Why the Three Passes Trek?

The Three Passes Trek is the definitive Khumbu trekking experience - a 18 - 21 day circuit of the upper Khumbu that crosses three high mountain passes (Renjo La, 5,360 m; Cho La, 5,420 m; Kongma La, 5,535 m), traverses the Gokyo Lakes and the Ngozumpa Glacier, climbs Gokyo Ri and Kala Patthar, and visits Everest Base Camp. It is not a single trail but a synthesis of the two great Khumbu trekking routes (EBC and Gokyo) connected by high passes. Fit and experienced trekkers who complete it describe it consistently as the finest mountain walking experience they have done anywhere in the world.

The trek demands more than either the EBC route or the Gokyo route individually - multiple days above 5,000 m, three glaciated high passes in succession, and significant total altitude gain and loss over 20 days. It is appropriate for experienced trekkers with prior high-altitude experience (above 4,500 m) and strong fitness. For first-time Khumbu trekkers without prior altitude experience, either EBC or Gokyo is a better starting point.

The Three Passes

Renjo La (5,360 m)

The first pass (crossed in the clockwise circuit from the Gokyo side) connects the upper Bhote Koshi valley (Thame area) with the Gokyo valley. The ascent from Lungden (4,380 m) involves 3 - 4 hours of mixed moraine and rocky trail with views of Cho Oyu (8,188 m) to the north. The pass summit delivers what many consider the finest single view in the Khumbu - the Gokyo Lakes spread below, the Ngozumpa Glacier extending south, and the Everest - Lhotse - Nuptse wall behind. The descent to Gokyo is steep on loose moraine. Grade: moderate-difficult.

Cho La (5,420 m)

The second pass connects the Gokyo valley with the Khumbu Glacier (Lobuche) side. The approach from Dragnag involves a short glacier crossing and a steep rocky ascent to the pass. The descent from Cho La is the most technically challenging section of the three passes - a steep rocky slope that is icy in cold conditions, requiring careful movement and preferably crampons if ice-covered. The glacier approach on the Gokyo side is straightforward but requires awareness of crevasses. Grade: difficult.

Kongma La (5,535 m)

The third and highest pass connects the Chhukung valley (Imja Khola) with Lobuche on the main EBC route. The ascent from Chhukung (4,730 m) is a long steady climb through moraine to the pass. The views from Kongma La are exceptional - Makalu (8,485 m), Baruntse (7,129 m), Ama Dablam (6,812 m), and the full Chhukung Valley opening below. The descent to Lobuche is steep and requires pole support. Grade: moderate-difficult.

Day-by-Day Itinerary (Standard Clockwise)

Note: The itinerary above is a minimum for fit, well-acclimatised trekkers. Most parties benefit from adding 1 - 2 extra acclimatisation or rest days, bringing the total to 19 - 21 days from Kathmandu.

Difficulty and Fitness

The Three Passes Trek is classified as strenuous. The specific demands that distinguish it from the standard EBC route:

• Three consecutive high passes requiring sustained physical effort and altitude management
• The Cho La glacier section requires crampon use in icy conditions - basic glacier awareness is essential
• Multiple days above 5,000 m, with the Kongma La crossing on Day 13 coming at the end of the most altitude-intensive week
• Total distance: approximately 160 - 180 km over 16 - 18 days of trekking

Prior high-altitude trekking experience (above 4,500 m) is strongly recommended. The Renjo La and Kongma La can be completed without technical equipment by fit trekkers. The Cho La requires crampons in any icy conditions - carry a pair and be prepared to use them.

Permits and Costs

• Sagarmatha National Park permit: NPR 3,000 per person
• TIMS card: USD 10 (agency) or USD 20 (independent)
• Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality entry fee: NPR 2,000 (recently introduced; payable at checkpoints)
• Lukla flights (return): USD 320 - 400 per person
• Guide (recommended): USD 35 - 50/day; essential for the Cho La glacier section and high pass navigation
• Daily on-trail costs: NPR 3,000 - 5,000/day above Namche
• Total estimated cost (17 days): USD 2,500 - 4,000 per person including guide and logistics

Best Season

• October - November: The primary season. Post-monsoon clarity; stable weather; best conditions for all three passes. Early October is ideal. Late November increases the risk of ice and snow on the passes.
• Late March - May: Spring season. Warming temperatures; less ice on passes than in October; rhododendron bloom on lower sections. The Cho La has more manageable ice in April than in November.
• Winter (December - February): All three passes are potentially snow-covered; experienced mountaineering approach required. For well-equipped trekkers with winter experience only.

Combining with Island Peak

The Three Passes Trek combines naturally with an Island Peak (6,189 m) ascent - the Chhukung valley (Day 12 - 13 of the circuit) is the approach to Island Peak Base Camp. Adding Island Peak to the Three Passes circuit creates a 22 - 25 day itinerary that encompasses the finest trekking and accessible summit climbing in the Khumbu in a single expedition.

Essential Three Passes Tips

• Carry crampons: Lightweight trail crampons (Microspikes) are sufficient for the Renjo La and Kongma La in normal autumn conditions. The Cho La requires full technical crampons in any icy year - carry them from Lukla.
• The Cho La: cross early: Depart Dragnag by 05:00 for the Cho La crossing. The pass receives afternoon weather and the Lobuche side gets icy by afternoon on cold days. Early crossing is the rule.
• Don't rush Day 13: The Chhukung - Kongma La - Lobuche crossing on Day 13 comes after two previous high passes. Listen to your body. If you are significantly fatigued, rest a day at Chhukung before the crossing.
• The 5th Gokyo Lake (Ngozumpa Tsho): The 2-hour side trip to the 4th and 5th Gokyo Lakes on Day 8 is worth taking - the upper lakes are wilder, less visited, and provide views north toward the Tibetan plateau that the main Gokyo Lake area cannot match.
• Cash at Namche: Withdraw sufficient cash at Namche on Day 2 for the entire circuit. No ATMs exist on the route between Namche and the return to Namche on Day 15.