Everest High Passes Trek

The Everest High Passes Trek, famously known as the Three Passes Trek, is ideal for seasoned trekkers in search of a physically demanding and deeply rewarding Himalayan adventure. It offers a challenging route through some of the most dramatic and remote landscapes in the Everest region.

Its a thrilling journey that crosses an exhilarating adventure high altitude Renjo La Pass (5,337m), winds through the scenic Gokyo Valley, and ascends the Cho La Pass (5,368m), leading to Kala Patthar and Everest Base Camp. Continue this journey culminates with the challenging Kongma La Pass (5,535m), all set against a backdrop of stunning alpine panoramas. It is considered one of the most challenging treks in the Everest region and possible to complete in about three weeks.

Beyond its physical demands, the trek rewards you with inspiring scenery, dramatic mountain ridges, remote Sherpa villages, and majestic Himalayan peaks. Enjoy breathtaking panoramic vista of four of the world’s tallest peaks and they are Cho Oyu (8,201m), Makalu (8,463m), Lhotse (8,516m), and Mount Everest (8,850m). These majestic summits, along with numerous other snowy giants, create an astonishing alpine spectacle.

Renjo La and Gokyo Ri (5,330m) are considered the best viewpoints in the entire Everest region, offering sweeping vistas of the Himalayas. Meanwhile, Kala Patthar (5,550m) provides an iconic close-up of Everest, and Everest Base Camp (5,364m) offers a front row view of the legendary Khumbu Icefall.

The stunning Gokyo Valley, nestled in the Everest region, is home to the inspiring Ngozumpa Glacier, the largest glacier in the Nepal Himalayas. This natural wonder dramatically enhances the raw, untouched beauty of the Gokyo Lakes trek, making it a truly unforgettable Himalayan adventure.

Everest High Passes Trek itinerary

Day 01Arrival in Kathmandu Airport. Transfer to hotel

Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu, our airport representative or the agency owner, Ammar Raj Guni, will welcome you and provide a private transfer to your hotel in the Kathmandu Valley. After a welcome drink, you’ll check into your room and discuss your upcoming trip. If you wish, you can also take a short walk to explore the surrounding city areas.

Day 02 Fly to Lukla Airport () and trek to Bengkar village (2,820m/9,222 Feet), 5 hours

n the morning, we take a scenic 35-minute flight to Lukla, located in the heart of the Himalayas. After lunch, we begin a short and pleasant trek heading north, passing through villages like Tuk Tok before reaching Bengkar. We will spend the night in Phakding, a small village along the route.

Day 03Bangkar to Namche Bazaar trek (3,440m/11,286 feet), 4 hours.

After a hot breakfast at the guesthouse, we follow the Dudh Koshi River through a beautiful valley, crossing several suspension bridges and waterfalls. We pass through historic Sherpa villages including guesthouses, farmland, and the entry checkpoint for Sagarmatha National Park (SNP).

We then ascend and cross the Dudh Koshi River twice before reaching the Hillary Suspension Bridge, another highlight of the Everest journey. You’ll climb through pine forests via Tupi Danda, where we get our first views of Mt. Everest and Lhotse, before continuing to Namche Bazaar..

Day 04 Acclimatization day in Namche Bazar

Today is a rest and acclimatization day. You can choose to relax and recharge or take a hike to Syangboche Hill and the famous Hotel Everest View for panoramic mountain views. Other options include visiting the Sagarmatha National Park Visitor Center, traditional Sherpa communities, the Hillary School, Khumjung Monastery, and Syangboche Airstrip. The Sherpa Museum and local villages are also highlights of this day.

Day 05 Namche to Tengboche trekking (3,860m/12,664 feet), 6 hours.

After breakfast in Namche, we continue our trek toward Tengboche. En route, enjoy views of Mt. Everest, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, and Thamserku. While walking the gradually ascending trail, you may spot wildlife such as musk deer, Himalayan thar, and colorful pheasants.

We pass through a pine forest and cross a prayer flag-decorated bridge over the Dudh Koshi River. After a brief climb, we arrive in Phungi Thanga, a small village with teahouses and an army post in an alpine forest. Later, we reach Tengboche, where you’ll have the chance to visit the renowned Tengboche Monastery and attend a spiritual ceremony by the resident monks.

Day 06 Tengboche to Dingboche trekking (4,410 m/14,469 feet), 6 hours.

Today’s trek begins with a stunning Himalayan sunrise over peaks such as Kangtega, Thamserku, Ama Dablam, Taboche, Kwangde, Tengboche, Lhotse, and Nuptse. We cross the Imja Khola River and descend through rhododendron and birch forests. Along the way, we visit a Buddhist nunnery in Deboche and pass several chortens (stupas) en route to Pangboche, which offers remarkable Himalayan views.

As we trek from Pangboche into the drier alpine landscape of Shomare, the change in vegetation becomes apparent. From Orsho, you can see the ridges of Mt. Pumori before reaching the cold and windy village of Dingboche, where we stay overnight.

Day 07Dingboche to Chhukung Resort trekking (4,730m/15,519 feet), 3 hours

Continuing your thrilling journey across the Three High Passes, today’s trail leads you along the stunning Imja Khola Valley, weaving through glacier moraines beneath towering Himalayan peaks. As you descend for approximately four hours, the majestic views of Mt. Lhotse and Ama Dablam accompany you on both sides, until you reach Yak Kharka, a remote seasonal settlement home to local herders.

Eventually, you’ll spot the rocky and icy summit of Imja Tse (Island Peak) looming in the distance. From Bibre, a short 30-minute walk brings you to Chhukung, a serene village nestled among glaciers and snowy ridges. Once in Chhukung, you may choose to relax or take an optional hike to Chhukung Ri. Hike to Chukung Ri provides an excellent vista of breathtaking landscapes which will help your body adjust for the upcoming Kongma La Pass crossing.

Day 08Cross the Kongma La (5,540 m) and to Lobuche trek (4,910 m/16,109 feet), 7 hours.

Today marks one of the most remote and demanding segments of your adventure. As there are no teahouses en route, be sure to carry ample water. You’ll have two options: either ascend northwest from Chhukung toward the Nuptse Glacier or descend into the Bibre Valley before joining a high route above the Niyang Khola.

Soon after setting off, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views over Island Peak Valley and Amphu Lapcha’s rugged cliffs. Navigating a rocky path, you’ll cross a vast basin dotted with frozen lakes on the eastern edge of Niyang Khola Valley. After about five hours of hiking, you reach the crest of Kongma La pass, the highest of the three passes.

Colorful prayer flags fluttering in the wind mark your triumph at the summit. But the descent is equally challenging. You’ll climb down the moraine and follow the rugged trail along the Khumbu Glacier until you finally arrive in Lobuche, your rest point after a truly epic day.

Day 09Gorak Shep Trek (5,140m/16,864 feet), 2 hours. Hike to Everest Base Camp (5,364m/17,599 feet), 5 hours.

Your trail now ventures along the Khumbu Glacier moraine en route to Gorak Shep. Along the way, passing the iconic pyramid-shaped landmark, you’ll take in amazing views of Everest’s north ridge, including Pumori, Mahalangur, Lingtren, Khumbutse, and Nuptse.

Upon reaching Thangma Riju, you’re greeted with a sweeping 360-degree panorama of snow-covered Himalayan giants. Kalapatthar, a grassy viewpoint beneath Pumori, can be seen near the summit of the Changri Glacier.

As you arrive in Gorak Shep, the world’s tallest mountains including the Everest itself come into view. The journey then continues across Gorak Shep Lake and past memorials dedicated to fallen mountaineers before reaching the legendary Everest Base Camp.

Here, the treacherous Khumbu Icefall reveals its dramatic dangers, while colorful expedition tents contrast vividly with the stark glaciers. Although Everest’s summit isn’t visible from base camp, the close-up views of Nuptse and Khumbutse are nothing short of extraordinary. After soaking in this once-in-a-lifetime moment, you return to Gorak Shep for the night.

Day 10Hike to Kala Patthar View Point (5,555m/18,225 feet), 3 hours. Trek to Dzongla (4,830m/15,847 Feet), 4 hours.

Today, you experience one of the absolute highlights of your Three High Passes Trek: the early morning climb to Kala Patthar. From this incredible vanDaye point, you’ll witness an unforgettable Himalayan sunrise. You’ll have a golden glow spreading over Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam.

After a few hours of hiking, you’ll stand atop Kalapatthar’s 360 degree viewpoint, where the entire Khumbu region unfolds around you, including Everest Base Camp, the Khumbu Glacier, Icefall, and distant peaks like Pumo Ri and Lobuche.

Capture lifelong memories and photos before returning to Gorak Shep to collect your gear. You’ll then retrace your steps to Lobuche and continue along a picturesque trail toward Dzongla, a peaceful stop nestled beneath dramatic alpine cliffs.

Day 11Cross the Cho La (5,367m /17,609 feet) and trek to Thagnak Lodge (4,750m/15,584), 7 hours.

To capture the serene morning light on Cholatse, you’ll begin today’s journey early. As one of the most technical sections of the Three High Passes Trek, the ascent to Cho La demands caution. You’ll cross past Dzongla and descend into a glacial basin via spurred forest trails.

Once at the top, a shimmering view of the turquoise Chola Lake and distant Ama Dablam greets you. The climb over rocky, steep terrain leads to icy mountain paths and snowy crests.

At the pass summit, dramatic views of nearby peaks surround you, framed by fluttering prayer flags. The descent is easier if free from ice that brings you down into Thagnak, where you’ll rest for the night amid tranquil surroundings.

Day 12Trek to Gokyo Lakes (4,750m/15,584 feet), 3 hours.

You’ll departure early from Thagnak and begin crossing Nepal’s longest glacier called Ngozumpa Glacier which has a surreal landscape of shifting ice and stone. As you approach the far end, the dazzling turquoise of the second Gokyo Lake may come into view. Shortly after, you reach the Gokyo settlement beside the third lake, a jewel of the Everest region. This enchanting location, surrounded by pristine waters and white peaks, offers a perfect place to relax and reflect on your remarkable journey so far.

Day 13Acclimatization day in Gokyo (4750 m). Hike to Gokyo Ri (5,357m/17,576 feet), 3 hours.

Today is your second acclimatization day on the Everest Three High Passes Trek — a perfect opportunity to ascend Gokyo Ri, renowned as one of the best viewpoints in the Everest region. As you continue your journey, you can explore the stunning Gokyo Lakes. Just 3 kilometers north of Gokyo lies the fourth lake, framed by towering cliffs and peaks.

Furthermore, the trail extends to the fifth and largest of the dazzling turquoise lakes. For the adventurous, a short climb above the lakeshore provides unparalleled views of majestic peaks including Cho Oyu, Gyachung Kang, Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Makalu.

Beyond the fifth lake lies the Cho Oyu Base Camp, set against a jaw-dropping Himalayan backdrop. Depending on your energy, time, and curiosity, you may opt to continue to the sixth lake, making the most of this acclimatization day..

Day 14Cross the Renjo La (5,360m/) and trek to Marulung (4,210m/13,813 feet), 6 hours

At sunrise, your trek begins with a climb up to Renjo La Pass, taking a less-traveled route through Dudh Pokhari, avoiding the busy Gokyo main trail. After about three hours, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views of Everest, Lhotse, Cholatse, and Taboche.

Although this part of the hiking is challenging and adventurous, however the Renjo La summit presents an unforgettable 360 degree panorama. Its one of the super best view points of Cho Oyu and other towering peaks.

From here, a descent over a series of stone steps leads you past Angladumba Tsho. Continuing on, you’ll walk past Relama Tsho and the Renjo Lake, then traverse a valley toward Lumde. After an hour’s further descent, you arrive in Marlung, where you will rest for the night.

Day 15Return to Namche Bazar (3,440m/11,286 feet), 5 hours

Descent or retraces a traditional route used for centuries by Tibetan traders. From Marlung, the trail follows the Bhote Koshi River down to Taranga, eventually merging with the Langmuche Khola. Shortly after, you’ll reach Thame, home to a famous Buddhist monastery (Gompa). The views of Thamserku, Kusum Kanguru, and Kangtega from here are awe-inspiring.

Next, you’ll cross a suspension bridge and continue toward Samde, a scenic spot with panoramic mountain views. A steep path leads down to Thamo, where you can visit Khari Goma, a peaceful monastery inhabited by Buddhist nuns.

As the trail continues, you’ll pass Phurte, home to the Laudo Monastery, and finally reach Namche Bazaar, where prayer flags, mani stones, and chortens line your way with a sign that your trek is drawing to a close..

Day 16Return to Lukla Airport (2,840m/9,318 feet), 7 hours,

This marks the final day of your Everest Three High Passes journey. From Namche, the trail descends steeply to the Dudh Koshi River, requiring caution and steady footing due to the steep terrain. Upon crossing the suspension bridges over the fast-flowing Dudh Koshi and its tributaries, the trail gradually flattens and leads you through serene rhododendron and pine forests.

As you pass through charming Sherpa villages, the snow-covered peaks begin to fade into the distance. Arriving in Lukla, you’ll see walls, prayer wheels, and monasteries that highlight the deeply rooted Buddhist faith of the region.

Day 17 Return with a flight to Kathmandu.

oday, you board a scenic mountain flight back to Kathmandu. Since afternoon weather in Lukla is often windy or cloudy, flights are generally scheduled for the early morning. However, flight delays or cancellations can occur due to adverse weather or unforeseen conditions. Therefore, it is highly recommended to keep an extra buffer day in your itinerary.

Upon arriving in Kathmandu, you may spend the rest of the day sightseeing, shopping, relaxing, or celebrating. In the evening, enjoy a delightful farewell dinner in Thamel, marking the successful completion of your high altitude adventure.

Day 18 Return to Kathmandu international airport. Good bye Kathmandu

Today marks the final day of your unforgettable Everest High Passes Trek, a once in a lifetime Himalayan adventure. After a hearty breakfast, a comfortable private vehicle will be arranged to transfer you to Kathmandu International Airport for your onward journey.

Alternatively, for those with a few extra hours in the morning, begin your day at around 8:00 a.m. with a guided cultural sightseeing tour of Kathmandu’s UNESCO World HeriDaye Sites, including Kathmandu Durbar Square, the sacred Pashupatinath Temple, the serene Boudhanath Stupa, and the iconic Swayambhunath Stupa (commonly known as the Monkey Temple). These historic landmarks offer deep insights into Nepal’s spiritual heriDaye and vibrant local traditions.

Later in the day, we will transfer you to the airport for your final departure to Kathmandu international airport, as you carry home cherished memories from the heart of the majestic Himalayas with a journey filled with stunning landscapes, rich cultural experiences, and personal achievement.

Best time for Everest High Passes Trek in Nepal

According to Gokyo Treks Nepal, the best months to trek to Everest High Passes are during the pre-monsoon season (February, March, April, and May) and the post-monsoon season (late September, October, November, and December). While it is possible to undertake the trek in February or early September, the periods mentioned above are highly preferred for optimal weather conditions and better visibility.