Destination
Nepal
Embark on the Everest Three Passes Trek, a legendary 19-day Himalayan odyssey that combines breathtaking scenery, high-altitude adventure, and deep cultural encounters. Traverse the three major passes of Renjo La, Cho-La, and Kongma-La as you circle the Everest region through rugged trails, glacial valleys, alpine lakes, and timeless Sherpa villages. Perfect for seasoned trekkers and fit adventurers, this immersive route offers a full circuit of the Everest region beyond the usual base camp trail.
The Everest Three Passes Trek is a dramatic and unforgettable journey through the heart of the Khumbu, designed for true adventurers seeking a complete Himalayan experience. This 19-day circuit takes you deep into Everest’s majestic highlands, where snow-capped giants loom above, glaciers stretch across valleys, and prayer flags flutter in the crisp mountain wind. Starting with a scenic mountain flight to Lukla, your path weaves through lush forests of pine and rhododendron, across swinging suspension bridges, and into centuries-old Sherpa villages like Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, and Thame. As you ascend into the high alpine, you’ll navigate three spectacular high passes, Kongma-La (5,535m), Cho-La (5,367m), and Renjo-La (5,360m), each offering unparalleled panoramas of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and the shimmering peaks of the Himalayas.
The terrain is varied and constantly inspiring: glacial moraines, turquoise lakes, remote valleys, and serene monasteries dot the route. You’ll spend your nights in cozy, welcoming teahouses run by warm-hearted locals, gaining firsthand insight into the resilient and spiritual Sherpa way of life. The trek reaches its crown jewel at Everest Base Camp and the awe-inspiring viewpoint of Kala Patthar (5,643m) before spiraling westward into the untouched beauty of the Gokyo Valley, home to sacred lakes and panoramic ridges. Expect altitude shifts from 2,600 meters to over 5,500 meters, with time built in for acclimatization at key points like Namche, Dingboche, and Gokyo.
On average, you’ll trek 5–7 hours a day, with longer days on the high-pass crossings. Each step is supported by Himalayan Magic Treks’ expert guides, ensuring safety, cultural context, and personal care throughout. From ancient monasteries like Tengboche to the glassy stillness of Gokyo’s Fifth Lake, every phase of this trek reveals a new face of the Everest region, untamed, spiritual, and deeply moving.
Whether you're a seasoned high-altitude hiker or a bold explorer craving something beyond the typical Everest Base Camp route, the Everest Three Passes Trek is your chance to challenge yourself and discover the wild soul of the Himalayas. You'll return not just with stunning photographs, but with a renewed spirit and memories that will last a lifetime.
We offer only private trips – meaning your journey is exclusively for you and your group. No strangers will join, allowing you to travel comfortably, enjoy personal attention, and make the trip truly yours. This private experience also gives you more freedom, flexibility, and a relaxed atmosphere throughout the adventure.
Upon landing at Tribhuvan International Airport, a representative from Himalayan Magic Treks will welcome you and escort you to your hotel in Kathmandu. After check-in, take time to relax from your journey and enjoy light refreshments. Later in the day, you will meet your experienced trekking guide for a detailed briefing about the Everest Three Passes Trek, including route highlights, safety measures, and preparation tips.
If energy allows, enjoy a gentle walk around the neighborhood to experience the city’s lively streets, local eateries, and cultural atmosphere. Dinner is at your leisure before settling in for a comfortable overnight stay in Kathmandu.
An early morning scenic flight takes you to Lukla, where the adventure truly begins. After meeting the trekking crew and final gear checks, the trail leads gently through villages and along the Dudh Koshi River. The walk is relaxed and ideal for easing into trekking in the Himalayas.
You will pass mani walls, prayer wheels, and small settlements before reaching Phakding. This short trekking day helps your body begin adapting to altitude. Overnight stay at a well-maintained local lodge.
Today’s walk follows the river upstream, crossing several high suspension bridges draped with prayer flags. After passing Monjo, you enter Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its protected mountain ecosystem.
A steady uphill climb leads to Namche Bazaar, the vibrant heart of the Khumbu region. On a clear day, you may catch your first view of Mount Everest along the trail. Namche is a major trading hub with shops, bakeries, and a colorful weekly market. Overnight at a comfortable lodge in Namche, an important stop on the Everest Three Passes Trek.
Proper acclimatization is essential for a safe and enjoyable journey. Today is spent exploring the area around Namche while allowing your body to adjust to the altitude. Optional hikes include a visit to the Everest View Hotel for panoramic mountain scenery or a walk to Khumjung village, home to a historic monastery and a school established by Sir Edmund Hillary.
You may also explore the Sagarmatha National Park Visitor Center to learn about local culture, wildlife, and mountaineering history. After a relaxed day of short walks and rest, return to your lodge for the night.
Leaving Namche, the trail contours along the hillside with impressive views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, and Thamserku. The path descends to Phunki Tenga, where you stop for lunch beside the river.
A steady climb through rhododendron and pine forests brings you to Tengboche, famous for its hilltop monastery. This spiritual center offers one of the finest mountain panoramas in the region and is a meaningful stop on the Everest Three Passes Trek. Overnight at a lodge near the monastery.
The day begins with beautiful morning views around Tengboche before continuing toward Pangboche, one of the oldest Sherpa villages in the Khumbu. The trail passes chortens, mani walls, and traditional settlements set against dramatic Himalayan backdrops.
After lunch with close-up views of Ama Dablam, the route enters the wide Imja Valley. The landscape becomes more open and alpine as you approach Dingboche. Stone-walled fields surround the village, protecting crops from wind and wildlife. Overnight stay at a local lodge in Dingboche, preparing for the higher sections of the Everest Three Passes Trek ahead.
After breakfast, the trail gradually leads east into the Imja Khola valley. Today’s walk is shorter and unhurried, allowing your body to adapt as altitude increases. The landscape becomes distinctly alpine, with stone-walled fields, glacial streams, and wide open valleys.
Along the way, enjoy impressive views of Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and Island Peak, whose sharp pyramid form dominates the skyline. As you approach Chhukung, towering ice-covered peaks surround the settlement, creating a dramatic high-mountain atmosphere. This quiet village is an important acclimatization stop on the Everest Three Passes Trek. Overnight at a local lodge with all meals provided by Himalayan Magic Treks.
Today is dedicated to rest and altitude adjustment before crossing the high passes. After breakfast, you may take a guided acclimatization hike to nearby viewpoints such as Chhukung Ri or along the trail toward Island Peak Base Camp. These short climbs offer outstanding panoramic views of Lhotse, Makalu, Baruntse, Ama Dablam, and Island Peak, along with sweeping glacier scenery across the Everest region.
The afternoon is free to relax, hydrate, and explore Chhukung village while learning about daily life in this remote Himalayan settlement. This acclimatization day plays a vital role in ensuring a safe and successful Everest Three Passes Trek. Overnight at a comfortable teahouse lodge.
An early start is essential for one of the most demanding days of the journey. After leaving Chhukung, the trail climbs steadily through rugged terrain and glacial moraine. There are no teahouses en route, so Himalayan Magic Treks provides packed meals and sufficient water for the crossing.
As you ascend, the route passes frozen lakes and stark alpine landscapes before reaching the prayer-flag-marked summit of Kongma La Pass. From the top, enjoy remarkable views of the Khumbu Glacier and surrounding peaks. The descent is steep and challenging, leading across glacial debris before joining the trail to Lobuche. Overnight stay at a lodge in Lobuche, marking a major milestone of the Everest Three Passes Trek.
Today brings you closer to the heart of the Everest region. After breakfast, trek across rocky moraines to Gorakshep, the last settlement before Everest Base Camp. After a short rest, continue toward Everest Base Camp, walking alongside the Khumbu Glacier.
Although Mount Everest itself is not visible from base camp, standing among legendary expedition routes and icefalls is a powerful experience. After spending time at base camp, retrace your steps to Gorakshep for the night. This day is a true highlight of the Everest Three Passes Trek and an unforgettable achievement.
Before sunrise, begin the climb to Kalapatthar, the best viewpoint for Mount Everest. The ascent is challenging due to altitude and cold temperatures, but the reward is exceptional. From the summit, witness the first light illuminating Everest’s south face, along with Nuptse, Pumori, and the vast Tibetan plateau beyond.
After taking photos and enjoying the view, descend carefully back to Gorakshep, then continue trekking down to Lobuche. Overnight at a lodge in Lobuche, reflecting on one of the most memorable mornings of the Everest Three Passes Trek.
Following breakfast, the trail heads toward Dzongla along a quieter route beside alpine streams. The walk offers excellent views of Ama Dablam, Kangtega, Thamserku, and Taboche, with Pheriche village visible across the valley.
Passing Chukpi Lhara, the landscape opens to reveal Chola Lake beneath Mount Cholatse, adding scenic beauty to the journey. A mix of gentle ascents and descents leads into Dzongla, a small settlement tucked beneath surrounding peaks. Overnight at a local guesthouse, preparing for the next high pass on the Everest Three Passes Trek.
After breakfast in Dzongla, the journey continues toward the stunning Gokyo Valley by crossing the challenging Cho La Pass. The trail initially descends alongside icy streams before gradually climbing into a wide alpine basin. As the ascent becomes steeper, the terrain turns rocky and demanding, requiring careful footing, especially where ice may be present.
From higher viewpoints, you will enjoy striking views of Cho La Lake, Ama Dablam to the south, and Cholatse rising to the west.
Prayer flags mark the summit of Cho La Pass, rewarding the effort with dramatic Himalayan scenery. The descent leads carefully down toward Thangnak and across the edge of the massive Ngozumpa Glacier. Soon after, the first turquoise Gokyo Lake comes into view, with Gokyo village set beautifully along its shore. Overnight at a lodge in Gokyo, a key highlight of the Everest Three Passes Trek.
Today is reserved for rest, exploration, and acclimatization in the breathtaking Gokyo region. If weather conditions are favorable, an early morning hike to Gokyo Ri offers one of the finest panoramic viewpoints in the Everest region. From the summit, you can see Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, Gyachung Kang, and Nuptse in one sweeping view.
The day also allows time to explore the remarkable chain of Gokyo Lakes, including the fourth and fifth lakes, known for their deep turquoise color and dramatic surrounding cliffs. From higher vantage points, views extend toward Cho Oyu Base Camp and the vast Ngozumpa Glacier. This rest day enhances recovery and strengthens your experience on the Everest Three Passes Trek. Overnight stay at a comfortable lodge in Gokyo village.
After a rewarding stay in Gokyo, the route turns toward the final high pass of the journey. Leaving the lakes behind, the trail climbs steadily toward Renjo La Pass. As you gain altitude, the views expand to include Everest, Lhotse, Cholatse, and Taboche, with the Gokyo Lakes and village visible far below.
From the top of Renjo La, the descent follows stone steps and rugged paths past small alpine lakes such as Angladumba Tsho and Renjo Lake. Care is required on icy sections while descending into the valley. Continuing past Lumde, the trail follows the Bhote Koshi valley to reach Marlung. Overnight at a local lodge in Marlung, marking another major achievement of the Everest Three Passes Trek.
Today’s walk descends through historic trading routes once used by Tibetan merchants. The trail follows the Bhote Koshi River and passes through quiet valleys fed by glacial streams. Along the way, you may visit Thame village, known for its ancient monastery and rich Sherpa culture.
The route continues past small settlements, monasteries, and prayer-flag-lined paths, offering views of peaks such as Thamserku, Kusum Kanguru, and surrounding ridges. As the trail gradually descends, you return to the lively atmosphere of Namche Bazaar. Overnight at a lodge in Namche, a familiar stop on the Everest Three Passes Trek.
After breakfast, begin the final trekking day by following the Dudh Koshi River downstream. The trail descends through forests of rhododendron, pine, and oak, passing villages and suspension bridges along the way.
Although the route is familiar, the experience feels different as you reflect on the journey completed. The walk concludes upon reaching Lukla, where the trek began days earlier. Overnight at a local lodge in Lukla with a final celebration dinner organized by Himalayan Magic Treks.
An early morning flight takes you from Lukla back to Kathmandu, offering one last aerial view of the Himalayan landscape. Upon arrival, you are transferred to your hotel for rest and relaxation.
Please note that mountain weather can occasionally cause flight delays or changes. Himalayan Magic Treks provides assistance and support in such situations. Overnight at a hotel in Kathmandu.
Today marks the end of your adventure. A representative from Himalayan Magic Treks will transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward flight. We bid you farewell with warm wishes and gratitude for choosing us for your Everest Three Passes Trek experience.
The best seasons for the Everest Three Passes Trek are spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November). During these periods, the weather is stable, the skies are clear, and the views of the mountains are spectacular. Winter and monsoon treks are possible but come with challenges like extreme cold and rainfall.
The Everest Three Passes Trek is considered challenging, suitable for trekkers with prior high-altitude trekking experience. The trek involves crossing three high-altitude passes: Kongma La (5,535m), Cho La (5,420m), and Renjo La (5,360m). It demands physical fitness, mental determination, and proper acclimatization to handle the high altitudes and strenuous trails.
The trek offers basic teahouse accommodations, which are simple but comfortable. The teahouses provide clean rooms, communal dining areas, and standard food options. In major stops like Namche Bazaar, accommodations are more varied and slightly luxurious compared to remote villages.
Meals include local Nepali dishes, Tibetan bread, soups, noodles, pasta, and a variety of other simple but energy-rich foods. Expect Dal Bhat (rice with lentils) as the staple. Hot drinks like tea, coffee, and hot lemon are commonly available, which are ideal for staying hydrated in high-altitude areas.
The trek involves crossing extremely high altitudes, making trekkers susceptible to Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). Symptoms include headache, dizziness, nausea, and fatigue. It's crucial to:
The trek passes through traditional Sherpa villages like Namche Bazaar, Dingboche, and Thame, offering a glimpse into Sherpa culture and Tibetan Buddhist practices. Visit ancient monasteries like Tengboche Monastery for spiritual and cultural enrichment.
The Everest region is a pristine environment that requires responsible trekking practices:
The Everest Three Passes Trek is the ultimate challenge for adventure enthusiasts. It combines breathtaking mountain views, remote wilderness, cultural immersion, and the satisfaction of conquering three of Nepal’s iconic high passes. The trek offers diverse landscapes, from alpine meadows to glacial lakes, making it one of the most rewarding trekking experiences in the world.
This adventure is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to test your limits, connect with nature, and immerse yourself in the grandeur of the Himalayas!
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The trek typically takes 18 days, including acclimatization days and travel time to and from Kathmandu.
The Everest Three Passes Trek is very challenging due to its high altitudes, long trekking days, and steep ascents/descents. It’s best suited for experienced trekkers with good physical fitness.
The highest point is the Kongma La Pass (5,535m), followed by Cho La Pass (5,420m) and Renjo La Pass (5,360m).
Yes, prior trekking experience, especially at high altitudes, is highly recommended due to the difficulty level and altitude risks.
You’ll need:
The best seasons are:
You’ll stay in teahouses along the trail, which offer basic rooms, communal dining areas, and standard meals.
Yes, altitude sickness is a risk due to the high elevations. Proper acclimatization, hydration, and gradual ascent are essential to minimize risks.
While the trail is marked, hiring a guide and porter is highly recommended for navigation, safety, and carrying heavy loads.
Essentials include:
Yes, most trekking packages include breakfast, lunch, and dinner at teahouses. Expect energy-rich meals like Dal Bhat, noodles, pasta, and soups.
Yes, but charging facilities are available at an additional cost in teahouses, and power can be limited at higher altitudes.
Wi-Fi is available in some teahouses but may be unreliable, especially at higher altitudes.
If necessary, you can descend to a lower altitude or arrange emergency evacuation (insurance covering high-altitude trekking is essential).
While solo trekking is possible, it is not recommended for this route due to its difficulty and remote areas. Hiring a guide ensures safety and support.
The cost varies depending on the package but typically ranges from USD 1,500 to 2,500, including permits, accommodation, and meals.
Yes, comprehensive travel insurance covering high-altitude trekking, emergency evacuation, and medical expenses is mandatory.
Start physical training 2-3 months before, including cardio, strength training, and day hikes. Acclimatization and proper gear are also critical.
ATMs are only available in Namche Bazaar and Kathmandu. It’s best to carry enough cash for the trek.
Yes, most trekking agencies offer customizable itineraries based on your preferences, fitness level, and time constraints.
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