20 Days EBC 3 High Passes Trek

The 20 Days Everest Base Camp with 3 High Passes Trek is one of the most thrilling adventures in the Himalayas. Unlike the classic EBC trek, this route crosses Kongma La Pass (5,535m), Cho La Pass (5,420m), and Renjo La Pass (5,360m), making it a circuit that connects Everest Base Camp, Gokyo Valley, and remote Sherpa settlements. This trek is perfect for trekkers who want to go beyond the standard route and test themselves on rugged high-altitude terrain while enjoying jaw-dropping Himalayan panoramas.

Trip Facts

Trip Highlights

  • Adventure-packed Everest Base Camp Trek combined with 3 High Passes (Kongma La, Cho La, and Renjo La).
  • Spectacular views of Everest, Lhotse, Cho Oyu, Makalu, Ama Dablam, and Pumori.
  • Explore Namche Bazaar – the Sherpa capital, Tengboche Monastery, and traditional Himalayan villages.
  • Walk alongside the Khumbu Glacier and Ngozumpa Glacier.
  • Experience the serene Gokyo Lakes and breathtaking Gokyo Ri viewpoint.
  • Cross rugged high-altitude passes above 5,000m – true alpine adventure.
  • Rich Sherpa culture, teahouse hospitality, and authentic mountain lifestyle.

Itinerary

Your journey begins with your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, where a representative from Nepal Lion Treks will warmly welcome you. After transfer to your hotel, you’ll be briefed about the trek, permits, and equipment checklist. In the evening, you can enjoy a welcome Nepali dinner and explore Thamel, the bustling tourist hub.

Location: Kathmandu
Altitude Different: 1,400 meters
Accommodation: Hotel in Kathmandu

A short but scenic 30-minute flight to Lukla marks the official start of your trek. From Lukla, you begin trekking through charming Sherpa villages, prayer wheels, and suspension bridges over the Dudh Koshi River. After about 3–4 hours of trekking, you’ll reach Phakding, a peaceful riverside village.

Location: Phakding
Duration: 3 to 4 hours
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Altitude Different: 2,860 meters
Accommodation: Tea house / lodge

Today’s trek is a big highlight. You’ll cross several suspension bridges, including the iconic Hillary Suspension Bridge, and enter Sagarmatha National Park. A steep climb brings you to Namche Bazaar, the Sherpa capital and a vibrant trade hub with shops, bakeries, and mountain views. The trek takes 5–6 hours.

Location: Namche Bazaar
Duration: 6 to 7 hours
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Altitude Different: 3,440 meters
Accommodation: Tea house / lodge

Acclimatization is key for a safe trek. You’ll take a short hike to Everest View Hotel (3,880m) for stunning views of Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam. Explore the Sherpa Museum, markets, and relax in Namche. This day helps your body adjust to higher altitude.

Location: Namche Bazaar
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Altitude Different: 3,440 meters
Accommodation: Tea house / lodge

The trail passes through pine and rhododendron forests with Everest views along the way. Tengboche is home to the famous Tengboche Monastery, the largest in the Khumbu region. Evening prayers by monks make this a truly spiritual experience. Trekking time: 5–6 hours.

 

Location: Tengboche
Duration: 5 to 6 hours
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Altitude Different: 3,860 meters
Accommodation: Tea house / lodge

Leaving Tengboche, the trail descends to Debuche and crosses the Imja Khola River. Climbing steadily, you reach the village of Pangboche, known for its old monastery. The day ends at Dingboche, a picturesque settlement surrounded by stone walls and fields. Trekking time: 5–6 hours.

Location: Dingboche
Duration: 5 to 6 hours
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Altitude Different: 4,410 meters
Accommodation: Tea house / lodge

A second acclimatization day. You’ll hike to Nagarjun Hill above Dingboche, offering panoramic views of Makalu, Ama Dablam, and Island Peak. After returning, you’ll rest, hydrate, and prepare for the high-altitude passes ahead.

Location: Dingboche
Duration: 4 to 5 hours
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Altitude Different: 5,100 meters
Accommodation: Tea house / lodge

A short but important trek day. You follow the Imja Valley to Chhukung, the last settlement before Kongma La Pass. The village provides close-up views of Island Peak and glaciers. Trekking time: 3–4 hours.

Location: Chhukung
Duration: 3 to 4 hours
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Altitude Different: 4,730 meters
Accommodation: Tea house / lodge

One of the most challenging days. You cross Kongma La Pass (5,535m), the highest pass of the trek. The climb is steep and demanding, but the views of Makalu, Lhotse, and Nuptse are unforgettable. The descent takes you to Lobuche, near the Khumbu Glacier. Trekking time: 7–8 hours.

Location: Lobuche
Duration: 8 to 10 hours
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Altitude Different: 5,535 meters
Accommodation: Tea house / lodge

You trek along the Khumbu Glacier to reach Gorak Shep, the last settlement before Everest Base Camp. After lunch, you hike to Everest Base Camp, the ultimate dream destination for trekkers. Standing at the foot of the world’s tallest mountain is a lifetime achievement. Trekking time: 6–7 hours.

Location: Gorakshep
Duration: 7 to 8 hours
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Altitude Different: 5,364 meters
Accommodation: Tea house / lodge

Early morning, you ascend Kala Patthar, the best viewpoint of Mount Everest. The sunrise over Everest, Lhotse, and Nuptse is breathtaking. Afterward, you descend to Gorak Shep for breakfast, then continue trekking to Dzongla, a quiet village below Cho La Pass. Trekking time: 6–7 hours.

Location: Dzongla
Duration: 7 to 8 hours
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Altitude Different: 5,545 meters
Accommodation: Tea house / lodge

Another adventurous day as you climb steeply to cross Cho La Pass, a high and often icy trail. After the challenging ascent, you descend carefully to Thangnak, a small village near the Ngozumpa Glacier. Trekking time: 6–7 hours.

Location: Thangnak
Duration: 7 to 8 hours
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Altitude Different: 5,420 meters
Accommodation: Tea house / lodge

Today’s trek is shorter but scenic. You walk alongside the Ngozumpa Glacier to reach Gokyo Village, located beside the sparkling Gokyo Lakes. The turquoise waters with mountain reflections make this one of the most beautiful spots in Nepal. Trekking time: 3–4 hours.

Location: Gokyo
Duration: 4 to 5 hours
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Altitude Different: 4,790 meters
Accommodation: Tea house / lodge

Early morning, you climb Gokyo Ri, a spectacular viewpoint offering panoramic views of Everest, Cho Oyu, Makalu, and Gokyo Lakes. Later, you can explore the lakes or hike around the valley. This is a well-deserved rest and exploration day.

Location: Gokyo Ri (Explore Lakes)
Duration: 4 to 5 hours
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Altitude Different: 5,357 meters
Accommodation: Tea house / lodge

The final high pass awaits! You ascend to Renjo La Pass, where the views of Everest, Rolwaling, and Gokyo Valley are breathtaking. A steep descent takes you to Lungden, a small village with fewer trekkers and a remote feel. Trekking time: 7–8 hours.

Location: Lungden
Duration: 7 to 8 hours
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Altitude Different: 5,360 meters
Accommodation: Tea house / lodge

You descend through yak pastures and remote Sherpa villages to reach Thame, known for its centuries-old monastery and strong Sherpa heritage. Trekking time: 4–5 hours.

Location: Thame
Duration: 5 to 6 hours
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Altitude Different: 4,380 meters
Accommodation: Tea house / lodge

The trail leads back to Namche Bazaar, where you can enjoy a warm shower, good food, and Wi-Fi after several days in the remote highlands. Trekking time: 4–5 hours.

Location: Namche Bazaar
Duration: 6 to 7 hours
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Altitude Different: 3,800 meters
Accommodation: Tea house / lodge

On your final trekking day, you descend through Phakding and retrace your steps to Lukla. This is your last night in the mountains, often celebrated with a farewell dinner with your trekking crew. Trekking time: 6–7 hours.

Location: Lukla
Duration: 6 to 7 hours
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Altitude Different: 3,440 meters
Accommodation: Tea house / lodge

A morning flight brings you back to Kathmandu. You can spend the day resting, shopping for souvenirs, or exploring cultural heritage sites like Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, and Durbar Square.

Location: Kathmandu
Duration: 35 minutes (Flight)
Meal: Breakfast & farewell Dinner
Altitude Different: 2,860 meters
Accommodation: Hotel in Kathmandu

Your Everest 3 High Passes adventure concludes. A representative will drop you at the airport for your flight home, carrying memories of the most thrilling trek in the Himalayas.

Meal:

Price Includes

  • Pick-up or Drop-off service from and to Airport (in our own vehicle)
  • Pre-trek briefing In Kathmandu Nepal Lion Treks office
  • Domestic flight Kathmandu / Ramechhap - Lukla - Kathmandu / Ramechhap inclusive with all taxes and transfers
  • Food all along the trip (Main course:- Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) and a cup of coffee or tea)
  • Teahouse/Lodge accommodations during the trip with family environment
  • One licensed trekking guide speaking English, Chinese, Korean, or Hindi, and Nepali
  • Transportation, food, accommodation and insurance of Guide during the trip
  • Down jacket, all-season sleeping bag and duffel bag(in case if you dont have your own, must be returned after completion of the trip)
  • First Aid Medical Kit (Carried by the guide) Aarogya PC-303 Portable Vital Signs Monitor Device
  • 1 well-experienced English-speaking assistant guide if the group size exceeds 5+ persons.
  • All necessary Everest Base Camp trekking permits: Sagarmatha National Park and Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) fee.
  • All applicable taxes are as per the government rules and regulations.
  • Nepal Lion Tours and Trek's appreciation certificate after the successful trek
  • Welcome or farewell dinner in Kathmandu at a cultural restaurant(complimentary)

Price Excludes

  • International Airfare, Visa Charge and Travel Insurance
  • Hotel Expenses (In Kathmandu)
  • Personal Expenses such as shopping, bar bills, hot shower, telephone, laundry, titbits etc
  • Meals and Accommodations in Kathmandu
  • Tips for Guide and Porter and Driver

Add-ons & Options

At Nepal Lion Trekking, we have 17 years of excellent operation and decades of expertise in leading treks in Nepal. To further enhance your 20 Days EBC 3 High Passes Trek, we’re pleased to introduce exclusive add-ons for an even more exceptional adventure.

Pre-Trek Accommodation in Kathmandu

Start your adventure smoothly with our handpicked hotel options in Kathmandu. We take care of bookings so you can relax and prepare for your trek.

✅ Double Room: $55 per night (shared cost between two trekkers – $27.50 per person!)
✅ Single Room: $45 per night (private comfort before the trek)

(all rate include breakfast )

📍 Location: Centrally located, close to Thamel (tourist hub) for easy access to gear shops, restaurants, and cultural sites.


Porter Service – Trek Lighter, Enjoy More!

If you're interested in hiring a porter for your trek,we can also assist with booking a reliable and experience porter to Support your journey. Please contact us for current rates and availability.

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Elevation Chart: 20 Days EBC 3 High Passes Trek
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FAQ's for 20 Days EBC 3 High Passes Trek

General

It’s the most adventurous trek in the Everest region, combining Everest Base Camp with the challenge of crossing three major high passes: Kongma La (5,535m), Cho La (5,420m), and Renjo La (5,360m).

 

This trek is designed for experienced trekkers and adventure seekers who want to cover all major highlights of the Everest region in one journey.

Itinerary & Duration

The full itinerary is 20 days, including Kathmandu arrival, acclimatization, the trek itself, and return.

 

  • Everest Base Camp (5,364m) and Kala Patthar (5,545m)

  • Crossings of Kongma La, Cho La, and Renjo La passes

  • Stunning Gokyo Lakes and Gokyo Ri (5,357m)

  • Sherpa villages like Namche, Tengboche, and Thame

Transportation

The trek begins with a flight from Kathmandu (or Ramechhap) to Lukla.

 

Yes, helicopter transfers can be arranged for emergencies or early returns.

Altitude & Safety

The trek reaches Kala Patthar at 5,545m, with multiple passes above 5,300m.

 

Yes, but the longer itinerary allows proper acclimatization. Guides are trained to handle AMS, and extra days are built in for safety.

Accommodation & Food

You’ll stay in teahouses and lodges, ranging from basic in remote areas to more comfortable in Namche and Lukla.

 

Meals include Nepali dal bhat, noodles, rice, soups, eggs, potatoes, and limited Western dishes. Vegetarian and vegan options are available.

Preparation & Gear

It’s considered challenging, requiring good stamina and prior high-altitude trekking experience.

 

Bring trekking boots, down jacket, thermal layers, gloves, hat, sunglasses, trekking poles, a sleeping bag (-15°C), and a durable daypack.

Permits & Costs

You’ll need:

  • Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit

  • Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit

It covers flights, permits, guide and porter services, meals, accommodation, and airport transfers.

Services & Guides

Yes, an experienced English-speaking guide and porter will accompany you.

 

Guides are trained in navigation, altitude safety, and first aid, with specific experience crossing the three high passes.

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