The three passes trek Nepal is the most complete circuit in the Khumbu region. It crosses three high Himalayan passes - Kongma La (5,535m), Cho La (5,420m), and Renjo La (5,360m) - and links three of the most spectacular valleys in Nepal. Most trekkers who have already completed the Everest Base Camp trek come back for this route specifically because it covers so much more ground. You reach Everest Base Camp, stand beside the turquoise Gokyo Lakes, and cross glaciated passes that require real effort and real reward.
This is not a route for first-time Himalayan trekkers. The three passes trek demands physical fitness, solid acclimatization discipline, and the mental strength to push through cold, altitude, and technical terrain. But for experienced trekkers, it is the definitive Khumbu experience.
What Makes the Three Passes Trek Different from EBC
The standard Everest Base Camp trek follows a single corridor from Lukla to Base Camp and back, retracing most of the same trail. The three passes trek turns that corridor into a full circuit.
Instead of reversing course, you cross a high mountain pass to move between valleys. Each pass unlocks a completely different landscape. Kongma La drops you into the upper Khumbu Valley above Lobuche. Cho La connects the EBC valley to the Gokyo basin. Renjo La links Gokyo back toward Thame and the Solu Khumbu. The result is 18 to 21 days of almost entirely new scenery.
The rewards are exceptional. You see Everest from three completely different angles - from Kala Patthar, from the Gokyo Ri summit, and from the top of Renjo La, which many guides consider the finest viewpoint of all. You also spend time at Gokyo Lakes, a string of emerald glacial lakes sitting beside Ngozumpa Glacier, the largest glacier in Nepal. Read the full guide to Gokyo Lakes trek to understand what makes this side of Khumbu so distinct.
The three passes trek is longer, harder, and more remote than standard EBC. There are sections where teahouses are widely spaced. Weather on the passes can change rapidly. But the combination of Everest Base Camp, Gokyo, and three glaciated passes makes this the most comprehensive Himalayan circuit available to non-technical trekkers.
Three Passes Trek Itinerary: Day-by-Day Overview
The itinerary below is 18 days from Lukla. You can extend to 21 days with additional acclimatization rest days, which we recommend for most trekkers.
| Day | Route | Night Stop | Elevation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fly Kathmandu to Lukla, trek to Phakding | Phakding | 2,610m |
| 2 | Phakding to Namche Bazaar | Namche Bazaar | 3,440m |
| 3 | Acclimatization day, hike to Everest View Hotel | Namche Bazaar | 3,440m |
| 4 | Namche to Tengboche | Tengboche | 3,860m |
| 5 | Tengboche to Dingboche | Dingboche | 4,410m |
| 6 | Acclimatization day, hike to Nangkartshang Peak | Dingboche | 4,410m |
| 7 | Dingboche to Lobuche via Kongma La (5,535m) | Lobuche | 4,940m |
| 8 | Lobuche to Everest Base Camp, return to Gorak Shep | Gorak Shep | 5,160m |
| 9 | Kala Patthar sunrise, trek down to Dzongla | Dzongla | 4,830m |
| 10 | Dzongla to Gokyo via Cho La (5,420m) | Gokyo | 4,790m |
| 11 | Acclimatization - summit Gokyo Ri (5,360m), explore Gokyo Lakes | Gokyo | 4,790m |
| 12 | Rest or explore Fifth Lake area | Gokyo | 4,790m |
| 13 | Gokyo to Lungden via Renjo La (5,360m) | Lungden | 4,380m |
| 14 | Lungden to Thame | Thame | 3,820m |
| 15 | Thame to Namche Bazaar | Namche Bazaar | 3,440m |
| 16 | Namche to Lukla | Lukla | 2,840m |
| 17 | Fly Lukla to Kathmandu | Kathmandu | 1,400m |
| 18 | Buffer day / departure | Kathmandu | 1,400m |
Day 7 is the most strenuous single day in the itinerary. Kongma La is the highest of the three passes, and the ascent from Dingboche involves a long climb over rocky terrain with a steep final push. Many trekkers find Cho La the most technically demanding due to the glacier crossing. Renjo La is often the least difficult, but altitude fatigue by that stage of the trek means it still commands respect.
Three Passes Trek Difficulty: What to Expect on Each Pass
The three passes trek difficulty is rated strenuous to very strenuous. All three passes exceed 5,300m in elevation. The trails above 5,000m involve loose rock, potential snow, and rapidly changing weather. You need to be an experienced trekker with prior high-altitude exposure, not a first-time Himalayan visitor.
Kongma La (5,535m) - The Highest Pass
Kongma La is the highest point of the entire circuit. The ascent from Dingboche begins at 4,410m and climbs 1,125m over a full day. The trail crosses a high yak pasture, then a long boulder field, before the final steep rocky approach to the pass.
The descent is loose scree down to the lake-dotted plateau above Lobuche. There is no glacier on Kongma La itself, but snow can linger into late autumn. Strong winds are common. Allow six to eight hours from Dingboche to Lobuche.
Conditions on Kongma La change quickly. Start early - by 6am from Dingboche - to give yourself maximum daylight and to avoid the afternoon winds that build through the valley.
Cho La (5,420m) - The Glacier Crossing
Cho La requires more technical confidence than the other two passes. From Dzongla, the trail climbs steeply to the pass at 5,420m. The eastern face involves a short but genuine glacier crossing. In good conditions, this is manageable with trekking poles and careful footwork. In icy conditions, you may need crampons - ask your guide about current conditions before departure.
The descent into the Gokyo Valley is long but rewards you immediately with views of the Ngozumpa Glacier and the turquoise lakes below. Allow seven to nine hours from Dzongla to Gokyo.
Many trekkers cite Cho La as the most memorable pass of the three - the glacier section is unlike anything on standard EBC, and the arrival into the Gokyo basin feels like entering a completely new world.
Renjo La (5,360m) - The Panoramic Pass
Renjo La is the last of the three passes and arguably offers the finest panoramic view of the entire trek. From the summit, you can see Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu simultaneously. On a clear morning, there is no better Everest viewpoint in the Khumbu.
The ascent from Gokyo climbs steadily through rocky terrain with no glacier obstacles. The descent toward Lungden and Thame passes the rarely visited Renjo La Lake. Allow five to seven hours from Gokyo to Lungden.
Because most trekkers have already crossed two passes by this point, accumulated fatigue is the main challenge on Renjo La. Proper sleep and hydration at Gokyo before tackling this pass makes a significant difference.
Three Passes Trek Cost: Budget Breakdown
The three passes trek cost depends on your travel style, group size, and how much you want to customize the experience. Below is an honest breakdown for 2026.
Permits and Entry Fees
| Permit | Cost (USD approx.) |
|---|---|
| Sagarmatha National Park Entry | $30 |
| Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Fee | $20 |
| TIMS Card (if applicable) | $10-20 |
Guide and Porter Costs
A licensed guide costs $25-35 per day. A porter costs $18-25 per day. For a standard 18-day trek, budget $450-630 for a guide and $325-450 for a porter. These are not optional extras - this route is not safe to attempt without a licensed guide, and the terrain makes a porter's support genuinely valuable.
Teahouse Accommodation
Teahouse rooms in the Khumbu range from $5-15 per night in lower elevations to $15-30 at higher stops like Gokyo and Gorak Shep. Budget $250-450 for accommodation across 17 nights.
Food on the Trail
Dal bhat - rice, lentil soup, and vegetables - is the best value on the trail and includes unlimited refills. Budget $20-30 per day for three meals. Total food cost: $360-540.
Total Budget Estimate
| Category | Budget Range (USD) |
|---|---|
| International flights to Kathmandu | $600-1,400 |
| Kathmandu hotel (2 nights each end) | $80-300 |
| Kathmandu-Lukla flights (round trip) | $500-650 |
| Permits | $60-70 |
| Guide (18 days) | $450-630 |
| Porter (18 days) | $325-450 |
| Accommodation on trail | $250-450 |
| Food on trail | $360-540 |
| Gear and equipment | $200-800 |
| Total (excluding international flights) | $2,225-3,890 |
If you book through an agency like Navigate Globe, a full-service package including permits, guide, porter, accommodation, and meals typically costs $1,800-3,200 depending on group size and services. Comparing DIY versus guided costs is explored in more detail in our Everest Base Camp trek cost breakdown.
Best Time for the Three Passes Trek
The best seasons for the three passes trek Nepal are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). Both windows offer the stable weather and visibility required for safe pass crossings.
Spring (March-May)
Spring is the most popular season for the three passes. The skies clear after winter, rhododendron forests bloom at lower elevations, and conditions on the passes stabilize by late March. April and early May are peak months. Temperatures at the passes reach -5 to -15C at night but are manageable with proper gear.
Note that May is Everest climbing season. Gorak Shep and the upper Khumbu can be crowded with expedition teams. Book teahouses in advance for this period.
Autumn (September-November)
Autumn offers crisp mountain air and exceptional visibility after the monsoon clears. October and early November are the prime autumn months. Temperatures are slightly cooler than spring, and high-altitude snow arrives earlier as November progresses. By mid-November, Renjo La and Cho La may carry significant snow and conditions become more serious.
September is technically still monsoon season, but the upper Khumbu dries out faster than lower Nepal. Late September can be viable with flexible planning.
Seasons to Avoid
Monsoon (June-August) brings heavy rain, leech-infested trails at lower elevations, and cloud cover that obscures the views you came for. Winter (December-February) is possible for experienced cold-weather trekkers but pass crossings become genuinely dangerous with deep snow and extreme cold.
For a full seasonal breakdown of trekking conditions across Nepal, the Nepal Tourism Board publishes updated seasonal guides each year.
Permits Required for the Three Passes Trek
You need two primary permits to trek in the Khumbu and cross the three passes.
Sagarmatha National Park Permit
This permit is mandatory for entry into Sagarmatha National Park, which covers the entire Khumbu region including all three passes. The fee is NPR 3,000 (approximately $23) for SAARC nationals and NPR 4,000 (approximately $30) for other international visitors. You obtain this at the park entrance checkpoint in Monjo, or in advance through the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation. Full permit details and updated fees are available on the DNPWC website.
Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit
This is a local government entry fee of NPR 2,000 (approximately $15-20). It is collected at Lukla or Monjo. Carry both permits with you as checkpoints are active throughout the route.
TIMS Card
A Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) card may be required depending on whether you are trekking independently or with a registered agency. If you book through a registered Nepali operator, they will typically arrange this for you.
All permits are straightforward to obtain but carry the originals throughout your trek. Photocopies are not accepted at checkpoints.
Packing Essentials for the Three High Passes
The three high passes demand gear that performs in sub-zero temperatures, potential snow, and high wind. The following items are non-negotiable.
Clothing Layers
- Moisture-wicking base layers (top and bottom, two sets minimum)
- Mid-layer fleece or down jacket
- Hardshell waterproof jacket and trousers
- Insulated down jacket rated to -10C or colder
- Trekking trousers (not jeans or cotton)
- Warm hat, balaclava, neck gaiter
- Waterproof trekking gloves plus thin liner gloves
- Thick merino wool or synthetic trekking socks (four pairs minimum)
Footwear
- Waterproof leather or synthetic trekking boots with ankle support
- Gaiters for snow crossings on Cho La and Kongma La
- Camp shoes or sandals for teahouses
- Crampons or microspikes (your guide will advise based on current conditions)
Safety and Navigation
- Trekking poles (mandatory for pass descents)
- Headlamp with spare batteries (critical for early starts on pass days)
- Personal first aid kit
- Pulse oximeter to monitor blood oxygen saturation
- Diamox (acetazolamide) prescribed before departure for altitude prevention
High-Altitude Health
Altitude sickness is the most serious risk on this route. Read our complete altitude sickness guide before you depart - understanding acclimatization schedules and AMS symptoms can save your trek and potentially your life.
Sleeping
- Down sleeping bag rated to -15C or lower
- Sleeping bag liner for extra warmth at Gorak Shep and Gokyo
Documents and Money
- Copies of all permits
- USD cash (ATMs in Namche are the last reliable cash point on the route)
- Travel insurance documentation - evacuation insurance is mandatory
Conclusion: Is the Three Passes Trek Right for You?
The three passes trek Nepal is the finest long-distance circuit in the Khumbu. It takes you to Everest Base Camp, across three glaciated Himalayan passes, past the most beautiful lakes in Nepal, and through Sherpa villages that have guided mountaineers for generations.
It demands more than the standard EBC route - more days, more altitude, more technical terrain, and more physical commitment. But the trekkers who complete the three passes consistently report that it is the most rewarding experience of their lives. The scale of what you see, the sense of genuine accomplishment on each pass, and the completeness of the Khumbu circuit are unmatched by any other non-technical Himalayan trek.
If you have already done EBC and want something that goes deeper into this landscape, the three passes is your next step. If you are an experienced trekker with good high-altitude fitness and the full three weeks to commit, it should be at the top of your Nepal list.
Ready to plan your trek? Speak with a trekking specialist at Navigate Globe and we will build an itinerary around your timeline, fitness level, and budget. We have guided hundreds of trekkers across these passes and we know every detail that makes the difference between a good trip and an unforgettable one.
