Country
Khumbu, Solukhumbu, Nepal
Max Elevation
5,545 m — Kala Patthar
Best Time
March–May, October–November
Accommodation
Tea houses and lodges
Cross all three legendary high passes of the Khumbu — Kongma La (5,535 m), Cho La (5,420 m), and Renjo La (5,360 m) — in a single 20-day circuit that includes Everest Base Camp, Kala Patthar, and the sacred Gokyo Lakes.
Trip Highlights
- Three legendary passes: Kongma La (5,535 m), Cho La (5,420 m), Renjo La (5,360 m)
- Everest Base Camp (5,364 m) and Kala Patthar (5,545 m)
- Gokyo Lakes — six sacred turquoise lakes, Ramsar Wetland
- Gokyo Ri (5,483 m) — four 8,000m peaks panorama
- Ngozumpa Glacier — longest glacier in the Himalayas
- Thame — ancient Sherpa village on the Tibetan salt route
- Complete Khumbu loop with minimal trail repetition
Everest Three High Passes Trek — Kongma La, Cho La & Renjo La
The Everest Three High Passes Trek is the ultimate Khumbu circuit — a 20-day journey through the most spectacular high-mountain landscape on Earth. By crossing three formidable Himalayan passes — Kongma La (5,535 m), Cho La (5,420 m), and Renjo La (5,360 m) — you trace a complete loop around the Khumbu Himal, visiting places that standard EBC trekkers never see.
The trek begins in Lukla (2,860 m) with the familiar approach through Phakding and up to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m), the Sherpa capital. Two essential acclimatisation days — in Namche and Dingboche — set the rhythm of patient, purposeful ascent before the passes begin.
Kongma La (5,535 m) is the highest and least-trekked of the three passes, a demanding crossing of glacial moraine and steep rocky scree rewarded by extraordinary views before descending to Lobuche. From Lobuche, the route pushes to Gorak Shep and the unmissable Everest Base Camp (5,364 m), followed by the iconic pre-dawn ascent of Kala Patthar (5,545 m).
Cho La (5,420 m) is the most dramatic — a glaciated crossing requiring crampons, leading down into the Gokyo Valley and the extraordinary chain of six sacred turquoise lakes. The summit of Gokyo Ri (5,483 m) provides the panorama of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu simultaneously above the Ngozumpa Glacier — the longest in the Himalayas.
Renjo La (5,360 m) is the quietest, with the most beautiful single view of the circuit: looking back over the Gokyo Lakes toward Everest. The descent via the ancient Sherpa village of Thame — connected to Tibet by a centuries-old salt-trading route — brings you back to Namche for the final descent to Lukla. Those who complete the Three Passes return permanently changed by the scale, beauty, and challenge of the high Khumbu.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Welcome briefing, gear check, team dinner.
Kathmandu
Dinner
Hotel, Kathmandu
Mountain flight. Pine forest trail along Dudh Koshi.
Phakding
3–4 hrs
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Tea house, Phakding
Hillary Bridge, Sagarmatha NP entry. Steep climb to Namche.
Namche Bazaar
5–6 hrs
3,440 m
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Tea house, Namche
Everest View Hotel hike (3,880 m). Sherpa Museum. Rest.
Namche Bazaar
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Tea house, Namche
Rhododendron forest, Ama Dablam views, evening puja.
Tengboche
5–6 hrs
3,870 m
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Tea house, Tengboche
Pangboche monastery, Imja valley, Lhotse south face views.
Dingboche
5–6 hrs
4,360 m
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Tea house, Dingboche
Ridge hike to 5,100 m. HRA altitude briefing. Rest.
Dingboche
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Tea house, Dingboche
Short walk into the Imja valley below Island Peak.
Chhukung
2–3 hrs
4,730 m
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Tea house, Chhukung
Steepest and highest pass. Glacial moraine ascent, dramatic views. Descend to Lobuche.
Kongma La / Lobuche
7–8 hrs
5,535 m
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Tea house, Lobuche
Khumbu Glacier moraine to EBC. Touch the prayer flags. Return to Gorak Shep.
EBC / Gorak Shep
7–8 hrs
5,364 m
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Tea house, Gorak Shep
Pre-dawn summit of Kala Patthar. Traverse to Cho La approach at Dzongla.
Kala Patthar / Dzongla
7–8 hrs
5,545 m
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Tea house, Dzongla
Glaciated pass with crampons. Dramatic descent into the Gokyo valley.
Cho La / Thagnag
6–7 hrs
5,420 m
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Tea house, Thagnag
Three turquoise lakes. Cho Oyu fills the northern skyline.
Gokyo
3–4 hrs
4,790 m
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Tea house, Gokyo
Four-peak sunrise panorama from Gokyo Ri. Afternoon: 4th and 5th lakes.
Gokyo Ri
5–6 hrs
5,483 m
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Tea house, Gokyo
Quietest pass. View back over the Gokyo Lakes toward Everest is the circuit's finest moment. Descend to remote Lungden.
Renjo La / Lungden
6–7 hrs
5,360 m
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Tea house, Lungden
Descend through the remote Bhote Koshi valley to the ancient Sherpa village of Thame.
Thame
4–5 hrs
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Tea house, Thame
Final high-altitude day descending back to Namche.
Namche Bazaar
4–5 hrs
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Tea house, Namche
Long descent through the Dudh Koshi valley. Farewell dinner.
Lukla
6–7 hrs
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Tea house, Lukla
Morning flight. Afternoon sightseeing. Celebration dinner.
Kathmandu
Breakfast, Dinner
Hotel, Kathmandu
Transfer to airport. Three passes — done.
Kathmandu
Breakfast
What’s Included
Included
- Airport transfers (Kathmandu)
- Domestic flights as specified in itinerary
- TIMS card and all required national park / area permits
- Experienced English-speaking licensed trekking guide
- Porter service (1 porter per 2 trekkers)
- Full-board accommodation on trek (tea house / lodge)
- Duffel bag and sleeping bag (returnable)
- First-aid kit and emergency oxygen
- All government taxes and service charges
- Crampons and micro-spikes for glacier crossings
Excluded
- International flights
- Nepal visa fees (USD 30 / 15 days)
- Travel and medical insurance with helicopter evacuation (mandatory)
- Meals and accommodation in Kathmandu unless specified
- Personal trekking gear and equipment
- Gratuities for guide and porter
- Extra nights due to flight delays or weather
- Personal expenses, bar bills, and hot showers on trek
Useful Info
Best Time for the Everest Three High Passes Trek
All three passes — Kongma La (5,535 m), Cho La (5,420 m), and Renjo La (5,360 m) — require snow-free and stable conditions. Timing is more critical here than on the standard EBC trek.
Spring
- April – May
- Late April and May offer the most reliable snow-free conditions on all three passes. Best choice.
- Best Season
Summer / Monsoon
- June – August
- Pass conditions dangerous. Trails washed out. Completely avoid.
- Avoid
Autumn
- October – November
- October is excellent. By late November the passes accumulate snow — confirm conditions before booking.
- Best Season
Winter
- December – March
- All three passes are typically snowbound. Not recommended except for expert mountaineers.
- Avoid
How Difficult Is the Three High Passes Trek?
The Three High Passes trek is rated Strenuous — the most demanding non-technical trek in the Everest region. You cross three passes above 5,350 m, reach Kala Patthar (5,545 m), and sleep above 5,000 m on multiple nights. Each pass crossing requires a very early start, glacier awareness, and strong altitude fitness. You must have completed a prior high-altitude trek (EBC-level or equivalent) before attempting this route.
Signs of Altitude Sickness to Watch For
- Persistent headache not relieved by paracetamol
- Nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite
- Fatigue disproportionate to effort
- Dizziness or loss of coordination
- Dry cough that worsens at rest
- Confusion or difficulty concentrating (serious — descend immediately)
Permits Required
- Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit – NPR 3,000 per person.
- TIMS Card – USD 10 (group) or USD 20 (independent).
- Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Fee – NPR 2,000.
Accommodation on the Three Passes Trek
Tea houses service the entire route including Gokyo, Thame, and Chhukung. At the highest camps (Dzongla, Chhukung) facilities are very basic — expect cold rooms and limited menus. A quality sleeping bag rated to −15°C is essential. Cho La and Renjo La sections are more remote than the main EBC trail with fewer rescue options. Full-board is included in our package.
Three High Passes Packing List – What to Bring
Keep your pack light (8–10 kg max in your day bag; porters carry heavier duffel bags). Layers are the key strategy for managing wide temperature swings.
Clothing & Insulation
- Moisture-wicking base layers (top & bottom)
- Mid-layer fleece jacket
- Down jacket (600+ fill, critical above 4,000 m)
- Waterproof hardshell jacket and pants
- Trekking trousers (2 pairs)
- Warm hat and sun hat
- Gloves (liner + waterproof outer)
- Merino wool or thermal socks (4–6 pairs)
- Gaiters (light, for snow/mud)
Footwear
- Waterproof trekking boots (ankle support, broken in before trek)
- Camp sandals / lightweight shoes
- Trekking poles (collapsible, highly recommended)
Health & Safety
- Diamox (acetazolamide) – consult doctor before taking
- Paracetamol, ibuprofen, rehydration salts
- Blister kit, bandages, antiseptic
- Water purification tablets / filter
- High-SPF sunscreen (SPF 50+) and lip balm
- UV-protection sunglasses (essential above 4,000 m)
- Pulse oximeter (monitors blood oxygen saturation)
Essentials
- Sleeping bag (−10°C comfort rating)
- Headlamp + spare batteries
- Daypack (25–30 L with rain cover)
- Duffel bag (provided by agency, 80–100 L)
- Power bank (charging scarce at higher altitudes)
- Offline map (Maps.me, Gaia GPS)
- Cash in NPR (very few card machines on trail)
High Passes Specific Items
- Microspikes or traction aids (icy sections on Cho La and Kongma La)
- Trekking poles with snow baskets (essential for pass approaches)
- Glacier glasses / goggles (UV intensity at 5,500 m is extreme)
- Sleeping bag rated to −15°C (sleeping at Dzongla / Chhukung)
- Emergency bivouac bag (for unexpected weather on passes)
- Pulse oximeter (monitor blood oxygen at 5,000+ m sleeping altitude)
Frequently Asked Questions
You must have prior high-altitude trekking experience — EBC or Annapurna Circuit level. You should be comfortable at 5,000+ m for extended periods and capable of 7–9 hour days on technical terrain including glacier moraine and steep scree. This is not suitable for first-time high-altitude trekkers.
Kongma La (5,535 m) is the highest and most physically demanding — steep rocky moraine with no clear trail in poor visibility. Cho La (5,420 m) has a glaciated section requiring crampons and is the most technically challenging. Renjo La (5,360 m) is the most straightforward but still a serious mountain pass.
Crampons are required for Cho La, which crosses a glaciated section. Kongma La and Renjo La are non-glaciated but can be snowy — micro-spikes may be useful. We carry crampons for the entire group and our guides assess daily conditions.
Kala Patthar at 5,545 m is the highest point, followed by Kongma La at 5,535 m. You spend multiple consecutive days above 5,000 m — requiring excellent prior acclimatisation.
Three dedicated rest days: Namche (Day 4), Dingboche (Day 7), and the short Chhukung walk (Day 8). Three passes must never be rushed — cutting acclimatisation to save time significantly increases AMS risk.
October–November for the clearest skies and stable pass conditions. Mid-March to May is also excellent. Avoid monsoon (June–September) and deep winter (December–February) when passes become dangerous.
Yes — EBC is a one-day detour from the main loop. Some trekkers skip it to conserve energy for the passes. Most complete it since it adds only one day and is the most iconic landmark in the region.
Thame (3,820 m) is one of the most important Sherpa villages in the Khumbu, historically connected to Tibet via the Nangpa La salt-trading route. Several famous Sherpas including relatives of Tenzing Norgay have roots here. The annual Mani Rimdu festival is celebrated at Thame monastery with elaborate masked dances.
Yes — 20 days vs 14 days means higher costs for guide, porter, accommodation and permits. Our package starts from USD 1,950 vs USD 1,350 for standard EBC. The extra cost per day is proportionally lower since fixed costs (flights, permits) are shared.
Chhukung (4,730 m) is a cluster of tea houses in the upper Imja Valley — the base for Kongma La and Island Peak climbers. The views up the valley toward Lhotse and Baruntse are outstanding and relatively few EBC trekkers make the detour here.
Yes — all three passes can close after storm cycles. Our guides monitor conditions and communicate with other operators daily. If a pass is unsafe, we reroute via standard valley trails. Safety always takes precedence over completing all three passes.
Renjo La is the least visited but arguably the most beautiful pass view: looking south-east back over the Gokyo Lakes with Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu beyond them. Many trekkers cite this as the most memorable visual moment of the circuit.
Marginally higher — you spend more consecutive days above 5,000 m and cross three passes above 5,300 m. Three acclimatisation days mitigate this. AMS symptoms are taken seriously — our guides initiate immediate descent regardless of position in the itinerary.
The Cho La glacier section is approximately 300 m of 30–40 degree ice. Fixed ropes may be in place from earlier expeditions but are not guaranteed. Crampons are essential. Our guides lead on this section with all clients roped together. The crossing takes 45–90 minutes depending on conditions and group fitness.
Yes — adding Island Peak from Chhukung (Day 8) adds 4 days and the USD 250 NMA climbing permit. The combined itinerary (24 days) is one of Nepal's ultimate mountain adventures. We can arrange the full package.
The Gokyo Lakes from Gokyo Ri with four 8,000m peaks; Cho La glacier crossing with crampons; Renjo La view over the lakes toward Everest; isolated Thame village; Kongma La moraine landscape; Chhukung valley with Island Peak. These locations are relatively unphotographed compared to the standard EBC trail.
We build a flex day into Kathmandu before and after the trek. Extended weather delays: helicopter transfer from Lukla is available at additional cost (covered by travel insurance). We recommend arriving in Nepal 2 days before trek start.
Our porters carry maximum 25 kg including their own gear — your baggage limit is approximately 15–18 kg. You carry a daypack (5–8 kg) with daily essentials. Porters are provided with appropriate equipment and insurance.
Pass days: 7–9 hours. Regular trek days: 4–6 hours. The longest days are Kongma La (Day 9: 7–8 hrs), the Kala Patthar–to–Dzongla traverse (Day 11: 7–8 hrs), and the Cho La crossing (Day 12: 6–7 hrs). Rest day activities are optional and self-paced.
The total cumulative elevation gain over 20 days is approximately 14,000–16,000 m (46,000–52,000 ft). This is significantly more than standard EBC (approximately 8,500 m gain). Proper physical preparation — particularly cardiovascular endurance and leg strength — is essential for this reason.
Package from USD 1,950 covers: Kathmandu–Lukla flights, all permits, guide, porter, full-board, crampons, sleeping bag, duffel. Additional costs: international flights (USD 400–800), Nepal visa (USD 30), travel insurance (USD 50–150), tips (USD 10–15/day), personal gear. Total budget excluding flights: approximately USD 2,300–2,500.
Reviews
On day eight our guide noted that one team member's pulse oxygen was dropping too fast. He called a rest day without hesitation, administered fluids and supplemental oxygen, and by morning the member was recovered and continued without incident. That professional judgment probably prevented a serious incident. I trust this company completely.
Julia Hoffman
Verified Trekker
At sixty years old I wasn't sure this was possible. The guides took one day at a time, never rushed me, and at Kala Patthar watched Everest's summit pyramid glow gold with me. This experience proved that age is just a number when you have the right people beside you.
Aisha Patel
Verified Trekker
Eight weeks of training, two sets of broken-in boots, and the right agency made the difference. The acclimatisation schedule was perfect — I had zero altitude sickness issues. Kala Patthar sunrise was my reward: Everest's pyramid gold against a cobalt sky. I sobbed with joy.
Anna Kowalski
Verified Trekker
Fourteen days, two seasons, one mountain range, one extraordinary pass. From subtropical bamboo forests to Tibetan plateau desert in a single journey. Marpha apple brandy, Manang cinema nights, and the silence of Thorong La at 5,416m. This is the benchmark all other treks are measured against.
Alicia Romero
Verified Trekker
