Everest Three Pass & Gokyo Trek
Three high passes. One Gokyo Ri sunrise. Fifteen days in the Mahalangur Himalaya.
Altitude
Kathmandu to Kathmandu
Three high passes above 5,300m, the Gokyo Ri viewpoint, Everest Base Camp, and Kala Patthar at 5,545m, the roof of the trek. Little flat ground once you are past Namche. The prayer flags mark the passes and peaks that decide the days.
Why This Trek Is Different
This Is Not a Standard Everest Trek
This is one of the most complete Himalayan experiences available – crossing three passes above 5,300m, reaching Gokyo Ri at 5,357m, and standing at Kala Patthar at 5,545m for the finest sunrise view of Everest on earth. The three high passes – Renjo La (5,360m), Cho La (5,420m), and Kongma La (5,535m) – covering the full Khumbu region in a single loop.
You earn every view.
"Slow is smooth. Smooth is fast." Fast ascents here do not mean rushing - they mean long days, steady rhythm, and perfect acclimatisation. Arrive at camp in good health. Every time.
This trek can help people preparing for high altitude climbs, long distance runs, or any endurance activity that demands strong breathing capacity anywhere in their fitness regime.
Itinerary
Fifteen days, day by day
Bar length shows altitude. Read down and you see the shape of the walk.
00
1,400m
ArrivalKathmandu
Arrive by evening. Trip briefing and welcome. The following day is trek preparation, documentation and last minute shopping. Permits finalised.
01
2,800m
FlightKathmandu to Lukla and Phakding
Morning flight to Lukla, about one hour, then an easy downhill trek to Phakding beside the Dudh Koshi.
02
3,500m
WalkingPhakding to Namche Bazaar
5 to 6 hours. An early start is recommended, 7 to 8 am. The long uphill climb after the high suspension bridge brings you into Namche.
03
3,500m
RestNamche, acclimatisation
A rest day to acclimatise before going higher. Optional hike to the Everest View Hotel or Khumjung village. This day is not optional and will not be skipped.
04
3,700m
WalkingNamche to Thame
Easy 3 to 4 hours. A quiet, culture rich Sherpa trail away from the main base camp crowd.
05
4,000m
WalkingThame to Lungden
Easy gradual ascent. A good acclimatisation day as you move deeper into the upper valley.
06
5,360m
The passLungden to Renjo La to Gokyo
Cross the Renjo La at 5,360m for the first Everest views and the full Mahalangur Himal range, then descend to Gokyo by the lakes.
07
5,357m
High pointGokyo Ri and the Gokyo Lakes
Sunrise or sunset climb to Gokyo Ri at 5,357m for a closer panorama of the Mahalangur Himal, plus a visit to Gokyo Lake 5.
08
4,900m
WalkingGokyo to Thagnak
Short day crossing the Ngozumpa Glacier, the longest glacier in Nepal. Rest and prepare for the Cho La.
09
5,420m
The passThagnak to Cho La to Lobuche
Long day. Cross the Cho La at 5,420m with a glacier section. Views of Ama Dablam, Makalu and Lhotse. Lunch at Dzongla.
10
5,545m
High pointLobuche to Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar
The main event. Walk to Everest Base Camp at 5,364m via Gorakshep, then climb Kala Patthar at 5,545m for the best close up Everest view. Overnight Gorakshep or Lobuche.
11
4,940m
RestBuffer and rest day
A contingency day held for weather or rest. Local hiking and meeting other climbers if all has gone to plan.
12
5,535m
The passLobuche to Kongma La to Dingboche
Cross the Kongma La at 5,535m, the third and optional pass, fitness dependent. It can be replaced with the standard descent.
13
3,500m
WalkingDingboche to Namche
Easy but long. One uphill section after Phunki Thanga before the trail settles back into Namche.
14
2,800m
WalkingNamche to Lukla
A long but easy final trekking day beside the Dudh Koshi River, back to Lukla.
15
1,500m
FlightLukla to Kathmandu
Morning flight back to Kathmandu. Trip wrap up, and an airport drop the following day. The trek ends.
Full itinerary document, inclusions and costing sent individually on enquiry.
The qualifying standard
One qualifying standard applies to every trek. You need to meet either one of these, not bothIt is a filter for readiness.
If your body cannot sustain a steady pace at sea level, the mountain will find out at altitude.
This is not a barrier put there to keep people out. It is a promise that everyone on the trail can look after themselves at altitude, and that nobody is carrying anybody else. You must also be free of respiratory illness at the time of departure.
Organisers
Notes
How a departure works
- A deposit confirms your place.
- Full refund on the deposit if cancelled two weeks before departure. No questions asked.
- Minimum 6 trekkers for a departure to run.
- Departures run in March April May October & November months of a year.
- Tell me when you can travel and I will tell you what is open.
- Cost varies by nationality, because the Sagarmatha National Park permit plus the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality permit sets different permit rates. Full costing is sent with the itinerary document when you enquire.
“The mountain does not care how fast you go.
It only asks that you arrive in one piece.”
Venky