Everest Three Passes Trek: Everest Base Camp, Gokyo Valley and Cho La Pass Combined

Everest Three Passes Trek: EBC, Gokyo Ri, Kongma La, Cho La, Renjo La

The Everest Three Passes Trek is often first heard about from fellow trekkers in teahouses in Namche. Many have done the standard Everest Base Camp trek twice already, and when asked why they are back for a third time, they say, "This time I'm doing it properly."
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They are talking about the Three Passes Trek and while doing the Three Passes, it becomes clear what they meant.

Everest Three Passes Trek

​What Is the Everest Three Passes Trek?

The Everest Three Passes Trek is a high-altitude circuit in Nepal's Khumbu region that crosses Kongma La, Cho La and Renjo La all while connecting the major destinations in the area including Everest Base Camp, Kala Patthar and the Gokyo Valley.

Think of it this way. The standard Everest Base Camp trek takes you to one destination and back along the same trail. The Three Passes Trek, on the other hand, is a complete circuit. It loops through different valleys, crosses three mountain passes above 5,000 metres and connects the Everest Base Camp trail with the Gokyo Valley.

The trek usually takes about 18 days and covers about 160 kilometres. You will have to walk for about six to eight hours on most days. It is not an easy adventure but for anyone who wants to experience the Everest region in its entirety, this is the most complete trek you can do.
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You will have your guides with you the whole time and they will help you acclimatise well throughout the trek. So, it isn’t an impossible challenge but it also isn’t an easy trek.

Everest Three Passes Trek : Kongma La Pass

​The Three Passes

The three passes are what make up this trek and each is pretty different despite all being in the Khumbu region.
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1. Kongma La Pass

At 5,535 metres, Kongma La is the highest of the three passes and is comparatively the more difficult trek out of the three.

The climb starts from Chhukung, a small settlement at the foot of the Imja Glacier, through rocky terrain, past small glacial lakes before getting to the summit.

Something for you to note here is that there are no teahouses between Chhukung and Lobuche. So that day will be a long one: you will walk eight to nine hours, with no bailout points.
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But the view from the top is unforgettable. From Kongma La, you see Lhotse's south face and the Nuptse wall.
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2. Cho La Pass

Cho La Pass is at 5,420 metres and connects the Everest region with the Gokyo Valley. It is the most unpredictable of the passes and is often closed because of heavy snow. It can only be crossed in good weather.

The ascent is from Dzongla with a steep climb over rocky boulders and then the glacier crossing. A reason why having an experienced guide is so important on this trek is because the route here needs local knowledge to navigate safely.

Timing is critical here and most guides recommend starting early and crossing before 9:00 AM to avoid dangerous rockfalls as temperatures rise. The morning light also gives you the best views of Ama Dablam, Cholatse and Lobuche Peak from the pass.
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3. Renjo La Pass

Renjo La is the lowest of the three passes at 5,360 metres but don't let that fool you as the ascent is relentless. However, there is no glacier crossing here, so it feels safer than Cho La.
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From Renjo La, you can see all the major peaks of the Khumbu: Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu and the turquoise waters of Gokyo Lakes far below. The sheer scale of Everest is evident from here.

Which Pass Is the Hardest?

There is no straight forward answer as it depends on what you mean by hardest. Kongma La is the highest and most technically demanding section. It is the longest day walking, the most challenging terrain and no teahouse to take a break in between.

Cho La is the most unpredictable as harsh weather can immediately close the pass. Renjo La is less technical than the other two but you need serious stamina to cross this after days of high-altitude climbing that you have done till then.

From experience there, Kongma La is the one that most trekkers find the toughest. But again, they don't make up the most difficult trek ever. Having your guide with you is a lot of help and they will help you through everything very efficiently.

Everest Three Passes Trek : Cho La Pass

​​Everest Base Camp, Kala Patthar and Gokyo Valley

The passes are the highlight of the trek, but the circuit also passes through three of the most famous destinations in the Everest region.
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1. Everest Base Camp

Everest Base Camp at 5,364 metres, is at the foot of the Khumbu Icefall. On the Three Passes circuit, EBC is right after crossing Kongma La. The trail from Lobuche follows the edge of the Khumbu Glacier to reach the Base Camp.

During the peak spring and autumn climbing season, the camp is bustling with tents all around and many travellers preparing for their own Everest summit attempts. Outside that, it is much quieter and emptier.
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2. Kala Patthar

Kala Patthar means ‘black rock’ in Nepali, and at 5,550 metres, it is the highest point of the trek. As is the norm while trekking, most people start the climb to Kala Patthar before sunrise.

The steep and zigzag ascent from Gorak Shep takes about two hours and usually the cold on the way is biting. When Kala Patthar is reached just as the first light of the morning hits Everest, it becomes clear why people do this.

If you thought Everest looked big before, it looks massive from here. Looking up and seeing these Himalayan mountains is a sight you will never forget in your life. It is exciting and a little nerve wrecking at the same time.

Kala Patthar has what many consider the best close-up view of Mount Everest in the region. Unlike Base Camp, where Everest is hidden behind the surrounding peaks, Kala Patthar gives you an unobstructed view of the world's tallest mountain.

You also see other peaks like Lhotse, Nuptse, Pumori and the Himalayas stretching far and wide in all directions. The sunrise view from Kala Patthar is legendary for a reason.

3. Gokyo Valley

The Gokyo Valley is different to the Everest Base Camp area. It is somehow more serene and peaceful.

The valley is home to the Gokyo Lakes, six turquoise alpine lakes which are among the highest freshwater lakes in the world. The third lake, Dudh Pokhari, is beside Gokyo village.

Above the village rises Gokyo Ri at 5,357 metres and it is a viewpoint that rivals Kala Patthar. From the top, you can see Cho Oyu, Gyachung Kang, Everest, Lhotse, Makalu as well as the Ngozumpa Glacier below.

Gokyo is also much less crowded than the main EBC trail and most trekkers on the standard route never see it. The route through Gokyo, up to Gokyo Ri, and across Renjo La toward Thame forms the final section of the circuit.

Everest Three Passes Trek : Gokyo Ri

​Route Overview

The approximately 160 kilometre trek is usually done over 18 days, with six to eight hours of walking on most days.
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Two full acclimatisation days (one at Namche Bazaar and one at Dingboche) are built into the itinerary of most travel agents to help you adjust to the altitude before crossing the passes.

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Route

Elevation

What Happens

1.

Lukla to
Phakding

2,860m to
2,610m

Descend through pine forests along the Dudh Koshi River

2.

Phakding to
Namche Bazaar

2,610m to
3,440m

Climb through Sagarmatha National Park to the "Gateway to Everest"

3.

Namche to
Tengboche to
Dingboche to
Chhukung

3,440m to
3,870m to
4,410m to
4,730m

Leave the EBC trail, head east toward the high passes

4.

Chhukung to
Kongma La to
Lobuche

4,730m to
5,535m to
4,940m

Highest pass, crossing rocky moraine and glacier before reaching Lobuche

5.

Lobuche to
Gorak Shep to
EBC to
Kala Patthar to
Dzongla

4,940m to
5164m to
5,364m to
5,550m to
4,830m

Join the classic EBC trail, visit Base Camp, climb Kala Patthar for Everest sunrise views

6.

Dzongla to
Cho La to
Thangnak

4,830m to
5,420m to
4,700m

Second pass, crossing a glacier before descending into the Gokyo Valley

7.

Thangnak to
Gokyo to
Gokyo Ri

4,700m to
4,790m to
5,357m

Explore Gokyo Lakes, climb Gokyo Ri for views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu

8.

Gokyo to
Renjo La to
Lungden to
Thame

4,790m to
5,360m to
4,210m to
3,820m

Final pass with panoramas of Everest and the Gokyo Lakes below

9.

Thame to
Namche to
Lukla

3,820m to
3,440m to
2,860m

Return through Sherpa villages, back to Lukla

​Difficulty

How difficult is the Everest Three Passes Trek?

It is challenging; that won’t be denied. It is considerably more difficult than the standard Everest Base Camp trek but proper acclimatisation and consulting your guide on things should make things easier.
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Here's why the trek can be difficult. The altitude is pretty high. The trek has three passes all above 5,000 metres, with the highest being 5,535 metres. You will also sleep at altitudes above 4,500 metres for several nights and spend multiple days above 5,000 metres. The thin air makes every step feel heavier, and the risk of altitude sickness is real.

The distance is also not short. You'll walk six to eight hours on most days and pass days are longer. Kongma La can take up to eight to ten hours of continuous walking.

The route also throws everything at you: steep climbs, loose scree, boulder fields, glacier crossings, snow and ice. The terrain also changes constantly.
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Is It Harder Than EBC?

Yes. The standard Everest Base Camp trek is a there-and-back route reaches 5,364 metres at EBC and 5,550 metres at Kala Patthar. The Three Passes Trek has three high-altitude crossings, more walking days and more varied terrain for you to move through.
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Many trekkers describe crossing Kongma La as the hardest day of the entire trek, one that pushes you both physically and mentally.
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Who Is It Suitable For?

This trek is best suited for experienced trekkers with good fitness and some high-altitude experience. Guides recommend some prior high-altitude trekking experience before taking this on.

That said, with proper training and preparation, it is doable for fit trekkers who are prepared for the challenge.
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An honest self-assessment could help you on this. Ask yourself: Can you walk six to eight hours a day on steep terrain with a backpack? Are you comfortable with altitude and the risks it brings?
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If you've done the EBC trek before and want to go further, this is definitely the next step for you.

Everest Three Passes Trek : Renjo La Pass

Altitude and Acclimatisation

Altitude is arguably the single biggest challenge on the Everest Three Passes Trek. so understanding it is as important as physical fitness for you.
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How high does the Three Passes Trek go?

The highest point here is Kala Patthar at 5,550 metres and you cross the three passes at 5,535 metres (Kongma La), 5,420 metres (Cho La) and 5,360 metres (Renjo La). Also note that you'll spend multiple nights above 4,500 metres and several days above 5,000 metres.
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How many acclimatisation days are needed?

Guides typically give two full acclimatisation days: one at Namche Bazaar (3,440 metres) and one at Dingboche (4,410 metres) so the trip goes pretty smoothly. These aren't optional rest days and skipping or shortening them can make things difficult for you.

​A simple rule guides call ‘Climb high, sleep low’ is followed. This means that on acclimatisation days, you hike to a higher elevation during the day and return to sleep at a lower altitude. This lets your body to adapt faster and more effectively.
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Can you get altitude sickness even if you're fit?

Yes, you can get altitude sickness regardless of being fit as altitude sickness doesn't care about that. It depends on how your body responds to reduced oxygen, which is different from person to person.
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Fitness helps you with stamina but it doesn't prevent your reaction to altitude.
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Symptoms to watch for

Mild headache, reduced appetite and poor sleep are common at this massive altitude. Watch out for these warning signs: continuous vomiting, loss of coordination, confusion or a wet cough with pink frothy sputum. You may need to descent immediately in this case.
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If any of these appear, inform your guide. They have dealt with this numerous times and know what to do.

Prevention tips

There are several prevention tips you can follow to avoid this. These include: Walking slowly, staying hydrated and avoid alcohol above 3,500 metres.
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It is suggested to eat even if you lose your appetite. Lastly and most importantly, listen to your guide. They are trained to spot all these symptoms before you do and can also stop the ascent or descend as needed.

​What is the Best Time to Trek

Choosing the right season for the Everest Three Passes Trek will shape your experience there. The weather in the Khumbu is extreme and the passes are only reliably crossable during certain months.
Best months for clear views: October and November
Best months for fewer crowds: December, January, February (but with major challenges)
Best months overall: April, May, October, November

Spring

Autumn

Monsoon

Winter

Mar–May

Sept–Nov

Jun–Aug

Dec–Feb

Stable, clear skies, moderate temps. Nights cold above 4,000m.

Exceptional clear skies, stable, minimal rain. Daytime 10–15°C, nights ~–10°C.

Heavy rain, cloud cover, poor visibility.

Severe cold. Nights drop to –20°C or lower. Heavy snowfall.

Rhododen–drons in bloom. March may still have snow on passes; clear by Apr–May.

Trails dry and firm. Views at their most dramatic. Coincides with Dashain and Tihar festivals.

Trails slippery and muddy, higher landslide risk. Lukla flights frequently delayed. Leeches in lower forests.

High passes often snow-covered. Many teahouses above Namche close.

Busy (May is Everest climbing season)

Moderate to busy

Quiet

Very quiet

One of the best times

Finest season for most trekkers

Avoid as passes become dangerous

Possible for experienced winter trekkers only

Permits and Current Regulations

You need two permits to trek in the Khumbu region and this applies to the Three Passes Trek, the standard EBC route as well as the Gokyo Valley, too.
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1. Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit

This permit lets you enter into the UNESCO World Heritage Site and it costs NPR 3,000 for foreign nationals (approximately USD 22), NPR 1,500 for SAARC nationals and NPR 100 for Nepali citizens.

Children under 10 are exempt and don’t need to buy a ticket. You can obtain this permit from the Nepal Tourism Board office in Kathmandu or at the park entrance checkpoint in Monjo.

It is recommended to get it in Kathmandu before you fly to Lukla. That is because the Monjo checkpoint can have queues during peak season.
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2. Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit

This local permit has in the recent years replaced the TIMS card for the Khumbu region. It costs NPR 2,000 for foreign nationals (approximately USD 15) and NPR 1,000 for SAARC nationals.

You can only get the Khumbu Municipality permit in Lukla or at the Monjo checkpoint. It is not available in Kathmandu and you need your passport for it. The funds from this permit goes to the local community development, trail maintenance and rescue coordination.
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Some Important Notes

• The TIMS card is no longer required or checked in the Khumbu region as it has been fully replaced by the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit.
• Both permits are valid for the entire EBC route, including the Gokyo Lakes extension and the Three Passes Trek.
• There is no day limit on either of these permits. So you don’t have to worry about them expiring.
• Permits must be paid for in Nepali rupees. So carry some cash in Nepali rupees with you on the trek.
• You may be asked to show your permits at several checkpoints along the trail. Keep them safe and easily accessible for such encounters.
• If you are booking through a trekking company, they usually handle the permits for you. Access Nepal Tour includes both permits in their package cost.

​Guide, Porter or Independent?

Since 2023, the Nepali government has made it a requirement for all trekkers in the Khumbu region to be accompanied by a licensed guide. The Three Passes route can be dangerous in bad weather, which is why this rule was introduced in the first place.
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A good guide will also monitor your health for altitude sickness, handle all the logistics and know the safest path across the glacier sections. Most agency packages include both a guide and a porter, which helps you a lot during the trek.

​What is the Accommodation Like In The Three Passes Trek?

For a majority of time on the trail, you stay in teahouses. These are basic lodges run by local families and the rooms are simple, usually twin-sharing with beds and blankets. Some lodges can have single rooms available too, so just let your guide know your preference and they will take care of it.

That said, there are options to upgrade your accommodation at several stops where luxury lodges are available. For this too, simply let your guide know about it and that can be arranged by the agency you book with at an added cost.

A sleeping bag rated to around -15°C is carried, as the blankets provided at higher elevations are often not enough for the cold nights.

Food and Water Food on the Three Passes Trek is healthy as per the need for a trekker and filling. The most common meal is dal bhat, which is rice, lentil soup and vegetables, and it is available everywhere with unlimited refills.

You will also find noodle soups, fried rice, momos (dumplings), eggs and pancakes. In some of the bigger towns like Namche, the menu is bigger with options like pizza and pasta, too. But higher up, choices narrow down and prices rise.

The local government has banned single-use plastic bottles in the region since 2020, so most trekkers drink boiled water from teahouses (can be priced NPR 50 to 1,200) and carry purification tablets and a UV pen.

Drink at least four litres a day for hydration here, especially on pass days as it helps with your acclimatisation.

Lastly, although the food is satisfactory, it is important to tell you to not have super high expectations from it. You are in the mountains--that, too in the remote Himalayas--so, you are eating more to get energy and survive than for satisfaction.

Everest Three Passes Trek: Teahouse & warm dal bhat

​Communication and Connectivity

Mobile coverage is there in many villages. The Nepali network NTC has the widest coverage, especially at higher elevations, while Ncell works well up to Namche but becomes unreliable above that.

From Dingboche upwards, mobile data is essentially non-existent. Wi-Fi is available at most teahouses, mostly via the Everest Link service but speeds are slow and it is reliable at times and not so much in other times.

WhatsApp messages generally get through, but video calls and large uploads are not realistic.
Most teahouses have power sockets in the dining room and at higher elevations, charging comes has a small fee. Carry a power bank with you.
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For emergencies, contact can be made via a satellite phone, especially for the pass sections with no coverage. This is made available by the guide.

​Cost Breakdown

A guided package for the 18-day Everest Three Passes Trek typically costs between USD 1,800 and 2,500 per person, depending on the level of service and inclusions.

This typically covers two nights in a Kathmandu hotel, teahouse accommodation throughout the trek, three meals a day, all permits, an experienced guide and domestic flights to and from Lukla.
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Going independently can be more complicated due to the legal requirement for a guide and the logistics of arranging permits and teahouse bookings yourself.

​Money and Payments

Cash is the most reliable way on the trail. Card payments simply aren't accepted higher up in the mountains. So you will need Nepali rupees for all expenses above Lukla.

A small amount is typically exchanged at the airport for transport, then the rest is exchanged in Kathmandu as it has better rates than the Everest Region. The Thamel area in Kathmandu has many money exchange services available.

You can use a money belt to secure your cash for the trek and keep a separate emergency reserve in your backpack. Do not forget to tip your guide and porter at the end of the trek. Although it isn’t mandatory, it is kind of expected as that has developed into a cultural norm.
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The budget is about USD 5-8 per day for the guide and USD 3-5 per day for the porter.

​Common Mistakes to Avoid

One of the most frequent mistakes by trekkers here is underestimating the altitude and treating the Three Passes like a standard EBC trek. So skipping acclimatization days is a big mistake.

Many trekkers pack too much, not realizing that porters carry a maximum of 25 kilograms shared between two trekkers. You will have to deal with the rest yourself.

While others fail to carry enough cash for daily expenses like hot showers, Wi-Fi, charging and higher food prices at altitude. Make sure you withdraw enough in NPR.
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Lastly, not leaving buffer days for flight delays is a mistake that can derail the entire trek and leave you scrambling for alternatives. Although this is handled by your agency, please do not pressure them into shortening your trip by cutting out such days.

**AI-generated images used for illustrative purposes only. ​