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Any Question? Email Us
info@nepalhimalayastrekking.comTalk To An Expert ( Prakash Lamsal )
The Everest Three Passes Trek takes a long circuit through the Khumbu, linking Kongma La, Cho La and Renjo La with Everest Base Camp, Kala Patthar, Gokyo Lakes and Gokyo Ri. Rather than following the same trail back after reaching Everest Base Camp, this itinerary moves through several different valleys, including Chhukung, the upper Khumbu, Dzongla, Gokyo and the quieter Bhote Koshi valley around Thame.
The three high passes are commonly given as Kongma La at about 5,535 metres, Cho La at about 5,420 metres and Renjo La at about 5,360 metres. Small differences appear between maps and trekking references, so the elevations should be understood as approximate figures rather than measurements taken from a single survey. Your 22-day itinerary also reaches Everest Base Camp at about 5,364 metres, Kala Patthar at about 5,545 metres and Gokyo Ri at an elevation generally reported in the mid-5,000-metre range.
A trekker who chooses this circuit spends considerably more time in the high country than someone following the standard Everest Base Camp route. The lower trail passes through forests and Sherpa villages, while the upper sections lead across rocky moraine, glacial valleys, snow-covered slopes and high mountain passes. The journey also brings together several well-known Everest-region routes, including sections associated with the Everest Base Camp Trek, Gokyo Valley Trek, Gokyo Cho La route and Everest Panorama area.
For a shorter journey following the classic approach to Everest Base Camp, you can compare this itinerary with our Everest Base Camp Trek.
The Three Passes Trek suits trekkers who enjoy long mountain days and have prepared themselves for elevations above 5,000 metres. Previous Himalayan trekking experience is useful, although the passes do not normally require the technical climbing skills used on a Himalayan expedition peak.
| Trek InformationDetails | |
|---|---|
| Trek Duration | 22 Days |
| Region | Everest / Khumbu |
| Starting Point | Lukla |
| Ending Point | Lukla |
| Kongma La | Around 5,535 m |
| Cho La | Around 5,420 m |
| Renjo La | Around 5,360 m |
| Everest Base Camp | Around 5,364 m |
| Kala Patthar | Around 5,545 m |
| Gokyo Ri | Elevation varies slightly between published sources |
| Difficulty | Challenging |
| Accommodation | Tea houses and mountain lodges |
| Best Seasons | Spring and autumn |
| Main Attractions | Kongma La, Cho La, Renjo La, EBC, Kala Patthar, Gokyo Lakes, Gokyo Ri, Sherpa villages and monasteries |
| Guide | Required under current NTB trekking provisions |
| TIMS | Required under current NTB provisions for the Three Passes route |
The Nepal Tourism Board currently includes Three Passes Trek among the Everest-region routes where trekkers must be accompanied by a licensed trekking guide and carry an agency-issued TIMS Card.
The appeal of the Three Passes Trek lies in the variety packed into one circuit. The trail begins around Lukla and Namche, where pine and rhododendron forests still cover the slopes, then climbs through Tengboche, Pangboche and Dingboche before entering the much barer country around Chhukung and Lobuche.
The views also change as the route moves from valley to valley. Ama Dablam appears repeatedly from different angles, while Everest, Lhotse and Nuptse dominate the upper Khumbu. From the Gokyo side, the panorama opens towards Cho Oyu and Makalu, and the viewpoints around Gokyo provide a completely different perspective from Kala Patthar.
The circuit also reaches settlements that a standard EBC itinerary does not normally include. Dzongla, Thagnak, Gokyo, Lungden and Thame have a quieter mountain atmosphere than Namche and the main Everest trail. Thame in particular gives the journey a connection with the older Sherpa trading routes leading towards Tibet.
For trekkers deciding between the classic EBC route and a longer circuit, our Everest Base Camp Trek Itinerary provides a useful comparison.
This 22-day itinerary follows the circuit Lukla → Namche → Tengboche → Dingboche → Chhukung → Kongma La → Lobuche → Everest Base Camp → Kala Patthar → Dzongla → Cho La → Thagnak → Gokyo → Renjo La → Lungden → Thame → Namche → Lukla.
The direction matters because the first major pass in this itinerary is Kongma La, approached from Chhukung. Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar follow the Kongma La section, after which the trail turns towards Dzongla and crosses Cho La into the Gokyo Valley. Renjo La comes later, taking the group towards Lungden and Thame before the return to Namche.
The landscape gives you clear signs of the increasing altitude. Forest disappears around the upper villages, cultivated fields become smaller, and by Chhukung and Lobuche the slopes are mostly rock, moraine and sparse alpine vegetation. Beyond the tree line, the weather can also change the appearance of the trail. A broad rocky path in dry conditions may look quite different after fresh snow.
The high-pass section needs room for changes in overnight stops because snow, weather and the condition of the passes can alter the amount of walking possible on a particular day.
Kongma La, around 5,535 metres, is the highest pass in this itinerary. The approach from Chhukung takes the trail into a broad, barren landscape where the familiar signs of the lower Khumbu disappear.
The pass is particularly interesting because the approach does not have the continuous settlement pattern found lower down. Once you leave Chhukung, there are long stretches where the surrounding mountains and rocky ground dominate the view.
Snow can cover the trail and obscure rocks or route markers. Your guide's knowledge of the approach becomes valuable when the usual path is hidden.
Cho La, around 5,420 metres, connects the Dzongla and Thagnak sides of the circuit.
The glacier section gives Cho La its distinctive character. Snow and ice conditions change during the season, so footwear such as microspikes may be useful when the surface is frozen or icy, but the need for them should be assessed from the actual trail conditions.
The pass also provides close views towards Cholatse and the surrounding ridges. The descent towards Thagnak is longer than it may appear from the pass, particularly after the climb from Dzongla.
Renjo La, around 5,360 metres, completes the three-pass section of this itinerary.
The climb from Gokyo provides increasingly broad views over the valley. From the pass, the landscape opens towards the surrounding high peaks and the route descending towards Lungden.
The descent also changes the character of the journey. The turquoise Gokyo lakes disappear behind you, while the Bhote Koshi valley and the historic settlement of Thame lie ahead.
The Everest Base Camp section forms part of the middle of this circuit.
Everest Base Camp sits at approximately 5,364 metres beside the Khumbu Glacier. During the spring expedition season, tents and climbing equipment occupy parts of the area. At other times, the moraine around Base Camp can appear remarkably quiet.
Kala Patthar provides a different experience. The viewpoint rises higher than Base Camp and looks towards Everest over Nuptse. The early climb also gives trekkers a chance to see the first sunlight reaching the surrounding peaks.
For a shorter EBC journey, see our Everest Base Camp Trek 12 Days.
Gokyo is one of the major reasons trekkers choose the Three Passes circuit.
The lakes sit in a high glacial valley beside the Ngozumpa Glacier. Their colour can change noticeably according to sunlight, cloud and the angle from which you see them.
The climb to Gokyo Ri adds a high viewpoint above the lakes. From the ridge, the view extends towards several major Himalayan peaks and down over the glacier system.
For trekkers interested specifically in the Gokyo side of the Khumbu, see our Gokyo Lake Trek.
The itinerary places acclimatization days at Namche Bazaar and Dingboche before the highest sections.
At altitude, the body receives less oxygen with each breath than it does at low elevation. The result can be changes in sleep, appetite, breathing and recovery. The purpose of the acclimatization days is to give the body time to adjust before the itinerary reaches the 5,000-metre passes.
The days are not necessarily spent inside the lodge. Short walks to higher elevations, followed by a return to the same sleeping altitude, allow trekkers to spend time higher without adding another overnight elevation gain.
Your guide can use these days to assess how the group is responding. A trekker who feels strong at Namche may need a slower pace at Dingboche.
The Three Passes Trek is challenging, primarily because of altitude, repeated climbing and the length of the high-altitude section.
You will cross three passes above 5,300 metres, spend nights above 4,000 metres and walk through terrain that can include snow, ice, moraine and loose rock.
The experience is not the same every day. The lower trail around Namche and Tengboche is relatively well established and busy. Chhukung, Kongma La, Dzongla and Cho La feel much more remote. Gokyo and Renjo La bring another change before the trail descends through Thame.
Altitude sickness deserves attention because the itinerary spends several days above 4,000 metres and reaches elevations above 5,000 metres.
Headache, reduced appetite, nausea, tiredness and disturbed sleep can occur while the body adjusts. Worsening symptoms should be reported to the guide rather than hidden because the safest response may involve stopping the ascent or descending.
Frostbite is caused by prolonged exposure to very cold conditions and can affect fingers, toes, ears, nose and cheeks. Cold wind, wet socks and inadequate gloves increase the risk.
Warm gloves, dry socks and suitable layers matter much more once the route reaches the high passes. If a finger or toe remains numb, pale or painful, tell your guide immediately.
The Nepal Tourism Board currently includes Three Passes Trek among the Everest routes requiring a licensed guide and agency-issued TIMS Card.
The most popular periods are spring and autumn, when the lower trails are generally dry and the high passes have better chances of suitable trekking conditions.
Spring brings warmer temperatures to the lower valleys and rhododendron flowers around the forest sections. The Everest climbing season also begins, so Base Camp becomes much busier during the expedition months.
Snow can remain on the high passes early in the season. This can make Kongma La and Cho La particularly different from the dry-season photographs commonly seen online.
Autumn is one of the most popular periods for the Three Passes circuit. The monsoon has cleared much of the dust from the atmosphere, and mountain visibility can be excellent.
October and November are busy months, so accommodation should be arranged in advance.
Winter brings much colder nights and a higher chance of snow affecting the passes. Some lodges may close, particularly in the highest settlements.
The trek can be attempted by experienced trekkers when conditions are suitable, but equipment and flexibility become even more important.
The lower valleys receive considerable rainfall, and Lukla flights can be affected by weather.
The upper Khumbu receives less monsoon rain than many parts of Nepal, but clouds, wet lower trails and flight disruption still make this a less attractive period for most trekkers.
Lukla flights are sometimes operated from Manthali Airport in Ramechhap, particularly during busy trekking periods when Kathmandu airport traffic needs to be managed.
This changes the first trekking day considerably. Instead of waking up in Kathmandu and going directly to the airport, trekkers may spend several hours travelling by road during the night before boarding the Lukla flight.
A private jeep journey commonly takes around 3–4 hours or longer depending on traffic and road conditions. If the flight is scheduled early, a pickup around 1–3 AM can be required.
The exact timing should always be confirmed before departure because flight schedules and operating arrangements can change.
The Three Passes Trek enters Sagarmatha National Park and passes through the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality area.
The current Nepal Tourism Board information lists the foreign visitor entry fee for Sagarmatha National Park at NPR 3,000 per person per entry.
The official Sagarmatha National Park information also lists the foreigner fee at NPR 3,000.
The local Khumbu entry fee is issued by Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality. Nepal Tourism Board's current trekking permit information lists USD 20 per person per week for the first four weeks and USD 25 per week beyond four weeks for the applicable Khumbu area.
This is often called the Khumbu Region Permit in trekking discussions. It should not be presented as a completely separate third Khumbu permit.
The current Nepal Tourism Board TIMS information specifically lists Three Passes Trek among the routes requiring a licensed trekking guide and an agency-issued TIMS Card.
For the latest official information, see the Nepal Tourism Board trekking permit information.
The exact walking distance changes according to the trail used around the passes, side trips and overnight locations.
A useful estimate for the complete circuit is around 130–150 kilometres of walking, but the figure should not be treated as a fixed measurement for every itinerary.
Ten kilometres around Namche cannot be compared directly with ten kilometres above 5,000 metres. The high-pass days cover fewer kilometres because steep terrain, loose ground and altitude slow the walking pace.
Side trips such as Gokyo Ri and Nangkartshang Hill add to the distance.
A porter normally carries the main duffel while you walk with a smaller daypack containing water, warm layers, medication, documents and personal items.
This becomes particularly helpful during the high-pass days. Carrying a full trekking load while climbing Kongma La or Cho La would add unnecessary strain.
The guide handles route decisions, lodge communication, permit arrangements and communication with local people when the itinerary needs to be adjusted.
Travel insurance should specifically cover high-altitude trekking at the maximum elevation of your itinerary.
Check the policy's altitude limit, emergency medical treatment and helicopter evacuation provisions before travelling. A policy that covers ordinary travel does not automatically cover trekking above 5,000 metres.
The route suits trekkers who:
For someone whose main goal is seeing Everest Base Camp and who has limited trekking experience, the classic Everest Base Camp Trek may be a better introduction.
The price depends on the season, group size, guide and porter arrangements, accommodation, meals, flights and inclusions.
Your company's current Everest Three Passes Trek page lists the trip as a 22-day package, while the company's broader site currently lists the Three Passes trek among its Everest-region trekking packages.
For the latest package price and inclusions, use the dedicated Everest Three Passes Trek package page rather than relying on an old price reproduced in an article.
A Three Passes trek normally costs more than a standard EBC trek because it requires more trekking days, additional accommodation and food, and a longer period of guide and porter support.
Nepal Himalayas Trekking's Everest Three Passes Trek is currently published as a 22-day Khumbu trekking package covering the three high passes together with Everest Base Camp, Kala Patthar, Gokyo Lakes and Gokyo Ri.
The company's published itinerary places the trek within the same sequence of Khumbu locations discussed in this guide, including Namche, Dingboche, Chhukung, Lobuche, the Everest Base Camp area, Cho La, Gokyo and Renjo La.
For travellers comparing related Everest journeys, the company also publishes separate Everest-region trekking packages, allowing you to compare the Three Passes circuit with shorter EBC and Gokyo itineraries rather than choosing solely from a generic description.
It is a challenging high-altitude trek. Kongma La, Cho La and Renjo La all rise above 5,300 metres, while several days involve steep ascents, long descents, rocky terrain and possible snow or ice.
A complete circuit commonly takes around 18–22 days depending on the route, acclimatization arrangements, side trips and contingency days. This package uses a 22-day itinerary.
Kongma La is the highest of the three, while Cho La can be particularly demanding when snow and ice cover the glacier section. The experience varies according to weather, trail conditions and the trekker's condition on the day.
Cho La is a serious high-altitude crossing because of its elevation and glacier terrain. Suitable weather, proper preparation, appropriate equipment and an experienced guide make a major difference.
They can be useful when ice or hard snow covers sections of the trail. Their usefulness depends on the actual conditions, particularly around Cho La.
Yes. This itinerary includes Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar.
Yes. The route reaches Gokyo Lakes and Gokyo Ri before crossing Renjo La.
A person with no experience of multi-day mountain walking should consider a shorter Everest trek first. Someone without Himalayan experience but with strong preparation may complete the Three Passes route with an appropriate itinerary and experienced guide, but the route requires considerably more from the trekker than the classic EBC journey.
Yes. The current Nepal Tourism Board TIMS provision lists Three Passes Trek among the Everest routes requiring a licensed trekking guide and an agency-issued TIMS Card.
The departure airport varies according to current flight operations. During busy trekking periods, Lukla flights may operate from Manthali Airport in Ramechhap, requiring a road journey from Kathmandu.
Facilities become more basic as the elevation increases. Namche has more developed bathrooms, while upper settlements commonly have shared facilities and squat toilets.
Many lodges provide Wi-Fi, particularly in larger settlements. Higher up, connections may be slower, intermittent or more expensive.
Namche is the safest place to arrange cash before heading into the upper valleys. It is unwise to depend on an ATM being available or operational in the high country.
The guide assesses the conditions and may alter the day's plan, wait for a better opportunity or change the overnight arrangement. The printed itinerary cannot predict snowfall several weeks in advance.
The Three Passes Trek covers a large portion of the Khumbu in one continuous journey. The trail begins with forests, bridges and busy villages around Lukla and Namche, then climbs towards Dingboche and Chhukung where the landscape becomes increasingly bare.
Kongma La brings the first major crossing, followed by the Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar section. Cho La then leads into the Gokyo Valley, where the lakes and Ngozumpa Glacier create a very different setting. Renjo La completes the high-pass circuit before the trail descends through Lungden and the historic Sherpa settlement of Thame.
The trek asks for more preparation than the standard Everest Base Camp route, particularly because the three passes occur within a relatively short section of the journey. The reward is a much broader experience of the Khumbu, with several valleys, viewpoints, villages and mountain environments included in one circuit.
For travellers who want the classic EBC experience, the standard Everest Base Camp Trek remains the simpler choice. For trekkers who want Everest Base Camp, Gokyo, Kala Patthar and all three high passes, the 22-day Three Passes circuit brings those places together.
For current trekking regulations and permit information, consult the Nepal Tourism Board. NTB currently lists Three Passes Trek among the Everest routes requiring a licensed guide and agency-issued TIMS Card.
For protected-area information, entry requirements and Sagarmatha National Park services, consult Sagarmatha National Park. The park's current citizen charter lists the foreign visitor entry fee at NPR 3,000.
You arrive in Kathmandu and transfer to your hotel. After settling in, you can meet the trekking team and check the equipment needed for the high-altitude sections.
This is a useful day for checking small things that become annoying later. If you are using a rented sleeping bag or down jacket, try it before departure. Check your boots, gloves, headlamp and water bottles as well. Your guide can explain how the luggage will be divided between the porter-carried duffel and the daypack you will keep with you.
A long international journey can leave you tired, so there is no need to fill the evening with sightseeing. Getting a proper night's sleep is more useful before an early departure.
When Lukla flights are operated from Manthali Airport in Ramechhap, the day begins much earlier than the rest of the trek. The road journey from Kathmandu to Manthali commonly takes several hours, and passengers with an early flight may leave Kathmandu during the middle of the night.
For a peak-season departure, travellers should be prepared for a very early start, sometimes around 3 AM or earlier depending on the flight schedule and pickup time. The exact departure time comes from the airline and trekking agency rather than from a fixed itinerary rule.
After reaching Manthali, you check in for the Lukla flight. The aircraft then follows the mountain valleys towards Lukla, where the small airstrip sits on a steep hillside above the Dudh Koshi valley.
The walk begins after landing. The trail towards Phakding passes through small settlements, stone walls, prayer flags and fields beside the river. After the long night journey, this first walking section is deliberately short enough to let the group settle into the rhythm of the trek.
The trail follows the Dudh Koshi towards Monjo and the entrance to Sagarmatha National Park. Several suspension bridges cross the river, and the path gradually becomes busier as trekkers, porters and mule trains move towards Namche.
After the final major bridge, the trail begins the sustained climb towards Namche Bazaar. The change in effort is noticeable. The lower valley walking can feel easy, but the climb into Namche is where the combination of elevation and uphill walking first becomes obvious to many trekkers.
Namche is built into a large curved mountainside. Lodges, bakeries, gear shops, cafes and small stores line the narrow streets. Trekkers often use the afternoon to rest, buy forgotten items and prepare for the acclimatization day.
The acclimatization day allows the body to spend more time at altitude without moving the sleeping elevation too quickly.
A common outing climbs towards Syangboche and the Everest View Hotel, with the group able to continue towards Khumjung depending on the itinerary and how everyone is feeling. The walk gives you a higher daytime elevation before returning to Namche for the night.
You may notice small changes in your body here. Walking uphill can leave you breathing harder than expected, and some people sleep less deeply than they normally do. Your guide will usually ask about sleep, appetite, headache and general energy before the group moves higher.
Namche is also the last major trading centre before the upper valleys. It is a sensible place to check batteries, gloves, snacks, toiletries and other small supplies.
The trail leaves Namche along a broad hillside with views across the Dudh Koshi valley. Ama Dablam gradually becomes more prominent as the route approaches Tengboche.
The path drops towards the river and then climbs again through forest. The ascent after the river crossing can feel surprisingly long after the earlier descent.
Tengboche sits on a ridge surrounded by fir, pine, r