20 Days Trek to Everest Three High Passes

20 Days Trek to Everest Three High Passes | Conquer the ultimate Everest circuit — cross Kongma La, Cho La, and Renjo La for an unmatched Himalayan adventure.

The Everest Three High Passes Trek (20 Days) is the ultimate circuit adventure in the Khumbu Himalaya.
It connects the classic Everest Base Camp trail with the remote Gokyo and Thame valleys via three spectacular high passes: Kongma La, Cho La, and Renjo La.

Beginning with a flight to Lukla, the route passes through Sagarmatha National Park’s lush forests and iconic Sherpa villages before gradually ascending toward Everest Base Camp. After exploring EBC and Kala Patthar, trekkers cross the dramatic Cho La Pass into the turquoise Gokyo Valley and finally complete the circuit by traversing Renjo La Pass to Thame.

This expedition demands stamina, preparation, and respect for altitude, but rewards you with one of the most varied, scenic, and fulfilling Himalayan experiences imaginable. Under the guidance of Kami Rita Sherpa’s expert crew, safety and acclimatization remain top priorities from start to finish

COUNTRY Nepal

Duration 20 Days Days

Max Altitude 5,545 m / 18,192 ft

Difficulty very_hard

Group Size 2-12

Best Season Spr/ Aut

Walking Per Day 3 - 8 hours

Accomodation Teahouse / Lodge on trek | Hotel in Kathmandu

Itinerary

Day

Day 1

Arrival in Kathmandu (1,350 m)

Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport, meet our team, transfer to a hotel. Evening welcome dinner and trek briefing.

Overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 2

Fly to Lukla (2,860 m) and Trek to Phakding (2,610 m)

Short flight to Lukla; easy walk through pine forests to Phakding.
Walking Time: 3–4 hrs | Overnight in Phakding.

Day 3

Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m)

Enter Sagarmatha National Park and climb steadily to Namche, the gateway to Everest.
Walking Time: 5–6 hrs | Overnight in Namche.

Day 4

Acclimatization in Namche Bazaar

Hike to Everest View Hotel (3,880 m) and visit Khunde Monastery for panoramic views.
Overnight in Namche.

Day 5

Namche to Tengboche (3,860 m)

Trek through forests of juniper and rhododendron to Tengboche Monastery with Ama Dablam views.
Walking Time: 5 hrs | Overnight in Tengboche.

Day 6

Tengboche to Dingboche (4,410 m)

Descend to Deboche, cross Imja River, and climb toward the Imja Valley.
Walking Time: 6 hrs | Overnight in Dingboche.

Day 7

Acclimatization Day in Dingboche

Optional hike to Nangkartshang Peak (5,083 m) for high-altitude training.
Overnight in Dingboche.

Day 8

Dingboche to Chhukung (4,730 m)

Gradual ascent through alpine fields to the village of Chhukung, base for Kongma La Pass.
Walking Time: 3–4 hrs | Overnight in Chhukung.

Day 9

Cross Kongma La Pass (5,535 m) to Lobuche (4,940 m)

Early start for the first pass. Tough ascent rewarded with views of Makalu and Lhotse.
Walking Time: 7–8 hrs | Overnight in Lobuche.

Day10

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

Reach Gorak Shep, then trek to Everest Base Camp and return to Gorak Shep.
Walking Time: 7–8 hrs | Overnight in Gorak Shep.

Day11

Climb Kala Patthar (5,545 m) to Dzongla (4,830 m)

Early-morning ascent for sunrise views of Everest then descend to Dzongla.
Walking Time: 6 hrs | Overnight in Dzongla.

Day12

Cross Cho La Pass (5,420 m) to Thangnak (4,700 m)

Steep glacial ascent and crossing of Cho La Pass. Epic views of Cholatse and Ama Dablam.
Walking Time: 7–8 hrs | Overnight in Thangnak.

Day13

Thangnak to Gokyo (4,790 m)

Short walk across Ngozumpa Glacier to Gokyo Lake III. Walking Time: 3–4 hrs | Overnight in Gokyo.

Day14

Climb Gokyo Ri (5,357 m) and Explore Gokyo Lakes

Early ascent for panoramic view of Everest, Cho Oyu, and Makalu. Optional lake exploration. Overnight in Gokyo.

Day15

Cross Renjo La Pass (5,360 m) to Lungden (4,380 m)

Last high pass offering spectacular views of Everest and the Rolwaling Range. Walking Time: 7–8 hrs | Overnight in Lungden.

Day16

Lungden to Thame (3,820 m)

Descend through remote valleys to the historic Sherpa village of Thame.
Walking Time: 5 hrs | Overnight in Thame.

Day17

Thame to Namche Bazaar

Leisurely descent through forests and mani walls to Namche.
Walking Time: 4–5 hrs | Overnight in Namche.

Day18

Namche to Lukla

Final trek of the journey. Celebrate completion with crew at Lukla.
Walking Time: 6–7 hrs | Overnight in Lukla.

Day19

Fly Lukla to Kathmandu

Morning flight back to Kathmandu and transfer to hotel.
Overnight in Kathmandu.

Day20

Departure

Transfer to the airport for an international flight. Farewell from the Himalayas with Kami Rita Sherpa Expeditions.

Inclusions

Airport transfers in Kathmandu
Twin-sharing hotel accommodation (3-star) in Kathmandu
Domestic flights Kathmandu to/from Lukla
Licensed English-speaking Trekking Guide and assistants from Kami Rita Sherpa’s team
Porters (1 porter per 2 participants)
Sagarmatha National Park Permit and TIMS Card
Teahouse accommodation and three meals per day on trek
Insurance and equipment for guides and porters
First-aid kit and oxygen backup for high altitude sections
Welcome and farewell dinners
All government taxes and service charges

Exclusions

International flights and Nepal entry visa
Meals in Kathmandu (lunch & dinner)
Personal trekking gear and clothing
Travel insurance with high-altitude coverage (required)
Extra accommodation or transport due to weather delays
Personal expenses (snacks, drinks, laundry, charging, internet)
Tips for guides and porters
Anything not listed under “Included”

Trip Notes

Duration: Approximately 20 days (including acclimatization and pass crossings)

Key Stops: Kathmandu, Lukla, Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche, Chhukung, Lobuche, Gorak Shep, Everest Base Camp, Kala Patthar, Dzongla, Gokyo, Thame and Lukla

Preparation and Considerations:

Physical Fitness – Prepare with cardio and hill training 8–10 weeks prior.
Acclimatization – Built-in rest days (Namche, Dingboche).
Experience – Ideal for experienced trekkers comfortable with long days and high altitude.

Permits Required:

Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit
Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit
TIMS Card

Accommodation and Meals:

Teahouse lodges throughout the trek with basic rooms and wholesome meals (dal bhat, noodles, soups, pasta, tea). Hot showers and Wi-Fi available in select villages (for a fee).

Health and Safety:
Hydrate well (3–4 L daily). Be alert for altitude symptoms. Guides carry first-aid and oxygen. Travel insurance with rescue coverage is mandatory.

Financial Preparedness:
Carry sufficient cash (NPR) in small notes, ATMs limited to Lukla and Namche.

Tipping Guidelines:

Guides: 400$ min.
Porters: 100-200$

Cultural Etiquette:
Greet with “Namaste”, walk clockwise around stupas and mani walls, remove hats inside monasteries, and dress modestly.

Environmental Considerations:
Follow Leave No Trace principles, avoid plastic bottles, and support eco-friendly lodges. The Khumbu region is fragile, tread lightly and respect local initiatives.