The renowned Everest Region is home to countless peaks and high passes. From the famed Everest Base Camp and Kalapatthar viewpoint, the Everest region also shelters a locally popular three-pass itinerary that passes through Renjo La, Cho La, and Kongma La. A difficult yet equally rewarding journey of the whole of Everest.
Everest Three Passes Trek - 18 Days
Duration
18 Days
Trip Grade
Strenuous
Maximum Altitude
5545 Meter
Group Size
Min 2 Person
Activities
Trekking
Starts
Kathmandu
Ends
Kathmandu
Best Time
Sept, Oct, Nov, April & May
Everest Three Passes Trek Overview
Everest is home to mysteries, stories, and memories of countless entities. A single mountain that holds significant importance in the hearts of travelers all over the world. A journey that defines travelling in the Himalayas itself.
Located in northeastern Nepal, Everest is part of the greater Khumbu Region of Solu Khumbu District. The region became a trekker’s hub after the successful historic ascent of Mount Everest by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa. This route later became the Hillary Steps. Protected and conserved under the laws of Everest National Park, the region shelters ancient history and the liveliness of the Sherpas and their visitors. The trek to base camp itself is an enlightening journey for many, while those seeking thrilling adventure plan more challenging trails such as the Three Passes trek.
The Everest Three Passes trek is a carefully knitted itinerary, focused on pure adventure and immersive experience of the whole Khumbu Region. The trail follows the standard Everest Base Camp route, passing through the bustling streets of Namche, full of Sherpas and travelers alike. With gradual ascent and acclimatization, the trail goes along prayer flags, mani walls, working yaks, and the world-famous monasteries of Tengboche, Pangboche, and Dingboche. The monasteries where relics of Yeti, a mythical creature that dwells in the Himalayas, whose presence marks a blessing and a curse if seen. After Dingboche, the trail winds up and takes a different route, passing the less-traveled yet memorable village of Chukung and the high pass of Kongma La. The route then continues, catching the trails to the viewpoint of Kalapatthar and Everest base camp. After that, the trail circles counterclockwise to Cho La, Gokyo, and Rengjo La. The trek ends with a transition from the Himalayas' quietness to the bustling town of Namche and Lukla, marking the end of moments waiting to be turned into memories.
Why three passes on the trek route to the Everest Base Camp?
The standard itinerary to the Everest Base Camp is already a popular trekking trail for its culturally immersive experience of Sherpa settlements and their ancient history and religious significance. The Everest region is a fragment of the greater Khumbu region, and the trail to base camp is part of the trekking routes in the Khumbu. The trail covers most of the highlights of the trek, from the bustling cultural streets of villages to ancient Tibetan Buddhist monasteries and the unparalleled scenery of the Himalayan peaks across all of Khumbu. So, what makes the Three Passes Trek different and worth the value in 2026?
Although widely popular, the customized route to Everest Base Camp covers the region's natural and cultural aspects. The three-pass trekking route offers more insight and deep exploration of the whole trekking region. The three-pass itinerary follows a round trek procedure, from low altitude and valleys to highlands and base camps, while also exploring the less-traveled villages and trails. The trek takes you through the world-famous monasteries, viewpoints, towns, and the turquoise lake of Gokyo Ri with an otherworldly adventure of Everest’s three greatest passes: Kongma La, Cho La, and Renjo La.
The Everest Three Passes trek is the perfect choice for those seeking thrilling adventure, exploration, and scenic trails lined with prayer flags and mani walls. An ideal 18-day journey for spiritual and physical enlightenment.
Everest Three Passes cost comprehension for 2026
A standard packaged trip cost varies depending on service choices and personal requirements. A package trip focused on providing services always aims for quality service at an affordable price. The cost covers the basic lodging, 3 meals a day, documents, permits, and a licensed trek guide. Such an inclusive packaged trip ranges from USD 1300 to USD 2300. Why?
The services provided during the trek on the route are no different across every cost range. The real differences are seen in cost details or services included. The cost ranges due to additional services, such as hotel booking in Kathmandu, airport pick-up and drop-off facilities, and private jeep transportation or flight services from Kathmandu to Manthali. The cost is also affected by the number of trekking days, since the longer the duration of the trek is, the more expenses need to be covered.
Booking choices and cost limiting
Trekking is an adventure done with companions, be it family or friends, a large group or a small one. It is also a retreat for physical and spiritual tranquility, booked for private and comfort seekers. The booking choice depends on your preference and the purpose of your trip; that choice also reduces the cost of the trek.
Booking in large numbers, 8-10 or more, is provided with additional benefits or a major discount. It is beneficial for those who seek to conquer the high passes of the Himalayas with friends and family in a group. With every additional trekker, the price becomes more affordable. While the comfort trekkers also pay a fair price for quality services.
Booking Procedure for Wilderness Excursion
Booking a trip with us is simple; in just a few steps, your custom-made trip will be ready and depart on the day of your choice. You may also pay only the 15%advance of the total cost for booking your trip and pay the rest before the date of departure. The booking procedure continues with an advance payment for the trek.
- Click "Book This Trip."
- Fill in the form and choose your add-ons, if required. (In case there are no additional services that you personally require in the add-on, you can note it to us.
- Pay the advance.
- Enjoy the trip.
Fixed trek departure and instant booking
Wilderness Excursion has a fixed departure on every given date for those looking for an instant booking and departure on short notice. The trek follows the standard itinerary of the Manaslu Circuit Trek and provides the services mentioned in the cost details. If any additional services, such as private transportation, hotel bookings, and pickup in Kathmandu, are needed, they can also be added during the booking, and any other services can be requested in the booking note, which will be arranged subsequently.
Peak climbing in the Everest Region with cost
- Island Peak climbing with base camp: USD 2045.
- Lobuche East Peak climbing – 3 days, USD 899.
Itinerary
Expand allEarly morning drive to Manthali (130km -4 hours) Take exciting and adventurous flight of 25 minutes To Lukla from Kathmandu with beautiful views of landscape and snow capped mountains and start our trek to Phakding. It is pleasant walk of 3 hours today passing many Tibetan Buddhist prayer walls, monasteries and monuments. We have a tea or lunch trek on the way to Phakding. Stay overnight in lodge.
After hot breakfast; we start our trek to Namche viaToktok, Benkar, Monjo and Jorsalle. After 3 hours hike passing many suspension bridges with good view of Mt. Thamserku and we should entry our Sagarmatha National Park entry permit and will have lunch in Jorsalle. Then we start to climb steep up slowly passing high suspension bridge till Namche Bazaar which takes about 2 and half hour. Stay overnight in lodge.
As it is very important for the trekkers to schedule an ‘acclimatization day’ to acclimatize our body and to avoid AMS further up the trail. This never means we have to stop walking but it is always recommended to hike to higher elevation and sleep at lower so we can hike up to Everest view hotel for panoramic and spectacular view of mountains, walk to twin Sherpa village (Khumjung and Khunde) and vist Sherpa museum or hang around at Namche Bazar. There are many hotels, lodges, restaurants, bars, cyber café, boutiques, souvenir shops and groceries at Namche. This place is nice to hang around. Stay over in lodge.
Trek continues to straight until reaching Kyanjuma and it takes about 1 & half hour walk and then the trail climbs down to the Dudh Kosi River and cross by suspension bridge. We can see a series of picturesque water driven prayer wheel. Then we will have lunch in Phungi Thengna. The steep ascent brings us to Tengboche village. Explore the region’s most active Buddhist monastery which is region’s most active monastery. The monks open Gompa at 4pm for the visitors and we can also visit sacred land exhibition center. The views of the mountains are fabulous in the morning and evening. Stay overnight in Lodge.
Trek continues to straight until reaching Kyanjuma and it takes about 1 & half hour walk and then the trail climbs down to the Dudh Kosi River and cross by suspension bridge. We can see a series of picturesque water driven prayer wheel. Then we will have lunch in Phungi Thengna. The steep ascent brings us to Tengboche village. Explore the region’s most active Buddhist monastery which is region’s most active monastery. The monks open Gompa at 4pm for the visitors and we can also visit sacred land exhibition center. The views of the mountains are fabulous in the morning and evening. Stay overnight in Lodge.
After breakfast we set up for Chhukung. It is a short day today so we can trek leisurely. We can have stunning sun set view over Mt. Lhotse and Kwangde in south from Chhukung. And stay overnight in lodge.
It is strongly recommended before setting off for the Kongma La Pass. We can hike up to Chhukung Ri which is at the height of 5546 meter and 800 meter hike from the hotel. The mountain view is brilliant from there, return to same hotel, stay overnight in same lodge.
To cross Kongma La in a single day, we start early morning. Carry plenty of water and snacks. There is no tea house facility between Chhukung and Labuche. You have an amazing view from top of the pass. Walk down to Labuche and stay overnight in lodge.
After breakfast hot breakfast in the morning, we continue our trek in the left bank of Khumbu glacier and steep climb up till Changri glacier, and then short descend to reach Gorak shep. It takes about 2 and half hour. We take lunch break there, book room and dropped stuffs then hike to Everest Base Camp. Stay overnight in lodge.
Early in the morning, hike up to Kala Pathar/5545m; meaning black stone. It is 400m ascends to Kala Pathar view point from hotel, takes max. 2 hours. Now the view is 360˙degreet view of Mt. Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Khumbutse, Pumori, Lingtren, Amadablam, Thamserku, Lobuche peak and other peaks all around. There is also unobstructed view of sunrise and sunset. Then we walk down to hotel after breakfast continues our trek to Dzongla via Lobuche. It takes about 4 hours to Dzonglha from Gorakshep. Stay overnight in lodge.
We should take a heavy breakfast because there is not any tea shop between Dzonglha and Thakna. We have to carry some snacks, dry food, cookies and enough water. It is better to start to trek very early in the morning as it is windy at day time. Our guide or porter carries tea or hot water to keep you rehydrate on the way. It takes 7-8 hours to get to Thakna from Dzonglha via strenuous Chola Pass/5417m. Stay overnight in lodge.
After breakfast, the trail continues gently up and down by crossing Nzojumba glacier until reaching Gokyo which takes about 2 and half hour. Now you have a great view of Cho-Oyu and other peaks. You can see the second lake during the trail before reaching Gokyo. Gokyo Lake is third lake which is also known as Dudh Pokhari; meaning milk pond. You have lunch break and take rest. After lunch walk to fourth or fifth lake with your guide to explore. Stay overnight in lodge.
Hike up to Gokyo Peak or Gokyo Ri/5357m. About 2 hours climb up; for sun rise view and incredible mountain. The view is far better thanr Kala Pathar in your trekking. You have an excellent view of four of eight, eight-thousanders including Mt Everest/8848m, Mt. Lhotse/8510m, Mt. Makalu/8463, Cho Oyu/8153m, Pumori, Amadablam and other peaks. You have also unobstructed view of Sunrise from the top. Come back to hotel and stay there overnight.
Early in the morning, we start our trek to Lungden via Renjola Pass (5417m); last pass of 3 high passes in our trek. The is now tremendous from top of Renjo La. World’s highest peak Mt Everest (8848m), Mt. Lhotse (8510m), Mt. Makalu (8463m), Cho Oyu (8153m), Amadablem And many other peaks are seen.. Stay overnight at lodge
We walk down to Thame village which is beautiful Sherpa village. It is an easy walk down to the village and we can explore the area upon reaching there. Stay overnight in lodge.
Trek to Namache - Monju from Thame. An easy walk of about four hours takes us to Namche Bazaar. You can treat yourself with bottle of beer. Yes you deserve it! And hang around in at Monju as your trek is about to end after one day. Stay overnight at lodge.
After breakfast set off to trek to Lukla via Jorsalle, Manjo, Phakding, Ght and Chhplung. Hang around in Lukla Bazzar. There are bars, cyber café, banks, restaurants, curio shops and groceries. Stay overnight in lodge.
After hot breakfast at Lukla fly back to Manthali then drive to Kathmandu (130km / 4 hours drive). Overnight in Kathmandu. Trip ends with Wilderness Excursion
Lukla Flight Update: This alters Everest Treka which statrs at Lukla
Because of high air traffic congestion in Kathmandu’s only airport that is for both international and domestic flights. CAAN (Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal) decided to continue the Lukla flight from Manthali in the Ramechhap district during the peak trekking seasons. This flight diverts has significantly altered the logistics for the Everest treks. To accommodate this change, we will have to adjust your departure schedule on the first day of your journey, our guide will pick you up from your accommodation around 1:00 to 2:00 AM and drive to Manthali (132 KM / 3 to 4 hours drive) to catch morning scenic flight to Lukla
A good option! Going to Manthali a day before your flight to Lukla for comfortable travel rather than rushing up. This will require an extra day. Speak/write to your trip planner before booking the Ultimate Everest Trek.
Route Map
Altitude Chart
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Cost Details
Includes
- An experienced licensed guide for Everest 3 Passes Trek.
- One sharing high-altitude porters for 2 trekkers to carry the luggage.
- Meal: 17 breakfasts, 17 lunches, and 17 dinners during the trekking.
- Sharing twin bedrooms in mountain/teahouse lodge accommodation during the trek.
- Lukla round-trip fare (cost: USD 450.00) per person and airport taxes.
- Flight ticket for your Everest three-pass trek guide.
- All necessary trekking permits with National park fees,
- Guides and porters fee with all their expenses during the trek
- Insurance and trekking gear forthe guide and porter.
- Office service charges and government taxes and VAT, etc
Excludes
- Accommodation, meals, and transfers in Kathmandu.
- Bar bills, beverages such as coke, fanta, and mineral water
- Hot shower, battery charging and hot water during the trekking
- Personal travel insurance, internet, phone calls, and laundry service.
- Rescue operation charge in case of emergency.
- Additional porters hire if needed.
- Tipping your guide and porters.
Add-ons & Options
To make your Everest Three Passes Trek booking easier and option with preference, we offer you a selection of add-ons (Extra services with additional cost) that you can opt for while booking this Ultimate Everest trek with Wilderness Excursion.
- Helicopter ride from Kathmandu to Lukla USD 550: Take a shared helicopter flight to Lukla from Kathmandu than the regular Lukla flight, which often gets delayed even in the peak trekking season. The cost is USD 550 per adult shared among five people.
- Helicopter Flight to Kathmandu from Lukla USD 550: Conclude your Everest Three Passes Trek with a scenic and exciting Helicopter Ride from Lukla to Kathmandu. Cost USD 550 per person.
- Accommodation Booking in Kathmandu USD 45: We can handle your accommodation booking for pre- and post-trekking stay in Kathmandu. It will cost USD 45 for double occupancy and USD 35 for a single room with breakfast. The accommodation will be centrally located in Thamel in the 3-star category. Also, we can assist with booking a 4 to 5-star hotel as well.
Dates & Availability
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Feb 2026
Mar 2026
Apr 2026
May 2026
Jun 2026
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Sep 2026
Oct 2026
Nov 2026
Dec 2026
Check our published date! If it doesn’t match, we are happy to customize your tour perfectly to suit your interests and needs, creating a unique travel experience for you
Essential Information
Everest Three Passes trek difficulty
Determining trek difficulty in the Himalayas is tricky. The simplest method is to check the maximum altitude and duration. That does provide a basic understanding of trek difficulty, but other factors include uphill, acclimatization, average walking hours and distance, food and accommodation comfort, and personal fitness.
The 18-day Everest Three Passes trek is above beginner’s capacity. The three-pass itinerary follows multiple high passes of the Everest Region without a side trail to base camp. Although the itinerary is customized for comfortable travel with multiple rest and acclimatization days, and the Everest region is one of the most developed trekking regions providing quality lodging services, the trek duration and constant uphill with 4 major high passes with base camp can be difficult for beginners. The trek is only recommended for those with experience of high altitude and long trek duration.
Cost covered by the USD 1599 package trip
The affordable cost of USD 1599, provided by Wilderness Excursion, is for an 18-day inclusive package trip. The cost covers your trekking documents, lodgings, food (breakfast, lunch, and dinner), flight cost to Lukla from Manthali, transportation from Kathmandu to Manthali, 1 porter for 2 trekkers, and trek guides with all their expenses and insurance being covered. With exclusive services such as complimentary tea with breakfast and fresh fruits, the package trip is for your booking.
The cost excludes expenses for personal items such as sanitary needs, donations, tipping, and other expenses. We provide complimentary tea on a daily basis, but the cost won’t cover any additional bars and beverage bills. So, carrying extra cash is recommended for spending wisely in the Himalayas, where every good and service is expected to be more expensive in comparison to towns and cities.
Permits and documents required for the trek
The Everest region is protected and conserved under the law of Sagarmatha National Park. Thus, trekkers are required to obtain the national park ticket along with TIMs (Trekkers Information Management System). There are also municipal entry fees imposed during the trek after certain camps that can be obtained during the trek. The national park entrance fee costs around NPR 1500 for SAARC nationals and NPR 3000 for other nationals. TIM's card costs around NPR 2000. SAARC countries must pay Rs 300 for TIMS cards, while FITs from the SAARC region must pay Rs 1500 each.
For more updated information regarding permits and ticket fees, follow the link given.
- Nepal Tourism Board
- Wilderness Excursion – Nepal trekking permit and fees
Lukla flight diversion
The Nepal Government Civil Aviation Authority had announced issues in flight operations from Kathmandu to Lukla; thus, all flights now operate from Manthali, which is a 130 km drive from Kathmandu. The trekkers are required to depart early from Kathmandu for the flight to Lukla.
An alternative of a helicopter can also be arranged on a 5-person sharing basis with an additional charge of USD 500 for a one-way flight. The alternative is not 100% guaranteed, unlike the road transportation to Manthali, but arrangements can be made with prior notice. The flight to Lukla is one of the most dangerous aviation operations in the world; a small change in weather can cancel the flight. Travelers are requested to inform us of the preferred alternatives for the flights to/from Lukla affected due to possible delays or disruptions.
Everest Three Passes preparation tips
The Everest Three Passes Trek crosses remote high-altitude terrain over Kongma La, Cho La, and Renjo La, where freezing temperatures, glacier sections, strong winds, and long walking hours demand proper layering, dependable gear, and smart personal essentials. Solid physical conditioning, mental readiness, and careful budgeting help trekkers handle altitude changes, technical paths, and limited facilities comfortably without unnecessary risk or stress.
Preparation Tips
- Build strong cardio endurance.
- Strengthen legs and knees.
- Practice hiking with a backpack.
- Budget daily personal expenses at 10 USD per day.
- Prepare mentally for basics.
Packing Tips
- Insulated down jacket.
- Waterproof, windproof essentials.
- High-ankle trekking boots.
- Warm gloves, hat, and buff.
- Sleeping bag.
- Trekking poles for passes.
- Water bottles, purification tablets.
- Headlamp with spare batteries.
- Sanitary items are recommended to be bought in Kathmandu.
Everest Three Passes Trek - 18 Days FAQs
As it is titled “Everest Ultimate Trek,” the three-pass trek is labeled "demanding.”. It is a serious adventure trek crossing over high altitude passes (Kongma La 5535 m, Cho La (5420 m), and Renjo La 5417 m).
It requires previous trekking experience in the Himalayas or Alps to be in good physical shape. If you are not well acclimated and need to make yourself fitter, then Wilderness Excursion suggests you start the trek lower at Phaplu (see our Phaplu to Namche Bazaar Everest Base Camp Trek). This trek is not technical, but sometimes it may require some basic equipment, such as an ice gripper, an ice axe, and trekking poles if you are trekking in late October, November, or early March.
Best time to trek to Everest three passes is September and early October and from Mid March to June. Trekking in November is still not bad. Heavy snowfall blocks the trail and warn to go back so check the weather forecast before heading to trail head.
Monsoon rain may affect the views if you are trekking in June, July and August. Lukla flights may get delayed and cancelled in rainy season. Everest region gets extremely busy during the month of April from mountaineering expedition teams.
The Everest Three Passes Trek is some 170 km (105 miles approximately). Take a scenic flight from Kathmandu (from Manthali in peak seasons), and the trek strats at Lukla, where you catch a light to KTM/Manthali again. Nepal is the country where trekking duration is measured in days, so the Three Passes Trek, aka Everest Ultimate Trek’s length depends on from where you start the trek. Still many people start this trek at Jiri and walk to Lukla/Namche. Also, you could start this trek from Phaplu. Then your trek will be some three weeks long or more. We also offer tailored-made itineraries that suit your requirements.
The highest point you will reach in the Everest Three Pass Trek is Kalapatthar, which is 5545 meters (18188 ft) above sea level. However, all three passes are above 5000 meters and base camps as well.
You do not require any special trekking permits, but ordinary trekking permits are mandatory. You will need the Sagarmantha National Park entrance ticket, and the Pasang Lhamu Municipality entrance fee can be bought at Lukla. TIMS Card is optional. We will obtain these permits if you decide to trek with us.
In such a dire situation, the guide will get in touch with the team in Kathmandu right away to set up a rescue or airlift, and your travel agency will get in touch with your insurance provider back home. Booking is contingent upon having sufficient insurance coverage for this kind of thing, since your insurance provider will have to reimburse you for these costs. There are health posts in the more popular areas that have been established by the Government of Nepal, foreign physicians, and overseas staff members who are well aware of the Himalayan Rescue Association.
Wilderness Excursion provides one shared porter between two trekkers, and the weight limit is a maximum of 20 kg (10 kg per client) plus 5 to 7 kg of his own pack.
No problem; you will have to tell your guide or contact the service provider back in Kathamdnu. We can extend the trek and change your flight date if the trek is extended.
It is okay to do this trekking clockwise (crossing Renjo La first) or counterclockwise (crossing Kongma La first). But our standard itinerary will be anticlockwise to allow for proper acclimatization. If you cross Kongma La first, you can climb to high elevation at a sensible rate and incorporate at least two acclimatization hikes into your itinerary if necessary.
Trekking in Everest does not require a guide. You are trekking in the region's most epic area that provides the best scenery, glacier lakes, high mountain passes, and the best view ever, but equally, it can be unsafe if you miss the right track and other possible hazards that may lead to serious problems. Wilderness Excursion strongly suggests hiring a guide. Safe and Happy Trek.
Wilderness Excursion highly advises our clients doing an adventure trekking in Nepal to get insurance that can cover emergency air evacuations up to the highest trek altitude and medical expenses. Helicopter evacuation is compulsory as there are no sufficient treatment centers in the trek region.
The weather conditions in the Everest region, particularly the Three Passes, vary by time of year. The daytime temperatures at higher altitudes can vary from 0°C to 10°C (32°F to 50°F) during the hiking seasons, which are spring and autumn. Temperatures can drop dramatically during the night, particularly at high passes. At Everest BC, wintertime lows of -18°C are not uncommon. The midday high in the summer can reach about 20°C.
Most visitors can obtain a tourist visa at different Nepali border entry points or upon arrival at Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport. Some nationals nonetheless are not eligible for an on-arrival visa; therefore, they need to get in touch with the nearest Nepali embassy.
For more information on obtaining Nepal Toursit Visa
What Our Clients are Saying?
based on 5 reviews
19 Days Everest Three Pass Trek
Everest Three Pass Trek - Very challenging but excellent experience!
I found it (Everest Three Passes Trek) very challenging but worth it, as this trek rewards you with a life-changing adventure and superb views that I have never seen, though...
Nils Martin- Sweden
May 14, 2025Experiencing 3 Pass Trek and Island Peak Climbing
I did the Everest Three Passes Trek and an Island Peak Climbing with my 3 friends. We had to skip the acclimatization day at Namche because of a flight cancelation from Kathmandu and had to go to Manthali for the...
Martin Fric- Czechia
November 30, 2024Everest Three High Passes Trekking (May 2024)
Everest Three Passes Trekking - The Ultimate Everest Trek in Nepal
We were very pleased with the professionalism and attention to detail displayed by the staff when we finished the Everest Three Passes Trek with Wilderness Excursion at the end of...
A
Alicia J- New Zealand
June 21, 2024Adventures Tailored for You
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