The Everest Three Pass Trek, also known as the
Everest High Pass Trek, stands out as one of the most exhilarating and comprehensive trekking adventures in the majestic
Everest region of
Nepal. This 21-day journey promises an unparalleled experience, as it transcends three of the highest and most breathtaking mountain passes in the world: Kongma La (5,535m), Cho La (5,420m), and Renjo La (5,360m).
Embarking on the Everest Three Pass Trek allows trekkers to witness iconic highlights of the Everest region, including the famed Everest Base Camp (EBC) and the stunning viewpoints of Kalapatthar, along with the pristine Gokyo Lakes and the vibrant Sherpa communities in Namche Bazaar, Lobuche, and Gokyo. Designed for seasoned trekkers, the Everest High Pass Trek offers an unforgettable challenge amidst the towering peaks of the Himalayas.
Nestled within Sagarmatha National Park, the Everest region is celebrated not only for its awe-inspiring geographical beauty but also for its rich cultural significance. Dominated by the towering Mount Everest (8,848 m/29,032 ft) and flanked by other giants such as Lhotse (8,516 m/27,940 ft), Nuptse, and Makalu, this area features dramatic landscapes, including high mountain ranges, expansive glaciers, and deep gorges, making it a paradise for hiking enthusiasts.
The ideal time to undertake the Everest Three Pass Trek is during the spring and autumn months when weather conditions are more stable, offering trekkers marvelous opportunities to witness the grandeur of the Himalayan mountains.
Travelers planning to explore this breathtaking region must secure a Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit, along with permission from the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality. These essential permits not only aid in conservation efforts but also ensure that trekking activities benefit local communities. The Everest region is home to a rich variety of flora and fauna, including rhododendron forests, rare orchids, Himalayan tahr, red pandas, and elusive snow leopards, allowing hikers to appreciate the unique ecological landscape of high-altitude terrains.
The trek culminates at Everest Base Camp, where many adventurers begin their quest to summit the highest mountain on Earth. Other captivating attractions include the breathtaking Kala Patthar viewpoint, offering spectacular vistas of Mount Everest and surrounding peaks, and the sacred Tengboche Monastery, which embodies the cultural richness of the Sherpa people. Along the trail, vibrant local communities such as Namche Bazaar, Dingboche, and Chukkung Ri provide trekkers with opportunities to engage with Sherpa traditions and enjoy recommended activities.
The Everest Three Pass Trek is not just a walking adventure; it encapsulates the very essence of the grand Himalayas, blending rich culture with stunning vistas for an unforgettable experience. Experience the thrill of the Everest High Pass Trek and discover the true heart of this extraordinary region.
How does the Everest three high pass trek start and end?
The Everest Three Pass Trek is a 21-day adventure that begins and ends in Kathmandu. Your journey starts upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, where the Yeti Hikes team will welcome you and take you to your hotel. After a Welcome Breakfast, your guide will outline the itinerary and necessary equipment for the trek.
Your adventure really begins with a scenic 30-minute flight to Tenzing Hillary Airport in Lukla, the gateway to the Khumbu region. From there, you'll trek through lush forests and typical Sherpa villages like Phakding and Monjo, gradually ascending through pine woodlands, monasteries, and breathtaking mountain views.
Key stops include Namche Bazaar, the largest Sherpa trading hub, and beautiful villages like Lobuche (4,940m/16,207ft) and Dingboche (4,410m/14,469ft), where you will acclimatize to the altitude. You’ll also visit Tengboche Monastery (3,867m/12,687ft), where you can glimpse iconic peaks such as Mt. Everest (5,364m/17,598ft), Lhotse (8,516m/27,940ft), and Ama Dablam (6,812m/22,349ft).
Your trek leads you to Everest Base Camp (5,364m/17,598ft), surrounded by the majestic Khumbu Icefall and towering mountains. After soaking in the beauty and history of this legendary site, you’ll return to Kathmandu, filled with a sense of accomplishment. The Everest High Pass Trek concludes with heartfelt goodbyes and plans for your next adventure.
Altitude distance coverage of Everest three high pass trek
|
Day
|
From
|
To
|
Altitude (m)
|
Distance (km)
|
Time (hrs)
|
Elevation Gain (m)
|
Elevation Drop (m)
|
|
1
|
Kathmandu
|
Kathmandu
|
1,400
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
2
|
Kathmandu
|
Phakding
|
2,610
|
8
|
3-4
|
+200
|
-940
|
|
3
|
Phakding
|
Namche Bazaar
|
3,440
|
10
|
5-6
|
+830
|
-0
|
|
4
|
Acclimatization Day
|
Namche Bazaar
|
3,440
|
5 (side trek)
|
3-4
|
+400 (side trek)
|
-400 (side trek)
|
|
5
|
Namche Bazaar
|
Tengboche
|
3,860
|
9
|
5-6
|
+420
|
-0
|
|
6
|
Tengboche
|
Dingboche
|
4,410
|
11
|
5-6
|
+550
|
-0
|
|
7
|
Dingboche
|
Nangkartshang Peak
|
5,083
|
4
|
3-4
|
+673
|
-673
|
|
8
|
Dingboche
|
Chhukung Ri
|
5,550
|
5
|
3-4
|
+1,140
|
-0
|
|
9
|
Chhukung Ri
|
Kongma La Pass
|
5,535
|
12
|
6-7
|
+985
|
-625
|
|
10
|
Lobuche
|
Gorak Shep/EBC
|
5,364 (EBC)
|
12 (round trip)
|
7-8
|
+454
|
-454
|
|
11
|
Gorak Shep
|
Kala Patthar
|
5,550
|
4
|
3-4
|
+186
|
-186
|
|
|
Kala Patthar
|
Lobuche
|
4,910
|
7
|
4-5
|
-0
|
-640
|
|
12
|
Lobuche
|
Dzongla
|
4,830
|
7
|
4-5
|
+100
|
-180
|
|
13
|
Dzongla
|
Thangna (via Cho-La)
|
4,700
|
12
|
6-7
|
+570
|
-700
|
|
14
|
Thangna
|
Gokyo Valley
|
4,800
|
8
|
4-5
|
+100
|
-0
|
|
15
|
Gokyo Valley
|
Summit Gokyo Ri
|
5,357
|
5 (round trip)
|
3-4
|
+557
|
-557
|
|
16
|
Gokyo Valley
|
Marlung (via Renjo-La)
|
4,200
|
15
|
7-8
|
+536
|
-1,136
|
|
17
|
Marlung
|
Namche Bazaar
|
3,440
|
15
|
6-7
|
+0
|
-760
|
|
18
|
Namche Bazaar
|
Lukla
|
2,860
|
16
|
6-7
|
+200
|
-780
|
|
19
|
Lukla
|
Kathmandu
|
1,400
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
20
|
Kathmandu
|
International Departure
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
Best season/ time for Everest high pass trek
The best time for Everest Three Pass Trek doesn't matter if you are interested and willing to take risks, but it depends on your preferences. However, the best season for this trek is either Spring or Autumn, when the weather and temperature are worth traveling around Nepal.
Spring (March-May)
The rates of average day temperatures are 10°C to 15°C (50°F to 59°F) at low levels of altitude, while the temperature at night can drop to 5°C to 15°C (41°F to 59°F) during spring season. With that, you'll get to experience explosive growth of flora, rhododendrons, and other wildflowers, especially in the lower altitudes. You'll get to explore enhanced wildlife activity with the opportunity to spot the Himalayan Tahr and Musk Deer and various bird species. You'll get to witness a significant Buddhist festival, Buddha Jayanti, that brings life and color to the monasteries in the Everest Region with local festival celebrations along with farming practices and seasonal livelihoods. The trails are primarily available this season, and light precipitation may sometimes happen. Villages look cleaner, and you will have clear views of Mount Everest (8,848m/29,032ft), Lhotse (8,516m/27,940ft), Ama Dablam (6,812m/22,349ft), and many other great peaks.
Autumn (September-November)
Autumn season has fewer showers than monsoon, making the trails less slippery when they dry up after several hours of dew. Day temperatures in autumn are between 10 °C to 20 °C (50°F to 68°F) in lowlands, and night temperatures are approximately 0 °C to 10 °C (32°F to 50°F). Wildlife appears active, with favorable sights, winter Himalayan Tahr and different bird types can be seen. The sky is apparent, allowing one to clearly see some of the most enormous mountains, such as Mount Everest (8,848m/29,032ft), Lhotse (8,516m/27,940ft), and Ama Dablam (6,812m/22,349ft). In a cultural sense, autumn is exceptional in the region, particularly the festivals of Dashain and Tihar, which are the colors of the festival with great joy. Such fairs give life and paint monasteries and villages full of local colors. The trails are relatively more accessible to negotiate and, for the most part, passable even during this season, which is why it is the best time for trekking and discovering the beauty of the region. There can be light rain, but it is not very frequent and does not interfere with outdoor activities.
The Everest Three High Pass adventure is usually accomplished in two seasons which are spring and autumn; it is because the temperatures are consistent and clear skies give a good view of the mountains. During the monsoon season, there will be frequent rainfalls, which will make the trails slippery and increase the danger of landslides and poor visibility. On the contrary, the winter season is characterized by extremely low temperatures, frequent snowfalls, and lousy weather, complicating the possibility of trekking and even creating dangerous conditions. Both seasons make mountain conditions unsuitable for trekking, so spring and autumn are the best times for a safer and more pleasant trip.

Food and beverage options during the Everest three pass trek
You'll find various food options at teahouses and lodges along the trek:
| Meal Time |
Available Options |
| Breakfast |
Porridge/Oatmeal, Pancakes, Egg Dishes, Bread with Jam |
| Lunch |
Noodles, Sandwiches, Rice Dishes, Mo: Mo, Tibetan Bread, Sel Roti, Fresh Fruits, Thukpa |
| Dinner |
Dal Bhat, Rice & Curry, Potato Items, Tingmo |
| Hot Beverages |
Tea, Coffee, Hot Chocolate |
| Cold Beverages |
Soft Drinks, Bottled Water, Fresh Fruit Juice |
As the options may be limited, it is recommended that you carry bottled water for drinking, energy bars, nuts, chocolates, and biscuits. Alcohol drinks are also available but not favored as it may increase the risk of AMS and dehydration.
Toilet/bathroom facilities during the Everest Three Passes trekking
Available toilet facilities during Everest High Pass Trek again depend on altitude as well as the kind of accommodation one is undertaking. In the lower villages such as Lukla and Namche Bazaar, trekkers to livestock lodges and teahouses can expect western-style toilets. Sometimes, the teahouses found at the higher altitudes are comparatively primitive, and you may have to face the locally styled squat toilets, which are also prevalent in Nepal. This makes them less favored, not often cleaned or may not be cleaned at all sometimes. One should also pack their personal effects, such as rolls of tissue paper and alcoholic hand sanitizers because they are mostly not disinfected or missing. Moreover, it may be required that trekkers pay an amount for lavatories available in few area of the region. Water may also be unavailable for flushing or washing hands. Therefore, people are encouraged to wash their hands at appropriate times with available water or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Bathroom facilities, which often include showers and washing areas, also vary significantly along the trek. In lower areas, like Namche Bazaar, many teahouses offer hot showers, either through electric heaters or gas-powered systems, sometimes for an additional fee. These facilities may also include Western-style sinks and running water. As you climb higher, however, hot water availability becomes more limited, and some teahouses may only provide cold water or no running water at all. You can expect basic bathing facilities, and in higher altitudes, many may have to settle for sponge baths or wet wipes due to the lack of showers. In terms of the common wash can be substandard. In summary, you all need to be ready for differences in comfort for toilets and bathrooms all through the trek to Everest Three Pass, as well as differences in cleanliness and water sources in remote areas.
Outline Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to the hotel
Day 2: Flight to Lukla and trek to Phakding
Day 3: Trek to Namche Bazaar
Day 4: Acclimatization day in Namche Bazaar
Day 5: Trek to Tengboche
Day 6: Trek to Dingboche
Day 7: Acclimatization day at Dingboche, hike to Nangkartshang Peak
Day 8: Trek to Chhukung Ri
Day 9: Acclimatization day at Chukkung Ri
Day 10: Hike to Lobuche, crossing Kongma La Pass
Day 11: Trek to Gorak Shep to EBC camp and back to Gorak Shep
Day 12: Walk to Kalapathar & back to Gorakshep, then Lobuche
Day 13: Trek to Dzongla
Day 14: Thangna after crossing Cho-La Pass
Day 15: Trek to Gokyo
Day 16: Explore the Gokyo Valley- Summit Gokyo Ri
Day 17: Trek to Marlung via Renjo- La Pass
Day 18: Trek to Namche Bazaar
Day 19: Trek back to Lukla
Day 20: Flight back to Kathmandu
Day 21: International Departure