Are you dreaming of an adventure that takes you through the heart of the Himalayas? If yes, the Everest Three Passes is a bucket-list journey for anyone who loves mountains, raw nature, and a challenge.
Imagine putting your boots on and stepping into a land of huge peaks, icy glaciers, and colorful Sherpa villages, crossing three high-altitude passes in Nepal’s Everest region. It would not be fair to call it just a trek, as it’s an immersion into a landscape that feels almost magical, blended with personal success.
This trek revolves around some of the toughest three passes in the Khumbu region, Kongma La (5,535m), Cho La (5,420m), and Renjo La (5,360m), with vistas so breathtaking they’ll test your every bit of stamina. Not a walk, it’s like walking through corridors of valleys into places such as Lukla, Namche Bazaar, and Gokyo Lakes.
Expect anywhere from 18 to 21 days of trekking, covering 160 to 185 km, depending on the exact trail taken and side trips. The trek is grueling: high altitude and variable weather are allies of rough-and-ready teahouse lodgings; yet, the rewards are staggering.
Trek Highlights
Get the epics of trekking in loads on the Everest Three Passes Trek. Here is the testimony that makes it wonderful, laying out the highlights:
1. Kongma La Pass (5,535m)
The highest of the three, this pass feels like you’re touching the sky. You get confronting views of Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam. It’s one of those tough climbs usually followed by a quiet path, so it’s just you and the mountains. The path to Lobuche is a crazy mix of rocky paths with glacier views.
2. Cho La Pass (5,420m)
This one gets the adrenaline pumping. You cross an icefall, probably equipped with crampons, surrounded by ice and snow. The view? Fabulous: Cholatse and the Ngozumpa Glacier. Very raw, very adventurous: linking base camp Everest with Gokyo.
3. Renjo La Pass (5,360m)
The “easiest” of the trio, but still a monster to reckon with. From atop, you would see Gokyo Lakes sparkle below and a wide panorama of Everest, Makalu, and Cho Oyu. The descent into Gokyo Valley is postcard-perfect.
4. Gokyo Lakes
Situated at an altitude of 4,700-5,000 m, these turquoise beauties are sacred to the locals and a dream for trekkers. Sunrise climb to Gokyo Ri (5,357 m) provides a view to stop you in your footsteps: Everest and other mountains bathing in the light of dawn.
5. Everest Base Camp (optional side trip)
If you happen to take the detour, you stand 5,364 m high at the climbers’ pre-summit site. Not the prettiest site, but the vibe – tents, prayer flags, and the Khumbu Icefall – hits home.
6. Sherpa Culture
Not just passing by; this is the Sherpa heartland. The villages include groovy Namche Bazar with buzzing markets, monasteries, and teahouses. Prayer wheels spin, yaks wander, and individuals share stories with butter tea.
7. Ngozumpa Glacier
One of the longest glaciers in the Himalayas extends beneath Cho La and Gokyo. The enormity of nature will humble you for sure.
8. Loneliness and Magnitude
On the one hand, in contrast to busy vending-tourism trails such as Everest Base Camp, the passes can feel like wonderful empty places. You might be hundreds of miles into the wildest corner of the world, where every step feels like progress.
Why the Everest Three Passes Trek?
The Everest Three Passes Trek will surely take you to unusual and thrilling heights because getting adventures in places like Mardi Himal or Upper Mustang is not enough. It is a rugged trek across three high passes—Kongma La, Cho La, and Renjo La—that promises to expose you to splendid Everest and Gokyo Lakes views while immersing you deeply within Sherpa culture.
These trails are more difficult than those you have previously come across. It requires stamina, but in return, you get tremendous solitude and then get to boast about achievements. You wish to take on a high Himalayan challenge that puts you to the test and motivates you simultaneously.
Curious about more details? Here are some reasons why it stands out:
Epic Challenge, Epic Reward: Crossing three high passes—Kongma La (5,535m), Cho La (5,420m), and Renjo La (5,360 m)—is a monumental task. Each one tests your very spirit with steep climbs amid thin air, but the reward is surreal-brilliant views of Everest, Lhotse, and the rest. It is tougher than other popular treks in Nepal, but it feels like conquering a Himalayan gauntlet.
Unmatched Scenery: You’re not merely walking; you’re living through a greatest-hits reel of the Himalayas. Think turquoise Gokyo Lakes, the massive Ngözumpa Glacier, and peaks that feel like you can reach out and touch. Compared to Upper Mustang, this is raw, icy wilderness at its best.
Sherpa Heartland: Just like all those cultural nuggets you discovered in Mustang, this trek snakes through Sherpa villages such as Namche and Thame. Butter tea will be sipped, monasteries visited, and warmth felt by locals who live under the shadows of giants. A cultural dive that’ll be equally as physical.
Bragging Rights: This is not the crowded Everest Base Camp trail. This is a variant loop for those who want more than just a selfie at 5,364m. Unlike the more accessible Mardi trail, you will return with stories of glaciers and passes that most trekkers only dream about.
Personal Growth: The altitude, the cold, and the long days are all mental-physical resets. You stated that prep went into Mardi for fitness and gear; here, it pays off tenfold. By the end, you will learn your limits and bulldoze right through them, feeling like a winner.
How to reach the Everest Three Passes?
Three Passes Trek, as the name suggests, comprises three passes: Kongma La (5,535 m), Cho La (5,420 m), and Renjo La (5,360 m). It is among the most adventurous, most difficult, and most beautiful routes into Nepal over an altitude range of up to 5,535 meters, where it takes a trekker from one pass to another.
Summary table: Getting to Everest three passes trek
| Step | Details |
| International Arrival | Fly to Kathmandu, Nepal |
| Domestic Access | Fly to Lukla |
| Alternative start points | Jiri, Shivalaya, Salleri, Phaplu |
| Trek Start | Lukla |
| Route Highlights | Namche Bazaar, Gokyo Lakes, Everest Base Camp, Kala Patthar, Sherpa Villages |
| Duration | 17-21 days |
| Best Seasons | March-May, September-November |
The following is a step-by-step procedure for getting to and starting this trek:
1. Arrive in Kathmandu, Nepal
- International flights arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal.
2. Get to Lukla – The Gateway to the Trek
- The most common and easiest way to access the Everest region is to fly from Kathmandu to Lukla, another mountain town with the famous Tenzing-Hillary Airport.
- A flight would take about 30-45 minutes with a beautiful view of the Himalayas.
- In peak trekking seasons, operations from Manthali Airport in Ramechhap may replace those to Lukla, which lies a six-hour drive from Kathmandu, due to congestion at Kathmandu Airport.
- You could also reach Lukla by helicopter (costlier but direct).
- But all of these points can be jerry-rigged to save flight costs. For example, if you’d rather hike to Lukla, you can start walking from Jiri, Shivalaya, Salleri, or Phaplu, but this will cost you several extra days.
3. Trekking Route Summary
- The classic Three Passes Trek route from Lukla goes through Phakding and Namche Bazaar and then off the standard Everest Base Camp route onto the three high passes.
- The trek forms a loop (a lollipop shape) so that you can see the highlights of Khumbu, including Gokyo Lakes and Everest Base Camp, Kala Patthar, and Sherpa villages.
- It is dependent on how fast you are and how much acclimatization you would need. This trek usually takes about 17-21 days.
18-day short itinerary to the Everest Three Passes trek
Day 1: Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla (2,860m), Trek to Phakding (2,610m)
- The flight is only 30 minutes to Lukla. Trekking for 3–4 hours (8 km, flat/downhill) to stay in a teahouse.
Day 2: Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440m)
- Trek 5-6 hours (10 km, uphill). Cross suspension bridges and clear to enter into Sagarmatha National Park through Monjo. Stay in a teahouse.
Day 3: Acclimatization Day in Namche Bazaar
- The day of rest. An optional hike up to Everest View Hotel (3,880m, 2-3 hours) can take in the views of Mount Everest, Mount Lhotse, and Mount Ama Dablam.
Day 4: Namche to Tengboche (3,870m)
- After 5-6 hours of trekking (9 km, up/down), visit the Tengboche Monastery. Stay in a teahouse.
Day 5: Tengboche to Dingboche (4,410m)
- 5–6 hours trek (11 km, gradual ascent). Ama Dablam has the most breathtaking scenery. Stay in a teahouse.
Day 6: Acclimatization Day in Dingboche
- Rest day. Optional trek to Nangkartshang Peak (5,083m, 3-4 hours) for acclimatization and views.
Day 7: Dingboche to Chhukung (4,730m)
- 3-4 hour trek (5 km, easy ascent) getting ready for the Kongma La. Stay in a teahouse for the night.
Day 8: Chhukung to Lobuche via Kongma La Pass (5,535m).
- 8-10 hours of trekking (10 km, very hard). Cross Kem-Khongma La before finally descending towards Lobuche. Staying in the teahouse.
Day 9: From Lobuche to Gorak Shep (5,160m), on to Everest Base Camp (5,364m).
- Trek 5-6 hours (7 km to Gorak Shep, 3 km to EBC). Get to EBC and back to Gorak Shep. Stay in the teahouse.
Day 10: From Gorak Shep to Kala Patthar at an altitude of 5,545m, and trek thereafter to Dzongla (4,830m)
- Morning hike to Kala Patthar (2-3 hours) for Everest views and then trek for 5-6 hours to Dzongla (9 km). Stay in the teahouse.
Day 11: Dzongla to Gokyo (4,790m) via Cho La Pass (5,420m)
- Some trekking from 7 to 9 hours (10 km, challenging)—from Cho La, descend to Thagnak before continuing to Gokyo. Stay in the teahouse.
Day 12: Rest/Exploration Day in Gokyo
- Either rest up or go walking to Gokyo Ri (5,357m, 3-4 hours) for some good views of Cho Oyu and the Gokyo Lakes. Also, it’s possible to visit lakes. Stay in a teahouse.
Day 13: From Gokyo to Lungden (4,380m) via Renjo La Pass (5,360m)
- 7-8 hour trek (11 km, strenuous): Cross Renjo La and descend to Lungden. Stay in a teahouse.
Day 14: Lungden to Thame (3,844m)
- Hiking 4-5 hours (8 km downhill). Visit Thame Monastery. Teahouse stay.
Day 15: Thame to Namche Bazaar (3,440m)
- Trekking for 4-5 hours (9 km downhill mostly). Teahouse stay.
Day 16: Namche Bazaar to Lukla (2,860m)
- 6-7 hours trek (13 km down-up). Final teahouse stay.
Day 17: Fly Lukla-Kathmandu
- 30 minutes to fly to Kathmandu (or Manthali, which then would require driving 4-5 hours). Sleep in Kathmandu.
Day 18: Buffer Day in Kathmandu
- Spare day for flight delays, relaxation, or enjoying Thamel.
What permits do I need to trek the Everest Three Passes?
Trekking the Everest Three Passes is a strenuous task. For that, you need to obtain these passes from the Government of Nepal:
| Permit | Where to Get? | Cost (approx.) | Required for all trekkers? |
| Sagarmatha National Park Permit | Kathmandu/Monjo | NPR 3,000 | Yes |
| Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit | Lukla/Monjo | NPR 2,000 | Yes |
| TIMS Card | Kathmandu | US $17 | Sometimes |
| Gaurishankar Conservation Area Permit | Kathmandu | NPR 3,000 | Only via Jiri/Salleri |
Preparation and Packing
- Physical fitness: Prepare for 5-7 hours per day of high-altitude hiking involving aerobics (running, cycling), strength training (squats, lunges), and hiking with a loaded backpack.
- Mental readiness: Prepare for challenges such as different terrains and altitudes with variable weather. This means being resilient and patient.
- Clothing: layers (base layer, fleece, down jackets, waterproof shells); trekking boots; gloves; hat; sunglasses.
- Equipment: sleeping bag (–10°C rating), trekking poles, headlamp, water purification (i.e., SteriPen or tablets), and first aid kit.
- Packing tip: Weight should be kept to less than 10kg; porters are able to carry an extra 15kg if hired.
- Travel insurance: Required, including health, emergency helicopter evacuation to 5,500m, and cancellation of trip. Global Rescue is recommended for additional high-altitude coverage.
- Acclimatization: Follow itineraries with gradual ascents and rest days (i.e., Namche and Dingboche). Drink water, eat carbohydrates, and be alert for signs that include headache and nausea. We recommend descent if the symptoms are severe.
Conclusion
The Everest Three Passes Trek isn’t just another trek—it’s a full-blown Himalayan expedition that demands grit, rewards with surreal beauty, and leaves you with stories for a lifetime. From the adrenaline of crossing icy passes to the calm of Sherpa villages and glacial lakes, this is the trek where adventure meets soul.
Thinking of making this epic journey a reality? Let Asian Expedition guide your way. With years of experience, local expertise, and carefully crafted itineraries, we’ll help you conquer the passes safely and memorably.
Contact us today to plan your Everest Three Passes Trek — and let’s start turning your high-altitude dreams into unforgettable experiences.
FAQs
1. What exactly is the Everest Three Passes trek?
Ans: The Everest Three Passes Trek is a high-altitude trek taking place in the Khumbu region of Nepal. It crosses three passes: the Kongma La (5,535m), Cho La (5,420m), and Renjo La (5,360m), while following the routes to Everest Base Camp (5,364m) and Kala Patthar (5,545m), Gokyo Lakes, and Sherpa villages. It is known for epic scenery, cultural immersion, and physical challenge.
2. What accommodation and food can I expect?
Ans: You can expect the following services:
- Teahouses: Basic lodging ($5–10/night) consists of twin beds, blankets, and shared toilets. High-altitude locations may not have hot showers ($3–5).
- Food: Dal Bhat, pasta, fried rice, and momos ($5–10/meal). Bring in snacks to save money.
- Water: Purify tap water with tablets/SteriPen to avoid buying bottled water (NPR 100–350/liter).