Everest Three Passes Trek Itinerary: Day-by-Day 18-21 Day Plan

How the Circuit Is Shaped

Unlike the out-and-back Everest Base Camp trek, the Three Passes is a loop that links the Everest, Gokyo and Bhote valleys. Most trekkers walk it anticlockwise, crossing Kongma La (5,535 m) first, then Cho La (5,420 m), then Renjo La (5,360 m), because that order gives the most gradual altitude profile before each big crossing. It can also be walked clockwise from the Gokyo side.

Every version starts and finishes at Lukla (2,840 m), reached by the dramatic mountain flight from Kathmandu or Manthali (Ramechhap). Build in buffer days for weather-dependent Lukla flights.

The Classic Anticlockwise Itinerary

This plan builds altitude gradually, keeping the two essential acclimatisation days at Namche and Dingboche, with natural rest at Chukhung and Gokyo. Walking times are rough guides for an average trekker.

Day 1: Fly to Lukla (2,840 m), trek to Phakding (2,610 m)

The short mountain flight, then an easy 3-4 hour descent along the Dudh Koshi to Phakding to ease into the altitude.

Day 2: Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m)

A 5-6 hour day into Sagarmatha National Park at Monjo, over high suspension bridges, then the steep climb to Namche, the Sherpa trading hub.

Day 3: Acclimatisation day at Namche (3,440 m)

An essential rest day, hike high and sleep low: up to the Everest View Hotel or Khumjung for your first sight of Everest, Lhotse and Ama Dablam.

Day 4: Namche to Tengboche (3,860 m)

A scenic 5-6 hour ridge walk, dropping to the river before the climb to Tengboche and its famous monastery beneath Ama Dablam.

Day 5: Tengboche to Dingboche (4,410 m)

Through Pangboche above the treeline into the broad terraced valley of Dingboche. 5-6 hours.

Day 6: Acclimatisation day at Dingboche (4,410 m)

The second key rest day. Climb Nangkartshang Hill for views of Makalu and the Imja valley, then descend to sleep.

Day 7: Dingboche to Chukhung (4,730 m)

A short 2-3 hour valley walk to Chukhung, the staging post for Kongma La. An afternoon hike toward Chukhung Ri aids acclimatisation.

Day 8: Chukhung to Lobuche (4,910 m) via Kongma La (5,535 m)

The first and highest pass, one of the toughest days: a long steep climb past frozen tarns to Kongma La (5,535 m), then a demanding descent and a crossing of the Khumbu Glacier moraine to Lobuche. 7-9 hours.

Day 9: Lobuche to Gorak Shep (5,170 m) and Everest Base Camp (5,364 m)

A rolling moraine walk to Gorak Shep, then out across the glacier to Everest Base Camp, returning to sleep at Gorak Shep. 6-8 hours.

Day 10: Kala Patthar (5,545 m), trek to Dzongla (4,830 m)

An early climb of Kala Patthar (5,545 m) for the classic Everest sunrise, then descend and traverse to Dzongla, the base for Cho La. 7-8 hours.

Day 11: Dzongla to Thagnak (4,700 m) via Cho La (5,420 m)

The second and most technical pass: a steep climb to the glaciated Cho La (5,420 m), crossing ice and boulder terrain near the top where microspikes are often useful, then a rocky descent to Thagnak. 7-9 hours.

Day 12: Thagnak to Gokyo (4,790 m)

A walk across the rubble-strewn Ngozumpa Glacier, the longest in Nepal, to lakeside Gokyo beside its turquoise lakes. 3-4 hours.

Day 13: Gokyo Ri (5,357 m) and exploration day

A pre-dawn climb of Gokyo Ri (5,357 m) for four 8,000 m peaks above the lakes, arguably the finest viewpoint in the Khumbu. An optional walk to the upper lakes fills the day.

Day 14: Gokyo to Marlung (4,210 m) via Renjo La (5,360 m)

The third and final pass: a climb above the lakes to Renjo La (5,360 m), with a last spectacular view back to Everest, then a long descent into the quieter Bhote Koshi valley. 7-8 hours.

Day 15: Marlung to Namche via Thame (3,440 m)

Down the Bhote valley through the historic Sherpa village of Thame, with its hillside monastery, back to Namche. 6-7 hours.

Days 16-17: Namche to Lukla, fly to Kathmandu

Retrace the trail to Phakding and up to Lukla, then fly to Kathmandu. Hold a contingency day or two, as Lukla flights are weather-dependent.

Variations & Direction

Anticlockwise vs clockwise

Anticlockwise (Kongma La first) is the usual choice because it lets you gain altitude gradually and reach EBC and Kala Patthar early. Clockwise (Renjo La first, from the Gokyo side) is also done and puts the quieter Bhote valley at the start, your guide will advise on the best direction for current pass conditions and your acclimatisation.

Adding or trimming days

• Fit groups may trim to 18 days by combining descent stages, but never cut the Namche or Dingboche rest days.
• Cautious trekkers add an extra acclimatisation day (for example at Chukhung or a second night at Gokyo) to reach 20-21 days, worth it given the sustained altitude.
• Buffer days in Kathmandu for the Lukla flight are strongly recommended on top of the walking days.

The two-pass shortcut

Short on time or fitness? Many trekkers drop Kongma La and do only Cho La and Renjo La, still a superb loop that links Everest Base Camp and the Gokyo Lakes in around 15-16 days. See the difficulty guide to judge which is right for you.

Pass-Day Logistics

The three pass days are the crux of the itinerary and share the same rules:

• Start very early (often before dawn) to be over the top before afternoon cloud and wind build.
• Cross only in good, settled weather. Be willing to wait a day, or reverse, if a storm closes a pass, the itinerary buffer exists for this.
• Carry microspikes for the icy sections, especially Cho La, and trekking poles for the long descents.
• Take water, snacks and warm layers for a long day, there are no teahouses on the passes themselves.

More on staying safe at altitude in the altitude sickness guide, and on timing in the best time guide.