Overview
Itinerary
Includes
Map & Altitude
Equipment
Trip Info & FAQs
Mr. Gyaljen Sherpa
Mr. Gyaljen Sherpa was born and raised in the Everest region, and his Sherpa heritage gives him deep, lifelong knowledge of the mountains, local commu...
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The Everest Three High Pass Trek is the ultimate trekking adventure in Nepal, combining the famous Everest Base Camp Trek with the three spectacular mountain passes of Kongma La (5,535 m), Cho La (5,420 m), and Renjo La (5,360 m). Designed for experienced and adventurous trekkers, this route offers a complete exploration of the Everest region, taking you through remote valleys, pristine glaciers, turquoise alpine lakes, traditional Sherpa villages, and breathtaking Himalayan viewpoints.
Unlike the classic Everest Base Camp Trek, the Three High Pass Trek explores quieter trails beyond the main route, providing incredible panoramic views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, Ama Dablam, and many other Himalayan giants. Along the journey, you'll stand at Everest Base Camp, witness sunrise from Kala Patthar, cross three challenging high mountain passes, and explore the beautiful Gokyo Valley.
This trek is perfect for those seeking the most comprehensive and rewarding trekking experience in the Everest region.
Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, our airport representative will warmly welcome you and transfer you to your hotel in Kathmandu. After checking in, you'll have time to relax after your journey or explore the vibrant streets of Thamel. In the evening, meet your trekking guide for a comprehensive briefing about the Everest Three High Pass Trek, including the trekking route, altitude safety, weather conditions, equipment check, and final preparations for the adventure ahead
Today is dedicated to preparing for your Himalayan adventure. After breakfast, enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of Kathmandu's UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, and Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple). Later, return to Thamel to purchase or rent any remaining trekking gear. Your guide will conduct a final equipment inspection and answer any questions before the trek begins.
An early morning scenic flight takes you to Lukla, one of the world's most thrilling mountain airports. Upon arrival, meet the rest of your trekking crew before beginning the trek through charming Sherpa villages, pine forests, and mani walls. Crossing several suspension bridges over the Dudh Koshi River, you'll enjoy your first taste of trekking in the Khumbu region before reaching the peaceful village of Phakding.
Today's trail follows the Dudh Koshi River through beautiful forests and traditional villages. Cross numerous suspension bridges, including the famous Hillary Suspension Bridge, before entering Sagarmatha National Park. After the permit checkpoint, begin the challenging uphill climb toward Namche Bazaar. On a clear day, you'll catch your first glimpse of Mount Everest before arriving at the vibrant Sherpa trading town.
Proper acclimatization is essential before ascending higher into the Himalayas. Today you'll take a short hike to the Everest View Hotel or nearby viewpoints, offering spectacular panoramas of Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, and Kongde Ri. After returning to Namche, you may visit the Sherpa Museum, local markets, bakeries, or simply relax while preparing for the higher elevations ahead.
Leaving Namche, follow a scenic trail with breathtaking views of Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam. Descend to the Dudh Koshi River before climbing through beautiful rhododendron and pine forests to Tengboche. The village is home to the famous Tengboche Monastery, the spiritual center of the Khumbu region, where you may witness monks performing evening prayers surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery.
Begin with a descent through forests to Deboche before crossing the Imja Khola River. Continue through Pangboche, one of the oldest Sherpa villages in the Everest region, where ancient monasteries and traditional stone houses line the trail. As the vegetation gradually disappears, the landscape transforms into rugged alpine terrain before reaching Dingboche, surrounded by towering Himalayan peaks.
Spend another important acclimatization day to help your body adjust to the increasing altitude. A rewarding hike to Nangkartshang Peak provides breathtaking views of Makalu, Ama Dablam, Island Peak, Lhotse, and the Imja Valley. After enjoying the panoramic scenery, descend back to Dingboche for a relaxing afternoon before continuing to even higher elevations.
Today's trek is relatively short but important for gaining altitude gradually. Walk through the wide Imja Valley surrounded by towering snow-capped peaks and impressive glaciers. Upon reaching Chhukung, you'll enjoy magnificent views of Island Peak, Lhotse's south face, Nuptse, and Ama Dablam. The afternoon provides time to rest and prepare for tomorrow's challenging crossing of Kongma La Pass.
Today is one of the most demanding yet rewarding days of the trek. Begin before sunrise and steadily climb toward Kongma La Pass, the highest of the Three High Passes. The route traverses rocky terrain, glacial moraines, and high alpine landscapes before reaching the summit, where incredible panoramic views of Everest, Makalu, Lhotse, Nuptse, and the Khumbu Glacier await. After taking in the breathtaking scenery, descend carefully to Lobuche for a well-earned rest.
Follow the rocky trail alongside the Khumbu Glacier to Gorakshep before continuing to the legendary Everest Base Camp. Standing at the foot of the world's highest mountain is an unforgettable achievement. Explore the base camp area, admire the dramatic Khumbu Icefall, capture memorable photographs, and celebrate reaching this iconic destination before returning to Gorakshep for the night
Wake early for the hike to Kala Patthar, the highest viewpoint of the trek, where you'll witness a spectacular sunrise over Mount Everest, Nuptse, Pumori, and surrounding Himalayan giants. After descending to Gorakshep for breakfast, continue along a quieter trail toward the peaceful village of Dzongla, nestled beneath the dramatic Cho La Pass.
Set out before dawn to tackle the famous Cho La Pass. The trail ascends over rocky slopes and seasonal snowfields before reaching the summit, where magnificent views of surrounding glaciers and Himalayan peaks reward your effort. Carefully descend over glacial terrain to Thangnak, a small settlement situated beside the Ngozumpa Glacier.
Cross the enormous Ngozumpa Glacier, Nepal's longest glacier, as you make your way toward the beautiful Gokyo Valley. The turquoise Gokyo Lakes appear beneath towering snow-covered peaks, creating one of the most spectacular landscapes in the Himalayas. Spend the afternoon exploring the lakeside village and enjoying the peaceful alpine atmosphere.
Enjoy a well-deserved rest day in Gokyo. Those with extra energy can hike to Gokyo Ri (5,357 m), one of the finest viewpoints in Nepal, offering panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, and the entire chain of Gokyo Lakes. Spend the remainder of the day relaxing beside the lakes or exploring the surrounding valley.
Today you'll cross the final pass of the trek. The climb to Renjo La is challenging but rewards you with arguably the best panoramic view in the Everest region, overlooking Everest, Gokyo Lakes, Cho Oyu, and countless Himalayan peaks. Descend through a remote valley to the quiet Sherpa settlement of Lungden, located on an ancient Himalayan trade route.
Descend through the beautiful Bhote Koshi Valley, passing yak pastures, traditional Sherpa villages, prayer wheels, and ancient monasteries. Rejoin the classic Everest trail before arriving back in the lively mountain town of Namche Bazaar, where you can celebrate completing all three high mountain passes.
Your final trekking day follows familiar trails through forests, rivers, and suspension bridges back to Lukla. Reflect on your incredible journey while celebrating with your trekking crew after successfully completing one of the world's greatest trekking adventures.
Take an early morning mountain flight back to Kathmandu. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy a free afternoon for shopping, exploring local markets, or simply relaxing after your unforgettable Himalayan expedition.
After breakfast, our representative will transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your departure flight. Leave Nepal with unforgettable memories of Everest Base Camp, the Three High Passes, Gokyo Lakes, and the incredible landscapes of the Khumbu region.
Let's customize this itinerary as per your time and budget, as you like.
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Down jackets, sleeping bags and trekking poles can be hired or bought inexpensively in Kathmandu and Namche Bazaar — ask our team and we will arrange it before you set off.
We are a team of professionals who share a common devotion to the outdoors — government-licensed, altitude-trained, and with you from Lukla to the summit.
Our TeamMr. Gyaljen Sherpa was born and raised in the Everest region, and his Sherpa heritage gives him deep, lifelong knowledge of the mountains, local commu...
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Sikendar Chaudhary (CK) is a licensed professional trekking guide from Nepal with over 5 years of experience leading unforgettable adventures across t...
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The Everest Three High Passes Trek is one of Nepal's most adventurous trekking experiences, combining the classic Everest Base Camp route with three spectacular Himalayan passes—Kongma La (5,535 m), Cho La (5,420 m), and Renjo La (5,360 m). This challenging journey rewards trekkers with breathtaking mountain views, remote valleys, Sherpa culture, glacial landscapes, and visits to Everest Base Camp, Kala Patthar, and the beautiful Gokyo Lakes.
The standard itinerary takes 18 to 20 days, depending on the route and acclimatization schedule. This allows sufficient time to adapt to the altitude while exploring all major highlights safely.
Highlights include trekking to Everest Base Camp, climbing Kala Patthar, crossing Kongma La, Cho La, and Renjo La passes, visiting the stunning Gokyo Lakes, enjoying panoramic Himalayan views, exploring Sherpa villages, and visiting Tengboche Monastery. You'll also witness magnificent peaks such as Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Makalu, Ama Dablam, and Cho Oyu.
Yes. The Three High Passes Trek is considerably more demanding because it involves three high mountain passes above 5,300 meters, longer trekking days, and more challenging terrain than the standard Everest Base Camp Trek.
The trek includes crossing Kongma La (5,535 m), Cho La (5,420 m), and Renjo La (5,360 m). Each pass offers unique scenery and spectacular panoramic mountain views.
Although highly motivated beginners can complete the trek with proper preparation, previous high-altitude trekking experience is strongly recommended due to the demanding terrain and altitude.
You'll need a Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit and a Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit.
Yes. All required permits are included in our trekking package.
We arrange all necessary permits before your trek begins, so you won't need to handle the paperwork yourself.
Yes, permits are available in Kathmandu and at designated checkpoints, but booking with us means we handle everything for you.
No. The standard Everest region permits cover the entire Three High Passes Trek.
Yes. Comprehensive travel insurance covering emergency medical treatment and helicopter evacuation is required.
Your insurance should include medical treatment and emergency helicopter evacuation up to 5,600 meters, as the trek reaches elevations above 5,500 meters.
Yes. Most foreign nationals require a Nepal tourist visa, which can usually be obtained upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport or from a Nepalese embassy.
Due to the remote location and high altitude, helicopter rescue is often the fastest and safest option in case of serious illness or injury.
Yes. Every trek includes an experienced government-licensed guide.
The guide leads the route, monitors your health and safety, shares local knowledge, and assists with logistics throughout the journey.
No. Nepal requires foreign trekkers to be accompanied by a licensed guide in national parks and protected areas.
Yes. Porters can carry your main luggage, allowing you to trek with only your daily essentials.
Yes. Our guides and porters are fully insured while working on the trek.
You'll stay in comfortable teahouses offering twin-sharing rooms, meals, and basic mountain lodge facilities.
Most teahouses provide electricity for charging electronic devices, usually for an additional fee.
Many teahouses offer Wi-Fi, although internet speed and reliability decrease at higher elevations.
Private rooms may be available at lower elevations, but availability becomes limited in higher villages during peak trekking seasons.
Yes. Most teahouses provide hot showers for an additional charge, although hot water may be limited at higher altitudes.
Meals include Nepali, Tibetan, and Western dishes such as Dal Bhat, noodles, pasta, rice dishes, soups, pancakes, sandwiches, and eggs.
Yes. Vegetarian and vegan meals can be arranged with advance notice.
Drink only boiled, filtered, or purified water. Avoid untreated tap or stream water.
Yes. Snacks, chocolates, and energy bars are available in most villages, though prices increase with altitude.
Energy bars, electrolytes, and trail snacks are recommended for longer trekking days and pass crossings.
Basic health posts are available in some villages, while serious emergencies require helicopter evacuation to Kathmandu.
Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) offer the most stable weather and best mountain views.
Yes. Snow, ice, and strong winds can make the passes more challenging or temporarily inaccessible.
Yes, but winter trekking requires extra preparation due to freezing temperatures and heavy snowfall.
Monsoon trekking is possible but less popular because of rain, slippery trails, clouds, and occasional flight delays.
Snow is common around the high passes, particularly during late autumn, winter, and early spring.
The primary concerns include altitude sickness, dehydration, cold-related illnesses, and fatigue.
Ascend gradually, stay hydrated, take acclimatization days, avoid alcohol, and immediately inform your guide if symptoms develop.
Your guide will assess the situation and coordinate emergency evacuation through your insurance provider if necessary.
Carry personal medications, altitude sickness medicine (if advised by your doctor), pain relievers, blister care, and a basic first-aid kit.
Bring sturdy trekking boots, warm clothing, a down jacket, sleeping bag, thermal layers, gloves, sunglasses, sunscreen, trekking poles, and a reliable backpack.
Depending on seasonal conditions, crampons or microspikes may be necessary when crossing icy sections of the high passes.
Yes. Trekking poles improve balance and reduce pressure on your knees during steep ascents and descents.
A 30–40-liter daypack is ideal for carrying your daily essentials while porters transport your main luggage.
Yes. Most trekking gear can be rented or purchased in Kathmandu before your trek begins.
The trek begins in Lukla, reached by a domestic flight from Kathmandu or Manthali, depending on the season.
Yes. A flight to and from Lukla is necessary unless you choose an alternative overland route.
Weather-related delays are common. Your guide will help rearrange your itinerary or secure the next available flight.
Yes. Helicopter return flights can be arranged upon request at an additional cost.
During the busiest trekking seasons, many Lukla flights are redirected to Manthali Airport to reduce air traffic congestion at Kathmandu Airport.
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