The Everest Base Camp Three Passes Trek is the ultimate challenge for trekking enthusiasts. This route takes you through three high-altitude passes—Renjo La (5,435m), Cho La (5,420m), and Kongma La (5,535m)—offering breathtaking panoramas, remote landscapes, and an unparalleled adventure in the heart of the Himalayas.
The Everest Base Camp (EBC) Three Pass Trek is one of the most challenging and scenic treks in Nepal’s Khumbu (Everest) region. It combines the classic EBC route with three high mountain passes — Kongma La (5,535m), Cho La (5,420m), and Renjo La (5,360m) — creating a full circuit of the Everest region.
Highlights
- Three High Passes: Kongma La (5,535m), Cho La (5,420m), Renjo La (5,360m)
- Everest Base Camp (5,364m)
- Kala Patthar (5,545m) Sunrise Viewpoint
- Gokyo Lakes & Gokyo Ri (5,357m)
- Varied Landscapes
- Sherpa Culture & Monasteries
- A True Circuit of the Everest Region
- Off-the-Beaten-Path Experience
The Everest Base Camp Three Pass Trek typically takes about 18–21 days and forms a challenging loop through the Khumbu region. Starting with a scenic flight to Lukla, the trail passes through Phakding and Namche Bazaar for acclimatization before heading to Tengboche and Dingboche. From Chhukung, trekkers cross the first and highest pass, Kongma La (5,535m), reaching Lobuche and visiting Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar for close-up views of Everest. The route then crosses Cho La Pass (5,420m) to the beautiful Gokyo Lakes, climbs Gokyo Ri for panoramic mountain vistas, and finally traverses Renjo La Pass (5,360m) to Thame before returning to Namche and Lukla. This trek combines all the highlights of the Everest region—majestic peaks, high passes, and Sherpa culture—into one unforgettable adventure.
- Duration: 3-4 hours trekking (after a 40-minute flight)
- Distance: 6.2 km / 3.8 miles
- Activities: Breathtaking morning flight to Lukla, cross several suspension bridges over the Dudh Koshi River. Visit Rimishung Monastery.
- Highlights: The thrilling landing at Lukla, the first steps on your Himalayan adventure.
- Pro Tips: Keep essentials in your daypack as your main luggage may arrive separately. Stay hydrated and pace yourself.
- Duration: 6-7 hours
- Distance: 7.4 km / 4.6 miles
- Activities: Trek through pine forests, cross the famous Hillary Suspension Bridge and ascend to Namche Bazaar.
- Highlights: First glimpses of Everest (on clear days), entering Sagarmatha National Park.
- Pro Tips: The steep climb is challenging—take frequent short breaks and stay hydrated.
- Duration: Flexible
- Distance: Optional short hikes
- Activities: Explore Namche Bazaar, visit the Sherpa Museum, and hike to Everest Viewpoint.
- Highlights: Stunning views of Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam.
- Pro Tips: Rest and acclimatize—this is crucial for the days ahead.
- Duration: 4 hours
- Distance: 6.8 km / 4.2 miles
- Activities: Trek to Thame, visit the local monastery and experience Sherpa culture.
- Highlights: Traditional Sherpa village, Bhote Koshi River views.
- Pro Tips: Take your time and enjoy the scenic surroundings.
- Duration: 5-6 hours
- Distance: 8.6 km / 5.3 miles
- Activities: Trek to Lungdeng, a small settlement before Renjo La Pass.
- Highlights: Panoramic Himalayan views.
- Pro Tips: Rest well for the pass crossing the next day.
- Duration: 6-7 hours
- Distance: 6 km / 3.7 miles
- Activities: Cross Renjo La Pass (5,435m), and descend to Gokyo.
- Highlights: Incredible views from Renjo La, stunning Gokyo Lakes.
- Pro Tips: Start early to avoid afternoon weather.
- Duration: Flexible
- Distance: Optional short hikes
- Activities: Hike to Gokyo Ri or explore Gokyo Lakes.
- Highlights: Views of Cho Oyu, serene lake surroundings.
- Pro Tips: Enjoy the tranquility of Gokyo.
- Duration: 4 hours
- Distance: 3.7 km / 2.3 miles
- Activities: Descend to Thangnak, preparing for Cho La Pass.
- Highlights: Scenic landscapes.
- Pro Tips: Rest well for the next challenging day.
- Duration: 6-7 hours
- Distance: 9.4 km / 5.8 miles
- Activities: Cross Cho La Pass (5,420m), and descend to Dzongla.
- Highlights: Glacier views, second major pass.
- Pro Tips: Start early, and use microspikes if necessary.
- Duration: 4 hours
- Distance: 6.6 km / 4.1 miles
- Activities: Trek to Lobuche.
- Highlights: Views of Khumbu Glacier.
- Pro Tips: Rest for the Everest Base Camp trek.
- Duration: 7-8 hours
- Distance: 12 km / 7.5 miles round trip
- Activities: Trek to Gorak Shep, then to Everest Base Camp.
- Highlights: Standing at the base of Everest, Khumbu Icefall.
- Pro Tips: Watch your footing on the rough terrain.
- Duration: 3-4 hours
- Distance: 3.9 km / 2.4 miles
- Activities: Hike to Kala Patthar for the best sunrise view of Everest.
- Highlights: Breathtaking Everest views.
- Pro Tips: Layer up for the cold morning hike.
- Duration: 7-8 hours
- Distance: 10.5 km / 6.5 miles
- Activities: Cross Kongma La Pass (5,535m), the highest pass.
- Highlights: Sense of achievement at completing all three passes.
- Pro Tips: Start early and move carefully at high altitudes.
- Duration: 5-6 hours
- Distance: 9.1 km / 5.7 miles
- Activities: Descend to Tengboche, and visit the famous monastery.
- Highlights: Cultural experience at Tengboche Monastery.
- Pro Tips: Enjoy the easier terrain.
- Duration: 5-6 hours
- Distance: 5.9 km / 3.7 miles
- Activities: Continue descending through lush forests.
- Highlights: Returning to Namche’s lively market.
- Pro Tips: Savor the last few days in the mountains.
- Duration: 7-8 hours
- Distance: 13.5 km / 8.4 miles
- Activities: Retrace your steps to Lukla.
- Highlights: Farewell dinner with your team.
- Pro Tips: Confirm your flight and enjoy the last moments of the trek.
- Duration: 40-minute flight
- Activities: Fly back to Kathmandu.
- Highlights: Reflection on your adventure.
- Pro Tips: Thank your guides and celebrate your accomplishment!
What the Cost Includes
- Meals while trekking (B/L/D) and tea/coffee Teahouse accommodation during the trek.
- Experienced English-speaking government-licensed trekking guide and a Porter Guide and porter's salary, food, equipment, and insurance.
- All applicable National park and Local permits Kathmandu to Dhap Private Jeep Phaplu to Kathmandu Private Jeep.
- Airport transfer service during pick-up and drop Hotel in Kathmandu.
What the Cost Excludes
- International flight tickets
- Nepal entry visa
- Travel and health Insurance which covers emergency Rescues and evacuations Personal expenses like snacks, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, bottled water, WI-FI, etc.
- Lunch, dinner, and an extra night at the Kathmandu hotel
- Tips for treks guide, and porter (it is expected)