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20 days
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Everest
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Challenging
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5,545 m
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From 1 person
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Trekking
Highlights
- Three high passes: Kongma La (5,535 m), Cho La (5,420 m) and Renjo La (5,360 m)
- Everest Base Camp and sunrise from Kala Patthar (5,545 m)
- The turquoise Gokyo Lakes and the Ngozumpa Glacier
- Quiet side valleys such as Chhukung, Dzongla and Lungden
- The traditional Sherpa village of Thame
- The most complete trek in the Everest region
Overview
The Three Passes Trek is the most complete journey through the Everest region. It links Kongma La (5,535 m), Cho La (5,420 m) and Renjo La (5,360 m) in one loop and includes Everest Base Camp, Kala Patthar and the turquoise lakes of Gokyo.
The route leaves the busy main trail for quieter valleys such as Chhukung, Dzongla and Lungden, and returns through the traditional Sherpa village of Thame. With 20 days, acclimatization days in Namche Bazaar and Dingboche and a gradual gain in altitude, it suits experienced trekkers who want to see the Khumbu from every side.
Know before you go
Best time to go
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the best seasons, with stable weather and clear mountain views. Autumn usually gives the clearest skies, while spring is a little warmer and the rhododendrons are in bloom lower down.
In winter (December to February) the high passes can be closed by snow, and the monsoon (June to August) brings rain and cloud. We do not recommend this trek outside the main seasons.
Difficulty and fitness
This is one of the most demanding teahouse treks in Nepal. You cross three passes above 5,300 m, with long days of six to eight hours on steep scree and, on Cho La, a short glacier section.
It suits fit trekkers with previous experience at altitude. The itinerary builds up gradually before the first pass, and our guides set a steady pace. Microspikes may be needed on Cho La early or late in the season.
Permits
You need a Sagarmatha National Park entry permit and the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality permit.
We arrange all permits for you before the trip. See Includes/Excludes for what is covered in the price.
Itinerary
Welcome to Nepal. On arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, a Pikey Sherpa Adventure representative will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. Later in the day your guide gives a trek briefing, checks your equipment and answers any questions. Overnight in a hotel in Kathmandu (1,400 m).
An early morning flight takes you to Lukla (2,860 m), a short and spectacular flight into the Khumbu region. After meeting your porters, you begin with an easy walk of around 3–4 hours, mostly downhill along the Dudh Koshi river. Please note: in the main seasons (March–May and October–November), Lukla flights usually depart from Manthali airport in Ramechhap, about a 4–5 hour drive from Kathmandu, so the day starts very early. Overnight in a teahouse in Phakding (2,610 m).
The trail follows the Dudh Koshi river across several high suspension bridges and enters Sagarmatha National Park. A long, steep climb then brings you to Namche Bazaar, the main Sherpa trading town of the Khumbu. Walk slowly and drink plenty of water. Overnight in a teahouse in Namche Bazaar (3,440 m).
A rest day to help your body adjust to the altitude. A morning hike climbs to the Everest View Hotel for views of Everest, Lhotse and Ama Dablam, before you return to Namche to rest. Overnight in a teahouse in Namche Bazaar (3,440 m).
The balcony trail high above the Dudh Koshi offers fine views of Ama Dablam and Everest. After descending to the river, a climb through pine and rhododendron forest leads to Tengboche and its famous monastery. Overnight in a teahouse in Tengboche (3,860 m).
Descending through forest, you pass through the village of Pangboche and continue into the Imja valley. The landscape opens up above the tree line, with Ama Dablam towering overhead on the way to Dingboche. Overnight in a teahouse in Dingboche (4,410 m).
A second acclimatization day before the high passes. A hike up Nangkartshang ridge (5,083 m) gives views of Makalu, Lhotse and Ama Dablam, before you return to Dingboche to rest and prepare for the days ahead. Overnight in a teahouse in Dingboche (4,410 m).
A short walk up the Imja valley brings you to Chhukung, surrounded by Lhotse, Island Peak and Ama Dablam. In the afternoon you can take an optional acclimatization hike to prepare for the first pass. Overnight in a teahouse in Chhukung (4,730 m).
A long and demanding day crossing Kongma La (5,535 m), the highest of the three passes. A steep descent follows, before you cross the rocky Khumbu Glacier to reach Lobuche. Expect around 8–9 hours on the trail. Overnight in a teahouse in Lobuche (4,910 m).
A rocky trail beside the Khumbu Glacier leads to Gorak Shep. After a rest you continue to Everest Base Camp (5,364 m) at the foot of the Khumbu Icefall, then return to Gorak Shep for the night. The day takes about eight hours in total. This is the highest overnight of the trek. Overnight in a teahouse in Gorak Shep (5,164 m).
An early climb of Kala Patthar (5,545 m) rewards you with a sunrise view of Everest and the surrounding peaks. After breakfast you head west on a quieter trail to Dzongla, with views of Cholatse and Taboche. Expect around seven hours on the trail. Overnight in a teahouse in Dzongla (4,830 m).
A pre-dawn start for the crossing of Cho La (5,420 m), which includes a short section over a small glacier near the top. The descent on the far side is steep and rocky, ending at the small settlement of Thangnak. The crossing takes around seven hours. Overnight in a teahouse in Thangnak (4,700 m).
A short but rough walk over the moraine of the Ngozumpa Glacier, the largest in Nepal, leads to Gokyo beside its turquoise lake. The afternoon is free to rest and walk along the lakeshore. Overnight in a teahouse in Gokyo (4,790 m).
A sunrise climb of Gokyo Ri (5,360 m) rewards you with panoramic views of Everest, Cho Oyu, Lhotse and Makalu above the lakes and the Ngozumpa Glacier. After breakfast back in Gokyo, the rest of the day is free to rest before the last pass. Overnight in a teahouse in Gokyo (4,790 m).
The final pass of the trek, Renjo La (5,360 m), offers views over the Gokyo lakes and towards Everest. A long descent on the western side brings you to the quiet settlement of Lungden. The day takes around seven to eight hours. Overnight in a teahouse in Lungden (4,368 m).
Following the Bhote Koshi valley downstream, you reach the Sherpa village of Thame and its old monastery set on the hillside. The lower altitude makes for a comfortable night. Overnight in a teahouse in Thame (3,820 m).
An easy walk through quiet villages and forest brings you back to Namche Bazaar. The afternoon is free to enjoy the bakeries and shops of the town. Overnight in a teahouse in Namche Bazaar (3,440 m).
On your final trekking day you descend to the Dudh Koshi and retrace the trail back to Lukla. In the evening you can celebrate the end of the trek with your guide and porters. Overnight in a teahouse in Lukla (2,860 m).
A morning flight takes you back to Kathmandu. Flights from Lukla depend on the weather, so departure times can vary. The rest of the day is free to rest and enjoy a hot shower at your hotel. Overnight in a hotel in Kathmandu (1,400 m).
Your trip ends today. Depending on your flight time, you may have a few free hours for last-minute shopping or a final stroll, before a Pikey Sherpa Adventure representative transfers you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward flight.
