Explore Nepal with Malung Treks | Your Journey, Our Passion.

Pikey Peak & Everest Three High Passes Trek

Renjo La, Cho La, Kongma La, Pikey Peak, Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar in one strenuous high-altitude adventure through Solukhumbu.

Duration33 Days
DifficultyStrenuous
Max altitude5,545 m
Best seasonMar–May, Sep–Nov
Start / EndKathmandu → Dhap; finish Lukla → Kathmandu by flight
AccommodationHotel & lodges / tea houses
RegionEverest Region
Highest pointsPikey Peak 4,065 m; Renjo La ≈5,360 m; Cho La ≈5,420 m; Kongma La ≈5,535 m; Kala Patthar ≈5,545 m
RegionSolukhumbu / Everest Region, Nepal
Trek finishLukla → Kathmandu by flight

Overview

Renjo La • Cho La • Kongma La • Pikey Peak • Everest Base Camp • Kala Patthar.

A strenuous high-altitude adventure trek through the Solukhumbu / Everest region of Nepal. The route starts with the drive from Kathmandu to Dhap and the sunrise from Pikey Peak, follows the quieter lower Solukhumbu trails through Junbesi to the classic Everest corridor, then crosses all Three High Passes with visits to the Gokyo Lakes, Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar before finishing in Lukla with the flight back to Kathmandu.

Trip highlights

  • Sunrise from Pikey Peak (4,065 m)
  • Junbesi and Thukten Chholing Monastery
  • Namche Bazaar and the historic Thame Valley
  • Renjo La (≈5,360 m) and the turquoise Gokyo Lakes
  • Cho La (≈5,420 m)
  • Everest Base Camp (≈5,364 m) and sunrise from Kala Patthar (≈5,545 m)
  • Kongma La (≈5,535 m)

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Altitude profile

0k1k2k3k4k5k6kDay 1: 1,300 mD1Day 2: 1,300 mDay 3: 2,900 mD3Day 4: 2,850 mDay 5: 3,640 mD5Day 6: 4,065 mDay 7: 2,700 mD7Day 8: 2,700 mDay 9: 2,950 mD9Day 10: 2,050 mDay 11: 2,400 mD11Day 12: 2,640 mDay 13: 2,835 mD13Day 14: 3,440 mDay 15: 3,440 mD15Day 16: 3,790 mDay 17: 3,790 mD17Day 18: 4,380 mDay 19: 5,360 mD19Day 20: 4,790 mDay 21: 4,700 mD21Day 22: 5,420 mDay 23: 5,160 mD23Day 24: 5,545 mDay 25: 4,940 mD25Day 26: 5,535 mDay 27: 3,985 mD27Day 28: 3,780 mDay 29: 2,835 mD29Day 30: 2,860 mDay 31: 1,300 mD31Day 32: 1,300 mDay 33: 1,300 mD335,545 m
Day 01Arrival in Kathmandu (1,300 m)

Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfer to your hotel. Meet the trekking team, complete hotel check-in and receive a trip briefing. The remaining time is free for rest. Highlight: welcome to Nepal and preparation for the Himalayan adventure.

Day 02Kathmandu sightseeing & trek preparation

Explore selected cultural and heritage sites in Kathmandu, subject to the group's schedule. Later, check trekking equipment, permits and personal gear with the guide. Early rest is recommended before the mountain drive. Highlight: final gear check and trek briefing.

Day 03Kathmandu → Dhap by private or sharing vehicle (approx. 2,900 m)

Approx. 8–9 hours' drive. Drive east from Kathmandu through scenic hill country toward Dhap. The journey follows winding mountain roads with changing landscapes, terraced fields and rural settlements. Overnight in the Dhap area. Highlight: scenic road journey to the Pikey Peak trailhead.

Day 04Dhap → Jhapre (approx. 2,815–2,900 m)

Approx. 4–5 hours' trek. Begin trekking through beautiful mid-hill landscapes, forest sections and traditional villages. The trail gradually leads toward Jhapre, a small settlement with open mountain views and a peaceful Himalayan atmosphere. Highlight: first day on the trekking trail.

Day 05Jhapre → Pikey Base Camp (approx. 3,640 m)

Approx. 6–7 hours' trek. Trek through rhododendron and pine forests, passing yak-grazing areas and remote mountain settlements. The trail climbs steadily toward Pikey Base Camp. Take the afternoon to rest and prepare for the early-morning ascent. Highlight: mountain scenery and preparation for Pikey Peak.

Day 06Pikey Base Camp → Pikey Peak (4,065 m) → Pikey Bhanjyang (approx. 3,520–3,550 m)

Approx. 4 hours' trek. Start before dawn for the ascent of Pikey Peak. Reach the summit area around sunrise for wide Himalayan views when the weather is clear. Descend after enjoying the panorama and continue toward Pikey Bhanjyang for the night. Highlight: sunrise from Pikey Peak.

Day 07Pikey Bhanjyang → Junbesi (approx. 2,700 m)

Approx. 5–6 hours' trek. A long and scenic descent through forest leads toward the historic Sherpa settlement of Junbesi, passing the Taktor area and traditional trails. Highlight: Sherpa culture, forests and the Junbesi valley.

Day 08Junbesi cultural & acclimatization day (approx. 2,700 m)

Day hike. Take a relaxed day hike to Thukten Chholing Monastery and nearby Tibetan-influenced settlements where appropriate. Return to Junbesi for a second night. This also provides recovery before the higher route. Highlight: monastery visit and cultural experience.

Day 09Junbesi → Ringmo / Taksindu area (approx. 2,850–3,000 m)

Approx. 5–6 hours' trek. Continue along the trail through forests, ridges and mountain villages toward the Ringmo / Taksindu area. Enjoy changing views as the route gradually gains elevation. Highlight: a quieter section of the Solukhumbu route.

Day 10Taksindu → Kharikhola (approx. 2,050 m)

Approx. 6–7 hours' trek. Descend through forest and mountain settlements before climbing again toward Kharikhola. The day has a mixture of downhill and uphill sections. Highlight: diverse terrain and traditional villages.

Day 11Kharikhola → Paiya (approx. 2,400 m)

Approx. 5–6 hours' trek. Trek along rural mountain trails through forests and cultivated hillsides. Continue toward Paiya village for an overnight stay. Highlight: village life and quieter trails.

Day 12Paiya → Chaurikharka (approx. 2,640 m)

Approx. 5 hours' trek. Continue through scenic settlements and forested sections toward Chaurikharka. The trail gradually reconnects with the main Everest-region approach. Highlight: transition toward the classic Everest corridor.

Day 13Chaurikharka → Monjo (approx. 2,700–2,835 m)

Approx. 5 hours' trek. Trek through the Dudh Koshi valley toward Monjo. The route passes through the Sagarmatha National Park gateway area and follows established mountain trails. Highlight: entering the Everest National Park environment.

Day 14Monjo → Namche Bazaar (approx. 3,440 m)

Approx. 5 hours' trek plus hike. Continue along the Dudh Koshi, crossing suspension bridges and entering the steep approach to Namche Bazaar. After settling in, take an acclimatization hike toward the Everest View area if conditions allow. Highlight: first major stay in the heart of Khumbu.

Day 15Rest day at Namche Bazaar

You can use your time to relax and explore Namche Bazaar. It is known as the Sherpa "capital". Here you can have salt-butter tea and tsampa! The cultural Saturday Market is worth a visit. There is also a national park visitors' centre perched on the east side of town that contains a museum.

Day 16Namche Bazaar → Thame (approx. 3,790 m)

Approx. 5 hours' trek. Leave the main Everest trail and head toward the historic Thame Valley. The route offers a quieter experience with traditional Sherpa villages and mountain scenery. Highlight: explore the historic Thame Valley.

Day 17Rest day

A day to rest, relax and acclimatise before the trail climbs higher toward Lungden and the first high pass.

Day 18Thame → Lungden (approx. 4,350–4,400 m)

Approx. 4 hours' trek. Trek gradually higher through the Thame Valley toward Lungden. The landscape becomes increasingly alpine, with fewer trees and more rugged mountain terrain. Rest well for the first high-pass crossing. Highlight: preparation for Renjo La.

Day 19Lungden → Renjo La (approx. 5,360 m) → Gokyo (approx. 4,790 m)

Approx. 8 hours' trek. A demanding but spectacular day. Climb steadily from Lungden to Renjo La. From the pass, enjoy dramatic Himalayan views before descending toward the turquoise Gokyo Lakes and Gokyo village. Highlight: first High Pass – Renjo La.

Day 20Gokyo acclimatization & exploration (approx. 4,790 m)

Day hike. Rest and acclimatize around Gokyo. Depending on weather, fitness and group preference, hike toward Gokyo Ri for panoramic views or explore the Fifth Lake area. Return to Gokyo for the night. Highlight: Gokyo Lakes and optional Gokyo Ri / Fifth Lake.

Day 21Gokyo → Dragnag (approx. 4,700 m)

Approx. 4 hours' trek. Cross the Ngozumba Glacier area and follow the trail toward Dragnag (Thangnak). This shorter day positions the group for the Cho La crossing. Highlight: glacier landscapes and preparation for Cho La.

Day 22Dragnag → Cho La (approx. 5,420 m) → Dzongla (approx. 4,830 m)

Approx. 7–8 hours' trek. Start early for the demanding climb to Cho La. The route involves steep sections and may include icy or snowy terrain depending on season. Cross the pass carefully with the guide, then descend toward Dzongla. Highlight: second High Pass – Cho La.

Day 23Dzongla → Gorakshep (approx. 5,160 m)

Approx. 6 hours' trek. Trek along the high Khumbu valley toward Lobuche and continue to Gorakshep. The landscape becomes stark and dramatic as the trail approaches Everest Base Camp. Highlight: high-altitude approach to Everest Base Camp.

Day 24Gorakshep → Kala Patthar (approx. 5,545 m) → Everest Base Camp (approx. 5,364 m) → Lobuche (approx. 4,940 m)

Approx. 8–10+ hours. Early morning ascent of Kala Patthar for sunrise and close-up views of Everest and surrounding peaks. Return to Gorakshep for breakfast, then trek to Everest Base Camp and return toward Lobuche. The order may be adjusted by the guide according to conditions. Highlight: Everest Base Camp and sunrise from Kala Patthar.

Day 25Rest & recovery day in Lobuche (approx. 4,940 m)

Rest / short acclimatization walk. A recovery day after the demanding Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar section. Take a gentle walk around the valley if appropriate, stay hydrated and prepare for Kongma La. Highlight: recovery before the final high-pass crossing.

Day 26Lobuche → Kongma La (approx. 5,535 m) → Chhukung (approx. 4,730–4,750 m)

Approx. 8 hours' trek. Climb toward Kongma La through rugged high-altitude terrain. Conditions can vary significantly. Cross the pass carefully with the guide, then descend toward the Imja Valley and continue to Chhukung. Highlight: third High Pass – Kongma La.

Day 27Chhukung → Pangboche (approx. 3,985 m)

Approx. 5 hours' trek. Descend through the Imja Valley toward Pangboche. Visit the local monastery if open and appropriate, and enjoy the return to lower elevations and greener landscapes. Highlight: Sherpa culture and descent in altitude.

Day 28Pangboche → Khumjung (approx. 3,780 m)

Approx. 6 hours' trek. Trek through the Khumbu hills with views of Ama Dablam and surrounding peaks. Continue toward the traditional village of Khumjung. Highlight: traditional Sherpa village and mountain views.

Day 29Khumjung → Monjo (approx. 2,835 m)

Approx. 5 hours' trek. Descend through forests and villages toward the Dudh Koshi valley. Continue to Monjo for the night and enjoy the lower altitude. Highlight: relaxing descent through Khumbu.

Day 30Monjo → Lukla (approx. 2,860 m)

Approx. 6 hours' trek. Final trekking day. Follow the Dudh Koshi valley toward Lukla, completing the Three Passes and Everest circuit. Celebrate the successful trek with the team. Highlight: completion of the Himalayan trekking adventure.

Day 31Lukla → Kathmandu by air (approx. 1,300 m)

Approx. 30–40 minutes' flight, weather dependent. Take the scheduled flight from Lukla to Kathmandu, subject to weather and airport operating conditions. Transfer to your hotel and enjoy a well-earned rest. Highlight: scenic return flight from the Himalaya.

Day 32Kathmandu free / exploration day

Enjoy a free day in Kathmandu for personal exploration, shopping, cultural visits or relaxation. Optional activities can be arranged according to the group's interests. Highlight: flexible final day in Kathmandu.

Day 33Departure from Nepal

Transfer to the airport according to your international flight schedule. Bid farewell to Nepal with unforgettable memories of Pikey Peak, Everest Base Camp and the Three High Passes.

Itineraries can be changed to suit your pace. Weather or local conditions may require adjustments on the day.

What's Included

Included

  • Sagarmatha National Park entry permit
  • Pasang Lhamu local entry permit
  • English-speaking professional trekking guide
  • Food and accommodation during the trip
  • Kathmandu to the trek starting point, Dhap, by private jeep (4WD)
  • Airport pick-up and drop (3 times)
  • Lukla to Kathmandu by flight
  • Insurance for the trekking crew
  • 4 nights hotel in Kathmandu – 2 before and 2 after the trek
  • Porter for 30 days to carry your bag
  • Local airport departure tax

Not included

  • Personal trekking equipment
  • Battery charging for mobile, camera etc.
  • Wi-Fi
  • Personal insurance for travel to Nepal
  • Emergency rescue evacuation
  • Personal expenses
  • Gratuities (tips)
  • Nepal visa fee

Good to Know

**Weather & flights:** Lukla flights are highly weather dependent. Delays or cancellations can occur, so a flexible schedule and contingency planning are recommended.

**High-pass conditions:** Renjo La, Cho La and Kongma La may have snow, ice, strong wind or poor visibility. The guide may change the route or timing for safety.

**Acclimatization:** This is a strenuous high-altitude trek. Proper acclimatization, hydration, pacing and attention to altitude symptoms are essential.

**Walking times:** Times are estimates for a normally paced group and exclude extended breaks. Actual times depend on fitness, weather, trail conditions and group size.

**Accommodation:** Accommodation is generally in locally operated lodges / teahouses along the trekking route. Availability and room standards vary by location and season.

**Permits & logistics:** Required permits, guide arrangements, transportation and other services are confirmed in the final booking document.

Frequently Asked Questions

How fit do I need to be?

You should be comfortable walking 5–7 hours a day on hilly terrain. Regular walking, hiking or cardio training for 6–8 weeks before your trip helps a lot.

What about altitude sickness?

Our itineraries include acclimatisation days and our guides watch for symptoms. If symptoms appear, we descend – your safety always comes first.

Do I need travel insurance?

Yes. Travel insurance is compulsory and must cover helicopter rescue, medical expenses and emergency evacuation at the maximum altitude of the trip.

Can the dates and itinerary be changed?

Yes. Departure dates and itinerary arrangements can be custom-tailored to your needs – contact us with your preferred dates.

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