Everest Three Passes Trek
An immersive counterclockwise circuit of the Khumbu region crossing Kongma La, Cho La, and Renjo La, combining Everest Base Camp, Kala Patthar, and the Gokyo Lakes in a single adventurous itinerary.
- Duration 20 Days
- Difficulty Strenuous
- Group Size 12 People
- Max Altitude 5545m
- Region Everest
Overview
Located in the greater Khumbu Region of Solu Khumbu District, Everest became a trekker's hub after Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa's historic 1953 ascent. Protected under Sagarmatha National Park, the region shelters ancient history and the enduring liveliness of the Sherpa people. While the trek to base camp is an enlightening journey for many, those seeking a more thorough adventure take on the Three Passes trek.
The Everest Three Passes trek follows the standard Everest Base Camp route through Namche, Tengboche, Pangboche, and Dingboche, then branches toward the less-travelled village of Chhukung and the high pass of Kongma La. The route continues to Kala Patthar and Everest Base Camp before circling counterclockwise via Cho La, Gokyo, and Renjo La back to Namche and Lukla.
Unlike the standard Base Camp itinerary, the three-pass route follows a full loop, from low valleys to high passes and base camps, exploring less-travelled villages and trails along the way. It combines world-famous monasteries, viewpoints, and the turquoise Gokyo Lakes with an otherworldly crossing of Everest's three greatest passes: Kongma La, Cho La, and Renjo La.
Itinerary
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Day 1 Arrival in Kathmandu
Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfer to a 5-star hotel. Evening trek briefing.
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Day 2 Drive to Manthali, Fly to Lukla & Trek to Phakding
Drive to Manthali/Ramechhap, fly on to Lukla, then trek down to Phakding along the Dudh Koshi River.
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Day 3 Trek to Namche Bazaar
Trek via Toktok, Benkar, Monjo, and Jorsalle, entering Sagarmatha National Park, with views of Mt. Thamserku before the steep climb to Namche Bazaar.
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Day 4 Acclimatization Day at Namche Bazaar
Rest day with an optional hike to Everest View Hotel and the twin Sherpa villages of Khumjung and Khunde, or time to explore Namche's shops, cafes, and Sherpa museum.
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Day 5 Trek to Tengboche
Trek via Kyanjuma and down to the Dudh Kosi River, past water-driven prayer wheels, before a steep ascent to Tengboche, home to the region's most active Buddhist monastery.
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Day 6 Trek to Dingboche
Descend through Deboche forest and Pangboche into the open Imja Khola valley, arriving at the alpine village of Dingboche.
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Day 7 Trek to Chhukung
A short, leisurely day to Chhukung, with a stunning sunset view over Mt. Lhotse and Kwangde to the south.
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Day 8 Acclimatization Day at Chhukung
A rest day strongly recommended before Kongma La Pass, with an optional hike to Chhukung Ri (5,546m) for brilliant mountain views before returning to the same lodge.
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Day 9 Cross Kongma La Pass to Lobuche
An early start to cross Kongma La (5,535m), the highest and often hardest of the three passes, over boulder fields and glacial moraine with no teahouse en route, descending to Lobuche.
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Day 10 Trek to Gorak Shep & Hike to Everest Base Camp
Trek along the Khumbu Glacier moraine to Gorak Shep, then hike in the afternoon to Everest Base Camp (5,364m) before returning to Gorak Shep for the night.
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Day 11 Hike Kala Patthar & Trek to Dzongla
Pre-dawn climb to Kala Patthar (5,545m) for a 360-degree view of Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam, then descend via Lobuche to the village of Dzongla.
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Day 12 Cross Cho La Pass to Thangnak
A long, early day crossing the technical, wind-exposed Cho La Pass (5,420m), with no teahouse en route, descending to the small settlement of Thangnak.
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Day 13 Trek to Gokyo & Explore the Lakes
Cross the Ngozumpa Glacier to Gokyo, the third of the turquoise Gokyo Lakes, with views of Cho Oyu, then explore the fourth and fifth lakes in the afternoon.
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Day 14 Rest & Excursion Day at Gokyo
Optional sunrise climb of Gokyo Ri (5,357m), with views of four 8,000m peaks — Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu — before returning to Gokyo for the night.
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Day 15 Cross Renjo La Pass to Lungden
Cross Renjo La (5,417m), the last of the three passes, for a tremendous view of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, and Ama Dablam, then descend to Lungden.
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Day 16 Trek to Thame
An easy descent to the beautiful Sherpa village of Thame, with time to explore on arrival.
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Day 17 Trek to Namche Bazaar & on to Monjo
An easy walk back to Namche Bazaar, then continue down toward Monjo as the trek nears its end.
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Day 18 Trek to Lukla
A final trekking day via Jorsalle, Phakding, Ghat, and Chhuplung back to Lukla, with time to explore Lukla Bazaar.
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Day 19 Fly to Manthali & Drive to Kathmandu
Fly from Lukla to Manthali/Ramechhap, then drive on to Kathmandu.
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Day 20 Final Departure
Transfer to the airport for departure.
Cost Details
What’s Included
- Teahouse accommodation during the trek
- Airport pick-up and drop-off by private vehicle
- Guided city tour of Kathmandu and Bhaktapur
- English-speaking trekking guide, including salary, insurance, meals, and accommodation
- Porter service, including insurance
- All local taxes and entry fees
- Full board meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner with tea/coffee) during the trek
- Kathmandu–Lukla–Kathmandu domestic flights (via Manthali/Ramechhap routing)
- Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit and Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entry Permit
- Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast, 5-star standard, twin-sharing
What’s Excluded
- Tips for guide, porter, and driver
- Personal travel and trekking insurance
- International airfare to and from Nepal
- Extra personal expenses and cold beverages
- Nepal visa fee
Highlights
- Tengboche Monastery: The most active Buddhist monastery in the region, framed by Ama Dablam.
- Full Khumbu immersion: A round-trip route covering far more of the region than the standard base camp trail.
- Thame village: A historic Sherpa settlement on the descent, known for its mountaineering heritage.
- Sherpa culture: Prayer flags, mani walls, and monasteries throughout villages full of Sherpas and working yaks.
- Three legendary passes: Kongma La (5,535m), Cho La (5,420m), and Renjo La (5,417m) in a single circuit.
- Chhukung Ri: An optional acclimatization hike to 5,546m with brilliant Lhotse and Kwangde views.
- Gokyo Lakes: Turquoise glacial lakes and the panoramic viewpoint of Gokyo Ri (5,357m).
- Everest Base Camp & Kala Patthar: The classic destinations of the standard EBC trek, folded into a far more complete route.
Why Choose This Trek
- Comfortable bookend stays: 5-star Kathmandu hotel with a guided city tour of Kathmandu and Bhaktapur.
- Extensive acclimatization built in: Rest days at Namche, Chhukung, and around Gokyo protect against altitude sickness on this longer route.
- A genuine physical and spiritual challenge: A demanding round-trip route ideal for experienced trekkers seeking more than the standard trail.
- The most complete Everest region trek: Combines Everest Base Camp, Gokyo, and three high passes rather than choosing just one.
- Full support included: Guide, porter, permits, and flights arranged throughout.
- Far less crowded than the standard trail: Sections like Chhukung, Dzongla, and the passes themselves see a fraction of the standard EBC foot traffic.
Essential Information
Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) offer the clearest views and safest conditions for the three pass crossings. In peak months, flights often route via Manthali/Ramechhap to reduce Lukla air traffic delays. Winter brings heavy snow and possible pass closure; monsoon brings cloud cover and flight disruption.
Rated strenuous. Around 2–9 hours of walking per day, with three passes above 5,400m — Kongma La (5,535m), Cho La (5,420m), and Renjo La (5,417m) — plus Kala Patthar at 5,545m as the trek's highest point. There is no teahouse facility on several pass-crossing days, so guides carry extra water and snacks. Good fitness and prior high-altitude experience are strongly recommended.
Teahouse/lodge accommodation on a shared, twin-sharing basis throughout the trek, with hot showers and Wi-Fi available at extra cost in most villages, bookended by a 5-star hotel in Kathmandu.
Full board meals included during the trek — dal bhat, noodles, soups, and momos are common, with bakery items available in Namche. On pass-crossing days without teahouse facilities, the guide and porter carry hot water and snacks. Vegetarian options are widely available at teahouses.
- Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit: Required to enter the national park, checked at the Monjo gate
- Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entry Permit: Local government permit, obtained in Lukla or Monjo
- Sun protection: Sunglasses (ideally glacier-rated), sunscreen, and a reusable water bottle
- Microspikes/crampons: Often needed for icy sections on the Kongma La and Cho La crossings
- Trekking boots: Sturdy, broken-in boots with warm socks and gaiters for snow near the passes
- Headlamp: Essential for early starts on pass-crossing days
- Rain/wind jacket: Windproof/waterproof outer layer and trekking pants
- Personal kit: Personal medicines, altitude medication as advised by a doctor, and toiletries
- Trekking poles: Recommended for glacier moraine and steep pass descents
- Down jacket: Insulated jacket plus thermal base layers and warm gloves
Kala Patthar at 5,545m is the trek's highest point, with Kongma La (5,535m), Renjo La (5,417m), and Cho La (5,420m) also above 5,400m. Acclimatization matters above 3,000m — drink 3–4 liters of water daily, walk at a steady pace, and watch for headache, nausea, and dizziness as early symptoms of altitude sickness.
A standard packaged trip covering basic lodging, three meals a day, documents, permits, and a licensed trek guide typically ranges from USD 3,060 to USD 3,360. The price above this baseline reflects add-on services such as Kathmandu hotel bookings, airport pick-up and drop-off, and private jeep or flight transport to Manthali. Cost also scales with trek duration, since longer treks carry more cumulative expenses.
Groups of 8–10 or more trekkers receive additional benefits or a significant discount, making this a cost-effective option for friends or family trekking together. Solo and small-group (comfort) trekkers pay a fair price for the same quality of service.
- 4. Enjoy the trip: Departure proceeds on the chosen date.
- 3. Pay the advance: A 15% advance of the total cost secures the booking; the remainder is due before departure.
- 2. Fill in the form and choose add-ons: Note any additional services required, or note that none are needed.
- 1. Click "Book This Trip": Start the booking process on the trip page.
Bonny Himalaya offers a fixed departure on each given date for trekkers looking to book and depart on short notice. Additional services such as private transportation, hotel bookings, and Kathmandu pickup can be added during booking, with any other requests arranged via the booking note.
- Island Peak Climbing (with base camp): USD 4,099
- Lobuche East Peak Climbing: 3-day climb, USD 1,500
