Everest Three High Passes Trek with RP Adventures offers an exciting and adventurous journey through the entire Himalayan range. It’s a perfect adventure for veteran trekkers, expert mountaineers, and beginners interested in wilderness experiences. This trek provides a complete high-altitude experience, traversing from one scenic area to another in the beautiful Khumbu Valley.
All trekkers need to be well-prepared with adequate physical conditioning to navigate the rough, rugged terrain of the Himalayas. The trek itself is not overly difficult or technical but can be strenuous due to the rapid altitude gain and steep ascents required to conquer all three passes. Despite this, Everest Three High Pass Trekking has seen a rise in popularity over the past few decades. It attracts adventurers seeking new and untouched Himalayan destinations, while also offering the comfort of cozy lodge accommodations along the route.
Everest Three High Passes trek is one of the best, despite traversing remote areas, as good overnight stops are readily available. This makes the Khumbu region one of the finest and most highly favored adventure destinations for travelers wide-world. The adventure begins with a scenic flight to land at the famous and exciting Tenzing Hillary Airport in Lukla.
The gateway to numerous adventures around Khumbu begins and ends in the bustling town of Lukla. The trail winds through villages, alongside the Dudh Koshi River for a stretch, and then ascends to the renowned Namche Bazaar. As the capital of Khumbu Sherpa, Namche Bazaar is a fascinating and ideal location situated at the right altitude for acclimatization purposes.
After enjoying a restful day in Namche Bazaar, the journey progresses towards higher elevations, reaching the picturesque location of Tengboche. This lovely area features an impressive monastery surrounded by towering snow-capped peaks and dense forests. Beyond Tengboche, the landscape transitions into rugged wilderness as the tree line recedes amidst the towering mountain terrain.
The trek continues along a windswept trail into the picturesque Imja Valley, home to the settlements of Dingboche and Chukung. From these charming villages, the real adventure begins as we embark on a hidden trail. This path winds between the towering walls of Nuptse and Pokalde peaks, eventually ascending to the summit of Kongma-La, the first and highest pass of the trek. Beyond Kongma-La lies Lobuche, a key waypoint on the route leading to Everest Base Camp.
After crossing the first pass, we descend and traverse the Khumbu Glacier to reach Lobuche, and eventually, Everest Base Camp. This marks the achievement of the first major highlight of the adventure. Next, we ascend to the summit of Kalapathar, the highest point of the journey. Here, we savor breathtaking views of the surrounding majestic peaks, with Mt. Everest standing closest. Departing from Everest Base Camp and Kalapathar, the route diverges from the main trail towards the base of Cho-La Pass.
Nestled away from the bustling Everest Base Camp trail lies the small settlement of Dzongla. An early morning ascent from here leads to the summit of Cho-La, the second high pass of our adventure. Descending from Cho-La Pass, we enter the picturesque Gokyo Valley before making our way towards the final challenge, the Renjo-La Pass.
At Gokyo, enjoy a pleasant rest day with a climb to the high Gokyo-Ri for magnificent views of the world’s four tallest peaks. Facing Everest, Lhotse, and Cho-Oyu, with Mt. Makalu toward the east, includes a series of peaks that circle the top of Gokyo-Ri. After a great scenic moment at Gokyo, explore around its glacial lakes, then gets ready to cross the last final pass.
Leaving Gokyo, we trek across the lake and head south, followed by a steep climb that takes us to the summit of Renjo-La, the third and final pass of our adventure. Descending gradually, we continue our journey downhill towards the windswept village of Thame. This sleepy and picturesque village boasts the oldest monastery in the Khumbu region, where we enjoy a pleasant overnight stay.
The trek retraces through villages, returning us to Namche Bazaar and onward to Lukla for our final overnight stay in the Khumbu region. At Lukla, our adventure concludes, marking the end of our journey before we head back to Kathmandu. Reflecting on our wonderful experience on the Everest Three High Pass Trekking, we cherish the memories made amidst the Himalayan landscapes.
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu, Pickup to hotel – 1,300m.
Day 02: Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla 30 minuets Trek to Phakding 2,610m – 03 hrs.
Day 03: Trek to Namche bazaar 3,450m – 06 hrs.
Day 04: Namche bazar rest day – 3450m.
Day 05: Trek to Tengboche, 3,900m – 06 hrs.
Day 06: Trek to Dingboche, 4,400m – 06 hrs.
Day 07: Dingboche rest day 4,400m – 04 hrs.
Day 08: Trek to Chukung 4,700m – 05 hrs.
Day 09: Trek to lobuche via Khoma-La Pass 5,535m – 08 hrs.
Day 10: Trek to Everest Base Camp 5,364 m and back to Gorakshep 5,160m – 06 hrs.
Day 11: Climb Kalapathar 5,643 m / 18,514 feet trek to Dzongla 4,750m – 06 hrs.
Day 12: Cross Cho-La pass 5,420 m and descend to Thagnak 4,760m – 08 hrs.
Day 13: Trek to Gokyo main third Lakes 4,800m – 04 hrs.
Day 14: At Gokyo rest day and hike to Gokyo – Ri at 5,357m – 06 hrs.
Day 15: Cross Renjo-La 5,360 m, and descend to Lungden 4,340m – 07 hrs.
Day 16: Trek to Thame 3,880m – 06 hrs.
Day 17: Trek to Monjo 2,880m via Namche Bazaar 3,450m – 06 hrs.
Day 18: Trek to Lukla 2, 810m – 04 hrs.
Day 19 : Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu with afternoon free at leisure -1,300m.
Day 20: Free day in Kathmandu for individual activities – 1,300m.
On arrival at Kathmandu's International Airport, please note that Nepal operates on Nepal Standard Time (NST), which is 5 hours and 45 minutes ahead of GMT. Outside the airport terminal, our RP Adventures staff will warmly greet you and accompany you on a short drive to your hotel. Your accommodation will be centrally located in Kathmandu. Upon arrival at the hotel, settle into your comfortable rooms.
Later, you will meet with the other members of the trekking team for a briefing about the Everest Three High Pass Trekking expedition. During this session, you will receive all necessary information and details about the trek. In the evening, enjoy a group welcome dinner at an authentic Nepali restaurant, where you will be introduced to Nepali cuisine and culture.
Early in the morning, you will depart from your hotel for a short flight to Lukla, boarding a small aircraft for the journey. The flight offers breathtaking views of the Himalayan peaks and the panoramic vista of the Kathmandu Valley. After a short flight, the aircraft will land at Lukla Tenzing & Hillary Airport, known for its unique runway.
Upon arrival in Lukla, you'll have some time for a refreshing break before starting the pleasant trek downhill, following the Dudh Koshi River. The trail winds past several charming villages, eventually leading you to Phakding, where you will spend the night. Phakding is situated alongside a gorge next to the Dudh Koshi River, offering a serene setting for your overnight halt.
The distance covered isn't too far, but the gradual gain in altitude necessitates a slow pace for both walking and climbing. The trail proceeds to cross a lengthy bridge leading to Monjo village, the entrance to Sagarmatha National Park. Beyond the park entrance, another bridge offers an easy crossing to Jorsalle, the final settlement before Namche Bazaar. After stopping for lunch in Jorsalle, the afternoon trek continues, passing a high bridge and navigating undulating, winding paths that lead upwards to Namche Bazaar, where we will stay for two nights.
Namche Bazaar provides an ideal location and altitude for acclimatization. You can enjoy the day by taking a short hike to viewpoints offering stunning vistas. There's also a fascinating museum where you can learn about the history and culture of the Khumbu Sherpas, as well as the region's flora, fauna, and mountaineering history. From the high ridge, you'll have sweeping views of Mt. Everest and its neighboring famous peaks.
For those with extra energy, a hike to Everest View Hotel is recommended. This climb takes a few hours and rewards you with spectacular views of Everest while you enjoy a cup of warm refreshment. In the afternoon, you can relax and explore the main streets of Namche Bazaar, which are lined with shops, stores, restaurants, bakeries, and a variety of hotels and lodges offering a taste of local and international flavors.
The journey continues from Namche Bazaar along a higher trail, offering breathtaking mountain scenery throughout. The winding path leads downhill to Phunki Tenga where we'll stop for lunch. In the afternoon, we embark on a gradual climb through the cool shade of pine and rhododendron forests, eventually reaching Tengboche and its renowned monastery.
At Tengboche, take time to visit the monastery, which holds significant cultural and religious importance. From here, you can enjoy panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, and Nuptse, as well as the majestic Ama Dablam and other snow-capped peaks that surround Tengboche. Spend the night in a comfortable lodge at Tengboche, where you can relish views of the Himalayan peaks under the starry sky.
Enjoying a pleasant overnight in Tengboche with interesting visit of the Monastery, and then morning walk starts heading downhill. After crossing a bridge a slow climb to Pangboche, the last village before Everest base camp. The other places en route are temporary settlements, like Dingboche, Lobuche and Gorakshep, from Pangboche walk heads higher. Walking on open and exposed terrain then finally the day ends on reaching Imjatse Valley, where Dingboche situated. A nice lovely settlement beneath towering North Face of Ama Dablam with views of Island Peak, Lhotse and Nuptse.At Dingboche transfer to a nice lodge, having time to marvel the beautiful scenery of surrounding giant peaks.
Another rest day for acclimatization before heading towards our first high pass to cross and to reach Everest base camp and climb of Kalapathar. Enjoy the morning taking a scenic hike up to the hill of Nakarjung for spectacular surrounding mountain views. Besides Lhotse, Nuptse and Ama Dablam, close look of famous Island Peak with Mt. Makalu towards east. Rest of the day enjoy a leisure afternoon in the harmony of glorious mountain range.
From Dingboche walk to the end of Imjatse valley closer look of famous Island a trekking peak. A wonderful walk along scenic trail with short up and down and then climb for a short while. Then reaching at remote settlement of Chukung, a small place with few good lodges facing tremendous views of surround peaks.Afternoon at leisure for short walk and relax save the energy for next early climb to first high pass of Kongma-La.
Trek to Lobuche 4,960 m crossing Khoma-La Pass 5,535 m - 08 hrs.Start the morning as early as possible carrying packed lunch for the long day trek,walk follows above Imjatse valley. Then entering a gully in between Nuptse and Nakarjung rocky hills, as climb starts on rocky path. Heading up all the way on top of Khoma-La pass, the highest crossing of the adventure.From the top downhill to Khumbu glacier and walk across with steep short climb with descent to Lobuche for overnight halt. Located on west end of a wide valley with several good lodges with grand views of Nuptse peak.
Trek to Everest Base Camp 5,364 m and back to Gorakshep - 06 hrs. From Lobuche, adventure leads to Everest Base Camp, rising early for a long day.Having breakfast the walk follows north with short steep climb, and over moraine of rocks and ice above Khumbu glacier. Then a short descent Gorakshep, a place with several nice lodges, located beneath Mt. Pumori and Kalapathar Hill.As well en route to Everest base camp, after a short rest, continue walk heading east following a rocky path.Then finally reaching at the base camp on the foot of towering Mt. Everest, Lhotse and Nuptse. Enjoy the awesome dramatic scenery of arctic like landscapes filled with rocky moraine of rocks, ice and snow. Includes close views of massif Khumbu Ice fall just above the base camp. After a great wonderful experience back to Gorakshep for overnight, and for the last steep climb to Kalapathar hill top.
Climb Kalapathar 5,643 m / 18,514 feet trek to Dzongla 4, 750 m. Another early morning start for the big climb to the top of Kalapathar, a few hour up. Rewards stupendous panoramic views of surrounding towering Mountain range with Mt. Everest at a close distance. After a mesmerizing adventure overlooking breathtaking scenery, downhill to Gorakshep and continue walk down towards Lobuche. Having a refreshing stop walk on gradual small path on leaving the main trail to Dzongla. Located on a isolated spot at the base of Cho-La Pass, close to Cholatse peaks and its small icy ponds. Enjoy the overnight in Dzongla and having good rest before crossing the second pass of the adventure.
Cross Cho-La pass 5,420 m and descend to Thagnak 4,760 m-08 hrs.Morning at the break of dawn, a steep climb on rocky slopes for some hours as uphill continues. Then finally reach on top of Cho-La pass, situated close to giant peaks of Cholatse. After a refreshing stop downhill to the base of Cho-La at Thagnak for overnight stop. A small settlement with few simple lodges located close beneath Ngozumpa glacier.
Trek to Gokyo main 3 rd Lakes 4,800 m-04 hrs.Feeling strong on completing the second high pass, morning a short half day walk to beautiful Gokyo. Follow the gentle path then coming across the first and second lakes, then reaching at Gokyo main third lakes. Where all good lodges are located above the lake shore, after lunch enjoy the grand scenery with views of Mt. Cho-Oyu towards north.
Rise early morning and start the hike across the lake with climb for few hours reaching on top Gokyo-Ri. Enjoy the stunning sunrise over chain of Himalayan peaks, includes views of 4 world’s highest peaks. Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Mt. Cho-Oyu with an array of peaks that surrounds the Gokyo Lake and the valley. Return back to the lodge at Gokyo for breakfast and lunch, afternoon at leisure to explore around scenic Gokyo valley.
After a pleasant time at Gokyo, walk across the Gokyo Lake reaching the base of Renjo-la pass. Climb follows on rocky path for few hours to reach top of Renjo-La in good time. From the pass enjoy views of Everest with Makalu and Cho-Oyu,includes array of peaks that encircles the pass. On crossing all the high pass of the adventure, then walk downhill past small glacial pond to reach Lungden for overnight stop. A small place with few simple lodges, as this route is seldom used by trekkers and adventurers. Lungden is also close to Nangpa-La Pass which forms the border of Nepal and Tibet.
From Lungden walk heads downhill past farm settlements of Marlung, then cross a river. After the bridge on gradual path to Thame, a nice quant village with an old monastery perched on top of the village. On arrival at Thame transfer into a nice lodge, facing grand views of Kwangde and series of peaks.
After a pleasant overnight in a sleepy quiet village at Thame, enjoy the morning view of Kwangde and Pachermo peaks. Walk leads on gradual path with short down and ups reaching back into tree lines. As trail follows through Thamo a nice village, and downhill to Namche Bazaar for possible lunch stop. Afternoon a long descent to Dudh-Koshi River and then short up to Sagarmatha National Park. Walk leads past Sagarmatha National Park entry and exit post, and then reach a lovely village at Monjo for overnight halt.
Slowly the adventure comes to an end, enjoy the last day walks to Lukla following on a nice pleasant trail. Heading past Phakding and then with final climb to Lukla by lunch time as well as for last night dinner. After an exciting and marvelous adventure around the high Khumbu crossing Everest Three High Pass.
An early start to catch the flight back to Kathmandu, after breakfast a short walk to Lukla’s Tenzing & Hillary Airport. As the plane arrives from Kathmandu, and then board on a smaller aircraft for sweeping flight to Kathmandu.On reaching at Kathmandu Airport domestic terminal, and then transfer back to
The last final day in Kathmandu and at Nepal, as time for your international flight time. Our RP Adventures guides and staff transfers you to the airport, and then bid farewell to the guide and staff. Then enter the airport terminal for homeward bound flight, after a memorable exciting adventure on Everest Three High Pass Trekking.
Before starting your journey to Everest Three High Passes Trek, it's essential to carefully pack the right clothing and gear and learn about the trekking areas. Most trails in Nepal start from warm regions and go through cooler zones, reaching high altitudes above 4000m. To stay safe and comfortable during the trek, it's important to bring the necessary equipment to deal with the cold weather. Check out our article on a complete packing list for the Everest Three High Passes Trek for detailed information.
The following basic checklist for trekking and hiking equipment should assist you in packing for our trips. Keep in mind the importance of minimizing the weight of your clothing and gear. Your packed trek bag should weigh less than 15 kilograms. Remember, this is merely a guideline and not everything listed is essential to bring.
Additional Equipment Checklist
Where to begin.. I was invited to join Rajan’s tour which he organized with his wife Anita for a lovely couple from germany- Jürgen and Petra. Before going into detail, I can sum up the experience as: An adventure of a lifetime!!! (Exclamation marks well deserved). I joined in Namche Bazaar and our stops were as follows: Thame-Lunden-Renjo La Pass-Gokyo-Dole-Machermo-Namche Bazaar- Phakding-Lukla-Kathmandu. We were time flexible, so we took acclimatization days at every stop when ascending. This was something I really appreciated since I feared AMS every stop of our route, but when trekking with Rajan and Anita, it was simply not an option! We were so well taken care of, food and drinks were always at hand, every day we did just the right amount of trekking to leaves us tired and satisfied but not exhausted. Rajan kept an eye on us, very alert of any signs of something going wrong, sometimes he knew even before we did that a break is in order or we need to slow the pace, or simply that we need a snickers from his secret stash to keep the pace up! Another great aspect of being part of this tour, was Rajan’s local knowledge. He knew the most picturesque trails that were far from the beaten track and which still led us to our destination, also, this stretches to accomodation choices – we did stay in some lovely lodges along the way in which nothing was ever lacking, the food was delicious and the owners accomodating to any extra requests we had (like laundry, hot shower, etc.). I believe myself lucky to have found Rajan’s tour in Nepal, since the experience was truly one of a lifetime… The things we saw and experienced were breathtaking and left me craving for more. Also, Rajan and Anita are delightful to be around, always smiling, and with a sense of humour that aims to challenge and motivate you towards surpassing your limits, and that’s a well needed quality when dealing with the Himalayas. Upon my next visit to Nepal, I’ll definitely book with Rajan again, I can’t recommend him enough. Thanks a lot for this wonderful trip!!
PS: A big shout-out to our porter Mahindra, a lovely, positive man who carried our luggage from one point to another. It would have been very tough without you, thank you!!
Born in a small village of Nuwakot, began his career in the tourism industry as a porter which helped him to become a professional experienced guide and now operating RP Treks sincerely.