Everest Three Passes Trek

The Everest Three Passes Trek is also known as the Three High Passes Trek in Nepal’s Himalayas. More than just a pass, it’s a high-altitude loop across some of the region’s most awe-inspiring points. One of the stunning locations above 5,000 meters, where trekkers explore before tackling the first high pass, is the Nangkar Tshang viewpoint (5,100 m). Similarly, the ascent to Kongma La Pass (5,540 m) is the first great challenge of the journey.

After Kongma La, the trail merges with the classic EBC route from where trekkers can reach the well-renowned Everest Base Camp (5,360 m). For the unobstructed view of Mount Everest, you’ll hike to another 5,000 m above a vantage point, Kalapatthar (5,545 m). Afterward, the ascent to Cho La Pass (5,420 m) is perhaps the most technical yet rewarding section of the journey. Crossing the Chola Pass, trekkers get to Gokyo Valley, from where they’ll trek to Gokyo Ri (5,375 m) and Gokyo Fifth Lake (5,000 m). The final challenge and trek above 5,000m on the trek is navigating Renjo La Pass (5,360 m), which takes you to the ridgeline with an exceptional view of Mount Everest and the Gokyo Valley.

The Everest Three Pass Trek is an intensive journey of Everest’s legendary landscapes and villages. Contrary to the treks up to Everest Base Camp in solitude, this trek connects the main valleys of Khumbu, Gokyo, and Imja Tse. This is a risky walk across diverse landscapes, vegetation, and cultural nuances, but one that pays off with rhododendron tree forest treks, ice river crossings, and Sherpa traditional village treks, and submersion in the harshness and human existence of the region. Here are some of the reasons to take the Everest Three Pass Trek.

Stunning Mountain Views

The Three Pass Trek offers quite possibly the most spectacular and broadest mountain scenery in the entire Everest region. You will get an amazing panorama of iconic summits like Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, and Ama Dablam from the vantage points of high passes and other viewpoints along the trek, to name just a few. The sights change day by day, presenting a dynamic and not-to-be-missed visual treat that will leave you with memories that you can savor for a lifetime.

Gokyo Lakes

One of the highlights of this trek is getting to see the pristine Gokyo Lakes. This chain of glacial emerald-colored lakes, situated high up in the Gokyo Valley, is a serene contrast to the harsh high-altitude environment. Walking alongside these shining bodies of water, where snow-capped peaks’ reflection dances across their surface, is an experience one will never forget. The climb to Gokyo Ri (5,357 m/17,575 ft) gives an amazing view of the Gokyo Lakes and surrounding mountains, four of the world’s eight highest peaks.

Conquering three passes

A major attraction of this trek is the crossing of three mighty high-altitude passes: Kongma La (5,535 m/18,159 ft), Cho La (5,368 m/17,612 ft), and Renjo La (5,360 m/17,585 ft). These passes are a big physical challenge, demanding endurance and acclimatization. But the reward for your toil is beyond compare. Each pass offers breathtaking panoramic views, unfolding a new dimension of the Himalayan giants and the rugged landscape that surrounds them. The sense of accomplishment that comes from reaching the summit of each pass, knowing that you’ve pushed your limits amidst such splendor, is rather profound.

Cultural Immersion

The Everest area is known for its breathtaking views and the hardy, culturally rich Sherpa people. The Three Pass Trek provides you with a chance to see their culture, visit old monasteries, and meet the local people. While on the trek, you will have a chance to see pretty Sherpa villages with prayer flags and Mani stones, and you will be able to experience their hospitality. This cultural encounter enriches your trek and allows for a better understanding of a life that is closely tied to the mountains.

Rewarding Experience

Everest Three Pass Trek is an arduous journey that requires good health and mental stability. You shall endure high heights, an extended day of trek, and challenging pass climbing. But landscapes compensate for that level of discomfort. You’ll experience panoramic sight views, take pride in your accomplishments, interact with culturally diverse communities, and enjoy watching these beautiful vistas. This hike isn’t so much about getting to the end, but about the journey and how it changes you.

Altitude sickness is a serious risk on the Everest Three Passes Trek. This is due to the rapid ascent to high altitudes, as all three passes (Kongma La, Cho La, and Renjo La) are located above 5,300 meters (17,400 feet). At higher altitudes, there is less oxygen because the atmospheric pressure drops. This change can make it hard for your body to adjust, leading to Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). Early symptoms include headache, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, loss of appetite, and trouble sleeping. It’s important to notice these signs and tell your trekking guide. Ignoring mild symptoms can lead to more serious and potentially dangerous conditions, such as High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE) or High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE).

To prevent altitude sickness on this trek, it’s essential to follow a gradual climbing procedure or simply put, acclimatization during The Everest Three Passes Trek is not an option but the key to complete this technical trek without any health issue.This allows your body to acclimate. Most itineraries include rest days at places like Namche Bazaar and Dingboche to help with this process. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, avoid excessive alcohol and caffeine consumption, and maintain a balanced diet. Following the “climb high, sleep low” strategy, where you climb to a higher altitude during the day and sleep at a lower elevation, is also essential. Some trekkers choose to take medications like Acetazolamide (Diamox) to help prevent altitude sickness after discussing it with their doctor. It’s best to trek with an experienced guide who can monitor your health and make informed decisions about the trek’s pace and safety.

Places you will spend the night near 5,000m in the Everest Three Passes Trek, where the risk of altitude sickness is high, but also provides chances for adaptation to changed temperatures:

Remedy for Altitude Sickness

• Ascend to higher altitudes gradually, allowing your body time to acclimatize to the reduced oxygen levels.
• Stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water to help your body function efficiently at higher elevations.
• Avoid alcohol and caffeine, as these can lead to dehydration and worsen altitude sickness symptoms.
• Eat a balanced diet with sufficient carbohydrates for energy, which can help your body cope with the altitude.
• Get adequate rest and avoid strenuous activity, especially upon arrival at a higher altitude.
• Consider over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen for headaches.
• Some individuals find relief from nausea using ginger or anti-nausea medications.
• In some cases, a doctor may prescribe acetazolamide to help with acclimatization.
• If symptoms worsen, descending to a lower altitude is the most effective remedy.
• In severe cases, supplemental oxygen or medical treatment may be necessary.

Yes, trekking the Everest Three Pass Trek in winter (December to February) is possible, but it presents significant challenges and requires careful planning and preparation. The primary obstacles are the extreme cold, with temperatures dropping well below freezing, especially at higher altitudes and during the nights. Heavy snowfall is also common, which can lead to icy and slippery trails, making navigation difficult and increasing the risk of falls. Some high passes might even become blocked due to excessive snow.

However, trekking in winter also offers some unique advantages. The trails are generally less crowded, providing a more peaceful and solitary experience. The snow-covered landscapes are undeniably beautiful, and the mountain views can be incredibly clear on crisp winter days. If you decide to undertake this trek in winter, you must be well-equipped with high-quality, warm layered clothing, including insulated boots, gloves, and hats. It’s also highly recommended to have prior high-altitude trekking experience and consider hiring an experienced guide who is familiar with winter conditions in the region. Be prepared for potential itinerary changes due to weather and trail conditions.

The Everest Three Pass Trek is a challenging high-altitude adventure that involves significant elevation changes as trekkers navigate through the Khumbu region and cross three high passes: Renjo La (5,360 m), Cho La (5,420 m), and Kongma La (5,535 m). Starting from Lukla (2,860 m), the trek ascends and descends through valleys, requiring trekkers to gain substantial altitude each day, often between 600 m to 800 m, before dropping down to lower sleeping points. Acclimatization days in places like Namche Bazaar (3,440 m) and Dingboche (4,410 m) are crucial to help the body adjust to the thinning air and fluctuating elevations encountered while traversing these high passes and reaching viewpoints like Kala Patthar (5,545 m) and Gokyo Ri (5,357 m), before the final descent back to Lukla.

Like in any other Everest Region Treks, you will need two major permits to take the Everest Three Passes Trek. They are:

• Sagarmatha National Park Permit
• Khumbu Rural Municipality Permit

These permits allow you to trek the three passes legally. Here is their cost, with the places where you can obtain them.

Permits can be arranged through a Himalaya Guide Nepal in Kathmandu, which is often the easiest option, or we can obtain them individually from the Nepal Tourism Board and at various checkpoints along the route.

The cost of the Everest Three Passes per person is $1634, whereas if you trek with six people, the price decreases to $1154 per person. The cost of trekking to Everest Base Camp (EBC) in 2025 varies depending on factors such as trek duration and service level. A standard 12 to 15-day trek typically ranges from $1,000 to $3,000 USD per person. Budget options range from $1,000 to $1,500, while mid-range packages typically cost between $1,400 and $2,500. Luxury packages can exceed $3,000 to $5,000, offering upgraded accommodations and additional services.

Trekking agencies often offer packages that include accommodation in teahouses, meals, necessary permits for Sagarmatha National Park and Khumbu Pasang Lhamu, round-trip flights between Kathmandu and Lukla, and the assistance of guides and porters. Booking a package can be more convenient and sometimes cheaper, especially with group discounts. For instance, a trek costing $1,175 for one person may drop to about $1,080 each for a group of 9 to 12. Agencies may also offer seasonal discounts or early booking incentives. Costs can vary based on choices like upgraded accommodations or helicopter transfers.

The Everest Three Passes Trek is an exciting and challenging trek that requires proper planning, especially on what to pack. The trek offers different landscapes and altitudes, ranging from lush valleys to difficult high passes. You require a detailed packing list to ensure your comfort, safety, and success. This is a list of the necessary clothes, gear, and personal items to help you deal with the physical challenges and unpredictable weather you will encounter on this great trek in the Khumbu district.

• Good trekking boots
• Warm, waterproof clothes
• Sleeping bag
• Daypack
• Trekking poles
• First aid kit
• Water bottle
• Sunglasses
• Headlamp

Procedure for Emergency Evacuation in the Everest Three Passes Trek

In the event of a serious medical issue or accident, the immediate priority is to assess the situation and provide first aid to the affected individual. Simultaneously, someone from the trekking group should attempt to establish communication using available means such as satellite phones, radios (if provided), or by sending a runner to the nearest settlement with communication capabilities. Key information to relay includes the exact location (with GPS coordinates, if possible), the nature and severity of the emergency, the number of injured or ill individuals, and any specific assistance required (e.g., helicopter evacuation, porter support). It’s vital to remain calm and provide clear, concise information to facilitate an adequate response.

Once communication is established and help is on the way, the trekking team should prepare the evacuation site. For helicopter rescues, this means finding a safe, flat area for landing that is clear of obstacles, such as loose rocks, tents, and trekking gear. Mark the area clearly with bright clothing or other visible signals. For ground evacuations, prepare the injured person for transport. Make sure they are as comfortable and stable as possible. This may involve using a makeshift stretcher or assisting them to walk if they are able to do so. Monitor their condition and offer support and reassurance during this waiting period.

When the rescue team arrives by air or ground, follow their instructions carefully. Give them all the important details about the incident and the person’s condition. Help them transfer the person for evacuation if needed. Once the emergency is over, the rest of the trekking group should check on everyone’s safety. Then, decide what to do next—this could mean continuing the trek, descending to a lower altitude, or seeking additional help if necessary.

Take a look at the major comparisons between these three iconic treks of Everest region:

For the most challenging and immersive Everest region experience for trekkers, the Everest Three Pass Trek stands out by combining the legendary Everest Base Camp and the stunning Gokyo Lakes with the added thrill of crossing three high-altitude passes.

• This longer trek offers distinctive panorama views from a variety of perspectives, including Kala Patthar, Gokyo Ri, and the passes themselves, as well as a more varied cultural experience and less-used path than the single EBC or Gokyo Ri treks.
• Though difficult, the Three Pass Trek rewards adventurers with an increased discovery of the region’s dramatic landscape and a strong sense of achievement