Everest 3 Pass Trek: A Classic Himalayan Traverse
Everest 3 Pass Trek is a demanding yet rewarding Everest region trek in Nepal that crosses three high passes – Kongma La, Cho La, and Renjo La – from which there are spectacular panoramic Himalayan views that include Everest, Lhotse, Cho Oyu, and Makalu. Experience Sherpa culture, visit isolated valleys, and marvel at the world's highest peaks.
Highlights
- Start your journey with a panoramic 45-minute flight to Tenzing Hillary Airport in Lukla.
- Take in stunning views of Kongde Ri (6187 m) and Thamserku (6623 m) on the initial trekking trail.
- Pass through the permit checkpost at Jorsalle, the gateway to Sagarmatha National Park.
- Witness the rich Sherpa culture and hike through classic Buddhist villages.
- Cross Kongma La Pass (5535 m), the first of the three difficult passes on this trek.
- Hike to Everest Base Camp day trip and back to Gorak Shep.
- Trek through Cho La Pass (5420 m), the second pass, famous for its challenging terrain.
- From Gokyo Ri, take in the panorama of five giants of 8,000 meters.
- Finish your pass crossings with Renjo La Pass (5360 m), with excellent scenery over the Gokyo Lakes. Experience a once-in-a-lifetime adventure in the Everest region with stunning mountains, glaciers, and the Sherpa culture.
Tour Overview
Everest 3 Pass Trek is a spectacular 18-day Himalayan trek that merges the traditional Everest Base Camp trek with traversing three high passes – Kongma La, Cho La, and Renjo La – to reveal the whole majesty of the Everest region.Starting with a scenic flight to Lukla, the trek continues through varied landscapes, with breathtaking views of classic peaks such as Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam, cultural interaction with Sherpas, and the personal fulfillment of overcoming high-altitude ground, with a well-planned itinerary incorporating rest days of acclimatization to ensure a safe and pleasant experience.
Bookings are open for Everest Base Camp trek on 2025 spring/summer/autumn/winter departures.
Why Trek the Everest 3 Pass ?
Everest 3 Pass Trek is a more demanding and engaging Himalayan adventure than the regular Everest Base Camp trek, which will interest trekkers looking for a more satisfying sense of achievement, broader views, and varied landscapes. This trek offers the satisfying experience of crossing three high passes, with stunning views of iconic peaks like Everest, Lhotse, Cho Oyu, and Makalu, amidst a variety of landscapes ranging from green valleys to glacial landscapes and acquainting trekkers with the vibrant Sherpa culture and lesser-known trails, with the bonus of a visit to the breathtaking Gokyo Lakes.
What to Expect on the Everest 3 Pass Trek ?
Everest 3 Pass Trek is a challenging but rewarding 18-day trek for trekkers who are ready for tough days of hiking on steep trails at high altitudes, subect to changing weather and lodging in simple teahouse, the pay off being breathtaking mountain view and culture, with the itinerary requiring acclimatization days to ensure safety and enjoyment.
Trekkers should be prepared for basic accommodation and the challenges of high altitude.
Everest 3 Pass Camp Trek Distances and Elevations
Day | Activity / Route | Max Altitude (m) | Distance (km) | Duration (hrs) | Meals | Accommodation | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Arrival at Kathmandu | 1400 | - | - | - | Hotel | Briefing & rest |
2 | Fly Kathmandu to Lukla, Trek to Phakding | 2610 | 8 | 3-4 | B/L/D | Tea House | Lukla Flight 30min; gentle walk |
3 | Phakding to Namche Bazaar | 3440 | 11 | 6-7 | B/L/D | Tea House | Enter Sagarmatha NP, steep final climb |
4 | Acclimatization Hike around Namche Bazaar | 3880 | 5-7 | 3-4 | B/L/D | Tea House | Hike to Everest View Hotel, Khumjung, or Thame |
5 | Namche Bazaar to Tengboche | 3860 | 9 | 5-6 | B/L/D | Tea House | Big descent, then long climb; visit Tengboche Monastery |
6 | Tengboche to Dingboche | 4410 | 10 | 5-6 | B/L/D | Tea House | Stunning Ama Dablam views |
7 | Dingboche to Chhukung | 4730 | 5 | 3 | B/L/D | Tea House | Short stage, helps acclimatization |
8 | Chhukung to Lobuche via Kongma La Pass | 5535 / 4940 | 12 | 7-9 | B/L/D | Tea House | First high pass; most challenging to navigate |
9 | Lobuche to Gorak Shep, Everest Base Camp, return | 5364 / 5164 | 12 | 7-8 | B/L/D | Tea House | EBC at 5364m, overnight at Gorak Shep |
10 | Gorak Shep to Kala Patthar (5550m), return to Lobuche | 5550 / 4940 | 11 | 6-7 | B/L/D | Tea House | Kala Patthar for best Everest sunrise |
11 | Lobuche to Dzongla | 4830 | 6 | 3-4 | B/L/D | Tea House | Short, gradual stage |
12 | Dzongla to Gokyo via Cho La Pass | 5420 / 4790 | 12 | 7-8 | B/L/D | Tea House | Icy pass—start early |
13 | Acclimatization/Rest at Gokyo, hike Gokyo Ri | 5357 | 4 | 3-4 | B/L/D | Tea House | Gokyo Ri hike, free afternoon |
14 | Gokyo to Marlung via Renjo La Pass | 5360 / 4210 | 15 | 7-8 | B/L/D | Tea House | Final of the 3 passes! |
15 | Marlung to Namche Bazaar | 3440 | 11 | 5-7 | B/L/D | Tea House | |
16 | Namche Bazaar to Lukla | 2860 | 19 | 7-8 | B/L/D | Tea House | Final descent |
17 | Fly Lukla to Kathmandu | 1400 | 0.2 | 0.5 (flight) | Breakfast (Lunch optional) | Hotel | Free in Kathmandu (flight: 35min) |
18 | Departure | - | - | - | Breakfast | - | Transfer to airport |