Everest Three Passes Trek Guide
“The Everest Three Passes Trek: Best high-altitude trekking adventure guide 2026 in Nepal. Everest Three Passes Challenge in 2026/27.”
The Everest Three Passes Trek is one of the most beautiful, challenging, and rewarding treks in Nepal. Many adventure lovers enjoy and consider undertaking this premier trek in the Everest region. This long trip takes you over three high Himalayan passes that are more than 5,300 meters high and around the heart of the Khumbu Valley. Designed for experienced trekkers, the Everest Three High Passes Trek combines adventure, endurance, dramatic mountain scenery, and rich Sherpa culture. It is the perfect choice for those who want more than just Everest Base Camp and are searching for the best high-altitude trekking experience in Nepal.
What are the treks called “Everest Three Passes”?
The Everest Three Passes Trek is a high-altitude circuit trek in eastern Nepal that goes over three adventurous high passes:
- Kongma La Pass (5,535 m), (the highest pass challenge)
- The 5,420-meter Cho La Pass features an icy trail.
- Renjo La Pass is 5,360 meters high. (This pass offers one of the best views among the three passes.)
This hike connects the classic Everest Base Camp route with the Gokyo Valley and remote Khumbu villages. It has the best views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, and Ama Dablam.
This route is different from the usual Everest Base Camp trek because it goes through less-crowded trails, glacial valleys, and high mountain landscapes. This makes it one of the most exciting treks in the Himalayas.
Why Choose the Everest Three Passes Trek?
The Everest Three Passes Trek stands out as one of the best trekking routes in the world due to its diversity and challenge.
Important Points
- This trek offers a full circuit of the Everest area.
- Go over three high passes that are more than 5,300 meters high.
- This trek includes visits to Everest Base Camp and the Kala Patthar viewpoint, which is at an elevation of 5,545 meters.
- Visit to Gokyo Lakes and Gokyo Ri 5360 m
- There are fewer people on this trek compared to classic Everest treks.
- The trek passes through real Sherpa villages and monasteries
- Amazing views of the Everest Himalayan ranges
This trek is ideal for people who want to go on a real climbing-style trip without having to do any technical climbing.
Itinerary for the Everest Three Passes Trek.
The itinerary depends on your holiday time in Nepal. Normally, the Everest Three Passes Trek itinerary lasts between 17 and 19 days. This gives you time to get used to the altitude and cross the high passes safely.
Everest Three Passes Trek Difficulty Level: The real challenge of the Everest Region.
The Everest Three Passes Trek is a very adventurous, challenging trek. So it requires experience and physical fitness for travelers. It helps you to succeed in these three high passes in the Everest region.
What makes the challenge of the Three Pass Trek?
- Long days of hiking (6 to 9 hours a day)
- Trek above 5,300 meters in height
- Steep climbs and drops
- Crossing glaciers and rocky ground
- Strong winds and cold weather
- People often say that this is the real Everest challenge in Nepal.
The Best Time to Trek the Three Passes of Everest
Choosing the right season is crucial for ensuring safety and enjoying clear views. Best times of year: Spring (March to May): The weather is stable, the temperatures are warmer, and the views of the mountains are clear. Fall (September to November): best visibility, dry trails, and the best time to go trekking. You can now hike this trail through December, with a better view and clearer skies, but colder weather and adventure.
Permits Needed for the Three Passes Trek:
You need two different types of permits to visit this trek:
- Permit to Enter Sagarmatha National Park (UNESCO World Heritage Sites)
- Entry Permit for the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality
Cost of the Everest Three Passes Trek in 2026
The cost of the Everest Three Passes Trek varies based on the services you choose, the size of your group, and how you like to trek. (Duration of trek)
Three Passes Trek Budget Breakdown
Average Cost Range: $1,800 to $3,000 per person. Himalaya Darshan Treks offers a three-pass trek cost in 2026 of $1680 per person for full-board packages for a 17-day trek.
Food and accommodation during the Three Passes trek.
The Everest region is more developed and modern for accommodation. Accommodations ranging from standard to luxurious are available during the trek. Likewise, the hotel provides delicious food, and you can choose food from the menu. Like
Dal Bhat (rice, lentils, and vegetables)
Soups and noodles
Eggs, potatoes, and pasta
Momos and Tibetan bread
At high altitudes, it’s best to eat vegetarian meals to help with digestion.
What to Bring for the Everest Three Passes Trek (Packing List)
Down jacket (rated for -20°C)
Sleeping bag for all four seasons
Waterproof trekking boots
Hiking sticks
Microspikes or crampons
Thermal gloves and layers
Sunscreen and sunglasses
A power bank and a headlamp
Note: You can check the Himalaya Darshan Treks’ suggested trekking gear list.
Advice on how to avoid altitude sickness and stay safe
Follow a schedule for slowly getting used to it.
- Drink at least 3 to 4 liters of water every day. Don’t smoke or drink alcohol.
- Hike with a guide who has a license
- Think about taking Diamox (get advice from a doctor)
- Climb high, sleep low
- If your body feels different from normal, tell your guide.
- Always care about high altitude
- If you feel altitude symptoms, don’t focus on going further; immediately descend/go down.
Is the Everest Three Passes Trek worth it?
Yes, without a doubt. The Everest Three Passes Trek is the best way to see everything in the Everest area. This trip includes Everest Base Camp, Gokyo Lakes, high mountain passes, and the culture of the remote Himalayas. This trek is the hardest thing to do in Nepal for people who love adventure.
Last Thoughts
The Everest Three Passes Trek is more than just a hike; it’s a test of your willpower, determination, and spirit. Those who push themselves will find the Himalayas’ views and sense of achievement to be incredible. The Everest Three Passes Trek should be at the top of your list if you want to do the best high-altitude trek in Nepal.
Do you really want to do the Everest Three Passes Trek?
If yes, and you want the most complete and challenging trekking experience in the Everest region, the Three Passes Trek is absolutely worth doing.
The Everest Three Passes Trek is not just about reaching a destination; it’s about crossing your limits, experiencing remote Himalayan landscapes, and seeing Everest from perspectives most trekkers never reach. But only experienced professionals can plan it so that it is fun and safe.
That’s where Himalaya Darshan Treks really stands out. Gyan Katuwal has been organizing high-altitude treks for more than 20 years. Gyan Katuwal will plan your trip with proper acclimatization, a focus on safety, and a wealth of local knowledge.
Frequently Asked Questions for the Three Passes Trek in the Everest Region
Do I need a guide for the Everest Three Passes Trek?
Of course, HD treks highly advise travelers to group trek and travel with an experienced and government-licensed guide. For your safety, navigation, and logistics, trekking with a licensed guide greatly increases success and reduces risk—especially when crossing Kongma La, Cho La, and Renjo La passes. Likewise, when you do a trek with a guide, you will know more details about the region, like its culture, festivals, mountains, and history.
What sets the Everest Base Camp Trek apart from the Everest Three Passes Trek?
The Everest Three Passes Trek is longer, harder, and farther away than the Everest Base Camp Trek. The Everest Base Camp Trek only goes to EBC and Kalapatthar, but the Three Passes Trek goes all the way around the Everest region, crossing Kongma La, Cho La, and Renjo La passes. It also includes Gokyo Lakes, EBC, and Kalapatthar.