Published 12 Aug 2023
Are you an adventure seeker with a love for high-altitude treks? The Everest Three Pass Trek is one of the most thrilling and challenging treks in the world. It offers an incredible opportunity to experience the Himalayan landscape in all its glory, traverse some of the most iconic passes on Earth, and immerse yourself in the local Sherpa culture. If you’re wondering if this trek is right for you or how to prepare, you’re in the right place! In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the Everest Three Pass Trek — from what to expect, why it’s a must-do, and how to get ready for your adventure.
The Everest Three Pass Trek is a multi-day journey through the Khumbu region of Nepal, where trekkers cross three high-altitude passes: Kongma La, Cho La, and Renjo La. These passes are some of the highest and most challenging in the region, offering stunning views, snow-capped mountains, and a genuine sense of adventure.
Kongma La: This is the first pass you’ll tackle. It stands at 5,535 meters (18,159 feet), and though it’s a steep climb, the panoramic views of the surrounding mountains will make every step worth it.
Cho La: At 5,420 meters (17,782 feet), Cho La is one of the most thrilling parts of the trek. Trekkers cross snowfields and glaciers, surrounded by breathtaking views of towering Himalayan peaks.
Renjo La: The final pass, Renjo La, sits at 5,360 meters (17,586 feet), offering mesmerizing views of Gokyo Lakes, Everest, and other peaks in the region.
Each pass provides its own unique experience, with views and landscapes that are unrivaled. Along the way, you'll encounter isolated villages, monasteries, and the opportunity to truly disconnect from the hustle and bustle of modern life.
The Everest Three Pass Trek isn’t just a trek — it’s an adventure of a lifetime. So why should you consider it?
Off-the-beaten-path experience: While Everest Base Camp is a popular trek, the Three Passes takes you off the main trail. If you’re looking for peace, quiet, and stunning solitude, this is the trek for you.
Unbeatable views: You'll get to see Mount Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu, among many others, from vantage points that most trekkers will never experience.
Cultural richness: Along the way, you’ll pass through Sherpa villages, giving you a chance to learn about local traditions, experience Sherpa hospitality, and even visit Buddhist monasteries.
Physical and mental challenge: The trek is tough, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. It pushes you both physically and mentally, and completing it feels like an achievement that will stay with you forever.
If you’re a trekker looking for a challenge and the chance to immerse yourself in nature and culture, the Everest Three Pass Trek will not disappoint.
Before you pack your bags, you’ll need to obtain a few essential permits to trek in the Everest region:
Sagarmatha National Park Permit: This is required for trekking within the park boundaries, which includes the Everest region.
Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit: A relatively new permit, this is needed to enter the Khumbu region.
These permits are available in Kathmandu or through a local trekking agency. It’s best to sort them out before you head to the trailhead to save time.
Beyond permits, proper physical training, mental preparation, and gear are crucial. The trek involves high altitudes, steep climbs, and cold weather. If you’ve never trekked at high altitudes before, it’s a good idea to train your body for endurance. Also, familiarize yourself with symptoms of altitude sickness and how to manage it.
Your adventure begins with a thrilling flight to Lukla, which has one of the most famous (and terrifying!) airports in the world. The flight is often described as a breathtaking experience itself, with views of the Himalayas visible from your window.
From Lukla, the trek starts with a descent towards Phakding and then a steady climb towards Namche Bazaar. Namche is the gateway to the Everest region and a perfect place to start your acclimatization process.
Namche is a bustling Sherpa town known for its markets, where you can buy snacks, gear, or souvenirs. But more importantly, it’s a place where trekkers stop to acclimatize before heading higher. Acclimatization is vital to avoid altitude sickness, so taking it easy here for a day or two is highly recommended.
During your time in Namche, don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Sherpa Museum or take a short hike to the Everest View Hotel for a fantastic panorama of Everest, Ama Dablam, and other peaks.
Continuing your trek, you’ll reach Tengboche, a small village that is home to the famous Tengboche Monastery, one of the most important spiritual centers for the Sherpa people. Here, you can immerse yourself in the peaceful atmosphere of Buddhist prayers and rituals, while enjoying stunning views of Ama Dablam and Mount Everest.
Tengboche is also a great place for photos, as it’s a perfect spot to capture the snow-capped peaks framed by the serene monastery.
As you ascend further into the heart of the Himalayas, you’ll arrive at Dingboche, a small village with picturesque views of Cholatse and Taboche peaks. Dingboche is another important acclimatization stop for trekkers, giving your body time to adjust to the increasing altitude.
There are several short hikes you can do around Dingboche to help your body adapt. For instance, you can hike up to Nangkartshang Peak for breathtaking views of Makalu, Lhotse, and Everest.
Chhukung is your last stop before you head to Island Peak or continue to cross the passes. Nestled in the Imja Valley, it offers views of towering peaks such as Lhotse, Makalu, and Island Peak. It’s a great place for a short rest before tackling the first pass, Kongma La.
If you’re feeling adventurous and have extra time, you might want to attempt climbing Island Peak (6,189 meters / 20,305 feet), a popular peak for trekkers looking for an introduction to mountaineering.
The first of the three passes is Kongma La. This pass sits at 5,535 meters (18,159 feet) and presents a challenging climb, especially due to its steep ascent and unpredictable weather. But don’t let the difficulty discourage you — the views from the top are absolutely worth it! You’ll be treated to panoramic vistas of Makalu, Lhotse, and Everest.
Be prepared for a long, strenuous day as you cross Kongma La. The path is often icy or covered in snow, making the trail slippery. Trekking poles and crampons are recommended for extra stability.
After a day of rest, it’s time to tackle Cho La, standing at 5,420 meters (17,782 feet). Cho La is perhaps the most exciting pass due to its snowfields and the glacier you’ll need to cross. The journey to the top feels surreal as you walk through pristine white snow, surrounded by towering peaks.
As you descend from Cho La, you’ll encounter Gokyo Lakes, which are a sight to behold with their crystal-clear turquoise waters.
The final pass, Renjo La, offers a unique combination of natural beauty and local culture. At 5,360 meters (17,586 feet), it’s slightly lower than the others, but the views are no less stunning. From the top, you can look down at Gokyo Lakes below, with Mount Everest towering in the background.
Renjo La is also an excellent place to interact with locals from remote villages like Gokyo. You’ll get a glimpse into their way of life, and maybe even get invited to share a warm cup of Sherpa tea.
After conquering Renjo La, you'll descend into the valley to find the breathtaking Gokyo Lakes, a collection of pristine glacial lakes that glimmer in vibrant shades of turquoise. These lakes are nestled at an altitude of over 4,700 meters (15,420 feet) and are some of the most stunning natural wonders of the Everest region.
The Gokyo Valley offers some of the best trekking opportunities, with the option to climb Gokyo Ri, a peak that rises to 5,357 meters (17,570 feet). The views from the top of Gokyo Ri are unforgettable, with panoramic views of Mount Everest, Makalu, Lhotse, and Cho Oyu, along with the Gokyo Lakes below. This spot is ideal for photographers and those who want to capture the awe-inspiring beauty of the Himalayas.
Gokyo itself is a peaceful place to rest, reflect, and explore the unique landscapes. It’s a gem for trekkers looking for tranquility and serenity before tackling the return journey.
The Sherpas are renowned for their hospitality and resilience, and trekking through their villages is one of the most enriching aspects of the Everest Three Pass Trek. Along the route, you’ll pass through numerous Sherpa villages such as Khunde, Khumjung, and Gokyo, each with its own charm.
In these villages, you’ll have the chance to engage with local people, learn about their culture, and experience their warm hospitality. Sherpa families are known for their generosity, and you’ll often find trekkers invited to their homes for tea or a meal.
Traditional Sherpa cuisine consists of hearty meals like dal bhat (lentil soup with rice), momo (dumplings), and tsampa (roasted barley flour). These dishes will fuel you during your trek and give you a taste of local life.
Sherpa villages are also home to several Buddhist monasteries that are central to the Sherpa way of life. Visiting these monasteries is an excellent way to understand their spiritual practices and connect with the culture on a deeper level.
The spiritual significance of the Himalayas is undeniable. Along the trek, you’ll visit several Buddhist monasteries, each nestled in stunning locations. One of the most important is the Tengboche Monastery, as mentioned earlier, but there are other serene and remote monasteries like Thame Monastery and Pangboche Monastery.
Each monastery is a place of quiet reflection and spiritual growth, where monks follow their daily rituals amidst some of the most awe-inspiring landscapes in the world. Visiting these sacred places will give you a sense of peace and offer a contrast to the physical challenge of the trek.
These spiritual sites also highlight the deep connection between the Sherpa people and the mountains they call home. Many of the monasteries have prayer flags fluttering in the wind and large stupas that add to the mystical ambiance of the trek.
Once you’ve completed the Three Passes, it’s time to head back towards Lukla. But even though you’re retracing your steps, the journey feels different on the way down. The fresh perspective you gain after crossing the passes adds a sense of appreciation for the landscapes you’ve just conquered.
The return journey allows for more time to absorb the beauty of the villages, the mountains, and the wildlife you’ve encountered along the way. You’ll likely pass other trekkers heading in the opposite direction, and you’ll find a sense of camaraderie as you share your experiences with them.
Completing the Everest Three Pass Trek is no small feat. After several days of physical exertion, overcoming altitude challenges, and navigating rugged terrain, you’ll feel a great sense of achievement. For many trekkers, reaching the top of the passes and taking in the stunning views is a moment of pure awe.
Beyond the physical challenge, this trek provides an opportunity for self-reflection. You’ll think about the beauty you’ve witnessed, the moments of struggle, and the personal growth you’ve experienced. The trek leaves you with memories that will last a lifetime — and the feeling of accomplishment that comes with completing such an incredible adventure.
The ideal time to trek the Everest Three Passes is during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). These months offer the best weather conditions — clear skies, moderate temperatures, and stable weather. Winter can be extremely cold and harsh, while monsoon season (June to August) brings heavy rains and risks of landslides.
While previous trekking experience helps, it's not a requirement. The Everest Three Pass Trek is challenging, so if you're new to trekking, you'll need to prepare well by getting fit, learning about altitude sickness, and planning your itinerary carefully. With proper training and a positive attitude, beginners can enjoy this trek with the guidance of a skilled guide.
The trek is tough and requires both physical fitness and mental strength. The high altitudes, steep climbs, and unpredictable weather make it a challenging adventure. But the satisfaction of crossing the passes and seeing the views is incredibly rewarding.
You’ll stay in teahouses or lodges along the way. These accommodations range from basic rooms with shared bathrooms to more comfortable lodges, especially in larger villages like Namche Bazaar. While the accommodations get more basic as you go higher, they provide essential services such as warm meals, bedding, and hot drinks to keep you energized.
You can obtain the necessary permits in Kathmandu or through a trekking agency. The required permits are:
Sagarmatha National Park Permit
Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit
Your trekking agency can assist with obtaining these permits, making the process much smoother.
Altitude sickness is a risk, especially as you reach higher elevations. Acclimatization is crucial — make sure to take rest days at key spots like Namche Bazaar, Dingboche, and Gokyo to allow your body to adjust. Staying hydrated, avoiding alcohol, and ascending slowly will help minimize the risks.
When packing for the Everest Three Pass Trek, consider the following essentials:
Trekking boots and warm socks
Layered clothing (base layers, fleece jackets, down jackets)
A good sleeping bag (appropriate for cold temperatures)
Sunscreen, lip balm, and sunglasses (to protect from the high-altitude sun)
Trekking poles, headlamp, and a first-aid kit
Water purification tablets or a water filter
A well-packed bag is key to staying comfortable and prepared for the varying conditions on the trek.
Hiring a guide and/or porter is highly recommended. A guide will help with navigation, provide local knowledge, and ensure your safety throughout the trek. A porter can carry your heavy gear, allowing you to focus on enjoying the trek without overloading yourself.
While the trail has basic emergency services, it’s important to stay prepared and cautious. If you suffer from altitude sickness or any other medical issues, there are several evacuation options available, such as helicopters from Lukla or Gokyo, but it’s important to have travel insurance that covers emergency evacuations.
The Everest Three Pass Trek is one of the most epic adventures you can undertake. Crossing high-altitude passes, experiencing Sherpa culture, and witnessing the magnificent Himalayan landscapes will make this trek unforgettable. Whether you're seeking a physical challenge or a spiritual journey, this trek delivers on all fronts. With careful preparation, a positive mindset, and the right support, you'll find that the Three Passes offer an experience that will stay with you for a lifetime.
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