The Everest Three High Pass Trek in the Everest region is an extraordinary journey, celebrated for its challenging terrain and unparalleled rewards. This trek navigates three prominent passes, all soaring above 5,000 meters: Kongma La (5,535 m), Cho La (5,420 m), and Renjo La (5,360 m). Combining the thrill of high-altitude crossings with iconic destinations like Kala Patthar, Gokyo Lakes, and Everest Base Camp, it offers an immersive experience of the majestic Himalayas.
The route begins in Lukla (2,860 m) and spans 18-21 days, depending on acclimatization and side excursions. Trekkers journey through key stops such as Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche, Gorak Shep, and Gokyo Valley. Each high pass provides unique highlights: Kongma La, the highest of the three, offers sweeping views of Makalu, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam; Cho La connects the Khumbu and Gokyo Valleys with dramatic glacial terrain; and Renjo La boasts breathtaking vistas of Everest and the turquoise Gokyo Lakes.
Throughout the trek, hikers encounter remarkable landmarks, including the vibrant Namche Bazaar, the serene Tengboche Monastery, and the shimmering Gokyo Lakes, which are surrounded by snow-capped peaks. The close-up views from Kala Patthar (5,545 m) and the Everest Base Camp area provide unforgettable moments.
Given the trek’s high altitude and rugged trails, it demands physical fitness and proper acclimatization, with rest days in Namche Bazaar and Dingboche. Challenges include steep ascents, rocky paths, glacial crossings, and the risk of altitude sickness. Trekkers must also secure permits such as the Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit and the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit.
Highlights
The Three High Passes Trek in the Everest region is one of the most challenging and rewarding trekking routes in Nepal, combining intense adventure with breathtaking scenery. Here are some of the major highlights:
1. Renjo La Pass (5,360 m)
Scenic Panorama: Offers a stunning panoramic view of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu, along with turquoise Gokyo Lakes in the foreground.
Quiet Trails: Renjo La tends to be less crowded, giving trekkers a more serene experience.
Gokyo Lakes and Gokyo Ri: The pass connects trekkers to the Gokyo Valley, where they can trek up to Gokyo Ri (5,357 m) for a splendid sunrise view over Everest and surrounding peaks.
2. Cho La Pass (5,420 m)
Challenging Terrain: Cho La involves crossing glacial paths and steep inclines, making it a demanding yet rewarding adventure.
Close-up Glacier Experience: The route takes trekkers across a glacier, allowing them to experience the raw power of the ice-capped Himalayan landscape.
Entry to Three Passes: After crossing Cho La, trekkers connect to the classic Three Pass trail, reaching the base camp and Kala Patthar for an iconic view of Mount Everest.
3. Kongma La Pass (5,535 m)
Highest of the Three Passes: Kongma La is the highest and most remote pass on the trek, offering solitude and a challenging route.
Views of the Khumbu Glacier: The pass provides an incredible view of the Khumbu Glacier and the mountains surrounding Everest.
Link to Chukhung Valley: After crossing Kongma La, trekkers reach the Chukhung Valley, a wonderful spot for additional acclimatization hikes, including the climb to Chukhung Ri.
Additional Highlights
Three passes and Kala Patthar: Trekkers can experience the iconic Three Passes and sunrise at Kala Patthar (5,545 m) for up-close views of Everest.
Sherpa Culture and Monasteries: The trail passes through several Sherpa villages, with stops at Tengboche Monastery, one of the most important religious sites in the region.
Rich Biodiversity: Along the route, trekkers traverse Sagarmatha National Park, home to unique wildlife like the Himalayan Thar, musk deer, and snow leopards (if you're lucky enough to spot one!).
The Three High Passes Trek is a true adventure, combining high-altitude mountain passes, traditional Sherpa villages, and incredible views of some of the tallest peaks in the world. It's a challenging trek, ideal for experienced trekkers seeking a comprehensive Everest region experience.
What should I expect during the Three High Pass Trek?
The Three High Passes Trek is an adventurous, high-altitude journey that offers awe-inspiring mountain views, cultural immersion, and physical demands. As a client, you should prepare for a physically challenging experience that requires excellent endurance and fitness, as daily hikes can last 5 to 8 hours, with some strenuous ascents and descents, especially on pass-crossing days. Altitude is a significant factor, with three passes towering above 5,000 meters where the air is thin, and it’s straightforward to feel fatigued. Acclimatization is critical to avoid altitude sickness, so expect rest days in certain villages to adjust. The trail varies in difficulty, featuring rocky ascents, glacier crossings, and snow-covered paths at higher elevations.
Along the way, you’ll be rewarded with incredible close-up views of iconic Himalayan peaks like Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Makalu. Highlights also include the Gokyo Lakes, with their vibrant turquoise waters set against a stunning mountain backdrop, and stops at Three Passes and Kala Patthar for panoramic views of the Khumbu Icefall and surrounding peaks. The trek takes you through traditional Sherpa villages such as Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, and Thame, where you can experience Sherpa hospitality, sample local cuisine, and visit the famous Tengboche Monastery. Here, you’ll have the chance to witness Sherpa Buddhist practices, enhancing your cultural experience.
Accommodation along the trek consists of teahouses, which are basic but comfortable lodges offering twin beds, blankets, and shared bathrooms. At higher elevations, the facilities become more limited, with simple amenities and fewer options for hot water. Teahouse menus provide meals like dal bhat (rice and lentils), noodles, pasta, potatoes, and momos, offering a mix of local and Western options that become pricier with altitude. Expect cold temperatures, especially at night and in the mornings, even during peak trekking seasons. Higher altitudes bring potentially freezing conditions, so it’s essential to pack appropriately for warmth and be prepared for sudden weather changes, as clear skies can quickly give way to strong winds or snow.
Health and safety are primary concerns on this trek, as altitude sickness is a common risk. Guides will monitor symptoms like headaches, nausea, and dizziness, and they often carry first aid kits and emergency equipment. While mobile networks are limited, guides typically have access to communication devices in case of emergencies. You’ll need permits for Sagarmatha National Park and Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality, which your trekking company usually arranges in advance.
The trek itself is peaceful and remote, offering a quieter atmosphere compared to the popular Three Pass route, as fewer trekkers undertake this demanding circuit. Trekking in a group provides extra support from guides and porters who help manage your load and enhance the experience. Preparing for the Three High Pass Trek requires quality trekking gear, including high-altitude clothing, a warm sleeping bag, trekking poles, and hydration systems. Equally important are mental preparation and flexibility, as this trek will test both your physical endurance and adaptability.
Is Three High Passes Trekking right for you?
The Three High Passes Trek is an adventurous and challenging trek best suited for experienced trekkers who are physically fit, mentally prepared, and eager for a remote, immersive experience in the Everest region. This trek will take you to altitudes above 5,000 meters as you cross three high mountain passes—Kongma La, Cho La, and Renjo La—offering extraordinary views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu. If you’re ready to handle a mix of rocky terrain, glacier crossings, and steep ascents and descents, this trek could be a suitable fit.
Since the Three High Passes Trek combines long trekking days (5 to 8 hours) with rigorous altitude gains, a strong level of fitness and prior high-altitude trekking experience are highly recommended. You’ll need to be comfortable with extended hiking days, carrying a daypack, and adapting to simple accommodations in teahouses, where you can expect basic facilities with limited heating, hot water, and shared bathrooms. The trek requires a willingness to embrace cold weather, as temperatures can drop below freezing, especially at night.
Altitude is a constant challenge on this trek. The trek takes you through extremely high elevations, so the risk of altitude sickness is real, and you should be ready to take proper acclimatization breaks. Symptoms like fatigue, headaches, and nausea may arise, and you’ll need to listen to your body and be mindful of health risks associated with high altitudes.
Culturally, the trek offers an immersive experience into the Sherpa way of life, passing through traditional Sherpa villages, sacred monasteries, and the stunning Gokyo Lakes. If you enjoy experiencing local culture along with breathtaking scenery, this trek will be incredibly rewarding.
In summary, if you’re physically fit, mentally prepared for challenging days, comfortable with basic amenities, and eager for an unforgettable high-altitude adventure in one of the most remote and beautiful parts of Nepal, the Three High Passes Trek may be perfect for you. However, if you’re a beginner or haven’t had much experience at high altitudes, it’s advisable to start with a less demanding trek before attempting the Three High Pass.
