Skip to content

Three Passes Trek

Three Passes Trek Three Passes Trek Three Passes Trek Three Passes Trek

Duration

17 Days

Start-End Point

Kathmandu

Meals

Lunch, Dinner and Breakfast

Grade

Trek Grade

Accommodation

Tear house

Best Season

Sep to Dec, March to Jun

Max Altitude

5560m

Group Size

1-15 Pax

Transportation

flight

Trip Cost

Group Size: 1

Per Person

$1,600

Total

$1,600
Send Inquiry Download Brochure

Trip Highlights

  • The Everest Three Passes Trek is a challenging high-altitude adventure crossing three major passes: Renjo La (5,388 m), Cho La (5,420 m), and Kongma La (5,535 m), offering some of the most dramatic Himalayan scenery.
  • The trek combines major highlights of the Everest region, including Everest Base Camp, Gokyo Lakes, and three iconic viewpoints: Kala Patthar, Gokyo Ri, and Chhukung Ri.
  • It covers approximately 148 km over 17 days, involving steep climbs, icy trails, and demanding terrain that requires strong physical fitness and proper acclimatization.
  • The route provides excellent acclimatization and serves as a preparation pathway for climbing peaks like Lobuche, Island Peak, and Ama Dablam.
  • The trek offers rich cultural exposure to Sherpa communities, ancient monasteries, and breathtaking views of Everest, Makalu, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and other Himalayan giants.

The Everset Three Passes trek is a highly demanding, high-altitude trek in Nepal. You walk through three different altitude passes, each with its beautiful views. You see the phenomenal Himalayan scenery, green meadows, and high passes on the alpine plateau of the Everest Highlands. The trek is also known as the  “Three Passes Three Peaks Trek.” The Everest Three passes are Renjo La Pass (5,388 meters / 17,678 feet), Cho La Pass (5,420 meters / 17,782 feet), and Kongma La Pass (5,535 meters / 18,159 feet). The three peaks are Kala Patthar (5,643 meters / 18,514 feet), Gokyo Ri (5,357 meters / 17,575 feet), and Chukhung Ri (5,550 meters / 18,208 feet). Trekkers do not need climbing permits for these peaks.

While the Everest Base Camp trek is already considered one of the most beautiful trekking routes in the world, the Three Passes Trek takes it a step further by exploring more remote and dramatic parts of the region.

This adventure combines the highlights of the Everest Base Camp trail, the stunning Gokyo Lakes, and the challenging high mountain passes in the Sagarmatha National Park. It is a complete circuit that showcases the very best of the Everest region, offering a deeper and more rewarding trekking experience than the standard route.

Everest Three Passes Trek difficulty:

The Everest Three Passes trek is moderate to difficult, requiring significant stamina and hiking skills, well-prepared equipment, including microspikes. Snow and ice consistently cover the three passes in the Nepal trekking region. The itinerary is crafted based on the challenges and extended journey, comprising 17 days of tough hikes covering 148 km, passing over the high-altitude Bhanjyang, Renjo la Pass, Cho la Pass, and Kongma-La Pass.

The anti-clockwise route is often considered the best for the Everest Three Passes Trek. The trek summits Gokyo Ri, Kala Patthar, and Chhukung Ri, and three high passes. From these Trekking peaks and passes, you can film and take photographs of beautiful mountains, Mt. Everest, Mt. Pumori, Mt. Makalu, Mt. Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and many white peaks. It is a breathtaking mountain view.

Hidden Peaks Along the Everest 3 Passes Trek

Many hidden Peaks around the Everest Three Pass Trekking area, the Sundar Peak 5,360m in Thame, Nangkartshang Peak  5,100m in Lungden, Ngozumpa Tse Peak 5,553m in Gokyo, Awi Peak 5,245m in Zhong la, Pokalde Peak (Dolma Ri 5,806 m) in Kongma-La ridge, Chukhung Ri 5,546 m in Chhukung, and Nagartsang Peak 5,083m in Dingboche. If time allows you to ascend all the peaks, you can add a few extra days to your itinerary.

The Everest Three Passes Trek serves as an excellent approach for climbing nearby Himalayan peaks like Lobuche, Island Peak (Imja Tse), and Ama Dablam. Here’s how it helps climbers:

1. High-Altitude Acclimatization

Crossing Kongma La, Cho La, and Renjo La exposes trekkers to altitudes above 5,300 meters, allowing their bodies to adjust to thin air gradually. This reduces the risk of altitude sickness for subsequent climbs on Lobuche, Island, or Ama Dablam.

2. Approach to Base Camps

The trek naturally passes near or through the base camps of these peaks:

  • Lobuche Peak Base Camp: Access via the trail through Lobuche village

  • Island Peak Base Camp (Imja Tse): Trek through Dingboche and the Imja Valley

  • Ama Dablam Base Camp: Reachable via Pangboche and the Chukhung Valley

Trekking these passes prepares climbers physically while giving familiarity with the terrain.

3. Strength and Endurance Training

The combination of long trekking days, steep ascents, and rugged trails builds stamina and strength, which is crucial for technical climbs on the surrounding peaks.

Everest Three Passes Trek distance:

The Everest Three Passes Trek covers a total distance of approximately 148 km. On average, trekkers walk about 11–12 km per day, but this varies depending on altitude and terrain.

  • At lower altitudes (below ~3,500 m), the terrain is gentler, and trekkers can cover longer distances per day—often more than 11.5 km.

  • At higher altitudes (above 5,000 m), the terrain becomes steep, icy, and physically demanding. Trekkers move more slowly, covering shorter distances, sometimes less than 8–9 km per day.

This pattern occurs because:

  1. High-altitude areas require careful pacing to prevent altitude sickness.

  2. Steep climbs and passes such as Kongma La, Cho La, and Renjo La demand more energy and time.

  3. Lower-altitude descents allow longer distances since the body recovers, and the terrain is less strenuous.

Guide Essential for the Everest Three Passes Trek

We do not recommend the Everest 3 Passes Trek for independent solo travelers without guides and porters. The trails are rough and challenging, with steep climbs, icy and slippery cliffs, high-altitude passes, and rapidly changing weather.

The Nepal Wilderness Trekking Guide team is an expert on the Everest 3 Passes trek route. We guide small groups and solo trekkers every week during peak season at a competitive cost. Whether male or female guides, all our guides are well-educated and know the Everest region extensively. They have done the Three High Pass trek numerous times a month during the season. So, they are familiar with every detail of the area, including the terrain, people, culture, and trails.

Everest Three Passes Trek with NWT Company:

The tourism industry recognizes Nepal Wilderness Trekking and Expedition as the top-rated company due to the following salient features. Locally Owned and Operated with Competitive Cost. As a local trekking operator, we have more experience regarding the Three Passes Trek and its surroundings. We know how to get you to the Three Passes route in the best way possible and how to achieve your goal safely.

Our Everest Three Passes Trek has an excellent success rate thanks to our experienced guides, careful planning, and strong commitment to client safety and satisfaction. As a trusted local trekking company in Nepal, Nepal Wilderness Trekking operates every trek with professionalism, honesty, and transparency.

We believe that every trekker is unique, so we take the time to understand the goals, fitness level, and travel preferences. Whether you are looking for a standard itinerary, extra acclimatization days, side trips to hidden viewpoints, or a more personalized trekking experience, we can tailor the Everest Three Passes Trek to match your needs.

From your first inquiry to the completion of your trek, our team remains responsive, supportive, and dedicated to ensuring you have a safe, enjoyable, and memorable adventure in the Everest region.

Nepal Wilderness Trekking provides the value of what you buy from our services at least equal to the amount you pay. You will not be charged any middle or hidden fees when you purchase our services. Our local expert trekking guide will stay in close contact with our clients every step of the way. Our company ensures customers’ safety at all times, so they will have peace of mind while trekking to the Three Passes with us.

Challenging for beginners:

For beginner trekkers, the altitude and rugged terrain of the Everest 3 Passes trek can pose several challenges. Altitude sickness is a real concern, as the trek takes you above 5,000 meters, where oxygen levels are significantly lower. Proper acclimatization and a slow ascent are crucial to minimize the risk of altitude-related illnesses.
Additionally, the trail can be physically demanding, with steep ascents and descents, rocky paths, and potentially harsh weather conditions. Trekkers should prepare for long days of hiking, often averaging 6 to 8 hours of walking per day. Ultimately, the Three Passes trek may be tough for beginners. It is also a transformative experience that rewards those who dare to take on the challenge with unforgettable memories and a sense of accomplishment.

Everest 3 Passes Trip Highlights:

  • The 3 best places for photographers during the Everest Three Passes Trek are Gokyo Ri, Kala Patthar, and Chhukung Ri. These points offer breathtaking views of the high mountains during the trek.
  • The unsurpassed, breathtaking view of Mount Everest, Cho Oyu, and Makalu from Gokyo Ri, Kalapathar, and Chhukung.
  • Experience the vibrant Sherpa communities’ cultural heritage.
  • Stunningly old Buddhist monasteries.

Trekking Permits:

For the Everest Three Passes trek, you only need two types of permits: the Everest National Park Entry Permit and the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit. These permits cover the entire region; all require permits organized by the Nepal Wilderness Trekking Agency.

Note:

All published dates are guaranteed departures. If these dates don’t suit your schedule, we can organize a private or solo trip on your preferred dates. Share your trip details, and we will turn your dream into reality.

Itinerary (17 Days)

Cost Included

  • Domestic flight tickets from Kathmandu/Rammechhap to Lukla and Lukla to Kathmandu/Rammechhap
  • Meals: Italian, Chinese, Nepali, Indian, and various European dishes are available three times a day breakfast, lunch, and dinner. One main course is provided per meal during the trek.
  • Accommodation in tea houses according to the itinerary
  • Kitbag for storing your belongings.
  • Sleeping bag for a comfortable night's sleep on a trek in minus-25 degrees
  • Everest National Park Entrance Trekking Permit
  • Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit
  • Experienced English-speaking trekking guide licensed by the government, familiar with the area.
  • One porter for every two to three participants. (Note: An additional cost applies for solo clients requiring a porter.)
  • Guide, and Porter meals, accommodation, salary, and insurance.
  • Necessary paperwork, all government, and local taxes.
  • A certificate of appreciation from Nepal Wilderness Trekking after a successful trek.

Cost Excluded

  • Airfare for international flights
  • Upon arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport, Nepal entry visa fees vary by duration (15 days - $25-30, 30 days
  • Accommodations and meals in Kathmandu before and after our journey
  • Personal equipment for high and cold temperatures
  • Emergency high-altitude rescue and evacuation are covered by travel insurance
  • All beverages, Soft and coffee table drinks such as Coke, beer,
  • Drinking water/mineral water, Dessert, etc. Hot shower, laundry
  • Tip for the guide and the porter
  • Excluded are all costs and expenses not listed under "cost includes."
  • Inclusion of costs or delays beyond the control of the management, such as landslides, weather conditions, itinerary modifications due to safety concerns, illness, changes in government policies, strikes, etc.

Trip Dates

Select Year

Select Month

Routes

Three Passes Trek route map

Frequently Asked Question

TripAdvisor Reviews

Three Passes Trek Reviews

Read recent live Tripadvisor feedback from trekkers who traveled with Nepal Wilderness Trekking.

Similar Packages

Price per person

USD 1,600 / pp

Book Now