Khumbu, Nepal / Trek

Everest Three Passes

Link Kongma La, Cho La and Renjo La with Everest Base Camp, Gokyo and the Thame valley.

Snow and a frozen lake in the Cho La valley
Snow and a frozen lake in the Cho La valley.
Duration
22 daysOutline programme
Kala Patthar
5,545 mRoute objective
Season
Spring and autumnAsk for current dates
Experience
Demanding high-pass trekTrek

A closer look at the journey.

The Three Passes journey follows a broad circuit through the Khumbu rather than returning directly along the approach valley. From Namche, the route climbs toward Chhukung and crosses Kongma La to Lobuche. Everest Base Camp and a Kala Patthar viewpoint day follow before the trail turns toward the next high crossing.

Cho La links the main Everest valley with Gokyo, while Renjo La leads into the quieter return through Lungden and Thame. Three separate crossings make this a committed choice for strong walkers with relevant altitude experience. Rest days, snow conditions and the guide's judgement shape the actual progression; completing every pass is not a reason to ignore conditions.

  • Three high passes across the Khumbu
  • Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar
  • Gokyo and the return through Thame

The route, day by day.

This is an outline programme. The team will confirm the route and arrangements with you, allowing for weather, access and local conditions.

Day 1Arrive in Kathmandu

Begin the programme with your arrival connection and time to settle in. Meet the local team to review the journey ahead.

Day 2Fly to Lukla and walk to Phakding

Take the planned flight connection, subject to the operating schedule and weather. Coordinate the onward stage with the local team.

Day 3Phakding to Namche Bazaar

Follow the walking route from Phakding to Namche Bazaar. Overnight arrangements follow the agreed programme.

Day 4Rest and acclimatisation at Namche

Remain in the area with time to rest. Any local walk is selected with your guide according to the conditions and the group.

Day 5Namche to Tengboche

Follow the walking route from Namche to Tengboche. Overnight arrangements follow the agreed programme.

Day 6Tengboche to Dingboche

Follow the walking route from Tengboche to Dingboche. Overnight arrangements follow the agreed programme.

Day 7Dingboche to Chhukung

Follow the walking route from Dingboche to Chhukung. Overnight arrangements follow the agreed programme.

Day 8Cross Kongma La to Lobuche

Follow the planned high-route stage when conditions allow. Your guide confirms the timing, pace and overnight arrangements.

Day 9Rest and acclimatisation at Lobuche

Remain in the area with time to rest. Any local walk is selected with your guide according to the conditions and the group.

Day 10Visit Everest Base Camp and stay at Gorak Shep

Remain in the area with time to rest. Any local walk is selected with your guide according to the conditions and the group.

Day 11Kala Patthar excursion

The viewpoint walk is subject to the weather and the team's condition.

Day 12Return to Lobuche

Continue the planned walking stage, with breaks and the overnight stop arranged around the route and conditions.

Day 13Lobuche to Dzongla

Follow the walking route from Lobuche to Dzongla. Overnight arrangements follow the agreed programme.

Day 14Cross Cho La to Thagnak

Follow the planned high-route stage when conditions allow. Your guide confirms the timing, pace and overnight arrangements.

Day 15Thagnak to Gokyo

Follow the walking route from Thagnak to Gokyo. Overnight arrangements follow the agreed programme.

Day 16Gokyo Ri excursion and return

Continue the planned walking stage, with breaks and the overnight stop arranged around the route and conditions.

Day 17Cross Renjo La to Lungden

Follow the planned high-route stage when conditions allow. Your guide confirms the timing, pace and overnight arrangements.

Day 18Lungden to Thame

Follow the walking route from Lungden to Thame. Overnight arrangements follow the agreed programme.

Day 19Thame to Namche

Follow the walking route from Thame to Namche. Overnight arrangements follow the agreed programme.

Day 20Namche to Phakding

Follow the walking route from Namche to Phakding. Overnight arrangements follow the agreed programme.

Day 21Phakding to Lukla

Follow the walking route from Phakding to Lukla. Overnight arrangements follow the agreed programme.

Day 22Fly to Kathmandu

Take the planned flight connection, subject to the operating schedule and weather. Coordinate the onward stage with the local team.

A clear plan and quotation.

Request an itemised quotation for your group, dates and preferred level of support. Agree the inclusions before booking travel.

Services to discuss

  • Local guiding and mountain support arrangements
  • City and mountain accommodation, equipment and meal plan
  • Ground travel and any domestic flights shown in the agreed programme
  • Local access and trip arrangements required for the route

Budget separately

  • International travel and connections outside the agreed programme
  • Personal travel insurance and personal equipment
  • Drinks, personal purchases and optional activities
  • Tips and changes requested beyond the agreed programme

Before you set out.

Previous multi-day walking experience and preparation for consecutive mountain days are useful. Discuss the altitude, terrain and pass requirements with the team.

Accommodation: Hotels on the travel stages, with mountain lodges or camps as agreed for the walking route.

Use the trip preparation guide to plan equipment, travel documents and questions for the team.

Can the daily walking plan change?

Yes. Weather, trail conditions and the group's pace can affect individual stages. Agree the overall route and any important alternatives with the team.

Does day 22 include international departure?

No. The outline finishes with the planned flight to Kathmandu. Arrange your onward departure separately and discuss extra time for travel changes.

Everest, Lhotse and Makalu catching the last sun, seen from Gokyo Ri

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Bhim PaudelExecutive Director

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Season

Highest altitude so far, any summits, and when you can travel.