The Everest Three Passes Trek is a 18-day trip in Kathmandu (via Lukla flight), rated very challenging (three technical high passes) difficulty, reaching a maximum elevation of Kala Patthar - 5,644m (18,517 ft). The best time to do this trip is Autumn (Sep - Nov) & Spring (Apr - May). The package includes group sizes of 1–10 people, teahouses on trail / 3-star hotel kathmandu accommodation, breakfast, lunch and dinner included daily on trail.
| Country | Kathmandu (via Lukla flight) |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Very Challenging (three technical high passes) |
| Max Elevation | Kala Patthar - 5,644m (18,517 ft) |
| Duration | 18 |
| Best Time | Autumn (Sep - Nov) & Spring (Apr - May) |
| Meals | Breakfast, lunch and dinner included daily on trail |
| Accommodation | Teahouses on trail / 3-star hotel Kathmandu |
| Group Size | 1–10 people |
How long is the Everest Three Passes trek?
The Everest Three Passes Trek is the ultimate high-altitude circuit in Nepal's Khumbu region - and one of the world's premier mountain trekking routes. In 18 days, you cross all three of the Khumbu's high passes: Renjo La (5,360m), Cho La (5,420m), and Kongma La (5,535m), looping through the Gokyo Lakes, the Everest Base Camp, and the high settlements above the Chhukung Valley. Each pass involves a technically demanding day of glacier travel, snow fields, and steep rocky terrain - and each rewards with a panorama that stops experienced mountain travellers in their tracks.
This trek combines every highlight of the Khumbu into a single circuit: the turquoise Gokyo Lakes and the sunrise panorama from Gokyo Ri (5,357m); the approach across the Khumbu Glacier to Everest Base Camp (5,364m); the pre-dawn climb to Kala Patthar (5,644m) for Everest's sunrise silhouette; the glacial cwm view from the Chhukung Ri (5,550m) ridge; and the extraordinary sense of traversing high mountain wilderness above most of Nepal's trekking population for days at a time.
The three passes form a natural circuit around the Ngozumpa Glacier and the Imja Glacier systems, with the route designed to cross each pass in the safest direction given typical snow and ice conditions: Renjo La west to east (Lungden to Gokyo), Cho La east to west (Dzongla to Dragnag), and Kongma La west to east (Lobuche to Chhukung). Flexibility in pass timing for weather is built into the 18-day itinerary.
At View Himalaya, the Three Passes Trek is led exclusively by guides with multiple crossings of all three passes. Technical equipment (trekking crampons, microspikes) is carried for all three crossings as conditions demand.
| Group Size | Price Per Person |
|---|---|
| Solo (1 person) | USD 1,499 |
| Small Group (2 - 4 people) | USD 1,399 |
| Group (5 - 10 people) | USD 1,299 |
| 10+ people | Contact us for group rates |
All prices include Kathmandu - Lukla - Kathmandu domestic flights, all permits, licensed Khumbu guide with three-pass experience, porter, all teahouse accommodation, all meals on trail, microspike/crampon kit for pass crossings, sleeping bag, first-aid kit with emergency oxygen, and full on-ground support. 20% deposit confirms booking.
The Three Passes Trek is for experienced trekkers who want to see all of the Khumbu, not just the corridor between Namche and EBC. The route creates a full circuit: starting from Namche, heading west into the Gokyo Valley (over Renjo La), then south through the Ngozumpa Glacier moraine to Dragnag and over Cho La east to Dzongla, then via Lobuche to EBC and Kala Patthar, and finally over Kongma La to Chhukung before returning to Namche.
Each of the three passes is technically distinct. Renjo La is the most scenic - approached from Lungden through a high lake basin with views of Cho Oyu reflected in the water below. Cho La is the most technically demanding - a glacier crossing with crevasse navigation, loose rock sections on the descent, and the most variable snow conditions of the three. Kongma La is the highest at 5,535m - a rocky, steep descent into the Chhukung Valley with spectacular close-up views of Nuptse and Lhotse's south faces.
The pass days require 8 - 10 hours of sustained effort at extreme altitude. On each, an early departure (4:00 - 5:00 AM) is standard to beat afternoon winds and clouds. Your guide makes a go/no-go decision each morning based on overnight conditions, fresh snowfall reports, and group assessment. Safety is the priority - a well-timed alternative day is always preferable to a dangerous crossing.
The Three Passes Trek is rated Very Challenging - the most demanding standard trekking route in Nepal's Khumbu region. Prior high-altitude trekking experience above 5,000m is strongly recommended. The Cho La crossing involves glacier travel requiring crampon use and basic rope knowledge. Trekkers who have successfully completed EBC or Gokyo Lakes without altitude issues, who are in excellent physical condition, and who are comfortable on exposed, icy terrain are appropriate candidates.
| Day | Route | Max Altitude | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lukla → Phakding | 2,610m | 3 - 4 hrs |
| 2 | Phakding → Namche | 3,440m | 5 - 6 hrs |
| 3 | Namche Acclimatisation | 3,880m (day hike) | Rest day |
| 4 | Namche → Thame | 3,800m | 4 - 5 hrs |
| 5 | Thame → Lungden | 4,380m | 4 - 5 hrs |
| 6 | Renjo La → Gokyo | 5,360m | 7 - 8 hrs |
| 7 | Gokyo Ri Day Hike | 5,357m | 4 - 5 hrs |
| 8 | Gokyo → Dragnag | 4,700m | 3 - 4 hrs |
| 9 | Cho La → Dzongla | 5,420m | 8 - 10 hrs |
| 10 | Dzongla → Lobuche | 4,940m | 3 - 4 hrs |
| 11 | Lobuche → EBC (5,364m) | 5,364m | 6 - 7 hrs |
| 12 | Kala Patthar (5,644m) → Chhukung | 5,644m | 8 - 9 hrs |
| 13 | Chhukung Ri Day Hike | 5,550m | 5 - 6 hrs |
| 14 | Kongma La (5,535m) → Lobuche | 5,535m | 8 - 9 hrs |
| 15 | Lobuche → Tengboche | 3,867m | 6 - 7 hrs |
| 16 | Tengboche → Namche | 3,440m | 4 - 5 hrs |
| 17 | Namche → Lukla → Kathmandu | 2,840m | 6 - 7 hrs + flight |
| 18 | Kathmandu buffer/departure | 1,350m | - |
| Add-On | Details | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Island Peak Climbing Extension | Add Island Peak summit (6,189m) from Chhukung - adds 2 days | USD 450 per person |
| KTM - Lukla Helicopter | One-way heli to avoid fixed-wing weather delays | USD 400 per person |
| Gorak Shep - Kathmandu Emergency Heli | Direct heli from EBC area to Kathmandu (schedule or emergency) | USD 940 per person |
| Extra Porter | Dedicated personal porter for the full circuit | USD 220 for full trek |
| Extra Night Kathmandu | 3-star hotel, breakfast, airport transfer | USD 40 per night |
The Three Passes Trek is rated Very Challenging - the most demanding multi-day trekking route in the Khumbu without technical peak climbing. Three separate 8 - 10 hour pass days at altitudes between 5,360m and 5,535m, multiple nights above 5,000m, and Cho La glacier travel require exceptional fitness and high-altitude experience. Train specifically for this trek: 4 - 6 months of regular loaded uphill hiking, maintaining cardiovascular fitness at altitude. Previous successful EBC or Gokyo Lakes completion is the minimum recommended experience baseline.
October is ideal - stable weather, consolidated snow on passes, excellent visibility. Cho La typically has safe glacier conditions. November is colder but also reliable. Avoid late November when early winter storms can close passes.
April and May are reliable. March has heavier snow on the passes and is not recommended for the Cho La glacier section. May coincides with Everest expedition season - the Khumbu is at maximum occupancy. April is the preferred spring window.
All three passes are extremely dangerous in winter. Deep snow, high avalanche risk on the Cho La, and extreme temperatures ( - 30°C at Kongma La) make this a serious mountaineering objective in winter, not a trekking route.
Unstable snow and ice on passes, cloud obscuring navigation, and Lukla flight disruptions make the Three Passes Trek impractical in monsoon.
The Three Passes route uses the same teahouse network as the EBC trail from Namche to Lobuche, with basic but comfortable lodges in all main villages. The Gokyo Valley (Dole, Machhermo, Gokyo) and Chhukung have smaller, less developed teahouses. Dragnag - the Cho La pre-crossing village - is minimal (1 - 2 basic lodges). Dal bhat throughout; Namche, Gokyo, and Dingboche have better food variety. Sleeping bag essential for all nights above 4,000m.
Private departures in autumn (October - November) and spring (April - May). Book at least 4 weeks in advance. 20% deposit confirms booking. Balance on arrival in Kathmandu.
The Three Passes Trek involves more time above 5,000m than any other standard Nepal trek. Two mandatory acclimatisation days (Namche and Dingboche) plus multiple gradual ascent stages are built into the itinerary. Your guide assesses with pulse oximeter daily from Day 3 onwards. Emergency oxygen, Diamox, and direct contacts with Himalayan Rescue Association Pheriche post and CIWEC Hospital Kathmandu are maintained throughout. The Cho La glacier crossing has the highest objective hazard of any standard Nepal trek - your guide's go/no-go decision is final and non-negotiable.
Mandatory. Must cover trekking to 5,700m, helicopter evacuation from Khumbu terrain (USD 2,500 - 5,000), medical expenses, and trip cancellation including pass closure due to weather. Verify mountaineering/technical trekking coverage if your policy distinguishes. We verify insurance before confirming booking.
NTB-licensed guide with specific Three Passes experience - minimum three complete circuits of all three passes. Microspike and crampon kit carried for all crossings. Wilderness First Aid certified. Pulse oximeter, emergency oxygen, Diamox in first-aid kit. 24/7 View Himalaya emergency support. Pass crossing decisions are made by the guide based on current conditions - no trekker pressure will override a safety-based decision.
| Trek | Duration | Max Altitude | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Everest Base Camp Trek | 14 Days | 5,644m | Classic EBC - includes Kala Patthar and Khumbu Glacier |
| Gokyo Lakes Trek | 12 Days | 5,357m | Gokyo Ri, Cho Oyu views, Ngozumpa Glacier - quieter EBC alternative |
| Island Peak Climbing | 18 Days | 6,189m | Technical summit, EBC approach, certified climbing guide |
| Manaslu Circuit Trek | 14 Days | 5,160m | Restricted area, Larkya La, Tibetan culture - wildest Nepal circuit |
Three Passes trek in one sentence: An 18-day teahouse trek crossing Kongma La, Cho La, and Renjo La while visiting both Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lakes - the most complete Khumbu circuit.
Three Passes trek altitude: Kala Patthar at 5,644 metres (18,517 feet) is the highest point; the three passes range from 5,360m to 5,535m.
Three Passes trek difficulty: Very Challenging - one of the hardest standard teahouse treks in Nepal, best suited to experienced high-altitude trekkers.
Best time for the Three Passes trek: Autumn (September - November) and Spring (April - May), when stable weather is critical for safe pass crossings.
Three Passes trek cost: View Himalaya packages start from USD 1,299 per person, including Lukla flights, teahouse accommodation, meals, guide, and porter.
Three Passes vs standard EBC: Adds the Gokyo valley and three high-pass crossings to the standard Everest Base Camp route for a more complete Khumbu experience.
One of the best trips we've ever taken. The support crew were fantastic throughout, always checking in on us. A particular highlight for us was tengboche Monastery - the spiritual heart of the Khumbu. We'd book with View Himalaya again without hesitation.
A trip we will be talking about for years. Having such an experienced guide made a huge difference, especially at altitude. A particular highlight for us was true high-route trekking above the tourist mainstream for multiple consecutive days. If you're considering this trip, just book it - you won't regret it.
An unforgettable experience from start to finish. Having such an experienced guide made a huge difference, especially at altitude. A particular highlight for us was cross all three Khumbu high passes: Renjo La (5,360m), Cho La (5,420m), Kongma La (5,535m). Highly recommend View Himalaya to anyone considering this trip.
