Everest Three Passes Trek
The ultimate Khumbu circuit over Kongma La, Cho La, and Renjo La
Everest Three Passes Trek overview
The Three Passes Trek is the most complete journey through the Everest region — a full circuit of the Khumbu that crosses three high passes, each above 5,300 metres: Kongma La (5,535 m), Cho La (5,420 m), and Renjo La (5,360 m). Along the way you take in everything the region is famous for: Everest Base Camp, the sunrise viewpoint of Kala Patthar, the turquoise Gokyo Lakes, and the summit of Gokyo Ri. Unlike the classic out-and-back Base Camp route, this trek keeps moving through new terrain every day. You leave the main trail behind after Chhukhung, crossing glaciated passes linking remote valleys — the Imja Valley, the Khumbu Valley, the Gokyo Valley, and the quiet Bhote Koshi Valley on the old trade route to Tibet. Traffic thins dramatically off the main corridor, and the sense of scale in these high, silent cirques is unlike anywhere else in Nepal. This is a physically demanding trek that requires solid fitness and previous multi-day hiking experience at altitude. The itinerary builds in two dedicated acclimatization days and follows a gradual ascent profile, but the pass days are long — expect 7 to 9 hours on the trail with sections of loose moraine and, on Cho La, a short glacier crossing. The reward is the finest sustained mountain scenery in the Himalaya: Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, and Ama Dablam all seen from multiple angles over eighteen days.
Country
Nepal
Duration
18 Days
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Max. altitude
5,535 m (Kongma La)
Best season
Mar–May / Sep–Nov
Difficulty level
Hard
Itinerary
Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport where our team meets you and transfers you to your hotel in Thamel. In the evening we hold a trek briefing, run through your gear, and arrange any last-minute rentals or purchases.
Price includes
- Airport transfers and hotel pick-up/drop-off in Kathmandu
- Round-trip Kathmandu–Lukla flights including airport taxes
- All meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Teahouse/lodge accommodation for the duration of the trek
- Experienced, government-licensed English-speaking trekking guide
- Porter service (one porter per two trekkers, 15 kg limit per trekker)
- Sagarmatha National Park entry permit and Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality fee
- Microspikes and safety equipment for the Cho La glacier crossing
- Staff wages, insurance, meals, and accommodation
- Comprehensive first-aid kit carried by the guide, including pulse oximeter
- Arrangement of emergency helicopter evacuation (covered by your travel insurance)
- Trek completion certificate
What's not included
- International airfare to and from Kathmandu
- Nepal entry visa fee
- Accommodation and meals in Kathmandu
- Travel and rescue insurance with coverage up to 6,000 m (mandatory)
- Personal trekking gear including sleeping bag and down jacket (rentals available)
- Bottled and boiled drinking water, hot showers, and battery charging at lodges
- Wi-Fi and personal communication costs on the trail
- Alcoholic drinks, snacks, and other personal expenses
- Tips for guide and porters (customary)
Packing tips
Packing right is half the battle on any Himalayan trek. Keep your main bag under 15 kg — your porter will thank you. Everything in your daypack should be accessible on the trail.
Clothing & Layers
- Moisture-wicking base layers (2–3 sets)
- Insulating mid-layer — fleece or down jacket
- Waterproof and windproof outer shell jacket and trousers
- Trekking trousers (convertible zip-off recommended)
- Warm hat, sun hat, and buff/neck gaiter
- Thermal gloves and waterproof over-gloves
- Woollen or synthetic trekking socks (5–7 pairs)
Footwear
- Sturdy, ankle-supporting trekking boots (broken in before the trip)
- Camp sandals or lightweight shoes for evenings at tea houses
- Waterproof gaiters for snow sections
Gear & Equipment
- 30–40 L daypack with rain cover
- Trekking poles (reduces knee stress on descents)
- Headlamp with extra batteries
- Sleeping bag rated to −10°C (tea house blankets are provided but can be thin)
- Sunglasses with UV400 protection
- Reusable water bottle or hydration bladder (3 L capacity recommended)
- Water purification tablets or a portable filter
Health & Safety
- Personal first aid kit with blister plasters, antiseptic, and pain relief
- Altitude sickness medication (Diamox) — consult your doctor before
- High-SPF sunscreen and UV-protective lip balm
- Insect repellent (lower elevations)
- Hand sanitiser and wet wipes
Frequently asked questions
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