How many days does the Everest Three Passes Trek take?

The Everest Three Passes Trek typically takes 21 days. This includes acclimatisation days, trekking days, and the return journey. The exact duration can vary depending on your chosen route and pace. We recommend not rushing the itinerary — proper acclimatisation is essential for both safety and enjoyment.

What is the best time of year for the Everest Three Passes Trek?

The best seasons for the Everest Three Passes Trek are Autumn and Spring. During spring, rhododendrons bloom and skies are generally clear. Autumn offers the most stable weather with excellent mountain views. Monsoon (June–August) brings heavy rain and leeches on the trails but is possible for experienced trekkers. Winter (December–February) is cold but possible for lower-altitude treks with fewer crowds.

How difficult is the Everest Three Passes Trek?

The Everest Three Passes Trek is rated extreme. You should be able to walk 5–7 hours per day on uneven mountain terrain. No technical climbing skills are required. Good cardiovascular fitness is important — we recommend regular hiking, running, or cycling for at least 2–3 months before your trek.

What is the highest altitude on the Everest Three Passes Trek and how do I avoid altitude sickness?

The maximum altitude on the Everest Three Passes Trek is 5,545m (18,192 ft). Altitude sickness (AMS) is a serious concern above 3,000m. To minimise the risk: follow our itinerary's acclimatisation schedule ('climb high, sleep low'), stay well hydrated (3–4 litres of water per day), avoid alcohol during the first few days, ascend slowly, and listen to your body. Our guides are trained in Wilderness First Aid and carry supplemental oxygen. Diamox (acetazolamide) is commonly taken as a preventive measure — consult your doctor before departure.

What does the Everest Three Passes Trek package price of $1,899 include?

Our package price covers TIMS card and required trekking permits, all accommodation during the trek (teahouse/lodge style), all meals on the trek (breakfast, lunch, and dinner), an experienced licensed trekking guide, porter services (one porter per two trekkers), airport and hotel transfers in Kathmandu, a complimentary duffel bag, and all government and local taxes. It does not include international flights, Nepal visa fees, travel insurance, personal gear, or gratuities.

What permits do I need for the Everest Base Camp Trek?

You will need three permits for the EBC trek: (1) TIMS Card (Trekkers' Information Management System) — approx. USD 20; (2) Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit — approx. USD 30; (3) Khumbu Rural Municipality Permit — approx. USD 2. All permits are included in our package price and are arranged on your behalf.

What is the accommodation like on the Everest Three Passes Trek?

Accommodation is in teahouses (guesthouses) along the trail. Rooms are simple but comfortable, with a bed, blanket, and pillow provided. Most teahouses have a dining hall with a wood-burning stove. Private rooms are available at most stops; in higher-altitude or remote areas, dormitory-style rooms may be the only option. Hot showers are available at many lodges (sometimes for an extra charge). In Kathmandu, we use 3-star hotels.

Can I do the Everest Three Passes Trek as a solo traveller?

Absolutely. Solo travellers are very welcome. Nepal's trekking trails are well-established and safe for solo adventurers. We will pair you with a private guide for the duration of the trek. You can also join one of our small group departures (maximum 2 people) to share costs and meet like-minded travellers from around the world.

How do I prepare physically for the Everest Three Passes Trek?

We recommend beginning a fitness programme at least 8–12 weeks before your trek. Focus on: cardiovascular endurance (running, cycling, swimming), leg strength (squats, lunges, stair climbing), and practice hikes with a loaded daypack. Aim to hike for 5–6 hours continuously on at least one weekend per month. The fitter you are, the more you will enjoy the experience.

Do I need travel insurance for the Everest Three Passes Trek?

Yes — comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory. Your policy must cover high-altitude trekking up to 5,545m (18,192 ft), emergency helicopter evacuation, medical expenses, and trip cancellation. We strongly recommend purchasing insurance before you travel. Helicopter rescues in the Himalayas can cost USD 5,000–15,000 — do not trek without coverage. We can recommend reputable providers if needed.

Do I need a visa to visit Nepal?

Most nationalities require a tourist visa to enter Nepal. It is available on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (Kathmandu) and at several land border crossings. A 30-day visa costs USD 50 (single entry), a 15-day visa costs USD 30, and a 90-day visa costs USD 125. You will need a valid passport with at least 6 months validity, two passport-size photos, and the visa fee in cash (USD preferred). Citizens of India do not require a visa.

What should I pack for the Everest Three Passes Trek?

Essential packing items include: waterproof trekking boots (worn in before the trek), layered clothing (base layer, fleece, down jacket), waterproof jacket and trousers, trekking poles, a 40-litre daypack, sun hat and buff/balaclava, sunglasses (UV400 or higher), sunscreen (SPF 50+), water purification tablets or a filter, and a basic first aid kit. We provide a comprehensive packing list with your booking confirmation. Gear can also be rented in Kathmandu if needed.

Everest Three Passes Trek — 21 Days | Everest – International Adventures Treks & Expeditions Pvt. Ltd.

Overview

The Everest Three Passes Trek is the premium circuit of the Khumbu region — a 21-day adventure that visits every major valley and viewpoint while crossing three high mountain passes above 5,300m. You will see the Gokyo Lakes (renowned for their turquoise colour), stand on Gokyo Ri (5,357m) for arguably the finest panoramic Everest view in Nepal, cross the legendary Cho La pass on crampons, reach Everest Base Camp, and summit Kala Patthar before completing the circuit via the dramatic Kongma La.

This is a challenging, committing trek requiring good physical fitness, altitude experience, and previous multi-day trekking background. Our experienced guides carry supplemental oxygen for emergencies and all groups receive daily medical briefings.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Hotel check-in, pre-trek briefing, gear inspection, welcome dinner.

Dramatic 35-min mountain flight, begin trekking through rhododendron forest. 3–4 hrs.

Cross Hillary Suspension Bridge, steep climb to the Sherpa capital. 5–6 hrs.

Hike to Everest View Hotel (3,962m), explore Sherpa museum and Saturday market.

Diverge from EBC trail into the quieter Bhote Koshi valley. Visit Thame Monastery (sacred to Sherpa culture). 4 hrs.

Trek up the remote Bhote Koshi valley past glacial lakes and high yak pastures. 5 hrs.

The first pass: early start, 4-hr climb to Renjo La for a jaw-dropping panorama of Everest, Makalu, Cho Oyu. Descend to the Gokyo Valley. 7 hrs.

Morning ascent of Gokyo Ri (5,357m) — widely considered Nepal's finest 360° Himalayan viewpoint. Afternoon rest at the turquoise Gokyo Lakes.

Trek along the Ngozumpa Glacier moraine — Nepal's longest glacier at 36km. 4 hrs.

Most technical pass: crampons required. 6-hr crossing over snow and ice, incredible views. Dramatic descent to Dzongla. Guide assessment required before crossing.

Short acclimatisation day through lunar moraine landscape. Memorial chortens at Thokla. 3 hrs.

Trek along Khumbu Glacier moraine to Gorak Shep, then continue to Everest Base Camp. Return to Gorak Shep. 7–8 hrs.

Sunrise at Kala Patthar, then traverse the Khumbu to Chhukung — an alternative descent through the Imja Valley. 8 hrs.

Optional hike to Chhukung Ri (5,550m) for views of Island Peak, Lhotse, and Makalu. Rest afternoon.

The third and final pass: snow-dusted with views of the entire Khumbu panorama. Descent through yak pastures. 6–7 hrs.

Long descent through Pangboche, afternoon at Tengboche Monastery for puja ceremony. 5 hrs.

Traverse the Panorama Trail one final time. Farewell dinner with your guide team. 5 hrs.

Final trekking day, downhill through Monjo and Phakding. Celebration drinks in Lukla. 6 hrs.

Morning flight back to Kathmandu. Afternoon at leisure for shopping.

Tour of Kathmandu Valley highlights: Boudhanath Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple, Thamel.

Transfer to international airport. End of services.

Cost Includes

All domestic flights (Kathmandu–Lukla–Kathmandu)
All permits: Sagarmatha NP, Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality fee, TIMS
Professional guide, assistant guide (groups 8+), porters
All meals on trek + 3 nights Kathmandu hotel (BB)
Crampons and ice axe rental for Cho La crossing
Emergency oxygen cylinder carried by guide
All government taxes

Cost Excludes

International flights, Nepal visa, personal travel insurance
Personal expenses, tips

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Everest Three Passes Trek

Overview

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Arrive Kathmandu (1,400m)

Fly Kathmandu–Lukla, Trek to Phakding (2,652m)

Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440m)

Acclimatisation — Namche Bazaar

Namche to Thame (3,800m)

Thame to Lungden (4,380m)

Cross Renjo La Pass (5,360m) — Descend to Gokyo (4,790m)

Acclimatisation — Gokyo Valley

Gokyo to Thagnak (4,750m)

Cross Cho La Pass (5,420m) — Descend to Dzongla (4,843m)

Dzongla to Lobuche (4,940m)

Lobuche to Gorak Shep (5,164m), Visit Everest Base Camp (5,364m)

Gorak Shep to Kala Patthar (5,545m), Descend to Chhukung (4,730m)

Acclimatisation — Chhukung

Cross Kongma La Pass (5,535m) — Descend to Dingboche (4,410m)

Dingboche to Tengboche (3,867m)

Tengboche to Namche Bazaar (3,440m)

Namche to Lukla (2,860m)

Fly Lukla–Kathmandu

Kathmandu Rest Day

Departure

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Frequently Asked Questions — Everest Three Passes Trek

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