Trip Facts
Country:
Nepal
Duration:
20 Days
Max Altitude:
5,545 m (18,192 ft)
Activities:
Trekking
Region:
Everest / Khumbu region
Starting Point:
Kathmandu
Ending Point:
Kathmandu
Grade:
Challenging
Group Size:
1 to 12 pax
Accomodation:
Teahouses, Hotel in Kathmandu
Best Season:
Mar-May & Sep-Nov
Notice
This is the toughest teahouse trek in the Khumbu. It crosses three high passes, all above 5,300 m: Kongma La (5,535 m), Cho La (5,420 m), and Renjo La (5,360 m). It also takes in Everest Base Camp, Kala Patthar, and the Gokyo Lakes.
The top point of the trek is Kala Patthar (5,545 m). The highest pass is Kongma La (5,535 m). Cho La has a glacier, so micro spikes, an early start, and your guide’s judgment all matter.
Lukla flights leave from Kathmandu (35 minutes) in quiet months. In the busy months, they leave from Manthali, after a 5 to 6 hour drive. A direct helicopter is also an option for about US$550 per person.
Overview of Everest Three Passes Trek 20-Days
Quick answer: The Three Passes Trek is the hardest teahouse route in Nepal, and the most complete. In 20 days you cross Kongma La, Cho La (5,420 m), and Renjo La. And you still collect Everest Base Camp, Kala Patthar, and the Gokyo lakes in one loop. Both permits and a licensed guide are included, with prices from US$ 1,790. So come with real trekking experience, and aim for spring or autumn, when the passes stay open.
The Everest Three Passes Trek is a 20-day loop through the Khumbu region of Nepal. It links the three great high passes of the Everest area into one circuit. On the way, it reaches Everest Base Camp, climbs Kala Patthar for the classic Everest view, and drops into the turquoise Gokyo Lakes. So it is the complete Khumbu experience, and a clear step up from the standard Everest Base Camp Trek.
The whole route lies inside Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It also circles some of the highest mountains on earth. From the passes and viewpoints, you see four of the world’s six tallest peaks. These are Everest (8,849 m), Lhotse (8,516 m), Makalu (8,485 m), and Cho Oyu (8,188 m). The dawn climb up Gokyo Ri (5,357 m) shows all four at once. Below it lies the Ngozumpa Glacier, the longest glacier in Nepal.
The trek starts with the famous flight to Lukla. Then it follows the classic trail through Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, and Dingboche. There are two rest days built in for safety. From Chhukung, you cross Kongma La to Lobuche. After that, you visit Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar. Then you cross Cho La into Gokyo. Finally, you climb Gokyo Ri and cross the last pass, Renjo La. The trail ends through the quiet village of Thame, back to Namche and Lukla.
Each pass is a long, hard day on rough, often icy ground. That is exactly why this trek feels like a real mountain expedition, not just a walk. Spade Himalaya runs this trek with licensed Sherpa guides. So your guide sets a safe pace, watches the weather, and checks your health each day. Want a shorter trip instead? Try the Everest Base Camp Trek, the Annapurna Circuit Trek, the remote Manaslu Circuit Trek, or the lower Annapurna Base Camp Trek. Or, for the Gokyo Lakes and just one pass, see the Everest Base Camp Gokyo Trek. Torn between this route and the classic? Then read our honest Base Camp vs Three Passes comparison. For planning, the Everest region trekking guide and the permit guide cover the rest. Even on the hardest Everest route, the first days are the same: the Lukla flight, then the Namche Bazaar climb and rest day, and later the Kala Patthar viewpoint.
Trips Highlights
- Cross all three high passes of the Everest region: Kongma La (5,535 m), Cho La (5,420 m), and Renjo La (5,360 m)
- Stand at Everest Base Camp (5,364 m), at the foot of the highest mountain on earth
- Climb Kala Patthar (5,545 m) at dawn for the best Everest view on the trek
- Reach Gokyo Ri (5,357 m) for one view of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu
- See the turquoise Gokyo Lakes and the huge Ngozumpa Glacier, the longest in Nepal
- Take the dramatic Lukla flight, one of the most thrilling flights anywhere
- Explore Namche Bazaar, the lively heart of the Khumbu
- Visit Tengboche Monastery, the biggest monastery in the region
- Walk through quiet Sherpa villages like Chhukung, Dzongla, and Thame
- Enjoy warm Sherpa hospitality far from the busiest parts of the trail
Kathmandu (1,400 m) → fly to Lukla (2,840 m) → Phakding (2,610 m) → Namche Bazaar (3,440 m) → Tengboche (3,860 m) → Dingboche (4,410 m) → Chhukung (4,730 m) → Kongma La (5,535 m) → Lobuche (4,910 m) → Everest Base Camp (5,364 m) → Gorak Shep → Kala Patthar (5,545 m) → Dzongla (4,830 m) → Cho La (5,420 m) → Gokyo (4,790 m) → Gokyo Ri (5,357 m) → Renjo La (5,360 m) → Lumde (4,360 m) → Thame (3,800 m) → Namche Bazaar → Lukla → fly to Kathmandu.
In short, you climb the classic Everest trail to Chhukung. Then you cross Kongma La to Lobuche, and visit base camp and Kala Patthar. After that, you cross Cho La into the Gokyo valley and climb Gokyo Ri. Finally, you cross Renjo La and descend via Thame back to Lukla.
Trips Itinerary
A Spade Himalaya guide meets you at the airport. Then a private car takes you to your hotel. In the evening, you meet your team for a briefing. They check your gear and sort the permit papers. So bring your passport, two photos, and a copy of your insurance. After that, you can rest or walk around Thamel.
- Max Altitude: 1,400 m
An early flight takes you to Lukla. From Kathmandu, it is 35 minutes. In the busy months, you fly from Manthali instead, after an early drive. There you meet your porter and start the walk. The trail drops through Ghat beside the Dudh Koshi river to Phakding. It is an easy first day, with river views and first looks at Khumbu life.
- Duration: 3 to 4 hrs Hike
- Max Altitude: 2,840 m
- Meals: Breakfast, Launch & Dinner Included
- Accommodation: Guest House
Today you walk to Namche Bazaar. The trail crosses high bridges, including the Hillary Bridge. At Monjo, you enter Sagarmatha National Park, and a ranger checks your permits. After lunch at Jorsalle, the big climb begins. Near the top, you catch your first view of Everest. Then you reach Namche, the lively heart of the Khumbu.
- Duration: 5 to 6 hrs hike
- Max Altitude: 3,440 m
- Meals: Breakfast, Launch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Guest House
Today is a rest day, but you still take a short hike. You climb to Hotel Everest View, one of the highest hotels on earth. From there, Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Ama Dablam fill the sky. Then you walk back down to Namche. So your body climbs high and sleeps low. The afternoon is for the Sherpa Museum and last-minute gear.
- Duration: 4 to 5 hrs hike
- Max Altitude: 3,880 m
- Meals: Breakfast, Launch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Guest House
The trail runs high above the river, with wide mountain views. Then it drops to Phunki Tenga for lunch. After that, a steady climb leads up to Tengboche. This village holds the largest monastery in the region. Everest and Ama Dablam rise behind it. Try to arrive for the afternoon prayer ceremony.
- Duration: 5 to 6 hrs hike
- Max Altitude: 3,860 m
- Meals: Breakfast, Launch & Dinner Included
- Accommodation: Guest House
First, you drop through forest to Deboche and cross the Imja Khola. The huge face of Ama Dablam towers above you. Then the trail climbs gently through Pangboche. Finally, you reach Dingboche, a high village of stone-walled fields. This is your next stop to rest and adjust.
- Duration: 5 to 6 hrs hike
- Max Altitude: 4,410 m
- Meals: Breakfast, Launch & Dinner Included
- Accommodation: Guest House
This is your second rest day, with another short climb. You walk up the ridge to Nangkartshang at 5,083 m. From the top, you can see Makalu, the fifth-highest peak on earth. Then you walk back down to sleep at 4,410 m. So again, you climb high and sleep low. This gets your body ready for the passes.
- Duration: 4 to 5 hrs hike
- Max Altitude: 5,083 m
- Meals: Breakfast, Launch & Dinner Included
- Accommodation: Guest House
Today is a short day up the Imja valley. The trail passes stone-walled farms and yak pastures. You finish at Chhukung, a small settlement below the Lhotse and Ama Dablam walls. The gentle climb and early finish are on purpose. So you arrive rested and ready for the first and highest pass tomorrow.
- Duration: 4 to 5 hrs hike
- Max Altitude: 4,730 m
- Meals: Breakfast, Launch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Star Hotel
This is the first pass, and the highest. You start early for a long climb past glacial pools. At the top of Kongma La, prayer flags snap in the wind, with views of Lhotse and Makalu. Then a steep, careful descent crosses the Khumbu Glacier to Lobuche. There are no teahouses on the pass, so you carry food and water for the day.
- Duration: 8 to 9 hrs hike
- Max Altitude: 5,535 m
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Guest House
You follow the glacier to Gorak Shep and rest. Then you push on over rock and ice to Everest Base Camp. Ahead, the Khumbu Icefall tumbles down in giant blocks. This is the closest you can get to Everest without a climbing permit. It is a big milestone. After photos, you walk back to Gorak Shep for the night.
- Duration: 8 to 9 hrs hike
- Max Altitude: 5,364 m
- Meals: Breakfast, Launch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Guest House
You start before dawn and climb Kala Patthar. At 5,545 m, this is the top of the whole trek. From here, you get the clearest Everest sunrise of all. After the view, you walk back to Gorak Shep for breakfast. Then you descend past the Thukla memorials to Lobuche. It is a hard but unforgettable day.
- Duration: 7 to 9 hrs hike
- Max Altitude: 5,545 m
- Meals: Breakfast, Launch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Guest House
Today is shorter and very scenic. The trail leaves the Khumbu valley and turns toward Dzongla. You pass stupas and cross the Chola Khola, with the glacial lake Chola Tsho nearby. Dzongla is a tiny set of lodges at the foot of Cho La. So you rest here and get ready for the second pass.
- Duration: 4 to 5 hrs hike
- Max Altitude: 4,830 m
- Meals: Breakfast, Launch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Guest House
You start very early to cross Cho La before the weather turns. The approach has steep, loose rock. Near the top, there is a glacier, where micro spikes help. From the summit, the views are huge. Then you descend across the Ngozumpa Glacier, the longest in Nepal. Finally, you reach the lakeside village of Gokyo.
- Duration: 8 to 9 hrs hike
- Max Altitude: 5,420 m
- Meals: Breakfast, Launch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Guest House
Today you make an early, steep climb up Gokyo Ri. It is one of the great viewpoints of the Himalayas. From the top, you see four 8,000 m peaks at once: Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu. Below lie the turquoise Gokyo Lakes and the vast glacier. The afternoon is free to rest by the lakes before the last pass.
- Duration: 3 to 4 hrs hike
- Max Altitude: 5,357 m
- Meals: Breakfast, Launch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Guest House
This is the third and final pass. A long, steady climb leads to the top of Renjo La. The framed view of Everest from here is one of the best on the whole trek, with the Gokyo Lakes below. Then you descend the quiet western valley to Lumde. So you leave the crowds well behind.
- Duration: 7 to 8 hrs hike
- Max Altitude: 5,360 m
- Meals: Breakfast, Launch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Guest House
Today you walk down through high pasture to Thame. This old Sherpa village is the home of some of the most famous Everest climbers in history. Above it sits Thame Monastery, on the hillside. It hosts the spring Mani Rimdu festival. So this is a calm, deeply special place, well off the main trail.
- Duration: 4 to 5 hrs hike
- Max Altitude: 4,360 m
- Meals: Breakfast, Launch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Guest House
Today is a pleasant walk in and out of forest along the canyon side, with fine views. Soon you are back in Namche Bazaar. After days up high, the bakeries, cafes, and warm rooms feel like a real treat. So it is the perfect place to celebrate all three passes.
- Duration: 4 to 5 hrs hike
- Max Altitude: 3,800 m
- Meals: Breakfast, Launch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Guest House
The last trekking day follows the river back through Monjo and Phakding to Lukla. It is a good time to thank your guide and porters. In the evening, Lukla’s lodges are lively. So enjoy the celebration before the morning flight.
- Duration: 6 to 7 hrs hike
- Max Altitude: 3,440 m
- Meals: Breakfast, Launch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Guest House
A morning flight takes you back to Kathmandu, direct or via Manthali, depending on the season. The rest of the day is free to rest. In the evening, Spade Himalaya hands you a trip certificate over a farewell dinner.
- Max Altitude: 2,840 m
- Meals: Breakfast Included
- Accommodation: Star Hotel
After breakfast, a Spade Himalaya guide drives you to the airport. Then you fly home with great photos and memories. So ends your Everest Three Passes Trek.
- Meals: Breakfast Included
Trips Include
- Airport transfers in a private vehicle.
- Shared star hotel in kathmandu for 2 nights (arrival and post-trek), with breakfast Included. (Private room can be organized at extra cost).
- Round-trip flights between Kathmandu (or Manthali / Ramechhap) and Lukla.
- All ground transfers to and from Manthali / Ramechhap in peak season.
- All teahouse accommodation during the trek.
- All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) during the trek.
- Sagarmatha National Park entry permit and Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality permit.
- A licensed, experienced guide (pay, insurance, meals, lodging). 2 guides for group size more than 7 people)
- Porter support, one porter per two trekkers (pay, insurance, meals, lodging).
- Guide's first-aid kit, pulse oximeter, and daily health monitoring.
- Trip-completion certificate and all government taxes.
Trips Exclude
- International airfare to and from Nepal.
- Nepal entry visa (US$30 for 15 days, US$50 for 30 days, US$125 for 90 days).
- Travel and medical insurance (mandatory; must cover trekking above 5,500 m and helicopter evacuation).
- Lunches and dinners in Kathmandu.
- Drinks, snacks, hot showers, Wi-Fi, and device charging on the trail.
- Sleeping bag and down jacket (available to rent for about US$35 each).
- Optional Kathmandu to Lukla helicopter transfer (about US$550 per person, 5-person sharing).
- Tips for guide and porters.
- Personal expenses and any costs from early departure or itinerary changes.
Trips Altitude
Trips Gallery
Packing List
General
- Four-season (zero degree) sleeping bag (available to rent for about US$35)
- Sleeping bag liner
- Puffy down jacket (available to rent for about US$35)
- Daypack, 35 to 45 litres, with a rain cover
Upper Body
- Sun hat or cap
- Knitted hat or beanie
- Neck gaiter, buff, or scarf
- Sunglasses (UV protection)
- Headlamp with spare batteries
- Technical base-layer tops (light for warm months, heavy for cold months)
- Short and long sleeve technical shirts
- Fleece jacket or pullover
- Waterproof, windproof shell jacket
Lower Body
- Technical base-layer trousers (weight to suit the season)
- Hiking trousers (2 pairs)
- Comfortable trousers for the teahouses
- Hiking shorts
- Waterproof, windproof shell trousers
Hands
- Wool or technical liner gloves
- Insulated hard-shell outer gloves
Feet
- Waterproof trekking boots (well broken in)
- Warm wool or technical socks, and hiking socks
- Liner socks (optional)
- Ice cleats or micro spikes (essential for the passes, especially Cho La)
- Gaiters (light for dust, heavier for snow)
- Casual shoes for the evenings
Undergarments
- Quick-drying technical underwear
- Sports bras (women)
- Sleeping clothes or pyjamas
First Aid Kits
(Your guide carries a kit, medication, and a pulse oximeter, but a personal kit is strongly recommended.)
- Sunscreen and lip balm
- Antiseptic ointment and blister care
- Cough syrup (the dry "Khumbu cough" is common at altitude)
- Personal medication and any altitude medication advised by your doctor
- Water purification tablets or a UV purifier
Others
- Passport and extra passport photos
- Reusable water bottle and a hydration bladder
- Toiletry kit, quick-dry towel, toilet paper, pillowcase
- High-protein snacks (bars, nuts)
- Waterproof or dry bags for documents and money
- Earplugs and trekking poles
Optional
- Power bank and spare batteries
- Camera or phone for photos
- Binoculars
- Cards or a book
- Whistle, thermos for hot water, and a comb
Good to Know
Before you go
You only need a few things ready. First, bring your passport, two photos, and a copy of your insurance. Then Spade Himalaya can sort your two permits. Also, draw enough cash in Kathmandu or Namche, because the trail runs on rupees. There is no reliable ATM past Namche. Last, train hard for months, because this is a challenging
Each pass is a long, committing day. Kongma La (5,535 m) is the highest. Cho La (5,420 m) has a glacier and is the most technical. Renjo La (5,360 m) is the most scenic. You start before dawn on pass days. You also carry food and water where there are no teahouses. Your guide checks the conditions first and turns back if a pass is unsafe. Micro spikes are a must, especially on Cho La.
Lukla is a small mountain airport, so weather can cause delays. In quiet months, you fly from Kathmandu in 35 minutes. In busy months, you fly from Manthali after a 5 to 6 hour drive. So it is wise to keep a spare day before your flight home. A direct helicopter is also an option for about US$550 per person.
The plan follows one rule: climb high, sleep low. So it adds rest days at Namche and Dingboche and a steady build-up before the passes. Drink 3 to 4 litres of water a day, and walk slowly. Skip alcohol up high, and eat well for energy. If you feel unwell, tell your guide at once. Going down is the best cure.
You sleep in cosy teahouses with simple twin rooms. On the passes and at Gokyo, rooms are basic and nights are very cold, so a good sleeping bag matters. The food is simple and filling: dal bhat, noodles, potatoes, soup, and bread. Vegetarian meals are easy to find, and meat is best avoided high up. For water, refill and purify rather than buy bottles. A dry “Khumbu cough” is common above Namche, so carry a buff and lozenges.
Trips Reviews
Worth the Challenge
Best Adventure Ever
Trips FAQs
Trek Difficulty & Altitude
It is graded challenging, the hardest standard teahouse trek in the Everest region. Over 20 days, you cross three passes above 5,300 m. On pass days, you walk 8 to 9 hours on steep, often icy ground, including a glacier on Cho La. There is no climbing skill needed. Still, you need strong fitness, hiking experience, and good acclimatization.
The three passes are Kongma La (5,535 m), Cho La (5,420 m), and Renjo La (5,360 m) (Wikipedia: Cho La, 2026). Kongma La is the highest and usually the toughest. Cho La is the most technical, because of its glacier. Renjo La gives perhaps the most beautiful framed view of Everest.
It is a real risk, because you spend many days above 4,500 m and cross three passes over 5,300 m. So the plan uses two rest days, a slow profile, and daily oximeter checks. Drink plenty of water, walk slowly, and skip alcohol up high. Tell your guide early if you feel unwell. Going down is the best cure.
Permits, Guide & Insurance
Not by law, but yes in practice. Nepal’s 2023 rule lists the Everest region (Nepal Tourism Board, retrieved 2026-06-29), but the local Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality rejected it and allows solo trekking (The Himalayan Times, 2023-03-28). So a guide is not legally required. However, the glaciers, the route-finding, and the altitude make a guide essential here. So Spade Himalaya gives you a licensed Sherpa guide. They handle the permits, the logistics, and daily health checks.
You need two. First, the Sagarmatha National Park permit (about NPR 3,000). Second, the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu permit (about NPR 3,000). There is no TIMS card in the Khumbu. Spade Himalaya arranges both, and a ranger checks them on the trail. They are paid in cash, in Nepalese rupees.
Yes, it is a must. Your policy has to cover trekking up to 5,500 m and a helicopter rescue. Many normal policies do not, so check the wording first. The passes here are remote, so good cover matters even more. Arrange it at home before you fly, and leave a copy with Spade Himalaya at the briefing.
Best Time to Trek
Spring (March to May) and autumn (late September to November) are best, with stable weather and open passes. Winter brings deep snow that can close Cho La and Renjo La, so it is not advised here. The summer monsoon brings cloud and rain. The passes need a clear weather window, so some flexibility helps. For how winter affects high trekking, see our Annapurna winter guide.
Trek Highlights & Views
The Gokyo Lakes are a chain of high turquoise lakes beside the Ngozumpa Glacier, the longest glacier in Nepal. Above them rises Gokyo Ri (5,357 m). From the top, you see four 8,000 m peaks at once: Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu (Wikipedia: Gokyo Ri, 2026). For many trekkers, the Gokyo Ri sunrise is the best view of the whole trip.
The standard Everest Base Camp Trek is 14 days. It tops out at Kala Patthar and follows one valley out and back. The Three Passes is 20 days. It adds Kongma La, Cho La, Renjo La, and the Gokyo Lakes, and forms a full loop. So choose Base Camp for the classic trip, and Three Passes for the complete, far harder adventure.
Transportation & Logistics
It comes down to air traffic. In the busy months (March, April, May, October, and November), flights move to Manthali to ease the load. So you drive 5 to 6 hours, then fly 20 minutes. In quiet months, you fly straight from Kathmandu in 35 minutes. A direct helicopter is also an option for about US$550 per person.
