Nepal · Trekking

18-Day Everest Three Passes Trek with Gokyo Valley and Base Camp

18 Days Strenuous pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Cross the three legendary high Himalayan passes of Kongma La, Cho La, and Renjo La
  • 02 Explore the stunning Gokyo Valley and its five pristine turquoise glacial lakes
  • 03 Experience one of the most challenging and rewarding trekking routes in the Everest region
  • 04 Enjoy close cultural encounters with the Sherpa communities of the Khumbu
  • 05 Witness breathtaking views of Mount Everest and the mighty Khumbu Glacier from Kala Patthar
  • 06 Take in panoramic vistas of the world's tallest peaks and dramatic Himalayan landscapes
  • 07 Walk across iconic suspension bridges, prayer wheels, Mani walls, and vibrant prayer flags
  • 08 Discover rich Himalayan biodiversity, including musk deer, Himalayan thar, snow leopards, and colorful pheasants

The Everest Three Passes Trek is a demanding yet deeply rewarding journey through Nepal's Khumbu region, combining Everest Base Camp with the three iconic high-altitude passes of Kongma La, Cho La, and Renjo La. Along the way, you explore remote valleys, the serene Gokyo Valley, traditional Sherpa villages such as Thame and Marlung, and the dramatic landscapes of Sagarmatha National Park. The route offers unforgettable views of Everest, Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Nuptse, Pumori, and the Khumbu Glacier, while also providing genuine cultural insight through monasteries, prayer flags, and daily Sherpa life. Designed for experienced trekkers, this itinerary balances challenge, safety, and comfort with teahouse stays, acclimatization days, and professional local support.

The Everest Three Passes Trek is a demanding yet deeply rewarding journey through Nepal's Khumbu region, combining Everest Base Camp with the three iconic high-altitude passes of Kongma La, Cho La, and Renjo La.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 18 Days
Tour type Private
Activity level Strenuous
Accommodation Included · Standard
Transport Included
Wheelchair access No
Cities Kathmandu, Everest Base Camp-South, Lukla, Dingboche, Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Phakding, Thame, Lobuche, Kala Patthar, Gorakshep, Gokyo, Sagarmatha National Park, Monjo, Chukhung, Khumjung
Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

18-Day Everest Three Passes Trek Journey

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400 m / 4,593 ft)

Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, a representative from Marvel Treks will welcome you and transfer you by private vehicle to your hotel in Thamel. You may relax after your journey or visit our office for a detailed briefing about the Everest Three Passes Trek itinerary and final preparations.

Accommodation: 3-Star Hotel in Thamel

Day 2: Flight from Kathmandu to Lukla (2,840 m) and Trek to Phakding (2,610 m)

After an early morning flight to Lukla, enjoy breathtaking aerial views of the Langtang and Annapurna ranges. Upon landing, begin your trek with a gentle descent along the Dudh Koshi River. Pass through Chheplung village with views of sacred Mt. Khumbila before continuing to Phakding. Visit Pemacholing and Rimishung monasteries en route.

Note: Flights may operate from Kathmandu or Ramechhap as per government regulations.
Walking Time: 3-4 hours
Distance: 7.8 km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Tea House / Lodge

Day 3: Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m)

The trail follows the Dudh Koshi River with multiple suspension bridge crossings and stunning views of Mt. Thamserku. Enter Sagarmatha National Park at Monjo, then climb steeply after crossing the iconic Hillary Suspension Bridge to reach Namche Bazaar, the gateway to Everest.

Walking Time: 6-7 hours
Distance: 10.4 km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Tea House / Lodge

Day 4: Acclimatization Day at Namche Bazaar

A crucial acclimatization day to adjust to the altitude. Explore the Sherpa Museum, Everest View Hotel, Syangboche Airport, Khumjung village, and Hillary School. Optional hikes to Thamo or Khunde help improve acclimatization while offering cultural insight.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Tea House / Lodge

Day 5: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Tengboche (3,860 m)

Enjoy magnificent views of Everest, Ama Dablam, Nuptse, and Thamserku. Walk through pine forests and cross prayer-flag-adorned bridges to reach Tengboche. Visit the famous Tengboche Monastery, the spiritual heart of the Khumbu.

Walking Time: 4-5 hours
Distance: 8.6 km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Tea House / Lodge

Day 6: Trek from Tengboche to Dingboche (4,410 m)

Descend through forests to the Imja Khola and pass Deboche Nunnery and Pangboche village. Vegetation thins as you enter the alpine landscape before reaching Dingboche, surrounded by dramatic Himalayan peaks.

Walking Time: 5-6 hours
Distance: 10.7 km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Tea House / Lodge

Day 7: Trek to Chhukung and Hike to Chhukung Ri (5,546 m)

Follow the Imja Valley to Chhukung. After lunch, hike to Chhukung Ri for spectacular views of Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and Island Peak - excellent preparation for Kongma La Pass.

Walking Time: 2-2.5 hours (plus optional hike)
Distance: 4.5 km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Tea House / Lodge

Day 8: Chhukung to Lobuche via Kongma La Pass (5,540 m) - First Pass

A challenging and rewarding day crossing the highest of the three passes. Trek through remote glacial terrain and prayer-flag-marked Kongma La before descending along the Khumbu Glacier to Lobuche.

Walking Time: 8-9 hours
Distance: 7.7 km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Tea House / Lodge

Day 9: Lobuche to Everest Base Camp (5,364 m) via Gorak Shep

Trek along the Khumbu Glacier to Gorak Shep, then continue to Everest Base Camp. Experience the dramatic Khumbu Icefall and towering peaks before returning to Gorak Shep for the night.

Walking Time: 3-4 hours
Distance: 5.2 km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Tea House / Lodge

Day 10: Kala Patthar Sunrise (5,644 m) and Trek to Dzongla

Early morning hike to Kala Patthar for sunrise views of Everest, Nuptse, Pumori, and the Khumbu Glacier. Descend to Gorak Shep, then trek to Dzongla.

Walking Time: 7-8 hours
Distance: 11.5 km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Tea House / Lodge

Day 11: Dzongla to Thagnak via Cho La Pass (5,367 m) - Second Pass

A demanding yet scenic crossing of Cho La Pass. Enjoy views of Ama Dablam and Cholatse before descending carefully to Thagnak.

Walking Time: 7-8 hours
Distance: 8 km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Tea House / Lodge

Day 12: Thagnak to Gokyo (4,750 m)

Cross the massive Ngozumpa Glacier to reach the beautiful Gokyo Valley, home to turquoise glacial lakes.

Walking Time: 2-3 hours
Distance: 2.7 km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Tea House / Lodge

Day 13: Acclimatization Day in Gokyo and Gokyo Ri (5,357 m)

Climb Gokyo Ri for panoramic views of Everest, Cho Oyu, Makalu, and the Gokyo Lakes. Optional exploration of the 4th, 5th, and 6th lakes.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Tea House / Lodge

Day 14: Gokyo to Marlung via Renjo La Pass (5,360 m) - Third Pass

Ascend Renjo La for breathtaking views of Everest, Cho Oyu, and surrounding peaks. Descend through pristine valleys to Marlung.

Walking Time: 6-7 hours
Distance: 7.4 km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Tea House / Lodge

Day 15: Marlung to Thame and Namche Bazaar

Follow the ancient trade route through Thame village, visit monasteries and traditional Sherpa settlements before rejoining Namche Bazaar.

Walking Time: 7-8 hours
Distance: 11.5 km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Tea House / Lodge

Day 16: Namche Bazaar to Lukla

Final trekking day with a long descent through forests and villages back to Lukla.

Walking Time: 8-9 hours
Distance: 19-20 km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Tea House / Lodge

Day 17: Flight from Lukla to Kathmandu

Morning flight back to Kathmandu. Afternoon free for rest, shopping, or a celebration dinner.

Accommodation: 3-Star Hotel in Thamel

Day 18: Final Departure

Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward journey.

Meals: Breakfast

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
16 cities · 18 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Airport pickup and drop-off in Kathmandu
  • 2 nights' accommodation in a 3-star hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast
  • All required trekking permits and Sagarmatha National Park fees
  • 15 nights' teahouse accommodation during the trek (twin sharing)
  • Three meals daily during the trek with hot drinks
  • Round-trip flight to/from Lukla or Ramechhap (as per regulations)
  • English-speaking, first-aid-trained professional trekking guide (Lukla-Lukla)
  • Staff insurance, salary, food, accommodation, and equipment
  • Duffel bag for trekking gear
  • Oximeter for altitude monitoring
  • Water purification tablets
  • Free luggage storage at Marvel Treks office

What's Not Included

  • International airfare and Nepal visa fees
  • Travel and medical insurance
  • Extra nights and meals in Kathmandu
  • Porter service (available as an add-on)
  • Personal expenses (Wi-Fi, hot showers, drinks, charging, etc.)
  • Tips for guides and staff

What to bring

  • Trekking boots (well broken-in)
  • Warm down jacket
  • Waterproof jacket & trousers
  • Thermal base layers
  • Trekking pants & shirts
  • Fleece or insulating mid-layer
  • Warm hat, sun hat & gloves
  • Sleeping bag (rated for sub-zero temperatures)
  • Daypack (30-40L)
  • Trekking poles
  • Sunglasses & high-SPF sunscreen
  • Reusable water bottle / purification tablets
  • Headlamp with spare batteries
  • Personal toiletries & quick-dry towel
  • Personal medications & basic first-aid kit
  • Passport, permits & some cash

Know before you go

  • Certificate of Achievement is available on request.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM), Ring Rd, Kathmandu, Nepal
End of the journey

Your 18 days finish where they began.

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