The Everest Three Pass Trek is one of the most challenging and rewarding trekking routes in the Everest region of Nepal. It is designed for experienced trekkers who are looking to explore the majestic Himalayas, combining adventure, culture, and stunning landscapes. The trek offers a unique opportunity to cross three high-altitude passes—Kongma La, Cho La, and Renjo La—while also giving trekkers access to iconic spots like Everest Base Camp and the Gokyo Lakes.
Trek Overview
The trek typically takes around 18 to 21 days to complete, depending on acclimatization schedules and the pace of trekking. It begins in Lukla, the gateway to the Everest region, and follows the classic Everest Base Camp (EBC) route initially, before branching off toward the three passes. The itinerary includes ascending to high-altitude areas, crossing the passes, and returning via the Gokyo Valley.
Key Highlights
- Kongma La Pass (5,535 m): The first of the three passes, Kongma La offers breathtaking views of Everest, Lhotse, and other towering peaks. It’s the highest of the three passes and considered a strenuous ascent, requiring a good level of fitness and mental toughness.
- Cho La Pass (5,420 m): Located between the villages of Dzongla and Thagnak, Cho La is often regarded as the most technically difficult of the three passes due to its steep terrain and icy conditions, especially in the early season. However, crossing Cho La offers views of some of the most spectacular peaks in the region, including the impressive Ama Dablam and Makalu.
- Renjo La Pass (5,360 m): The last pass of the trek, Renjo La, provides panoramic views of the Everest massif and a closer view of the Gokyo Lakes below. It is known for its rugged beauty and offers a relatively less crowded route compared to the other passes. Renjo La is also less difficult than Kongma La and Cho La, but the altitude and terrain still pose challenges.
- Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lakes: While the primary goal of the Everest Three Pass Trek is crossing the high passes, trekkers also visit Everest Base Camp and the Gokyo Lakes—two of the region’s most famous destinations. At Base Camp, trekkers get a close-up view of the Khumbu Icefall and the towering face of Mount Everest, while the Gokyo Lakes offer an opportunity to witness pristine turquoise lakes surrounded by glaciers, with views of Cho Oyu, Everest, and other peaks.
- Cultural Experience: Along the way, trekkers pass through numerous Sherpa villages, where they can experience the rich culture of the Sherpa people. Monasteries, prayer flags, and stupas dot the landscape, and trekkers often have the opportunity to engage with locals and learn about their customs and traditions.
Difficulty and Preparation
The Everest Three Pass Trek is physically demanding and requires prior trekking experience, especially in high-altitude environments. The altitude, with passes over 5,000 meters, and the strenuous climbs make this trek suitable only for seasoned trekkers with a good level of fitness and preparation. Acclimatization days are built into the itinerary to help reduce the risk of altitude sickness.
Best Time to Trek
The best seasons for the Everest Three Pass Trek are pre-monsoon (March to May) and post-monsoon (September to November). During these times, the weather is stable, and trekkers can enjoy clear views of the mountains. Winter (December to February) can be too harsh, while the monsoon season (June to August) brings heavy rainfall and risks of landslides.
Conclusion
The Everest Three Pass Trek is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure for seasoned trekkers who are looking to challenge themselves while experiencing some of the best that the Himalayas have to offer. The combination of high-altitude passes, iconic landmarks like Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lakes, and the opportunity to experience Sherpa culture makes this trek an unforgettable journey.
Overview
Everest Three pass Trek and it is generally considered to be the most challenging and difficult of the three (but don’t let the word difficult scare you).The Three Passes is commonly hiked in a counter-clockwise direction (although it can be hiked clockwise as well) which makes Kongma La the first obstacle for trekkers. At 18,209 ft. / 5,550 m, it’s also the highest point on the Three Passes Trek.
Three high passes which are not on the standard Everest trail, Renjo La (5,360m/17,580ft), Cho La (5,420m/17,777ft) and Kongma La (5,535m/18,159), and also offering the opportunity to explore the EverestEight-thousandeIt crosses through high-altitude alpine forests, providing rare encounters of Himalayan flora and fauna.
Highlights
- Stunning views of Mt Everest from Kala Patthar
- A superb lodge-based trek to Everest Basecamp
- Includes a full day to explore Namche Bazaar
- Tailored itinerary with experienced mountain trekking guide
- Experience culture & lifestyle of legendary mountaineering Sherpa people
- Beautiful scenic mountain flight to/from Lukla
- Excellent Kathmandu accommodation with traditional Nepalese welcome dinner
