Everest Three Passes Luxury Trek
Overview
The ultimate Everest region challenge — crossing all three high passes of the Khumbu (Kongma La 5,535m, Cho La 5,420m, and Renjo La 5,345m) while visiting Everest Base Camp and the stunning Gokyo Lakes. This luxury expedition uses the finest Khumbu lodges, provides experienced high-altitude Sherpa guides, and includes strategic acclimatization days for this demanding but supremely rewarding itinerary.
Route
Kathmandu → Lukla → Namche → Tengboche → Dingboche → Chhukung → Kongma La → Lobuche → EBC → Kala Patthar → Cho La → Gokyo → Gokyo Ri → Renjo La → Thame → Namche → Lukla → Kathmandu
Highlights
- Cross three legendary high passes: Kongma La, Cho La, and Renjo La
- Visit both Everest Base Camp and the turquoise Gokyo Lakes
- Summit Gokyo Ri (5,357m) for arguably the finest viewpoint in the Khumbu
- Sunrise from Kala Patthar (5,644m) with Everest glowing gold
- Stay in premium Yeti Mountain Home and Everest Summit lodges
- Experience the most complete exploration of the Everest region possible on foot
Quick Facts
- Duration
- 20 Days / 19 Nights
- Difficulty
- Extreme
- Group Size
- 2-6 guests
- Max Altitude
- 5,545m
- Best Months
- April-May, October-November
- Starting From
- $5,700 pp
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrival in Kathmandu
Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfer to your luxury hotel. Detailed expedition briefing covering all three passes, gear check, and welcome dinner.
Fly to Lukla, Trek to Phakding
Scenic flight to Lukla and begin trekking down the Dudh Kosi valley to Phakding through pine forests and Sherpa settlements.
Trek to Namche Bazaar
Cross suspension bridges and climb steeply through Sagarmatha National Park to Namche Bazaar, the Sherpa capital. First views of Everest on the ascent.
Acclimatization Day in Namche
Hike to Everest View Hotel at Syangboche (3,880m). Visit the Sherpa Museum and local market. Essential acclimatization for the extreme itinerary ahead.
Trek to Tengboche
Classic trail through rhododendron forest to Tengboche Monastery with its commanding views of Ama Dablam, Everest, and Nuptse. Attend afternoon prayer ceremony.
Trek to Dingboche
Descend to Deboche, cross the Imja Khola, and ascend through Pangboche to the wide valley of Dingboche beneath the towering walls of Lhotse and Island Peak.
Acclimatization Day — Hike to Chhukung
Acclimatization hike to Chhukung (4,730m) in the Imja Valley. Spectacular views of Island Peak, Lhotse South Face, and Baruntse. This also serves as reconnaissance for tomorrow's Kongma La approach.
Trek to Chhukung
Short trek to Chhukung. Afternoon exploration of the Imja Glacier viewpoint and preparation for the first pass crossing tomorrow.
Cross Kongma La (5,535m), Descend to Lobuche
Pre-dawn start for the first and highest pass. Climb steeply over rocky and glacial terrain to Kongma La (5,535m) with extraordinary views of Makalu, Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Cho Oyu, and the Khumbu Glacier. Challenging descent over boulder fields to Lobuche.
Trek to Gorak Shep, Visit EBC
Trek across Khumbu Glacier moraine to Gorak Shep. After lunch, continue to Everest Base Camp (5,364m) at the foot of the Khumbu Icefall. Return to Gorak Shep.
Kala Patthar Sunrise, Trek to Dzongla
Pre-dawn climb of Kala Patthar (5,644m) — the highest point of the trek — for a legendary sunrise panorama over Everest. Descend to Gorak Shep for breakfast, then trek south and west to Dzongla, the base for the Cho La crossing.
Cross Cho La (5,420m), Descend to Thagnak
Early departure for the second pass. Ascend rocky terrain to the base of Cho La, then navigate a steep glacier section (crampons may be needed). Summit Cho La (5,420m) with views of Cholatse and Taboche. Descend steeply to the Gokyo Valley and the small settlement of Thagnak.
Trek to Gokyo, Climb Gokyo Ri
Short morning trek along the Ngozumpa Glacier (Nepal's longest) to the stunning turquoise Gokyo Lakes. After lunch at Gokyo, climb Gokyo Ri (5,357m) for what many consider the finest panorama in the Khumbu — Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, and the five Gokyo Lakes spread below.
Rest Day in Gokyo
Well-earned rest day at the Gokyo Lakes. Optional hike to the Fifth Lake (Ngozumpa Tsho) or along the Ngozumpa Glacier. Prepare for the final pass crossing.
Cross Renjo La (5,345m), Descend to Lungden
Early start for the third and final pass. Climb steadily from Gokyo to Renjo La (5,345m) with spectacular views back over the Gokyo Lakes and Ngozumpa Glacier, and forward to the Bhote Kosi valley leading to Tibet. Descend steeply to Lungden.
Trek to Thame
Descend through the beautiful Bhote Kosi valley to the historic Sherpa trading village of Thame. Visit the famous Thame monastery, birthplace of Tenzing Norgay Sherpa. The village sits in a dramatic cirque beneath Teng Kangpoche and Kwangde peaks.
Trek to Namche Bazaar
Follow the ancient trade route from Thame to Namche Bazaar through terraced fields and forest. Celebrate the completion of all three passes with a special dinner in Namche.
Trek to Lukla
Final trekking day, descending through Jorsale and Phakding to Lukla. Farewell dinner with your Sherpa team.
Fly to Kathmandu
Morning flight from Lukla to Kathmandu. Transfer to your luxury hotel. Afternoon free for shopping, spa, or sightseeing.
Departure
Private airport transfer for your onward journey.
What's Included
- All accommodation in premium lodges (Yeti Mountain Home, Everest Summit Lodges) and 5-star hotel in Kathmandu
- All meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Two private licensed high-altitude Sherpa guides (safety requirement for three passes)
- Porter service (1 porter per 2 trekkers)
- Kathmandu–Lukla–Kathmandu domestic flights
- Sagarmatha National Park entry permit and TIMS card
- Crampon rental for Cho La glacier crossing if needed
- Airport transfers in private vehicle
- First aid medical kit, oximeter, and emergency satellite communication
- Celebration dinner in Namche Bazaar
Not Included
- International airfare to/from Kathmandu
- Nepal visa fee
- Travel and high-altitude rescue/helicopter insurance (mandatory)
- Alcoholic and cold beverages
- Personal trekking gear and equipment
- Tips for guides, porters, and hotel staff
Find Your Flights
Main international gateway to Nepal. Most flights connect via Doha, Istanbul, or Delhi. Direct flights available from select Asian cities.
Typical airlines: Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, Himalaya Airlines, Nepal Airlines, Air India, FlyDubai
International flights are not included in CuratedAscents packages.
Customize This Journey
This itinerary is a starting point. Our AI Expedition Architect will tailor every detail — dates, accommodations, activities — to create your perfect trip.