Highlights
- Thrilling Kathmandu to Lukla flight, lasting for half an hour, with breathtaking aerial insight
- Crossing high trekking passes: Renjo La Pass, Cho La Pass, and Kongma La Pass
- Explore the Khumbu Valley, Gokyo Valley, and Imja Valley
- Walk through the UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site, Sagarmatha National Park, visiting several historical monasteries
- Day hike to Everest Base Camp, 5364m (17,94ft) to see a close view of Khumbu Glacier and Khumbu Icefall
- Sunrise view from Kala Patthar, with the intense expansive views of the mountains above 8000 meters
- Closer insight into the six series of Gokyo lakes, Nzogumpa glacier, from Gokyo Ri
Clockwise Everest Three High Pass Trek - 16 Days
The Everest High Passes Trek in a clockwise direction is one of the most challenging adventures and a thrilling way to cross the iconic mountain passes. Located within the Khumbu region and protected by the Sagarmatha National Park, this classic Himalayan circuit follows a clockwise route, crossing Renjo La, Cho La, and Kongma La in that order. Compared to the anticlockwise, or regular, Three Passes Trek, it is more strenuous and perfect for individuals who want a more demanding journey and for experienced trekkers with prior high-altitude experience.
The Clockwise Everest Three High Pass Trek also covers the off-beaten trails of the Everest region, past Gokyo Lakes, its valley, and Gokyo Ri at 5357 meters, reaching Everest Base Camp, and the highest at Kala Patthar, 5545 meters. You get to learn and experience rich cultures and traditions of the Sherpa people, and insight into distinct landscapes, alpine scenery, scenic lakes, glaciers, and great himalayan peaks. Attaining some of the major viewpoints above 5000 meters unravels the panoramic mountain views of Mt. Everest, Cho Oyu, Makalu, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Pumori, and many more.
This 16-day clockwise route is a compact but highly rewarding itinerary, designed for trekkers who want a challenging Himalayan journey without following the longer standard route. With proper preparation, fitness, and acclimatization, the clockwise route offers a rewarding high-altitude trekking experience without technical climbing sections. It is a perfect choice for trekkers seeking a challenging but well-structured Everest adventure.
Trekking Route - Clockwise Direction
We take the scenic flight to Lukla from Kathmandu Airport or Ramechap Airport and walk to Namche Bazar within 2 days. After an acclimatization day at Namche, the trekking route leads us to Gokyo Village via Renjo La Pass, 5388m (17,673ft), which is our first high pass in this trek. The sight trip around Gokyo Lakes and the Gokyo Ri climb make our rest day awe-inspiring.
The trek continues to Chola Pass 5380m (17,646ft) with further traversing through a beautiful Gokyo Valley trek route by passing Thaknak Village. We will have thrilling views of the Himalayas one after another, such as Lhotse, the towering peak Ama Dablam, Nuptse, Cho Oyu, including the world’s highest peak, Everest, which is called “Jhomolungma” in the Tibetan language.
We will rejoin the standard EBC route in Lobuche and continue walking to Gorakshep. Gorakshep is the highest-placed lodge where we sleep overnight. The return excursion to Everest Base Camp and the next day's early morning hiking to Kalapathar viewpoint to see the sunrise will stay in our memory as highlights for a lifetime. We head on to the highest pass, Kongma La Pass, 5535m (18,155ft), and descend to Chhukung Valley, also known as Imja Valley. We can meet mountaineers who are at Chhukung for Island Peak Climbing. At the end of this journey, we traverse through Tengboche Village, visiting Tengboche Monastery, Namche Bazar, Phakding, and Monjo Village.
Why Choose the Clockwise Three High Passes Trek?
The Everest High Passes Trek Clockwise is the best choice for individuals who want a more demanding and less crowded route through the Everest region. With gradual acclimatization days, shorter duration, rewarding views of the himalayan range, and a challenging trail order, this direction offers a unique high-altitude trekking experience having proper fitness and prior trekking experience.
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More gradual acclimatization: The clockwise direction allows your body to adjust to altitude step by step, at a gradual pace, which contributes to the successful crossings of the tough passes. It gives you a better rhythm before reaching higher altitudes and tackling the tougher sections of the route.
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Less crowded trekking experience: As many trekkers usually follow the standard regular route, or anticlockwise direction, the clockwise route is comparatively less crowded and peaceful, offering a calmer, peaceful walk. Greater opportunity to connect with local mountain people and delve into the beauty of nature fully.
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A stronger route through Gokyo Valley first: Covering the Gokyo route and starting with Renjo La first offers you breathtaking mountain scenery earlier on the trek, motivating you to move forward with positivity.
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A better challenge for experienced trekkers: The clockwise direction is tougher; rather than crossing the main pass and high pass quickly, the trail opens up and leads to more higher passes and vantage points. It suits trekkers who seek a tougher and more adventurous route; for those who have high-altitude experience, this direction can feel more rewarding, worth every stride.
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A unique way to complete the circuit: Going clocwise route offers a different flow than the usual route, with a distinct experience that makes the journey fresher and less predictable, even to those who have already completed the EBC trail before. However, on a good note, it still covers every highlighted aspect, like regular ones, but more uniquely and thrillingly, making the trek even more fascinating.
Clockwise vs Anticlockwise Route: Which is better for you?
The Everest Three High Pass Trek can be done in both clockwise and anticlockwise directions; however, the experiences, trail difficulty, and duration set themselves apart, depending on the route you choose. In the clockwise route, trekkers begin with Renjo La Pass (5360 m), Cho La (5420 m), and Kongma La (5535 m), making the odyssey more intense and harder as the day passes by. On the other hand, on the anticlockwise route, the trail proceeds with Renjo La, Cho La, and Kongma La, opposite to the other route, which is easier and beginner-friendly.
If you are looking for a demanding and tough itinerary, the clockwise direction won't disappoint you, challenging you every day. This route is highly suggested for pro trekkers who are comfortable, with early high altitude gain, and a tougher pace of the hike. Whereas the anticlockwise route is often preferred by hikers who are new to the mountaineering world, seeking better acclimatization and a more balanced pace and ascent profile.
Meanwhile, both routes deliver the same highlights and major attractions, including Gokyo Valley, EBC, Kala Patthar, and the major three high passes, h6wever, the clockwise route feels more intense and demanding.
Everest High Passes Trek Clockwise Cost for 2026 and 2027
The price varies on several factors, such as duration, transportation access, type of services, basic or luxuries, and most importantly, the group size of each group. We at Destination Himalaya Treks offer this 16-day Three High Passes Trek Clockwise, on the basis of the number of hikers that each group carries. If any alterations or changes are made to the package or itinerary, the costing varies accordingly. Here is the costing of the trek depending on the no. of pax, for 2026 and 2027.
| No. of Pax | Standard Price (USD) |
| 1-2 | 1450 |
| 3-4 | 1350 |
| 5-8 | 1300 |
Itinerary Outline
Day 01: A short and scenic flight to Lukla- 2,866 m (9,400ft) from Kathmandu or Ramechap airport and trek to Phakding, 2638m (8,653ft), 4 to 5 hours
Day 02: Phakding to Namche Bazaar-3,440m (11,283ft), 5 to 6 hours
Day 03: Acclimatization day in Namche
Day 04: Namche Bazaar to Thame- 3,800m (12,464ft), 4 – 5 hrs.
Day 05: Thame to Lungden- 4,380m (14,365ft) - 7 to 8 hrs.
Day 06: Lungden via Renjo La pass- 5,360m (17,58ft) to Gokyo- 4,800m (15,744ft), 8 to 9 hours
Day 07: Gokyo – Ascent Gokyo Ri- 5,357m (17,505ft) and return to Gokyo - 5 to 6 hours
Day 08: Gokyo to Thagnak- 4,750m (15,580ft), 5 – 6 hrs.
Day 09: Thagnak via Cho La Pass-5,420m (17,778ft) to Dzongla, 4,830m (15,842ft)- 7 to 8 hrs.
Day 10: Dzongla to Lobuche- 4,940m (16,334ft), 4 – 5 hrs.
Day 11: Lobuche to Gorakshep- 5,170 m (16,958ft) to Everest Base Camp- 5,364 m (17,94ft), 8 – 9 hrs.
Day 12: Gorakshep – Kalapatthar- 5,644 m (18,512ft), back to Lobuche-7 to 8hrs.
Day 13: Lobuche via Kongma La Pass- 5,535 m (18,155ft) to Chhukung– 4,730m (15,514ft)- 7 to 8 hrs.
Day 14: Chhukung to Namche Bazaar, 6 –7 hrs.
Day 15: Namche Bazaar to Lukla, 6 –7 hrs.
Day 16: Fly to Manthali-Ramechap and drive to Kathmandu- 4 to 5 hours drive
