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Everest Three High Passes Trek – 17 Days





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Everest Three High Passes Trek – 17 Days

The 17-Day Everest Three High Passes Trek is a demanding, high-altitude odyssey that forms a massive loop, crossing the formidable Renjo La (5,360m), Cho La (5,420m), and Kongma La (5,535m).

Everest Three High Passes Trek
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Everest Three High Passes Trek

  • Solukhumbu, Nepal

Price

$1600

Duration

17 Days

Difficulty

Challenging

Group Size

8 Guest

Height

5,545 m

Trip Overview

The 17-Day Everest Three High Passes Trek is not just a hike; it is a high-altitude odyssey that takes you through the most dramatic and demanding landscapes on Earth. While the standard Everest Base Camp route follows a linear path, the Three Passes circuit creates a massive, high-altitude loop that crosses the Renjo La (5,360m), Cho La (5,420m), and the formidable Kongma La (5,535m). This journey is designed for those who seek the “Total Everest Experience,” combining the world-famous Base Camp and Kala Patthar with the hidden turquoise gems of the Gokyo Lakes and the remote, spiritual valleys of Thame.

For the Verve Nepal adventurer, this 17-day journey is a masterclass in resilience and strategic planning. You will traverse the Ngozumpa Glacier (the longest in the Himalayas), stand at the foot of Mt. Everest, and look out over a “sea of giants” including Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu. This trek mirrors the journey of a high-stakes business leader or share market investor: it requires patience for acclimatization, the courage to cross technical passes, and the vision to see the long-term reward. By the time you return to Lukla, you won’t just have completed a trek; you will have mastered the geography of the highest mountains in the world and the inner landscape of your own limitless potential.

Itinerary

Your expedition begins with one of the most thrilling experiences in the world: the scenic mountain flight from Kathmandu to Tenzing-Hillary Airport in Lukla. Perched on a mountainside, Lukla is the literal gateway to the clouds. After meeting your trekking crew, we begin with a gentle 3-hour descent toward the village of Phakding. Following the Dudh Koshi river, you will cross your first Himalayan suspension bridges and pass ancient Mani stones (prayer carvings), easing your body into the rhythm of the trail.

Today’s trek is a test of stamina and spirit as you follow the turquoise waters of the Dudh Koshi river toward the entrance of Sagarmatha National Park (a UNESCO World Heritage site). After crossing the high, iconic Hillary Suspension Bridge—draped in colorful prayer flags—the trail turns into a steep, zigzagging climb through fragrant pine forests. This is where you’ll earn your first major “dividend”: the first glimpse of Mt. Everest peeking through the canopy. By the time you reach the horseshoe-shaped basin of Namche Bazaar, you are standing in the vibrant commercial hub of the Everest region. At 3,440 meters, this colorful amphitheater of shops, cafes, and bakeries serves as your high-altitude base for the next two nights, offering your first real taste of life in the thin, crisp air of the Himalayas.

Today is designed to help your body adapt to the thinning air of the Khumbu. We follow the golden rule of mountaineering: “Climb high, sleep low.” We’ll take a steady hike up to the famous Everest View Hotel, one of the highest hotels in the world. From the terrace, you are treated to a jaw-dropping panorama of Everest, Lhotse, and the elegant, needle-pointed Ama Dablam.

After descending back to Namche, the afternoon is yours to explore the “Sherpa Capital.” You can visit the local museum to learn about Sherpa culture, browse the high-end gear shops, or enjoy a legendary slice of apple pie at a local bakery while utilizing the world’s highest-altitude ATMs. This day is about absorbing the energy of the mountains while giving your heart and lungs the time they need to prepare for the 5,000-meter passes ahead.

Today, you leave the main “Everest highway” and turn westward into the stunning Thamichho (Bhote Koshi) Valley. The 4-hour trek follows an ancient trade route that has connected Nepal and Tibet for centuries. As you walk along the northern bank of the powerful Bhote Koshi river, the trail winds through fragrant forests of pine, birch, and rhododendron. This valley is far less crowded, offering a peaceful atmosphere where you are more likely to spot grazing yaks, playful Langur monkeys, or the colorful Himalayan Monal (Danphe) than other trekkers. The destination, Thame, is a village of legendary status. It is the childhood home of Tenzing Norgay (who first summited Everest with Hillary) and the birthplace of Kami Rita Sherpa, who holds the world record for the most Everest summits (31 as of 2025). High above the village, the Thame Gompa—one of the three oldest monasteries in the region—clings to a rocky ledge. Reaching Thame is like entering a sanctuary of mountaineering history, surrounded by the soaring peaks of Kongde Ri and Thamserku.

Today, the landscape undergoes a dramatic transformation as you ascend into the high-altitude alpine zone. Leaving the greenery of Thame behind, the trail climbs steadily through the upper reaches of the Bhote Koshi valley. You are now walking through vast, open high-altitude pastures where local Sherpas graze their yaks during the summer months. The scenery is stark, beautiful, and silent, dominated by the ancient stone walls of yak pastures and the towering, snow-dusted peaks that hem in the valley.

As you trek toward Lungden, you’ll catch glimpses of the historic trail leading to the Nangpa La, the 5,806m glaciated pass that has served as the primary trade route between the Khumbu and Tibet for generations. You are walking through history here—a path trodden by salt traders and nomads for centuries. Reaching Lungden at 4,500m, you have officially crossed the threshold into the high Himalayas. The air is crisp and cold, and the excitement is palpable as you prepare to tackle the first of the Three Passes tomorrow.

Today is a day of immense physical challenge and incomparable reward. Starting in the pre-dawn cold of Lungden, you begin a steady, rhythmic climb toward your first 5,000-meter threshold: the Renjo La Pass. The trail is rugged and winds through rocky boulder fields, but as you reach the prayer-flag-strewn summit at 5,360 meters, the world opens up in a way few ever see.

From the top of Renjo La, you are treated to what many consider the finest panorama in the Himalayas. You are looking directly across at the Everest massif, with Lhotse (8,516m) and Makalu (8,485m) standing tall in a line of ice and rock. Below you, the turquoise jewels of the Gokyo Lakes shimmer in the high-altitude sun, nestled beside the massive Ngozumpa Glacier. After soaking in the victory, a steep descent leads you down to the shores of the third lake (Dudh Pokhari), where the peaceful village of Gokyo awaits. You have officially conquered the first of the Three Passes, proving your strength and focus in the thin air.

Today is a day for expanding your horizons. While it is technically an “acclimatization day,” the climb to the summit of Gokyo Ri (5,400m) is a highlight of the entire 17-day circuit. Rising steeply above the village, this peak offers a vantage point that is arguably superior to even Kala Patthar. From the top, you aren’t just looking at mountains; you are looking at the mechanics of the planet. Below you lies the Ngozumpa Glacier, the longest glacier in the Himalayas, stretching like a massive, frozen serpent for over 36 kilometers.

The 360-degree view features four of the world’s fourteen 8,000-meter peaks: Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu. Watching the morning light dance across the turquoise Gokyo Lakes while the sun illuminates the white walls of the giants is a spiritual experience. The descent back to the lakeside village allows you to rest and recover, but your perspective on what is possible has been permanently altered.

Today’s journey is shorter in distance (about 4km) but incredibly unique in terrain, as you navigate a trail across the mighty Ngozumpa Glacier. Leaving the comfort of Gokyo, you descend onto the glacier’s moraine—a vast, rocky landscape of shifting ice, gray gravel, and hidden meltwater pools. The path across the glacier is ever-changing as the ice slowly moves, requiring a sharp eye and steady footing.

The “Highlights” of this trek are the eerie, powerful sounds of the glacier—the occasional crack of moving ice or the splash of a falling stone into a glacial lake. Crossing the moraine feels like walking on the surface of another planet. Once you reach the far side of the glacier, you arrive at the quiet outpost of Thangnak. Tucked under a giant rock wall, this settlement serves as the essential “launchpad” for your second major challenge: the Cho La Pass. It is a day for conservation of energy and early rest, as the technical climb begins tomorrow.

Today is a high-adrenaline journey across the legendary Cho La Pass, often considered the most exciting part of the circuit. The trek begins with a steep, rocky scramble that tests your endurance and focus. As you reach the top of the rock face, the terrain shifts dramatically onto a frozen glacial plateau. Navigating the snow and ice of the Cho La glacier requires a steady pace and, depending on the season, the use of micro-spikes.

Standing at the summit (5,420m), you are rewarded with a perspective that few humans ever witness. The peaks of Ama Dablam and Cholatse rise like silver towers against the deep blue sky, while the trail ahead drops steeply into the scenic valley of Dzongla. The descent involves navigating through boulder fields, but the sight of the turquoise Cholatse Lake below and the intimate view of the surrounding massifs make every step worth the effort. Reaching the small settlement of Dzongla, you will feel a profound sense of accomplishment—you have now conquered two of the three great passes.

Today’s trek is a scenic 3 to 4-hour journey that bridges the gap between the remote Three Passes route and the legendary Everest Base Camp trail. Leaving Dzongla, you contour around the grassy slopes of Awi Peak, with the stunning Cholatse Lake and the massive north face of Ama Dablam keeping you company. The trail is wide and grand, eventually merging with the main trekking highway at Thukla.

The most moving part of today is the ascent of the Thukla Pass, where you will find the Everest Memorials. This cluster of stone monuments (chortens) is dedicated to the climbers and Sherpas who lost their lives on the world’s highest peaks, including the legendary Scott Fischer and Babu Chiri Sherpa. It is a place of deep silence and profound respect. From here, a gentle incline leads you to the high-altitude settlement of Lobuche, where the air is thin, the spirits are high, and the Khumbu Glacier begins to dominate the horizon.

Today is a day of monumental achievement. Leaving Lobuche, the trail follows the lateral moraine of the Khumbu Glacier, a vast landscape of shifting ice and rock. You will first reach Gorak Shep, the highest permanent settlement on earth, where we stop for a quick lunch and drop our heavy bags. From here, the final 2-hour push to Everest Base Camp is a surreal walk over frozen glacial ponds and gray debris.

Reaching the “Rock of EBC” at 5,364 meters, you are standing at the epicenter of mountaineering history. While the summit of Everest remains hidden behind the West Ridge, you are surrounded by the sheer white walls of Nuptse, Khumbutse, and Pumori. Directly in front of you lies the terrifyingly beautiful Khumbu Icefall, a cascading river of giant ice blocks. Standing here, at the foot of the world’s highest peak, you aren’t just a trekker; you are someone who has reached the very limit of human exploration. After absorbing the energy of the base camp, we return to Gorak Shep for a cold but triumphant night’s sleep.

Today begins in the dark, freezing hours of the early morning. The ascent of Kala Patthar (5,545m) is a steady, steep grind, but as the sun begins to crest behind the giant massifs, the struggle is forgotten. From this rocky summit—the highest point of the entire 17-day trek—you are granted the most famous and intimate view of Mt. Everest (8,848.86m). Unlike at Base Camp, the entire mountain is visible here, from the South Col to the iconic Hillary Step.

As the golden morning light hits the summit of Everest, turning the snow into liquid fire, you are also treated to a 360-degree view of Pumori, Ama Dablam, and the vast Khumbu Glacier snaking below. After standing at the “Top of the World,” you will descend to Gorak Shep for breakfast and then continue back to Lobuche. Though you are retracing your steps, the air feels different—you are now descending as a person who has conquered the highest point of the journey.

Today you face the Kongma La, the highest and most remote of the three passes. While many trekkers choose to skip this pass by taking the lower valley route, a Verve Nepal adventurer knows that the greatest rewards lie on the hardest paths. The day begins with a challenging traverse across the debris-strewn Khumbu Glacier, followed by a relentless ascent up a steep, rocky mountain face. There is no clear-cut trail here—only cairns and your own determination.

At the summit of Kongma La (5,535m), the silence is absolute. You are rewarded with a unique, high-altitude perspective of the Lhotse Shar and the massive south face of Lhotse, with the pyramid of Makalu looming in the distance. The descent into the Chhukung Valley is long and knee-testing, but as you walk toward the small settlement of Chhukung, the sight of the towering Island Peak and the surrounding glaciers provides a sense of profound closure. You have now successfully crossed all three high passes—a feat that very few people in the world can claim.

Today, you begin a long, scenic descent as you leave the high-altitude rocky deserts behind. The trail takes you through the villages of Dingboche and Pangboche, following the Imja Khola river valley. As the oxygen levels rise, you’ll feel a surge of new energy. You are moving back into the “Treeline,” where the air is filled with the scent of juniper and ancient rhododendrons.

The highlight of the day is reaching Tengboche, home to the largest and most famous monastery in the Everest region. Perched on a high ridge at 3,855 meters, the Tengboche Monastery is the spiritual heart of the Sherpa people. Surrounded by a 360-degree panorama of Everest, Nuptse, and the iconic Ama Dablam, this is a place of deep peace. You can witness the monks’ afternoon chanting session and feel the resonance of the horns echoing off the mountain walls—a perfect moment to offer a silent prayer of thanks for your safe crossing of the three high passes.

Today’s trek is a beautiful, rhythmic descent that feels effortless compared to the high passes you’ve conquered. From the Tengboche ridge, the trail drops steeply through lush rhododendron and pine forests down to the Phunki Tenga riverside. As you climb the other side of the valley toward Namche, you are walking through prime wildlife habitat. Keep your eyes sharp and your camera ready; it is common to spot the elusive Himalayan Musk Deer or the agile Himalayan Thar (mountain goat) grazing on the steep cliffs.

Re-entering Namche Bazaar feels like returning to civilization. The air is thick, the temperature is warmer, and the prospect of a hot shower, a fresh espresso, and high-speed Wi-Fi becomes a reality. You’ll walk back into the horseshoe-shaped village not as the person who left on Day 4, but as a seasoned high-altitude mountaineer who has seen the world from 5,555 meters.

The final day on the trail is a long but celebratory 18km trek. You will descend the steep hill out of Namche for the last time, crossing the high suspension bridges that once felt so daunting. As you retrace your steps through the villages of Phakding and Monjo, the reality of your achievement begins to sink in: you have successfully navigated three 5,000-meter passes and stood at the base of the world’s highest peak.

The final climb up to Lukla is a physical push, but the energy of the town pulls you forward. Tonight, the atmosphere in the teahouse is electric. This is the night for the Team Celebration. It is traditional to share a final meal, some local Chhyang or beer, and a tip-giving ceremony with your Sherpa guides and porters. Without their strength and local knowledge, the Three Passes would remain a distant dream; tonight, you celebrate as a family of adventurers.

Your final day begins with a morning flight from Lukla, offering one last bird’s-eye view of the jagged peaks you’ve spent more than two weeks conquering. As the small plane touches down in Kathmandu, the sights, sounds, and scents of the city will feel like a world away from the silent glaciers of the Kongma La.

The journey officially concludes with a farewell dinner hosted by the Verve Nepal team. Over a traditional feast, you’ll exchange photos and contacts with your fellow adventurers, reflecting on a journey that very few people on earth have the grit to complete. You return to your daily life not just with a certificate of achievement, but with a restructured mindset and the quiet confidence of a Himalayan conqueror.

Trek Location

  • Solukhumbu, Nepal

Gallery Of Our Tours

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Have Any Question?

Contact us 24/7 via Text, Email, or Call. Our WhatsApp/Viber number and email address are provided below.

  • (+977)9841074133

  • trek@vervenepal.com

FAQs

  • Difficulty: Very Strenuous / Challenging. This is widely considered the toughest “teahouse” trek in Nepal. You will cross three passes above 5,300m (Kongma La, Cho La, and Renjo La) and navigate icy glaciers.

       

  • Endurance Level: Elite / Very High. You will be hiking for 17–19 days with daily walking times of 7–9 hours. The days you cross the passes can exceed 10 hours. It is only recommended for those with previous high-altitude experience.

 

  • Maximum Altitude: 5,545m (Kala Patthar / Kongma La Pass).

     

  • Risk: High. You spend more than 10 consecutive days above 4,000m. The cumulative fatigue and extreme cold increase the risk of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).

      

  • Protocol: * Acclimatization: Ensure at least two dedicated rest days (usually in Namche and Dingboche).

     

    • Oxygen: Monitor your blood oxygen levels daily with your guide’s oximeter.

    • Evacuation: Carry valid travel insurance that specifically covers helicopter evacuation up to 6,000m.

       

 

  • You will stay in Teahouses (mountain lodges).

     

    • Lower altitudes: Often have attached bathrooms, hot showers, and decent Wi-Fi.

       

    • Higher altitudes: Basic twin-sharing rooms with shared bathrooms. Hot water and Wi-Fi become rare and usually come with a small extra fee ($2–$5).

  • Sagarmatha National Park Permit

  • Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit

  • Note: The TIMS card is generally not required for the Everest region, but the Rural Municipality permit is mandatory and must be paid in Lukla or Monjo.

Yes. While there was initial confusion in previous years, as of 2026, the mandatory guide policy is strictly enforced for the Everest region, especially for high-pass routes like this one. Trekking with a government-licensed guide is required for your safety when navigating technical sections like the Khumbu Glacier.

Bag Size

  • Daypack: 25L–30L (if using a porter).

  • Main Bag: 60L–70L duffel or rucksack.

Technical Gear

  • Micro-spikes: Mandatory for icy glacier crossings (Cho La Pass).

  • Trekking Poles: Highly recommended for steep pass descents.

  • Headlamp: Essential for pre-dawn starts.

Clothing (Layering)

  • Upper Body: 3 moisture-wicking base layers, 1 fleece mid-layer, 1 heavy down jacket (rated -20°C), and 1 waterproof shell.

  • Lower Body: 2 pairs of trekking trousers, 1 pair of waterproof pants, and 2 pairs of thermal leggings.

  • Extremities: 1 warm beanie, 1 sun hat, insulated gloves, and 5 pairs of wool hiking socks.

Footwear

  • Boots: Waterproof, high-ankle trekking boots (well broken-in).

  • Camp Shoes: Sandals or down booties for teahouse evenings.

Essentials & Health

  • Sleeping Bag: 4-season (rated to -20°C).

  • Water: 2L capacity with purification tablets or a filter.

  • Sun Care: Polarized sunglasses (to prevent snow blindness) and SPF 50+ sunscreen.

  • Power: A 20,000mAh power bank (charging is expensive at high altitudes).

Our standard packages include:

  • Licensed English-speaking guide and porters.
  • All necessary permits and government taxes.
  • Teahouse accommodation during the trek.
  • All meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) on the trail.
  • Ground transportation to and from the trek trailhead.

  • International flights and Nepal Visa fees.
  • Travel Insurance (Mandatory): Must cover helicopter evacuation. insurance should cover trek’s maximum altitude rescue. 
  • Personal trekking gear (rentals available in Thamel).
  • Tips for guides/porters, alcoholic drinks, and on-trail luxuries like hot showers or Wi-Fi.
  • Personal expenses like souvenir, snacks. 

You can book directly through our website booking form or by emailing us at trek@vervenepal.com. We recommend booking at least 4-6 weeks in advance, especially for the Everest and Manaslu regions. 

Yes! We love crafting custom trips. Whether you want a private trek for two, extra days for photography, or a specific “off-the-beaten-path” route, our team will build a plan tailored to your pace and interests.

Yes, we do accept last minute booking. To see conditions please check our Terms and Conditions.

We accept bank transfer, Western Union and cash as a payment. 

Adventure. Hosted.

  • Kaldhara marga, Thamel.

  • info@vervenepal.com

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