Everest Three Passes Trek & Island Peak Expedition

Three Passes and Island Peak
  • Duration22 Days
  • DestinationNepal
  • Difficulty Level Hard
  • Maximum Altitude 6,189m
  • Activity Trekking
  • Group Size 2+
  • Accommodation Hotel/Teahouse/Lodge
  • Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Best Season March to May and September to December

Trip Overview

The Everest Three Passes and Island Peak Trek is the ultimate Himalayan adventure, a high-altitude circuit that combines the rugged beauty and remoteness of the Everest khumbu  region with the technical thrill of a real mountaineering ascent. This trek is not just about reaching Everest Base Camp; it’s a challenging and rewarding expedition that completes the full Everest Three Passes Loop while offering climbers the unforgettable opportunity to summit Island Peak (Imja Tse, 6,189m), one of Nepal’s most iconic trekking peaks.

The route connects the three legendary high passes of the Khumbu region: Kongma La (5,535m), Cho La (5,420m), and Renjo La (5,340m). Each pass offers panoramic views of towering Himalayan giants, including Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Ama Dablam, and Cho Oyu. Crossing these passes is no small feat; they involve long days, steep ascents and descents, and often snow-covered trails but they reward trekkers with some of the most dramatic mountain scenery in the world.

Along the way, trekkers visit traditional Sherpa villages such as Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Lobuche, and Gokyo, offering a unique cultural immersion into the rich Buddhist heritage of the Khumbu. Highlights include exploring the stunning Gokyo Lakes, ascending Gokyo Ri (5,357m) for one of the best panoramic viewpoints in Nepal, and visiting the famous Everest Base Camp (5,364m) and Kala Patthar (5,545m) a prime vantage point for sunrise views of Mount Everest.

After completing the Three Passes Loop, the trek takes a more technical turn with the ascent of Island Peak, a striking glaciated peak rising above the Imja Valley. The climb involves glacier travel, rope work, and a final steep headwall to the summit ridge, making it ideal for those looking to step beyond trekking into basic alpine climbing. From the summit, climbers are rewarded with jaw-dropping views of the Everest massif and surrounding 6,000m and 7,000m peaks.

Whether you're searching for the Everest 3 Pass Trek, the Everest Three High Passes Trek, or a full Everest Base Camp Three Passes Trek, this expedition delivers a comprehensive, challenging, and deeply fulfilling experience for those seeking the ultimate Himalayan adventure. It’s a test of endurance, skill, and spirit, perfect for seasoned trekkers and aspiring mountaineers ready to take on some of Nepal's most spectacular terrain.

What Are the Everest Three Passes?

The Three Passes of Everest are a trio of high-altitude mountain passes in Nepal’s Khumbu region that together form one of the most challenging and scenic trekking circuits in the Himalayas. These passes—Renjo La, Cho La, and Kongma La—link some of the most iconic destinations in the Everest region, offering trekkers a chance to experience remote valleys, dramatic alpine landscapes, and breathtaking viewpoints that few ever reach.

1. Renjo La Pass

Renjo La (5,388 meters / 17,513 feet) is often the first or last pass tackled on the circuit, depending on your direction of travel. It connects Gokyo and the Thame Valley. From its summit, trekkers are rewarded with incredible views of Gokyo Lakes, Ngozumpa Glacier, and a dramatic panorama featuring Mount Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu—four of the six highest peaks in the world. The descent into the remote Thame Valley offers a unique glimpse into Sherpa culture and is less crowded, providing a more peaceful trekking experience.

2. Cho La Pass

Cho La 5,380 meters (17,650 feet) is the most glaciated of the three passes and one of the most dramatic. The ascent involves climbing over a rocky trail that may be snow-covered, depending on the season, and crossing a small glacier near the top. The descent toward Gokyo or Dzongla can be steep and icy, requiring careful footing, but the views of Ama Dablam, Cholatse, and Baruntse are nothing short of awe-inspiring and it help to Connecting Dzongla and the Gokyo Valley

3. Kongma La Pass

Kongma La 5,535 meters (18,159 feet)  is the highest and arguably the most demanding of the three passes. It’s often crossed after visiting Everest Base Camp, en route to Chhukung. This route is less frequented, more rugged, and requires stamina, as there are no teahouses between Lobuche and Chhukung. Trekkers are rewarded with sweeping views of Nuptse, Makalu, and Island Peak, and a sense of true wilderness as they traverse rocky moraines and high alpine terrain.

Why Add Island Peak?

Adding Island Peak (Imja Tse) climbing to the Everest Three Passes trek transforms the journey from an incredible trek into a full-fledged mountaineering expedition. For adventurers looking to push beyond trekking, Island Peak offers an accessible introduction to Himalayan climbing, perfect for beginners who have some basic mountaineering skills or are willing to learn. The climb involves the use of technical equipment such as crampons, ice axes, and fixed ropes, providing hands-on experience with essential alpine tools. It includes glacier travel over crevassed terrain and navigating a steep, exposed headwall, which tests your endurance, balance, and focus. Reaching the summit at 6,189 meters (20,305 feet) rewards climbers with panoramic, awe-inspiring views of some of the world’s highest giants, including Mount Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and many others. Combining Island Peak with the Everest Three Passes trek gives adventurers a unique and comprehensive Himalayan challenge. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the rugged beauty of Nepal’s high passes and to stand triumphantly on a Himalayan summit all within one epic expedition.

Highlights
  • Renowned Mountain Passes: The Three Passes route takes you through three high-altitude mountain passes: Renjo La Pass (5,388m/17,513ft), Cho La Pass (5,380m/17,650ft), and Kongma La Pass (5,535m/18,159ft). Crossing these passes offers breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks and a sense of achievement.
  • Remote and Less Crowded: The Three Passes route is less traveled compared to the popular Everest Base Camp trek. As a result, you'll have the opportunity to experience the wilderness, solitude, and tranquility of the region, away from the crowds.
  • Scenic Landscapes: The journey takes you through diverse landscapes, including glacial valleys, alpine meadows, rugged terrains, and picturesque villages. You'll encounter beautiful lakes, towering mountains, and breathtaking panoramas at every turn.
  • Technical Mountaineering: Climbing Island Peak (Imja Tse) requires technical mountaineering skills, including the use of crampons, ropes, and ice axes. The ascent involves crossing glaciated terrain, negotiating steep slopes, and navigating through crevasses.
  • Stunning Summit Views: From the summit of Island Peak at an elevation of 6,189m (20,305ft), climbers are rewarded with stunning 360-degree views of the surrounding peaks, including Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Ama Dablam. The panoramic vistas are truly awe-inspiring.
  • Himalayan Accomplishment: Reaching the summit of Island Peak is a remarkable achievement. It offers a sense of pride and accomplishment, allowing climbers to celebrate their mountaineering skills and revel in the majestic beauty of the Everest region.
  • Sherpa Villages: Along the journey, you'll have the opportunity to visit traditional Sherpa villages such as Namche Bazaar, Dingboche, and Pangboche. These villages provide insights into the unique Sherpa culture, their warm hospitality, and their connection to the mountains.
  • Buddhist Monasteries: The region is dotted with Buddhist monasteries, including the famous Tengboche Monastery. These monasteries offer a peaceful and spiritual atmosphere, allowing you to immerse yourself in the local religious traditions and practices.
Itinerary


             


                           

                                              Notes: The flight from Lukla to Kathmandu is redirected to Ramechhap due to traffic congestion and a high influx of tourists during the high season. The high tourist season in Nepal is spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). In the season of tourism, there are many international and domestic flights operating in different sectors which is more than capacities of the small Tribhuban international airport. Due to this reason, there is the problem with air traffic and delays in Lukla flights too. Lukla flights are only in the morning time and it does not fly during day time due to heavy wind and foggy weather on the way to Lukla. If the flights are from Ramechaap, there is no issue of air traffic and flight duration is also less than from Kathmandu. Flight to Ramechhap will add 5 hours approx. to your journey. It seems like an added inconvenience but let’s see the brighter side

                                              Cost Details
                                              Includes

                                              1. Arrival & Departure by Private Car

                                              2. Accommodation in a standard hotel in Kathmandu for 4 nights on sharing basis

                                              3. All meals are prepared by our experienced cook during the climb

                                              4. All accommodation and food in lodges before base camp

                                              5. All Domestic Flight tickets with Airport Tax

                                              6. All camping equipment and gear, including two-person tent, dining tent, toilet tent, porter tent, and Kitchen tent

                                              7. All camping equipment, including kitchen equipment, tables, chairs/stools, etc

                                              8. Porters/pack animals to carry all personal gear and group equipment

                                              9. Experienced Guide/Escort

                                              10. Private Transport from Kathmandu to/ from trek starting and ending points

                                              11. Basic First Aid kit

                                              12. Trekking maps

                                              13. Trekking permit & fees, National Park entry fees, Conservation fees

                                              14. Insurance for all staff

                                              15. High altitudes chamber bags (PAC) for very high altitudes

                                              Excludes

                                              1. International Air-fare

                                              2. All bar bills during the trek (soft drinks, hot drinks & alcoholic drinks)

                                              3. PCR Tests

                                              4. Items of personal drinks, Dessert, and main meals in cities

                                              5. Your Travel Insurance

                                              6. Hot showers during the trek

                                              7. Personal trekking equipment

                                              8. Nepal entry visa: you can obtain a visa easily upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu.

                                              9. Tips for trekking staff and driver (Tipping is respected but it is not obligatory)

                                               

                                              Departure Dates
                                              Select a Departure Month
                                              Trip Date PriceStatus 
                                              Start DateStartsAug 08, 2025End DateEndsAug 29, 2025PriceUS$2499StatusAvailable
                                              Start DateStartsAug 16, 2025End DateEndsSep 06, 2025PriceUS$2499StatusAvailable
                                              Start DateStartsAug 22, 2025End DateEndsSep 12, 2025PriceUS$2499StatusAvailable
                                              Start DateStartsAug 28, 2025End DateEndsSep 18, 2025PriceUS$2499StatusAvailable
                                              FAQs

                                              • Everest shares the border with Nepal and Tibet, an autonomous region of China. At 8,848.86 meters (29,032 feet), it is the tallest point on Earth above sea level. 

                                              • The trek generally takes around 18 to 21 days to complete, depending on the specific itinerary and your pace.

                                              • Yes, prior trekking experience is recommended for the Everest Three Pass Trek. The trek involves steep ascents, long hikes, and high-altitude conditions, requiring a good level of fitness and familiarity with trekking in rugged terrains.

                                              • Essential items to pack include warm clothing layers, a good quality sleeping bag, sturdy trekking boots, a backpack, a down jacket, a rain jacket, trekking poles, a first aid kit, high-altitude medication, water purification tablets, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a camera.

                                              • Yes, altitude sickness is a concern during the trek, as you will be crossing high mountain passes. Proper acclimatization, staying hydrated, ascending gradually, and being aware of symptoms are crucial. It's advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before the trek.

                                              • The Everest Three Pass Trek is considered a challenging trek that requires a good level of physical fitness, endurance, and stamina. It involves long and steep ascents and descents, as well as walking for several hours each day at high altitudes.

                                              • The Everest region is home to various wildlife, including Himalayan thar, musk deer, snow leopards (rarely spotted), and a variety of bird species. However, spotting wildlife requires luck and patience.

                                              • Teahouses along the route offer a variety of meals, including Nepali, Tibetan, Indian, and Western dishes. Dal bhat (lentil soup with rice), momo (dumplings), noodles, pasta, and fried rice are commonly available. Vegetarian and vegan options are also offered.

                                              • It's advisable to carry enough cash in Nepalese Rupees to cover your expenses during the trek. ATMs are available in some larger villages, but they may not always be reliable or accessible, and it's better to be prepared.

                                              • There are rescue services available in the Everest region in case of emergencies. It's important to have travel insurance that covers emergency evacuations. Contact local authorities or your trekking agency for assistance in case of emergencies.

                                              • The three highest passes are Kongma La Pass, 5,535 m/ 18,159 ft, Cho La Pass, 5,420m /17,782 ft and Renjo La Pass 5,360 m /17,560 ft . 

                                              • Like most of the trekking in the Everest Region, trekking in the Three Pass in Everest requires two main permits.

                                                Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit
                                                Khumbu Rural Municipality Entrance
                                                [Note: TIMS card is not required for this trek]

                                                1. Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit
                                                Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit can be obtained at the Entry Gate in Monjo.

                                                The cost of the Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit is different for people of different countries.

                                                For Nepalese – Rs. 100 (Nepali) / 0.84 (USD),

                                                For SAARC countries -Rs. 1500 (Nepali) / $12 to $13 (USD),

                                                For Other countries -Rs. 3000 (Nepali) / $24.5 to $26 (USD),

                                                Note: The above cost is per person and costs an additional 13% VAT.

                                                Khumbu Rural Municipality Permit
                                                Khumbu Rural Municipality Permit can be obtained at Lukla.  it can’t be obtained at Kathmandu.

                                                The cost of the permit to Khumbu Rural Municipality is the same for all nationals which is NPR 2000 or $16 to $18. However, the cost is applicable for 4 weeks only.

                                                If you decide to visit for more than 4 weeks, you have to pay  NPR 2500 which is equal to 20 to 22 USD.

                                              • Three Pass trek is one of the longest trekking done in Nepal. The trekking distance ranges between 160 kilometers(99 miles) and 185 meters(115 miles), depending upon the side trips you take.

                                                And the distance from Kathmandu to Lukla is additionally 138 km which is just a 30-minute flight.

                                              • Three Pass Trekking is one of the hardest destinations around Everest. You will walk through the three passes which all are above 5300 meters. The trek is classified as Difficult trek and  EBC Trekking is classified as Intermediate.

                                                And you will be walking for around 5-8 hours of constant walking through the varying lands.

                                                Walking in the rough, steep, and sloppy paths along with the snowy paths are toiling but rewarding. It will give you a lifetime experience.

                                              Price Per PersonUS$2499