Everest Three High Passes Trek via Everest Base Camp

The Everest Three High Passes Trek via Everest Base Camp is the most adventurous and complete trekking circuit in the Everest region. This epic journey combines the thrill of crossing three high mountain passes — Kongma La (5,535m), Cho La (5,420m), and Renjo La (5,360m) — with the iconic Everest Base Camp (5,364m) and the majestic viewpoint of Kala Patthar (5,545m). It offers an unparalleled alpine experience with panoramic views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, Ama Dablam, and countless Himalayan peaks.

Unlike standard Everest Base Camp treks, this route loops through the Khumbu, Imja, Gokyo, and Thame valleys, showcasing remote Sherpa villages, turquoise glacial lakes, serene Buddhist monasteries, and rarely visited corners of Sagarmatha National Park. This trek is ideal for physically fit and experienced trekkers seeking raw mountain adventure, cultural depth, and dramatic Himalayan scenery.

Key Highlights:

• Complete Everest region circuit covering four major valleys: Khumbu, Imja, Gokyo, and Thame

• Cross three challenging and scenic high passes: Kongma La, Cho La, and Renjo La

• Visit Everest Base Camp and climb Kala Patthar for sunrise views of Everest

• Trek to Gokyo Ri (5,357m) and witness the stunning Gokyo Lakes and Ngozumpa Glacier

• Walk along glacier moraines, alpine lakes, and remote Sherpa settlements

• Explore Tengboche Monastery and lesser-known villages like Lungden and Marlung

• Incredible aerial views on the scenic Lukla flight

Route Summary:

Start/End: Kathmandu – Lukla – Kathmandu
Max Altitude: 5,545 meters (Kala Patthar)
Duration: 17 to 20 days (depending on itinerary)
Trip Grade: Challenging
Best Seasons: Spring (March–May) and Autumn (September–November)
Accommodation: Local tea houses
Trek Style: Fully guided lodge-to-lodge trek

Suggested Itinerary Summary:

Day 1: Fly to Lukla, trek to Phakding
Day 2: Trek to Namche Bazaar (acclimatization)
Day 3: Acclimatization day at Namche (hike to Everest View Hotel or Khumjung)
Day 4: Trek to Tengboche
Day 5: Trek to Dingboche
Day 6: Acclimatization in Dingboche (side hike to Nagarjun Hill)
Day 7: Cross Kongma La Pass (5,535m), descend to Lobuche
Day 8: Trek to Gorak Shep, visit Everest Base Camp
Day 9: Climb Kala Patthar, then trek to Dzongla
Day 10: Cross Cho La Pass (5,420m), descend to Dragnag
Day 11: Trek to Gokyo
Day 12: Climb Gokyo Ri, explore Gokyo Lakes
Day 13: Cross Renjo La Pass (5,360m), descend to Lungden
Day 14: Trek to Thame
Day 15: Trek to Namche Bazaar
Day 16: Trek to Lukla
Day 17: Fly back to Kathmandu

This itinerary can be adjusted based on group pace, acclimatization needs, or weather conditions.

Trek Difficulty and Fitness Requirements:

The Everest Three High Passes Trek is one of the most demanding treks in Nepal. It involves daily hikes of 6–8 hours across high-altitude terrain, rocky ridges, glacier crossings, and steep ascents. It is recommended for trekkers with previous high-altitude experience and excellent physical fitness. Proper acclimatization days are essential, and altitude sickness prevention measures should be taken seriously.

Accommodation and Meals:

Accommodation is in local tea houses or lodges along the trail. Rooms are simple but cozy, usually with twin beds and shared bathrooms. The higher you go, the more basic the facilities become. Meals are served in communal dining halls with options like dal bhat, noodles, pasta, soup, momo, and Tibetan bread. Hot drinks and filtered or boiled water are available for purchase.

Permits Required:

• Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit (NPR 3,000)

• Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit (NPR 3,000)

• TIMS Card is no longer required for solo trekkers in this region (as of 2023), but you must hire a licensed guide

Best Time to Trek:

• Spring (March to May): Rhododendron blooms, longer days, stable weather

• Autumn (September to November): Clear skies, best mountain views, ideal temperatures

• Winter (Dec–Feb): Possible, but cold with snow on high passes

• Monsoon (June to August): Not recommended due to heavy rain and poor visibility

Why Choose the Everest Three Passes Trek via EBC?

• Combines adventure, cultural immersion, and natural beauty

• Less crowded than the traditional EBC route beyond Dingboche

• Offers the most scenic and complete Everest trekking experience

• Ideal for trekkers seeking a more rewarding and off-the-beaten-path route