Everest Three Passes Trek (Renjo La - Cho La - Kongma La)

The Everest Three Passes Trek (Clockwise Route) is an ultimate Himalayan circuit designed for trekkers seeking a challenging and scenic adventure through the Everest region. This 17-day itinerary takes you over three iconic high passes: Renjo La (5,360 m), Cho La (5,420 m), and Kongma La (5,535 m). It also includes visits to Everest Base Camp, Kala Patthar, and the Gokyo Lakes. The clockwise route allows for a more gradual acclimatisation process and presents some of the most vibrant, textured, and emotionally uplifting views from the passes in the world.

Everest Three Passes Trek (Renjo La - Cho La - Kongma La)


Trip Highlights

  • Cross three dramatic high-altitude passes above 5,300 meters
  • Visit Everest Base Camp and watch the sunrise over Everest from Kala Patthar
  • Hike to the stunning turquoise Gokyo Lakes and Gokyo Ri
  • Explore remote Sherpa villages like Thame and Lungden, away from the crowds
  • Customise your route, pace, and itinerary with full flexibility

Everest Three Passes Trek Itinerary (21 Days)

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400 m)

  • Airport pickup and hotel transfer
  • Short briefing and rest

Day 2: Trek Preparation and Optional Kathmandu Sightseeing

  • Permit handling and gear check
  • Free day or guided cultural visit (optional)

Day 3: Fly to Lukla (2,860 m) – Trek to Phakding (2,610 m)

  • Scenic flight
  • Gentle walk along the Dudh Koshi River

Day 4: Phakding – Namche Bazaar (3,440 m)

  • Enter Sagarmatha National Park
  • Cross suspension bridges and ascend to Namche

Day 5: Acclimatisation in Namche

  • Optional hike to Everest View Hotel or Khumjung
  • Rest and explore Namche

Day 6: Namche – Thame (3,800 m)

  • Quiet trail through pine forests
  • Explore Thame monastery

Day 7: Thame – Lungden (4,380 m)

  • Gradual ascent along yak herder routes
  • Peaceful overnight in Lungden

Day 8: Acclimatisation in Lungden

  • Optional hike to a ridge for better acclimatisation
  • Rest day before Renjo La

Day 9: Lungden – Renjo La (5,360 m) – Gokyo (4,790 m)

  • Cross the first high pass
  • Spectacular views of Everest, Gokyo Lakes

Day 10: Gokyo – Climb Gokyo Ri (5,357 m)

  • Sunrise summit hike
  • Optional hike to Fifth Lake

Day 11: Gokyo – Dragnag (4,700 m)

  • Cross the Ngozumpa Glacier
  • Short day to prepare for Cho La

Day 12: Dragnag – Cho La Pass (5,420 m) – Dzongla (4,830 m)

  • Glacier crossing and steep rocky descent
  • Challenging day over icy terrain

Day 13: Dzongla – Lobuche (4,910 m)

  • Rejoin the classic Everest Base Camp route

Day 14: Lobuche – Gorak Shep – Everest Base Camp (5,364 m)

  • Walk along the Khumbu Glacier
  • Reach Everest Base Camp

Day 15: Gorak Shep – Kala Patthar (5,545 m) – Lobuche

  • Sunrise views from Kala Patthar
  • Descend back to Lobuche

Day 16: Lobuche – Kongma La Pass (5,535 m) – Chhukung (4,730 m)

  • Cross final and highest pass
  • Remote and peaceful terrain

Day 17: Chhukung – Tengboche (3,860 m)

  • Pass through Dingboche and Pangboche
  • Visit Tengboche Monastery

Day 18: Tengboche – Namche Bazaar

  • Forested trails and final mountain views

Day 19: Namche – Lukla

  • Long descent along the Dudh Koshi River

Day 20: Fly to Kathmandu – Buffer Day

  • Return flight
  • Contingency for delays

Day 21: Final Departure

  • Transfer to the airport for your journey home

What's Included in Our Package

  • Kathmandu–Lukla round-trip flights
  • All necessary permits (Sagarmatha National Park, TIMS, Khumbu Rural Municipality)
  • English-speaking licensed guide and porter (1 per 2 trekkers)
  • Teahouse accommodations during trek (twin-sharing)
  • Three meals per day (breakfast, lunch, dinner) during the trek
  • Accommodation with breakfast in Kathmandu
  • All ground transportation (airport transfers, sightseeing as per request)
  • Staff insurance, equipment, and salaries
  • First-aid kit and pulse oximeter
  • All government taxes and service charges

What's Not Included in Our Package

  • Nepal visa fees
  • Personal travel insurance (must cover high-altitude trekking)
  • Meals in Kathmandu (lunch and dinner)
  • Snacks, drinks, and bottled water during the trek
  • Extra nights due to early return or delays
  • Tips for the guide and the porter
  • Personal trekking gear (see below)
  • Optional Kathmandu sightseeing entrance fees
  • Helicopter evacuation or rescue (if needed)

Gear List

Clothing

  • 2–3 moisture-wicking base layers (top and bottom)
  • 2 fleece or insulating mid-layers
  • 1 down jacket (for extreme cold)
  • Waterproof shell jacket and pants (Gore-Tex or equivalent)
  • Thermal underwear
  • Trekking pants and shirts
  • Buff or neck gaiter

Footwear

  • Well-broken-in hiking boots (waterproof, ankle support)
  • Camp shoes or sandals
  • Warm socks (3–4 pairs of woollen or synthetic ones)
  • Gaiters (optional, for snow)

Accessories

  • Warm hat and sun hat
  • Sunglasses (UV protection)
  • Lightweight gloves and insulated gloves
  • Headlamp with extra batteries
  • Trekking poles
  • Sleeping bag (comfort rating -15°C or lower)
  • Backpack (45–65 L) + Daypack (20–25 L)
  • Waterproof backpack cover

Toiletries & Health

  • Personal first-aid kit (include altitude medication if needed)
  • Sunscreen (SPF 50+) and lip balm
  • Wet wipes, hand sanitiser, quick-dry towel
  • Toothbrush, toothpaste, biodegradable soap
  • Water purification tablets or a filter
  • Toilet paper

Electronics & Documents

  • Passport + 2 copies
  • Visa on arrival (or pre-arranged)
  • Travel insurance printout
  • Power bank and charging cables
  • Universal travel adapter
  • Camera (optional)
  • Personal cash (Nepali rupees, no ATMs above Namche)

Tips & Considerations

  • Train for endurance: This is one of Nepal’s most demanding treks. Prepare with cardio and hiking practice.
  • Acclimatisation is essential: Follow the itinerary as closely as possible to prevent altitude sickness.
  • Pack smart, travel light: You'll be carrying essentials or entrusting a porter—less is more.
  • Weather matters: Weather in the high Himalayas is unpredictable—prepare for delays.
  • Customize it your way: Need extra rest days, want a helicopter exit, or shorter route? We adjust it to your goals.

Reach Out to Us!

Book Your Everest Three Passes Trek Now!

We’ve been crafting unforgettable Himalayan journeys for years, and the Everest Three Passes Trek is our speciality. We combine deep mountain knowledge with flexible planning, giving you the power to shape your dream trek. Whether you’re chasing summits, scenic solitude, or cultural immersion, this is your journey—your way.

Let’s plan it together. Your adventure starts when you say so.

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