Everest Three High Passes Trek

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About the Destination

Renjo La (5,360m), Cho La (5,420m), and Kongma La (5,535m) are three high-altitude passes in Nepal's Everest region. Together, they form the Everest Three Passes Trek, a challenging circuit that offers breathtaking views of Everest, remote valleys, glacial lakes, and an immersive Himalayan adventure for experienced trekkers.

Location

Nepal

Region

Everest

Max Elevation

5,545 m
Highest Point Reached During the Trek.

Duration

21 days

Accommodation

Hotel/Lodge
Typical lodges or teahouses during the trek

Best Seasons

Spring and Autumn

Group

Min. 1 Pax

Difficulty

Strenuous

Start Point

Kathmandu

End Point

Kathmandu

Permit

Required
A permit is required for this trek.

Food

Included
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner are typically included

Highlights of the Everest Three High Passes Trek

  • Cross three high passes: Renjo La, Cho La & Kongma La
  • Stunning views of Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam & more
  • Visit Gokyo Lakes, Everest Base Camp & Kala Patthar
  • Explore traditional Sherpa villages and Tengboche Monastery
  • Spot Himalayan wildlife like danphe and tahr
  • Diverse landscapes: glaciers, alpine valleys & forests
  • Ideal for experienced trekkers seeking a high-altitude challenge
  • Starts/ends at Lukla with optional overland routes

Trip Summary

The Everest Three High Passes Trek is a challenging adventure in Nepal that involves crossing three high mountain passes in the Everest region: Renjo La, Cho La, and Kongma La. Along the way, trekkers can also visit iconic locations such as the Gokyo Lakes, Gokyo Ri peak, Everest Base Camp, Kala Patthar, Chhukung Ri, and Tengboche Monastery. This trek offers an incredible opportunity to experience the stunning beauty of the Everest area while tackling its high passes.

The Everest Three High Passes Trek is renowned as one of the most stunning high-altitude trekking routes in the world. It provides a unique opportunity to explore the breathtaking Khumbu Valley, home to Mount Everest, the tallest mountain on the planet. This trek will guide you through traditional Sherpa villages and monasteries, offering a glimpse into the rich culture and history of the region.

The trekking route is home to various plants and animals, including the Himalayan tahr, the snow leopard, and Nepal's national bird, the danphe. This trek offers breathtaking views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Cho Oyu, and other peaks in the Himalayan range.

The Everest Three High Passes trek typically takes around 18 to 21 days to complete and requires a good level of physical fitness, as well as proper acclimatization to high altitudes. It is highly recommended to be guided by a professional mountain guide and to have valid travel insurance.

The Everest Three High Passes Trek usually begins at Lukla Mountain Airport. There are daily flights from Kathmandu to Lukla, but it is essential to book seats in advance. If you prefer not to fly to Lukla, you can start your trek from Salleri or Jiri Bazaar, which will require several additional days of trekking through the Solu and lower Khumbu Valley.

During the trek, you will follow a lesser-known path from Namche Bazar to Renjo La Pass (5,360 m) and Gokyo Lake (4,750 m). Along the way, you’ll explore the remote and pristine Nangpa La Valley, visit the Sherpa village of Marlung, and discover the monastery village of Thame.

From Gokyo, you have the option to hike to the summit of Gokyo Ri (5,357 m) or to Fifth Lake (4,980 m), the latter being a more strenuous day hike. After visiting Gokyo Lake, you can follow the path to cross Cho La Pass (5,420 m), which is one of the most popular and frequently visited passes in the Everest region.

Once you cross Cho La Pass, you'll continue your trek to Gorakshep (5,140 m) to visit Everest Base Camp and to climb the non-technical peak of Kala Patthar. From this vantage point, you'll enjoy stunning views of Mount Everest (8,848 m), Lhotse (8,516 m), Nuptse (7,861 m), and many other majestic snow-capped mountains.

After enjoying the view from Kala Patthar, hike back to Gorakshep and continue your trek to Lobuche. From Lobuche, you will need to cross Kongma La Pass (5,535 m), which is more challenging than the previous two passes. The trek from Lobuche to Chhukhung is a long one but offers an adventurous experience.

From Chhukhung, you will hike in the morning to Chhukhung Ri (5,550 m) and then return to Chhukhung. After this, you will trek for several more days until you reach Lukla, where the trek concludes. From Lukla, take a morning flight to Kathmandu.

The Everest Three High Passes Trek can be completed in both clockwise and counterclockwise (anti-clockwise) directions. The clockwise route is more challenging, while the counterclockwise route is significantly easier. If you prefer to take the trek counterclockwise, we recommend contacting us for a revised itinerary.

Itinerary

Day 01

Arrive in Kathmandu

Day 02

Kathmandu Sightseeing and trek Preparation

Day 03

Kathmandu flight to Lukla trek to Phakding (2,610 m)

Day 04

Phakding trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m)

Day 05

Acclimatization day at Namche Bazaar (3,440 m)

Day 06

Namche Bazaar trek to Thame (3,800 m)

Day 07

Thame trek to Lungden (4,300 m)

Day 08

Lungden trek to Gokyo Lake over the Renjo La Pass (5,360 m)

Day 09

Hike to Gokyo Ri (5,357 m) then trek to Thangna/Dragnag (4,700 m)

Day 10

Thagna trek to Dzongla (4,830 m) over the Cho La Pass (5,420 m)

Day 11

Dzongla to Lobuche (4,910 m)

Day 12

Lobuche trek to Gorak Shep (5,140 m) and hike to Everest base camp (5,364 m)

Day 13

Hike to Kala Patthar (5,545 m) then trek to Lobuche (4,910 m)

Day 14

Lobuche trek to Chhukhung over the Kongma La Pass (5,535 m)

Day 15

Chhukung hike to Chhukung RI (5550m) then trek to Dingboche (4,410 m)

Day 16

Dingboche trek to Tengboche (3,867 m)

Day 17

Tengboche trek to Monjo (2,840 m)

Day 18

Monjo trek to Lukla (2,840 m)

Day 19

Lukla flight to Kathmandu (1,350 m)

Day 20

Reserve Day in Kathmandu

Day 21

Depart Kathmandu

Note

Have your own ideas or special requirements? We're more than happy to tailor the itinerary to match your schedule, interests, and travel preferences. Let us help you create a personalized adventure that’s truly yours.

Everest Three High Passes Trek Map and Elevation

Map and Elevation data coming soon...

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Price Excludes

Packing List for the Everest Three High Passes Trek

This ultimate gear guide is designed to help you prepare smartly without a smartphone, and with no fluff, just essentials. Here’s what you’ll need across documents, clothing, equipment, and more.

Clothing

  • Thermal underwear (top & bottom)
  • Moisture-wicking T-shirts (2–3)
  • Thermal or wool socks (4–5 pairs)
  • Underwear (quick-dry)
  • Fleece jacket or pullover
  • Lightweight wool sweater
  • Insulated jacket (-10°C to -20°C)
  • Waterproof shell jacket with hood
  • Waterproof trousers
  • Lightweight hiking pants (2 pairs)
  • Windproof softshell (optional)
  • Warm hat, sun hat, buff or neck gaiter
  • Gloves (liner + insulated)
  • Sleepwear and casual evening clothes

Footwear

  • Waterproof trekking boots (broken-in)
  • Camp shoes or sandals
  • Wool trekking socks (3–4 pairs)
  • Sock liners (optional)

Bags & Packing

  • Duffle bag (60–80L for porter)
  • Daypack (25–35L with rain cover)
  • Backpack rain cover
  • Garbage bags / bag liners
  • Packing cubes or dry bags (optional)

Sleeping Gear

  • Sleeping bag (-10°C to -20°C rated)
  • Sleeping bag liner

Personal Hygiene & Toiletries

  • Biodegradable soap & shampoo
  • Toothbrush & toothpaste
  • Quick-dry towel
  • Wet wipes & hand sanitizer
  • Toilet paper
  • Lip balm (SPF) & sunscreen (SPF 30+)
  • Nail clippers, tweezers
  • Razor (optional)

Trekking Essentials

  • Trekking poles
  • Spikes or crampons (Snowy season)
  • Headlamp (extra batteries)
  • Water bottles (2 x 1L Nalgene)
  • Water purification tablets or filter
  • Sunglasses with UV protection
  • Dry snacks (energy bars, trail mix)
  • Pocket knife (optional)
  • Altitude sickness meds (Diamox)
  • Blister treatment (moleskin, Compeed)

First Aid & Health

  • Personal first aid kit
  • Prescription medications
  • Electrolyte powder
  • Basic cold/flu medicine

Electronics & Miscellaneous

  • Power bank
  • Charging cables
  • Travel adapter (Nepal types C, D, M)
  • Phone / camera
  • Offline maps or trekking guide app
  • Notebook, pen
  • Copies of passport & permits
  • Extra passport photos
  • Cash (Nepali rupees)

Documents & Permits

  • Passport (original)
  • Travel insurance with high-altitude coverage
  • Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality entry permit
  • Sagarmatha National Park permit
  • Lukla flight tickets (round trip)

Everest Three High Passes Trek FAQ

Overview & Essentials

Arrival & Visa

Health & Safety

Weather & Temperature

Accommodation & Facilities

Packing & Gear

Reviews

5.0

Based on 2 reviews

5
100.0%(2)
4
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Profile of Marion Beuter & Paul Eugene Rougeolle
Marion Beuter & Paul Eugene Rougeolle
5/5
We had excellent weather conditions for the two passes (Renjo La Pass and Cho La Pass) trek and Everest Base Camp. Our guide and porter were excellent. As we are aged 68 and 73 years old we needed some additional help from our guide to help us down some very...
Profile of Georgetta Bidwell Voit
Georgetta Bidwell Voit
5/5
The Everest trip was truly well organized and absolutely beautiful, with stunning mountains and valleys at every turn. The arrangements were excellent, and the company took great care of all our needs throughout the journey. Everything ran smoothly, allowing us to fully enjoy the breathtaking scenery and the adventure. A...

All Inclusive Price

$2235

per person (varies with group size)

Group Discounts

  • 2–3 pax$2535/pp
  • 4–7 pax$2400/pp
  • 9–11 pax$2335/pp
  • 12+ pax$2235/pp
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