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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport. Hotel checkout at 12:00 PM. Luggage storage available if your flight departs later.
Kathmandu: Hotel accommodation on twin-sharing basis with breakfast. Single supplement available on request. Upgrade options available.
On the trek: Teahouse/guesthouse accommodation throughout on twin-sharing basis. Simple rooms, bed, pillow, blanket, shared bathroom. Common dining areas. Hot showers (extra charge) available in Lukla, Namche, Dingboche, and Gokyo. Facilities reduce significantly above Lobuche and near the passes. Dzongla and Thangnak are remote — plan for basic but functional guesthouses. Single room availability limited above Namche, especially during peak season.
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.
Hotel Vistara
Altitude is the real challenge, not fitness. The Three Passes Trek spends more nights above 4,500m than any other standard Everest region route. Follow the acclimatisation schedule three structured acclimatisation events are built in for exactly this reason. Drink 3 to 4 litres of water daily and tell your guide immediately if you develop a persistent headache, nausea, dizziness, or unusual fatigue. Descending 300m usually clears symptoms fast. Diamox (Acetazolamide) is commonly used for altitude sickness prevention, but should only be taken after consulting your doctor about proper dosage and side effects. Disclose all medications you plan to bring to your guide before the trek starts.
Get a medical consultation before you travel. High altitude affects how medications work in the body, and this route reaches higher altitudes than any other standard Khumbu trek. See your doctor at least 4 to 6 weeks before departure. Recommended vaccinations for Nepal include Hepatitis A, Typhoid, COVID-19, and seasonal influenza your healthcare provider can advise on what’s right for you specifically.
Cho La Pass involves glacier terrain prepare accordingly. The second pass, Cho La (5,420m), crosses a short glaciated section near the summit. Crampons or microspikes are recommended and may be essential depending on conditions. An early start from Dzongla is non-negotiable, ice forms on the upper section by mid-morning. 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.
Lukla flights operate from Ramechhap during peak season. During busy trekking months (March–May and October–November), flights operate from Manthali Airport in Ramechhap rather than Kathmandu. This requires a 2:30 AM departure from your hotel for a 5–6 hour drive, followed by a short flight to Lukla. mountainkick arranges all ground transport and handles any rebooking due to weather delays at no extra cost.
Plan 2 to 3 spare days in Kathmandu after your trek. Lukla weather is genuinely unpredictable. A 1 to 2 day delay on the return flight is common and there’s no way to rush it. For the Three Passes Trek specifically with its longer duration, more remote sections, and three high passes that can be affected by weather, a 2 to 3 day buffer is the minimum. Book your international departure accordingly. mountainkick handles all rebooking at no extra cost, but the weather window is beyond anyone’s control.
Bring enough cash for the entire trek. The last ATM is in Namche Bazaar, there are no cash machines anywhere beyond that point. Card payments are not accepted at teahouses. Exchange rupees in Kathmandu before departure and carry small denominations. Budget approximately NPR 3,500 to 4,500 per day for three meals. The remote Bhote Koshi Valley section (Days 15 and 16) has the fewest services; carry extra.
Travel insurance is not optional. Helicopter evacuation from the Khumbu costs USD 3,000 to 6,000 and rescue services require insurance pre-authorisation before dispatch. Your policy must explicitly cover high-altitude trekking to at least 5,600m and emergency helicopter evacuation standard travel insurance typically does not include this. Check your altitude coverage ceiling before leaving home. Insurance cannot be purchased in Nepal.
Use your Kathmandu days for sightseeing. The second day in Kathmandu or the free afternoon after your return flight — is a good time to visit the UNESCO World Heritage sites nearby: Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), and Kathmandu Durbar Square. Your guide can help arrange transport.
These items are considered absolutely critical by our Mountainkick guides. Based on our extensive experience in the Himalayas, we strongly recommend prioritizing these items:
Waterproof hiking boots – Well broken-in and comfortable with ankle support
Layered clothing system – Base, mid, and outer layers for adaptability to changing conditions
Warm sleeping bag – Rated for at least -15°C for the Three Passes Trek
UV-protecting sunglasses – For protection against intense high-altitude sun
Headlamp with spare batteries – Essential for navigating in dark conditions
Water bottles/hydration system – For maintaining proper hydration at altitude
Daypack – For carrying daily essentials while trekking
Trekking poles – Essential for stability on steep pass crossings
| TRIP STARTS | TRIP ENDS | STATUS | COST | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 9, 2026 | May 28, 2026 | available | $1,320 | |
| May 16, 2026 | June 04, 2026 | available | $1,320 | |
| May 23, 2026 | June 11, 2026 | available | $1,320 | |
| May 30, 2026 | June 18, 2026 | available | $1,320 | |
| June 6, 2026 | June 25, 2026 | available | $1,320 | |
| June 13, 2026 | July 02, 2026 | available | $1,320 | |
| June 20, 2026 | July 09, 2026 | available | $1,320 | |
| June 27, 2026 | July 16, 2026 | available | $1,320 | |
| September 4, 2026 | September 23, 2026 | available | $1,320 | |
| September 11, 2026 | September 30, 2026 | available | $1,320 | |
| September 18, 2026 | October 07, 2026 | available | $1,320 | |
| September 25, 2026 | October 14, 2026 | available | $1,320 | |
| October 2, 2026 | October 21, 2026 | available | $1,320 | |
| October 9, 2026 | October 28, 2026 | available | $1,320 | |
| October 16, 2026 | November 04, 2026 | available | $1,320 | |
| October 23, 2026 | November 11, 2026 | available | $1,320 | |
| October 30, 2026 | November 18, 2026 | available | $1,320 | |
| November 6, 2026 | November 25, 2026 | available | $1,320 | |
| November 13, 2026 | December 02, 2026 | available | $1,320 | |
| November 20, 2026 | December 09, 2026 | available | $1,320 | |
| November 27, 2026 | December 16, 2026 | available | $1,320 | |
| December 4, 2026 | December 23, 2026 | available | $1,320 | |
| December 11, 2026 | December 30, 2026 | available | $1,320 | |
| December 18, 2026 | January 06, 2027 | available | $1,320 | |
| December 25, 2026 | January 13, 2027 | available | $1,320 |
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 | PRICING FROM (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1 | 1685 |
| 2-3 | 1320 |
| 4-9 | 1180 |
We never force our customers to follow our set itinerary. You can customize your itinerary exactly the way you want. Please share with us your ideas.
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