Everest Three Pass Trek

Name: Everest Three Pass Trek
Brand: RARA Treks
SKU: everest-three-pass-trek-guide
Rating: 4.3 (1 reviews)

Gokyo Ri

4.3 (1 reviews)

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Trip Details

Duration: 17 days

Location: Everest Region

Trip Grade: Challenging,

Maximum Altitude: 5643m

Group Size: 5

Activities: Trekking

Best Time: March-May, Sep-Nov

Starts/Ends: Kathmandu

$2400

Total$2400

Everest Three Pass Trek Overview

Experience one of Nepal’s most thrilling high-altitude treks: the Everest Three Pass Trek. This classic trek traverses three majestic mountain passes Renjo La (5,388m), Cho La (5,420m), and Kongma La (5,535m) linking remote valleys, glacial trails, and traditional Sherpa villages.

Also known as the Three Pass & Three Peaks Trek, it offers optional climbs to Gokyo Ri (5,357m), Kala Patthar (5,643m), and Chhukung Ri (5,550m) without requiring climbing permits. These summits reward trekkers with unobstructed views of Mount Everest and other Himalayan giants like Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Makalu, and Cho Oyu.

Unlike the standard Everest Base Camp trek, the Three Passes Trek loops through remote valleys, glacial ridges, and ancient Sherpa settlements. Highlights include Namche Bazaar, the lively Sherpa hub, Thame Village, home of Apa Sherpa, and Phorche, a rustic highland stop often used as a winter route.

Choosing the Right Route: Clockwise vs Counterclockwise

Clockwise Route: Renjo La → Cho La → Kongma La

Gentler ascents
Better acclimatization
Early views of Gokyo Valley and turquoise lakes

Counterclockwise Route: Less common; often more tiring and may reduce enjoyment at key highlights like Gokyo Lakes.

Why a Guide Is Recommended

Navigating high-altitude trails can be risky due to snow, ice, and poor signposting. A local guide provides:

Safety and guidance on technical sections
Insight into Sherpa culture and Himalayan history
Organization of permits, accommodations, and logistics

Experienced companies like Rara Treks offer tailored itineraries, professional guides, and ethical trekking practices.

Who Should Attempt This Trek ?

Experienced trekkers or physically fit adventurers
Those prepared for isolation, high-altitude challenges, and rapidly changing weather
Beginners should attempt only with rigorous preparation and guidance

Trip Description

Stunning views from Gokyo Ri, Kala Patthar, and Chhukung Ri
Close encounters with Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, and more
Photos of Khumbu Glacier, Gokyo Lakes, and alpine meadows
Cultural immersion in Sherpa villages and monasteries
Walking in the footsteps of Everest legends like Kami Rita and Apa Sherpa

Hidden Peaks Worth Exploring

For adventurous trekkers, these side peaks offer incredible panoramic views:

Sundar Peak (5,360m) – Thame
Nangkartshang Peak (5,100m) – near Dingboche
Ngozumpa Tse (5,553m) – above Gokyo
Pokalde Peak (5,806m) – near Kongma La
Awi Peak (5,245m) – Zhong La ridge

Trek Permits

Typical costs include:

Trekking permits (Sagarmatha National Park, Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality)
Guide and porter services
Accommodation and meals during the trek

What to Bring

Footwear
Warm trekking socks (wool or technical fabric) Regular hiking socks Liner socks (optional) Waterproof trekking boots Ice cleats or micro spikes (Recommended from November to March) Casual shoes or sandals Gaiters (light for dust, heavy for snow)
Essential Gear (General)
Four-season sleeping bag rated to 0°C (Rental available: USD 35) Insulated down or synthetic jacket (Rental available: USD 35) Daypack (35–45L) with rain cover Sleeping bag liner
Upper Body Clothing
Moisture-wicking base layers (lightweight for warm seasons, thermal for cold seasons) Quick-dry short-sleeve shirts (2) Quick-dry long-sleeve shirts (2) Waterproof and windproof outer shell Fleece jacket or insulated mid-layer
Lower Body Clothing
Thermal base layer (seasonal) Trekking pants (2 pairs) Comfortable pants for evenings or teahouses Waterproof and windproof trousers Trekking shorts
Head & Hand Accessories
Head Accessories Sun hat or cap Warm beanie or woolen hat Headlamp with spare batteries UV-protection sunglasses Hand Wear: Lightweight liner gloves (wool or technical fabric) Insulated outer gloves for colder conditions
Undergarments and Sleepwear
Quick-dry underwear Sports bras (for women) Pajamas or sleepwear Note: Clothing quantities can be adjusted based on personal preference and trip length
Personal First Aid and Medications
Sunscreen Lip balm Personal medications Basic ointments or creams (Guides carry group first aid kits, but personal items are strongly advised.)
Optional Items
Power bank or spare batteries Camera or smartphone Book or playing cards Binoculars Trekking poles Whistle Thermos flask for hot drinks (Most trekking gear can be purchased in Thamel, Kathmandu, at reasonable prices.)
Travel Daily Essentials
Passport, ticket Extra passport-size photos Reusable water bottle Toiletry kit Water purification tablets or UV purifier Lightweight towel Pillowcase Toilet paper (2 rolls) High-energy snacks (nuts, protein bars) Dry bags for documents and money

Everest Three Pass Trek Altitude Chart

Everest Three Pass Trek Itinerary

Explore our comprehensive 17-day trek itinerary with daily activities, accommodations, and highlights

Day 1
Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m)
Arrive in Kathmandu. Meet your guide, trek briefing, and overnight stay in a hotel.
Duration
3 hours
Location
kathmandu
Altitude
1350m
Activities
Arrival
Accommodation
Hotel
Meals Included
Welcome
Day 2
Fly to Lukla (2,860m) & Trek to Phakding (2,610m)
Day 3
Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440m)
Day 4
Acclimatization in Namche Bazaar
Day 5
Namche Bazaar to Dole (4,038m)
Day 6
Dole to Machhermo (4,470m)
Day 7
Machhermo to Gokyo (4,790m)
Day 8
Acclimatization & Optional Gokyo Ri (5,357m)
Day 9
Gokyo to Thagnak (4,700m) via Renjo La Pass (5,388m)
Day 10
Thagnak to Dzongla (4,830m) via Cho La Pass (5,420m)
Day 11
Dzongla to Lobuche (4,910m) via Kongma La Pass (5,535m)
Day 12
Lobuche to Gorakshep (5,140m) & Kala Patthar (5,643m)
Day 13
Gorak Shep to Everest Base Camp (5,364m) & return to Pheriche (4,240m)
Day 14
Pheriche to Namche Bazaar (3,440m)
Day 15
Namche Bazaar to Lukla (2,860m)
Day 16
Fly back to Kathmandu (1,350m)
Day 17
Departure from Kathmandu

Complete Everest Three Pass Trek Itinerary Details

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m)

Arrive in Kathmandu. Meet your guide, trek briefing, and overnight stay in a hotel.

Altitude: 1350m

Duration: 3 hours

Location: kathmandu

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals: Welcome

Day 2: Fly to Lukla (2,860m) & Trek to Phakding (2,610m)

Scenic flight to Lukla, start trekking to Phakding through pine forests and small villages.

Altitude: 2610m

Duration: Full day hours

Location: Phakding

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440m)

Trek through the Dudh Koshi Valley, cross suspension bridges, and enter the Sherpa hub of Namche Bazaar.

Altitude: 3440m

Duration: 5 hours

Location: Namche Bazar

Accommodation: Lodge

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Acclimatization in Namche Bazaar

Explore Namche Bazaar, hike to Syangboche or Everest View Hotel, acclimatize and enjoy local culture.

Altitude: 3440m

Duration: full Day hours

Location: Namche

Accommodation: Guest House

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Namche Bazaar to Dole (4,038m)

Ascend through pine forests, cross small villages, and enjoy views of Thamserku and Kusum Kanguru.

Altitude: 4038m

Duration: 5 hours

Location: Dole

Accommodation: Lodge

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Dole to Machhermo (4,470m)

Trek across the moraine of the Ngozumpa Glacier, pass Chukung and Dingboche, reaching Machhermo.

Altitude: 4470m

Duration: 6 hours

Location: Machhermo

Accommodation: Lodge

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Machhermo to Gokyo (4,790m)

Cross glacial terrain to the stunning Gokyo Valley, home to turquoise lakes and panoramic Himalayan views.

Altitude: 4790m

Duration: 6 hours

Location: Gokyo

Accommodation: Lodge

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Acclimatization & Optional Gokyo Ri (5,357m)

Hike Gokyo Ri for unmatched views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu.

Altitude: 5357m

Duration: 4 hours

Location: Gokyo ri

Accommodation: Lodge

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9: Gokyo to Thagnak (4,700m) via Renjo La Pass (5,388m)

Trek over Renjo La, one of the three high passes, and descend to Thagnak.

Altitude: 5388m

Duration: 7 hours

Location: Thagnak

Accommodation: Lodge

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10: Thagnak to Dzongla (4,830m) via Cho La Pass (5,420m)

Challenging trek over Cho La Pass, surrounded by glaciers, then descend to Dzongla.

Altitude: 5420m

Duration: 7 hours

Location: Dzongla

Accommodation: Teahouse

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11: Dzongla to Lobuche (4,910m) via Kongma La Pass (5,535m)

Cross the final pass, Kongma La, then trek down to Lobuche. Spectacular Everest views along the way.

Altitude: 5535m

Duration: 7 hours

Location: Lobuche

Accommodation: Lodge

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12: Lobuche to Gorakshep (5,140m) & Kala Patthar (5,643m)

Trek to Gorak Shep, optional ascent of Kala Patthar for iconic Everest views, overnight in Gorak Shep.

Altitude: 5643m

Duration: 7 hours

Location: Gorakshep

Accommodation: lodge

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13: Gorak Shep to Everest Base Camp (5,364m) & return to Pheriche (4,240m)

Early trek to Everest Base Camp, explore the site, then descend to Pheriche for rest.

Altitude: 5364m

Duration: Trek hours

Location: Pheriche

Accommodation: Lodge

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 14: Pheriche to Namche Bazaar (3,440m)

Long descent back through Pangboche and Tengboche to Namche Bazaar.

Altitude: 3440m

Duration: 7 hours

Location: Namche

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 15: Namche Bazaar to Lukla (2,860m)

Final day of trekking, descend through forested valleys to Lukla.

Altitude: 2860m

Duration: 6 hours

Location: Trek

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 16: Fly back to Kathmandu (1,350m)

Scenic return flight, transfer to hotel, evening at leisure in Kathmandu.

Altitude: 1350m

Duration: 30m hours

Location: Kathmandu

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 17: Departure from Kathmandu

Transfer to the airport for onward flight home.

Altitude: 1350m

Duration: 3 hours

Location: Kathmandu

Accommodation: -

Meals: -

Everest Three Pass Trek Cost Detail

What's Included

Airport pickup and drop-off
Trekking accommodation in teahouses or lodges
Trekking Permits (TIMS, National Park fees)
Licensed English-speaking trekking guide
Meals during the trek (breakfast,lunch,dinner)
Transportation by Clean & AC vehicles
First aid kit carried by the guide
Insurance for guide and porter
Government taxes and service charges

What's Not Included

Porter (usually 1 porter 20kg)
International airfare and visa fees
Travel and medical insurance
Meals in any place (unless specified)
Personal expenses (laundry, snacks, drinks, etc.)
Extra accommodation due to delays or early return
Optional activities(sightseeing, cultural etc)
Hot showers and charging fees in tea houses
Tips for guide, porter (optional)

Everest Three Pass Trek Location

Fly into Kathmandu, then take a scenic flight to Lukla the gateway to Everest Base Camp and region treks. Sometimes flights depart from Manthali (drive required), so confirm with your guide. Start your Everest Three Passes adventure with expert guides and a tailored package. Book now and relax!