Three Passes Trek via Everest Base Camp

Q: How difficult is three pass Trekking?

Challenging. High altitude, multiple steep passes, rough terrain, glacier moraines in places, and long trekking days. Good physical fitness is essential. Adequate acclimatization is critically important.

Q: What is the best time of year to do this trek?

Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-November) are the preferred seasons. In these periods, you get clearer skies, more stable weather, and good visibility.

Q: What are the heights of the passes?

Roughly: Kongma La ~5,450m (depending on route variations), Cho La ~5,330m, Renjo La ~5,360m.

Q: What peaks and views can trekkers expect?

Major mountains visible include Everest (8,848 m), Makalu (8,485 m), Lhotse (8,414 m), Cho Oyu (8,188 m), Nuptse, Ama Dablam (6,856 m), Thamserku, Kongde Ri, plus many others. Also high glacial lakes and ridges.

Q: How long does the trek take?

19 days if moving at a steady but not rushed pace. Some itineraries stretch longer if including rest/acclimatization days or side trips.

Q: What permits & regulations are required?

You’ll need:• Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit • Khumbu Pasang Lhamu / Khumbu Rural Municipality Permit

Q: Safety and insurance?

Yes, buy the insurance that covers emergency heli rescue. Our service is to facilitate the procedure.

Best Season
Autumn (September to November)& Spring (March to May)
Arrival City
Kathmandu
Departure City
Kathmandu
Guide
Guided
Transportation
Airplane, private jeep
Wifi
Some places

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

Map

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

Map

The Three Passes Trek is in the Everest region of Nepal. It crosses Kongma La (5,450m), Cho La (5,330m), and Renjo La (5,360m). La means mountain pass in the local dialogue. This trek offers stunning views of Everest (8848m), Makalu (8485m), Lhotse (8414m), Cho Oyu (8188m), Nuptse (7861m), Ama Dablam (6856m), Thamserku (6608m), Kongde Ri (6187m), and many mountains. This adventurous circuit connects Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Valley, showcasing glaciers, high-altitude lakes, and Sherpa villages.

Most of the trekking company starts three passes trek from Thame village but we recommend to start this trip from opposite direction place called Chhukung village to gets several advantages such as better acclimatization to reduce the altitude risk, efficient logistics, and a spectacular scenic experience. Beginning here allows trekkers to cross Kongma La (5,535m) first—the highest and most demanding pass—while energy levels are fresh. After this first pass; go all the way to Everest Base Camp(5364m) and the Kalapatthar (5550m) view point before the 2nd pass Cho La and 3rd pass Renjo La and then descend toward Namche Bazaar.

Geographically, the region is a dramatic mix of deep valleys, high passes, rocky ridges, and glacial moraines. The terrain is rugged and ever-changing, featuring massive glaciers and turquoise lakes.

Guesthouses along the route are generally basic but comfortable, offering warm meals, blankets, and sometimes Wi-Fi. In remote places amenities may be limited, but the hospitality is genuine.

Day 01 :

Arrival

Arrive in Kathmandu / Transport to hotel / Get ready for the trek

Day 02 :

To Lukla

Early in the morning, drive 120km to Manthali Airport / Fly to Lukla 2840m / Trek 3-4hrs to Phakding 2610m

Day 03 :

To Namche Bazaar

Trek 6-7hrs to Namche Bazaar 3440m

Day 04 :

To Khumjung Valley

Acclimatize day / Day hike to Khumjung Valley 3780m via Everest view hotel 3800m

Day 05 :

To Tyangboche

Trek 5-6 hrs to Tyangboche Monastery 3800m

Day 06 :

To Dingboche

Trek 5-6 hrs to Dingboche 4410m

Day 07 :

To Dingboche Viewpoint

Acclimatize day / Day hike towards Dingboche view point 5000m

Day 08 :

To Chhukung Ri

Trek 2-3 hrs to Chhukhung 4730m / afternoon hike all the way to Chhukung Ri 5550m

Day 09 :

To Labuche

Trek to Labuche 4910m via Konma La 5450m (Total 6-7 hrs)

Day 10 :

To Gorekshep

Trek 5-6 hrs to Everest Base Camp 5364m / Overnight at Gorekshep 5140m

Day 11 :

To Dzonglah

Early morning climb to Kalapatthar 5550m / Trek to Dzonglah 4620 (Total 6-7hrs)

Day 12 :

To Dragnag

Trek to Dragnag 4700m via Cho La 5330m (Total 5-6hrs)

Day 13 :

To Gokiyo Lake

Trek 3 hrs to Gokiyo lake 5140m

Day 14 :

To Gokiyo Peak

Early morning climb Gokiyo Peak 5360m / Back to hotel / Explore around fourth lake 4990m

Day 15 :

To Lungdhen

Trek to Lungdhen 4380m via Renjo La 5360 (Total 5-6hrs)

Day 16 :

To Thame

Trek 4-5 hrs to Thame 3800m

Day 17 :

Back to Namche

Trek 4-5 hrs to Namche

Day 18 :

Back to Lukla

Trek 6-7 hrs to Lukla

Day 19 :

Return

Fly to Manthali / Drive back to Kathmandu

Day 20 :

Departure

Easy morning / Possible tour of Kathmandu / Departure

FAQs

Expand all

How difficult is three pass Trekking?

Challenging. High altitude, multiple steep passes, rough terrain, glacier moraines in places, and long trekking days. Good physical fitness is essential. Adequate acclimatization is critically important.

What is the best time of year to do this trek?

Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-November) are the preferred seasons. In these periods, you get clearer skies, more stable weather, and good visibility.

What are the heights of the passes?

Roughly: Kongma La ~5,450m (depending on route variations), Cho La ~5,330m, Renjo La ~5,360m.

What peaks and views can trekkers expect?

Major mountains visible include Everest (8,848 m), Makalu (8,485 m), Lhotse (8,414 m), Cho Oyu (8,188 m), Nuptse, Ama Dablam (6,856 m), Thamserku, Kongde Ri, plus many others. Also high glacial lakes and ridges.

How long does the trek take?

19 days if moving at a steady but not rushed pace. Some itineraries stretch longer if including rest/acclimatization days or side trips.

What permits & regulations are required?

You’ll need:
• Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit
• Khumbu Pasang Lhamu / Khumbu Rural Municipality Permit

Do I need a guide / porter?

Yes.

What are the altitude risks & acclimatization tips?

High altitude illness is a serious risk. Steps to reduce risk:

Ascend slowly.
Spend rest/acclimatization days
Hydrate well.
Avoid heavy exertion in first few days.
Be alert to symptoms (headache, nausea etc.), and descend if serious symptoms appear.
Proper gear (warm clothing, sleeping bag)
Stay vegeterian and alcohol free before crossing the passes

How are accommodation and amenities?

Simple Guest House, some places wifi will be aviablable

What gear should I bring?

Key items:

Good hiking boots
Warm layered clothing (jackets, thermals etc.)
Rain protection (jacket, poncho)
Trekking poles (depending on the person)
Sun protection (glasses, sun cream)
Water purification methods
Personal medication
Sufficient cash, power bank etc.

Safety and insurance?

Yes, buy the insurance that covers emergency heli rescue. Our service is to facilitate the procedure.

Three Passes Trek Via Everest Base Camp

Trip Info

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

Map