Trip Facts

Duration

18–20 days

Trip Grade

Expert

Country

Nepal

Maximum Altitude

5,535 m

Group Size

2–10

Starts

Lukla

Ends

Lukla

Activities

Trekking

Best Time

Spring, Autumn

Highlights

  • Cross three of the highest and most scenic trekking passes in Nepal: Kongma La (5,535m), Cho La (5,420m), and Renjo La (5,360m)
  • Reach Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar for the closest views of Mount Everest and its neighbouring giants
  • Explore the glacial beauty of Gokyo Lakes and climb Gokyo Ri for sweeping Himalayan vistas
  • Trek through remote Sherpa villages such as Chhukung, Dzongla, and Marlung
  • Visit ancient Buddhist monasteries, including Tengboche and Thame
  • Carefully acclimatised itinerary designed for high-altitude success with experienced Eco Himalaya guides

Overview

The Everest Three High Pass Trek is one of the most thrilling and challenging trekking adventures in the Everest Region. Designed for experienced and physically fit trekkers, this 18-day route is a full circumnavigation of the Khumbu, connecting three iconic high passes—Kongma La, Cho La, and Renjo La—with the classic Everest Base Camp trail and the less-trodden Gokyo Valley.

This path not only gives you the best views of the world’s tallest mountains, like Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Cho Oyu, Makalu, and Ama Dablam, but it also lets you see the Sherpa way of life in its most natural and peaceful form. The walk takes you through a lot of different areas, including untouched alpine wilderness, religious history, and stunning glacial landscapes. Eco Himalaya’s expert team ensures a balanced itinerary with proper acclimatisation, safe guidance, and comfortable teahouse lodging.

Itinerary

Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel. After settling in, we’ll hold a group briefing to go over the trek itinerary, check gear, and answer questions.
Accommodation: Hotel in Kathmandu | Dinner included

A short, scenic flight brings us to Lukla, the gateway to the Everest Region. After meeting our porter team, we begin our trek on a descending trail through pine forests and Sherpa villages, following the Dudh Koshi River to the peaceful village of Phakding.
Trekking: 3–4 hours | Accommodation: Teahouse | Dinner included

The trail continues along riverbanks, crossing several suspension bridges and entering Sagarmatha National Park. The final stretch to Namche involves a steep uphill climb, but you're rewarded with your first glimpse of Everest if the weather permits. Namche is the bustling trading centre of the Khumbu.
Trekking: 6–7 hours | Accommodation: Teahouse | Dinner included

To aid acclimatisation, we take a rest day in Namche. You can hike to the Everest View Hotel (3,880m) or Khumjung village to visit the Hillary School and ancient monasteries. Spend the afternoon exploring local bakeries, museums, or resting.
Accommodation: Teahouse | Dinner included

Today’s trail features gentle ascents and descents through forests of rhododendron and juniper. After lunch at Phunki Tenga, we make a final steep climb to reach Tengboche, home to the region's largest monastery with jaw-dropping views of Everest and Ama Dablam.
Trekking: 5–6 hours | Accommodation: Teahouse | Dinner included

We descend through quiet forests to Debuche, cross a suspension bridge over the Imja River, and ascend past Pangboche—the highest year-round settlement in the region. The trail continues into an alpine zone as we reach the windswept village of Dingboche.
Trekking: 6 hours | Accommodation: Teahouse | Dinner included

Another acclimatisation day is essential. A side hike to Nagarjun Hill (5,100m) provides panoramic views of Makalu, Lhotse, and Island Peak. This hike helps your body adjust before crossing higher passes.
Accommodation: Teahouse | Dinner included

An easy, short hike leads to Chhukung, a small settlement with dramatic mountain surroundings. The trail offers expansive views of Lhotse, Nuptse, and the massive south face of Ama Dablam.
Trekking: 3 hours | Accommodation: Teahouse | Dinner included

We start early for the toughest day of the trek. The trail ascends steeply to Kongma La, the highest of the three passes. Prayer flags flutter at the summit. The descent is rocky and steep toward the Khumbu Glacier, then follows its edge to reach Lobuche.
Trekking: 7–8 hours | Accommodation: Teahouse | Dinner included

Following the glacial moraine trail, we reach Gorakshep—our highest sleeping point. After a break, we continue to Everest Base Camp, walking along the Khumbu Icefall and rock-covered glacier. We return to Gorakshep for the night.
Trekking: 6–7 hours | Accommodation: Teahouse | Dinner included

Before dawn, we ascend Kala Patthar for breathtaking views of Everest, Pumori, and Nuptse under golden sunrise light. We descend back to Gorakshep and head westward toward Dzongla, a tranquil village below the Cho La pass.
Trekking: 7 hours | Accommodation: Teahouse | Dinner included

This day demands caution, especially in icy conditions. The climb to Cho La is steep but short. After crossing the glacier at the top, we descend on a narrow trail to reach Thangnak.
Trekking: 6–7 hours | Accommodation: Teahouse | Dinner included

The trail meanders along the Ngozumpa Glacier before opening up to the stunning blue waters of Gokyo Lakes. We reach Gokyo village by the third lake.
Trekking: 3–4 hours | Accommodation: Teahouse | Dinner included

A morning climb to Gokyo Ri offers some of the best views in the Everest Region—Everest, Cho Oyu, Lhotse, and Makalu visible in one panorama. The rest of the day can be spent resting or exploring the upper lakes.
Accommodation: Teahouse | Dinner included

A challenging but rewarding climb to Renjo La provides spectacular final views of Everest and the Gokyo Lakes below. The descent is steep but scenic, with yak pastures leading us to the peaceful village of Marlung.
Trekking: 7 hours | Accommodation: Teahouse | Dinner included

We descend gradually to Thame and cross Bhote Koshi River. Thame’s historic monastery is worth a short visit before continuing through forest trails back to Namche.
Trekking: 6–7 hours | Accommodation: Teahouse | Dinner included

We retrace the Dudh Koshi trail through Monjo, Phakding, and finally back to Lukla. The final day of trekking is filled with reflection and celebration with our crew.
Trekking: 6–7 hours | Accommodation: Teahouse | Dinner included

A scenic morning flight returns us to Kathmandu. After checking into your hotel, you can rest or explore the capital’s sights and shops.
Flight: 30 minutes | Accommodation: Hotel in Kathmandu | Dinner included

Cost Details

Included

  • All ground transportation, including airport transfers
  • Domestic flights (Kathmandu–Lukla–Kathmandu)
  • Licensed English-speaking guide and porter (1 porter per 2 trekkers)
  • 3 meals a day during the trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
  • Teahouse accommodation during the trek
  • Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu (2 nights)
  • Everest National Park permit & TIMS Card
  • All necessary local government taxes and service charges
  • Emergency medical kit and oximeter

Excluded

  • International airfare and travel insurance
  • Nepal visa fees
  • Personal trekking gear and equipment
  • Bottled drinks, snacks, and hot showers on the trail
  • Tips for guide, porter, and driver
  • Extra night stays due to weather delays or early return

Useful Information

Trek Grade:

Strenuous. This trek involves steep ascents and descents, multiple days over 5,000m, and potential snow/ice conditions. It is suitable only for trekkers with prior high-altitude experience and good physical condition.

Acclimatisation:

The itinerary includes three acclimatisation days (Namche, Dingboche, and Gokyo) to ensure safety and minimise the risk of Acute Mountain Sickness. We also follow the “climb high, sleep low” rule when possible.

Best Seasons:

Spring (March–May) and Autumn (September–November) are ideal for clear skies and safe pass crossings. Passes may be snow-covered and impassable during winter or the monsoon.

Lodging:

Standard teahouse lodges are available along the trail. Rooms are simple, often shared, with basic beds and blankets. Most have communal dining areas.

Meals:

Meals are included during the trek and consist of traditional Nepali, Sherpa, and some Western dishes. Dal Bhat is a staple. Vegetarian options are widely available.

Weather:

Temperatures drop well below freezing at higher altitudes, especially at night. Strong winds and snow are possible over the passes.

Tips for Packing:

Bring layers that keep you warm, a down jacket, a windproof shell, gloves, a hat, sunglasses, microspikes (for icy parts), tablets that clean water, and a good headlamp.

Connectivity and electricity:

Lodges offer charging stations for a fee. You can connect to Wi-Fi in Namche, Dingboche, and Gokyo, but the speed and stability will be slow.

Emergency Preparedness:

Our guides carry a first aid kit and an oximeter. In case of serious altitude sickness or injury, helicopter evacuation is available (covered by travel insurance).

Official Everest Three High Pass Trekking Map

FAQs

It’s one of Nepal’s toughest treks, crossing three 5,000m+ passes. You should be physically fit and mentally prepared with previous trekking experience.

Yes, you’ll need the Sagarmatha National Park Permit and Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit. Eco Himalaya arranges both for you.

Your guide will assess the situation and may suggest an alternate route or wait for a weather window. Safety is always our top priority.

Most teahouses offer shared toilets. Hot showers are available at lower altitudes for an extra fee.

Absolutely. We offer complimentary luggage storage at our Kathmandu office.