Khumbu, Nepal
Nepal
19 Days
Challenging
Trekking/ Hiking
5644.5/ 18519 Feet
Mar to May, Sep to Nov
Included
Kathmandu/ Kathmandu
Hotels and Teahouses
While challenging, the Three Passes Trek offers a comprehensive trip of the Everest region. It is a 19-day journey that pretty much encompasses every region of the Khumbu Valley. Whether it be the crowded Namche or the quaint Lungden, the majestic Everest Base Camp or the tranquil Gokyo, the holy Tengboche or the rugged Chukkung, the close view of Everest from Kalapatthar or the panoramic view from Renjo La, this trek covers it all. By the end of the journey, you are bound to feel a profound sense of accomplishment that will leave a lasting imprint on your spirit.
Upon your arrival in Kathmandu, our staff will receive you at the Tribhuvan International Airport and take you to your hotel. You can spend the rest of the day resting or visiting places like Thamel, Boudhanath and Pashupatinath. Early next morning, you will fly to Lukla Airport (the gateway to Mt. Everest) in a small aircraft. It is a short flight (30 minutes). Once you land at Lukla, your trek begins. You will hike through green and lush landscapes, covered with forests of pine and rhododendron. The path is gentle, allowing you to adjust to the pace of trekking in the mountains, and giving you a first glimpse into the lives and culture of the Sherpa people as well as the stunning views of the Himalayas, beginning with a grand view of the sacred Khumbila (God of Khumbu).
Your first destination is Phakding, a quiet settlement by the Dudh Koshi River. The trail up to Phakding is relatively easy. You will pass through quiet jungles and villages along the Dukh Koshi river. From Phakding, the journey continues to Namche Bazaar, the central village of the Everest region. It is a short journey but the path is steep. The trail to Namche ascends steadily, crossing multiple high suspension bridges. While in Namche, you will take a short hike to the famous Everest View Hotel, from where you get a great view of Ama Dablam, Mount Everest, and several other mountains. You will also visit small villages around Namche, particularly Khumjung, a charming, little village popular among the locals for its school. After Namche, you make your way to Tengboche, where you will get to visit the legendary Tengboche Monastery. Continuing on, the path leads you toward Dingboche, situated at over 4400 meters. The environment begins to shift quite dramatically as you move from dense forests to a more barren landscapes and rocky hills. On the seventh day of your trek, you will trek to Chukkung, where you will spend an extra day acclimatizing and preparing for the upcoming passes.
The first pass, Kongma La (5535 meters), presents a real test of endurance. As you traverse rocky paths and glacial terrain, the view back over the valley, framed by towering peaks like Nuptse and Lhotse, is unforgettable. From the top, you’ll be treated to a striking view of the Khumbu Glacier. You will then trek to Everest Base Camp and Kalapatthar, and eventually make your way to the notoriously steep Cho La Pass (5420 meters), where the crisp, thin air makes each step feel both challenging and rewarding. You will pass through a village called Dragnag and the Ngozumpa Glacier, the longest glacier in the Himalayas, to eventually reach Gokyo, a place filled with tranquil lakes. Gokyo is a great place to rest and reflect on your journey. Therefore, the next day is set aside for resting. During this day, you can take a short trip around the Gokyo lakes and the surrounding glaciers, or just enjoy watching the lakes from your hotel window. Your final pass, Renjo La (5360 meters) is often less crowded, offering a sense of isolation as you stand amidst a landscape of rocky outcrops and deep valleys. From the top of Renjo La, you will be treated to a panoramic view of Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu as well as Gokyo Valley. After crossing the Renjo La Pass, you will head toward Lungden and then to Namche again, after which you will trace your steps back to Kathmandu following the same route.
Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu; transfer to hotel
Fly to Lukla (2860m) [30 minutes]; trek to Phakding (2610m) [3 hours]
Trek to Namche Bazaar (3440m) [6 hours]
Rest day at Namche for acclimatization; visit Khumjung and Everest View Hotel
Trek to Tengboche (3867m) [6 hours]
Trek to Dingboche (4410m) [ 6 hours]
Trek to Chukkung (4730m) [4 hours]
Rest day at Chukkung
Trek to Lobuche via Kongma La Pass (5535m) [10 hours]
Trek to Everest Base Camp (5364m); back to Gorakshep [8 hours]
Trek to Kalapatthar (5545m); trek to Dzongla (4830m) [8 hours]
Trek to Chola Pass (5420m); trek to Dragnag (4700m) [7 hours]
Trek to Gokyo (4800m) [4 hours]
Rest day at Gokyo
Trek to Lungden (4375 m) via Renjo La Pass (5360m) [8 hours]
Trek to Namche (3440m) [7 hours].
Trek to Lukla (2860m) [6 hours]
Fly to Kathmandu [30 minutes]
Fly to your destination
At a Glance (Quick Facts)
Duration: 19 days (typical itinerary: 17–20 days)
Max altitude: 5,545 m (Kala Patthar)
Passes:
Kongma La (5,535 m), Cho La (5,420 m), Renjo La (5,360 m)
Total
distance: ~148–166 km, depending on side
trips (EBC, Gokyo Ri, Fifth Lake)
Daily hiking: 6–8 hrs most days; 8–10 hrs on pass days
Difficulty: Strenuous, non-technical; prior high-altitude trekking recommended
Route style: Loop/traverse (not out-and-back), through Khumbu/Gokyo
Best Time to Go
Prime season: March–May and September–November (clear skies and stable trails)
Also possible: December (crisp views, colder and shorter days)
Avoid/plan around: Late monsoon and mid-winter storms; Cho La can be icy in
shoulder months
Acclimatization & Altitude
Built-in rest days at Namche, Chhukung, and Gokyo (“hike high, sleep low”)
Typical symptoms: Headache, poor sleep, loss of appetite—tell your guide early
Pace, hydrate, and consider Diamox if advised; never force a pass day if unwell
Passes & Terrain (What to Expect)
Kongma La: Boulder/scree ascent, steep descent past alpine tarns
Cho La: Rocky ramps, short snow/glacier traverse on top; microspikes useful in
shoulder/winter
Renjo La: Long stone steps and switchbacks; best panoramic views over Gokyo
Lakes
Surface
varies: Flagstone, dirt, moraine, occasional ice – trekking
poles recommended
Permits & Regulations
Required: Sagarmatha National Park entry + Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural
Municipality permit
TIMS: Optional for Khumbu; still used for safety tracking
Carry passport, cash, and 2–4 passport photos for convenience
Flights & Logistics
Flights: Kathmandu to Lukla (via Ramechhap in peak seasons)
Weight allowance: 15 kg total per person (10 kg checked + 5 kg
hand-carry)—confirm on your ticket
Weather buffer: Keep at least one buffer day in Kathmandu for flight delays
Accommodation, Meals & Water
Teahouses throughout: Twin-sharing rooms
Meals: Dal
Bhat, soups, pasta, momo, omelets – vegetarian
easiest above Dingboche
Water: Avoid single-use plastic; we provide purification tablets and boiled
water.
Money & Payments (Three Passes Trek Cost)
Bring cash (NPR) for tips, charging, and personal expenses; ATMs are most
reliable in Namche.
Your Three Passes Trek cost with 5K Treks includes permits, guide, porter
allowance, domestic flights, lodges, breakfast, lunch, and dinner (except in
Kathmandu).
Tipping is customary for mountain staff; we’ll brief
you on local norms.
Gear Essentials (Shoulder/Winter-Ready)
Footwear: Broken-in boots + microspikes (Cho La mornings).
Clothing: Base layers, mid-layers, down jacket, shell, warm hat/gloves, and sun
hat.
Extras: Trekking poles, headlamp, sunglasses, lip balm, and blister kit.
Power, Connectivity & Navigation
Charging: Paid per device/hour at teahouses; bring a 10,000–20,000 mAh power
bank.
Signal/Wi-Fi: Patchy beyond Namche; Everest Link cards or lodge Wi-Fi are
available in some places.
Safety, Insurance & Support
Insurance: Must cover helicopter evacuation to ≥6,000 m and medical care.
Guides: Licensed, experienced Khumbu team; guest-to-staff ratios are set for
pace and safety.
Emergencies: 5K Treks maintains 24/7 operations contact and coordinates
evacuations when needed.
Responsible Trekking &
Etiquette
Pass mani walls on the left; ask before photographing people or monasteries.
Pack batteries/waste; use refill stations; avoid fires and off-trail shortcuts.
Respect wildlife and yak trains; give them the uphill.
Who It’s For (and
Not For)
Best for: Fit, experienced trekkers seeking Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho
Oyu panoramas with fewer crowds.
Not ideal
for: First-time altitude trekkers – consider
EBC or Gokyo first.
How We Help
Pre-trip consult: Tailor distance and side trips to your goals (EBC, Gokyo Ri,
Fifth Lake).
Smart pacing: Acclimatization first, then passes – higher success and safer
outcomes.
Transparent pricing: Clear cost breakdown – no hidden fees or surprise lodge/permit add-ons.
$2700.00
© 2025 5k Treks Pvt. Ltd. All rights reserved.
