Everest High Passes Trek

5.0/5 from 713 reviews
The 22-day Everest Three Passes trek crosses Kongma La, Cho La, and Renjo La passes, featuring Everest views, Gokyo Lakes, and Sherpa villages. This route includes Everest Base Camp, Kala Patthar, and Gokyo Ri while exploring remote valleys and mountain terrain.
  • Destination
    Nepal
  • Duration
    22 Days
  • Trip Difficulty
    Strenuous
  • Activities
    Trekking
  • Accommodation
    Hotel/Guesthouse
  • Meals
    B.L.D
  • Max. Elevation
    5545m.
  • Group Size
    Min. 2 Pax
  • Best Time
    April - May & Sept - Nov

Top Experiences on the Everest 3 Passes Trek

  • Cross three high mountain passes, such as Kongma La, Cho La, and Renjo La Passes, each rising over 5,000 meters
  • Watch the sunrise paint Everest golden from Kala Patthar's summit with massive peaks tower
  • Stand at the famous Everest Base Camp directly beneath the world's tallest mountain
  • Explore the busy trading town of Namche Bazaar with its colorful markets
  • Hike to the famous Everest View Hotel for up-close views of Everest, Lhotse, and the beautiful Ama Dablam
  • Visit the ancient Tengboche Monastery, admire its large prayer stupa, and spend time with the local monks
  • Climb to the top of Gokyo Ri for wide-open views across Gokyo Valley and Ngozumpa Glacier
  • Walk through the protected Sagarmatha National Park, trying to find rare Snow Leopards and Himalayan tigers
  • Experience the exciting mountain flight to Lukla airport while watching snow-covered peaks
  • Rest each night in Sherpa teahouses while enjoying hearty dal bhat meals, warm butter tea, and friendly local hospitality

Everest Base Camp Trek with High Passes 22 days

The Everest Three Passes trek, also known as the Everest High Passes Trek in Nepal, takes hikers through three major passes: Kongma La, Cho La, and Renjo La. This gives a more complete and tough experience than the regular Everest trek. This trip covers 146-150 kilometers over 17 trekking days in Nepal's Khumbu area. The route goes through Sagarmatha National Park and follows the Dudh Koshi River. Everest 3 Passes is one of the hardest Everest region treks with steep climbs, long days, thin air, and changing weather.

The journey begins with an exciting flight into Lukla airport. Then, walk through Sherpa villages where ancient Buddhist traditions still guide daily life. Each day reveals new landscapes from dense forests to frozen terrain near base camp. Sleep overnight in traditional mountain lodges offering simple rooms and hearty meals. On the return, walk down from Thame and Namche Bazaar to Lukla. Take the flight back to Kathmandu to complete your journey. The best trekking months are March to May and September to November. Year-round trips are also possible with proper preparation.

The highest points are Chhukung Ri and Kongma La Pass at 5550 meters. From Chhukung Ri, see views of Lhotse, Makalu, Ama Dablam, Nuptse, and Baruntse. Also see Thamserku, Tawoche, and Cholotse from this viewpoint. Kongma La Pass shows wide views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Khumbu Glacier. All required permits come with the package, covering Sagarmatha National Park. Permits also cover the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality for full access. During this trek, hikers see a region shaped by wild nature and traditions. Old customs and the strong spirit of mountain communities make this route special.

Everest Three Passes Trek Route Overview

Everest Three Passes Trek starts with arrival in Kathmandu at Tribhuvan International Airport. After reaching the hotel, trekkers get a complete briefing about the journey ahead. A rest day in the capital helps with preparation before heading to the mountains.

The trek begins with a thrilling and scenic flight to Lukla, the gateway to the Everest region. From there, the trail goes to Phakding, passing through Sherpa villages and riverside paths. The route then climbs to Namche Bazaar, the busy trading center of the Khumbu. A rest day here includes a short hike to Everest View Hotel for the first views of Everest.

From Namche, the journey goes to Tengboche with its old monastery, then moves to Dingboche. The next stop is Chhukung, where trekkers climb Chhukung Ri at 5,540 meters for great mountain views.

The first high pass, Kongma La, connects Chhukung with Lobuche through exciting terrain. The trail then reaches the famous Everest Base Camp after moving to Gorak Shep. A morning hike to Kala Patthar gives stunning sunrise views over Everest, Lhotse, Pumori, and Nuptse.

Then, the route continues to Dzongla and crosses Cho La Pass to reach the small Dragnak village. From here, the trail reaches the beautiful Gokyo Lakes in their mountain setting. Climbing Gokyo Ri shows wide views of Cho Oyu, Everest, and the huge Ngozumpa Glacier.

The third pass, Renjo La, brings the trek to Lunden. From Lunden, the path goes down to Thame, a traditional Sherpa village with rich culture. The final part goes back through Namche Bazaar to Lukla for the return flight. A free day in Kathmandu lets trekkers rest before leaving, ending this adventure.

Alternative Trek for Everest High Glacier Passing

Alternative Everest Three Passes treks provide adventurous routes beyond the classic trail, showcasing stunning landscapes and high-altitude passes.

EBC Trek with Cho La and Renjo La Pass

The Everest Base Camp (EBC) Trek with Cho La and Renjo La Pass is a 21-day journey in the Khumbu region. It combines the EBC route with two high passes, Cho La and Renjo La.

This trek features Sherpa villages, Tengboche Monastery, Gokyo Lakes, and wide views from Kala Patthar and Gokyo Ri.

Compared to the Everest Three Passes Trek, it crosses only two high passes instead of three, making it less demanding. The trek gives more time to explore Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lake at a relaxed pace.

Everest Cho La Pass Trek

Everest Cho La Pass Trek is an exciting journey combining Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lake. Trekkers cross the tough Cho La Pass while seeing amazing Himalayan views.

Unlike the Everest Three Passes Trek, this route focuses on one major pass, making it shorter and less demanding. It still shows incredible mountain scenery, but with fewer high-altitude crossings and easier daily walks.

Leading Agency of Nepal for Everest High Passes Trek

At Nepal Hiking Team, we have dedicated decades of unwavering commitment to being the best company for Everest High Passes Trek. Our guides possess deep mountain knowledge and genuine care for every adventurer who joins us on the legendary journey across Cho La, Kongma La, and Renjo La passes.

Our dedicated team provides 24/7 support and carefully paced itineraries for proper altitude adjustment that let you focus solely on the Everest 3 Passes trek.

Our experienced guides don't just lead the way, they share generations of wisdom about these sacred peaks. The Nepal Hiking Team Everest Three Passes Trek has earned its reputation through thousands of successful expeditions and consistently outstanding client feedback on TripAdvisor, Google, and Trustpilot from satisfied trekkers.

Our Managing Director, Ganga, personally oversees each journey and maintains direct contact with trekking groups, ensuring immediate responses to any challenges that arise. We also provide Everest Three Passes Trek without EBC. Book any Everest region trek with us today!

Message Regarding flight to/from Lukla

During the peak seasons for the trip-name (March to May and September to November), all the Lukla flights will be operated from the Manthali Airport due to congestion at Tribhuvan Airport.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 01: Arrive at Tribhuwan International Airport (KTM) Kathmandu

The Everest 3 Passes Trek begins as soon as you step off the plane at Tribhuvan International Airport. After getting through immigration and grabbing your bags, walk outside where a Nepal Hiking Team representative holds our welcome sign. The comfortable ride to your hotel officially kicks off your 22-day Everest High Passes adventure.

During the drive through Kathmandu's busy streets, you see the bustling energy of Nepal's capital. After checking into your hotel, the day is yours. Some people rest after the long flight, while others wander around the neighborhood to get their first taste of Nepal.

  1. Accommodation:Hotel

Cost Includes

Accommodation

  • In Kathmandu: Stay comfortably at a 3-star hotel with twin beds and breakfast included each morning. You'll have two relaxing nights before heading to the mountains and two more nights when you return from your Everest Three Passes trek.
  • During the Trek: Sleep in our handpicked mountain lodges with twin beds during your trek. Private bathrooms and hot showers are available in Phakding, Namche, and Lukla.

Meals

  • Breakfast in Kathmandu: Start your mornings in Kathmandu with breakfast that gets you ready for the day.
  • Full Board Meals During the Trek: Trekkers are provided with three full meals each day, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner, prepared according to individual preferences.
  • Tea or Coffee: Hot beverages are offered three times a day to help keep trekkers warm along the Everest Three Passes Trek route.
  • Fruits: Each trekker is offered fresh seasonal fruits after dinner for the next day's trek.

Transportation and Flights

  • We'll take care of all your airport pickups and ground transportation throughout your trip. Your Kathmandu to Lukla flights are covered, including departure taxes and fees,

Guide and Staff

  • Your government-licensed English-speaking guide has years of high-altitude trekking under their belt and will be right there with you every step of the way.
  • We pair one porter with every two trekkers to haul up to 25kg of your stuff, so you can just concentrate on putting one foot in front of the other.
  • We look after our crew properly and ensure they get fair pay, good food, decent equipment, insurance coverage, and medical care when they need it.
  • Every trek includes the safety essentials such as medical supplies, oximeters to check oxygen levels, and altitude sickness medication.

Permits

  • Sagarmatha National Park entry permit
  • Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality trekking pass
  • Tengboche Monastery entrance fee

Equipment and Extras

  • Free warm jacket and sleeping bag for your trek (only weighs 3-4 kg)
  • Personal 70-liter duffel bag for each trekker
  • Souvenirs to take home: route map, team T-shirt, crampons, and trekking hat
  • Certificate showing you completed the Everest High Passess Trek

Administrative and Taxes

  • Government taxes and permit fees are all covered in what you pay.

Cost Excludes

  • Meals not specified in the 'Meal Inclusions' in the itinerary
  • Travel Insurance
  • International airfare
  • Nepal entry visa: You can easily obtain a visa upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. (A multiple-entry tourist visa good for 30 days can be obtained by paying US $40 or equivalent foreign currency. Similarly, multiple-entry tourist visas for 90 days can be obtained by paying US $100. Please bring two copies of passport-size photos.)
  • Cold Drinks Inc. Coke, water, Fanta, etc.
  • Snacks and other personal expenses
  • Hot showers during the trek except in Phakding, Namche, and Lukla
  • Personal trekking equipment
  • Tips and gratuities for trekking staff and drivers

Why Book the Everest Base Camp Heli Trek with NHT?

  • Started by Ganga and Balaram, two former porters who became skilled mountain guides
  • Excellent reviews on TripAdvisor, Google, and Trustpilot from trekkers throughout Nepal
  • Well-designed routes that include Everest Base Camp, Gokyo lakes, and Cho La Pass
  • Knowledgeable guides familiar with every path, mountain pass, and lodge on the route
  • Small group sizes for individual attention and flexible walking pace
  • Emergency support with oxygen supplies and quick evacuation when necessary
  • Thoughtful itinerary allowing gradual adjustment to high altitude
  • Transparent costs with no surprise charges and quality service throughout

Our team makes sure every trekker has a safe and memorable mountain journey. Every person who has trekked with Nepal Hiking Team has returned home safely, earning us trust and loyal friends from around the world.

Everest High Passes Trek Route Map

Everest High Passes Trek Map

Know Before You Go

Cho La Pass - High-Altitude Summit Pass in Everest Region

Cho La Pass sits at 5,420 meters (17,782 feet) and ranks among the most spectacular mountain crossings in Nepal's Everest region. This challenging route connects the beautiful Gokyo Valley with the famous Everest Base Camp trail.

The crossing demands serious effort from hikers. Steep climbs, loose rocky sections, and patches of snow create tricky conditions that test your stamina and focus. Most people start before dawn to beat the weather, which can turn nasty without warning up here.

What makes all that hard work worthwhile are the views that unfold around you. Massive peaks like Cho Oyu, Ama Dablam, and Mount Everest tower overhead, while ancient glaciers carve through deep valleys far below.

Trekkers who tackle Cho La often say it becomes the highlight they remember most from their entire Himalayan adventure.

Travellersโ€˜ Reviews

Read our genuine feedback from past travelers with Nepal Hiking Team sourced from TripAdvisor, Google, Facebook, and Trustpilot.

  • Everest Base Camp Trek with High Passes

    The Everest Base Camp with Three High Pass Trek with Nepal Hiking Team was easily one of the most spectacular and rewarding journeys we've ever taken. While it was a profoundly hard endeavor that tested us both physically and mentally, the breathtaking, otherworldly scenery made the effort entirely worthwhile.

    Binod, our main guide of Everest Three Pass Trek, was professional, organised, and kind. His proactive care meant he anticipated our needs, ensuring our safety, comfort, and providing extra requests like blankets and water purification tablets. He also helped change some of our plans to suit our needs.

    Kumar, our assistant guide, maintained an incredibly happy and lively spirit. He was equally kind and encouraging, often taking the lead on challenging sections of the passes to keep our morale high.

    Finally, a huge thank you to our essential porter, Dil, who performed the truly tireless feat of carrying our two duffel bags, nearly 30kg! His dedication ensured our gear was always waiting for us at the tea house before we even arrived.

    Overall, this was an unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime experience that we highly recommend to anyone seeking the ultimate Himalayan challenge.

    M
    - Excellent

    Mr. Mortazavi

    26th Oct 2025
  • Everest Base Camp Trek with High passes Trek

    My friend and I did the EBC/Three Passes trek a few weeks ago (a mutual friend had already gone to EBC with the Nepal Hiking Team and loved the experience, so we were repeat customers of sorts).

    Our guide, Uttam, and our porter, Nima, were incredibly professional and helpful for the ~20 days that we were on the trail.

    Their skills, care, and guidance really made a difference during the few times we had to traverse rough terrain in snowy, rainy, and windy weather, as well as when dealing with the effects of altitude and dry mountain air.

    Over and over we met other people on the trail whose guides/companies delivered a noticeable lesser experience, and each day we were more grateful to have booked with NHT.

    On top of everything, Uttam and Nima proved to be warm, friendly, patient, wonderful trail companions, routinely going above and beyond to deliver a fantastic experience.

    If you’re already considering spending the time and money on a Nepal trekking vacation, do yourself a favor and book with Nepal Hiking Team!

    W
    - Excellent

    Mr. Wagon Hopper

    9th Jun 2025
  • Everest Passes Trek - Three pass

    We did the Three Everest Passes together Everest Base Camp trek with Nepal Hiking Team and had an amazing time! The views were breathtaking, and our guide Rajesh was both informative and friendly. The teahouse accommodations were great throughout the trek, and we especially enjoyed the food.

    - Guided by Rajesh Gurung

    K
    - Excellent

    Mr. Kevin H

    7th May 2025
  • Everest high passes trek (private couple tour)

    My partner and I have just completed the 22-day Everest High Passes Trek (Three Passes and Everest Base Camp, anticlockwise) with Nepal Hiking Team, along with our amazing guide Raj and porter Shrawan.

    From the start, the whole experience was incredibly smooth. Ganga from Nepal Hiking Team was super responsive to all our emails, even managed to book us onto a last-minute trek, and provided thorough briefings both before and after. Everything — from the airport pickup in Kathmandu to the final drop-off — was so well organised, and the team stayed professional throughout.

    The Woodapple Hotel, where they put us up in Kathmandu, was great too — fab location, beautiful city views, lovely rooms, and tasty food.

    Raj was brilliant. He’s an experienced guide, speaks great English, and is just genuinely friendly and supportive. He always made us feel safe, whether we were dealing with altitude, feeling unwell, or just unsure about the trail. He made sure we were booked into good accommodation, gave us detailed daily briefings, and told us what to expect and what to pack. He was super attentive and always checked that we were comfortable, happy, and well-fed.

    Shrawan, our porter, was also fantastic — always early to collect our bags and somehow always at the tea house before us with everything ready. He had the biggest smile and stuck with us during all three passes to make sure we crossed them safely as a group.

    We’ve absolutely loved this trek and would 100% book with Nepal Hiking Team again. Highly recommend them — and definitely ask for Raj as your guide if you can!

    - Guided by Rajkumar Gurung

    G
    - Excellent

    Ms. Grace P

    17th Apr 2025
  • Three passes trek with EBC

    We did a custom Three Passes + Everest Base Camp trek with Nepal Hiking Team and had an amazing time! The views were breathtaking, and our guide Ramesh was both informative and friendly. The teahouse accommodations were great throughout the trek, and we especially enjoyed the food.

    The weather in Nepal can change rapidly, but Ramesh managed to adapt our plans seamlessly, making sure we still got to see and experience everything we had hoped for.

    I had an incredible time and couldn’t recommend this experience more!

    - Guided by Ramesh Adhikari

    Carolyn M
    - Excellent

    Ms. Carolyn M

    14th Oct 2024

Everest High Passes Trek FAQs

Why Nepal Hiking Team
Arrival in Nepal & Visa Process
Booking, Deposit & Payment
Transportation and Lukla Flights
Trek Difficulty: Who Can Trek?
Trekkerโ€™s Well-Being & Safety
Trek Preparation and Gear Packing
Accommodation and Connectivity
Meals and Drinking Water
Customization: Private vs Group (Tips & Cost)

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