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Everest Three Passes Trek Itinerary

Kongma La, Cho La and Renjo La: the toughest loop in the Everest region. A 18-day plan from Kathmandu with daily stops, altitudes and walking times, an altitude profile, warnings and permits. Pick your start date and add it to your calendar.

Duration

18 days

14 walking, from Kathmandu

Highest point

5,545 m

Kala Patthar

Difficulty

Strenuous

Everest (Khumbu)

Best months

March to May + October to November

Spring and autumn

Planning guide, not a substitute for a guide. Altitudes and walking times are compared from several operator itineraries and differ between sources by 10 to 150 m and by an hour or more. Weather, trail damage and road changes alter plans. Confirm your route, permits and fees with a licensed agency or guide.

Plan your dates

Add rest or spare days

Altitude profile

The height you sleep at each night. Dots: green rest day, amber and red a bigger climb than the usual guideline. Triangles mark the highest point of a day.

0k1k2k3k4k5k6k3,000 m: altitude guidelines startEverest View Hotel area: about 3,880 mNagarjun Hill: about 5,100 mKongma La: about 5,535 mEverest Base Camp: about 5,364 mKala Patthar: about 5,545 mCho La: about 5,420 mGokyo Ri: about 5,357 mRenjo La: about 5,360 mDay 1: Phakding, about 2,610 mDay 2: Namche Bazaar, about 3,440 mDay 3: Namche Bazaar, about 3,440 mDay 4: Tengboche, about 3,860 mDay 5: Dingboche, about 4,410 mDay 6: Dingboche, about 4,410 mDay 7: Chhukhung, about 4,730 mDay 8: Lobuche, about 4,940 mDay 9: Gorak Shep, about 5,170 mDay 10: Dzongla, about 4,830 mDay 11: Thagnak, about 4,700 mDay 12: Gokyo, about 4,790 mDay 13: Gokyo, about 4,790 mDay 14: Lumde, about 4,380 mDay 15: Thame, about 3,820 mDay 16: Namche Bazaar, about 3,440 mDay 17: Lukla, about 2,860 mDay 18: Kathmandu, about 1,400 m1357911131517Day

2 days climb faster than the usual guideline (about 500 m a night above 3,000 m, and a rest day roughly every 1,000 m). This is common on the standard route. Go slowly, drink plenty, and add the rest days above if you can.

Day by day

  1. Day 1

    Kathmandu to Lukla to Phakding

    Sleep: Phakding · about 2,610 m (sources: 2,610 to 2,652 m)Walking 3 to 4 hFlight to Lukla about 30 to 35 min, or via Manthali (Ramechhap) in peak seasons

    Fly to Lukla (about 2,860 m) and walk down to Phakding.

  2. Day 2

    Phakding to Namche Bazaar

    Sleep: Namche Bazaar · about 3,440 mWalking 6 to 7 hSleeping altitude +830 m

    Enter Sagarmatha National Park and make the long climb to Namche.

    Your sleeping altitude rises about 830 m. The usual guideline above 3,000 m is no more than about 500 m a night.

  3. Day 3 · rest day

    Acclimatisation day at Namche Bazaar

    Sleep: Namche Bazaar · about 3,440 mWalking 2 to 3 hReach Everest View Hotel area · about 3,880 m

    A short hike toward Khumjung and the Everest View Hotel, then back to sleep in Namche.

  4. Day 4

    Namche Bazaar to Tengboche

    Sleep: Tengboche · about 3,860 m (sources: 3,860 to 3,870 m)Walking 5 to 6 hSleeping altitude +420 m

    Through Phunki Tenga to Tengboche monastery, with views of Ama Dablam.

  5. Day 5

    Tengboche to Dingboche

    Sleep: Dingboche · about 4,410 mWalking 5 to 6 hSleeping altitude +550 m

    Into the upper Imja valley, above the tree line.

    Your sleeping altitude rises about 550 m. The usual guideline above 3,000 m is no more than about 500 m a night.

  6. Day 6 · rest day

    Acclimatisation day at Dingboche

    Sleep: Dingboche · about 4,410 mWalking 3 to 4 hReach Nagarjun Hill · about 5,100 m

    Hike the ridge behind Dingboche to about 5,100 m, then return to sleep at 4,410 m.

  7. Day 7

    Dingboche to Chhukhung

    Sleep: Chhukhung · about 4,730 mWalking 3 to 4 hSleeping altitude +320 m

    A short day up the Imja valley, to prepare for Kongma La.

  8. Day 8

    Chhukhung over Kongma La to Lobuche

    Sleep: Lobuche · about 4,940 m (sources: 4,910 to 4,950 m)Walking 8 to 10 hReach Kongma La · about 5,535 m (sources: 5,535 to 5,545 m)Sleeping altitude +210 m

    The highest and hardest of the three passes. A long, early start on moraine, then a steep descent to the Khumbu glacier and Lobuche. Turn back in poor weather.

  9. Day 9

    Lobuche to Gorak Shep to Everest Base Camp

    Sleep: Gorak Shep · about 5,170 m (sources: 5,150 to 5,180 m)Walking 7 to 8 hReach Everest Base Camp · about 5,364 mSleeping altitude +230 m

    A long day on the moraine to Gorak Shep, Everest Base Camp and back to Gorak Shep to sleep.

  10. Day 10

    Kala Patthar to Dzongla

    Sleep: Dzongla · about 4,830 m (sources: 4,800 to 4,830 m)Walking 7 to 8 hReach Kala Patthar · about 5,545 m (sources: 5,545 to 5,644 m)

    Climb Kala Patthar for sunrise (most maps 5,545 m, some GPS readings about 5,640 m), then descend via Lobuche to Dzongla below Cho La.

  11. Day 11

    Dzongla over Cho La to Thagnak

    Sleep: Thagnak · about 4,700 m (sources: 4,660 to 4,700 m)Walking 7 to 9 hReach Cho La · about 5,420 m (sources: 5,340 to 5,430 m)

    A rocky ascent, then a glacier crossing on the Gokyo side. Conditions change, so ask your guide about traction devices. Sources give different pass heights from 5,340 to 5,430 m.

  12. Day 12

    Thagnak to Gokyo

    Sleep: Gokyo · about 4,790 m (sources: 4,765 to 4,800 m)Walking 2 to 3 hSleeping altitude +90 m

    Cross the Ngozumpa glacier, the longest in Nepal, to the Gokyo lakes.

  13. Day 13 · rest day

    Rest day at Gokyo

    Sleep: Gokyo · about 4,790 m (sources: 4,765 to 4,800 m)Walking 3 to 4 hReach Gokyo Ri · about 5,357 m

    Climb Gokyo Ri (about 2 to 3 h up) for the view of Everest and the lakes, or rest. Return to sleep in Gokyo.

  14. Day 14

    Gokyo over Renjo La to Lumde

    Sleep: Lumde · about 4,380 mWalking 8 to 9 hReach Renjo La · about 5,360 m (sources: 5,340 to 5,370 m)

    The last pass, with a famous view back over the Gokyo valley. A long day with a steep descent.

  15. Day 15

    Lumde to Thame

    Sleep: Thame · about 3,820 mWalking 3 to 4 h

    A short day down to the Sherpa village of Thame.

  16. Day 16

    Thame to Namche Bazaar

    Sleep: Namche Bazaar · about 3,440 mWalking 5 to 6 h

    Down the Bhote Koshi valley.

  17. Day 17

    Namche Bazaar to Lukla

    Sleep: Lukla · about 2,860 mWalking 6 to 7 h

    Back down the Dudh Koshi, ready for the early flight.

  18. Day 18

    Lukla to Kathmandu

    Sleep: Kathmandu · about 1,400 mFlight about 30 to 35 min (or to Manthali in peak seasons, then a 4 to 6 h drive)

    Fly back. Keep spare days for weather.

Permits

  • Sagarmatha National Park entry permit
  • Khumbu local-government (Pasang Lhamu) permit
  • Check current requirements and fees at Lukla or Monjo before you go

Fees and rules change, so this page does not quote prices. Check the current fee with your agency or the permit office.

Altitude sickness basics

  • Above 3,000 m, raise your sleeping altitude by no more than about 500 m a night, and rest about every 1,000 m of climbing.
  • Headache, nausea, dizziness and unusual tiredness are early signs. Do not go higher with symptoms.
  • If symptoms get worse, or you feel confused or unsteady, go down immediately.
  • Drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol and do not travel alone. Ask a doctor about medication before you go.

General information, not medical advice.

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Everest Three Passes Trek Itinerary from Kathmandu

The Three Passes trek links the Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lakes routes in one loop over three high passes: Kongma La (about 5,535 m), Cho La (about 5,420 m) and Renjo La (about 5,360 m). It reaches Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar and Gokyo Ri and the lakes, and loops back through Thame.

This plan crosses Kongma La first and Renjo La last, which is the usual direction because it gives more acclimatisation before the highest pass. Walking the loop the other way crosses the passes earlier at higher risk. Pass altitudes differ by 10 to 90 m between sources.

Day-by-day itinerary (18 days)

  1. Day 1: Kathmandu to Lukla to Phakding. Sleep at Phakding (about 2,610 m). Walking about 3 to 4 h. Flight to Lukla about 30 to 35 min, or via Manthali (Ramechhap) in peak seasons.
  2. Day 2: Phakding to Namche Bazaar. Sleep at Namche Bazaar (about 3,440 m). Walking about 6 to 7 h.
  3. Day 3: Acclimatisation day at Namche Bazaar. Sleep at Namche Bazaar (about 3,440 m). Walking about 2 to 3 h. Reach Everest View Hotel area (about 3,880 m).
  4. Day 4: Namche Bazaar to Tengboche. Sleep at Tengboche (about 3,860 m). Walking about 5 to 6 h.
  5. Day 5: Tengboche to Dingboche. Sleep at Dingboche (about 4,410 m). Walking about 5 to 6 h.
  6. Day 6: Acclimatisation day at Dingboche. Sleep at Dingboche (about 4,410 m). Walking about 3 to 4 h. Reach Nagarjun Hill (about 5,100 m).
  7. Day 7: Dingboche to Chhukhung. Sleep at Chhukhung (about 4,730 m). Walking about 3 to 4 h.
  8. Day 8: Chhukhung over Kongma La to Lobuche. Sleep at Lobuche (about 4,940 m). Walking about 8 to 10 h. Reach Kongma La (about 5,535 m).
  9. Day 9: Lobuche to Gorak Shep to Everest Base Camp. Sleep at Gorak Shep (about 5,170 m). Walking about 7 to 8 h. Reach Everest Base Camp (about 5,364 m).
  10. Day 10: Kala Patthar to Dzongla. Sleep at Dzongla (about 4,830 m). Walking about 7 to 8 h. Reach Kala Patthar (about 5,545 m).
  11. Day 11: Dzongla over Cho La to Thagnak. Sleep at Thagnak (about 4,700 m). Walking about 7 to 9 h. Reach Cho La (about 5,420 m).
  12. Day 12: Thagnak to Gokyo. Sleep at Gokyo (about 4,790 m). Walking about 2 to 3 h.
  13. Day 13: Rest day at Gokyo. Sleep at Gokyo (about 4,790 m). Walking about 3 to 4 h. Reach Gokyo Ri (about 5,357 m).
  14. Day 14: Gokyo over Renjo La to Lumde. Sleep at Lumde (about 4,380 m). Walking about 8 to 9 h. Reach Renjo La (about 5,360 m).
  15. Day 15: Lumde to Thame. Sleep at Thame (about 3,820 m). Walking about 3 to 4 h.
  16. Day 16: Thame to Namche Bazaar. Sleep at Namche Bazaar (about 3,440 m). Walking about 5 to 6 h.
  17. Day 17: Namche Bazaar to Lukla. Sleep at Lukla (about 2,860 m). Walking about 6 to 7 h.
  18. Day 18: Lukla to Kathmandu. Sleep at Kathmandu (about 1,400 m). Flight about 30 to 35 min (or to Manthali in peak seasons, then a 4 to 6 h drive).

Altitudes and walking times are compared from several operator itineraries and differ between sources. Confirm your route, permits and fees with a licensed agency or guide.

Best time

Spring (March to May) and autumn (October to November) are the best seasons. Autumn has the clearest skies and is the busiest. Spring is warmer, with rhododendrons in bloom, but afternoon cloud is common. June to August is monsoon, and December to February is cold with snow at height. The three passes are risky in snow or ice, and Cho La has a glacier section on the Gokyo side.

Permits

  • Sagarmatha National Park entry permit
  • Khumbu local-government (Pasang Lhamu) permit
  • Check current requirements and fees at Lukla or Monjo before you go

Altitude sickness

Above 3,000 m, raise your sleeping altitude by no more than about 500 m a night and rest about every 1,000 m of climbing. Do not go higher with symptoms, and descend if they get worse. This is general information, not medical advice.

Frequently asked questions

How many days is the Everest Three Passes Trek from Kathmandu?

This plan takes 18 days from Kathmandu back to Kathmandu, with 14 days of walking and the rest for travel and rest. Itineraries from operators vary, and you can add extra rest days on the page.

How high does the Everest Three Passes Trek go?

The highest point most itineraries reach is Kala Patthar, at about 5,545 m.

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

March to May and October to November. Spring (March to May) and autumn (October to November) are the best seasons. Autumn has the clearest skies and is the busiest. Spring is warmer, with rhododendrons in bloom, but afternoon cloud is common. June to August is monsoon, and December to February is cold with snow at height. The three passes are risky in snow or ice, and Cho La has a glacier section on the Gokyo side.

Do I need a permit for the Everest Three Passes Trek?

Sagarmatha National Park entry permit. Khumbu local-government (Pasang Lhamu) permit. Check current requirements and fees at Lukla or Monjo before you go. Fees change, so confirm the current amounts with your agency.

How many days is the Everest Three Passes trek?

This plan takes 18 days from Kathmandu back to Kathmandu, with acclimatisation days at Namche, Dingboche and Gokyo. Operators offer 18 to 22 day versions.

Which direction should I walk the Three Passes?

Most trekkers cross Kongma La first and Renjo La last, as this plan does, because it gives more acclimatisation before the highest pass. One guide estimated about three quarters of trekkers walk the loop this way.

How high are the three passes?

About 5,535 m for Kongma La, 5,420 m for Cho La and 5,360 m for Renjo La. Sources differ by 10 to 90 m.