Everest Three High Passes Trek

Q: How difficult is the Everest Three High Passes Trek, and who is it for?

This trek is classified as strenuous and highly challenging. It is not suitable for beginners or first-time high-altitude trekkers. The trek is for individuals with excellent physical fitness, stamina, and prior experience with high-altitude trekking. The difficulty comes from several factors: Challenging Terrain: The trail includes steep climbs, rocky sections, glacier crossings (particularly on Cho La Pass), and moraine fields. High Altitudes: You will be consistently trekking at elevations above 4,000 meters, with the passes all exceeding 5,000 meters. The highest point, Kala Patthar, is at 5,545m. Long and Demanding Days: The days are long, often involving 7-9 hours of walking on rugged terrain.

Q: What are the accommodation and food like on the trek?

Accommodation is primarily in teahouses, which are simple, family-run lodges. They offer basic amenities, including a bed with a mattress and blanket, but it is highly recommended to bring your own sleeping bag for warmth and hygiene. Bathrooms are typically shared and can range from basic squat toilets to flush toilets at lower altitudes. Hot showers are often available for an extra fee. Food is served in the teahouse dining rooms. The menus offer a variety of options, from local Nepali dishes like Dal Bhat (rice, lentils, and vegetables) to more international fare like pasta, pizza, and noodle soups. The prices and variety of food increase as you gain altitude.

Accomodation
Hotel, Tea House, Tent
Transportation
Car, Jeep, Flight
Meals
All meals during the trek
Group Size
2-15
Maximum Altitude
5,545 M
Best season
Autumn & Spring

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

Map

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

Map

Overview

The Everest Three High Passes Trek is not a walk in the park; it’s a serious and rewarding adventure for seasoned trekkers. The provided overview accurately captures its essence, highlighting what makes it so different from the standard Everest Base Camp route.

Here is a comprehensive overview of the trek, expanding on the key points:

An Unparalleled and Immersive Experience

The Everest Three High Passes Trek is the ultimate trekking circuit in the Khumbu (Everest) region. It is designed to take trekkers beyond the classic, sometimes crowded, Everest Base Camp trail to explore the wilder, more remote parts of the region. By crossing three challenging high-altitude passes—Renjo La ( $5, 360 m$ ), Cho La ( $5, 420 m$ ), and Kongma La ( $5, 535 m$ )—the trek forms a complete loop, offering a comprehensive and in-depth view of the Everest wilderness.

The Three Passes: A Test of Endurance and a Feast for the Eyes

Each of the three passes presents its own unique challenge and reward.

Renjo La: Often the first pass on a clockwise itinerary, it offers incredible views of the Gokyo lakes and a stunning panorama of Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu.
Cho La: This pass is considered by many to be the most technically challenging due to a steep ascent and a glacier crossing. It connects the Gokyo Valley with the main Everest Base Camp trail.
Kongma La: The highest of the three passes, Kongma La offers breathtaking vistas of glaciers, surrounding peaks, and the impressive south face of Lhotse. It is the final major obstacle before rejoining the main trail for the descent.

Beyond the Passes: Iconic Highlights

The trek isn’t just about the passes. It seamlessly integrates all the major highlights of the Khumbu region into a single, comprehensive journey. Trekkers get to visit:

Everest Base Camp: The famous site at the foot of the world’s highest peak.

Kala Patthar: A high viewpoint that offers a classic, up-close view of Everest.

Gokyo Valley and Lakes: A pristine alpine valley with a series of sacred, turquoise glacial lakes.

Ngozumpa Glacier: The longest glacier in the Himalayas, which you will cross on your journey.

The Clockwise Advantage

As the overview suggests, the clockwise direction (Renjo La, Cho La, Kongma La) is often preferred for several reasons:

Gradual Acclimatization: This route allows for a more natural and gradual ascent, which is crucial for preventing altitude sickness. The initial days are on the quieter side of the Bhote Kosi Valley, allowing your body to adapt before tackling the major passes.
Fewer Crowds: By starting on a less-traveled route, the initial days of the trek are more peaceful and less congested.
Scenic Progression: The views are said to get better and better as you progress, culminating in the high passes and iconic viewpoints.

Difficulty and Requirements

This trek is classified as strenuous and highly demanding. It is not for beginners. Trekkers must have a high level of physical fitness, stamina, and prior experience with high-altitude trekking. The journey involves long days of hiking, often 6-8 hours or more, at elevations consistently above 5,000 meters. The terrain is rugged and includes glaciers, moraines, and steep, rocky paths, which requires mental preparedness and a strong will.

Safety and Support

Due to the high-altitude and remote nature of the trek, choosing a reputable and experienced trekking company is essential. Companies like Highland Expeditions, with local guides and medically trained staff, are vital for ensuring a safe and successful journey. Proper acclimatization days built into the itinerary are non-negotiable and are the most important factor in preventing altitude sickness.

Highlights

Crossing Three High-Altitude Passes: The trek's defining feature is the circumnavigation of the Everest region by crossing three major passes: Renjo La (5,360m), Cho La (5,420m), and Kongma La (5,535m). This provides a strenuous and highly rewarding challenge.
Complete Everest Circuit: Unlike a standard trek, this journey forms a full loop that includes all the major highlights of the region, such as Everest Base Camp and the pristine Gokyo Lakes, offering an unparalleled and immersive experience.
Panoramic Everest Views: You will get a complete picture of Mt. Everest and other Himalayan giants from iconic viewpoints like Gokyo Ri and Kala Patthar. The views from the passes themselves also offer unique perspectives of the vast mountain landscape.
Fewer Crowds and Better Acclimatization: By taking a route less traveled, especially in the early days, you experience a greater sense of solitude. The clockwise itinerary is designed for a more gradual ascent, which is crucial for safe and effective acclimatization.
Authentic Sherpa Culture: The trek takes you through remote Sherpa communities, giving you a deep insight into their unique Buddhist culture, ancient monasteries, and legendary hospitality, far from the busier main trails.

Day 1 :

Arrival in Kathmandu

Arrival at: Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), Kathmandu.

Activity: You will be met by a trip leader and transferred to your hotel. The evening is free for rest, a welcome dinner, and a trek briefing.

Overnight Elevation: 1,350m / 4,430ft.

Day 2 :

Kathmandu Exploration and Preparation

Activity: A guided tour of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu, such as Pashupatinath Temple or Boudhanath Stupa. The afternoon is for last-minute trek preparations, including equipment checks and packing.

Overnight Elevation: 1,350m / 4,430ft.

Day 3 :

Fly to Lukla and Trek to Phakding

After an early start and a flight to Lukla (either from Kathmandu or Ramechap), you'll officially begin your trek. The flight itself is an exhilarating experience. Upon landing, you'll start with a gentle descent along the Dudh Kosi River to the village of Phakding. This short and easy walk helps you ease into the trek and begin the acclimatization process.

Day 4 :

Trek to Namche Bazaar

The trail today involves crossing several high-suspension bridges and entering the Sagarmatha National Park. The final part of the day is a steep, but rewarding, climb to Namche Bazaar, the main trading hub of the Khumbu region. If the weather is clear, you'll get your first glimpse of Mount Everest.

Day 5 :

Acclimatization Day at Namche

This is a vital day for acclimatization. Following the "climb high, sleep low" principle, you'll take a hike to a higher elevation, often to the Everest View Hotel, which offers stunning panoramic vistas of Everest and the surrounding peaks. You will then return to Namche for the night, allowing your body to adapt to the thinner air.

Day 6 :

Trek to Thame

Leaving the main Everest trail, you will head west up the quieter Bhote Kosi Valley. The path is relatively flat in the beginning and is dotted with Mani stones and prayer flags. You will then make a steep climb to the village of Thame, an ancient Sherpa village with a large monastery and great views of the surrounding mountains.

Day 7 :

Trek to Lungde

The journey continues into a high valley that sees few trekkers, making it a peaceful and serene experience. The trail ascends steadily to the village of Lungde, offering views of the vast Himalayan range.

Day 8 :

Rest and Acclimatization Day at Lungde

This is a second crucial acclimatization day. You will take a short hike to a higher hill to aid in the acclimatization process before returning to Lungde for a restful afternoon.

Day 9 :

Cross Renjo La Pass and Trek to Gokyo

This is the first of the three major pass-crossing days. After an early start, you will ascend towards the Renjo La Pass (5,360m). The trail is well-defined with stone steps. From the summit, you'll be rewarded with incredible views of Everest, the Gokyo lakes, and the surrounding peaks. A steep descent will then take you to the shores of the third lake, Dudh Pokhari, and the village of Gokyo.

Day 10 :

At Gokyo

Today is another rest and acclimatization day. You can spend the day exploring the beautiful Gokyo Valley, or for those who want more, you can take an optional hike to the "Fifth Lake" for more magnificent views.

Day 11 :

Hike to Gokyo Ri and Trek to Dragnag

You will start the day with an early morning hike to the top of Gokyo Ri (5,360m) for a spectacular sunrise view of Everest and the Gokyo lakes. After returning for an early lunch, you'll cross the Ngozumpa Glacier, a fascinating experience, to reach the small settlement of Dragnag.

Day 12 :

Cross Cho La Pass and Trek to Dzongla

This is the second, and arguably most challenging, pass of the trek. After an early start, you will cross a large boulder field before a steep, rocky climb to the Cho La Pass (5,420m). The descent involves crossing a small glacier before you reach the village of Dzongla.

Day 13 :

Trek to Lobuche

The trail today is easier and shorter, allowing for some recovery after the previous day's challenge. You will cross the moraine of the Khumbu glacier and pass a chain of stone monuments before reaching Lobuche, where you can enjoy views of Nuptse at sunset.

Day 14 :

Trek to Everest Base Camp and back to Gorak Shep

Today is a pivotal moment in the trek. You will make your way through a rugged landscape of ice pinnacles and crevasses to reach Everest Base Camp (5,364m). After taking in the sights of the famous camp and the Khumbu Icefall, you will retrace your steps to the nearby village of Gorak Shep for the night.

Day 15 :

Hike up to Kala Patthar and Trek back to Lobuche

You will wake before dawn to make the ascent to Kala Patthar (5,545m), one of the most famous viewpoints in the Himalayas, for a clear sunrise view of Everest. After returning to Gorak Shep for breakfast, you'll backtrack to Lobuche.

Day 16 :

Cross Kongma La Pass and Trek to Chukung

This is the final, gritty pass. The Kongma La Pass (5,535m) offers fabulous views of Makalu and Ama Dablam. After a tough ascent, you will descend into the beautiful Imja Valley and continue to the settlement of Chukung.

Day 17 :

Trek to Tengboche

The trail today is a long descent, offering your first clear views of the entire Everest and Lhotse range as you make your way down. The path leads to Tengboche, a famous village with a legendary monastery, which provides a spectacular view of the mountains.

Day 18 :

Trek to Namche

You will continue your descent, following the river and enjoying views of the surrounding peaks. The trail passes through birch and rhododendron forests before you reach the bustling town of Namche Bazaar for a well-deserved rest.

Day 19 :

Trek to Lukla

The final trekking day. After a steep descent from Namche, the trail is a gradual walk along the Dudh Kosi River. You will make a final climb to the Lukla airstrip, where you can celebrate the successful completion of your epic journey with your guide and porters.

Day 20 :

Fly to Kathmandu

After breakfast, you will take a morning flight from Lukla back to Kathmandu (or Ramechap). Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel.

Day 21 :

Free Day in Kathmandu

This is a contingency day to account for potential flight delays from Lukla. If your flight runs on time, you can spend this day exploring Kathmandu, shopping for souvenirs, or simply relaxing. In the evening, you'll be treated to a farewell dinner to celebrate your successful trek.

Day 22 :

International Departure

On your final day, you will be transferred to Tribhuvan International Airport for your flight home, filled with memories of your incredible Himalayan adventure.

FAQs

Expand all

How difficult is the Everest Three High Passes Trek, and who is it for?

This trek is classified as strenuous and highly challenging. It is not suitable for beginners or first-time high-altitude trekkers. The trek is for individuals with excellent physical fitness, stamina, and prior experience with high-altitude trekking. The difficulty comes from several factors:

Challenging Terrain: The trail includes steep climbs, rocky sections, glacier crossings (particularly on Cho La Pass), and moraine fields.

High Altitudes: You will be consistently trekking at elevations above 4,000 meters, with the passes all exceeding 5,000 meters. The highest point, Kala Patthar, is at 5,545m.

Long and Demanding Days: The days are long, often involving 7-9 hours of walking on rugged terrain.

When is the best time to do the trek?

The best times to undertake the Everest Three High Passes Trek are during the two main trekking seasons in Nepal:

Autumn (September to November): This is the most popular season. The weather is stable, the skies are clear after the monsoon, and the views of the mountains are spectacular. The temperatures are moderate during the day but can get very cold at night.
Spring (March to May): This season is also excellent. The weather is generally stable, the trails are dry, and the lower sections of the trek are vibrant with blooming rhododendron forests and other wildflowers.

Winter (December to February) and Monsoon (June to August) are considered off-seasons due to extreme cold and heavy snowfall or rain, respectively.

What permits are required for the trek?

You need to acquire two primary permits to trek the Everest Three High Passes route:

Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit: This is required to enter the national park where Mount Everest and the trekking routes are located.
Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entry Permit: This is a local area permit.

The Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) card has been replaced by a new system, so you should confirm the current regulations with your trekking agency before you depart.

What are the accommodation and food like on the trek?

Accommodation is primarily in teahouses, which are simple, family-run lodges. They offer basic amenities, including a bed with a mattress and blanket, but it is highly recommended to bring your own sleeping bag for warmth and hygiene. Bathrooms are typically shared and can range from basic squat toilets to flush toilets at lower altitudes. Hot showers are often available for an extra fee.

Food is served in the teahouse dining rooms. The menus offer a variety of options, from local Nepali dishes like Dal Bhat (rice, lentils, and vegetables) to more international fare like pasta, pizza, and noodle soups. The prices and variety of food increase as you gain altitude.

Is it mandatory to have a guide for the Everest Three High Passes Trek?

Yes, as of 2023, the Nepal Tourism Board and the Government of Nepal have made it mandatory for all foreign trekkers to hire a licensed, government-certified guide to trek in the country’s national parks. This measure is intended to enhance safety and support the local trekking industry. While some sources may have outdated information stating that a guide is not required for independent trekkers in the Khumbu region, the official rule has changed. For a trek as challenging as the Three High Passes, a guide is an essential safety precaution, as they are trained to navigate the terrain and handle medical emergencies.

Everest Three High Passes Trek

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

Map