thame )
Meal: Breakfast, launch, Dinner
Accommodation: Tea House
Day 18: Hike Downward from Thame village to Namche (3440 m), 4 to 5 hours
From Thame, we will proceed down to Thamo Village where we can see the small nunnery of Thamo Monastery. Now, the trail will slightly climb upward guiding us to once again the already known town of Namche.
Activity: Trek
Max. Altitude: 3440m./11,286ft. (Namche )
Meal: Breakfast, launch, Dinner
Accommodation: Tea House
Day 19: Hike Downward from Namche to Phakding (2450 m), 5 to 6 hours
We will one more time pass by Top Danda, Jorsale, and then Monjo hamlets. Then getting out of Sagarmatha Park territory, we will make ourselves comfortable at Phakding passing through Benkar.
Activity: Trek
Max. Altitude: 2450m./8,038ft. (Phakding )
Meal: Breakfast, launch, Dinner
Accommodation: Tea House
Day 20: Hike Downward from Phakding to Lukla (2860 m), 3 to 4 hours
A path downstream will take us through Thadokoshi, Chheplung, and Chaurikharka to Lukla, where we will leave our crew and wait for the flight to Kathmandu.
Activity: Trek
Max. Altitude: 2860m./9,383ft. (Lukla )
Meal: Breakfast, launch, Dinner
Accommodation: Tea House
Day 21: Flight to Kathmandu
A quick flight early in the morning will either drop us at TIA in Kathmandu or Manthali in Ramechhap. If we happen to land in Ramechhap, we will have our private ride to take us back to the city.
Max. Altitude: 1350m./4,429ft. (Kathmandu)
Meal: Breakfast, launch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 22: Depart Kathmandu
The 22 days Everest three passes trek is now in the brink of its end. We will ride you to TIA before your scheduled home flight. Please gracefully keep us in your memory for your further travels in Nepal.
Max. Altitude: 1350m./4,429ft. (Kathmandu)
Route Map & Altitude Chart
Trip Information
Everest Three Passes Trekking Best Time and Season
For the Everest three passes trekking expedition, the nature should bless us with the perfect blend of bluest sky, dry tracks, absence of rain showers, and the stunningly clearest visuals of the high Himalayan titans.
Autumn and spring are precisely those seasons which grant us these conditions making them the ideal time for the Everest three high passes trek.
Autumn (mid-September-late November) brings with it the refreshing coolness and the tracks emptied of snow. Spring (March-late May) dazzles the Khumbu landscape with crimson rhododendrons and enchanting wildlife with thin layers of snow and ice here and there.
Winter (late December- end of February) renders deep snow on the way to the high Passes sometimes obstructing the trail even for the the most experienced adventurers.
Monsoon/Summer (June-late August) can close off the trails so it is wise to skip this season.
Everest Three High Passes: Difficulties and Challenges
Our Everest three high passes trek is labeled as a category 5 trekking journey in Nepal but devoid of any technical problems. Maximum days on this adventure will occur above the altitude of 5000 m where the prime concern is the occurrence of altitude sickness.
The initial journey will follow the jungle paths, rivers, and bridges which slowly turn into deserted rocky ridges and snowy glacial paths. In the middle of the journey, apart from the three massive passes, you will also triumph over the Kala Patthar, Nagarjung Ridge, Gokyo Ri, and Chhukung Ri which may not be technically tough but certainly long and fatiguing.
The complete length of the Everest three passes trekking route is also 166 km which we will overcome within 22 days walking, climbing up and down for 5 to 7 hours daily.
Thus, the Everest three high passes trek is not an easy but also not too difficult trek in Nepal.
Does our 22 days Everest Three Passes Trek accommodate Beginners?
Although our 22 days Everest three passes trek is more preferable for the ones who have already conquered some high altitude, it doesn’t mean the journey is not available for the beginner hikers.
If you have excellent fitness, walking ability, and prime health, then of course you can join us even if you are beginning your trekking journey. Our travel program with maximum acclimatization chances accommodates all.
However, for the pre-acclimating trips, we advise you either take the EBC trip or Lake Gokyo trek first. Also, if you have major health concerns such as that of lungs, muscle or skeletal systems, and heart, then we suggest you stay away or consult your trusted doctors first.
Acute Mountain Sickness/AMS and Acclimatization
AMS which is generally referred to as altitude sickness is very prevalent in our Everest three passes trek. The frequent elevation changes, rapid increase in overnight shelters, walking days spent over 5000 m, and ascension of ridges and passes all rising above 5000 m are the contributing factors for the onset of AMS.
The appearance of headaches, vertigo, fatigueness, slight breathing discomfort, and sleep disturbances may start to occur when you are about to tackle the Kongma La Pass.
They may go once you are well-rested in Chhukung but if not, careful attention is necessary. Please notify your accompanying guide who after monitoring your condition may descend you or pause your adventure for a day or two.
At this point, we suggest you keep hydrating yourself with water, hot lemon tea, or garlic ginger soup. Once you are through this stage, you may no further experience the effect of AMS.
For easing the journey, we have integrated day offs when at Namche, Dingboche, Chhukung, and Gokyo. To assist you with the quick adjustment, take Diamox only if you are not allergic and have no other conditions that may restrict its use.
Training and Preparation for the Everest Three Passes Trekking Adventure
A comprehensive planning and preparation is essential for our Everest three passes trekking adventure. To be able to cope with the high altitude Himalayan environment, and to keep walking for longer duration every day as planned, you must train your whole body before the adventure takes off.
Before two or three months, you can start with some regular aerobic fitness routines such as walking, skipping, running, stair climbing, and swimming to improve the strength of your legs, heart, and core muscles.
Squats, planks, push and pull-ups, treadmill running, basketball and football will also improvise your overall health and stamina. If feasible, partake in simple hiking adventures that will lead you to 3000 m height of the mountains.
One more route to Everest Three High Passes Trek
The second route is tougher than the route we have outlined in our Everest three high passes trek. This route will travel you in clockwise direction triumphing the Renjo La pass first followed by Cho La and then Kongma La.
Fewer chances for acclimatization and a tougher route make this approach less favorable among first-timers.
Accommodation, Meals, and Transportation
For our 22 days Everest three passes trek, you will have a cozy stay in well-appointed twin occupancy rooms of three-star rated hotels. You will get 24-hour hot water service in your private en suite bathroom and also 24-hour WiFi for free.
On the way to the three passes, you will have the comfort of mountain shelters known as tea houses or lodges that are now capable of offering attached bathrooms and single rooms as well. You will also have access to paid WiFi and hot waters.
However, with elevation increment, a decline in the amenities may occur.
Concerning your meal arrangements, breakfasts, dinners and lunches will be served daily throughout the hiking days. Dal Vat, porridge, eggs, momos, spaghetti, pasta and bakery items can be found at the tea house menu.
You will also have peaceful travel in private transport throughout including airport pick-ups, drop-offs, city tours, and Manthali transfers. A round trip between Kathmandu/Manthali and Lukla will also be taken care of.
Permits for the Everest Three Passes Trek
The Khumbu local permit and the Sagarmatha National Park Permit are compulsory for undertaking our Everest three passes trek. The Khumbu local permit has eliminated the need for a TIMS card which is available in Monjo or Lukla at 2000 Nepali rupees per hiker.
The National Park permit is obtainable at tourism office in Kathmandu or at the park entrance gate at Monjo or Lukla at 3000 Nepali rupees per hiker.
Please note that the affiliated fees and the permit procurement service are part of our trip cost.
Travel Insurance
Any high-altitude adventure always comes with the uncertain concern of sudden accidents, illness, injuries, or sometimes the situation may arise when you get stranded needing urgent helicopter search and rescue.
Seeing this, travel insurance has been made mandatory for our Everest three passes trekking journey. Make sure your insurer know where you are going and includes the emergency support to the altitude of more than 5500 m in the mountains.
We also recommend you add cancellation insurance, which protects your trip investment before you leave and helps with any financial issues if your trip gets delayed or postponed.
Additionally, ensure that your policy has also the coverage for the medical costs valid in Nepal. You can also consider adding the luggage theft, damage or loss with extended stay in Nepal in your policy coverage.
Your policy number will be included in the permits that enable a quick contact with your insurer in case of such undesired events.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, they will work and you will constant connection to 4G internet as well except of course when you are in the remote sections of the three passes.
Yes, go for the prepaid card of WiFi from Airlink or Everest Link that you can purchase in Lukla or Namche.
Yes, if you want a more easier approach, then we can skip the part of going to EBC and Kala Patthar.
Sure, if the travel program that we have suggested here doesn’t go according to what you prefer, please tell us what you want and we will together come to a solution. We comprehend each guest is different and have different needs and we definitely comply to your wishes
We will be at our maximum altitude of 5644 m of Kala Patthar and sleep at the highest elevation of 5140 m at Gorakshep.
Absolutely, on your way to Thame Village, why don’t you go attempt the Sumdur Peak (5361 m)?
It will be Kongma La Pass because of its steeper section, and higher altitude.