Trip Overview
Introduction
Walk through the best Himalayan trail, navigate glaciers, scale Mt. Everest Base Camp while crossing the three giant passes. Explore Gokyo Lakes and witness the omnipresence of mountains.
Three Pass Trek of the Everest Region is the most iconic route in the entire Himalayas due to its difficult terrain, the diverse landscapes, remoteness and panoramic views. The trek is ideal for those who are looking for a serious high-altitude challenge. The mighty three passes, namely Khong Ma La (5535m), Cho La (5420m), and Renjo La (5360m) connect four different valleys of the Everest Region, each of which amuse you with their distinct features. This circuit route offers some of the most breathtaking panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu and Ama Dablam. Starting from the Lukla airport, the trek can be done both clockwise and anticlockwise but doing it clockwise is considered the better route because of its calmness, the traffic, and the views en route.
The trip starts with the flight to Lukla, followed by gentle ascent to Namche. Then the path veers to the northwest and towards the villages of Thame and Lungden. We first cross Renjo La, followed by Cho La and Kongma La, with Gokyo Valley and Everest Base Camp along the route. After conquering the three passes, we walk back to Lukla via Tengboche monastery.
The Everest Three Pass trek lasts a total of 21 days in total, including two travel days on road, two days in Kathmandu for arrival and departure and 17 days on the trails.
Autumn and Spring are two best seasons to trek to Three Passes. The weather in Spring and Autumn remains stable and favorable for both internal flights and stunning views. Moreover, temperature remains ideal too, though early Spring and Late Autumn can be a little bit chilly.
However, trekking the Everest Three Passes in early spring involves the possibility of snow-covered passes that sometimes become impossible to cross.
Let us guide you on this wonderful trekking journey that will leave you with lifelong memories and a deep sense of gratitude.
Summary___
Starting Point
Kathmandu
Difficulty Level
Challenging
Group Size
2-12
Average Time
6 hrs per day
Ending Point
Kathmandu
Trip Length
21 Days
Hiking Days
17 Days
Highest Elevation
Kalapathar 5550m
Trip Highlights___
Flight to Lukla
Get on board twin otter aircrafts and fly for 20 minutes. Experience a thrilling, yet scenic flight to Lukla, with a stunning view of mountains.
Thame Village:
Visit Thame Village, west of Namche where Tenzing Norgay Sherpa was born. Despite being damaged by the flash flood in 2024, the village still managed to restore and retain its charm and significance.
Gokyo Valley:
Hike through the Gokyo Valley, which is cradled between Renjo La and Cho La. Side trip to either Gokyo Ri or 5th Lake can be done on your day.
Sunrise Hike to Kala Patthar:
Scale the massive height of 5550m after the hike to Kalaptthar and witness the golden hues of sunrise illuminating Mt. Everest, Nuptse and Pumori.
Stunning Mountain Views
Treat yourself by stunning views of some of the world’s tallest mountains, including: Mt. Everest 8,848.86m, Lhotse 8,516m, Cho Oyu 8,188m, Nuptse 7,816m, Ama Dablam 6,812m.
Three Mighty Passes
Walk across the three high passes, each over 5,000m, at intervals of two days, starting with the smallest one and ending with the highest.
Hike Across Glaciers
Walk across Ngozumpa Glacier, which is in Gokyo Valley, and Khumbu Glacier, which is in Khumbu Valley.
Diverse Landscapes
Trek through the landscape that changes everyday, ranging from lush forest, alpine meadows, glacier to moraine.
Buddhist Monasteries.
Walk past or visit two of Khumbu Valley’s oldest and popular monasteries in Thame and Tengboche.
Sense of Accomplishment.
Walking across three passes and reaching the Everest Base Camp Trek is a bucket-list achievement that remains in your memory lane forever.
Included___
Accommodation
Ground Transportation
Trekking Permits
Guide and Supporting Staff
Internal Flights
Welcome Meal
Excluded___
International Flight
Visa Fees
Personal Insurance
Personal Expenses
Tipping And Gratitude
Drinking Water
Itinerary
Kathmandu 1400m

Kathmandu 1400m

Lukla 2860m | Phakding 2640m

Namche Bazar 3440m

Everest View Point 3800m.

Thame 3800m

Lungden 4300m

Lungden Rest Day

Gokyo 4970m VIA Renjo La 5320m.

5th Lake 5200m

Thagnak 4700m

Dzong La 4830m VIA Cho La 5420m

Lobuche 4900m

Everest Base Camp 5364m VIA Gorakshep 5100m

Lobuche 4900m

Chukung 4900m VIA Khong Ma La 5545m

Tengboche 3860m.

Namche 3540m

Lukla 2860m.

Kathmandu 1400m

Kathmandu 1400m

Layers
1 Set Of Base/Thermal Layer (Merino Is Ideal)
1 Mid-Layer/Hoody (Fleece Or Similar).
1 Set Of Outer Layer
Merino Top.
Waterproof Trousers And Top (Gore-Tex Is Ideal)
1 Pair Of Lightweight Trekking Trousers Or Zip-Off Pants.
Fleece Trouser
2 Trekking T-Shirts/Shirts-Merino Is Ideal
Four Season Sleeping Bag.
Four Season Down Jacket.
1 Pair Of Liner Gloves.
1 Pair Of Mittens Gloves.
1 Warm Wool Hat.
1 Buff Or Similar.
Feet
1 Pair Of Trekking Boots (Must Be Worn In).
Sandals Or Sliders
3 Pairs Thick Walking Socks / 3 Pairs Lighter Walking Socks.
Toiletries
Travel Towel.
Sun Cream.
Hand Gel.
Moisturizer.
Lip Balm.
Face Wash.
Listerine Mouthwash.
Toilet Paper.
Soap
Shampoo
Optional
Trekking Poles.
Personal Medication And First Aid Kit.
Power Bank.
Playing Cards.
Book Or Kindle.
1 Small Roll Of Repair Tape, 1 Sewing Repair Kit.
1 Small Folding Knife.
Maps.
Note And Pen.
Thermal Flask
Permanent Marker
Adhesive Hand Or Toe Warmer
Warm Scarf
Fleece Pants
Hiking Shorts
Microspikes
Running Shoes Or Sneakers.
Down Booties
Sleeping bag liner
What can I rent in Kathmandu?
You can rent a sleeping bag and a down jacket for around $2 per day per item.
What currency do I bring?
Nepal uses the Nepalese Rupee (NPR) as its currency, which is a viable way to carry and to pay for the meals and other services you use along the way. As you trek in the mountains, you will notice that all the prices for the services, meals, drinks, etc., are quoted in NPR.
You can bring US$/GBP/AUS $/Euro also and exchange them at an exchange booth on every street in Thamel. However, they don’t follow the rate published by the Central Bank of Nepal.
Make sure that the foreign currency notes you bring are not old, torn, or faded as it is difficult to exchange them.
For better rates, you can go to the local bank in Kathmandu with your passport, which may take between an hour to hour and half. Please bear in mind that they only do cash service till 3 pm local time. Moreover, Saturday is a bank holiday and Friday is a half holiday.
While getting cash out of an ATM gives the best exchange rate, they will charge around $5 on each transaction. In a single day, you can withdraw NPR 100000 only but not more than NPR 35000 in one transaction. Which means you have to make multiple transactions and on each transaction, you will be charged around $5. Also, if you are planning to use cards to withdraw cash from an ATM booth, make sure to inform your card issuer that you will be using it outside Europe/America/Australia.
When to schedule the return ticket?
It’s recommended that you schedule your return flight for one day after the default itinerary ends. This allows for an additional day in Kathmandu after your trek, just in case there are any delays or cancellations with the internal flights. This allows you to enjoy your trip without worrying about your return flight, avoiding unnecessary stress.
Do I Need to Have a Backup fund?
The itinerary we have planned is subject to change locally due to unavoidable circumstances. In such an event, the extra cost incurred is subject to be covered by you. Unavoidable circumstances we generally categorize are:
- Airport closure. Flight delay or cancellation
- Extreme weather
- Natural Disaster
- Pandemic
- Political Unrest, riots, and demonstrations. Road Closure due to landslides, broken bridges, accidents, etc. Health issues experienced by guests Common accidents that can occur such as slips and falls, ankle twists, etc.
What is the weight limitation for Lukla Flight?
You are allowed to carry 5 kg as hand luggage and 10 kg as checked luggage. You can pay extra fees if your bag exceeds the weight limit, but it is advisable to stay within the limit.
How much does a porter carry?
To ensure porters are not given more than 20 kg to carry in total, please bring a maximum of 10 kg. per person.
Can I store my excess luggage at the hotel in Kathmandu?
You can store your excess luggage at the hotel free of charge after filling out the luggage storage form, which you must bring back when collecting your luggage.
What should I do about drinking water during the Everest Base Camp trek?
The quality and quantity of drinking water at Everest Base Camp are crucial. During the trek, we advise the following options:
- Purification pills:
Purification pills are the cheapest and easiest methods to purify the water. But please note that they alter the taste of water. You can buy water purification pills at the local pharmacies in Kathmandu.
-
Water filter:
There are two common types of water filters available on the market: external filters and internal filters integrated into bottles. External filters typically use a pump or gravity to purify water, while internal filters are built into water bottles for convenience. Although water filters are slightly more expensive than purification pills, they have the advantage of preserving the natural taste of water.
-
Boiled water:
Boiled Water is available at most of the tea houses at the price ranging between 2 to 600 Rs per liter. Using the boiled water requires heat-resistant bottles.
- Bottled water:
Bottled water is available at tea houses and small trailside shops. Using bottled water is the easiest way to access drinking water. The cost for bottled water ranges between Rs. 100 to 400 per liter. But since it is not environmentally friendly, we recommend avoiding its use unless absolutely necessary. An exception is at Gorakshep, where the water may appear dirty and might not be suitable even with filters or purification tablets.
What are the accommodations like on Everest Three Pass trek?
The lodges in the Everest region are often called tea houses though the tea itself is one of the many things they sell. They primarily provide accommodation and meals but also provide other services like hot showers, towels, laundry internet, recharging the electronic devices etc. A typical tea house has a communal dining hall with a warm chimney which they lit after 5 pm.
Accommodations in Everest Region are basic and functional. Rooms usually have twin beds with a small table, a window and a bulb. The beds in tea houses are not spacious enough but enough for one person. The beds often come with blankets but it is still good to have your own sleeping bag. The tea houses in the Everest region do not have heating but some of them might have electric blankets to offer at extra cost. Most of the tea houses in Everest region have electricity, and those that don’t are equipped with solar back ups. So you don’t need to spend a night without a light but a charging facility is not available at your room. Toilets and bathrooms are not attached to your room so you will need to use shared facilities, most of which are western-style.
What is the food like on Everest Base Camp Trek?
The range of food you will get to eat on Everest Base Camp trek is diverse. The menus are filled with a list of both traditional Nepali dishes and western cuisines. While the food available in Everest Base Camp trek might not be gourmet, but they are filling and meet the trekkers demands to many extent. Here is the overview of the foods.
Traditional Food:
Dal Bhat: Combo meals of rice, lentil and mixed vegetables. Served as lunch or dinner.
Momos: Dumpling filled with meat and vegetables. Served as lunch or dinner
Tibetan Bread: A deep fried bread served with jam/honey/vegetable curry. Served as lunch or dinner
Sherpa Stew: A broth mixed with vegetables, noodles and meat. Served as lunch or dinner
International Food:
Pasta, Pizza, Burger, fried noodles: Served as lunch or dinner
Pan cakes, porridge and Eggs: Served as breakfast
Soup: Garlic soup is very popular and often considered as a remedy for AMS.
Breakfast: Porridge, Eggs (in different styles). Tibetan bread, pancakes, chapatis, bread/toast, butter and Jam.
Are there internet services available?
Rating the difficulty level of Everest Three Pass Trek is a subjective matter, and depends on person to person. But generally speaking, the difficulty level of this trek is rated challenging due to its length, daily walking hours, elevation profile. The total length of the Everest Three Pass trekking is roughly 160-170 km which you have to cover in just 17 days. The daily walking hours range anywhere between 4 to 10 hours. From Lukla to Lukla, you will gain and lose a total of approximately 8,000 meters in elevation. So a good fitness level is a must for Everest Three Pass trek, and a training is strongly recommended. Please review the training plan we have outlined here. But the key is to pace yourself no matter how fit you are at sea level.
How Difficult is Everest Three Pass Trek?
Drink only treated or boiled water and avoid using bottled water. The best option is to bring a filter to treat the water so that the taste of the water remains natural. You can also bring purifying tablets but it ruins the taste of water.
Do I get altitude Sickness on Everest Three Pass trek?
Trekking the Everest Three Pass involves the possibility of getting AMS. The altitude gained and lost en route can affect you on different days in different ways. It is quite obvious to experience mild symptoms such as mild headaches and nausea. There is no fixed way to prevent Altitude Sickness on Everest Three Pass Trek, as it can impact your body from various perspectives depending on your medical history, age, rest, food and water intake. The general guidelines to avoid are to eat and drink properly, sleep well, avoid speeding up the pace, and have a positive mindset. It is very important to prioritize safety and listen to your body. If the symptoms seem too severe, get down, regardless of how close you are to the top and how fit you are.
How To Train For Everest Three Pass Trek?
The Everest Three Pass trek is one of the challenging treks in Everest Region and in the entire Himalayan Belt. Considering doing it without proper exercise may put you in a very difficult situation. So the key is not to underestimate the intensity of the trek and mistake it for being easy. We have outlined some training plans you may consider following. Please review them here.
Can I do the Everest Three Pass trek solo?
It would be wrong to say No. But it is important to have past experience on high altitude trekking and the ability to adapt with altitude, navigate, and manage logistics.
We highly recommend hiring a guide or at least a porter for safety and managing logistics. With unpredictable weather patterns, glacier crossings, remote terrain and challenging ascents over 5,000m passes, having experienced support ensures both safety and stress free trekking experience. A guide navigates the routes, providing essential local knowledge, and assisting in case of emergencies. Meanwhile, a porter helps carry your load, reducing physical strain and allowing you to focus on the journey.
Is Everest Base Three Pass Trek for beginners?
If you’re a beginner hiker with a sedentary lifestyle, the Everest Three Pass Trek may not be the best choice for you.This is because you have to walk 6 to 7 hours a day for 17 days, covering around 11 to 12 km daily on varied terrain with low oxygen. However, even if you don’t have experience, but lead an active life, and train for at least 3 months before the trip, it is possible to do this trek. If possible, it is advisable to book a private trip and allocate an extra day, especially for inexperienced hikers.
What is the distance of Everest Three Pass Trek?
The total distance of Everest Base Camp trek is 130 km/81 miles. This does not cover the overland and flights.
What is the best time for Everest Base Camp trek?
The best time to trek Everest Three Pass is Spring and Autumn. Both seasons are around the monsoon.
Spring: Spring is considered the best time because of its warmer temperature, longer days and rhododendron flower that adds extra flavour. Trekking to Everest in the spring season offers good weather, creating favorable conditions for internal flights and stunning views.
Autumn: Autumn is another great season to trek to Everest region because of clear sky and stable weather, favourable temperature, and festive atmosphere. Since Autumn is followed by monsoon, trekking in early autumn offers green, fresh and colorful landscapes.
How to get there?
The trip starts and ends in Kathmandu so make sure to book the flight accordingly. You can book any flight you want that fits your trip’s start and end date. However, it is good to arrive before 3 pm local time so that you can make it to the group meeting and welcome dinner.
How to get the visa to Nepal?
Visas are available upon arrival at the airport in Kathmandu. When you arrive, you will fill out a form first at a kiosk and then proceed to a banking desk where you will pay the Visa fee (USD 50 for 30 days US$30 for 15 days). You might be able to pay with a credit card, but bringing cash (USD) with you expedites the process. With that receipt and the form you filled out, you will proceed to the immigration officer who will issue you a visa. During the peak tourist season, the immigration desk can get congested, which can be a hassle.
Do I need the photo for my visa and permit?
No, you don’t
What should I do if my luggage did not arrive on my flight?
File a report: Report it to the airline’s baggage service office at the airport.
Get a tracking number: Ask for a tracking number so that you can check the status of your luggage.
Provide contact information: Provide the airline with your contact information and the name and address of the hotel you are staying at. Keep the form: Make sure to keep a copy of the report you filed at the airline’s office in the airport. To be on the safe side it is advisable to pack essential trekking gear in your hand luggage on an international flight.
Airport Pick Up
Look out for our airport representative holding a sign with your name and the Junkiri logo as you exit the terminal. He will then drive you to the hotel.
What type of transportation is provided?
We will provide private vehicles for all the ground transportation as mentioned in the itinerary.
How much do I need to budget?
The cost for Everest Three Pass Trek depends on your personal preferences and appetite. As a general guideline, it is recommended to budget around US$35-40 per day for expenses such as meals, chocolates, showers, internet, and drinking water. Accommodations, internal flights, staff and their wages, national park fees are covered.
Permits Required for Trekking in the Everest Region.
Planning a trek in the breathtaking Everest Region? Make sure you have the necessary permits! You’ll need two key permits:
- Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit
- Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit
Your guide will handle the process of obtaining these permits, which can be arranged either in Lukla or Monjo. The cost for each permit is NPR 3,000.
What to Expect from the Weather on Your Trek?
If you’re trekking during the peak season, you can expect favorable conditions. However, it’s important to be prepared for unexpected changes, including rain, clouds, and even snow, even during the peak season.
Unpredictable weather patterns, influenced by global warming, have made it harder to predict conditions in recent years. To ensure a smooth trekking experience, pack accordingly and stay flexible with your schedule.
Safety Tips.
Trekking to the Everest Region is a great experience, but safety should always come first. It is very essential to follow your guide’s advice regarding your pace, hydration and food. Besides, it is equally important to carry essential trekking gear such as a first aid kit, proper trekking gears, layers for different temperatures, and energy bars as backup meals. Similarly, following the trail etiquette, such as sticking to the marked trail, and keeping to the mountain side when passing by yaks and mules, are equally essential. It is also very important to avoid using headphones and earplugs while walking on the trail. Not to mention, respecing your limits, listening to your body and mind, pacing yourself and taking short breaks are of equal importance. Last but not the least, don’t stick with-never give up mindset.
Supporting Crew.
We provide one lead guide for the entire group and an assistant guide for every four participants. Porters are assigned at a 1:1 ratio. Their daily wages, insurance, and accommodation are fully covered.
Accommodation.
All the accommodations on Everest Three Pass Trekking are provided on a twin-shared basis. You will get standard accommodations with breakfast in Kathmandu. In the mountain tea house/lodges, accommodations are pretty basic with toilets and bathrooms shared, and outside the room. At Gorak Shep, the tea houses are more basic and colder than those of lower altitudes, and toilets are less hygienic due to the scarcity of water.
A typcial day in the mountains.
A typical day begins between 8-9 am depending on the length you are to cover. After walking for a couple of hours, there is a tea break, followed by a lunch break at another place. Upon reaching the overnight lodge, check in your room, freshen up, and gather in the dining hall. Sit around the warm chimney, and order dinner, served between 6 and 7 pm. After dinner, you will get the briefing about the next day and play cards, riddles, and other fun games.
Atmosphere of the Trek.
As you hit the trail, the tapestry of the mule train, prayer flags, suspension bridge, and mane walls bring you lots of energy and excitement. Morning offers stunning views and fresh air while evening provides the opportunity to be social, by the fire, talking to your fellow trekkers, playing cards, riddles, or other fun games. But as you go high, the terrain becomes rugged, dry, and hostile, testing your body and mind. Now you have ten reasons to quit but you must propel yourself. Don’t lose hope and follow your dream. Let your mental and physical resilience guide you. Believe in yourself and try to get the best out of what is before you, and you will have the experience of a lifetime.
What is the local culture like?
Nepal has a diverse and rich culture that is heavily influenced by its history, and religion. As a tourist, you may encounter locals who approach you to chat, take pictures, or sell goods.
The roads in Kathmandu are busy most of the time, so you might get stuck in traffic jams whenever you take local transportation. It is not uncommon to see cows, and dogs in the middle of the roads, beggars around the temple, and street children in the streets of Thamel. Please avoid giving money or food to people you meet in the city or mountains.
The local vendors and shopkeepers try to charge higher than the normal price. So make sure you have a good deal before you pay for whatever you want to buy.
However local restaurants have fixed prices for the meals they serve so no need to bargain the cost.
Local restaurants close after ten and bars but pubs remain open all night but it is good to go to bed before 10 pm.











