Gokyo 3 Pass Trek
Epic Everest region traverse crossing Cho La, Renjo La, and Kongma La with Gokyo Lakes and high passes.
Days
19
Difficulty
Challenging
Max Altitude
5,545 M
Best Season
Mar-May, Sep-Nov
Trip Overview
The Gokyo 3 Pass Trek is one of the most demanding and rewarding treks in the Everest region. It crosses three high passes: Kongma La (5,545m), Cho La (5,420m), and Renjo La (5,360m), and visits the stunning Gokyo Lakes and Gokyo Ri viewpoint, plus Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar. You'll experience the full diversity of the Khumbu: Sherpa villages, Buddhist monasteries, glacial lakes, and close-up views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu. This trek requires good fitness, acclimatization, and experience with high-altitude trekking. Ideal for adventurers seeking the ultimate Everest region circuit.
Trip Information
- Day 1 : Arrival In Kathmandu (1350m)
- Day 2 : Sight - Seeing, Trek Briefing & Official Procedures (1350m)
- Day 3 : Fly To Lukla & Trek To Phakding (3-4 hrs, 2650m)
- Day 4 : Trek To Namche (5-6 hrs, 3440m)
- Day 5 : Acclimtization Day (4-5 Km, 3440m)
- Day 6 : Trek To Tengboche (5-6 hrs, 3860m)
- Day 7 : Trek To Dingboche (5-6 hrs, 4360m)
- Day 8 : Acclimatization Day (3-4 hrs, 4360m)
- Day 9 : Trek To Chhukung (3-4 hrs, 4750m)
- Day 10 : Trek To Kongma Lha Pass & lobuche (6-7 hrs, 4940m)
- Day 11 : Trek To Everest Base Camp & Gorakshep (6-7 hrs, 5170m)
- Day 12 : Trek To Kalapathar & Lobuche (8-9 hrs, 4940m)
- Day 13 : Trek To Dzongla (3-4 hrs, 4830m)
- Day 14 : Trek To Cho Lha Pass & Gokyo (7-8 hrs, 4800m)
- Day 15 : Hike To Gokyo Ri & Lakes (3-4 hrs, 4800m)
- Day 16 : Trek To Renjo Lha Pass & Marlung (5-6 hrs, 4210m)
- Day 17 : Trek To Namche (5-6 hrs, 3440m)
- Day 18 : Trek To Lukla (6-7 hrs, 2860m)
- Day 19 : Fly To Kathmandu (1350m)
- Day 20 : Final Departure
Day 1: Arrival In Kathmandu
Altitude: 1350m · Stay: Hotel · Meals: Dinner
Welcome to Nepal! Step off the plane into Kathmandu's warm chaos, where a Meander Himalaya teammate will be waving you down at arrivals. The drive into the city is pure sensory overload in the best way, prayer flags fluttering over rooftops, temple bells, the smell of incense drifting through Thamel's alleys. Settle into your hotel and let the excitement build, this is the start of one of the biggest adventures the Khumbu has to offer.
Day 2: Sight - Seeing, Trek Briefing & Official Procedures
Altitude: 1350m · Stay: Hotel · Meals: Breakfast
A day to soak in Kathmandu's magic before the mountains take over. Wander through Boudhanath's vast stupa and Pashupatinath's riverside temples, then sit down with your guide for a full briefing on the three-pass journey ahead. This is a serious high-altitude trek, so take the time to ask questions, check your gear, and get properly ready.
Day 3: Fly To Lukla & Trek To Phakding
Distance: 8km · Walking: 3-4 hrs · Altitude: 2650m · Stay: Teahouse · Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
One of the world's great mountain flights drops you straight into Sherpa country, with Khumbu peaks rising on every side. From Lukla's airstrip, an easy walk follows the Dudh Kosi River through pine forest to the cozy village of Phakding. Take it slow, this three-pass adventure has nineteen days ahead of it, so there's no rush to start.
Day 4: Trek To Namche
Distance: 11km · Walking: 5-6 hrs · Altitude: 3440m · Stay: Teahouse · Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today the trail earns its reputation. Cross thrilling suspension bridges over the Dudh Kosi, including the iconic Hillary Bridge, before climbing steadily to Namche Bazaar. Round a bend partway up and Everest reveals itself for the first time, framed by Lhotse and Nuptse. Namche, the beating heart of the Khumbu, welcomes you with bakeries, bustling lodges, and mountain energy everywhere you look.
Day 5: Acclimtization Day
Distance: 4-5 Km · Walking: 4-5 Km · Altitude: 3440m · Stay: Teahouse · Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A well-earned acclimatization day and a chance to let Namche work its charm. Hike up to the Everest View Hotel or the peaceful village of Khumjung for jaw-dropping panoramas and some smart altitude prep ahead of the big days to come. Spend the afternoon browsing Namche's shops and cafes, your legs and lungs will thank you tomorrow.
Day 6: Trek To Tengboche
Distance: 10km · Walking: 5-6 hrs · Altitude: 3860m · Stay: Teahouse · Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
One of the most beautiful walking days on the whole route. Descend through forest before climbing back up to Tengboche, with Ama Dablam's dramatic spire keeping you company the entire way. Tengboche's monastery, the spiritual heart of the Khumbu, might treat you to the monks' evening chanting, a moment framed perfectly by Everest itself.
Day 7: Trek To Dingboche
Distance: 9 km · Walking: 5-6 hrs · Altitude: 4360m · Stay: Teahouse · Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Watch the scenery transform as you descend through rhododendron forest and climb into the wide, dramatic Imja Khola valley. Dingboche greets you with sweeping stone-walled fields and Ama Dablam looming closer than ever, a great spot to start feeling like you're deep in proper high-mountain territory.
Day 8: Acclimatization Day
Distance: 5 Km · Walking: 3-4 hrs · Altitude: 4360m · Stay: Teahouse · Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Another smart rest day, and a rewarding one. Climb Nangkartshang Hill for a huge panorama stacked with giants: Makalu, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam all in view. With three high passes still ahead, this extra acclimatization time is well spent, relax, refuel, and enjoy the views.
Day 9: Trek To Chhukung
Distance: 5 Km · Walking: 3-4 hrs · Altitude: 4750m · Stay: Teahouse · Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A shorter, scenic walk up the Imja Valley to Chhukung, a small settlement tucked beneath Island Peak and Lhotse's towering south face. This is your staging point for tomorrow's first big pass, use the extra time today to rest up and mentally prepare for the high-altitude push ahead.
Day 10: Trek To Kongma Lha Pass & lobuche
Distance: 10 Km · Walking: 6-7 hrs · Altitude: 4940m · Stay: Teahouse · Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Pass number one! An early, challenging climb over rocky, glaciated terrain takes you across Kongma La, the highest and toughest of the trek's three passes, with incredible views over the Khumbu Glacier along the way. Descend to Lobuche feeling like you've truly earned your place among the high-altitude trekking elite.
Day 11: Trek To Everest Base Camp & Gorakshep
Distance: 13 Km · Walking: 6-7 hrs · Altitude: 5170m · Stay: Teahouse · Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This is the big one. Trek along the edge of the Khumbu Glacier to Gorak Shep, then push onward across dramatic glacial moraine to Everest Base Camp itself. Standing among the rock, ice, and prayer flags at the foot of the legendary Khumbu Icefall is a moment you'll never forget, proof of just how far your legs and heart have carried you.
Day 12: Trek To Kalapathar & Lobuche
Distance: 7 Km · Walking: 8-9 hrs · Altitude: 4940m · Stay: Teahouse · Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Rise before the sun for the trek's most famous reward: Kala Patthar. The steep pre-dawn climb is tough, but watching the first golden light hit Everest's summit from here is simply unmatched. From there, descend back down to Lobuche with an incredible sense of accomplishment, and two passes still to come.
Day 13: Trek To Dzongla
Distance: 6 Km · Walking: 3-4 hrs · Altitude: 4830m · Stay: Teahouse · Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A quieter, scenic walk around the flanks of Cholatse and Lobuche peak brings you to Dzongla, a small, peaceful outpost with big mountain views and a much smaller crowd than the main Base Camp trail. A good day to rest your legs before tomorrow's second high pass.
Day 14: Trek To Cho Lha Pass & Gokyo
Distance: 6 Km · Walking: 7-8 hrs · Altitude: 4800m · Stay: Teahouse · Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Pass number two! Cross the dramatic Cho La, a steep, often icy pass that demands an early start and sure footing, rewarded with unforgettable views over glaciers and jagged peaks. Descend into the Gokyo valley, home to a chain of stunning turquoise glacial lakes, a real change of scenery after days of rock and ice.
Day 15: Hike To Gokyo Ri & Lakes
Distance: 4 Km · Walking: 3-4 hrs · Altitude: 4800m · Stay: Teahouse · Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A dawn climb up Gokyo Ri delivers arguably the best panoramic view in the entire Khumbu, four 8,000m peaks including Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu all visible at once. Spend the rest of the day exploring the brilliant turquoise Gokyo Lakes at a relaxed pace, a well-earned, easier day after yesterday's pass.
Day 16: Trek To Renjo Lha Pass & Marlung
Distance: 12 Km · Walking: 5-6 hrs · Altitude: 4210m · Stay: Teahouse · Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Pass number three! Climb Renjo La for one last spectacular high-altitude panorama, with the Gokyo Lakes glittering below and Everest rising in the distance. It's a demanding final pass, but the views from the top make every step of this whole trek feel worth it. Descend into the quiet village of Marlung to celebrate completing all three passes.
Day 17: Trek To Namche
Distance: 15 Km · Walking: 5-6 hrs · Altitude: 3440m · Stay: Teahouse · Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
With all three passes behind you, today's about the joy of descent. Wind back down through forest and villages toward Namche, breathing easier and smiling wider with every step downhill. A hot shower and Namche's famous bakeries have never sounded better.
Day 18: Trek To Lukla
Distance: 19 Km · Walking: 6-7 hrs · Altitude: 2860m · Stay: Teahouse · Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Your last full day on the trail retraces the familiar path back through Phakding to Lukla, crossing those same unforgettable suspension bridges. Tonight calls for celebration, a hearty final dinner with the guides and porters who helped you conquer three of the Khumbu's toughest passes.
Day 19: Fly To Kathmandu
Altitude: 1350m · Stay: Hotel · Meals: Breakfast
Fly back over the mountains you just conquered and land in Kathmandu's warm, oxygen-rich air, it never felt so good after nineteen days at altitude. Treat yourself to a hot shower, a comfortable bed, and a well-earned stroll through Thamel to celebrate one of the great Himalayan achievements.
Day 20: Final Departure
Meals: Breakfast
Time to say farewell to Nepal, at least for now. With three passes, Everest Base Camp, Kala Patthar, and the Gokyo Lakes all behind you, and an incredible story to tell, our team will see you off at the airport for your onward journey. Namaste, and until next time!
Note: The trek itinerary is a guide only and may be subject to change at short notice.
Required equipment
- Sturdy trekking boots, daypack (35-40L), sleeping bag (-10°C), trekking poles, headlamp, water bottles, sunglasses, sunscreen (SPF 50+), gaiters for snow
- First aid kit, diamox (consult doctor), water purification, medications, camera, power bank, cash (NPR)
Clothing list
- Base layers, fleece, down jacket, waterproof jacket and pants, warm hat, gloves (insulated), wool socks (multiple pairs)
Your trek cost includes
- Pre-trip advice; expert leadership; airport transfers
- Domestic flight Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu
- Accommodation in Kathmandu and teahouses (twin sharing)
- All meals on trek; Sagarmatha National Park and TIMS; porters; staff insurance; rescue; medical kit
- International flights; Nepal visa; travel insurance (evacuation mandatory); personal expenses; gratuities
Your trek cost does NOT include
- International flights; Nepal visa; travel insurance (evacuation mandatory); personal expenses; gratuities
