Overview
“Crossing over three major high passes of Khumbu with outstanding mountain panorama and adventurous to challenging walks, achieving an adventure of lifetime experience with breathtaking panorama of mountains views from Kalapathar and Gokyo-Ri and overpasses exceptional scenery of world’s highest mountains on daily walks in the shade of Mt. Everest. Explore impressive Sherpa villages enriched with the age-old heritage of Buddhist culture. Flying in and take off at the unique Lukla airstrip with a sweeping mountain panorama of Everest and Pumori from the highest spot, Kalapathar hilltop within the World Heritage Sites of Sagarmatha National Park and its cool alpine woodland.”
EVEREST THREE HIGH PASSES TRAVERSE - MAJOR HIGHLIGHTS
- Three High Passes: Kongma La (5,535m), Cho La (5,420m), and Renjo La (5,360m) with stunning mountain views.
- Everest Base Camp: Trek to the base of Mount Everest (5,364m).
- Kala Patthar: Iconic viewpoint for Everest and nearby peaks (5,545m).
- Gokyo Lakes and Gokyo Ri: Visit turquoise lakes and ascend for panoramic Himalayan views.
- Diverse Terrain: Glaciers, moraines, alpine meadows, and forests.
- Sherpa Culture: Explore villages, monasteries, and Tibetan Buddhist heritage.
- Namche Bazaar: Acclimatization hub with vibrant markets and scenic vistas.
- Unparalleled Views: Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, Ama Dablam, and more.
- Challenging Adventure: Remote, high-altitude trek for seasoned adventurers.
- Wildlife: Chance to spot Himalayan tahr, musk deer, and pheasants in Sagarmatha National Park.
Hotels and in lodge on walks.
Moderate, Adventurous to Challenging in snow conditions.
Nepal North Mid-East within the Khumbu district of Everest.
On top Kalapathar is 5,545 m, Kongma-la is 5,535 m, Tsho-la is 5,365 m, and Renjo-la is 5,464 m high.
Populated by Sherpa the highlanders of Everest are enriched with colorful Buddhist religion and impressive culture.
17 Nights and 18 Days (Katmandu to Kathmandu)
Minimum 4 hrs to Maximum 6 hrs or more.
Total Trip:17 Nights and 18 Days from Kathmandu to Kathmandu.
April to May and September to early December months April to May are good for treks when wild-flowers are in full bloom, where most of the days are clear for views Morning and Night time as well in shade will be cold without a wind-chill factor, October to December another best months to trek when day is clear, but short sunlight hours due to autumn and winter months will be freezing morning/night times with chances of snow.
INTRODUCTION - EVEREST THREE HIGH PASSES TRAVERSE
Everest Three High Passes Traverse is a complete adventure that you will experience on this high-altitude walk and climb, facing breathtaking scenic mountain views that are more breathtaking than any other walk in the Himalayas range.
Everest Three High Passes Traverse leads you from one beautiful place to another all within the high and scenic Khumbu valley and its high ridges in the shade of mighty Mt. Everest that overshadows on this trekking adventure.
The wonderful and scenic walk leads you on the main trails of Everest base camp from Lukla for some days, and then with a difference where on this journey our route diverts towards off the beaten tracks, seldom explored and ventured by other few trekkers into complete wilderness in between high mountains of Khumbu.
An amazing walk with constant views of snow-capped peaks in the harmony of local nice and lovely Sherpa villages, where men-folk are renowned and famous pioneers as the first mountaineering guides, the Sherpa interwoven with Buddhist religion enriched with strong age-old heritage and cultures.
Everest Three High Passes leads you to wonder after being in green lush vegetation and a lovely forest of rhododendron-magnolia-pines-firs-birch and juniper and into arid and barren terrain within the arctic zone of ice and glaciers at Everest base camp and over high scenic passes.
Truly, an adventure for all interested trekkers where we have designed and set the itinerary days to suit high altitudes having many acclimatization days and as well to explore local culture and visiting its impressive monasteries.
Where walk leads you to the famous Namche Bazaar after flying into Lukla and then crossing first Kongma-la from scenic Imjatse Valley to reach Everest base camp and continues towards second high Tsho /Cho-la pass to reach picturesque Gokyo valley and its glacial simmering lakes.
After an amazing time and adventure crossing the final high pass over Renjo-la from scenic Gokyo to reach at quaint and sleepy villages at Thame with its famous and oldest monastery of Khumbu, and then completing our marvelous high altitude and scenic journey at Lukla, with flight to Kathmandu to end our adventure of a lifetime experience on Everest Three High Passes Traverse.
PACKING LIST FOR EVEREST THREE HIGH PASSES TRAVERSE
1. Clothing
- Base Layers: Moisture-wicking thermal tops and bottoms.
- Insulation Layers: Fleece jacket and down jacket (warm and lightweight).
- Outer Shell: Waterproof and windproof jacket and pants.
- Trekking Pants: Lightweight and quick-drying.
- Trekking Shirts: Long-sleeve and short-sleeve (moisture-wicking).
- Underwear: Quick-dry and comfortable.
- Gloves: Inner thermal gloves and outer waterproof gloves.
- Headgear: Warm hat, sun hat, and buff/scarf for wind and dust protection.
- Socks: Thermal and trekking socks.
- Gaiters: For snow and rocky terrains.
2. Footwear
- Trekking Boots: Waterproof, durable, and broken-in.
- Camp Shoes: Lightweight and comfortable for evenings.
3. Backpacks and Bags
- Trekking Backpack: 40-50L capacity with a rain cover.
- Duffel Bag: For porters to carry gear.
- Daypack: Small pack for essentials during the day.
4. Sleeping Gear
- Sleeping Bag: Rated for -15°C to -20°C.
- Sleeping Bag Liner: For added warmth and hygiene.
5. Trekking Gear
- Trekking Poles: Adjustable and lightweight.
- Sunglasses: UV protection to prevent snow blindness.
- Headlamp: With extra batteries.
- Water Bottles/Reservoir: 2-3 liters capacity.
- Water Purification: Tablets, filters, or SteriPEN.
- Map and Compass/GPS: For navigation (if self-guided).
6. Health and Hygiene
- First Aid Kit: Pain relievers, altitude sickness medication, blister care, and personal medicines.
- Toiletries: Biodegradable soap, toothpaste, toothbrush, wet wipes, and tissues.
- Sunscreen: High SPF (30+).
- Lip Balm: With SPF protection.
7. Electronics and Gadgets
- Camera: Lightweight with extra batteries.
- Power Bank: High-capacity for charging devices.
- Travel Adapter: Compatible with Nepal’s plugs.
- Phone/Communication Device: With local SIM or offline maps.
8. Snacks and Energy
- High-Calorie Snacks: Energy bars, trail mix, nuts, and chocolates.
- Electrolyte Powders: To stay hydrated.
9. Documents and Money
- Passport: Valid with Nepal visa.
- Permits: TIMS card and Sagarmatha National Park entry permit.
- Cash: In Nepali Rupees for teahouses and tips.
10. Miscellaneous
- Hand Warmers: For extra warmth in cold conditions.
- Dry Bags: To keep gear dry.
- Notebook and Pen: For journaling your adventure.


FAQs
Usually lasting 17 days, the trip starts with a flight from Kathmandu to Lukla and covers about 103 miles (166 kilometers) across difficult and varied terrain. This covers time for getting used to the surroundings and visiting important locations.
Crossing the three main high-altitude passes—Renjo La (5,43 5m), Cho La (5,420 m), and Kongma La (5,535 m)—visiting Gokyo Lakes and Everest Base Camp, and arriving at Kala Patthar (5,555 m) for breathtaking sunrise views of Mount Everest are some of the trek's highlights. Additionally, you will visit well-known monasteries like Tengboche and experience the distinctive Sherpa culture in communities like Namche Bazaar.
The greatest candidates for this expedition are physically fit. Long trekking days and high-altitude passes make the terrain difficult. You can, however, finish the Three Passes Trek if you are psychologically and physically strong.
One of the more difficult climbs in the Everest region, the Everest Three Passes Trek calls for a high level of physical fitness. It requires three high-altitude passes over 5,000 meters, therefore endurance, stamina, and good cardiovascular condition are crucial.
Yes, this walk is doable by hikers who are in good physical condition. While not required, prior experience managing altitude, difficult terrain, and extended hiking days is advantageous.
Prioritize leg strengthening exercises like squats, lunges, and step-ups in addition to aerobic activities like swimming, cycling, and running. To replicate trip conditions, you can hike on rough terrain while carrying a full bag. Technical climbing skills are not necessary for the journey, however it will be beneficial to be comfortable with utilizing trekking poles and handling difficult ascents and descents.
You will need the Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit and the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entry Permit.
Permits are available at the Sagarmatha National Park gate in Monjo or Kathmandu. But for your convenience, we are able to obtain those permits.
Yes, travel insurance is essential for this trek.
Upon arrival at Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport, visas are available for the majority of nationalities. A passport with at least six months left on it, a passport-size photo, and the visa application cost are required for an on-arrival visa. The period of stay determines the application fee. Currently, a 30-day stay costs $50 USD. For further information, please visit (https://www.immigration.gov.np/en.)
Health care expenses and emergency helicopter evacuation up to 5,500 meters should be covered.
Support workers, such as porters, assist with carrying luggage and make sure the journey runs well, while guides navigate the route, handle altitude adjustment, and provide insights into local culture and history.
The government of Nepal has prohibited solo trekking within the country since April 2023.
Standard rooms, usually with twin beds, are available in teahouses and lodges where you will stay. You might find rooms with associated bathrooms at lower elevations.
Devices can usually be charged with electricity, though there might be extra fees. The majority of teahouses offer hot showers, but they can be more expensive, particularly as you go higher in elevation.
Yes, however in distant locations, connectivity may be erratic and Wi-Fi and charging stations may incur additional costs.
We serve locally sourced, high-energy Nepali dishes including potatoes, noodles, pasta, and dal bhat tarkari (rice lentils and vegetables). Burgers and sandwiches from the West are also offered.
Are there vegan or vegetarian eating options?
You can purchase bottled water from tea houses and shops along the way, but for environmental reasons, we recommend that you bring a water bottle and purchase boiled or filtered water from the tea houses. Additionally, we encourage you to use water purification tablets before drinking water and to avoid drinking straight from local taps, wells, or rivers.
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the greatest seasons, with consistent weather, warm temperatures, and brighter skies.
Weather has a significant impact on the trek, particularly at high passes where conditions can change quickly. Snowfall can make higher-altitude treks more difficult, while excessive rain, particularly during the monsoon season, makes the paths slick.
We do not recommend trekking during the rainy season owing to the increased risk of landslides, slippery terrain, and poor visibility. During the winter, you have to deal with intense cold, snow, and potential trail obstacles.
Altitude sickness is a primary concern as well as fatigue, dehydration, and cold-related illnesses. It’s essential to monitor symptoms and take precautions.
Altitude sickness, also known as acute mountain sickness (AMS), occurs when a person ascends to high altitudes too quickly, where the air has lower oxygen levels. It typically happens at elevations above 8,000 feet (2,400 meters).
Mild cases:
Headache
Dizziness
Nausea or vomiting
Shortness of breath
Fatigue
Loss of appetite
Trouble sleeping
Severe cases (can be life-threatening):
Confusion
Loss of coordination (ataxia)
Severe shortness of breath
Coughing up pink, frothy fluid (sign of high-altitude pulmonary edema, HAPE)(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High-altitude_pulmonary_edema)
Swelling of the brain (high-altitude cerebral edema, HACE)
It's best to coordinate with Guide in an emergency. Then, we'll coordinate with your insurer to start the helicopter evacuation.
You can bring trekking poles for stability and support, especially on steep ascents and descents. Other helpful gear includes a headlamp, sunglasses, spikes, and a backpack.
A down jacket, thermal layers, waterproof clothes, a sleeping bag, trekking poles, gloves, and good trek boots are all necessities. For more information, visit the equipment section.
We advise you to book this trek at least one month in advance, especially for peak season dates.
To confirm the reservation, we require 10% of the total trek cost up front. The remaining amount is due when you get to Kathmandu prior to the start of the trek. We take Western Union, Wise, credit cards, and bank transfers. You can also pay with cash when you're in Kathmandu.
Yes, we do have cancellations and refund policies. Please see our terms and conditions page for details.
Yes, a flight from Kathmandu to Lukla is required to reach the starting point.
After completing the trek, you’ll usually fly back to Kathmandu or Manthali from Lukla, depending on the season. If you fly back to Manthali, we will drive you back to Kathmandu.
Although Lukla and Namche Bazaar have ATMs, they are not entirely dependable. We suggest that you carry Nepalese Rupees in the trekking areas and exchange your money in Kathmandu.