everesttrek

Everest Three Passes Trek

●●●●● 4.9 · 60+ TripAdvisor reviews

Cross all three high passes in the Everest region, Kongma La, Cho La, and Renjo La, in a single 20-day circuit that includes EBC, Gokyo Lakes, and Kala Patthar.

Duration 20 Days
Difficulty Hard What does this mean?
Max Altitude 5,545m (Kala Patthar) 18,192ft
Best Season Sep-Dec | Mar-May
From USD $1,360 Check Dates & Price

On The Trail

What It Really Looks Like
20 photos
Tribhuvan_International_Airport
Boarding flight from Lukla to Kathmandu
Namche bazar panorama
Namche bazar view from the top
Amadablam view on the way to pangboche
VIew around Dingboche
Dingboche hike
Beautiful view of Chhukung village
Chhukung acclimatisation day
Treking from chhukung to Konga ma la
Mount Pumori as seen from Gorakshep
view of Everest from Kala patthar
Cho la pass trek Mountain kick
Gokyo Village panorama
Trekkers on the trail above Gokyo Lakes with Himalayan peaks visible in the Khumbu region
Gokyo Valley and glacial lakes viewed from the trekking trail in the Khumbu region of Nepal
Namche bazar beautiful view during night
Suspension bridge on the way to Namche
Lukla Airport
See off at TIA Kathmandu
Trip Overview

Everest Three Passes Trek — What to Expect

20 days · 5,545m (Kala Patthar)

Three High Passes

Kongma La (5,535m), Cho La (5,420m), and Renjo La (5,360m) in a single circuit

EBC, Kala Patthar, Gokyo Ri

Three of the best viewpoints in the Khumbu covered in one route

Sherpa-Led Throughout

Licensed guides from the Khumbu, not contractors. The same team from day one to day twenty

The Complete Khumbu Circuit

No other standard trek in Nepal covers this much ground without a mountaineering permit

The Everest Three Passes Trek is the complete Khumbu circuit. In 20 days you cross Kongma La (5,535m), Cho La (5,420m), and Renjo La (5,360m), stand at Everest Base Camp (5,364m), summit Kala Patthar (5,545m) at dawn, climb Gokyo Ri (5,360m) for the four-peak panorama, and exit through the remote Bhote Koshi Valley that sees a fraction of the traffic on the main EBC corridor. No other standard trek in Nepal covers this ground without a mountaineering permit.

This is a Level 4 Hard trek. Eight nights above 4,400m, three consecutive high-pass days, 7 to 9 hour trekking days on the hardest sections, and a short glacier crossing on Cho La where crampons may be required. Prior completion of the EBC Trek or Gokyo Valley Trek is the recommended baseline. If this is your first time above 3,500m, start with one of those routes first.

The anti-clockwise circuit is designed around acclimatisation. You gain altitude gradually through the Imja Valley, cross Kongma La when your body is strongest mid-trek, descend through the Gokyo Valley for the lakes section, then exit via Renjo La and the Bhote Koshi Valley. Three structured acclimatisation days are built in. Every group is led by a Sherpa guide from the Khumbu. No outsourcing, no contractors.
For a direct comparison of the three Everest region routes, our EBC full guide breaks down what each one involves and who each is right for.

Private Pricing 1 $1685 2-3 $1360 4-9 $1280
See Available Dates
The Full Journey

Day-by-Day Itinerary

20 days · Guided by local Sherpa

Altitude Profile
5,164m 3,182m 1,200m
Summit
D1 D2 D3 D4 D5 D6 D7 D8 D9 D10 D11 D12 D13 D14 D15 D16 D17 D18 D19 D20
Altitude profile
Summit — 5,545m (Kala Patthar)
Hover/tap for details

Arrive in Kathmandu

International Airport → Hotel 1,400m / 4,593ft

A MountainKick representative meets you at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfers you to your hotel. That evening we run a full pre-trip briefing covering the 20-day route, all three passes, gear check, permits, and Lukla flight logistics.

Day Stat Transfer day
Stay 3-star hotel, Kathmandu
Tribhuvan_International_Airport

Early morning flight to Lukla’s Tenzing-Hillary Airport. The trail drops gently alongside the Dudh Koshi River through pine forest to Phakding. An easy first day by design. During peak season (Mar–May, Oct–Nov) flights depart from Ramechhap, requiring a 2:30 AM hotel departure.

Day Stat 8km · 3–4 hrs · -230m net
Stay Teahouse, Phakding
Boarding flight from Lukla to Kathmandu
Boarding flight from Lukla to Kathmandu

The trail follows the Dudh Koshi River crossing suspension bridges before entering Sagarmatha National Park at Monjo. The final two hours are a steep sustained climb into Namche. On a clear day you get your first view of Everest above the ridge before reaching town.

Day Stat 11km · 5–7 hrs · +830m gain
Stay Teahouse, Namche Bazaar
Namche bazar panorama

First acclimatisation day. We hike to the Everest View Hotel at 3,880m with clear sight lines to Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam, then return to Namche to sleep lower. Time to visit the Sherpa Culture Museum, Saturday market, or the Sagarmatha National Park visitor centre.

Day Stat 6km · 3–4 hrs · +440m gain, sleep low
Stay Teahouse, Namche Bazaar
Namche bazar view from the top

The trail climbs out of Namche through forest, drops to the Dudh Koshi River at Phunki Tenga, then ascends through rhododendron forest past Tengboche Monastery with its full Everest panorama. Continue downhill through birch forest to Pangboche, home to the oldest monastery in the Khumbu and close-up views of Ama Dablam.

Day Stat 14km · 6 hrs · +490m net
Stay Teahouse, Pangboche
Amadablam view on the way to pangboche

The trail follows the Imja Valley above the tree line into open pasture with views of Lhotse, Island Peak, and Ama Dablam. Dingboche sits on the bank of the Imja River surrounded by ancient stone-walled fields. The air is noticeably thinner here and most trekkers sleep less well on the first night.

Day Stat 6km · 3 hrs · +480m gain
Stay Teahouse, Dingboche
VIew around Dingboche

Second acclimatisation day. We hike to Nangkartshang Peak at 5,083m for panoramic views of Makalu, Lhotse, Cholatse, Tawache, and Ama Dablam, then return to sleep low. This is the last full rest day before the three high passes begin.

Day Stat 5km · 3–4 hrs · +670m gain, sleep low
Stay Teahouse, Dingboche
Dingboche hike

A short day into the Imja Valley. The trail ascends gradually through arid terrain with Lhotse’s massive south face filling the view ahead. Chhukung is a small settlement at the foot of the glacier. An optional hike to Chhukung Ri (5,546m) is available for well-acclimatised trekkers in the afternoon.

Day Stat 5km · 2–3 hrs · +320m gain
Stay Teahouse, Chhukung
Beautiful view of Chhukung village

Final acclimatisation day before Kongma La. We climb Chhukung Ri at 5,546m for sweeping views of Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, and Ama Dablam. This is the highest point reached before the passes begin and a reliable indicator of how your body is responding to altitude. Return to Chhukung to sleep low before tomorrow’s big day.

Day Stat 5km · 3–5 hrs · +816m gain, sleep low
Stay Teahouse, Chhukung
Chhukung acclimatisation day

The first and highest of the three passes. An early start from Chhukung, steep rocky ascent to Kongma La at 5,535m where prayer flags mark the top and views of Makalu, Lhotse, and the Khumbu Glacier open up in every direction. The descent to Lobuche is equally steep and loose underfoot. A long hard day that sets the physical standard for everything that follows.

Day Stat 11km · 8–9 hrs · +805m gain then -595m descent
Stay eahouse, Lobuche
Treking from chhukung to Konga ma la
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The trail follows the lateral moraine of the Khumbu Glacier to Gorakshep at 5,164m. After lunch, continue to Everest Base Camp at 5,364m at the foot of the Khumbu Icefall, the starting point of every Everest summit attempt. Return to Gorakshep before dark.

Day Stat 11.5km · 6–8 hrs · +424m gain
Stay Teahouse, Gorakshep
Mount Pumori as seen from Gorakshep
Mount Pumori as seen from Gorakshep

4:00 AM start for Kala Patthar at 5,545m, the highest point on this trek and the best elevated view of Everest’s southwest face at sunrise. Return to Gorakshep for breakfast then descend west to Dzongla, a small remote settlement that serves as the base before Cho La. Rest and prepare for tomorrow.

Day Stat 8.6km · 6–7 hrs · +381m then -715m
Stay Teahouse, Dzongla
view of Everest from Kala patthar

The technical pass of the three. An early start from Dzongla, steep rocky climb to the Cho La glacier at 5,420m where crampons or microspikes may be required depending on conditions. Your guide assesses on the day and makes the final call. Views of Ama Dablam and Cholatse from the top. Steep descent to Thangnak on the edge of the Ngozumpa Glacier, the longest glacier in the Himalayas.

Day Stat 9.5km · 8–9 hrs · +590m gain then -720m descent
Stay Teahouse, Thangnak
Cho la pass trek Mountain kick

A short recovery day after Cho La. The trail follows the western edge of the Ngozumpa Glacier before the first view of the turquoise Gokyo Lakes opens up. The settlement sits on the eastern shore of the third lake, Dudh Pokhari. Afternoon free to rest and explore the lake shore.

Day Stat 4.5km · 3–4 hrs · +90m net
Stay Teahouse, Gokyo
Gokyo Village panorama

Gokyo Ri at 5,360m puts four 8,000m peaks on the same horizon: Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu. One of the best viewpoints in the Himalaya and significantly less crowded than Kala Patthar. Afternoon exploring the fourth and fifth Gokyo Lakes with views back across the Ngozumpa Glacier.

Day Stat 4km · 3–4 hrs · +570m gain, sleep low
Stay Teahouse, Gokyo
Trekkers on the trail above Gokyo Lakes with Himalayan peaks visible in the Khumbu region

The third and final pass. The ascent from Gokyo climbs steadily westward on rocky trail with the Gokyo Lakes visible far below. From Renjo La at 5,360m you get one of the best views of Everest in the region with Gokyo Lake, Cho Oyu, and the Rolwaling Himal spread across the horizon. A long steep descent into the Bhote Koshi Valley and the remote village of Marlung.

Day Stat 13km · 7–8 hrs · +570m gain then -1,160m descent
Stay Teahouse, Marlung
Gokyo Valley and glacial lakes viewed from the trekking trail in the Khumbu region of Nepal

A long descent through the Bhote Koshi Valley, one of the least-walked corridors in the Khumbu. Pass through Thame, a historic Sherpa village with one of the oldest monasteries in the region and the birthplace of Tenzing Norgay. The trail rejoins the main Everest corridor for the final climb into Namche. The drop in altitude brings noticeable relief.

Day Stat 18km · 7–8 hrs · -380m net descent
Stay Teahouse, Namche Bazaar
Namche bazar beautiful view during night

Final day on the trail. Descend steeply from Namche through Monjo, past the Sagarmatha National Park checkpoint, through Phakding and back to Lukla. The trail is familiar and moves fast. Arrive in the late afternoon with time to sort gear, celebrate with the crew, and get an early night before the morning flight.

Day Stat 19km · 7–8 hrs · -600m descent
Stay Teahouse, Lukla
Suspension bridge on the way to Namche
Suspension bridge on the way to Namche

Morning flight back to Kathmandu. Weather-dependent, MountainKick handles any rebooking at no extra cost. Transfer to hotel on arrival. Farewell dinner included this evening.

Day Stat Flight day · -1,440m
Meals Farewell Dinner
Stay 3-star hotel, Kathmandu
Lukla Airport

Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport. Hotel checkout at 12:00 PM. Luggage storage available if your flight departs later.

Day Stat Departure day
Meals Breakfast
See off at TIA Kathmandu
See off at TIA Kathmandu
Visualise The Route

3D Route Map

Explore the full trek in 3D — drag to rotate, scroll to zoom, tap any marker for location details.

3D satellite terrain with interactive route
Loading terrain…
Summit / Key waypoint
Camp / Overnight stop
Trek route
Drag to rotate · Scroll to zoom · Tap markers for details
What's Covered

Includes & Excludes

Everything in your package — and what to budget for separately

What's Included 11
  • Airport and hotel transfers by private vehicle Both directions, all internal road transport included
  • 2 nights hotel in Kathmandu 3-star, twin-sharing, breakfast included
  • 16 nights teahouse accommodation on trek Twin-sharing throughout
  • Kathmandu to Lukla return flights Includes Ramechhap ground transfers during peak season
  • Government-licensed Sherpa guide Full time, from arrival to departure
  • Porter service One porter per two trekkers, 20kg load limit strictly enforced
  • Sagarmatha National Park entry permit Arranged by MountainKick
  • TIMS card Trekkers' Information Management System card
  • Farewell dinner in Kathmandu Traditional Nepali meal on your return night
  • Duffel bag Yours to keep
  • All government taxes and official charges Nothing hidden
Not Included 9
  • All meals during the trek Budget $35 per day, prices rise significantly above Lobuche and in the Bhote Koshi Valley
  • Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu Wide range of restaurants near your hotel
  • Travel insurance Must cover high-altitude trekking to 5,600m and emergency helicopter evacuation
  • International flights to and from Kathmandu
  • Nepal visa fee 30-day on arrival currently $50 USD, bring cash and two passport photos
  • Personal trekking gear and equipment Can be bought or rented in Thamel before departure
  • Crampons or microspikes Required for Cho La, available to rent in Namche Bazaar
  • Personal expenses Hot showers, WiFi, bottled water, alcohol, phone calls, laundry
  • Tips for guide and porter Customary but not mandatory, 10–15% of trip cost is the general range
Why we don't bundle trek meals Teahouse menus are open, fixed and fair — dal bhat costs the same whether you book with us or walk in alone. We'd rather you order what you want, when you want it, than pay upfront for meals you might skip at altitude. Budget $25–40 per day for food on trek.
Optional Upgrades

Enhance Your Trek

Hotel upgrade in Kathmandu Move to a 4 or 5-star property for pre and post trek nights On request
Island Peak extension Add a guided summit of Island Peak (6,189m) to the three passes circuit On request
Kathmandu Sightseeing Full day guided tour of Pashupatinath, Boudhanath and Bhaktapur Durbar Square. +$85 per person
Complimentary Services

We Handle the Details — At No Extra Cost

Gear Shop Guidance Free
We take you to the right rental shops in Kathmandu. No tourist traps and no overpriced gear.
SIM Card Coordination Free
We help you get a local SIM in Kathmandu so you are connected from day one.
Luggage Storage Free
Leave your city bags with us while you trek and collect on return.
Airport Pickup and Drop Free
Private vehicle. We meet you at arrivals and see you off at departure.
Pre-Trek Briefing Free
In-person gear check and full route briefing the evening before your trek begins.
Questions about what's included? Our team replies within a few hours — happy to clarify anything before you book.
Ask Kumar a Question →
Accommodation & Food

Where You'll Sleep & What You'll Eat

Honest information about accommodation and food on this trip — so you know exactly what to expect and how much to budget.

Hotel Vistara for Langtang trek
Where you'll stay

In Kathmandu you stay at a 3-star hotel in Thamel on a twin-sharing basis with breakfast included. Single supplement available on request. Upgrades to 4 or 5-star properties can be arranged.

On the trek you stay in teahouses every night. Rooms are simple — a bed, blankets, and a window. Shared bathrooms at most stops. Hot showers available at an extra charge of $3–5 in Lukla, Namche, Dingboche, and Gokyo. Above Lobuche facilities reduce significantly. Dzongla and Thangnak are the most remote stops on the circuit — basic but functional. Gorakshep teahouses are the coldest and most basic on the route.

Single rooms are limited above Namche during peak season. Book ahead through your guide. The Bhote Koshi Valley section (Marlung) has fewer teahouses than the main EBC corridor — your guide confirms accommodation in advance for this section.

Food on trek
Food & daily budget

Breakfast included in Kathmandu only, plus farewell dinner on the return night. All trek meals are on your own account, ordered from teahouse menus.

Dal bhat is the best option at every stop — filling, reliable, and free refills. Pasta, noodles, soups, and eggs are available on the main corridor. The Bhote Koshi Valley section has fewer menu options — expect simpler meals at Marlung. Avoid meat above Namche. Budget $35 per day, more in remote sections.

Breakfast $6–10
Lunch $10–15
Dinner $10–15
Hot shower $3–5
WiFi (where available) $2–5 per day
Hot drinks $2–4 each
Bottled water $2–3 above Namche
Charging devices $2–5 per device
Got Questions?

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything trekkers ask us before booking the Everest Three Passes Trek — answered honestly.

This is the most demanding standard trek in the Everest region. Rated Level 4 Hard on our scale. Three passes above 5,300m, eight nights above 4,400m, and daily trekking of 7 to 9 hours on the hardest days. Cho La involves a short glacier crossing where crampons may be required. Prior completion of the EBC Trek or Gokyo Valley Trek is the recommended baseline. See our full difficulty guide.

The standard EBC Trek (14 days) covers Base Camp and Kala Patthar, the essential Everest experience. The EBC via Gokyo (17 days) adds Gokyo Lakes, Gokyo Ri, and one high pass (Cho La). The Three Passes Trek (20 days) adds all three passes plus the complete Renjo La circuit via the remote Bhote Koshi Valley. Choose Three Passes if you have 20 days, prior high-altitude experience, and want the most complete Khumbu circuit possible.

Three structured acclimatisation events are built into the route. Day 4 in Namche: hike to 3,880m, sleep at 3,440m. Day 7 in Dingboche: hike to 5,083m, sleep at 4,410m. Day 9 in Chhukung: climb Chhukung Ri at 5,546m, sleep at 4,730m. The anti-clockwise circuit then proceeds: Kongma La (5,535m), EBC (5,364m), Kala Patthar (5,545m), Cho La (5,420m), Gokyo Ri (5,360m), Renjo La (5,360m). Each pass comes after your body has had time to adapt.

Yes. This trek is not suitable for first-time high-altitude trekkers. The back-to-back high-pass days, eight nights above 4,400m, and technical glacier section on Cho La all require a body that has already adapted to altitude and a trekker who knows how they respond above 4,000m. Prior completion of the EBC Trek or Gokyo Valley Trek is the recommended baseline. If this is your first Khumbu trip, start with one of those routes first.

Cho La at 5,420m is the technical middle pass. The approach involves a steep rocky climb and a short glacier crossing near the summit. Crampons or microspikes are recommended and may be essential in winter or early spring. Your guide assesses conditions on the day and makes the final call. If the pass is unsafe, the alternative descent via Dragnag to Gokyo is a well-established backup. Crampons can be rented in Namche Bazaar.

You should be able to hike 7 to 9 hours carrying a 5kg daypack comfortably. A 10 to 12 week preparation plan is recommended: cardio 4 to 5 times per week including hiking with elevation gain, leg and core strength training twice a week, and at least 4 to 5 practice hikes of 6 or more hours with a loaded pack including some back-to-back days. The three consecutive high-pass days are the hardest stretch. Arriving physically prepared makes them achievable rather than survival exercises.

Three acclimatisation days, a carefully sequenced elevation profile, and an experienced guide trained to recognise symptoms. Drink 3 to 4 litres of water daily, avoid alcohol above 3,000m, and report any persistent headache, nausea, dizziness, or unusual fatigue to your guide immediately. Descending 300 to 500m usually brings fast relief. Talk to your doctor about Diamox before you leave. For a full breakdown read our altitude sickness guide.

Two: the Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit and a TIMS card. MountainKick arranges both as part of the package. Bring your passport and two passport-sized photos. Since April 2023, all foreign trekkers in Nepal’s designated trekking regions including the Khumbu are required by law to trek with a licensed guide. Solo independent trekking is no longer permitted.

Round-trip Lukla flights are included. During peak seasons (March to May and October to November) flights operate from Manthali Airport in Ramechhap, a 5 to 6 hour drive from Kathmandu requiring a 2:30 AM hotel departure. MountainKick arranges all transport and handles weather rebooking at no extra cost. Build at least 2 to 3 buffer days around your international departure for this 20-day trek. More detail in our Ramechhap flight guide.

The last ATM is in Namche Bazaar. There are no cash machines anywhere beyond that point on this circuit. The Bhote Koshi Valley section covers significantly more remote terrain than the main EBC corridor and change is limited in remote teahouses. Exchange rupees in Kathmandu before departure, carry small denominations, and bring more than you think you need. Budget $35 to $50 per day for meals and personal expenses across 16 trekking days.

Lukla has a small hospital for basic care. Namche has a Himalayan Rescue Association aid post staffed during peak seasons. Pheriche has an HRA clinic open October to November and April to May. There are no permanent medical facilities above Pheriche. The remote Bhote Koshi Valley section has the fewest facilities on the entire circuit. For anything beyond basic first aid on the high passes, helicopter evacuation to Kathmandu is the only viable option.

Mandatory. Your policy must specifically cover high-altitude trekking to at least 5,600m and emergency helicopter evacuation. Helicopter rescue services require insurance pre-authorisation before dispatch. Standard travel insurance often excludes altitudes above 4,000m. Check the altitude coverage ceiling before leaving home. Insurance cannot be purchased in Nepal. Helicopter evacuation from the Khumbu costs $3,000 to $6,000.

Autumn (September to November) and spring (March to May). October and November give the most stable weather, clearest visibility, and best pre-dawn conditions for Kala Patthar. March and April are warmer with rhododendrons below Namche and expedition teams active above. Avoid monsoon (June to August) — trails above 4,000m become hazardous and high-pass conditions deteriorate significantly. Winter departures (December to February) are possible but Cho La conditions can be serious with temperatures on the passes dropping well below -20°C.

Yes. MountainKick offers the Everest High Passes with Island Peak (23 days) which combines all three passes with a guided summit of Island Peak at 6,189m. It is the most complete Everest region itinerary we offer.

Tourist visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport. For a 20-day trek, get the 30-day visa minimum to include buffer days. Current fees: 30-day $50 USD, 90-day $125 USD. Bring USD cash, two passport-sized photos, and a passport valid for at least 6 months. Online pre-application available through Nepal’s Department of Immigration.

Still Have Questions? Kumar answers personally — usually within a few hours. No call centres, no scripts.
Book Your Spot

Departure Dates & Pricing

Fixed group departures run year-round. Can't find your date? Every trip runs privately on dates that work for you.

Year
Month
Trip Starts Trip Ends Status Price
SEPTEMBER 2026
4 Sep 2026 20 days 23 Sep 2026 available $1,360
11 Sep 2026 20 days 30 Sep 2026 available $1,360
18 Sep 2026 20 days 7 Oct 2026 available $1,360
25 Sep 2026 20 days 14 Oct 2026 available $1,360
OCTOBER 2026
2 Oct 2026 20 days 21 Oct 2026 available $1,360
9 Oct 2026 20 days 28 Oct 2026 available $1,360
16 Oct 2026 20 days 4 Nov 2026 available $1,360
23 Oct 2026 20 days 11 Nov 2026 available $1,360
30 Oct 2026 20 days 18 Nov 2026 available $1,360
NOVEMBER 2026
6 Nov 2026 20 days 25 Nov 2026 available $1,360
13 Nov 2026 20 days 2 Dec 2026 available $1,360
20 Nov 2026 20 days 9 Dec 2026 available $1,360
27 Nov 2026 20 days 16 Dec 2026 available $1,360
DECEMBER 2026
4 Dec 2026 20 days 23 Dec 2026 available $1,360
11 Dec 2026 20 days 30 Dec 2026 available $1,360
18 Dec 2026 20 days 6 Jan 2027 available $1,360
25 Dec 2026 20 days 13 Jan 2027 available $1,360
MARCH 2027
2 Mar 2027 20 days 21 Mar 2027 available $1,360
9 Mar 2027 20 days 28 Mar 2027 available $1,360
16 Mar 2027 20 days 4 Apr 2027 available $1,360
23 Mar 2027 20 days 11 Apr 2027 available $1,360
30 Mar 2027 20 days 18 Apr 2027 available $1,360
APRIL 2027
6 Apr 2027 20 days 25 Apr 2027 available $1,360
13 Apr 2027 20 days 2 May 2027 available $1,360
20 Apr 2027 20 days 9 May 2027 available $1,360
27 Apr 2027 20 days 16 May 2027 available $1,360
MAY 2027
4 May 2027 20 days 23 May 2027 available $1,360
11 May 2027 20 days 30 May 2027 available $1,360
18 May 2027 20 days 6 Jun 2027 available $1,360
25 May 2027 20 days 13 Jun 2027 available $1,360
No departures match your filter. Show all dates
Payment Schedule
  • 1
    20% Deposit — Due on booking Secures your place on the departure. Refundable within cancellation window.
  • 2
    80% Balance — Due on arrival Pay the remainder in Kathmandu before the trip begins. Bank transfer, card, or cash accepted.
  • 3
    Bhutan & Tibet — Full payment 20 days prior Full balance required at least 20 days before departure for Bhutan and Tibet tours.
Cancellation Policy
30+ days before departure Deposit forfeited, balance refunded in full
15–29 days before departure 50% of total trip cost charged
Under 15 days No refund
MountainKick cancels trip Full refund or reschedule
Full Terms & Conditions →
Book with Confidence
10+ yrs, licensed guides Every trek led by a government-licensed Himalayan professional. No outsourcing, ever.
Ethical porter welfare Strict 20 kg load limit and full medical insurance for every crew member. Your trek supports real people.
Community impact Every booking helps fund the Mountain Kick Library — books and education for remote schools on the trail.
100% local, no middlemen Founded and run by Kathmandu veterans. Direct expertise, transparent pricing — nothing hidden.

We give you the power to choose the departure date that suits your group best. A private trip is a perfect solution if you can’t find a published departure date that you and your companions agree on. You can set up a private departure for most of the trips we offer.

Travellers Price Per Person (USD)
1 $1685
2-3 $1360
4-9 $1280

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MountainKick Expert-led Himalayan Treks · mountainkick.com Everest Three Passes Trek — Packing List
Be Prepared

Packing List

Most items can be purchased or rented in Kathmandu's Thamel district. Your guide reviews your kit at the pre-trip briefing the evening before you fly. The Three Passes Trek is 20 days with three passes above 5,300m, eight nights above 4,400m, and a glacier crossing on Cho La. Gear choices here matter more than on any other standard Khumbu trek. Do not cut corners on warmth, footwear, or sleep system.

Footwear 7 items
Item Qty Note
Waterproof hiking boots, high-ankle 1 pair Well broken in, deep-cut traction sole, full ankle support
Crampons or microspikes 1 pair Required for Cho La glacier crossing. Rentable in Namche Bazaar. Your guide advises on conditions.
Hiking socks, merino wool 5 to 6 pairs Avoid cotton. More pairs needed for 20 days.
Heavyweight socks 2 pairs For Dzongla, Gorakshep, and Chhukung nights
Liner socks 4 pairs Blister prevention on long descent days
Camp sandals or flip flops 1 pair For teahouse evenings. Your feet need the rest.
Lightweight gaiters 1 pair Keeps dust, rocks, and light snow out of boots on approach trails
Boots must be broken in before you arrive. The descent from Kongma La and the Cho La glacier approach will expose any weakness in your footwear on the same day.
Item Qty Note
Thermal tops, synthetic or merino 3 One to trek, one to sleep, one spare. Never cotton.
Thermal bottoms 2 Sleep in one set, trek in the other
Fleece jacket 1 Main mid-layer for daytime trekking below 4,500m
Down jacket, 700 fill or higher 1 Essential from Dingboche onwards. Worn every evening at high camps.
Expedition down jacket or heavy parka 1 For nights at Dzongla, Gorakshep, and Chhukung. Standard down is not enough at -20°C.
Waterproof jacket, Gore-Tex or similar 1 Must have a hood. Used daily on the high passes.
Waterproof pants 1 Wind and precipitation protection above Lobuche and on all three passes
Softshell pants 1 pair Warmer than trekking pants for high-camp mornings
Trekking pants, quick-dry 1 pair For lower sections below Namche
Sun hat, wide-brimmed 1 UV is extreme above Namche
Temperature swings of 25 degrees between midday and midnight are normal above 4,500m. Three full layer systems are not excessive on this trek.
Item Qty Note
Warm beanie 1 For early starts and cold evenings throughout
Balaclava 1 Full face protection for Kala Patthar pre-dawn and Cho La wind chill
Neck gaiter or buff 2 Protects against wind, dust, cold, and the Khumbu Cough
Liner gloves, touchscreen compatible 1 pair For trail use and phone access without removing gloves
Insulated gloves, windproof 1 pair Main glove for trekking above Dingboche
Expedition mittens, down or synthetic 1 pair Non-negotiable for Kala Patthar and Cho La. Liner gloves alone will not be enough.
Polarized sunglasses, Cat 3 to 4 1 Snow blindness is a real risk on glaciated sections. Not optional.
Glacier goggles 1 For white-out conditions on the passes. Essential in winter and early spring.
Wind chill on the passes is severe. Liner gloves alone are not enough above Lobuche. Expedition mittens are not optional for the Kala Patthar 4:00 AM start and the Cho La crossing.
Item Qty Note
Daypack, 25 to 35L 1 Rain cover essential. Carries everything you need each day.
Trekking poles, collapsible 1 pair Saves knees on Kongma La, Cho La, and Renjo La descents. Essential on this route.
Sleeping bag, rated to -15°C minimum 1 Teahouses provide blankets but not enough above Dzongla and Gorakshep.
Sleeping bag liner 1 Adds warmth and hygiene over 20 nights
Headlamp and spare batteries or USB rechargeable 1 Essential for 4:00 AM Kala Patthar start. Cold drains batteries fast.
Water purification tablets or UV purifier 1 Saves money and reduces plastic across 18 trekking days
Dry bags 3 Electronics, documents, and spare dry clothes inside duffel
Pack rain cover 1 Your daypack will get wet on the passes
Small padlock 1 For duffel bag security at teahouses
Your porter carries the duffel. Keep your daypack under 5kg. Trekking poles are essential on this route, not optional — the Kongma La descent is steep and loose.
Item Qty Note
Personal first aid kit 1 Blister treatment, second skin, antiseptic, bandages. Your guide carries the main kit.
Water bottle, 1L wide-mouth 2 Two bottles for high-pass days when refill points are far apart
Insulating sleeve for water bottle 1 Prevents water from freezing on the passes above 5,000m
Power bank, 20,000mAh 1 Solar charging above 4,500m is unreliable. Cold kills phone batteries. Keep it in your sleeping bag overnight.
Solar charger panel 1 Useful backup for 20-day trip. Charging at remote teahouses costs $3–5 per device.
Electrolyte powder sachets 20 to 25 Hydration at altitude is harder than it sounds. Mix into water daily. More sachets needed for 20 days.
High protein snacks As needed Trail mix, protein bars. Teahouse food is carb-heavy and portions shrink at altitude.
Sunscreen SPF 50 2 Reapply every 2 hours on high passes. UV is extreme above 5,000m. Bring a spare.
Lip balm with SPF 2 Lips crack fast. Cold air, wind, and altitude are a brutal combination.
Hand and toe warmers 6 to 8 pairs For Kala Patthar pre-dawn start and Cho La crossing. Non-negotiable in winter.
Throat lozenges 1 pack The Khumbu Cough is common above 4,000m. Dry air irritates the throat constantly.
Talk to your doctor about Diamox before you leave. It is available in Kathmandu but better discussed beforehand. We do not provide or recommend it ourselves. Your guide carries a professional kit and pulse oximeter.
Item Qty Note
Quick-dry towel, microfiber 1 Teahouses do not provide towels
Pillowcase 1 Teahouse pillows are shared over 18 nights. A personal pillowcase is worth it.
Hand sanitizer 3 small Water freezes overnight at high camps. Sanitizer is your hygiene backup.
Biodegradable wet wipes 3 to 4 packs Showers above Namche are rare, cold, and expensive. More packs needed for 20 days.
Toilet paper 4 to 5 rolls Teahouses run out. The Bhote Koshi Valley section has the fewest facilities.
Earplugs 2 pairs Teahouse walls are thin. 20 nights of shared accommodation.
Eye mask 1 Early morning light in teahouses
Laundry services are available in Namche and Gokyo during acclimatisation days. Quick-dry fabrics only — nothing else dries in 20 days at altitude.
Item Qty Note
Passport, valid 6 months minimum 1 Keep a photocopy separate from the original
Passport photos 2 extras For permits at checkpoints
Travel insurance document 1 Must cover helicopter evacuation to 6,000m. Print a hard copy.
Cash, Nepali rupees As needed Budget $35 to $50 per day for 18 trekking days plus buffer. Small denominations essential.
Trek permit copies 1 set We handle the permits. Carry your copies on trail.
ATMs exist in Lukla, Namche Bazaar, and Khumjung. There are no ATMs anywhere else on this circuit. The Bhote Koshi Valley section is the most remote. Carry more cash than you think you need and use small denominations.
Item Note
Microspikes or crampons Non-negotiable for Cho La and icy trails near Gorakshep. Required even in shoulder season.
Expedition mittens, down Liner gloves are not enough at -25°C wind chill on Kala Patthar and Cho La
Balaclava Full face protection for pre-dawn Kala Patthar and all three pass crossings
Insulated pants, fleece-lined Windproof layer for high camps. Softshell alone is not enough below -15°C.
Extra thermal top A third base layer for the coldest nights at Dzongla and Gorakshep
Hand and toe warmers Stock up in Kathmandu. Hard to find above Namche and essential at -20°C
Glacier goggles For white-out and high wind on the passes in winter conditions
Item Note
Rain cover for backpack Your daypack will get completely soaked without one
Waterproof gaiters, heavy Upgrade from lightweight pair for mud and standing water
Leech socks For lower elevations only, Lukla to Namche
Dry bags, 3 to 4 Electronics, documents, spare dry clothes, and sleeping bag liner
Extra quick-dry layers Nothing dries overnight during monsoon at any altitude
Monsoon is not recommended for the Three Passes Trek. Trails above 4,000m become hazardous, Cho La and Kongma La conditions deteriorate significantly with snow and ice, views disappear for days at a time, and Lukla flights get delayed frequently. This is the one trek in the Khumbu where the monsoon risk is highest.
Rent or Buy in Kathmandu

Sleeping bags, down jackets, expedition mittens, crampons, and microspikes can all be rented in Thamel or Namche Bazaar. Trekking poles are best purchased in Thamel — cheap local versions wear out fast on three-pass terrain. We connect you with trusted shops at the pre-trip briefing. A duffel bag is provided to every trekker as part of the package.

Leave These at Home

What Not to Bring

Jeans Heavy, zero insulation when wet, takes days to dry
Cotton clothing Absorbs sweat, stays wet, causes dangerous chilling above 5,000m
Full-size towel Heavy and bulky. Microfiber only.
Laptop No need and you will regret the weight across 20 days
Valuables and jewellery Unnecessary risk. Leave at the hotel in Kathmandu.
Single light down jacket only Not enough for Dzongla and Gorakshep nights. Bring an expedition layer.
Print / Download Checklist — to save as PDF, choose Save as PDF in the print dialog
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Everest Three Passes Trek

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