Your journey begins as you arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, where a representative from Summit Nepal Adventure will warmly welcome you. After a short drive through the bustling streets of the capital, you’ll check into your hotel. The rest of the day is free to rest or explore the vibrant Thamel area before a pre-trek briefing in the evening.
Today, you’ll explore some of Kathmandu's most iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Accompanied by a cultural guide, you'll visit Swayambhunath (the Monkey Temple), the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupatinath, the peaceful Boudhanath Stupa, and the historical Kathmandu Durbar Square. This enriching day gives a taste of Nepal’s spiritual and cultural depth before heading into the mountains.
A thrilling early morning flight takes you to Lukla, the starting point of your trek. After meeting your porters and guide, you begin your walk through alpine scenery, crossing swinging suspension bridges and passing vibrant prayer wheels and stone mani walls. A few hours on the trail brings you to the peaceful riverside village of Phakding for your first night in the Khumbu region.
Today’s trek follows the Dudh Koshi River, crossing several suspension bridges and passing through pine forests and charming Sherpa settlements. A final steep ascent rewards you with your first clear view of Everest before reaching the bustling hill town of Namche Bazaar, the cultural and commercial heart of the region.
To acclimatize to the increasing altitude, you’ll stay another night in Namche. A short hike to the Everest View Hotel or the Sherpa villages of Khunde and Khumjung helps your body adjust while offering sweeping views of the Everest range. You’ll also have time to explore Namche’s bakeries, markets, and the Sherpa museum.
Leaving Namche, the trail contours along the valley walls, offering magnificent views of Ama Dablam. After descending to the river at Phunki Tenga, a steady uphill climb through rhododendron forests leads to Tengboche. This serene village is home to Tengboche Monastery, the spiritual center of the Khumbu, where you can observe monks performing evening chants.
Today’s path takes you through forests and into the open high alpine valley. You'll pass through Pangboche, the highest permanent Sherpa village, and continue along the Imja River to Dingboche. The dramatic mountain views, including Ama Dablam and Island Peak, become even more striking as you climb.
Another vital day for acclimatization. You can opt for a hike to Nangkartshang Hill (around 5,100m), which offers incredible views of Makalu, Lhotse, and the surrounding peaks. Back in Dingboche, enjoy a relaxed evening with warm hospitality and stunning surroundings.
A shorter but scenic trek leads you deeper into the Imja Valley. As you ascend to Chukhung, you'll be walking among giants—flanked by Lhotse, Nuptse, and the looming Island Peak. This peaceful hamlet is a great place to rest and prepare for the first of the three high passes.
An early start is essential for this challenging yet exhilarating day. The trail climbs steeply over Kongma La, the highest of the three passes. The pass rewards you with panoramic views of peaks, glaciers, and icy lakes before descending over moraine fields to Lobuche. It's a demanding but unforgettable day in the heart of the Himalayas.
Continuing along the moraine of the Khumbu Glacier, you’ll reach Gorak Shep and check into a teahouse. After a short break, set off for Everest Base Camp. Walking along the glacier's edge, you’ll eventually stand at the foot of the tallest mountain in the world—a surreal and emotional highlight of the trek. Return to Gorak Shep for the night.
Rise early for the trek to Kala Patthar, the best viewpoint of Everest. Watch the sun rise over the peaks, turning the snowcaps golden. After descending, you’ll leave the main Everest trail and take a quieter route to Dzongla, nestled beneath the Cholatse ridge, offering peaceful isolation and epic views.
A steep climb over rocky terrain brings you to the second pass—Cho La. Icy but stunning, the route crosses a glacier and offers high-altitude thrills. The descent into Thangnak is equally impressive, with glaciers and dramatic peaks surrounding your path.
A shorter, more relaxed walk today leads you across the Ngozumpa Glacier to the enchanting lakeside village of Gokyo. This stunning location is framed by turquoise glacial lakes and towering peaks. Spend the evening by the lakeside, soaking in the peaceful energy of this sacred place.
Spend the day exploring Gokyo’s natural wonders. Hike to the Fifth Lake for striking views of the Everest range reflected in the glacial waters. Later, a climb to Gokyo Ri offers one of the finest panoramic views in the entire Himalaya—Everest, Cho Oyu, Lhotse, and Makalu, all in one sweeping vista.
Your final pass, Renjo La, offers another dramatic crossing with fewer crowds. The view from the top is jaw-dropping. As you descend, you leave the high alpine world behind, arriving in the quaint Sherpa village of Marlung or Thame—an ancient trading route steeped in tradition.
Descending further, you pass through Thame Monastery and rejoin the main trail at Namche Bazaar. After a short rest, continue your journey downhill through pine forests to Monjo, near the entrance to Sagarmatha National Park.
Your final trekking day follows the Dudh Koshi River through familiar landscapes, Sherpa villages, and prayer flags fluttering in the breeze. Arriving in Lukla feels like a full-circle celebration, where you’ll enjoy a farewell dinner with your trekking crew and reflect on your epic adventure.
After breakfast, you’ll board a morning flight back to Kathmandu. Once in the city, you're transferred to your hotel for a well-earned hot shower, a comfy bed, and perhaps a celebratory dinner in the capital.
With hearts full and minds inspired, a representative from Summit Nepal Adventure will escort you to the airport for your flight home. As you soar above the Himalayas, the memories of this incredible journey through three high passes and sacred valleys will stay with you forever.
The Everest Three Pass Trek is one of the most demanding and rewarding treks in the Everest region. Unlike the standard Everest Base Camp trek, this adventure crosses three high-altitude passes: Kongma La Pass (5,535m), Cho La Pass (5,420m), and Renjo La Pass (5,360m), each presenting a unique challenge and offering stunning views of the Himalayan range. The trek involves higher altitudes, more challenging terrains, and an extended itinerary, making it a strenuous journey suitable for trekkers with previous trekking experience or excellent physical fitness. The trek also includes visits to Everest Base Camp, Kala Patthar, and scenic Sherpa villages.
The Everest Three Pass Trek typically takes 18 to 22 days to complete, depending on the route and acclimatization days. After flying from Kathmandu to Lukla, trekkers journey through popular Everest region destinations like Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche, and Lobuche before crossing each of the three passes. After crossing Kongma La, trekkers descend to Gorak Shep, continue to Everest Base Camp, and climb Kala Patthar for a breathtaking sunrise. The trek then heads over Cho La and Renjo La passes, concluding in Thame or Namche Bazaar, with a return flight back to Kathmandu.
The best times for the Everest Three Pass Trek are the same as for the Everest Base Camp trek: during spring (March to May) and autumn (late September to early December). These seasons offer clear skies, stable weather, and ideal conditions for high-altitude trekking. Winter can bring extreme cold, and the summer monsoon season increases the risk of landslides, so these two seasons are not recommended for the Three Pass Trek.
The Everest Three Pass Trek is significantly more difficult than the Everest Base Camp trek due to the added challenge of crossing high-altitude passes. It requires trekkers to navigate steep, rocky, and sometimes icy trails, often with challenging ascents and descents. Additionally, the altitude gain is greater, which can lead to more strenuous acclimatization. The trek typically involves longer days of hiking, up to 7-9 hours, and trekking at higher altitudes. Trekkers need a strong level of fitness, a sense of adventure, and proper preparation to handle these challenges.
Accommodation during the Everest Three Pass Trek is provided in teahouses, similar to the Everest Base Camp trek. These teahouses offer simple rooms with basic amenities and shared bathrooms. They are typically heated by wood stoves, although facilities may be basic at higher elevations. The food is typical Nepali and Sherpa fare, with options ranging from dal bhat (lentil soup with rice), momo (dumplings), and Tibetan bread to more international options like pasta, pizza, and fried rice. Vegetarian options are readily available, and we ensure all meals are nutritious and prepared with hygiene in mind.
While prior trekking experience is not absolutely required, it is strongly recommended that trekkers have experience with high-altitude trekking or a good level of physical fitness and stamina. The trek is more demanding than the Everest Base Camp trek, so you should be comfortable walking long hours over uneven terrain, with some steep ascents. Trekking preparation, including cardio exercises and strength training, is advisable to ensure you can comfortably handle the demands of the trek.
Altitude sickness is a concern on the Everest Three Pass Trek because of the high altitudes and the challenges posed by the three passes. Summit Nepal Adventure places great emphasis on acclimatization and follows a well-paced itinerary that includes rest days and gradual altitude increases. Our experienced guides are trained to recognize the signs of altitude sickness, and trekkers are encouraged to stay hydrated, take necessary precautions, and listen to their bodies. In case of severe altitude sickness, our team is equipped with evacuation plans to ensure your safety. We advise trekkers to consult with their doctor before the trek and bring any necessary medication for altitude sickness.
To trek in the Everest region, trekkers need the Sagarmatha National Park Permit and the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit. Summit Nepal Adventure takes care of all the necessary paperwork and permits for the trek, so you don’t need to worry about the logistics. You just need to provide a valid passport and passport-sized photos upon arrival in Kathmandu.
Safety is a top priority for Summit Nepal Adventure. Our trekking guides are highly experienced, certified in first aid and high-altitude trekking, and familiar with the Everest region. We ensure our trekking teams have adequate supplies and maintain regular communication throughout the trek. Additionally, we carry satellite phones for emergencies and have evacuation options in case of any health issues or accidents. We also advise trekkers to travel with proper travel insurance that covers trekking at high altitudes.
Packing for the Everest Three Pass Trek requires careful consideration due to the varying weather conditions and high-altitude terrain. Essential items include trekking boots, thermal clothing, a down jacket, waterproof gear, sunglasses, sunscreen, gloves, and a sleeping bag rated for sub-zero temperatures. We also recommend carrying a first-aid kit, water purification tablets, and trekking poles to help with balance. Summit Nepal Adventure provides a detailed packing list upon booking, and we also offer the option of hiring porters to carry your heavier gear.
Booking your Everest Three Pass Trek with Summit Nepal Adventure is simple. You can visit our website or contact us directly via email or phone to inquire about availability. Once you’ve chosen your dates, we require a deposit to secure your booking. Our team will assist you with preparation, provide you with the necessary trekking information, and ensure that all logistics, including permits, accommodation, and food, are arranged for you.
