Everest Three Passes Trek

Everest Three Passes Trek with Himalaya Darshan Treks—Conquer Nepal’s Ultimate Adventure, the Three Passes Challenge!

The Everest Three Passes Trek is a challenging and exhilarating adventure. The trek goes through some of the most beautiful landscapes in the Everest region of Nepal. Experienced hikers and climbers seeking an extraordinary and intense Himalayan experience will find this trek appealing.

The Everest 3-Pass Trek is named after the three highest passes. It encompasses Kongma La Pass (5,535 meters), Chola Pass (5,420 meters), and Renjo La Pass (5,340 meters). These passes offer spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, including Mount Everest (8,848 meters), Mount Lhotse (8,516 meters), and Mount Nuptse (7,861 meters).

The trek usually starts and ends in Lukla, a small town in the Khumbu region of Nepal. From Lukla, trekkers begin on a journey that takes them through picturesque Sherpa villages, lush valleys, and ancient monasteries. Along the way, you’ll enjoy seeing breathtaking mountain vistas, including the famous Ama Dablam and Thamserku peaks.

Everest Three-Pass Trek Highlights:

Throughout the trek, you’ll have the opportunity to explore iconic landmarks. Trek to Everest Base Camp and the stunning turquoise Gokyo Lakes. These natural wonders offer breathtaking and serene views. You’ll also have the chance to visit old and historical monasteries. You can witness the local Sherpa people’s rich Buddhist culture and traditions.

One of the highlights of the Everest Three Passes Trek is the sense of accomplishment that comes with conquering each of the three high passes. Crossing these challenging mountain passes requires careful acclimatization, proper equipment, and a knowledgeable guide. The feeling of standing on top of each pass and taking in the breathtaking vistas is truly rewarding and memorable.

Here are the key features of the Everest Three Passes Trek:

• A high-apex, audacious journey of three 5,300+ meter passes.
• The trek includes the temperate Gokyo Lake and the attractive Gokyo Valley, which is located at an elevation of 4,790 meters.
• Your footsteps will lead you to the base camp of the world’s highest mountain.
• You will enjoy massive mountain views, including four of the world’s highest peaks.
• The dominant feature of Nepal’s Gokyo Peak and Kala Pathar is their expediency for trekkers.
• Vast Khumbu Glacier and Ngozumpa Glacier.
• Assorted old Buddhist gompas and monasteries, including Thame and Tengboche.
• Outstanding walk through lovely Sherpa villages and communities.
• Flora and fauna

Everest Three Pass Trek Route:

You can do the Everest Three Pass Trek clockwise or counterclockwise. Our 17-day itinerary for this trek is clockwise. But we will organize the three-pass trek to Nepal on both routes. You can make a decision or choose a suitable route. It depends on your choice or interest.

• The clockwise trek route starts from Lukla, Namche, Thame, and Lungden. Then the 1st pass is Renjo La Pass (5360 m), the 2nd pass is Cho La Pass (5420 m), and the 3rd and last pass is Kongma La Pass (5535 m).
• The anti-clockwise trek route starts from Lukla, Namche, Tengboche, Dingboche, and Chhukung. Then the 1st pass is Kongma La Pass, the 2nd pass is Cho La Pass, and the 3rd pass is Renjo La Pass. Thereafter, the trek ends at Lukla.

We recommend the Everest Three Pass Trek route anti-clockwise, but it depends on your interest and choice.

Everest Adventure’s Three Passes Are:

Kongma La Pass (5,535m),

The first and highest pass is Kongma La (5,535 m), which requires a long, steep ascent. But it makes for pleasant walking to enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding peaks, including Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and many other beautiful mountain peaks. You can enjoy seeing beautiful glacial lakes before the pass. After crossing Kongma La Pass, the trek continues its descent and crosses the Khumbu glacier with a wonderful mountain view toward the village of Lobuche. Then follow the well-known trekking trail to Everest Base Camp.

Cho La Pass (5,420 m),

The second-highest pass is Cho La (5420 m), which requires a steep ascent to the Cho La crossing through an icy trail to reach the top. The Cho La Pass offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers, as well as a sense of isolation and serenity that is rarely found on other trekking routes. Then trek down through the rocky trail; you can use a fixed rope to get to the bottom, then continue to Thangna with incredible scenery.

Renjo La Pass (5,340 m),

The third and last pass is Renjo La Pass (5360 m), which is often considered the most scenic of the three, as it offers breathtaking views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu (more than 8,000 m). Likewise, the wonderful view of Ngozumpa Glacier and Gokyo Lakes is below. The trek to Renjo La is equally challenging, but the views from the top make it all worth the effort. After crossing Renjo La, you’ll descend toward Lungden.

Everest Three Passes Trek: Difficulty Level

The 3 Passes Trek is known for its challenging terrain, high-altitude passes, and remote wilderness. Trekkers have to prepare for long and strenuous days of hiking, with steep ascents and descents. You need to have prior trekking experience and excellent physical fitness.

Major factors resulting in these trekking difficulties are

• Altitude
• Terrain
• Duration and Distance
• Weather Conditions

Trekkers need to undergo proper physical training and have experience in multi-day trekking. You should also engage in trekking with experienced guides or trekking agencies before embarking on your adventure trek.

Three Passes Trek’s best time

The best time to do the Everest 3 Passes Trek is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). This season’s weather is relatively stable, and the skies are clear. But trekkers must prepare for climate change, as Himalayan weather can be unpredictable even in these seasons. The month of December is also suitable for this adventure, the three-pass trek. You face cold mornings and evenings, but this month brings more challenges and adventures.

Tips for Success: Three Passes Trek

Physical Fitness: The three-pass trekking route is physically demanding due to the remoteness and high passes. So you have to be physically fit and have prior experience with high-altitude trekking.

Altitude Sickness: It plays a big role in the success of your trek, so always be aware of the risks of altitude sickness. Follow the necessary precautions, such as walking slowly, acclimatization, and staying hydrated (drinking enough water).

Weather: Plan your trek for spring or fall.

Equipment: Having high-quality and reputable trekking equipment is essential for the success of your high Pass trek.

Three Passes Trek Cost for 2026

There are no exact costs for the Three Passes trek; different trekking agencies offer different costs with different packages. The cost depends on your group size and the quality of services. Himalaya Darshan Treks offers a Three Passes Trek cost of $1560 per person for a 17-day full-board package in 2026. We offer many other packages, including a service package, a guide, and a porter hire service. You can choose the suitable packages

Lukla Flight Information

Flight Information to/from Lukla: Due to the Kathmandu airport overcrowding, flights to Lukla (Everest Region) depart from Ramechhap Airport during the busiest season. The distance from Kathmandu to Ramechhap Airport is about 130 kilometers. So it takes about 3.5 to 4 hours to drive. We leave Kathmandu at 1 or 1:30 AM to catch our early morning flights from Ramechhap to Lukla.

Note: The flight will be departing from March 15 to May 15 and from October to November. However, it depends on the decision of the airlines and the civil aviation authority of Nepal.

Lukla Flight Delays or Cancellations

The adverse weather conditions and overtraffic at Kathmandu airports are the main reasons for delaying and canceling flights. The weather in hilly and Himalayan regions will change so quickly. So, we at Himalaya Darshan Treks highly recommend managing a minimum of 1 or 2 extra days for your Everest and Dolpo region treks.

Things you need to know before booking this trip

1. The Everest Three Pass Trek is much more demanding than the classic Everest Base Camp route because it requires crossing three high passes—Kongma La, Cho La, and Renjo La—each over 5,300 meters.
2. The high challenge of this trek is the high altitude, so it’s important to get used to it, know the signs of acute mountain sickness, properly acclimate, be aware, and be ready to change your plans if necessary.
3. The weather in the Everest area can change quickly, so trekkers need to be ready to face the situation, like strong winds, snow, and frigid temperatures, even during the busiest times of year for trekking.
4. You need to be in great shape to do this trek because the long, steep climbs and descents every day require a lot of endurance, leg strength, and the ability to hike with a heavy backpack.
5. Trekking with an experienced guide is highly recommended because navigation on the passes can be difficult, weather conditions can become risky, and professional guidance significantly improves safety and acclimatization.
6. Essential logistics—including potentially delayed Lukla flights, basic teahouse accommodations, high-altitude travel insurance, and appropriate cold-weather gear—must be planned carefully to ensure a smooth and safe trekking experience.

Here are some tips to prevent altitude sickness and ensure your safety:

Establish a schedule to gradually adjust to the altitude.

• Drink at least 3 to 4 liters of water every day. Don’t smoke or drink alcohol.
• Hike with a guide who has a license
• Think about taking Diamox (get advice from a doctor)
• Climb high, sleep low
• Acclimatized according to your itinerary.
• If your body feels different from normal, tell your guide.
• Always care about high altitude
• If you feel altitude symptoms, don’t focus on going further; immediately descend/go down.

Last Thoughts of Everest Three Passes Trek

In conclusion, the Everest Three Passes Trek offers a once-in-a-lifetime adventure for trekkers. And mountaineers are seeking to immerse themselves in the awe-inspiring beauty of the Everest region. It’s a physically demanding trek that requires proper preparation.

But the reward of witnessing the majestic Himalayan peaks and conquering the high passes is truly unparalleled. With our customized 3-pass trek itinerary, you can rest assured and join us in this beautiful yet thrilling trek in the Everest region.

Are you ready to book this trip?

To book this trip or for more inquiries, you can click Book this trip on our web page. We suggest early booking so you have enough time to prepare for this trek. We are ready to organize your trek based on your travel bucket list. You can also contact us by WhatsApp at +977 9841073239 for quick inquiries.

Booking Procedure

Himalaya Darshan Treks makes it easy and safe to book your adventure at three passes in the Everest region. HD Treks is a fully government-registered company with more than ten years of experience trekking and mountaineering in the Himalayas. We are also proud members of NMA and TAAN. We guarantee professional service from the beginning to the end of your trip. To confirm your reservation, just send a 20% deposit by bank or wire transfer to our official bank account. Thereafter, we’ll send you an email with the final confirmation.

Please send us a copy of your passport, travel insurance information, and flight information within a week of making your reservation. You can pay the rest of your balance in cash at your hotel in Kathmandu or by bank transfer a week before your flight to Nepal.

Frequently Asked Questions for Everest Three Passes Trek

What is the weight limit for Lukla flights?

The airlines have a weight limitation of only 15 kilograms (about 33 pounds) per person, so make your luggage less than 15 kilograms. If the plane is not overweight, you can pay extra. So, the best option is to make your bag light.

How long does the 3-pass trek take?

Normally, the 3-pass trek takes 17–19 days. It is a long and challenging trek in the Everest region. We at Himalaya Darshan Treks offer a 17-day Three Passes Trek itinerary and package. We can adjust your trek length since it’s customizable.

How hard is the three-pass trek?

The Everest three-pass trek is categorized as challenging due to its high altitude and remoteness. You should be physically fit and have previous experience with high-altitude trekking. These qualities will help you succeed in this trek.

Do we get altitude sickness on the Three Pass Trek?

This may occur when you begin trekking above 3000 meters. There will be a high chance of altitude sickness. The Everest 3 Passes Trek is an adventure-challenging high-pass trek, so it will be harder and riskier. So, always be aware of the risks of altitude sickness. Follow the necessary precautions, such as walking slowly, acclimatization, and staying hydrated (drinking enough water). It plays a big role in the success of your trek. If you feel more uncomfortable and experience some altitude symptoms, please tell your guide.

What are the three passes in Nepal?

The Everest Three Passes are Kongma La Pass 5535 m (18,160 ft.), Chola Pass 5420 m (17,780 ft.), and Renjo La Pass 5360 m (17,676 ft.). The three-pass trek is best for adventure lovers and to experience new heights from the 3 high passes in the Everest region, Nepal.

Is tipping necessary for the guide and porter?

Tipping is NOT mandatory, but it is highly customary and expected in the trekking industry. Tipping your trekking guide and porter is an important way to show appreciation for their hard work—especially on treks in Nepal, where tips constitute a significant part of their income. The amount depends on the trek length, difficulty, and your satisfaction with their service.

How much tipping should I budget?

The amount for tipping depends on the trek’s length, difficulty, and your satisfaction with their service. Generally, you can tip the guide (15% to 18%) and the porter (12% to 15% of your full payment for your trekking package).

You can tip more if you like your guide and porter’s service, but this is a suggested amount. Tipping is always expected in the tourism sector of Nepal.

Is the Everest Three Passes Trek worth it?

Yes, without a doubt. The Everest Three Passes Trek is the best way to see everything in the Everest area. This trip includes Everest Base Camp, Gokyo Lakes, high mountain passes, and the culture of the remote Himalayas. This trek is the hardest thing to do in Nepal for people who love adventure.

What do I need to pack for the EBC Trek?

For the trekking gear and packing list, please visit the following link: Trekking Gear.