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Overview
The Three Passes Trek is the ultimate Everest region challenge—an epic journey crossing three high passes over 5,300 meters while visiting both Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lakes. Kongma La (5,535m), Cho La (5,420m), and Renjo La (5,360m) test your endurance and reward with some of the most spectacular views on Earth. This is not a trek for beginners; it demands fitness, experience, and determination. But for those ready, it's the adventure of a lifetime.
Highlights
- Cross three high passes: Kongma La, Cho La, and Renjo La.
- Visit both Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lakes in one trek.
- Summit Gokyo Ri and Kala Patthar for panoramic views.
- Experience remote high-altitude valleys away from main trails.
- Challenge yourself with Nepal's most demanding trekking route.
- See Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu from multiple angles.
Related Topics
Trek Gallery
Quick Stats
Best Time to Visit
Monthly Weather Overview
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Flight to Lukla (2,840m) & Trek to Phakding (2,610m)
Fly into Lukla and begin the trek. Easy start following the Dudh Koshi river downstream. Acclimatization begins.
Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440m)
Cross the Hillary Bridge and climb steeply to the Sherpa capital. First glimpse of Everest on the way up.
Acclimatization Day in Namche
Critical rest day. Hike to Everest View Hotel or Khumjung. Explore the bazaar and prepare for the challenges ahead.
Trek to Tengboche (3,860m)
Scenic trail with incredible Ama Dablam views. Visit Tengboche Monastery—the largest in the Khumbu region.
Trek to Dingboche (4,410m)
Climb into the high alpine zone. Dingboche sits in a wide valley surrounded by peaks. Prepare for Kongma La.
Acclimatization at Dingboche
Hike to Nangkartshang Peak (5,083m) for acclimatization and views of Makalu, Lhotse, and Island Peak.
Cross Kongma La (5,535m) to Lobuche (4,910m)
First pass! Early start for the steep climb. Technical sections require scrambling. Stunning views from the top. Descend to Lobuche.
Trek to Gorak Shep (5,140m) & Everest Base Camp
Trek to Gorak Shep, then continue to EBC. Stand at the foot of the world's highest mountain on the Khumbu Glacier.
Climb Kala Patthar (5,545m) & Trek to Dzongla
Pre-dawn climb to Kala Patthar for the classic Everest sunrise. Then trek to Dzongla to prepare for Cho La.
Cross Cho La (5,420m) to Thagnak (4,700m)
Second pass! Rocky scramble and glacier crossing. Crampons may be required. Descend to Thagnak on the edge of Ngozumpa Glacier.
Trek to Gokyo (4,790m)
Cross the massive glacier and pass the sacred turquoise lakes. Arrive at Gokyo village for well-deserved rest.
Climb Gokyo Ri (5,357m) & Explore
Pre-dawn climb for sunrise over four 8,000m peaks. Explore the fourth and fifth lakes in the afternoon.
Rest Day in Gokyo
Recovery day before the final pass. Explore the upper lakes or simply rest. Your body needs this break.
Cross Renjo La (5,360m) to Lungden (4,380m)
Final pass! Steep climb with spectacular views back to Everest and across to Rolwaling. Descend to the remote Lungden village.
Trek to Thame (3,820m)
Descend through the Bhote Koshi valley. Thame is the birthplace of Tenzing Norgay and has a beautiful monastery.
Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440m)
Return to civilization. Final night in Namche with hot showers and good food.
Trek to Lukla (2,840m)
Final day of trekking. Celebration dinner with your team in Lukla.
Fly to Kathmandu
Weather-dependent flight back to Kathmandu. The adventure is complete.
Physical Preparation
Physical Preparation
- Weighted hill climbs
- Maximum endurance
Accommodation & Facilities
What to Bring
Documents
- Passport
- Sagarmatha NP Permit
- Local Permit
- Insurance with heli-evac to 6,000m
- Emergency contacts
Clothing
- Expedition down jacket (-30°C)
- Windproof hard shell
- Multiple base layers
- Warm hat, gloves (2 pairs), balaclava
- Trekking pants + thermal
Footwear
- Mountaineering boots (rigid sole)
- Crampons (essential)
- Gaiters
- Warm socks (6+ pairs)
- Camp shoes
Technical Gear
- Trekking poles (essential)
- Microspikes + crampons
- Sleeping bag (-25°C or lower)
- Headlamp + spare batteries
- Glacier glasses (Cat 4)
Safety & Nutrition
- First aid kit with Diamox
- High-energy snacks
- Thermos
- Water purification
- Emergency bivvy bag
- Sunscreen SPF 50+
Cost Breakdown
Cost Breakdown
Safety & Emergency
Safety & Emergency
Extremely demanding trek requiring excellent fitness and prior altitude experience. All three passes are technical and can be closed by snow. Weather windows are critical. Guided trek highly recommended.
