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.
Duration
18-21 Days
Distance
170 km
Max Altitude
5,545m
Best Season
Apr-May, Oct-Nov
Highlights
- Cross three high passes over 5,300m
- Visit both EBC and Gokyo Lakes
- See Everest from multiple angles
- Ultimate challenge for experienced trekkers
- Dramatic landscapes and glaciers
- Sense of true accomplishment
Itinerary
Fly to Lukla, Trek to Phakding
Thrilling flight to Lukla. Easy trek to Phakding.
Trek to Namche Bazaar
Cross suspension bridges and climb to Namche Bazaar.
Acclimatization Day in Namche
Essential acclimatization. Hike to Everest View Hotel.
Trek to Tengboche
Trek through rhododendron forest to Tengboche monastery.
Trek to Dingboche
Ascend to Dingboche with views of Ama Dablam.
Acclimatization Day in Dingboche
Hike to Nangkartshang Peak for views.
Trek to Chhukung
Short trek to Chhukung, base for Kongma La.
Cross Kongma La Pass to Lobuche
First pass! Cross Kongma La with views of Everest and Makalu.
Trek to Gorak Shep, Visit EBC
Trek to Gorak Shep then continue to Everest Base Camp.
Sunrise at Kala Patthar, Descend to Dzongla
Pre-dawn climb to Kala Patthar. Descend to Dzongla.
Cross Cho La Pass to Thagnak
Second pass! Cross Cho La with glacier crossing.
Trek to Gokyo
Short trek to Gokyo on the turquoise lake.
Climb Gokyo Ri, Explore Lakes
Climb Gokyo Ri for stunning panorama of four 8,000m peaks.
Cross Renjo La Pass to Lungden
Third and final pass! Cross Renjo La.
Trek to Thame
Descend to Thame, a traditional Sherpa village.
Trek to Namche
Return to Namche for celebration.
Trek to Lukla
Final trek day. Descend to Lukla.
Fly to Kathmandu
Morning flight back to Kathmandu.
Safety Information
Extremely challenging trek with three high passes. Significant AMS risk. Weather-dependent passes. Experience and fitness mandatory.
Nearest Hospital
Kathmandu (flight)
Emergency Contacts
- HRA Clinic Namche: +977-38-460031
Packing List
Documents
- Passport
- Sagarmatha Permit
- TIMS Card
- Travel Insurance
Clothing
- Layering system
- Down jacket (-20°C rated)
- Fleece
- Rain jacket
- Trekking pants
- Balaclava
- Gaiters
Footwear
- Insulated waterproof boots
- Warm socks (4 pairs)
- Camp shoes
Equipment
- Sleeping bag (-20°C)
- Daypack (40L)
- Trekking poles
- Headlamp
- Water bottles (2L)
- Sunglasses
- Crampons
- Ice axe
Hygiene & Meds
- Sunscreen SPF 50
- Lip balm
- First aid kit
- Altitude sickness meds
- Toilet paper
Weather by Month
| Month | High | Low | Rainfall | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 4°C | -14°C | Low | Avoid |
| Feb | 6°C | -12°C | Low | Moderate |
| Mar | 10°C | -8°C | Low | Good |
| Apr | 14°C | -4°C | Moderate | Best |
| May | 16°C | 0°C | Moderate | Best |
| Jun | 18°C | 4°C | Heavy | Avoid |
| Jul | 18°C | 6°C | Heavy | Avoid |
| Aug | 18°C | 6°C | Heavy | Avoid |
| Sep | 16°C | 2°C | Moderate | Good |
| Oct | 12°C | -2°C | Low | Best |
| Nov | 8°C | -6°C | Low | Best |
| Dec | 6°C | -10°C | Low | Moderate |