The Three Passes trek links the three high passes of the Khumbu region, Renjo La, Cho La and Kongma La, into one long circuit that also takes in the Gokyo Lakes, Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar. It is the most complete walk in the Everest region and also one of the most demanding, because you spend many days above 4,500 m and cross three passes of roughly 5,350 to 5,550 m. The plan below follows a common 19 to 21 day shape. Operators vary the stops, so use it to compare itineraries rather than as a fixed script.
Days 1 to 4: Lukla, Phakding, Namche Bazaar and a rest day
You fly from Kathmandu to Lukla at about 2,860 m and walk a short, easy stage to Phakding at roughly 2,610 m. The second day climbs through pine forest, over long suspension bridges and up the final steep section to Namche Bazaar at about 3,440 m. Day 4 is a true acclimatisation day. Walk up to the Everest View Hotel area or the museum viewpoint and come back down to sleep at Namche. Skipping this day to save time is the most common early mistake on long Khumbu routes, and it is cheap insurance for everything that follows.
Days 5 to 8: Thame, Lungden and Renjo La
In the usual direction you leave the main trail at Namche and follow the quieter Bhote Koshi valley to Thame at about 3,820 m, then continue to Marlung or Lungden at roughly 4,200 to 4,400 m. The crowds drop away here. The first pass, Renjo La at about 5,360 m, is crossed in a long day that starts before dawn. The climb is steady on stone steps and moraine, and the view from the top over the Gokyo Lakes toward Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyu is one of the great views of the region. You descend to Gokyo at about 4,790 m on the lake shore.
Days 9 to 11: Gokyo, Gokyo Ri and the road to Cho La
Use a full day at Gokyo. Climb Gokyo Ri at about 5,357 m for sunrise or rest and walk beside the lakes. From Gokyo the trail crosses the Ngozumpa glacier to Thangnak at about 4,700 m, a short day that positions you below Cho La. Many groups sleep at Thangnak or Dragnag the night before the crossing so that the pass day can start early and with energy.
Days 12 to 14: Cho La, Dzongla and Lobuche
Cho La at about 5,420 m is the most technical of the three passes. The climb from the Gokyo side is steep and rocky, and the far side crosses a glacier that may need care, depending on the season and on how much snow has fallen. Your guide will decide whether microspikes are needed. After the pass you descend to Dzongla at roughly 4,830 m, then continue to Lobuche at about 4,940 m, where you rejoin the Everest Base Camp trail.
Days 15 to 16: Gorak Shep, Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar
From Lobuche you walk to Gorak Shep at about 5,164 m, drop your bags and go to Everest Base Camp at about 5,364 m. Many itineraries save Kala Patthar at about 5,545 m for the next dawn, which gives the clearest view of Everest. These two days are the high point of the whole trip in altitude terms, so the pace should stay slow and the sleeping height steady.
Days 17 to 19: Kongma La, Chhukung and Dingboche
The third pass, Kongma La at about 5,535 m, is crossed from Lobuche toward Chhukung at about 4,730 m. It is a long day with a rocky climb, a high saddle with views over Nuptse, and a descent past moraine. Some operators cross Kongma La before Everest Base Camp instead of after it. Whichever order is used, ask for a spare day nearby because weather can close a pass.
Days 20 to 22: return to Namche, Lukla and Kathmandu
The final days descend through Dingboche, Pangboche and Tengboche to Namche and then Lukla, followed by the flight to Kathmandu. Always keep one spare day at the end for flight delays and do not book a tight international connection.
What to check in any Three Passes itinerary
- Count the rest days. A safe plan has at least two before Gokyo and one or two near Dingboche or Lobuche.
- Ask where you sleep each night and what height you reach on the day before each pass.
- Find out which pass direction is planned and what the weather alternative is.
- Ask whether a spare day is built in for pass closures, not only for flights.
If you would like a plan matched to your dates and fitness, our team can send a free day-by-day itinerary and price.
