Some treks take you to a place. The Everest Three High Passes Trek takes you through an entire world. This is not a walk to a single destination - it is a full loop through the Khumbu region of the Nepal Himalayas, crossing three high-altitude passes, weaving through ancient Sherpa villages, and placing you face to face with some of the highest mountains on Earth. If the standard Everest Base Camp Trek feels like the opening chapter, this is the whole story.
The three passes define everything about this journey. Kongma La (5,535m) is the highest and most demanding - a steep, glacier-edged crossing above Chhukung where Lhotse, Makalu, and surrounding ice fields stretch endlessly in every direction. Cho La (5,420m) connects the Khumbu Valley to the Gokyo Valley across a dramatic glacier where every careful step feels earned. Renjo La (5,360m) is the final pass and perhaps the most visually stunning - a ridge above the turquoise Gokyo Lakes with an open horizon of Mount Everest, Cho Oyu, and the full sweep of the Khumbu Himal. Trekkers wanting the lake experience on its own can explore our Gokyo Lake Trek as a quieter alternative.
The ascent follows the beloved Khumbu trail - rising from Namche Bazaar past the sacred Thyangboche Monastery, through the wide pastures of Dingboche, into the remote valley of Chhukung, and onward to Gorak Shep and Everest Base Camp (5,364m). Standing at Kala Patthar (5,545m) as first light hits Everest's south face is a moment that never leaves you. The return then peels away in a completely different direction - back through the Gokyo Valley and out over Renjo La, two entirely different worlds on the way up and back down. For a different take on the same landscapes, the Everest Base Camp with Gokyo Lake Trek offers a wonderful variation.
This is a serious undertaking best suited for fit trekkers with some high-altitude experience. The circuit runs 18 to 21 days from Lukla with proper acclimatization built in throughout. Those needing a quicker return can choose the Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return - a scenic flight that ends the adventure in style.
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the prime seasons. At Mountain Eco Treks, our local guides have walked every meter of this route and will be beside you the whole way. A Sagarmatha National Park permit is included in your package. Come ready - this trek will show you the Himalayas at their most raw and magnificent.
The Everest Three High Passes Trek is physically demanding and requires:
Trekkers will encounter steep ascents, rocky paths, glaciers, snow, and high winds. Proper preparation, acclimatization, and a slow, steady pace are crucial for a safe and successful trek.
If the Everest Three High Passes trek itinerary does not meet your needs, we can design personalized travel plans based on your preferences and specifications. Plan Your Trip
Note: Mountain Eco Treks offers this trekking itinerary in two service categories- Standard, and Budget-allowing you to choose the level of comfort that best matches your travel preferences. For a complete breakdown of what each package includes, please visit the Cost Includes and Excludes section
Welcome to Nepal - the starting point of your Everest Three High Passes Trek! Our team will greet you at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfer you to your hotel in Thamel. Use this day to rest and check your high-altitude trekking gear. Tonight, meet your guide and discuss your 18-day Everest Three High Passes Trek itinerary ahead.
Your Everest Three High Passes Trek begins with a thrilling 35-minute flight to Lukla's Tenzing-Hillary Airport. The trail descends gently through pine forests and traditional Sherpa settlements along the Dudh Koshi River, crossing suspension bridges decorated with prayer flags, to the peaceful village of Phakding for your first overnight on this high-altitude trekking adventure in Nepal.
✈ Flight Note: Flights operate either direct from Kathmandu or via Manthali Airport (Ramechhap) - a 4-5 hour drive. Peak season (March-May, September-November) flights are mostly routed through Manthali. Mountain Eco Treks will confirm your departure point in advance.
The trail winds along the Dudh Koshi River, crossing suspension bridges and entering Sagarmatha National Park before the steep two-hour climb to Namche Bazaar. Your first glimpse of Mount Everest above the ridge makes every step worthwhile. Namche is the main hub of the Khumbu region trek - full of bakeries, gear shops, and warm teahouses.
Acclimatization is essential on the Everest Three High Passes Trek. Hike up to Hotel Everest View for stunning panoramas of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Ama Dablam, then return to Namche to visit the Sherpa Culture Museum. Rest well, stay hydrated, and prepare your body for the high-altitude Himalayan passes ahead.
The trail climbs through fragrant rhododendron and juniper forests with sweeping views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Ama Dablam. Arrive at Thyangboche Monastery - the most sacred monastery in the Khumbu region, perched on a forested ridge at nearly 4,000 metres. Attending the evening prayer ceremony here is an unforgettable cultural experience on the Everest Three High Passes Trek.
The trail descends to the Imja Khola valley before climbing steadily through open yak pastures and alpine meadows. The scale of surrounding peaks - Island Peak, Lhotse, and the Nuptse wall - grows more dramatic with every step. Dingboche is a beautiful high-altitude village sitting in a wide valley enclosed by ancient stone walls, marking your first night above 4,000 metres on the Everest Three High Passes Trek.
A vital rest day before tackling the three legendary high passes ahead. Hike to Nangkartshang Peak or Chhukung Ri for sweeping 360° views of Makalu, Baruntse, Island Peak, and the full Lhotse-Nuptse wall. Return to Dingboche in the afternoon, rest well, and hydrate - the most demanding and rewarding days of the Everest Three High Passes Trek lie just ahead.
A short but important walk deeper into the Imja Valley at 4,730 metres. Chhukung is a small remote settlement sitting directly beneath the towering faces of Island Peak, Ama Dablam, and the Lhotse-Nuptse wall - one of the most dramatic settings on the Everest Three High Passes Trek. Arrive early, eat well, and rest - tomorrow is the biggest day yet.
The first and highest of the three Himalayan high passes, Kongma La at 5,535 metres demands an early start and a steady climb through rocky moraines and frozen terrain. At the summit, prayer flags frame panoramic views of Makalu, Baruntse, Cho Oyu, and the entire Khumbu range. Descend past glacial lakes and the solemn Lobuche memorial chortens to Lobuche village for overnight rest.
The most iconic day of the Everest Three High Passes Trek. Cross the Khumbu Glacier moraine to Gorakshep, then push on to Everest Base Camp at 5,364 metres inside Sagarmatha National Park. Standing at the foot of the world's highest mountain with the thundering Khumbu Icefall before you is a moment that stays with you for life. Return to Gorakshep for overnight rest.
A pre-dawn climb to Kala Patthar at 5,644 metres - the highest point of the Everest Three High Passes Trek and the finest viewpoint of Mount Everest on earth. Watch the sunrise light up the Everest summit in golden colour before descending west across dramatic glacial terrain. Arrive at the quiet remote settlement of Dzongla for the night, ready for the second great pass tomorrow.
Cho La is the most adventurous pass on the Everest Three High Passes Trek. The steep rocky ascent leads to a glaciated summit section where crampons are essential. On the descent, the turquoise Gokyo Lakes suddenly appear below - a breathtaking reward after a demanding day of high-altitude trekking in Nepal. Overnight at Gokyo village on the shores of the sacred third lake.
Gokyo Ri at 5,357 metres is one of the greatest highlights of the Everest Three High Passes Trek. From the summit, four of the world's six highest mountains are visible at once - Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu - along with the vast Ngozumpa Glacier below. Spend the afternoon exploring the sacred 4th and 5th Gokyo Lakes, their turquoise waters set against a backdrop of permanent glacial ice.
The third and final pass of the Everest Three High Passes Trek, Renjo La at 5,360 metres, rewards you with one of the most extraordinary views in Nepal - the sacred Gokyo Lakes and Ngozumpa Glacier far below, framed by the towering mass of Cho Oyu. Descend into the remote Bhote Koshi valley and reach the peaceful settlement of Lungden for overnight rest. All three legendary passes are now complete.
A pleasant walk downstream along the Bhote Koshi River through a quiet, authentic Sherpa valley. Thame is a historically significant village on the Everest Three High Passes Trek, best known as the childhood home of Tenzing Norgay Sherpa, who first summited Everest with Sir Edmund Hillary in 1953. Visit the ancient Thame Monastery perched above the village before settling in for the night.
A short and easy walk back to the familiar energy of Namche Bazaar. With all three high passes and Everest Base Camp behind you, tonight is the time to celebrate. Enjoy a hot shower, a well-deserved meal at one of Namche's excellent restaurants, and reflect on the incredible achievement of completing the Everest Three High Passes Trek so far.
The final walking day of the Everest Three High Passes Trek is a long, satisfying descent through Monjo, Jorsale, and Phakding, crossing familiar suspension bridges one last time. Warmer air and greener forests mark the return to lower altitude. Arrive in Lukla with tired legs and incredible memories - celebrate with your guide and porters over dinner at one of Lukla's famous teahouses.
Rise early for your morning flight back to Kathmandu, marking the successful completion of the Everest Three High Passes Trek. Back in the capital, transfer to your hotel and take a moment to fully absorb this remarkable achievement - three legendary Himalayan passes above 5,000 metres, Everest Base Camp, and Kala Patthar, all completed in 18 days.
✈ Flight Note: Return flights from Lukla operate either directly to Kathmandu or via Manthali Airport (Ramechhap), which is approximately a 4–5 hour drive from Manthali to Kathmandu. During peak trekking seasons (March–May and September–November), most flights are routed through Manthali. Mountain Eco Treks will confirm your exact departure point ahead of your trip.
Service Types
Compare the available package types and choose the service level that matches your comfort, budget, and support needs.
Standard Package Cost
US$ 1899 per person
Budget Package Cost
US$ 1595 per person
