rip Overview – Everest Three High Passes Trek (19 Days)
The Everest Three High Passes Trek is one of the most complete, rewarding, and exhilarating journeys in the entire Everest region. It is a challenging high-altitude adventure designed for trekkers who want deeper immersion, bigger views, and a more authentic experience compared to the standard Everest Base Camp route.
Over 19 unforgettable days, this circuit links three legendary passes: Renjo La (5,360 m), Cho La (5,330 m), and Kongma La (5,535 m) while weaving together the shimmering Gokyo Lakes, the historic Everest Base Camp, and the iconic sunrise viewpoint of Kala Patthar.
Your journey begins with a spectacular mountain flight into Lukla followed by scenic days spent trekking through rhododendron forests, suspension bridges, and traditional Sherpa villages. In Namche, the vibrant heart of the Khumbu, you will experience Sherpa culture, mountain hospitality, and your first breathtaking views of the Everest massif.
Leaving the main trail, the route enters the serene Gokyo Valley. This quiet, sacred region holds turquoise lakes that sparkle beneath immense glaciers. A sunrise climb to Gokyo Ri (5,357 m) reveals one of the world’s most extraordinary panoramas: Everest (8,848.86 m), Lhotse (8,516 m), Makalu (8,463 m), and Cho Oyu (8,188 m) rising together in one dramatic skyline.
Crossing the beautiful but challenging Cho La Pass, the trail reconnects with the Everest Base Camp route which brings you to the historic site where climbers begin their summit dreams. Then comes the unforgettable sunrise ascent of Kala Patthar (5,545 m), the finest front-row viewpoint of Everest’s summit.
Your final challenge, Kongma La Pass (5,535 m), the highest and wildest of the three, offers raw Himalayan wilderness along with sweeping ridge-line vistas and a powerful sense of achievement before the trail descends into gentler valleys dotted with ancient monasteries and alpine villages.
Combining untouched natural beauty, cultural depth, and thrilling alpine crossings, the Everest Three High Passes Trek is the ultimate Himalayan experience. It is perfect for seasoned trekkers seeking adventure, accomplishment, and a journey that stays with you long after you return home.
Trip Highlights – Everest Three High Passes Trek (19 Days)
Conquer the Three Legendary High Passes
Challenge yourself on Renjo La (5,360 m), Cho La (5,330 m), and Kongma La (5,535 m). These are three incredible alpine crossings offering wilderness, panoramic mountain views, and a true sense of Himalayan achievement.
Experience the Finest Viewpoints in the Everest Region
Take in spectacular sunrise panoramas from Gokyo Ri (5,357 m) and Kala Patthar (5,545 m) where Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, and Ama Dablam glow in golden morning light.
Explore the Turquoise Gokyo Lakes
Walk beside sacred glacial lakes shimmering between 4,700 and 5,000 m. These turquoise waters sit surrounded by snow-dusted peaks and the mighty Ngozumpa Glacier.
Reach Everest Base Camp (5,364 m)
Stand beneath the world’s highest mountain at the iconic mountaineering landmark framed by ice seracs and the dramatic Khumbu Icefall.
Traverse Remote and Untouched Glacial Landscapes
Cross the Ngozumpa Glacier which is the longest glacier in Nepal and experience high-mountain terrain rarely visited by standard EBC trekkers.
Immerse in Sherpa Culture and Himalayan Spirituality
Visit historic monasteries in Thame, Pangboche, and Khumjung. Spin prayer wheels, walk past mani walls, and experience the quiet spiritual rhythm of the Khumbu.
Explore a UNESCO World Heritage Landscape
Trek through Sagarmatha National Park. This region is home to rhododendron forests, yak pastures, alpine valleys, and wildlife such as Himalayan tahrs and high-altitude birdlife.
A Rewarding Journey for Experienced Trekkers
This remote, adventurous, and beautifully varied route offers everything including altitude, challenge, culture, grandeur, and the full Himalayan experience.
Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport, where a Royal Orchid representative warmly greets you and escorts you to your hotel. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Nepali welcome dinner along with a detailed trek briefing covering the route, passes, and safety preparations for your high-altitude adventure.
Accommodation: Hotel | Meals: Dinner
Day 2 – Fly Kathmandu → Lukla (2,828 m) & Trek to Phakding (2,800 m)
Begin your Himalayan journey with a breathtaking mountain flight into the dramatic airstrip of Lukla. After meeting your Sherpa team, start a gentle trek along the Dudh Koshi River, passing prayer stones, suspension bridges, and charming Sherpa villages before reaching Phakding.
Accommodation: Lodge | Meals: B/L/D
Day 3 – Trek Phakding → Namche Bazaar (3,440 m)
Continue north through pine forests and cross several iconic suspension bridges, including the famous Hillary Bridge. Enter Sagarmatha National Park and ascend steadily toward Namche Bazaar, the vibrant heart of Sherpa culture and the main trading hub of the Khumbu.
Accommodation: Lodge | Meals: B/L/D
Day 4 – Acclimatization Day in Namche Bazaar
Spend the day exploring Namche’s scenic surroundings to help your body adjust to altitude. Options include a hike to the Everest View Hotel for a panoramic glimpse of Everest and Ama Dablam, a visit to Khumjung village, or exploring local monasteries and the Sherpa Museum.
Accommodation: Lodge | Meals: B/L/D
Day 5 – Trek Namche → Thame (3,820 m)
Follow a tranquil trail overlooking the Bhote Koshi valley as you leave the main Everest Base Camp route. The walk leads through juniper forests and traditional Sherpa hamlets before reaching Thame , a historic village home to renowned mountaineers and one of the oldest monasteries in the region.
Accommodation: Lodge | Meals: B/L/D
Day 6 – Trek Thame → Murlung (4,210 m)
Climb gradually through wide alpine meadows framed by soaring rock faces and snow-clad peaks. The trail becomes quieter and more remote as you approach Murlung, offering a peaceful atmosphere perfect for acclimatization.
Accommodation: Lodge | Meals: B/L/D
Day 7 – Cross Renjo La Pass (5,360 m) → Descend to Gokyo (4,790 m)
Today brings your first major challenge: the ascent to Renjo La Pass. The climb is demanding but rewarding, opening to a jaw-dropping panorama of Everest, Lhotse, Cho Oyu, Makalu, and the dazzling Gokyo Lakes below. Descend carefully into the Gokyo Valley and settle beside the turquoise waters of Gokyo Lake.
Accommodation: Lodge | Meals: B/L/D
Day 8 – Acclimatization Day in Gokyo (4,790 m)
Hike to Gokyo Ri (5,357 m) at sunrise for one of the greatest viewpoints in the Himalayas. From the summit, the towering giants — Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu — appear in a sweeping Himalayan arc. Spend the afternoon resting or exploring the lakes.
Accommodation: Lodge | Meals: B/L/D
Day 9 – Trek Gokyo → Thagnak (4,750 m)
Cross the rugged Ngozumpa Glacier — the longest glacier in Nepal. Navigate icy ridges, crevasses, and lunar-like terrain as you make your way to Thagnak, a small settlement at the base of Cho La Pass.
Accommodation: Lodge | Meals: B/L/D
Day 10 – Cross Cho La Pass (5,330 m) → Zongla (4,620 m)
Another thrilling day. Begin early for the ascent to Cho La Pass, traversing steep rock faces and glaciated slopes. From the pass, enjoy commanding views of shimmering ice fields and towering peaks. Descend carefully to Zongla, a peaceful village nestled beneath Cholatse’s dramatic wall.
Accommodation: Lodge | Meals: B/L/D
Day 11 – Trek Zongla → Gorakshep (5,140 m) & Visit Everest Base Camp (5,364 m)
Rejoin the classic Everest Base Camp trail and follow a rugged path beneath Nuptse and Pumori toward Gorakshep – the last settlement before Everest Base Camp. After lunch, continue to Everest Base Camp, standing on the moraine where legendary expeditions begin their summit attempts.
Accommodation: Lodge | Meals: B/L/D
Day 12 – Climb Kala Patthar (5,545 m) & Descend to Lobuche (4,910 m)
Start before sunrise to ascend Kala Patthar, the best vantage point for witnessing Everest glowing gold in the early morning light. Descend to Gorakshep and continue to Lobuche for the night.
Accommodation: Lodge | Meals: B/L/D
Day 13 – Cross Kongma La Pass (5,535 m) → Chhukung (4,730 m)
Today you cross the highest and most remote of the three passes – Kongma La. The route offers a striking sense of wilderness, with expansive glacier views, rugged rock formations, and a raw, untouched Himalayan atmosphere. Descend to the peaceful village of Chhukung.
Accommodation: Lodge | Meals: B/L/D
Day 14 – Trek Chhukung → Pangboche (3,930 m)
Descend through alpine valleys with beautiful views of Ama Dablam. Stop at Pangboche Monastery, the oldest gompa in the region, rich in Sherpa heritage and Buddhist culture.
Accommodation: Lodge | Meals: B/L/D
Day 15 – Trek Pangboche → Namche Bazaar (3,440 m)
Follow a scenic trail back to Namche, passing through rhododendron forests and Sherpa settlements. Enjoy the lively atmosphere of Namche with cafés, bakeries, and mountain markets.
Accommodation: Lodge | Meals: B/L/D
Day 16 – Trek Namche → Lukla (2,828 m)
Your final trekking day takes you through pine forests and across suspension bridges as you retrace your steps along the Dudh Koshi River. Celebrate your accomplishment with your Sherpa team in Lukla.
Accommodation: Lodge | Meals: B/L/D
Day 17 – Fly Lukla → Kathmandu (1,400 m)
Return to Kathmandu on a scenic morning flight. Transfer to your hotel and enjoy a relaxed afternoon in the city.
Accommodation: Hotel | Meals: Breakfast
Day 18 – Sightseeing in Kathmandu Valley
Explore Kathmandu’s cultural heritage with visits to Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, and Patan Durbar Square – three UNESCO World Heritage Sites showcasing Nepal’s spiritual and artistic traditions.
Accommodation: Hotel | Meals: Breakfast
Day 19 – Final Departure
Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward journey, marking the end of your unforgettable Three Passes adventure.
Meals: Breakfast
Why Royal Orchid Trek for Everest Three High Passes Trek
Sherpa Led by True Himalayan Experts
Born and raised in the Khumbu region, our Sherpa guides carry generations of mountaineering knowledge. Their natural expertise on high altitude terrain ensures you trek safely across all three challenging passes including Renjo La, Cho La and Kongma La.
Proven Experience on High Altitude Expeditions
With decades of guiding across Everest, Gokyo and remote alpine routes, our team specializes in complex treks that require precise planning, strategic acclimatization and confident decision making.
Safety Focused Itinerary and Responsible Acclimatization
The Three Passes Trek demands thoughtful pacing and risk awareness. Our route includes carefully designed acclimatization days, contingency time and professional health monitoring to keep you safe above five thousand meters.
Small Groups for Personal Care and Flexibility
We keep our groups intentionally small so your guide can closely track your health, adjust the pace and offer personal support during steep ascents, technical sections and high mountain pass crossings.
Fair and Ethical Trekking Practices
We are committed to uplifting local communities, providing insured employment to our team and practicing environmentally responsible trekking throughout Sagarmatha National Park.
Genuine Sherpa Hospitality
From warm teahouses to shared stories and cultural experiences, you will be welcomed like family. Our team ensures your journey is meaningful, safe and deeply connected to authentic Sherpa heritage.
Include & Excludes
Include
All airport pick up and drop off services in Kathmandu by private vehicle
Three nights hotel accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast
All private ground transportation as per itinerary
Round trip domestic flights between Kathmandu and Lukla
Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit and Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit
All meals during the trek including breakfast, lunch, dinner, tea and coffee
Accommodation in mountain lodges or teahouses throughout the trek
Highly experienced licensed English speaking trekking guide specialized in high altitude routes
Porter service at a ratio of one porter for every two trekkers carrying up to fifteen kilograms each
Staff insurance, wages, equipment, meals and accommodation for all trekking crew
First aid kit, pulse oximeter and essential safety equipment
Duffel bag for personal trekking gear to be returned after trek completion
Comprehensive pre departure briefing and welcome and farewell dinners in Kathmandu
All government taxes, service charges and official documentation
Exclude
International flights to and from Nepal
Nepal visa fees
Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
Personal trekking gear suitable for extreme altitude
Travel insurance covering high altitude and helicopter rescue
Alcoholic beverages, snacks and bottled drinks
Wi Fi, hot showers and charging fees in teahouses
Additional porter service if required
Extra accommodation or transport caused by weather delays or itinerary changes
Optional sightseeing activities in Kathmandu
Any services not specifically listed under Cost Includes