Everest Base Camp, Gokyo and Three Passes Treks

October 31, 2026

Three treks compared

Every multi-day trip in Sagarmatha National Park begins on foot, because there are no roads or vehicles inside the park. The three standard routes differ in length, height and difficulty, so the comparison below is the quickest way to choose.

Route	Typical length	Highest points	Suits
Everest Base Camp	12 to 14 days	Base Camp about 5,364 m, Kala Patthar about 5,644 m	Fit first-time high-altitude trekkers with a guide
Gokyo Lakes	11 to 13 days	Gokyo about 4,750 m, Gokyo Ri about 5,357 m	Trekkers wanting lakes and a wide panorama
Three Passes	roughly 18 to 21 days	Kongma La about 5,535 m	Experienced, well-acclimatised trekkers with a guide

The Base Camp route in outline

From Lukla (about 2,840 m) the trail rises through Phakding, Monjo and Namche Bazaar (about 3,440 m), then Tengboche, Dingboche (about 4,410 m), Lobuche (about 4,940 m) and Gorak Shep (about 5,164 m). Plan a rest day at Namche and another at Dingboche. Many walkers climb Kala Patthar at dawn from Gorak Shep for the view of Everest, Nuptse and Lhotse.

The Gokyo route in outline

Gokyo is built around a group of lakes that make up a protected Ramsar wetland. They are holy to Hindus and Buddhists, and pilgrims bathe there during Janai Purnima. Visitors do not paddle or boat on them, and the water is near freezing at around 4,700 m. Gokyo Ri rewards a climb with a view of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyu, all four above 8,000 m, over the Ngozumpa Glacier.

The Three Passes route in outline

This circuit crosses Renjo La (about 5,360 m), Cho La (about 5,420 m) and Kongma La (about 5,535 m). It should be attempted only by people who have already adjusted to altitude, and only with a licensed guide.

Add-on peak climbs

Island Peak (6,189 m) and Mera Peak (6,476 m) can be tacked on after a trek. Both need permits and a guide. Island Peak is a technical glaciated climb and not a beginner objective. Confirm permit fees with an agency before you decide.

Altitude safety on every route

Altitude illness can strike on any of these treks. Rest days, a slow rise in sleeping height above 3,000 m of about 300 to 500 m a day, and a willingness to descend if symptoms worsen are the standard protections. Never trek alone, and go with a licensed guide. The UK government notes that independent trekkers are expected to use a guide or porter in national parks. Its page on Nepal travel advice also warns about insurance and mountain flights.

Logistics

Flights from Kathmandu to Lukla take about 30 to 40 minutes, and in spring and autumn many leave from Manthali after a road transfer of about 4 to 5 hours. Weather often delays them, so keep 2 or 3 spare days. Fees come to about NPR 3,000 for the municipal permit plus roughly NPR 3,000 to 3,400 for the park. Take insurance that covers your maximum altitude and helicopter evacuation.

Compare organised treks on Viator .