Everest Three High Passes Trek Guide 2027: Route, Permits, Best Season and Cost

The Everest Three High Passes trek is a single loop of the Khumbu that crosses Kongma La, Cho La and Renjo La, and links the three main valleys of the region. On the way you reach Everest Base Camp, climb Kala Patthar at sunrise and visit the Gokyo Lakes. Our plan is 19 days from Kathmandu to Kathmandu, with acclimatisation days built in and a spare day at the end.

The short version

• Highest point: Kala Patthar, about 5,550 m. Highest pass: Kongma La, about 5,535 m. Highest sleeping altitude: Gorak Shep, about 5,160 m
• Our trip: 19 days from Kathmandu, flying Kathmandu to Lukla and back
• Distance: roughly 130 to 150 km on foot
• Difficulty: strenuous. Pass days can last eight or nine hours and start before dawn, so it suits fit walkers who are comfortable with long days at high altitude, ideally with previous trekking experience
• Walking: 3 to 9 hours a day; the three pass days and the Base Camp day are the longest
• Best seasons: March to May and late September to November
• Permits: Sagarmatha National Park and local municipality permits; a licensed guide is usually required. We arrange them
• Our price: from US$1,843 per person, with a 20% deposit to secure the booking

Our 19-day route, day by day

Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu (about 1,350 m). Meet your guide, check your gear and sort permits.

Day 2: Fly to Lukla (about 2,840 m) and trek to Phakding (about 2,610 m).

Day 3: Phakding to Namche Bazaar (about 3,440 m).

Day 4: Acclimatisation day in Namche (about 3,440 m), with an optional hike to about 3,880 m.

Day 5: Namche to Tengboche (about 3,860 m).

Day 6: Tengboche to Dingboche (about 4,410 m).

Day 7: Dingboche to Chhukung (about 4,730 m). A short day for acclimatisation.

Day 8: Cross Kongma La to Lobuche. Kongma La is about 5,535 m; Lobuche is about 4,910 m.

Day 9: Lobuche to Gorak Shep and Everest Base Camp. Gorak Shep is about 5,160 m and Base Camp about 5,364 m, then back to Gorak Shep for the night.

Day 10: Kala Patthar sunrise, then Dzongla. Kala Patthar is about 5,550 m; Dzongla is about 4,830 m.

Day 11: Cross Cho La to Thagnak. Cho La is about 5,420 m; Thagnak is about 4,700 m.

Day 12: Thagnak to Gokyo (about 4,790 m).

Day 13: Gokyo Ri and the lakes. Gokyo Ri is about 5,357 m.

Day 14: Cross Renjo La to Lungden. Renjo La is about 5,360 m; Lungden is about 4,380 m.

Day 15: Lungden to Thame (about 3,800 m).

Day 16: Thame to Namche Bazaar (about 3,440 m).

Day 17: Namche to Lukla (about 2,850 m).

Day 18: Fly to Kathmandu (about 1,350 m).

Day 19: Spare day and departure.

The pass order and daily times are a guide. Your leader may change the plan for weather, snow or health, and Lukla flights are often delayed, so the last day works as a spare. Please keep at least one more spare day before your international flight. Altitudes are approximate and differ a little between sources.

What you will see

Three passes in one loop, Everest Base Camp, Kala Patthar at sunrise, the Gokyo Lakes and Gokyo Ri, quiet side valleys such as Chhukung, Dzongla, Thagnak and Lungden, Namche Bazaar, the monastery at Tengboche and the Sherpa village of Thame, all inside Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage area.

How hard is it?

It is one of the most demanding teahouse treks in Nepal. Pass days can last eight or nine hours, start before dawn and cross loose rock, steep scree and sometimes snow or ice. The plan builds in a rest day at Namche, a short day at Chhukung and a spare day at Gokyo, and you should treat these days seriously. Weather decides how the passes feel. After fresh snow or in cold months, microspikes or crampons may be needed, and your guide judges each crossing on the day. Lodges are simple teahouses, with basic rooms and shared toilets at the higher stops.

Permits you need

Sagarmatha National Park and local municipality permits are required, and a licensed guide is usually required. We arrange these. Our Nepal trekking permits guide explains permits in general.

Best time to go

March to May and late September to November. See our best time to trek in Nepal guide.

What does it cost, and what is included?

Our 19-day Everest Three High Passes trek starts from US$1,843 per person, Kathmandu to Kathmandu. A 20% deposit secures the booking. The price includes airport transfers in Kathmandu, return flights between Kathmandu and Lukla with airport taxes, a licensed English-speaking guide, Sagarmatha National Park and local municipality permits, twin-share teahouse rooms on the trail, and breakfast, lunch and dinner on the trail days. It does not include the Nepal visa, international flights, travel insurance, a Kathmandu hotel (we can arrange one on request), a porter (optional extra), drinks, hot showers, device charging and wifi, or tips and personal expenses. Check that your insurance covers high-altitude trekking and helicopter rescue.

Other Himalayan routes

For a shorter walk to the lakes without the passes, see our Gokyo Lakes guide. For the classic route, see the Everest Base Camp guide.

Frequently asked questions

How hard is the Three Passes trek?

Strenuous. Pass days can last eight or nine hours and start before dawn, so it suits fit walkers who are comfortable with long days at high altitude.

Do I need crampons or microspikes?

After fresh snow or in cold months they may be needed, and your guide judges each crossing on the day.

Do I need a guide and permits?

Usually yes. A licensed guide is usually required, and we arrange the permits.

What if the Lukla flight is delayed?

Day 19 works as a spare day. Please keep at least one more spare day before your international flight.

Ready to plan it? See the Everest Three High Passes Trek package, or message us on WhatsApp +81 70 2232 4287.