Everest Three High Passes Trek Cost
- soleencounters
The Everest Three High Passes Trek is often described as the ultimate adventure in the Everest region, combining three challenging mountain passes, remote valleys, and classic highlights like Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lakes. But before planning this demanding journey, one of the first questions trekkers ask is: How much does the Everest Three High Passes Trek cost in 2025?
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The answer depends on several factors—permits, guide and porter fees, accommodation, food, flights, gear, and personal expenses. In this blog, we provide a complete cost breakdown so you can prepare your budget effectively for Nepal’s toughest trek.
Average Cost of the Everest Three High Passes Trek in 2025
On average, the Everest Three High Passes Trek cost ranges from USD 1,700 to USD 2,500 per person for a standard 18–20 day itinerary. The exact price depends on the level of service, accommodation standard in Kathmandu, whether you hire a guide and porter, and personal spending along the trail.
At Sole Encounters Trekking, we provide a well-organized package that covers all essentials: domestic flights, trekking permits, accommodation, meals, licensed guide, porter services, and necessary logistics.
Permit Costs for Everest Three High Passes Trek
To trek in the Everest region, you need two main permits:
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Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit
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Cost: NPR 3,000 (approx. USD 25) per person.
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Can be obtained in Kathmandu or Monjo (park entry checkpoint).
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Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit
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Cost: NPR 2,000 (approx. USD 20) per person.
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Purchased directly in Lukla upon arrival.
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Total Permit Cost: Around USD 45 per person.
These permits are mandatory for all trekkers, including those on the Everest Base Camp Trek and other Everest region treks.
Guide and Porter Costs
Hiring a guide and/or porter is highly recommended for the Everest Three Passes Trek due to its difficulty and remoteness.
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Licensed Trekking Guide: USD 30–40 per day.
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Porter (carries up to 20–25 kg): USD 20–25 per day.
For an 18–20 day trek, the combined cost of a guide and porter is roughly USD 900–1,200, including their food, lodging, insurance, and wages.
Trekkers should remember that choosing ethical companies that treat their staff fairly is essential. At Sole Encounters, we ensure guides and porters are properly equipped, insured, and compensated.
Accommodation and Food Costs
Accommodation
Along the trekking route, you’ll stay in traditional teahouses. The cost varies depending on altitude and remoteness:
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Lower region (Phakding, Namche, Tengboche): USD 6–10 per night.
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Higher region (Dingboche, Lobuche, Gokyo): USD 8–12 per night.
Total accommodation cost for 18–20 days: Around USD 180–220.
Food
Food is one of the major daily expenses on the trail. Expect to pay more as altitude increases, since everything is transported by porters or yaks.
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Average meal: USD 5–8.
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Daily food cost: USD 20–30.
Total food cost for the trek: Around USD 400–500.
Lukla Flight Costs
The Everest Three Passes Trek begins with a flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, the gateway to the Khumbu.
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Round-trip Lukla flight cost: USD 360–400 per person (subject to seasonal changes).
For those preferring more flexibility, a helicopter option is available, though at a much higher cost.
Gear and Equipment Costs
If you already own trekking gear, this cost may be minimal. Otherwise, Kathmandu is an excellent place to buy or rent equipment.
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Renting items like sleeping bags and down jackets: USD 1–2 per item per day.
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Buying trekking poles, gloves, or headlamps: USD 10–50 depending on quality.
Budget USD 100–200 if you need to rent/buy essentials before the trek.
Miscellaneous Costs
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Charging devices: USD 2–5 per charge at higher altitudes.
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Hot showers: USD 3–5 per shower.
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Wi-Fi: USD 3–10 per hour, though unreliable at times.
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Tips: Recommended USD 150–250 for guides and porters, depending on group size and service quality.
These small costs add up to around USD 100–200 over the trek.
Total Estimated Budget for Everest Three High Passes Trek (2025)
Here’s a sample breakdown for one trekker:
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Permits: USD 45
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Flights (Kathmandu–Lukla–Kathmandu): USD 380
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Guide & Porter (combined, 18 days): USD 1,000
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Food & Accommodation: USD 650
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Gear & Miscellaneous: USD 200
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Tips & Extras: USD 150
Estimated Total Cost: USD 2,400 (all-inclusive with guide and porter)
Budget trekkers who travel independently without guides/porters may spend closer to USD 1,700, while those opting for premium services, luxury lodges in Namche, or helicopter transfers can spend USD 3,000+.
Best Value: Package Treks vs Independent Budgeting
Many trekkers wonder whether to book a package with a trekking company or manage costs independently.
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Independent Trekking: Cheaper upfront, but requires handling permits, logistics, accommodation, and safety yourself.
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Package Trek with Sole Encounters: Includes permits, flights, professional guides, porter services, meals, and accommodation—ensuring peace of mind and safety on remote passes.
For a challenging trek like this, booking a package offers better value, safety, and local expertise.
When to Trek for Best Cost Efficiency
The best seasons—spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November)—offer clear weather and safe crossings of the high passes. Prices during these seasons are slightly higher due to demand, but the trek is far more rewarding.
Winter and summer treks may appear cheaper, but risks of snow-blocked passes or heavy monsoon rains make them less ideal.
For a seasonal guide, see our article on best time for trekking in Nepal.
Conclusion
The Everest Three High Passes Trek cost in 2025 typically ranges between USD 1,700 and USD 2,500 per person, depending on your trekking style and services chosen. While it’s more expensive than shorter treks like Annapurna Base Camp or the standard Everest Base Camp trek, it offers unmatched adventure, covering all of the Everest region’s highlights in one circuit.
If you’re ready to experience Nepal’s most challenging and rewarding trek, check our detailed package here: Everest Three High Passes Trek. For tailored budgeting, logistics, or booking assistance, you can contact us or talk to our experts today.


