The complete Everest circuit crossing Kongma La, Cho La and Renjo La with EBC, Gokyo Lakes and Kala Patthar.
Everest Three Passes Trek — The most complete and challenging circuit in the Everest region
Three passes. Three lakes. One base camp. One sunrise. A lifetime of memories.
Trail gallery
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Altitude 2,860 m → 2,610 m Trek Duration 3–4 hrs trekking | ~30 min flight
Scenic mountain flight to Lukla; gentle downhill trail Easy first day — mostly downhill; sets the tone for the adventure ahead 6:00–8:00 AM: Flight from Kathmandu to Lukla Airport (Tenzing-Hillary Airport) 9:30...
Altitude 2,610 m → 3,440 m Trek Duration 6–7 hrs
Enter Sagarmatha National Park; steep final climb to Namche Tough uphill at the end — pace yourself on the final climb to Namche 7:30 AM: Depart Phakding after breakfast 9:00 AM: Enter Sagarmatha National Park...
Altitude 3,440 m → 3,440 m Trek Duration 3–4 hrs hike
Rest and explore; short hike to acclimatize Do NOT skip this day — critical acclimatization; rest well tonight 8:00 AM: Hike up to Everest View Hotel or Khumjung village 10:00 AM: Clear morning views of...
Altitude 3,440 m → 3,860 m Trek Duration 5–6 hrs
Beautiful trail with Ama Dablam and Everest views Tengboche offers one of the most dramatic Himalayan settings — Ama Dablam dominates the sky 8:00 AM: Depart Namche after breakfast 10:00 AM: Pass through...
Altitude 3,860 m → 4,410 m Trek Duration 5–6 hrs
Descend to Imja Khola then climb to high-altitude Dingboche Above 4,000 m now — drink plenty of water and avoid overexertion 8:00 AM: Depart Tengboche — descend through rhododendron forest 10:00 AM: Pass...
Altitude 4,410 m → 4,410 m Trek Duration 3–5 hrs hike
Second acclimatization hike; vital before pass crossings Hike high, sleep low — the golden rule of altitude acclimatization 8:00 AM: Hike to Nagarjun Hill (5,100 m) for panoramic views 11:00 AM: Views of...
Altitude 4,410 m → 4,730 m Trek Duration 2–3 hrs
Short prep day before the first major pass crossing Rest completely today — tomorrow is the toughest day of the trek (Kongma La Pass) 8:30 AM: Gentle hike from Dingboche to Chhukung (4,730 m) 10:30 AM: Arrive...
Altitude 4,730 m → 4,940 m Trek Duration 8–9 hrs
First High Pass: Kongma La (5,535 m) — long and challenging Most physically demanding day — start at 5 AM, go slow, and watch for altitude symptoms 5:00–5:30 AM: Very early start from Chhukung...
Altitude 4,940 m → 5,364 m Trek Duration 7–8 hrs total
The iconic goal — reach Everest Base Camp via Gorak Shep Standing at the base of the world's highest mountain — a truly unforgettable moment!
Altitude 5,545 m → 4,830 m Trek Duration Pre-dawn hike + 4–5 hrs trek
Sunrise on Kala Patthar; hike across to Dzongla for Cho La Dress very warmly for Kala Patthar — it's bitterly cold before sunrise at 5,500 m 5:00 AM: Pre-dawn climb to Kala Patthar (5,545 m) 7:00 AM: Sunrise...
Altitude 4,830 m → 4,700 m Trek Duration 7–8 hrs
Second High Pass: Cho La (5,420 m) — glacier crossing Cho La may have ice and snow — microspikes are strongly recommended; never rush the descent 5:30–6:00 AM: Early start from Dzongla — steep initial climb...
Altitude 4,700 m → 4,790 m Trek Duration 3–4 hrs
Reach the stunning emerald Gokyo Lakes The Gokyo Lakes are among the highest freshwater lakes in the world — truly magical 8:00 AM: Depart Thagnak — relatively easy day after tough passes 10:30 AM: Pass Gokyo...
Altitude 4,790 m → 5,357 m (Gokyo Ri) Trek Duration 3–4 hrs hike
Summit Gokyo Ri for 360-degree panoramic Himalayan views Gokyo Ri arguably offers better Everest views than Kala Patthar — do not miss it!
Altitude 4,790 m → 4,380 m Trek Duration 7–8 hrs
Third High Pass: Renjo La (5,360 m) — stunning lake views Looking back from Renjo La to the Gokyo Lakes is one of the most spectacular views in Nepal 5:30–6:00 AM: Early start from Gokyo — climb north towards...
Altitude 4,380 m → 3,440 m Trek Duration 6–7 hrs
Long descent via Thame back to Namche — body will thank you You have crossed all three passes — celebrate tonight with the team in Namche!
Altitude 3,440 m → 2,860 m Trek Duration 6–7 hrs
Final trekking day — retrace route back to Lukla Tip your guides and porters generously tonight — they carried you through this incredible journey 7:30 AM: Early departure from Namche — steep descent first...
Altitude 2,860 m → 1,400 m Trek Duration ~30 min flight
Morning flight back to Kathmandu (weather dependent) Keep 1–2 buffer days in Kathmandu — Lukla flights frequently delay due to mountain weather 6:00 AM: Wake up early — morning flights have the best weather...
Altitude — → — Trek Duration Flexible
Reserve day for flight delays, weather or rest in Kathmandu Always keep at least 1–2 buffer days — Lukla has the most weather-delayed airport in Nepal All Day: Rest, recover, and sightsee in Kathmandu if flight...
| Permit / Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Permits Required | Sagarmatha National Park permits / TIMS as arranged by your trekking operator |
| Trek Duration | 18 Days (including buffer day) |
| Max Altitude | 5,545 m (Kala Patthar) |
| Highest Pass | 5,535 m (Kongma La Pass) |
| Difficulty | Very Challenging |
| Technical Level | Non-technical; microspikes useful on Cho La Pass |
| Route Direction | Counterclockwise (better acclimatization) |
| Start / End | Lukla (2,860 m) — flight from Kathmandu |
| Highlights | EBC, Kala Patthar, Gokyo Lakes, Gokyo Ri, Three High Passes |
| Best Season | Spring: March–May | Autumn: September–November |
| Permits Required | Sagarmatha National Park Permit + Khumbu Rural Municipality Permit |
| Accommodation | Tea houses / Lodges throughout the route |
Read before you go
Key route details for timing, cash, safety and comfort on this trek.
Pass Day Start: Begin pass crossings at 5–6 AM before afternoon weather rolls in
Microspikes: Bring microspikes — Cho La Pass frequently has ice and snow
Acclimatization: Never skip rest days in Namche (Day 3) and Dingboche (Day 6)
Altitude Symptoms: Headache, nausea, dizziness = stop; descend if worsening
Hydration: Drink 3–4 litres daily; avoid alcohol above 3,500 m
Weather Changes: Mountain weather changes rapidly — always start early
Gear Essentials: Down jacket, rain gear, microspikes, trekking poles, headlamp
Cash: Carry ample Nepali Rupees — prices rise above Namche
Guide Recommended: A licensed guide is strongly advised for high pass crossings
Buffer Days: Keep 1–2 extra days for Lukla flight delays (very common)
Shorter Version: 16 days possible by skipping Gokyo acclimatization (experienced trekkers only)
