The Everest Three Passes Trek is a challenging journey that requires proper preparation. Trekkers ascend to high altitudes above 5,000m including Kongma La Pass, Cho La Pass, and Renjo La Pass. Proper acclimatization, pacing, and hydration are crucial to avoid altitude sickness. You should be prepared for rugged terrain, unpredictable weather, and long days of trekking. Overcoming the challenges provides a sense of achievement and unmatched experience.
Ultimate Guide to Everest Three High Passes Trek
The Everest Three High Passes Trek is an exciting adventure in the Khumbu region of the Northern Himalayas in Nepal. It is one of the most challenging and rewarding treks. It offers a unique blend of rugged landscapes, cultural richness, and high-altitude trekking. This trek is not just about reaching Everest Base Camp but also about crossing three of the most demanding mountain passes in the region. The three passes are Kongma La Pass, Cho La Pass, and Renjo La Pass. Unlike the standard Everest Base Camp trek, this route takes trekkers deep into remote valleys. It offers panoramic views of some of the world’s highest peaks, including Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, and Ama Dablam.
Trekking in the Everest region is the ultimate test of endurance, resilience, and adaptability. The Three High Passes Trek offers the perfect mix of adventure and discovery. It is ideal for experienced hikers looking for a thrilling off-the-beaten-path journey. It offers dramatic glaciers, turquoise lakes, and traditional Sherpa villages. Every day on this trek is filled with breathtaking scenery and cultural immersion.
For those passionate about Nepal trekking, this trek offers the perfect blend of physical challenge and awe-inspiring beauty. It demands strong fitness and proper acclimatization. However, the rewards are immense including a deeper connection with the Himalayas and unforgettable landscapes. You will have an ultimate sense of achievement in one of the most spectacular trekking regions in the world.
Highlights of the Everest Three High Passes Trek
Unlike the more direct route to Everest Base Camp, this trek follows a circular loop, ensuring new scenery and challenges each day. Here are some of the highlights:
Three High Himalayan Passes
- Kongma La Pass: It is the highest and most challenging pass at an elevation of 5,535m. It offers breathtaking views of Makalu, Lhotse, and Nuptse.
- Cho La Pass: It features a thrilling glacier crossing and has an altitude of 5,420m. It connects the Everest Base Camp route with the Gokyo Valley.
- Renjo La Pass: It is located at an altitude of 5,360m and provides stunning panoramic views of Everest, Cho Oyu, and the turquoise Gokyo Lakes.
Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar
The trek takes you to the Everest Base Camp which is the starting point for Everest Summit expeditions. You will also hike to Kala Patthar for one of the best close-up views of Mount Everest at sunrise or sunset.
Stunning Glacial Lakes in Gokyo Valley
One of the highlights of this trek is the Gokyo Lakes. It is the world’s highest freshwater lake system with blue waters. You can climb Gokyo Ri for a panoramic view of Everest, Makalu, Lhotse, and Cho Oyu.
Unique Trekking Experience
This trek is a less crowded and more adventurous alternative to the standard Everest Base Camp trek. You will experience diverse landscapes, from lush forests and alpine meadows to icy glaciers and rocky high passes.
Rich Sherpa Culture and Ancient Monasteries
During the trek, you will experience traditional Sherpa hospitality in villages like Namche Bazaar, Dingboche, and Thame. You can visit Tengboche Monastery which is the most significant spiritual site in the Everest region.
Wildlife and Himalayan Flora
You can spot rare wildlife like snow leopards, Himalayan Thars, and musk deer. You will trek through the rhododendron forests, especially vibrant in spring.
Sense of Achievement
The Everest Three High Passes trek is one of Nepal’s most demanding yet rewarding treks. It requires endurance, acclimatization, and determination. It is a true test of physical and mental strength. It offers a sense of achievement and lifetime memories of Nepal trekking at its finest.
How hard is the Everest Three High Passes Trek
The Everest Three High Passes Trek is one of the most challenging treks in Nepal. It requires excellent fitness, endurance, and prior trekking experience. The trek involves three high-altitude passes which demand long, strenuous ascent and descents. You will face steep trails, glacier crossings, rocky terrain, and extreme weather conditions. Altitude sickness is a major risk due to prolonged exposure above 4,000m. Proper acclimatization, physical preparation, and mental resilience are essential for successfully completing this high-altitude adventure. Below are the key difficulty factors:
High Altitudes and AMS Risk
The trek reaches altitudes above 5,000m, increasing the risk of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). High passes like Kongma La, Cho La, and Renjo La require proper acclimatization. The symptoms of AMS include headaches, nausea, dizziness, and shortness of breath.
Long Trekking Duration and Distance
The long duration and distance makes this trek challenging. The entire route covers 160-170 km, requiring 18-21 days to complete. Daily walking hours range between 6-9 hours, with some longer days during pass crossings. The lengthy trek demands both physical and mental endurance.
Steep Ascents and Descents
The high passes involve steep, exhausting climbs followed by challenging descents. The Cho La Pass includes a glacier crossing which requires careful navigation. The uneven rocky trails and loose scree make trekking more strenuous.
Weather Extremes
Extreme weather conditions are one of the factors that make the trek difficult. Temperatures can drop below -15°C in higher altitudes, especially in winter. Sudden snowstorms and strong winds can make high passes dangerous. You can choose to trek in best seasons like spring and autumn for stable weather.
Technical Challenges
No climbing skills are required, but experience with high-altitude trekking is beneficial. Some sections, like the Cho La glacier crossing may require microspikes or crampons. Trekking poles help maintain balance on steep descents and icy trails.
Remote Terrain
The remote and demanding nature of the trail make the trek difficult. There are limited facilities at higher altitudes, making the trek more self-sufficient. Teahouses are available but become scarce near the passes. Physical fitness, endurance training, and proper gear are essential for success.
Best Time to Trek
The Everest Three High Passes Trek is a demanding adventure that requires careful planning while choosing the best time to trek. It is crucial to pick the right season for a safe and enjoyable journey. Each season in the Himalayas offers different challenges.
- Spring (March-May): Spring is one of the best seasons due to stable weather and moderate temperatures. The trails are adorned with blooming rhododendrons, adding vibrant colors to the landscape. The skies are clear, offering spectacular views of Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and Makalu. However, this is also a peak trekking season which means the trails and teahouses can be crowded.
- Autumn (September-November): Autumn is also an ideal season for trekking in Nepal, including the Three Passes route. The monsoon rains clear away dust and pollution. The crisp, blue skies offer stunning mountain visibility. The temperatures are mild, making high-altitude more comfortable. Since this is also a popular time for Everest Base Camp trekkers, teahouses fill up quickly, so booking in advance is recommended.
- Winter (December – February): Winter trekking offers solitude, with fewer trekkers on the trail. The temperatures at Kongma La, Cho La, and Renjo La Passes can drop below -20°C, making the trek extremely challenging. Snowfall can block high passes, forcing route changes. It is suited for experienced trekkers with proper gear and cold-weather trekking experience.
- Monsoon (June-August): Monsoon season brings heavy rain, making trails slippery and increasing the risk of landslides. The cloud cover often obscures mountain views. However, this is the best time for lush greenery and fewer crowds. If trekking in monsoon, be prepared for leeches and unpredictable weather conditions.
How long is the Everest Three High Passes trek
The Everest Three High Passes Trek typically takes 18 to 21 days, depending on the itinerary and acclimatization days. The trek covers around 160-170 kilometers and involves crossing three high passes: Kongma La, Cho La, and Renjo La. Due to the high altitude and demanding terrain, proper acclimatization is essential to prevent altitude sickness. Compared to the Everest Base Camp Trek, this trek is more strenuous and requires excellent physical fitness. You will experience remote valleys, breathtaking glaciers, and panoramic mountain views. It is one of the most adventurous treks in Nepal.
Trek Itinerary
The Everest Three High Passes Trek is a challenging 18 to 21-day adventure. It takes you through some of the most stunning and remote areas of the Khumbu region. The itinerary includes important acclimatization stops, breathtaking high-altitude passes, and iconic Himalayan viewpoints. Here is the day-by-day breakdown:
- Arrival in Kathmandu: You will arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. Then you will travel to your hotel and check in. In the evening, you will have a briefing about the itinerary of Everest's three high passes trek.
- Fly to Lukla and Trek to Phakding: You will take a scenic 30-minute flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. You can enjoy the aerial view of mountains like Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, Langtang, Everest and many more. After landing at Lukla, you will start trekking towards Phakding.
- Trek to Namche Bazaar: You will move along the dense forests of rhododendron and pine through the Sagarmatha National Park. Then, you will cross the Hillary Suspension Bridge and reach Namche Bazaar.
- Acclimatization Day at Namche:You will spend this day acclimatizing to the high altitude. Namche Bazaar is the trading center of the Solukhumbu region with modern amenities like Banks, ATM, etc. You can visit the Namche Monastery, the Sherpa Museum, and Everest View Hotel.
- Namche to Tengboche :From Namche, you will continue your journey through lush forests and serene villages. After walking for around 6 hours, you will reach Tengboche. You can visit Tengboche Monastery. During October and November, you can observe the Mani Rimdu festival. It is the major festival of the Khumbu people. The monks sing traditional songs and perform dances by beating drums.
- Tengboche to Dingboche: You will move through lush forests enjoying the stunning view of towering peaks. You can take a short break at Pangboche Monastery. You will reach Dingboche after walking for about 6 hours along the Lobuche River. This village is decorated with colorful prayer flags and chortens.
- Acclimatization Day at Dingboche: You will take another rest day to adjust to the altitude. You can meet the climbers getting ready for Mt. Ama Dablam and Island Peak Climbing. However, you cannot combine the Everest Three High Passes trek with Island Peak Climbing. You may need to trek separately. You can explore Dingboche and visit the Himalayan Rescue Hospital for information about Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). You can also challenge yourself by hiking to Nagarjun Hill for spectacular mountain vistas.
- Dingboche to Chhukung: You will continue your journey from Dingboche to Chhukung. Along the way, you can enjoy the stunning views of mountain peaks. Chhukung village is popular for trekking the peak of Everest region, Chhukung Ri.
- Chhukung to Lobuche via Kongma La Pass: You will continue your trek from Chhukung, walking past the moraine of the Nuptse Glacier. You will reach the highest pass of the Everest region, Kongma La Pass. You may need climbing gear as it is hard to climb. You will cross the Kongma La Pass, reach Lobuche, and rest at a teahouse.
- Lobuche to Gorak Shep and hike to Everest Base Camp: From Lobuche, you will ascend through the steep trail while enjoying the breathtaking views. You will walk along the Khumbu glacier, having glimpses of the Khumbu Icefall. As you reach Gorakshep, you will leave your backpack and head to the Everest Base Camp. From the Everest Base Camp, you will enjoy the views of Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Cho Oyu, Mt. Pumori, Mt. Ama Dablam, and so on.
- Hike to Kalapatthar and trek to Dzongla: You will start early in the morning towards Kalapatthar for the sunrise view. Kalapatthar is the best vantage point for the closest view of the Everest Summit. From here, you can take pictures of Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Cho Oyu, Mt.Pumori, Mt. Ama Dablam etc. From Kalapatthar, you will return to Gorakshep then move towards Dzongla. You will rest at a teahouse and enjoy warm dinner.
- Dzongla to Thangna via Cho La Pass: You will continue your trek, following the snow-covered path you will climb the Cho La Pass. You will follow the stony track uphill and downhill to reach Thangna. You will have a stunning view of Macchermo Peak.
- Thangna to Gokyo Lakes: From Thangna, you will move towards the Gokyo Lakes Valley. You will ascend through the snow-covered path carefully. Gokyo Valley is located at the bottom of Mt. Cho Oyu, the 6th highest peak in the world. You will meet the welcoming people of the valley and learn about their lifestyle, culture, and traditions.
- Acclimatization Day at Gokyo Valley: You will spend your day acclimatizing in the Gokyo Valley. You can explore the six glacial lakes with the natural network. The fifth Gokyo Lake is the best viewpoint which offers a panoramic view of Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Makalu, and Mt. Cho Oyu. You can also hike to the sixth Gokyo Lake or Mt. Cho Oyu Base Camp for the view of Ngozumpa Glacier. One of the highlights of this day is Gokyo Ri climbing. From the top of the Gokyo Ri, you can enjoy the view of stunning peaks.
- Gokyo Valley to Marlung via Renjo La Pass: You will move along the Dudh Pokari, ascending towards the third pass of the trek, Renjo La Pass. You can have a spectacular view of Mt. Everest and the Ngozumpa Glacier. After walking across the Renjo La Pass for about 7 to 9 hours, you will reach Marlung village located on the Bhote Koshi River banks.
- Marlung Village to Namche Bazaar: From Marlung Village, you will follow the traditional trade route between Tibet and Nepal. You will pass through several Sherpa villages including Thame Village. You can visit Thame Monastery. After 5 to 6 hours of walking, you will reach Namche Bazaar.
- Namche Bazaar to Lukla: From Namche Bazaar, you will retrace your steps to Lukla passing through the familiar trails. After you reach Lukla, you can celebrate your achievement.
- Flight from Lukla to Kathmandu: You will take a flight from Lukla to Kathmandu. You can enjoy the aerial view of the Everest region. When you reach Kathmandu, you will check in to your hotel once again.
- Final Departure: Finally, you will bid farewell to Nepal after the memorable trek. You will board your flight and return to your home country.
Altitude Challenges and Acclimatization
The Everest Three High Passes Trek takes you above 5,500 m which is challenging. Altitude-related issues are a major concern on this trek. Unlike the standard Everest Base Camp Trek, this route demands multiple high-altitude crossings. It increases the risk of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). Proper acclimatization, slow ascent, and hydration are essential to completing the trek safely.
One of the biggest altitude challenges comes early at Kongma La Pass, the highest and most demanding of the three passes. You should spend extra nights acclimatizing at Namche Bazaar and Dingboche. You need to be well-adjusted to the altitude, steep incline, and exposed terrain before crossing the pass.
Common symptoms of AMS include headaches, nausea, dizziness, and shortness of breath. If you have these symptoms, take rest, hydrate, and avoid ascending. More severe conditions like high Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE) and High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE) can be life-threatening. You should descend immediately and seek medical help.
The trek also requires crossing Cho La Pass. This ascend is strenuous due to altitude and glacier conditions. Similarly, Renjo La Pass offers incredible views but requires strong endurance. Acclimatization days in Gokyo and gradual pacing help in adjusting to these high altitudes.
Compared to the Annapurna Base Camp Trek, the Everest Three High Passes Trek is significantly more challenging. While ABCC provides breathtaking views at a lower altitude, the Three Passes route demands careful altitude management. With proper preparation, acclimatization, and awareness of AMS symptoms, you can overcome these challenges and enjoy the adventure.
Trek Preparation
The Everest Three High Passes Trek is one of the most physically demanding treks in Nepal. Proper fitness preparation is essential to complete this challenging trek.
Permits Required
You will need two main permits:
- Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit- It is required to enter the Everest region.
- Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit- It replaces the TIMS card for trek in the Khumbu region.
Physical Fitness and Training
To prepare for this trek, you should start pre-trek training before 2-3 months of the trek.
- Cardio: Cardiovascular fitness can be improved through activities like running, hiking, cycling, or swimming. These help the body to utilize oxygen efficiently at high altitudes.
- Strength training: Strength training should focus on the leg and core muscles. The trekking involves long, steep climbs and descents. Exercises like squats, lunges, and step-ups help build endurance for uphill sections. Additionally, core strength and flexibility training aid in balance and stability in rugged trails.
- High-Altitude Experience: Although previous trekking experience is not mandatory, it is highly recommended. Practicing on high-altitude hikes or multi-day treks in your home country can be beneficial.
Essential gear and Packing List
Packing wisely for the trek is crucial. The journey takes you through extreme altitudes, unpredictable weather, and challenging terrain for several days. Carrying the right gear ensures safety and comfort.
Clothing
Layering is essential to cope with temperature variations.
- Base Layer: It should be moisture-wicking to keep sweat away.
- Insulating layer: Fleece or down jacket to provide warmth.
- Waterproof/Windproof Shell: It is necessary to protect against snow, wind, and sudden rain.
- Trekking Pants and T-shirts: These should be lightweight for lower elevations.
- Thermal innerwear: These are recommended for higher altitudes
Footwear and Trekking Gear
- Trekking Boots: Sturdy and high-ankle trekking boots with good grip are a must for trails and icy passes.
- Trekking poles: To maintain balance while crossing glaciers and steep descents.
- Head lamp: It is essential for early morning starts and low-light conditions.
Sleeping and Camping Essentials
- Sleeping Bag: Though teahouses are available, carrying a sleeping bag ensures warmth at higher altitudes where temperatures drop significantly.
- Sleeping bag liner: It adds extra insulation.
Accessories and Electronics
- Sunglasses: The UV protection of sunglasses shields your eyes from the intense sun glare at high altitudes.
- Power bank and extra camera batteries: These are necessary as cold temperatures rain batteries quickly.
- Sunscreen, lip balm, and gloves: These are must-haves to prevent sunburn and frostbite.
- Snacks: High-energy snacks for a long stretch of trail.
- First-aid kit: It is required for injuries and sickness.
Backpack and Hydration
- 40-50L backpack: It should be lightweight yet spacious enough to carry essentials.
- Hydration bladder or water bottles with purification tablets: These are vital as staying hydrated helps prevent altitude sickness.
Accommodation and Food
The Everest Three High Passes Trek takes you through some of the most remote and high-altitude regions of the Himalayas.
Accommodation:
Teahouses are available along the route. These small, family-run lodges provide basic yet comfortable lodging including shared rooms, single/twin beds, and blankets. In lower-altitude villages like Namche Bazaar, Dingboche, and Gokyo, teahouses offer a variety of amenities, including hot showers, Wi-Fi, and charging facilities. However, at higher elevations, like Lobuche, Dzongla, and Thangnak, the lodges become more basic with limited electricity and heating.
Food:
The food options are consistent throughout the trek. The traditional Nepali dish, dal bhat is the most popular and nutritious choice. It provides sustained energy for trekking long distances. Other meal options include Tibetan bread, momos, Sherpa stew, noodle soups, pancakes, and eggs. In more developed villages like Namche and Gokyo, you can even find bakeries offering fresh pastries and coffee.
Drinking water is available at teahouses, but it is advisable to carry water purification tablets or a filtration system to avoid buying plastic bottles.
Cost and Budget Planning
The Everest Three high Passes Trek is a demanding adventure, both physically and financially. Proper budget planning ensures a smooth and stress-free experience. The total cost varies depending on factors like trek duration, guide and porter services, and personal spending habits. Nepal Trekking Routes offers the trek package at $2050 which includes transportation, permit fees, guide and porter, food, and accommodation. Here is the breakdown of the costs:
Permits and Fees
The trek requires two permits:
- Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit: $25 per person
- Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit: $15 per person
These permits can be purchased in Kathmandu or Monjo at the park entrance. TIMS card is not required for Everest region treks.
Accommodation and Food Costs
- Teahouses: $5-$15 per night
- Food: $5-$10 per meal
The food and accommodation costs may rise at remote and higher altitude locations.
Guide and Porter Fees
- Guide: $25-$30 per day
- Porter: $15-$25 per day
Guides enhance safety and navigation, while porters reduce your load, making the trek more manageable.
Transportation
- Lukla Flight (Round trip): $226-$452
Additional Expenses
- Gear Rentals: Down jackets, sleeping bags, and trekking poles can be rented for $1-$3 per item per day.
- Wi-Fi: $5-$10 per session
Choosing the right budget depends on trekking style, comfort preference, and experience level. The Everest Three High Passes trek can be done on different budgets, ranging from a basic trek with minimal expenses to a luxury experience with added comfort and services.
- Budget trekkers should expect the cost $1000-$1500 with minimal extras.
- Standard trekkers should budget $1,800-$2,500 for a comfortable trek.
- Luxury trekkers should prepare for $3000-$5000 for premium experiences.
Trekking with or without a guide
One of the biggest decisions trekkers face when planning the Everest Three High Passes trek is whether to hire a guide or go independently.
Trekking with a guide
It is highly recommended to hire a guide for the Everest Three High Passes Trek for those unfamiliar with high-altitude treks or the Himalayan terrain. Guides bring extensive local knowledge, navigation skills, and safety expertise. They help ensure proper acclimatization by pacing the trek and recognizing early sign of Acute Mountain sickness (AMS).
Additionally, guides facilitate meaningful interactions with the local Sherpa communities, enhancing the cultural experience. Having a guide allows you to focus on the journey without worrying about logistics such as accommodation, food and permits. In case of emergencies, such as injuries or altitude sickness, guides can arrange quick evacuations and provide first aid.
Hiring a porter
While guide helps with navigation and safety, hiring a porter can significantly reduce the physical burden of carrying heavy backpacks. The trek is long and strenuous, and reducing the weight can make the trek more enjoyable. Most porters carry between 15-20kg, allowing trekkers to hike with a small daypack containing essentials like water, snacks, and extra layers.
Solo Trekking
Experienced trekkers with strong navigation skills, prior high-altitude experience, and confidence in managing altitude may choose to trek solo. Solo trekking offers complete freedom, flexibility and a deep sense of adventure. It is crucial to carry a detailed map, GPS, and a satellite phone for emergency communication. During off-seasons, solo trekking can be risky due to fewer trekkers on the route, making it harder to get help in case of emergencies.
Responsible Trekking and Eco-Tourism
Responsible Trekking in Nepal emphasizes minimizing environmental impact while respecting local cultures. You should follow the Leave No Trace principle by avoiding plastic waste, using refillable bottles, and staying on designated trails to prevent erosion. Supporting eco-friendly lodges, choosing local guides and porters, and respecting Himalayan traditions enhance sustainable tourism.
Additionally, proper waste disposal, avoiding wildlife disturbance, and conserving water resources help protect fragile ecosystems. The Himalayan routes thrive when trekkers prioritize ethical travel, ensuring future generations can experience Nepal’s stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage sustainably.
Conclusion
The Everest Three High Passes Trek is the ultimate adventure for trekkers seeking a true high-altitude challenge in the Himalayas. Unlike standard Everest Base Camp treks, this route offers a more immersive experience. It covers remote valleys, stunning glacial lakes, and breathtaking mountain passes. Crossing Kongma La, Cho La, and Renjo La provides a sense of accomplishment.
However, this trek is not for the faint-hearted. It demands physical endurance, strong mental resilience, and proper acclimatization. Choosing an experienced local trekking company, such as Nepal Trekking Routes, ensures a well-organized and safer journey. Our expert guides provide essential support in navigating the rugged terrain, handling altitude challenges, and sharing insights into Sherpa culture.
Completing the Everest Three high passes trek is an unforgettable achievement. With care preparation, the right support, and a passion for adventure, this trek is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.