Everest Three Passes Trek
Three 5,000 m-plus passes — Kongma La, Cho La and Renjo La — linked into the wildest, most complete circuit of the Khumbu, for seasoned trekkers.
About this trek
This is the Everest region at its grandest: a high circuit crossing three legendary passes, taking in Base Camp, the Gokyo lakes and a string of summit viewpoints most trekkers never reach. It rewards a strong pair of legs and previous high-altitude experience with solitude, scale and an unbroken horizon of eight-thousanders.
Because the passes sit above 5,300 m, acclimatisation is everything — we route the circuit anticlockwise with rest days built in, and carry oximeters and a comprehensive medical kit throughout. Your guide has crossed these passes many times and will read the weather window for each one.
Trek highlights
- Cross Kongma La, Cho La and Renjo La
- Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar
- The turquoise Gokyo lakes and Gokyo Ri
- Summit viewpoints above 5,300 m
- Far quieter trails than the main route
- Built-in acclimatisation and rest days
The itinerary
A typical day-by-day plan. We tailor pace and rest days to your group, and your guide adjusts on the ground for weather and acclimatisation.
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Arrive in Kathmandu
1,400 mAirport transfer, evening briefing and a thorough gear check for the high passes.
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Fly to Lukla, trek to Phakding
2,610 mMountain flight to Lukla and an easy walk down the Dudh Koshi to settle in.
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Trek to Namche Bazaar
3,440 mSuspension bridges and forest climbs lead to the Sherpa capital.
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Acclimatisation in Namche
3,440 mA view hike toward Everest, then rest in the market town.
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Trek to Tengboche
3,860 mA classic high trail beneath Ama Dablam to the great monastery.
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Trek to Dingboche
4,410 mAbove the treeline into the Imja valley.
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Acclimatisation in Dingboche
4,410 mA ridge hike to build red cells before the first pass.
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Trek to Chhukung
4,730 mA short stage to the small settlement below Kongma La.
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Cross Kongma La to Lobuche
5,535 mThe first and highest pass — a long, demanding day onto the Khumbu glacier.
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Base Camp & Gorak Shep
5,364 mAcross the glacier to Everest Base Camp, sleeping at Gorak Shep.
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Kala Patthar, trek to Dzongla
5,545 mDawn on Kala Patthar, then traverse toward the second pass.
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Cross Cho La to Thagnak
5,420 mA glaciated pass with a short icy section onto the Ngozumpa side.
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Trek to Gokyo
4,790 mCross the Ngozumpa glacier to the lakeside village of Gokyo.
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Climb Gokyo Ri
5,357 mA superb summit viewpoint over four eight-thousanders and the lakes below.
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Cross Renjo La to Lungden
5,360 mThe third pass, with a final grand Everest panorama, then down to Lungden.
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Trek to Namche Bazaar
3,440 mA long descent back into the forest and the comforts of Namche.
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Trek to Lukla
2,840 mThe last trail stage — a celebration with your crew awaits.
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Fly to Kathmandu & depart
1,400 mMorning flight to the capital and onward connections, or extend your stay.
What's included
In your trip price
- Round-trip Kathmandu–Lukla flights
- Licensed, English-speaking local guide
- Insured porter team (one porter per two trekkers)
- All national-park entry and trekking permits
- Teahouse lodging throughout the trek
- Three freshly cooked meals a day on the trail
- Group medical kit, pulse oximeter and first aid
Not included
- International flights to and from Nepal
- Nepal entry visa fee
- Travel and high-altitude rescue insurance (required)
- Personal trekking gear and equipment
- Drinks, snacks and personal expenses
- Tips for your guide and crew (at your discretion)
From people who walked it
4.9 / 5 from 54 verified reviews
The hardest and most rewarding thing I’ve ever done. The team’s judgement on the passes was spot on.
Three passes, zero drama — superb logistics and a crew who clearly love these mountains.
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Everest Base Camp Trek
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Make the Everest Three Passes yours
Tell us your dates and we’ll tailor this itinerary around you — at no cost until you book.