The Everest Three Passes Trek is the most complete trekking journey in the Khumbu. Instead of following the standard out-and-back Everest Base Camp trail, this route links the region’s three classic high passes, the turquoise Gokyo Lakes, Everest Base Camp, Kala Patthar, and traditional Sherpa settlements into one unforgettable Himalayan circuit.
This trek is designed for strong trekkers who want more than a checklist experience. It is longer, higher, and more demanding than the classic Everest Base Camp trek, but the reward is far greater: broader mountain panoramas, more varied landscapes, quieter sections of trail, and a deeper sense of crossing the Everest region rather than simply visiting it.
The Everest Three Passes Trek is the grand circuit of the Khumbu. It combines everything trekkers love about the Everest region, dramatic high-altitude passes, glacier scenery, Buddhist culture, famous viewpoints, remote valleys, and the achievement of standing at Everest Base Camp.
The journey begins with a flight to Lukla and follows the Dudh Koshi Valley to Namche Bazaar, the cultural and commercial heart of the Khumbu. After acclimatizing, the route climbs deeper into the mountains through Tengboche and Dingboche before entering the high alpine world of Chhukung and Kongma La. From there, the trek links Lobuche, Everest Base Camp, and Kala Patthar before continuing over Cho La to Gokyo and then across Renjo La into the Bhote Koshi side of the valley. The final days return through Thame, Namche, and Lukla.
What makes this trek special is the variety. You do not just see Everest, you experience the full geography of the region: forested lower valleys, yak pastures, glacial moraines, frozen pass crossings, sacred monasteries, and vast Himalayan viewpoints.
Everest three High Passes Trek will take you to the less traveled way to the Everest Base Camp where you will have a magnificent view of the mountains such as Mount Everest, Mount Lhotse, Mount Ama Dablam, Mount Nuptse, Mount Thamserku and many more.
Three Passes Trek is one of the most challenging treks in the Everest region. If you are one of those who like to experience more thrilling and adventurous trek, Everest 3 High Pass Trekking is best for you.
Everest 3 High passes trek is a truly lifetime Adventure journey to Himalaya, this Adventure trip take you 7 Superb destination over 5 thousand meter Namely, Renjo la Pass (5388 m), Cho La Pass (5380 m) and Kongma La pass(5535 m) With climbing of the three peaks Gokyo Ri (5483 m), Kalapathar (5545m) and Chukung Ri (5550 m) ,
It is a trek with unparalleled alpine beauty and without doubt the grandest mountain scenery on the world. The highlights of the trek include the Sherpa village of Khumjung, the pristine Gokyo lake, the breathtaking scenery from the all these passes and the visit to Everest base camp. Unlike other treks in Everest region, this trek makes a loop, hence no tracing back of the route. The good thing about this 3 pass trek is despite having to cross three passes, you do not require any technical climbing and any person with good fitness and previous trekking experience can complete the trek successfully.
Best Time to Trek Everest 3 High Passes
The best seasons for the Everest Three Passes Trek are spring (March to May) and autumn (late September to November). These periods usually offer the most stable weather, clearer mountain views, and better trail conditions. Autumn is known for crisp skies and long-range visibility, while spring brings milder temperatures and more color in the lower elevations. The trek can be done outside these windows, but winter snow and monsoon conditions can make the high passes more difficult and less predictable.
Autumn (September, October, November)
Autumn is the festive season for trekkers from all around the world for trekking In Nepal. The weather conditions in the month of September, October, and November are mostly suitable for trekking the Everest 3 High Pass.
Autumn is one of the peak seasons in Nepal for trekking. The temperature during this season is neither too hot nor too cold which fits for trekking. If you wish to trek the Everest 3 High Pass Trek in Autumn, you can also celebrate some of the major festivals in Nepal that falls during Autumn.
Spring (March, April, May)
Spring is one of the best times of the year where beautiful flowers bloom and new leaves start to grow. The whole environment becomes green which gives you fresh air and pleases your eyes.
During spring, Nepal looks ever more beautiful in nature. You will have clearer scenic mountain views during the season of Spring. The temperature and weather condition of the Everest Region is also favorable.
You may expect some light rainfall in late May. But, don’t worry, the view you get to explore in the next morning is splendid.
Everest 3 High Passes Trek Difficulty
Everest 3 High Passes Trekking is a challenging trek as you have to climb to a higher altitude and pass some of the difficult passes such as Renjo La Pass, Cho La Pass, and Kongma La Pass. These passes are one of the most challenging and physically demanding parts of the Everest trekking.
As you will trek to a higher altitude, you might have some difficulty in breathing. The amount of oxygen becomes thinner as you move to a higher altitude. Because of this, you may also face Acute Altitude Sickness.
The difficulty level of the trek increases if you trek during the monsoon season. During the monsoon season there are heavy rainfalls making the route muddy and slippery. You must be careful with your steps. Therefore, it is best to avoid trekking in Monsoon if you are a beginner. If you are an experienced trekker, then you are sure to enjoy every hurdle in any seasons.
Similarly, during winter, the Everest region is precisely enclosed with snow. This will cause difficulty in walking and passing the trails.
Everest Three High Passes Trek Cost
The price of the Everest Three Passes Trek depends on group size, season, hotel standard in Kathmandu, guide-to-client ratio, and whether porter service, gear support, and flight contingencies are included.
The cost of the Everest 3 High Pass Trek is higher than that of Everest Base Camp and other treks like the Manaslu Circuit and Annapurna Base Camp due to the difficulty of crossing high passes.
Our Everest Three High Pass Trek Package costs start from $1500 and go up to $1950 and above. Pricing is influenced by several factors, including group size and travel season. Please take a look below for our group price offers.
| 1 People |
$1700 /- |
| 2 People Group |
$1650 Per person |
| 3 People Group |
$1640 Per person |
| 5 - 8 People Group |
$1600 Per Person |
| 9 -12 People Group |
$1575 Per person |
Please contact us for a custom quote for private departures, luxury hotel upgrades, or helicopter contingency options.
Three High Passes (Core of the Route)
Kongma La Pass (5,535 m)
- The highest and most challenging pass
- Connects Chhukung Valley to Lobuche
- Remote, rugged, and less crowded
Cho La Pass (5,420 m)
- Glacier crossing section
- Connects the Everest Base Camp route to the Gokyo Valley
- Requires careful footing, especially in icy conditions
Renjo La Pass (5,360 m)
- The most scenic pass
- Offers panoramic views of Everest, Gokyo Lakes, and surrounding peaks
- Less technical but still physically demanding
Key Landmarks Along the Route
- Namche Bazaar (3,440 m): Gateway to Everest region
- Tengboche Monastery (3,860 m): Spiritual heart of Khumbu
- Dingboche (4,410 m): High-altitude acclimatization hub
- Everest Base Camp (5,364 m): Ultimate destination
- Kala Patthar (5,545 m): Best viewpoint of Everest
- Gokyo Lakes (4,790 m): Stunning glacial lakes
- Gokyo Ri (5,357 m): One of the best panoramic viewpoints
Why This Route is Special
- Covers both Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Valley
- Crosses all three major high passes
- Offers a complete loop, avoiding repeated trails
- Combines popular highlights with remote, quieter sections
Permits
For this route, you need to get a Sagarmatha National Park Permit and a Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality permit. And sometimes, TIMS, because permit practices in Nepal can change, and official guidance can differ by route and implementation.
Lukla Flights
Lukla flights are weather-sensitive and can be delayed or rerouted during busy seasons.
Who is this Trek for?
This trek is ideal for:
- Experienced trekkers: Those who have previously completed multi-day treks or high-altitude hikes will adapt more easily to the demands of this route.
- Physically fit and active individuals: You should be comfortable walking 6–9 hours per day, often at high altitude and on uneven terrain.
- Adventure seekers: This trek involves remote sections, glacier crossings, and three high passes above 5,300 meters, making it perfect for those seeking a real challenge.
- Travelers wanting a complete Everest experience: Unlike the standard Everest Base Camp trek, this route includes:
- Everest Base Camp
- Kala Patthar
- Gokyo Lakes
- All three high passes
- Those who prefer fewer crowds: Parts of the route, especially around the passes and Gokyo Valley, are less crowded and more remote.
But, this trek might not be suitable for
- First-time trekkers without preparation
- Travelers with limited fitness or time
- Those uncomfortable with high altitude (above 5,000 m)
- Clients expecting luxury-level comfort throughout
More Trip Info
Nepal Visa
Every foreign citizen who wants to travel to the Nepal must apply for the Nepal visa. You can get a visa at the Nepal embassy or consulate in your home country or you can obtain one on arrival at Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International airport or at any land border crossing.
Everest 3 Pass Trek -Travel Insurance
Trek to Everest 3 High pass trek Required Travel Insurance, The Adventure Travel Insurance allows you Trekking in Himalayas above 5000m with confidently, Travel insurance is very important for your safety In the event of any high altitude sickness or injury, the cost of emergency treatment and evacuation is shocking., Therefore, travel insurance is strongly recommended for everyone who joins with Adventure Great Himalaya , Be ensuring that your travel insurance covers you for altitude or not, Most standard policies do not cover for walking up more than 3000 meters altitude.
Everest 3 pass trek Permit
As with other treks in Everest, you will need 2 different permits. They are Everest (Sagarmatha) National Park Entry Permit and Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Local Tax.
The Sagarmatha National Park permit cost $ 30. It can be bought in Kathmandu or en-route to Jorsalle before Namche Bazaar. And for the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Local Tax, you have to pay $ 20 in Lukla.
Lukla Flight & weather
Lukla is in small Town of Solukhumbu district of Nepal. It is at 2,840 m elevation above the sea level.
There are 3 Airlines Company that operates flights every day in the fair weather. It is small twineter plane and accommodates around 12, 13 people. The flights leave early in the morning because it cannot be said how the weather goes in the afternoon.
The flight to Lukla often gets cancelled due to bad weather. It usually happens in peak season. In the case your flight gets cancelled, you can have the alternative of taking helicopter. A helicopter can carry 4 or 5 people. It costs $ 350 to $500 per person.
Everest 3 pass Trek Lodge Accommodation
The route of Everest Three Pass Trek has several tourist-friendly tea houses with basic accommodation facilities. The rooms are the twin-sharing type for this trek, but you can also get luxury suits at lower regions by paying an additional price.
Compared to other trekking routes, the accommodation services in this trail have advanced and developed throughout the years. Nowadays, they provide you with spongy mattresses, electric blankets, hot showers, and more.
But the facilities are limited to lower regions only, as the lodging is still simple in the upper parts. You will find a wooden bed with hard mattresses, a pillow, and a blanket.
Meals in 3 high Pass Trek
We will be providing you a welcome or farewell dinner in Kathmandu and (Breakfast, Lunch, Diner ) throughout the Trekking . You can have any meal on the basis of your choice. There are a variety of options from typical Nepali dal-bhat, soups, snacks, momos, fried rice, to Chinese and continental dishes like noodles, spaghetti, spring rolls, and steak. The breakfast and dinner will be served in the lodge where we spend night and the lunch will be on the way in our destination
Toiletry
The Everest Three Pass trek trails lie in the Himalayan region of Nepal, where most of the areas are still underdeveloped. So, there are no public toilets available on the routes.
If you have to pee or poop while walking on the trail, you either go to the bushes or near the roads. So, do not feel embarrassed as everybody does the same.
Moreover, lodges and tea houses have proper toiletry, but most have pan style instead of sitting one. However, attached bathrooms are limited to lower areas only as upper regions have common toiletry.
Also, you should know that people living in these areas use water after pooping, so do not forget to carry toilet paper and tissues for yourself.
Guide
The Everest Three Pass hike is a solo trek, but we suggest hiring a guide for a better experience. Guides are great partners, navigators, and communicators who make your journey a lot safer.
Only professional and licensed guides can trek in these routes so that you can be relieved about their experience. They are the first responder in case of injuries and emergencies.
If you wish to hire a guide, then make sure they are fluent in other languages to make the communication easier. A guide also acts as a mediator between you and the local peoples and tells you about their culture, history, and lifestyles.
Porter
Traveling with a porter is also beneficial as they carry your load during the trek and become your closest companion.
Porters are residents of this region who have made several ups and downs in these trails. So, with their years of experience, they know several shortcuts and safe paths.
They carry all your baggage, belongings, and trekking gear, but the weight limit is from 20 to 30 kilograms only. Also, they only speak basic English, so communication can sometimes be a burden. However, they are very friendly, helpful, and fun people who entertain you throughout the trek.
Tip For guide / porter
10% of the cost of your trek is the average tips to be given to your guides and porters. It is kind and respect paid to your team. You can pay any amount above the minimum as per your service and satisfaction level.