Explore Everest
The most complete route through the Khumbu — Base Camp and Gokyo linked together by three high passes, for trekkers who've done this before and want more of it.
Kongma La (5,535m), Cho La (5,420m) and Renjo La (5,360m) are the three crossings that give the trek its name — each one a genuine high-altitude pass with scree, sometimes ice, and several hours above 5,000m, not a walking trail. Strung together, they connect the Everest Base Camp and Gokyo valleys into a single loop instead of an out-and-back.
This is the itinerary for trekkers who've already done a standard Himalayan trek and want the terrain and altitude to match their experience, not a step up from a first trek.
Three separate high passes means three separate opportunities for a weather window to close, so the itinerary carries a genuine buffer day rather than assuming everything goes to plan. Pacing is also more conservative than the standard Base Camp trek given how much time is spent above 5,000m across the whole route, not just on summit day.
Day by day
A paced plan with acclimatization built in. Exact overnight villages and flight routing are confirmed for each departure; altitudes are route-planning values, not survey measurements.
| Day | Route | Sleep | Altitude |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fly to Lukla; walk to Phakding | Phakding | 2,610 m |
| 2 | Phakding to Namche Bazaar | Namche Bazaar | 3,440 m |
| 3 | Acclimatization day: hike higher, return to Namche | Namche Bazaar | 3,440 m |
| 4 | Namche to Tengboche | Tengboche | 3,860 m |
| 5 | Tengboche to Dingboche | Dingboche | 4,410 m |
| 6 | Acclimatization day in Dingboche | Dingboche | 4,410 m |
| 7 | Dingboche to Chhukung | Chhukung | 4,730 m |
| 8 | Cross Kongma La (5,535 m) to Lobuche | Lobuche | 4,940 m |
| 9 | Lobuche to Gorak Shep; visit Everest Base Camp | Gorak Shep | 5,164 m |
| 10 | Kala Patthar at dawn, conditions permitting; walk to Dzongla | Dzongla | 4,830 m |
| 11 | Cross Cho La (5,420 m) to Thagnak | Thagnak | 4,700 m |
| 12 | Thagnak across the Ngozumpa Glacier to Gokyo | Gokyo | 4,790 m |
| 13 | Gokyo Ri and the upper lakes | Gokyo | 4,790 m |
| 14 | Cross Renjo La (5,360 m) to Lungden | Lungden | 4,380 m |
| 15 | Lungden to Thame | Thame | 3,820 m |
| 16 | Thame to Namche Bazaar | Namche Bazaar | 3,440 m |
| 17 | Namche Bazaar to Lukla | Lukla | 2,840 m |
| 18 | Fly Lukla to Kathmandu | Kathmandu | 1,400 m |
| 19–20 | Pass-weather and flight buffer days | Flexible | — |
Cost and inclusions
| Group size | Price per person (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1–3 trekkers | $2,100 |
| 4 or more trekkers | $1,890 (10% group discount) |
Questions
We run it counter-clockwise — Kongma La first — so you have acclimatized at Dingboche and Chhukung before the highest crossing, and the passes get progressively lower.
No ropes or technical skills are needed, but the passes involve scree, loose rock and sometimes ice. Microspikes may be required depending on season; prior multi-day trekking at altitude is strongly recommended.
Yes. Each pass has a lower valley alternative. The buffer days exist so a closed pass can be waited out or rerouted without rushing the rest of the trek.
Our published starting price is USD 2,100 per person for 20 days, with 10% off per person for groups of four or more.
The published 20-day journey links Kongma La, Cho La and Renjo La. This is the longest of the six standard routes. Talk through your previous multi-day walking, experience at altitude and flexibility before committing to a pass-crossing itinerary.
Choose this for an extended mountain journey, not simply because it has more stops. Compare with EBC or Gokyo if you prefer fewer crossings or need more flexibility in your travel dates.
What comparable multi-day treks have you done, and how flexible are your dates? Send your approximate month and party size. The team will review fit and availability before preparing a quote.
Geographic references checked 6 September 2026. These explain the region; they do not certify this operator or confirm departure availability.
Tell us your dates and fitness level — we'll reply with a route recommendation within two business days.