Everest Three Passes Trek 20 Days | Cost & Itinerary 2025

Q: Will I get altitude sickness on the Three Passes Trek?

It’s possible. Acclimatization days in Namche Bazaar and Dingboche help. Drink 4–5 liters of water daily, ascend slowly, and consider carrying Diamox (ask your doctor first).

Q: What permits do I need for the Three Passes Trek?

Two permits: TIMS Card ($20) Sagarmatha National Park Permit ($30)We already arrange this in package

Q: When is the best time to do the Three Passes Trek?

March–May (spring) for blooming rhododendrons, or September–November (autumn) for clear skies. Avoid monsoon (June–August) and winter (December–February) due to snow/ice.

Q: Do I need a guide for the Three Passes Trek?

Not mandatory, but highly recommended. Guides navigate tricky passes, handle permits, and ensure safety. Solo trekking is risky due to weather and route complexity.

Q: Where do we sleep during the trek?

Tea houses (basic mountain lodges) with shared rooms (5–5–10/night). Bring a warm sleeping bag—blankets are thin!

Q: What food is available on the Three Passes Trek?

Staples include dal bhat (rice/lentils), noodles, soups, and pancakes. Meat is rare at higher altitudes. Bring snacks like nuts and chocolate.

Everest Three Passes Trek: Overview

The Everest Three Passes Trek is one of Nepal’s most thrilling adventures, taking trekkers over three high-altitude Himalayan passes—Kongma La (18,209 ft), Cho La (17,782 ft), and Renjo La (17,560 ft). This 18–21 day journey weaves through Sherpa villages, turquoise glacial lakes, and trails with jaw-dropping views of Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam. Unlike shorter treks, the Three Passes route is for explorers who crave solitude, extreme challenges, and the bragging rights of conquering three sky-high passes.

Three Passes Trek Highlights

Kongma La (18,209 ft): The toughest pass with rocky trails and views of the Khumbu Glacier.
Cho La (17,782 ft): Icy terrain requiring crampons—descend to the surreal Gokyo Lakes!
Renjo La (17,560 ft): “Easiest” pass with panoramic Everest views and quiet valleys.
Everest Base Camp and walking on the Khumbu glacier.
Encounter the turquoise water of Gokyo Lake.
Hike up to Kala Patthar and Gokyo Ri, the astounding viewpoints in the Everest Region.
Stand at Everest Base Camp (17,600 ft) and snap photos with the world’s tallest peak.
Climb Kala Patthar (18,500 ft) for golden sunrises over Everest’s summit.
Explore Gokyo Lakes—six turquoise glacial pools that look like they’re from a fairy tale!

Why the Everest Three Passes Trek Rocks

Cross three famous passes: Kongma La (5,535m), Cho La (5,420m), and Renjo La (5,360m).
Stand at Everest Base Camp and see the tallest mountain ever!
Explore Gokyo Lakes—shiny blue water surrounded by snow.
Hike through Namche Bazaar, a busy mountain village.
Spot yaks and maybe a sneaky snow leopard.
Sleep in teahouses with yummy noodle soup.
Snap photos of giant peaks like Everest and Lhotse.
Feel like a superhero after finishing this tough trek!

Quick Facts About the Three Passes Trek

Difficulty: Extreme (requires 3–6 months of training).
Best Seasons: March–May (spring flowers) & September–November (clear skies).
Total Distance: 100–120 miles (like hiking from London to Paris!).
Highest Point: Kongma La Pass (18,209 ft—nearly 4x the height of Japan’s Mount Fuji!).
Permits Needed: TIMS Card + Sagarmatha National Park Permit.
Avg. Daily Hiking: 5–7 hours (with acclimatization days).

Ready to take on the challenge? Book your Everest Three Passes Trek today and embark on an unforgettable adventure!

Short Itinerary for the Everest Three Passes Trek – 20 Days

Day 1: Land in Kathmandu, Nepal’s busy city. Get ready for the Three Passes!
Day 2: Hop on a tiny plane to Lukla (2,860m), then walk 3 hours to Phakding. The Three Passes adventure starts here!
Day 3: Hike 6 hours to Namche Bazaar (3,440m), a cool mountain village. See yaks on the way to the Three Passes!
Day 4: Rest in Namche, peek at Everest, and get strong for the Three Passes.
Day 5: Trek 5 hours to Tengboche (3,860m). Visit a monastery near the Three Passes.
Day 6: Walk 6 hours to Dingboche (4,410m), closer to the Three Passes.
Day 7: Rest in Dingboche to breathe easy before the Three Passes.
Day 8: Hike 3 hours to Chhukung (4,730m), prepping for the Three Passes.
Day 9: Cross Kongma La Pass (5,535m), the highest of the Three Passes, in 8 hours to Lobuche.
Day 10: Trek 7 hours to Gorak Shep (5,164m), then visit Everest Base Camp (5,364m)—not one of the Three Passes, but super cool!
Day 11: Walk 6 hours to Dzongla (4,830m), resting for the next Three Passes challenge.
Day 12: Cross Cho La Pass (5,420m), the snowy second of the Three Passes, in 8 hours to Gokyo.
Day 13: Rest in Gokyo by shiny lakes after two Three Passes.
Day 14: Climb Gokyo Ri (5,357m) for a killer view of the Three Passes area—5 hours round trip.
Day 15: Cross Renjo La Pass (5,360m), the final Three Passes star, in 7 hours to Lungden.
Day 16: Trek 6 hours to Thame, winding down from the Three Passes.
Day 17: Walk 5 hours back to Namche Bazaar—say goodbye to the Three Passes!
Day 18: Hike 6 hours to Lukla—the Three Passes trek is almost done.
Day 19: Fly back to Kathmandu. Rest up after conquering the Three Passes!
Day 20: Head home from Kathmandu with Three Passes stories to tell!

Brief Description of the Trek

The Three Passes Trek is one of the most comprehensive and challenging treks in Nepal. The journey begins in Lukla, from where trekkers hike through the iconic Sherpa villages of Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche, and Chhukung. The first challenge is crossing Kongma La Pass, followed by a detour to Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar. The route then leads to Cho La Pass, taking you to the stunning Gokyo Valley and its turquoise lakes. The final challenge is crossing Renjo La Pass before heading back to Lukla.

Throughout the trek, you’ll witness breathtaking mountain vistas, including Everest (8,848m), Lhotse (8,516m), Makalu (8,485m), and Cho Oyu (8,188m). This trek is recommended for experienced hikers with a high level of fitness due to its difficulty and duration.

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Route Overview

The trek starts with a flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, followed by a trek to Namche Bazaar. From Namche Bazaar, you can choose to hike either clockwise or counterclockwise. The trek takes you through four valleys and three passes, with the option to visit Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar.

Scenic Spots and Landmarks

Kongma La Pass: The highest of the three passes, offering stunning views of the surrounding peaks.
Cho La Pass: Requires crossing a glacier and offers views of the Gokyo Lakes.
Renjo La Pass: Considered the easiest of the three passes, with views of Mount Everest and the Gokyo Lakes.
Everest Base Camp: The starting point for climbers attempting to summit Mount Everest.
Kala Patthar: A famous viewpoint offering close-up views of Mount Everest

Accommodation Options

Teahouses and lodges are available along the trek route.
Accommodation costs range from 100 to 400 rupees per night (~$1-$4).
Hot meals and beverages are available for purchase at the teahouses.

Food and Water Availability

Food is plentiful along the trek, with many lodges offering a variety of options.
Dal Bhat is a popular and nutritious meal option, with complimentary refills.
Water should be purified using a SteriPEN or other purification methods to avoid contributing to the garbage problem in the mountains.

Health and Safety Tips

Altitude sickness is a serious concern on this trek. Stay hydrated and ascend slowly to allow your body to acclimatize.
Carry a basic first aid kit and know the symptoms of altitude sickness.
In case of emergencies, evacuation procedures should be in place

Cost

FAQs

Cost

FAQs

Everest Three Passes Trek Include / Exclude

Cost Includes

Pick up and drop facilities from Airport-Hotel-Airport (by private car) With Luggage transfer
Welcome & farewell dinner at typical Nepali restaurant with live cultural program.
3- 5 star Level Hotel Accommodations in Kathmandu as your Choice
Stays in clean lodge/guest houses during the trek in twin sharing basis.
Three meals per day which includes Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner as per menu (you can choose Dinner menu and Lunch Fixed menu in Group, choice when small Group
Three times a cup of tea or coffee during the trek, Extra you have to pay extra directly
Seasonal fresh fruit during the trek up to Namche Bazzar
Experienced, well trained, English speaking guide with all his expenses, insurance, equipment during your travel period.(6 trekkers :1 Assistance Guide )
One porter for each two member in a group (with all his expenses, insurance, equipment during your travel period)
Entrance fees for sightseeing/monument visits as per itinerary.
Actual Adventure duffel bag and sleeping bag as optional (to be returned after trip completion)
Medical kit (carried by your trek leader)
All necessary paperwork and trekking permits (national Park Permit, TIMS)
Domestic flights (Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu with all applicable taxes and departure tax with 15KG luggage
Khumbu Local Entrance fee $20
All government and local taxes.
Service Charge for Company
Accidental Medical and health insurance for local crew members

Cost Excludes

International Airfare fees.
Nepalese visa fee- Available on Arrival Nepal Visa fee USD25 for 15 days, USD40 for 30 days or if extending your stay USD100 for 90 days. All are multiple entries. You will also need a passport photo. The visa fee can be paid in US Dollars, Pounds Sterling or Euros. (Bring accurate USD cash and two passport photographs)
Lunch and Dinner in Kathmandu in Itinerary
Upgrade Accommodations above 3 star level
Meals and accommodation in Kathmandu if early return from the mountain(due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary
Extra luggage charge. $ 1.5 USD Per KG
Single supplement will cost extra
Personal Climbing Gears
Personal Porter will cost extra
Hot showers during the trek.
Personal trekking equipment’s.
Personal travel insurance.
Extra costs for internet and phone calls in trekking
Tips for guides porters and drivers
Person expenses like as ( Telephone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower |Etc) in Trekking
Not included in the itinerary.
Extra Tea coffee, Snacks, energy chocolates ETC

FAQs

Expand all

What is the Everest Three Passes Trek?

It’s an awesome hike in Nepal where you cross the Three Passes—Kongma La, Cho La, and Renjo La—near Mount Everest. It’s like a superhero challenge with big mountains and cool views!

How long does the Three Passes Trek take?

The Three Passes Trek usually takes 18 to 21 days. You’ll need time to cross all Three Passes and enjoy the adventure

Is the Three Passes Trek hard?

Yes, it’s tough! The Three Passes are high and steep, so you need strong legs and a brave heart. But that’s what makes crossing the Three Passes so exciting!

Will I get altitude sickness on the Three Passes Trek?

It’s possible. Acclimatization days in Namche Bazaar and Dingboche help. Drink 4–5 liters of water daily, ascend slowly, and consider carrying Diamox (ask your doctor first).

What permits do I need for the Three Passes Trek?

Two permits:

TIMS Card ($20)
Sagarmatha National Park Permit ($30)
We already arrange this in package

When is the best time to do the Three Passes Trek?

March–May (spring) for blooming rhododendrons, or September–November (autumn) for clear skies. Avoid monsoon (June–August) and winter (December–February) due to snow/ice.

Do I need a guide for the Three Passes Trek?

Not mandatory, but highly recommended. Guides navigate tricky passes, handle permits, and ensure safety. Solo trekking is risky due to weather and route complexity.

Where do we sleep during the trek?

Tea houses (basic mountain lodges) with shared rooms (5–5–10/night). Bring a warm sleeping bag—blankets are thin!

What food is available on the Three Passes Trek?

Staples include dal bhat (rice/lentils), noodles, soups, and pancakes. Meat is rare at higher altitudes. Bring snacks like nuts and chocolate.

Will I see Mount Everest on the Three Passes Trek?

You ! After crossing one of the Three Passes, you’ll visit Everest Base Camp and see Everest up close. The Three Passes give you killer views too!

Is there Wi-Fi on the Three Passes Trek?

Sometimes! A few teahouses near the Three Passes have Wi-Fi, but it’s slow and costs extra. You might be too busy crossing the Three Passes to care!

Can I get sick on the Three Passes Trek?

Yeah, the high Three Passes can make you dizzy from thin air—called altitude sickness. Walk slow, drink water, and tell your guide.

Why should I do the Three Passes Trek?

Because it’s epic! Crossing the Three Passes, seeing Everest, and hiking Nepal’s mountains make you a super trekker. The Three Passes are a brag-worthy adventure!