Everest Three High Pass Trek Cost and Itinerary

Why is advance Budgeting important for the Everest three pass Trek ?

Since the Everest three passes trekking is a challenging adventure, and the duration, higher passes, unpredictable weather, and trek durations is more longer than the classical everest base camp trek, or Gokyo lake trek , it is very important to know the cost before plan. So the cost be the based on

• Trek Durations:
• Group size:
• Professional guide and porter
• Normal or luxury service
• Guide porter hire
• Season (which months you want to trek, like busy season or quite months)
• Lukla flight by airplane or helicopter,
• Transportation mood, etc.

These are the basic things that can make the cost different for the everest three pass trek.

Main Expenses to Expect on the Everest Three Passes Trek:

Before we take you to the cost breakdown sections, here you should understand why the cost has become this much.

Airfare to Lukla both ways: at the beginning of the trek we will go by airplane to Lukla, where the trek basically starts, & at the end of the trek we take a flight from Lukla to Kathmandu, which is roughly USD 225-240 per person.

Food & Accommodation: the food and accommodations are expensive in the everest region as the transportation is long, the remoteness and basic infrastructure are factors, etc. each day we can prepare USD 50-80.

Permits: you need sagarmath national park permits and a TIMS card (Trekking agency association management systems) and Khumbu Pasang Lamu village municipality permits, which cost USD 50-70 per person.

Airport pickups and drops: normally you need 4 – 6 airport pickups and drops on this trek, including the domestic airport. Costs around USD 30-40 per person.

Professional guide: the professional guide costs USD 50 per day.

Strong porter: per day USD 30

Insurance: you need to have good high-altitude insurance and medical bills incase of an emergency situation. Which cost roughly USD 100-300 it depends on the insurance company and whether you want to include service and facilities.

Trekking Equipment: since you are trekking to the higher region of the mountain, you need warm enough clothes and good-quality boots, which cost about USD 500-1000. But if you already have some gear, then it may not be needed as well.

Tipping culture for guide and porter: at the end of the trek if you are happy with the guide and porter and the service we provide along the trek typing is compulsory and we suggest 10 -20% from total trip payment you paid to travel agencies. You can also make more or less. It’s up to you.
Hot and bar menu drinks and extra budget: roughly USD 300-500 per person

These are the basic items for which we should prepare the cost for a three-pass trek.

Budget Everest three-passes trek packages:

If you are planning to do the budget trek to Everest three pass trek it is possible and the important arrangement for the trek is that we can help you to arrange and reminding trip expenses you can pay yourself along the trek.

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The rest of the trip expenses you can pay by yourself, like meals, Drinks ,travel insurance. Equipment, etc.

The basic cost for the budget trek starts at USD 1500-1800 Per person. The cost depends on the group size always; the cost offered is with basic services like meals, a guide, airfare, transportation, accommodation, and permits. But with budget costs, travelers can’t expect the luxury service along the trek.
Estimated overall Trek packages cost breakdownThe cost is estimated in the budget trek to be USD 1500 to 1800 per person in the group. Here is a cost breakdown of each

Difficulty of the Everest Three Passes Trek

The Everest Three Passes Trek is considered one of the most difficult and demanding treks in Nepal. It is significantly more challenging than the standard Everest Base Camp or Gokyo Lake treks due to its high altitude, long duration, remote terrain and three major mountain passes above 5,300m

High Altitude Challenges

The trek reaches to the elevations adobe 5,500m including :

• Kongma La Pass (5,550m)
• Cho La Pass ( 5,420m)
• Renjo La Pass(5,360m)

At these heights oxygen level are much lower increasing the risk of acute Mountain Sickness(AMS) . Proper acclimatization days in Namche Bazaar and Dingboche are essential but even with acclimatization trekker must be physically and mentally prepared inorder to cross these 3 high passes

Long and Strenuous Trekking Days

Many days during this trek involves 7-8 hrs of walking especially on pass-crossing days. The trails are often

• Steep and rocky
• Covered with snow or ice( especially on Cho La Pass)
• Narrow and exposed in certain sections

Crossing these high passes requires the early morning statra, careful footing and the capability of endurance

Remote Terrain and Limited Facilities

The Three High Passes route goes throug the less-crowded and remote areas of the khumbu region. Lodges are more basic compared to the Everest Base Camp route and facilities such as hot showers, heating and electricity, variety of food and electricity may be limited or costly at higher

Weather and Seasonal Difficulty

Mountain weather is basically unpredictable. Strong winds, snowfall and sudden temperature drops can make the trek more difficult, particularly on the high passes. During peak season (spring and autumn) conditions are generally stable while winter and monsoon treks are much more challenging and suitable only for highly experienced trekkers

Physical Fitness and Experience Required

This trek is not suitable for beginners. It is recommended for trekkers who:

• Have prior high-altutude trekking experience
• Are comfortable hiking 6-8 hrs per day
• Have good cardiovascular fitness and tsmina
• Are mentally prepared for challenging condition

Best Season for Everest Three High Pass

Choosing the right season is extremely important for the Everest Three High Pass Trek , as weather conditions directly affects the trails safety , visibility and the difficulty of crossing the high passes. Because this trek involves three above 5,300m it is best to attempt during the stable weather months .

Spring Season (March to May)

The spring season (March to May) is one of the best times to do the Everest Three High passes Trek and is highly recommended for the trekkers planning their adventure in 2026 and 2027 . During this period, the weather gradually becomes stable, temperature rises and the Himalayas offers the excellent trekking conditions

Weather and Temperature

Spring season bring the mild daytime temperatures at lowe and mid-altitude while higher elevation remain cold but still manageable. March can still be chilly with some remaining snow on the high passes while April and May offers the more comfortable conditions

• Daytime Temperatures : 10°C to 15°C (lower elevations)
• Night temperatures: -5°C to -15°C (higher altitudes)

The trekking trails are generally dry and well-defined in spring . However early March may still have snow and ice on Kongma La ,Cho La, and Renjo La Passes. By April and May most passes are clear and safer to cross. Spring is famous for its clear skies and spectacular mountain views. Snow covers peaks shine inder sunlight offering the stunning views of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam , Nuptse and Cho Oyu and many other Himalayan giants.

Autumn Season (September to November)

The autumn season ( September to November is considered one of the best and most reliable times to trek the Everest Three high pass route. After the monsoon rains clears rge atmosphere the mountains appear exceptionally shapr and the weather becomes more stable making it ideal for the high-pass crossings.

Weather and Temperature

Autumn offers the dry weather, clear skies and stable conditions especially from october onwards. Daytime temperature are conformatble for trekking while night at higher elevation can be cold.

• Daytime temperatures: 10°C to 15°C (lower elevations)
• Night temperatures: -8°C to -18°C (higher altitudes)

September may still have some lingering cloud cover early in the month but the conditions will improve significantly by october

Trails are generally dry , firm and safe which is perfect for crossing Kongma La, Cho La and Renjo La Pass. Unlike early spring there is usually less snow on the passes making the autumn one of the safest season for the Three Passes Trek.

Autumn is also famous for its exceptionally clear mountain views. The post-monsoon air offers some of the best visibility of the year with the uninterrupted views of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Nuptse , Cho Oyu and surrounding himalayan peaks.

Food and Accommodation on the Three High Passes Trek

During the Everest Three high pass trek trekkers will find very satisfactory food and the accommodation throughout the route at the reasonable prices. The trek follows the established teahouse trails, allowing you to enjoy the hot meals and basic yet comfortable lodging even in the remote himalayan villages

Food options on the Trek

Teahouses along the Three High Passes route serves a variety of meals suitable for the trekking days . You can choose your meals form the menu for the breakfast, lunch and dinner with the options including the Nepali, Indian,Italian and Continental cuisine.

Typical Options on the Trek

• Breakfast : cereal, porridge,toast,eggs,pancakes,tea or coffee
• Main Meals: Dal Bhat (rice, lentils, vegetables -refillabel and highly recommended
• Other dishes: Noodles, freid rice, spaghetti, pasta with garlic cheese sauce,momo (dumpling), spring rolls, soups (Especially garlic soup) and snacks like popcorn.

Teahouses also sell hot drinks, bottled water,soft drink, beer and alcoholic beverage. However consuming alcohol during the high-altitude trekking is strongly discouraged due to health and acclimatization risk. If you really want to eat then you can after successfully completing the trek in Namche, kathmandu.

Accommodation on the Three High Passes Route

Accommodation is provided in teahouses or small mountain lodges. Facilities in villages such as Lukla, Namche Bazaar, Thame, Deboche, and Dingboche while more basic lodges are found in the higher elevations

Typical accommodation features:

• Twin-sharing rooms with separate beds
• Basic bedding (blankets, pillows , foam mattresses).
• Shared bathrooms(attached bathrooms are rare at high altitude)
• Dining halls with heater(limited hours)

Additional services such as wifi , charging electronic devices , and hot showers are usually available for an extra cost. Free wi-fi is very limited and rarely available above 5,400m

Lukla flight

The adventure of the Everest Three Passes Trek begins with a scenic flight to lukla (2840m) often described as one of the most thrilling mountain flight in the world. The short 30-35 min flight from kathmandu .

Due to the high air traffic volume during peak trekking season (spring and autumn) , the Nepal government decided to operate most of the lukla flights form Ramechhap (Manthali Airport ) which is just 40-45 min drive frm kathmandu and we provide the private transportation to the airport. Small domestic aircraft in Nepal can carryr only 15-17 passenger and lukla airport can only handle a limited number of flight each day .

Because the number of aircraft is limited managing all the flights from kathmandu become difficult. From Ramechhap the flight to lukla takes only about 15-20minutes allowing the planes to operate frequently and reducing the chances of flight delays or cancellations. During the off-season when air traffic is lower direct flight from kathmandu to lukla usually operate , depending on the weather conditions.

What a typical day is like on the Everest Three High Passes Trek

On the Everest Three High Passes Trek , a typical trekking day involves 5 to 8 hours of walking covering around 8 to 15 kilometer depending on the terrain, altitude and the day’s destination. The day usually begins with the early breakfast at the teahouse followded by the gradual walks along the mountain trails which includes the steady uphill climbs, downhill sections, rocky paths and glacial moraines. The pace is slow and steady to help you all with acclimatization especially as the altitude increases.

Lunch is normally taken at a teahouse along the trail after which the trek continues towards the overnight stop. On the high-pass crossing days such as Kongma La, Cho La, and Renjo La , the walks are longer and more challenging with the steep ascents, cold winds and sometime snow-covered trails. After reaching the lodge in the afternoon, trekkers rests, enjoy a warm meal and spend the evening relaxing and preparing for the next days journey.