Everest Three Passes Trek

The Everest Three Passes Trek is one of the most challenging and rewarding trekking tours in the Everest region of Nepal. This iconic Himalayan adventure trek is designed for experienced trekkers seeking an immersive Nepal trekking experience that blends high-altitude adventure, rich Sherpa culture, and breathtaking mountain landscapes.

Price: $ 3880
Duration: 15 Days - 14 Nights
Seasonal Availability: Winter Sports (Jan - Feb)
Places You'll See
Everest Three Passes Trek Experience

Everest Three Passes Trek for unforgettable memories.

The Everest Three Passes Trek is widely regarded as the most challenging and adventurous trekking tour in the Everest region—but don’t let the word challenging discourage you. With proper acclimatization, preparation, and guidance, this ultimate Himalayan adventure trek is an achievable and deeply rewarding experience for well-prepared trekkers.

This classic Nepal trekking tour is most commonly completed in a counter-clockwise direction, though a clockwise route is also possible. Trekking counter-clockwise makes Kongma La Pass the first major challenge of the journey. Standing at 5,550 meters (18,209 feet), Kongma La is the highest point of the Everest Three Passes Trek, offering dramatic panoramic views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks.

One of the highlights of this adventure travel experience in Nepal is crossing three spectacular high-altitude passes that lie off the standard Everest trekking trail: Renjo La (5,360 m / 17,580 ft), Cho La (5,420 m / 17,777 ft), and Kongma La (5,535 m / 18,159 ft). These remote routes provide a unique opportunity to explore less-crowded regions of the Everest area while enjoying close-up views of iconic eight-thousand-meter Himalayan peaks.

The trek passes through rugged high-altitude terrain and alpine landscapes, including pristine valleys and mountain forests. Along the way, trekkers may encounter rare Himalayan flora and fauna, adding a natural and cultural dimension to this unforgettable Everest region trekking tour.

Highlights

  • Stunning views of Mt Everest from Kala Patthar
  • A superb lodge-based trek to Everest Basecamp
  • Includes a full day to explore Namche Bazaar
  • Tailored itinerary with experienced mountain trekking guide
  • Experience culture & lifestyle of legendary mountaineering Sherpa people
  • Beautiful scenic mountain flight to/from Lukla
  • Excellent Kathmandu accommodation with traditional Nepalese welcome dinner
 
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,300 m) – Welcome Dinner

Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, you will be warmly welcomed by our tour staff and transferred to your hotel. After a short rest, the sightseeing tour begins with a visit to Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple), a sacred Buddhist site believed to be over 2,500 years old. Perched atop a hill, this UNESCO World Heritage Site offers breathtaking panoramic views of Kathmandu Valley, especially during sunset.

Next, we explore the historic Kathmandu Durbar Square (Hanuman Dhoka), another UNESCO World Heritage Site showcasing ancient palaces, temples, and traditional architecture. With a bit of luck, you may catch a glimpse of the revered Living Goddess Kumari, a unique cultural highlight of Nepal.

In the evening, enjoy a traditional Nepali welcome dinner accompanied by a cultural dance performance, providing a perfect introduction to Nepal’s rich heritage. After dinner, you can prepare for the upcoming Everest region trekking adventure, purchase any necessary trekking gear, or stroll through Thamel, Kathmandu’s lively tourist hub filled with shops, cafés, and travel services.

Overnight stay at the hotel in Kathmandu.

After breakfast, we take a spectacular 30-minute scenic flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, the gateway to the Everest region, situated at 2,865 meters (9,400 ft) in the Khumbu region of eastern Nepal. This short mountain flight is considered one of the most thrilling adventure travel experiences in Nepal, offering stunning aerial views of terraced hillsides, winding rivers, deep valleys, and the dramatic Himalayan landscape.

Upon arrival in Lukla, our trekking crew and porters organize the gear before we begin our Everest region trekking journey. The trek to Phakding (2,660 m) is an easy and scenic walk, making it a perfect introduction to high-altitude trekking. The trail follows the Dudh Koshi River, passing through charming Sherpa villages, suspension bridges, and lush forests.

After a relaxed afternoon trek, we arrive in Phakding, where we settle into a comfortable mountain lodge.

Overnight stay at a lodge in Phakding.

Today’s trek takes us from Phakding to Namche Bazaar, involving a longer day with a gradual yet steady uphill climb. This scenic Everest region trekking route follows the Dudh Koshi River, crossing several iconic suspension bridges before entering Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

As we ascend, the trail winds through beautiful forests of blue pine, fir, juniper, and rhododendron, offering a refreshing natural backdrop. The climb is rewarded with our first glimpse of Mount Everest, along with views of other towering Himalayan peaks, making the journey both exciting and memorable.

We arrive at Namche Bazaar (3,440 m), the bustling heart of the Khumbu region and the main trading center for the Everest area. Known as the gateway to Mount Everest, Namche Bazaar is a vibrant mountain town with shops, cafés, bakeries, and trekking facilities.

Overnight stay at a lodge in Namche Bazaar.

Today is an important acclimatization day in Namche Bazaar, allowing your body to adjust to the increasing altitude while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of this Himalayan town. You can spend the day relaxing or exploring the colorful market area, visiting local shops, cafés, and the Sherpa Culture Museum, which features informative exhibits on the flora, fauna, mountaineering history, and lifestyle of the Everest region.

For those who wish to stay active, optional acclimatization hikes are available to nearby Sherpa villages such as Kunde and Khumjung, or toward Thame Valley. These short hikes provide excellent mountain views while offering insight into the traditional culture and daily life of the legendary Sherpa people, who are globally renowned for their strength, endurance, and contributions to Himalayan mountaineering.

After a rewarding day of exploration and gradual altitude gain, return to Namche Bazaar for a comfortable evening.

Overnight stay at a lodge in Namche Bazaar.

After breakfast, enjoy a short visit to the colorful Namche Bazaar market, where a variety of local products and goods brought from Tibet via high mountain passes are available. We then begin our scenic trek toward Tengboche, following a well-maintained trail that offers spectacular panoramic views of some of the world’s highest peaks, including Mount Everest, Lhotse, Kangtega, and the iconic Ama Dablam.

The trail gradually descends and ascends through pine and rhododendron forests before reaching Tengboche (3,875 m / 12,700 ft), one of the most breathtaking locations in the Everest region. Tengboche is home to the region’s most important spiritual site, the Tengboche Monastery, a renowned Buddhist monastery that was carefully rebuilt after the 1989 fire.

Upon arrival, there will be time to explore the monastery and, if timing permits, observe the monks during their daily prayer ceremony, offering a peaceful and culturally enriching experience amid the Himalayan backdrop.

Overnight stay at a lodge in Tengboche.

Today’s trek involves approximately 4–5 hours of walking as we continue deeper into the Everest region. Leaving Tengboche, the trail descends through forests before gradually ascending along the Imja Khola valley, offering stunning views of the surrounding Himalayan landscape.

Upon arrival in Dingboche (4,252 m), we take a short acclimatization excursion toward Chhukung in the Imja Valley. This optional hike rewards trekkers with magnificent views of Lhotse’s massive south face, along with other towering Himalayan peaks.

This day serves as the second important acclimatization stop of the trek. Those who prefer a relaxed pace may spend time resting in Dingboche, enjoying the peaceful mountain atmosphere, village streams, and scenic views of Ama Dablam rising dramatically above the valley.

Overnight stay at a lodge in Dingboche.

Today is a dedicated acclimatization day in Dingboche, allowing your body to adjust to the increasing altitude before continuing the trek. We take a day hike to Pheriche, a nearby village along the Imja Khola valley, providing an opportunity to stretch your legs while enjoying spectacular Himalayan views and experiencing local Sherpa culture.

After the excursion, we return to Dingboche to rest and soak in the serene mountain surroundings. This day is essential for altitude preparation and offers plenty of time to relax, take photographs, and appreciate the dramatic peaks, including Ama Dablam and other nearby summits.

Overnight stay at a lodge in Dingboche.

 

Today’s trek is a short but steep climb from Dingboche to Chhukung, taking approximately 3 hours. Chhukung is a small settlement consisting of just a few mountain huts, located at the base of the towering Lobuche Peak.

The trail offers spectacular Himalayan views, with the dramatic Nuptse massif dominating the horizon. In the evening, the sunset over Nuptse provides an unforgettable panorama, making this a perfect spot for photography and enjoying the high-altitude scenery.

Overnight stay at a lodge in Chhukung.

Today is one of the most challenging yet rewarding days of the Everest Three Passes Trek. The trek involves ascending Kala Patthar (5,545 m / 18,200 ft), a relatively small peak by Himalayan standards, but offering the most breathtaking panoramic views of the world’s highest mountains.

From Kala Patthar, trekkers are treated to unobstructed views of Mount Everest (8,848 m / 29,028 ft), as well as neighboring giants such as Nuptse, Lhotse, Pumori, and Chagatse. If timing allows, this is an excellent spot to witness a sunset over Everest and the surrounding peaks, creating an unforgettable Himalayan experience.

After enjoying the views, we descend to Gorak Shep (5,170 m / 16,950 ft), a small high-altitude hamlet near Everest Base Camp, where we stay overnight in a mountain lodge, preparing for the next day’s journey.

Overnight stay at a lodge in Gorak Shep.

Today’s trek takes us along the Khumbu Glacier to the legendary Everest Base Camp (5,380 m / 17,600 ft), the closest point you can reach to Mount Everest without specialized climbing equipment. Along the way, trekkers are treated to the dramatic glacial landscapes and rugged high-altitude terrain that define the Everest region.

At Base Camp, you may witness mountaineering teams preparing for their summit attempts, offering a unique insight into the world of high-altitude climbing. The view of the Khumbu Icefall and the surrounding peaks is truly spectacular and provides excellent opportunities for photography and reflection.

After soaking in the awe-inspiring scenery, we return to Lobuche for a well-deserved overnight stay.

Overnight stay at a lodge in Lobuche.

Today, we begin our descent from Lobuche toward Pangboche, retracing part of the trail through the high-altitude landscapes of the Khumbu region. From Upper Pangboche, the trail gradually descends, joining the main trekking route above Tengboche, offering more stunning views of Ama Dablam and the surrounding peaks.

We continue descending toward Khumjung Village, a traditional Sherpa settlement renowned for its rich culture, monasteries, and panoramic mountain scenery. This day provides a relaxing contrast to the previous high-altitude climbs while still offering plenty of Himalayan beauty.

Overnight stay at a lodge in Pangboche.

Today’s trek involves a gradual descent from Khumjung, passing through Namche Bazaar, the bustling heart of the Khumbu region. The trail offers a final chance to enjoy the stunning Himalayan scenery, charming villages, and local Sherpa culture.

After descending further, we arrive at Jorsalle, a small and picturesque mountain village located along the Dudh Koshi River. This peaceful settlement serves as a perfect spot to rest and reflect on the incredible trekking journey through the Everest region.

Overnight stay at a lodge in Jorsalle.

Today is a relatively easy and scenic walk as we continue descending along the Dudh Koshi River back to Lukla, the gateway to the Everest region. This marks our final day in the high Himalayas, giving trekkers a chance to soak in the last panoramic mountain views and reflect on the incredible journey.

Upon arrival in Lukla, we settle into a lodge for our final overnight stay in the Khumbu, celebrating the completion of the trek and preparing for the flight back to Kathmandu.

Overnight stay at a lodge in Lukla.

After breakfast, we take a scenic flight from Lukla back to Kathmandu, enjoying spectacular aerial views of the Himalayan peaks and valleys one last time. Upon arrival, the day is free for leisure activities, shopping, or exploring the vibrant streets of Thamel at your own pace.

Overnight stay at a hotel in Kathmandu.

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward flight. Bid farewell to Nepal, taking with you memories of the majestic Himalayas, Sherpa culture, and the unforgettable Everest Three Passes Trek.

 

Agreement and Declaration

Trekking and adventure tours in the Himalayan regions carry inherent risks, including severe weather, injury, or even death. While we take every precaution, accidents may still happen. By booking, you acknowledge and accept these risks. Please read the following conditions carefully:

The Contract

By booking with Brothers International Tours & Trading Pte Ltd (the Company), you agree to these Terms and Conditions. This agreement governs your relationship with us and covers liability limitations and cancellation policies.

Privacy Policy

We respect your privacy and ensure that your personal data is kept confidential and used only for booking purposes. We will not disclose or sell your information to third parties.

Trip Booking

A contract is formed when you receive a written confirmation after paying the deposit. Check your booking details carefully and notify us of any errors. The name on your booking must match your passport exactly.

Deposit Requirements

A 50% deposit is required at the time of booking, with the remaining balance due 60 days before departure. Payment can be made via bank transfer or PayNow.

Cancellation Policy

Over 180 days before departure: No charge

180-90 days: 10% charge

90-30 days: 30% charge

30-15 days: 50% charge

15-7 days: 80% charge

Less than 7 days: No refund

No refunds for unused services or voluntary trip cancellations. We recommend purchasing trip cancellation insurance.

Health and Fitness

You must assess your health and fitness before booking. Inform us of any pre-existing medical conditions. We are not responsible for any issues arising from medical conditions or inability to complete the trip.

Travel Insurance

Adequate travel insurance covering accidents, medical expenses, and emergency evacuation is mandatory. We recommend comprehensive coverage for all aspects of the trip.

Itinerary Changes

The itinerary may change due to unforeseen factors such as weather, medical issues, or flight delays. Brothers Team reserves the right to modify the schedule.

Visa and Passport

Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates. It’s your responsibility to obtain the necessary visas. Brothers Team is not responsible for visa issues.

Injuries and Evacuation

We are not liable for injuries or health conditions during the trip. We strongly recommend purchasing insurance that includes medical and evacuation coverage.

Unused Services

No refunds or discounts for missed services, including illness, injury, or early departure.

Responsible Tourism

We promote responsible tourism and expect travelers to respect local communities and the environment.

Complaints

If you encounter any issues, please contact your tour leader or our Customer Service team immediately. Constructive feedback helps us improve our services.

Tour Price Includes:
  • Airfare Kathmandu-Lukla–Kathmandu
  • All ground transportation (incl. airport pick up & drop off in Nepal)
  • Hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast as per itinerary
  • All meals with hot beverages during trek
  • Licensed and trained guide and porters & their wages
  • Guided city tours in Kathmandu as per itinerary
  • National Park/conservation area entry permits
  • Trek permit fee
  • Down sleeping bags with lining
  • All necessary documents permit (where applicable)
  • Pre-trip briefing
 
Tour Price Excludes:
  • Air Travel to Kathmandu and return home country
  • Nepal visa fee
  • Personal travel insurance
  • Lunch & dinner in Kathmandu
  • Expenses of personal nature
  • Tips for guide & porter
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