Three Passes Trek: The Ultimate Everest Region Challenge

If the standard Everest Base Camp trek feels too crowded for you, the Three Passes Trek is the answer. This 20-day expedition takes in everything EBC has to offer, plus three high passes above 5,300 m, the Gokyo Lakes, and some of the most spectacular mountain scenery in the world — all with a fraction of the crowds. This is the ultimate Everest region trek.

What Is the Three Passes Trek?

The Three Passes Trek (also called the Everest Three High Passes Trek) is a 20-day loop through the Everest region, crossing three high passes: Renjo La (5,360 m), Cho La (5,420 m) and Kongma La (5,535 m). The route takes in Gokyo Lakes, Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar — everything the standard EBC trek offers, plus the high passes and the Gokyo Valley. The total trekking distance is about 170 km, with about 8,000 m of total altitude gain.

The trek was pioneered in the 1990s by Himalayan trekking guides looking for a way to combine the best viewpoints in the Khumbu into a single circuit. Today it remains one of the most spectacular high-altitude treks in the world — and significantly less crowded than the standard EBC route. See Lonely Planet's Three Passes trek description for additional background.

Three Passes Trek Itinerary (20 Days)

Day	From → To	Altitude (m)	Notes
1	Kathmandu → Lukla (flight) → Phakding	2,610	Same as EBC day 1
2	Phakding → Namche Bazaar	3,440	Same as EBC day 2
3	Acclimatization in Namche	3,440	Hike to Everest View Hotel
4	Namche → Thame	3,820	Branch off the main EBC trail
5	Thame → Lungden	4,380	Remote Marulung Valley
6	Lungden → Renjo La (5,360 m) → Gokyo	4,790	First high pass — spectacular views
7	Acclimatization in Gokyo + Gokyo Ri (5,357 m)	4,790	Climb Gokyo Ri for sunrise
8	Gokyo → Thagnak	4,700	Short day, prepare for Cho La
9	Thagnak → Cho La (5,420 m) → Dzongla	4,830	Second high pass — glacier crossing
10	Dzongla → Lobuche	4,910	Rejoin main EBC trail
11	Lobuche → Gorak Shep → EBC → Gorak Shep	5,140	Same as EBC day 8
12	Gorak Shep → Kala Patthar (5,545 m) → Lobuche	4,910	Sunrise on Kala Patthar
13	Lobuche → Kongma La (5,535 m) → Chhukung	4,730	Third high pass — toughest crossing
14	Chhukung → Dingboche	4,410	Rest and recovery
15	Dingboche → Tengboche	3,860	Descend through forest
16	Tengboche → Namche Bazaar	3,440	Return to Namche
17	Namche → Lukla	2,860	Final walking day
18	Fly Lukla → Kathmandu	1,400	Hot shower!
19–20	Buffer days in Kathmandu	1,400	In case of flight delays

Three Passes Cost

Item	Cost (USD)
TIMS + Sagarmatha NP permits	$40
Kathmandu–Lukla return flight	$170
Licensed guide (20 days)	$700–$900
Porter (20 days, shared)	$200
Tea houses (18 nights)	$700–$900
Gear rental + tips	$200
Trekking insurance	$250–$350
Total (excluding international flights)	$2,260–$2,560

Best Time to Trek Three Passes

October–November and April–May are the only realistic windows. The high passes (Renjo La, Cho La, Kongma La) are snow-covered from late November to mid-March, making them impassable. Even in peak season, the passes can be closed for 1–3 days by fresh snow. Avoid monsoon (June–September) and winter (December–March).

How Hard Is the Three Passes Trek?

Very hard. This is one of the most challenging tea-house treks in Nepal. You cross three passes above 5,300 m, including Kongma La at 5,535 m — higher than any point on the standard EBC trek. Sustained altitude above 4,500 m for 8+ days. Long walking days (6–9 hours). Glacier crossings on Cho La. This trek is for experienced high-altitude trekkers only — prior EBC or Manaslu experience is strongly recommended.

For fitness preparation, see our 12-week training plan. For acclimatization, the Three Passes itinerary builds in 3 acclimatization days (Namche, Gokyo, and Dingboche) — do not skip them. See our altitude sickness guide.

The Three High Passes — What to Expect

Renjo La Pass (5,360 m) — Day 6

The first pass. Crossed from Lungden to Gokyo. A 980 m climb from Lungden, followed by a 570 m descent to Gokyo. The view from the pass includes Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and the turquoise Gokyo Lakes — one of the most spectacular mountain panoramas in Nepal. The descent to Gokyo is steep and loose — use trekking poles.

Cho La Pass (5,420 m) — Day 9

The second pass. Crossed from Thagnak to Dzongla. Involves a short glacier crossing — bring crampons or microspikes, even in peak season. The pass itself is a dramatic narrow saddle between two peaks. The descent to Dzongla is relatively gentle. Allow 6–7 hours for the full crossing.

Kongma La Pass (5,535 m) — Day 13

The third and highest pass. Crossed from Lobuche to Chhukung. The toughest day of the trek — 625 m of climbing on loose scree, then a 800 m descent. The view from the pass includes the entire Khumbu Glacier, Nuptse, Lhotse and Makalu. Most groups start at 5 am to avoid afternoon cloud. Allow 8–9 hours for the full crossing.

Highlights of the Three Passes Trek

• Three high passes above 5,300 m — fewer than 1,000 trekkers per year complete all three
• Gokyo Lakes — five turquoise alpine lakes, sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists
• Gokyo Ri (5,357 m) — the best panoramic viewpoint in the Everest region
• Everest Base Camp + Kala Patthar — included in the route
• Far fewer crowds than the standard EBC trail — often you will have the trail to yourself
• Three distinct valleys — Gokyo, Khumbu and Imja — each with its own character

The Three Passes Trek is the ultimate Everest region trek — harder, longer and more spectacular than standard EBC. If you have the time, fitness and budget, this is the trek to do. For more on the standard EBC trek, see our EBC day-by-day itinerary and our EBC vs Gokyo Lakes comparison.