The Everest 3 Passes Trek is more than just pretty mountain views. You’ll get an entire complete trek through the Khumbu region, including off-the-beaten-path places like Thame, Lungden, and Chhukung. It is the Himalayan adventure that gives you everything in one journey. You don’t only trek to Everest Base Camp, you’ll cross three high-altitude mountain passes- Renjo La (5,360 m), Cho La (5,420 m), and Kongma La (5,535 m). It offers gorgeous views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, and many other tallest snow-capped peaks.
You’ll walk through local Sherpa villages and visit holy monasteries like Tengboche. You can also experience alpine valleys, glacial lakes like Gokyo Lakes, and massive glaciers like Ngozumpa and Khumbu. It’s also a great way to avoid the main crowded trail while still observing all the main highlights. With the mixture of nature, culture, and challenge, the Everest Three High Pass trek is a complete adventure, perfect for those who want something more challenging and interesting than just a regular EBC trek.
Is the Everest Three Passes trek for you
If you’ve already completed the Everest Base Camp trek and found yourself wanting more adventure, more challenging, more remote trails, then the Three Passes Trek might be for you. This trek is especially for those who are comfortable with high altitudes and long trekking days. As it involves some difficult and challenging parts at some stops, it is not family friendly; It is also not suitable for children under 10 or older adults. It is perfect for those who want to explore the less-traveled and more remote side of the Everest region. It is not just about spending 17 days, it’s about enjoying the full Himalayan experience with glacier crossing, wild terrain, and gorgeous panoramic views from above 5,000 meters.
But it’s not for everyone, but that is okay. If you’re a beginner to trekking at high altitude or building your confidence, it will be great to start your first journey with Everest Base Camp or another classic route first. The Three Passes requires good fitness, mental stamina, and a perfect love towards real adventure. If the idea of remote mountain passes, fewer crowds, and tougher trails excites you, then yes, the Everest Three Passes Trek is probably for you.
Everest Three Passes trek Cost
The cost of the Everest Three Passes typically ranges from $1,999 to $2,199 per person, depending on the services and group size. The cost covers everything you need: domestic flights (Kathmandu -Lukla round trip), airport transfers, trekking permits, a licensed guide and porter, basic safety equipment, teahouse accommodations, and fresh meals throughout the journey.
However, the cost does not include international flight tickets, travel insurance, personal trekking gear, WiFi, hot showers, battery charging, or tips for the guide or porters. The price is fair and well worth it. Go for this trek without any doubt because the vibe, views, and lifelong memories are more valuable than money.
How to stay safe on the Three Passes Trail
Everest Pass trek is challenging and remote, so safety should be your first priority. The biggest risks are altitude sickness, unpredictable weather, and physical exhaustion. To stay safe during this trek, take the proper time to acclimatize. Don’t rush in a hurry. Drink plenty of water, eat fresh meals, and always listen to your body. If you feel dizzy, weak, or nauseous at high altitude, descend as fast as possible. Always check the weather before going on this journey. Storms or heavy snowfall can make the high passes dangerous.
You also need to hire a guide and choose an agency for your journey that adds an extra layer of safety. You don’t have to think much about it. You can simply choose our agency for your full safety and ease. We know the trails, monitor weather conditions, and are trained to handle emergency situations. Carry a basic first-aid kit, sleeping bags, a water bottle, altitude meds, a reliable map, and keep a fully charged phone or GPS device. Trekking with your partner, informing others about your route each day, can help you in difficult situations. With the right preparation and safety, you can complete the Three Passes Trek confidently and safely.
Can you trek the three passes without a permit?
No, you cannot trek the Everest Three Passes route without proper permits. These permits are required by the government and local authorities to enter national parks, ensure your safety, and support local communities. Without them, you may be stopped at the checkpoints along the trail and not allowed to continue your journey. You may even be fined if you try to enter the National Park without it.
For this trek, you’ll need two main permits. Sagarmatha National Park Permit to enter the national park area, which costs nearly USD 25 per person, and Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural municipality Permit that costs around 14.52 dollars per person, for access to the Khumbu region. Choose our agency for a fast process. We will arrange it for you in Kathmandu or at entry points like Monjo. You don’t have to worry about it.
Eating and Sleeping in the Khumbu
Along the Everest Three Passes Trail, you’ll stay in simple local teahouses run by Sherpa families. These teahouses offer normal but warm and cozy rooms, usually with two beds and thick warm blankets. You’ll find fresh, hot meals like dal bhat (rice, lentils, and vegetables), momos (dumplings), fried rice, pasta, and even pancakes for breakfast. Even though the food is basic but they are full of nutrients, which are perfect for long trekking days. Most teahouses also serve ginger tea and garlic soup, great for high altitude and staying warm.
In many teahouses, especially in larger villages like Namche, Gokyo, and Dingboche, you can access Wi-Fi, charging points, and sometimes even hot showers too. The higher you go, the fewer your facilities become, WiFi gets weaker, hot showers become expensive, and charging may be done with the help of solar power. Still, the warm hospitality, nourishing food, and breathtaking mountain views make teahouse life a special part of the journey.
Is the Everest Three Passes Trek Clockwise or Anticlockwise?
The Everest Three Passes Trek is most commonly done in a clockwise direction. It means starting from Lukla, trekking up to Namche Bazaar, then heading towards Thame and Gokyo, and finally crossing the Renjo La Pass first. After that, moving towards Cho La Pass to reach Everest Base Camp, and finally crossing Kongma La Pass before returning to Lukla. This route is mostly preferred because it allows for gradual altitude gain, which helps your body to acclimatize nicely. It also follows a smooth logistical flow, with guest houses and lodges placed nicely and perfectly along the way.
But some of the trekkers do choose the anticlockwise direction, starting with Kongma La, then Cho La, and finishing with Renjo La. While this can offer a different experience, it’s more challenging because you’ll gain altitude quickly and face steeper climbs early in the trek. It is mostly suitable for experienced trekkers. But if you’re new to high-altitude trekking or want a safer and smoother experience, clockwise is the best way to go.
Three Major High Passes You’ll Cross on This Trek
The Everest Three Passes Trek takes you over three of the highest and most attractive mountain passes in the Khumbu region. The first one is Renjo La Pass (5,446 meters), which offers breathtaking views of Gokyo Lakes, Mt Everest, Makalu, and more. The climb to Renjo La may be a little challenging for you, but it is more rewarding, with fewer crowds, silent trails, and a peaceful mountain atmosphere. Historically, this place was used early by Tibetan traders making their way into the Khumbu valley, adding some cultural taste to your journey.
Next is Cho La Pass (5,420 meters), a famous and rocky crossing that connects Gokyo with Lobuche. You’ll walk over glaciers and rugged trails, with the views of Ama Dablam, Cholatse, and other Himalayan peaks. The highest and final pass is Kongma La (5,535 meters), joining Lobuche to Chhukung. This pass is more remote as compared to others, offering stunning views of Lhotse, Nuptse, and the vast Khumbu glacier. These routes have been part of traditional yak trading paths, which Sherpas widely used for doing local trading business. All three passes test your endurance but reward you with unbelievable mountain scenery and unforgettable memories.
Checkpoints on the Everest Three Passes Trek
- Lukla: The checkpoint is Lukla Police Checkpoint (Permit check). This is the official starting point of the trek. You have to show your Khumbu permits here.
- Namche Bazaar: Namche Army Post & Sagarmatha National Park is the checkpoint. Namche is the main village of Khumbu, where you can enjoy an acclimatization day and stunning views of Everest and Ama Dablam.
- Thame: The checkpoint is Thame Police Post. It is a peaceful Sherpa village home to an ancient monastery. It’s a good stop for acclimatization and cultural exploration.
- Gokyo: It is an informal guest logbook that acts as a checkpoint system in most Nepali teahouses on trekking routes.
- Dzongla: It has no official checkpoint, but the guesthouses keep records of trekkers. This place is a small but important stop between Cho La Pass and Lobuche.
- Lobuche: Lobuche Check Post, before heading to EBC, is the checkpoint here. The first major stop before heading to Goraksherp or EBC, offering stunning views of Nuptse and the Khumbu glacier.
Weather Conditions in the Everest Region
| Season |
Temperaature |
Good Time to Trek? |
Trail conditions |
| Spring (March-May) |
-5°C to 15°C (day)
-15°C to -5°C (night) |
Yes (ideal season) |
Stable trails, some snow at high passes |
| Summer (June-August) |
5°C to 18°C (day)
0°C to 2°C (night) |
No (avoid if possible) |
Wet, muddy conditions and landslides are possible |
| Autumn (September-November) |
-3°C to 15°C (day)
-15°C to -2°C (night) |
Yes (ideal season | best) |
Dry, safe, some snow at high altitudes |
| Winter (December-February) |
-10°C to 7°C (day)
-20°C to -10°C (night) |
Caution (for pros only) |
Snowy, icy, high passes may close |
