Everest Three High Passes Trek: Altitude & Elevation Guide

How High Does the Everest Three High Passes Trek Go?

The Everest Three High Passes Trek is one of the highest teahouse treks in the world. Over 19 days, you climb from Lukla (2,860 m) to three Himalayan passes above 5,300 m, stand at Everest Base Camp (5,364 m) and reach the trek's highest point at Kala Patthar (about 5,545 m). You'll sleep above 4,500 m for seven nights, including one night at Gorak Shep (5,164 m).

Altitude, not distance, is the biggest challenge on this trek. Understanding the elevation profile, how thin air affects your body and how acclimatisation works is the key to crossing every pass safely and enjoying the journey.

Key Elevations at a Glance

Point	Type	Altitude (m)	Altitude (ft)
Kala Patthar	Highest point (viewpoint)	~5,545	~18,192
Kongma La	Highest pass	5,535	18,159
Cho La	Pass	5,420	17,782
Everest Base Camp	Landmark	5,364	17,598
Renjo La	Pass	5,360	17,585
Gokyo Ri	Viewpoint	5,357	17,575
Gorak Shep	Highest overnight stop	5,164	16,942
Lobuche	Overnight	4,940	16,207
Dzongla	Overnight	4,830	15,846
Gokyo	Overnight (2 nights)	4,790	15,715
Chhukung / Thangnak	Overnight	4,700	15,420
Dingboche	Acclimatisation stop	4,340	14,239
Namche Bazaar	Acclimatisation stop	3,440	11,286
Lukla	Start / end of trek	2,860	9,383

Altitudes vary slightly between maps and sources. Some list Kala Patthar at up to 5,644 m.

Altitude in Numbers

• Total elevation range: about 2,700 m, from Lukla to Kala Patthar
• Days above 5,000 m: passes and viewpoints on Days 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14 and 15
• Nights above 4,500 m: 7
• Nights above 4,000 m: 10

Day-by-Day Altitude Profile

The table below shows the highest point reached and the sleeping altitude for each day of the 19-day anticlockwise itinerary, plus the change in sleeping altitude from the night before.

Day	Route	Highest point	Sleeping altitude	Change in sleeping altitude
1	Arrive in Kathmandu	1,400 m	1,400 m	—
2	Fly to Lukla, trek to Phakding	2,860 m	2,610 m	+1,210 m (flight)
3	Phakding → Namche Bazaar	3,440 m	3,440 m	+830 m
4	Acclimatisation hike (Everest View Hotel)	~3,880 m	3,440 m	0
5	Namche → Tengboche	3,860 m	3,860 m	+420 m
6	Tengboche → Dingboche	4,340 m	4,340 m	+480 m
7	Acclimatisation hike (Nangkartshang)	~5,083 m	4,340 m	0
8	Dingboche → Chhukung	4,700 m	4,700 m	+360 m
9	Kongma La → Lobuche	5,535 m	4,940 m	+240 m
10	Everest Base Camp → Gorak Shep	5,364 m	5,164 m	+224 m
11	Kala Patthar → Dzongla	~5,545 m	4,830 m	−334 m
12	Cho La → Thangnak	5,420 m	4,700 m	−130 m
13	Thangnak → Gokyo	~4,800 m	4,790 m	+90 m
14	Gokyo Ri and explore Gokyo	5,357 m	4,790 m	0
15	Renjo La → Lungden	5,360 m	4,350 m	−440 m
16	Lungden → Thame → Namche	4,350 m	3,440 m	−910 m
17	Namche → Lukla	3,440 m	2,860 m	−580 m
18	Fly to Kathmandu	2,860 m	1,400 m	−1,460 m (flight)
19	Departure	—	—	—

Reading the Profile

• Days 2–8: the build-up. You gain altitude steadily, with two rest days (Namche and Dingboche) and climb-high, sleep-low hikes.
• Days 9–12: the high zone. The toughest stretch, with Kongma La, Everest Base Camp, Kala Patthar and Cho La, and the highest night at Gorak Shep.
• Days 13–15: Gokyo and Renjo La. You stay high around Gokyo, then cross the final pass.
• Days 16–18: the descent. Rapid loss of altitude back to Namche, Lukla and Kathmandu.

Above 3,000 m, the recommended guideline is to raise your sleeping altitude by no more than about 300–500 m a day, with a rest day every 3–4 days. Apart from the walk up to Namche (Day 3), the itinerary's daily sleeping gains stay at or below 480 m, with rest days built in before the passes.

How Altitude Affects Your Body

The air at altitude still contains about 21% oxygen, but the air pressure is lower, so each breath delivers less oxygen to your body. The higher you go, the harder your heart and lungs must work.

Oxygen Levels Along the Trek (Approximate)

Location	Altitude	Oxygen available compared with sea level	What it feels like
Kathmandu	1,400 m	~85%	Normal for most people
Namche Bazaar	3,440 m	~67%	Breathless on steep stairs; headaches possible on arrival
Dingboche	4,340 m	~60%	Slower walking pace; disturbed sleep common
Gokyo / Lobuche	4,800–4,940 m	~56%	Every uphill step takes effort; appetite may drop
Gorak Shep	5,164 m	~53%	Cold, restless nights; mild headaches common
High passes & Kala Patthar	5,360–5,545 m	~50%	Very slow, deliberate pace; frequent short rests needed

Figures are approximate and vary with weather and season.

Altitude Zones

Zone	Range	Where on the trek	Risk
High altitude	1,500–3,500 m	Lukla, Phakding, Namche	AMS possible above 2,500 m, especially after the flight to Lukla
Very high altitude	3,500–5,500 m	Tengboche to Gokyo, Gorak Shep, the passes	Main risk zone for AMS, HAPE and HACE
Extreme altitude	Above 5,500 m	Kala Patthar summit	Brief exposure only; never sleep here

Common Effects at Altitude (Usually Normal)

• Breathlessness when walking uphill
• Faster heart rate
• Disturbed sleep or vivid dreams
• Needing to urinate more often
• Reduced appetite
• Irregular breathing during sleep (periodic breathing)

These are normal signs that your body is adapting. Symptoms such as a persistent headache, nausea or dizziness may signal altitude sickness and should be reported to your guide right away.

How the Itinerary Helps You Acclimatise

Acclimatisation is your body's gradual adaptation to lower oxygen levels. It takes time, and it can't be rushed. Our 19-day itinerary is designed around four proven principles.

1. Gradual Ascent

After the first climb to Namche, sleeping altitude never rises by more than about 480 m a day, within widely recommended guidelines for travel above 3,000 m.

2. Two Full Acclimatisation Days

Rest day	Sleeping altitude	Acclimatisation hike	Why it matters
Day 4, Namche Bazaar	3,440 m	Everest View Hotel (~3,880 m)	First big step into high altitude
Day 7, Dingboche	4,340 m	Nangkartshang Peak (~5,083 m)	Prepares you for nights above 4,500 m and the first pass

3. Climb High, Sleep Low

On most high days, you climb to a pass or viewpoint, then descend to sleep lower. This trains your body for higher altitude while letting it recover overnight:

• Day 7: hike to ~5,083 m, sleep at 4,340 m
• Day 9: Kongma La 5,535 m, sleep at 4,940 m
• Day 11: Kala Patthar ~5,545 m, sleep at 4,830 m
• Day 12: Cho La 5,420 m, sleep at 4,700 m
• Day 14: Gokyo Ri 5,357 m, sleep at 4,790 m
• Day 15: Renjo La 5,360 m, sleep at 4,350 m

4. Anticlockwise Direction

	Anticlockwise (our route)	Clockwise
First pass	Kongma La (5,535 m), after rest days in Namche and Dingboche	Renjo La (5,360 m), after a quicker ascent via Thame
Acclimatisation	Gradual, through the Imja Valley	Faster altitude gain; needs an extra rest day at Thame or Lungden
Pass climbs	Gentler sides of most passes	Steeper sides of most passes
Flexibility	Easy to bypass Kongma La via Thukla	Harder to change plans

Extra Acclimatisation Options

First-time high-altitude trekkers can add a rest day at Chhukung (before Kongma La), Dzongla (before Cho La) or Gokyo (before Renjo La). See our guide on whether beginners can do the Three Passes for a sample 21-day plan.

Altitude Sickness on the Three Passes

Altitude sickness can affect anyone, regardless of age or fitness. Knowing the three main forms helps you act early.

Condition	What it is	Key symptoms	What to do
AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness)	The most common form; your body struggling to adapt	Headache plus nausea, dizziness, fatigue, poor appetite or poor sleep	Stop ascending, rest, hydrate; descend if it doesn't improve
HAPE (High Altitude Pulmonary Edema)	Fluid in the lungs	Breathlessness at rest, persistent wet cough, chest tightness, extreme fatigue	Descend immediately; medical emergency
HACE (High Altitude Cerebral Edema)	Swelling of the brain	Severe headache, confusion, unusual behaviour, loss of balance or coordination	Descend immediately; medical emergency

How to Prevent Altitude Sickness

1. Follow a gradual itinerary with rest days; don't skip acclimatisation days.
2. Walk slowly at a pace where you can still talk.
3. Drink 3–4 litres of water a day.
4. Eat well, especially carbohydrates such as dal bhat, even when you're not hungry.
5. Avoid alcohol and sleeping pills at altitude.
6. Keep warm; cold and exhaustion make symptoms worse.
7. Ask your doctor before the trip about altitude medication such as acetazolamide (Diamox).
8. Tell your guide about any symptoms immediately.

Daily Health Checks with a Pulse Oximeter

Our guides check your blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) and pulse every morning and evening. Readings naturally fall at altitude, often into the 80s above 4,500 m, so the trend and how you feel matter more than a single number. A sharp drop, or low readings combined with symptoms, tells your guide it's time to rest, wait or descend.

The Golden Rules

• Never ascend with symptoms of altitude sickness.
• If symptoms get worse, descend, even at night.
• Never leave an unwell trekker alone.

Emergency Support and Insurance

• Himalayan Rescue Association (HRA) aid post in Pheriche, staffed in peak seasons
• Helicopter evacuation from most stops, weather permitting, coordinated by Nepal Trip Services with your insurer
• Mandatory travel insurance covering trekking up to 6,000 m, emergency helicopter rescue and medical treatment

Safe Escape Routes

If altitude, weather or snow make a pass unsafe, your guide can choose a lower route:

Pass	Alternative route
Kongma La	Dingboche → Thukla → Lobuche
Cho La	Descend via Pheriche and Phortse, then up the Gokyo Valley
Renjo La	Retrace the Gokyo Valley via Machhermo and Dole

How the Three Passes Compares with Other Treks

Trek	Highest point	Highest overnight	High passes	Nights above 4,500 m
Everest View Trek	~3,880 m	3,440 m	None	0
Annapurna Base Camp Trek	4,130 m	4,130 m	None	0
Gokyo Lakes Trek	5,357 m	~4,790 m	None	1
Manaslu Circuit Trek	5,106 m (Larkya La)	~4,460 m	1	0
Annapurna Circuit Trek	5,416 m (Thorong La)	~4,500 m	1	0–1
Classic Everest Base Camp Trek	~5,550 m (Kala Patthar)	~5,160 m	None	2
Everest Three High Passes Trek	~5,545 m	5,164 m	3	7

Figures are approximate and based on standard itineraries.

The Three Passes reaches a similar maximum altitude to Everest Base Camp, but it keeps you high for much longer and crosses three passes above 5,300 m. This sustained time at altitude is what makes careful acclimatisation so important.

To get your body ready for these demands, follow our Everest Three High Passes Trek Training & Fitness Guide.

FAQs About Altitude on the Three Passes

1. What is the highest point of the Everest Three High Passes Trek?

The highest point is Kala Patthar, at about 5,545 m (18,192 ft), the famous viewpoint above Gorak Shep. Some sources list it slightly higher. The highest pass is Kongma La at 5,535 m.

2. How high are the three passes?

Kongma La is 5,535 m (18,159 ft), Cho La is 5,420 m (17,782 ft) and Renjo La is 5,360 m (17,585 ft). All three are higher than or close to Everest Base Camp (5,364 m).

3. What is the highest place you sleep on the trek?

Gorak Shep, at 5,164 m (16,942 ft), is the highest overnight stop. You sleep there once, after visiting Everest Base Camp and before climbing Kala Patthar.

4. How many nights do you spend above 4,500 m?

Seven: Chhukung, Lobuche, Gorak Shep, Dzongla, Thangnak and two nights at Gokyo. You spend ten nights above 4,000 m in total.

5. What is the starting altitude of the trek?

The trek starts at Lukla, at 2,860 m (9,383 ft), after a short flight from Kathmandu (about 1,400 m) or Ramechhap. The first night is at Phakding, slightly lower at 2,610 m.

6. How much oxygen is there at the high passes?

At 5,300–5,500 m, each breath contains roughly half the oxygen available at sea level. That's why walking is slow and every uphill step takes effort.

7. Is altitude sickness common on the Three Passes?

Mild symptoms like headache, poor sleep and reduced appetite are common. Serious altitude sickness is less common with a well-paced itinerary, but it can affect anyone. Gradual ascent, rest days and daily oxygen checks reduce the risk.

8. How does the itinerary help with acclimatisation?

It includes rest days in Namche and Dingboche, gradual gains in sleeping altitude, climb-high, sleep-low hikes and an anticlockwise route that builds altitude before the highest pass.

9. What are the symptoms of altitude sickness?

Common AMS symptoms are headache, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, loss of appetite and poor sleep. Serious warning signs include breathlessness at rest, a wet cough, confusion and loss of balance, which require immediate descent.

10. Does fitness protect against altitude sickness?

No. Fitness helps you cope with the physical effort, but it doesn't prevent altitude sickness. Very fit people can be affected if they ascend too quickly.

11. Should I take Diamox for the Three Passes?

Discuss it with your doctor before travelling. Acetazolamide (Diamox) is commonly used to help prevent altitude sickness, but it isn't suitable for everyone and doesn't replace proper acclimatisation.

12. What happens if I get altitude sickness on the trek?

Your guide will stop your ascent and monitor you. Mild symptoms often improve with rest. If they don't, or if serious signs appear, you'll descend. In emergencies, Nepal Trip Services coordinates helicopter evacuation with your insurer.

13. Is the Three Passes higher than Everest Base Camp trek?

The maximum altitude is similar, as both reach Kala Patthar. But the Three Passes keeps you high for much longer, with seven nights above 4,500 m and three passes above 5,300 m, compared with two nights on the standard EBC trek.

14. What should my oxygen saturation be at altitude?

SpO2 naturally drops at altitude, often into the 80s above 4,500 m. There's no single safe number; your guide looks at the trend over several readings and how you feel. A sharp drop combined with symptoms is a reason to rest or descend.

15. Do I need special insurance for high altitude?

Yes. Your travel insurance must cover trekking up to 6,000 m, emergency helicopter evacuation and medical treatment. Many standard policies stop at 3,000–4,500 m, so check the details carefully.

Climb High Safely with Nepal Trip Services

The Everest Three High Passes Trek takes you higher, and keeps you high for longer, than almost any other teahouse trek in the world. With a well-designed itinerary, sensible habits and expert support, the altitude becomes part of the adventure rather than a barrier to it.

With 16 years of experience in the Everest region, Nepal Trip Services keeps your safety at the heart of every day:

• Carefully paced itinerary with acclimatisation days in Namche and Dingboche
• Climb-high, sleep-low planning around every pass and viewpoint
• Daily SpO2 and pulse checks with a pulse oximeter
• Licensed guides trained in first aid and altitude awareness
• Flexible plans, extra rest days and safe escape routes when needed
• Emergency coordination of helicopter evacuation with your insurer

Group size	Price per person
1 person	US$ 1,600
2 people	US$ 1,500
3–6 people	US$ 1,480
7–10 people	US$ 1,450

Ready to take on the high passes? View the full itinerary on our Everest Three High Passes Trek – 19 Days page, explore all our Everest Region Treks, or plan a custom trip with extra acclimatisation days.

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