The Everest Three High Passes Trek is a demanding 16-day circuit through Nepal’s Khumbu region, designed for experienced trekkers who want more than the standard route to Everest Base Camp.
The journey crosses Kongma La at 5,535 meters, Cho La at 5,420 meters and Renjo La at 5,360 meters while connecting Everest Base Camp, Kala Patthar, Gokyo Lakes and remote Sherpa valleys.
This is not a beginner trek. It requires strong endurance, previous multi-day trekking experience and disciplined acclimatisation. The Everest Three High Passes Trek is the most difficult high-altitude trek in Nepal, requiring excellent physical fitness. The steep ascents and long trekking days can be exhausting. Although the Three Passes Trek is demanding, it encompasses major highlights such as Everest Base Camp, Namche Bazaar, Monasteries, and Gokyo Valley.
Mountain Eco Trails designed this 16-day Everest Three High Passes Trek itinerary for experienced trekkers seeking an exhilarating adventure. If you wish to customise the trip or require further information, please get in touch with us via email or WhatsApp at +9779849790153.
Why Choose the Everest Three High Passes Trek?
Choose this trek when Everest Base Camp alone does not feel like enough.
The route gives you the famous landmarks of the Everest region, but its real character comes from the ground between them. You cross high passes, walk beside glaciers, enter quieter valleys and complete a circuit rather than following an out-and-back trail.
The Highlights of the Everest Three High Passes Treks include:
- Kongma La, the highest and often most physically demanding pass
- Everest Base Camp at 5,364 meters
- Kala Patthar, the route’s classic Everest viewpoint
- Cho La, linking the base camp side with the Gokyo Valley
- The Ngozumpa Glacier, one of the defining landscapes of Gokyo
- Gokyo Lakes and the village of Gokyo
- Renjo La, with broad views over the western Khumbu
- Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche, Chhukung and Thame Valley
- A complete circuit through Sagarmatha National Park
- Less-repeated trail than the standard Everest Base Camp route
This is the experienced trekker’s Everest route: three passes, one continuous journey and a deeper look at the Khumbu than a direct walk to base camp can provide.
The Three Everest Passes Compared
Each pass has a different character. Treating them as three identical high points hides the real challenge.
Pass | Elevation | Typical crossing | Terrain | Main challenge |
Kongma La | 5,535 m | Chhukung to Lobuche | Steep trail, rock, moraine and remote high ground | Long ascent and demanding descent before Lobuche |
Cho La | 5,420 m | Dzongla to Thagnak | Rock slabs, steep sections and seasonally icy ground | Footing and changing snow or ice conditions |
Renjo La | 5,360 m | Gokyo to Marlung | Steep stone trail and broad high pass | Long descent after the pass |
Kongma La: The First Major Test
Kongma La is the highest of the three passes and usually the first crossing on this 16 Day Everest Three Passes itinerary.
The day begins from Chhukung and climbs away from the busier Everest Base Camp trail. The landscape becomes increasingly open, rocky and exposed. There are fewer settlements and limited opportunities to shorten the day once the team commits to the crossing.
Many experienced trekkers find Kongma La physically harder than expected because of the total ascent, the elevation and the demanding descent toward the Khumbu Glacier and Lobuche.
The guide from Mountain Eco Trails evaluates weather, visibility, group pace and physical condition before leaving Chhukung. A late start is not acceptable on a long pass day.
Cho La: The Most Condition-Dependent Pass
Cho La often receives the most attention because snow and ice can change its difficulty.
The Cho La Pass starts from Dzongla and climbs through rocky terrain beneath Cholatse. Near the pass, the ground may be dry, snowy, icy or mixed depending on recent weather and the season.
Microspikes or crampons may be useful when the surface is frozen.
Although Cho La Pass is not technical, it requires balance, confidence on uneven ground and a willingness to turn back when conditions are unsuitable.
Renjo La: The Scenic Final Crossing
Renjo La is often the most scenic of the three passes.
The climb begins above Gokyo, with views opening over the turquoise lakes and surrounding peaks. From the pass, the route looks back across the Gokyo Valley and toward Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and the surrounding Himalayan skyline when visibility is clear.
The descent toward Marlung is long. Trekkers who reach the pass feeling strong can still become fatigued on the way down, so careful foot placement remains important until the team reaches the lodge.
Overall, Kongma La is the highest of the three passes and often the hardest in terms of total effort. Cho La is the most affected by snow and ice, making current conditions important. Renjo La is generally the most scenic but includes a long descent toward Marlung. The difficulty of each crossing depends on weather, acclimatisation, trail surface and the trekker’s condition that day.
16 Day Everest Three High Passes Itinerary Facts and Altitude
The Everest Three High Passes Trek itinerary begins and ends at the famous Tenzing-Hillary Airport, Lukla. Here is the short outline itinerary for the trek:
Days | Route | Altitude |
Day 01–03 | Lukla → Phakding → Namche Bazaar (Acclimatisation) | 3,440m |
Day 04–07 | Namche → Tengboche → Dingboche → Chukkung | 4,750m |
Day 08 | Trek to Lobuche via Kongma La Pass | 5,535m |
Day 09 | Trek to Gorakshep & Hike to Everest Base Camp | 5,364m |
Day 10 | Hike Kala Patthar, Trek to Dzongla | 4,830m |
Day 11 | Trek to Thangnak via Cho La Pass | 5,360m |
Day 12–13 | Trek to Gokyo & Cross Renjo La Pass to Marlung | 5,360m |
Day 14–15 | Trek Marlung → Namche Bazaar → Lukla | 3,440m |
Day 16 | Fly Lukla to Kathmandu | 1,400m |
Everest Three High Passes Trek cost for 2026,2027
The Everest Three Passes Trek cost starts from USD 1,399 per person for a group of six to ten trekkers. The current solo price is USD 1,699. The package includes Lukla flights, trekking permits, a licensed guide, teahouse accommodation and three meals during trekking days. Porter service, travel insurance, personal expenses and evacuation costs are separate unless specifically added. Pricing depends on group size, itinerary length, porter support, flight arrangements, private-room requests and additional contingency days.
Cost Component | Estimated Cost (USD) |
Lukla Round-Trip Flight (Kathmandu–Lukla) | $500-$550 |
Required Permit Cards | $25 |
Licensed English-Speaking Guide | $480-500 |
Porter Service (Optional) | $250 – $300 |
Meals & Accommodation | $600-650 |
Administrative & Govt. Taxes | $100 – $150 |
Estimated Total Package Value | $1699– $2199 |
Mountain Eco Trails offers this trek with a cost starting from USD 1699 and above. The cost is transparent with no hidden charges.
You can check the cost details below or contact us via email or WhatsApp at +9779849790153 for the quotation.
