Three Passes Trek Itinerary: 18-Day Everest Region Ultimate Circuit

The Three Passes Trek is the ultimate Khumbu circuit, a grueling 18-20 day odyssey that crosses three passes above 5,300m, visits Everest Base Camp, summits Kala Patthar, explores the Gokyo Lakes, and covers virtually every major attraction in the Everest region in a single continuous trek. It is widely considered Nepal's most challenging popular trek, and for good reason.

This is not a trek for beginners. The Three Passes route demands excellent physical fitness, prior high-altitude experience, proper equipment (including crampons for all three passes), and the mental fortitude to spend nearly three weeks above 3,400m with multiple days above 5,000m. In return, it delivers the most comprehensive and rewarding experience the Khumbu has to offer.

This guide provides a complete 18-day itinerary with day-by-day breakdowns, detailed pass descriptions, equipment requirements, altitude management strategies, and honest difficulty assessments. If you are considering the Three Passes Trek, read this guide thoroughly before committing.

Quick Facts: Three Passes Trek

Who Should Attempt the Three Passes Trek

This trek self-selects for experienced trekkers. Here is an honest assessment of who can and should attempt it.

Prerequisites (Strongly Recommended)

• Prior high-altitude experience above 5,000m. You should know how your body responds to extreme altitude before committing to three consecutive passes above 5,300m.
• Excellent cardiovascular fitness. You will trek 6-10 hours per day for 18 days, with multiple days involving 1,000m+ of altitude change.
• Previous multi-day trekking experience. At minimum, you should have completed a 10+ day trek. The EBC standard trek or Annapurna Circuit are ideal preparation.
• Comfort with basic mountaineering conditions. The passes involve snow, ice, steep scree, and exposed sections. You need to be comfortable wearing crampons and navigating uneven, icy terrain.
• Mental resilience. Three weeks of basic tea house accommodation, cold conditions, physical exhaustion, and altitude effects test mental strength as much as physical.

Who Should NOT Attempt It

The Three Passes: Overview and Comparison

Before diving into the day-by-day itinerary, understanding each pass helps you mentally prepare for what lies ahead.

Pass Comparison Table

| Feature | Kongma La (Pass 1) | Cho La (Pass 2) | Renjo La (Pass 3) | |---------|-------------------|-----------------|-------------------| | Altitude | 5,535m | 5,420m | 5,360m | | From/To | Lobuche to Chukhung | Dzongla to Dragnag | Gokyo to Lungden | | Duration | 7-9 hours | 6-8 hours | 5-7 hours | | Technical Difficulty | Hardest | Most Dangerous | Easiest | | Key Challenge | Steep scree, route-finding | Ice/snow, glacier crossing | Steep but straightforward | | Crampons Needed | Yes (descent) | Yes (glacier) | Yes (if icy) | | Scenery | Panoramic | Dramatic | Most scenic | | Rescue Access | Difficult | Very Difficult | Moderate | | Pass Opens | October-November, March-May | October-November, April-May | October-November, March-May |

Kongma La (5,535m): The Hardest Pass

Kongma La is the highest and most technically demanding of the three passes. The ascent from the Lobuche side involves navigating a labyrinth of rocky terrain and moraine, followed by a steep scree climb to the pass. The descent to Chukhung is equally challenging, with steep, loose terrain that requires careful footwork. Route-finding can be difficult in cloud, and the pass is less traveled than Cho La or Renjo La.

Why it is the hardest: The altitude (5,535m), the steep and loose terrain on both sides, the length of the crossing (7-9 hours), and the difficulty of route-finding in poor visibility combine to make Kongma La the most demanding of the three.

Cho La (5,420m): The Most Dangerous Pass

Cho La is the most frequently crossed of the three passes but also the most dangerous due to the glacier crossing on the western side. The ascent from Dzongla is steep but well-trodden. The descent on the Dragnag/Thagnak side involves crossing a snow-covered glacier with potential crevasse hazards, followed by a steep, rocky descent.

Why it is the most dangerous: The glacier crossing carries objective danger (hidden crevasses, ice falls) that the other two passes do not. In poor conditions (fresh snow, whiteout), the glacier becomes genuinely hazardous. Several fatalities have occurred on the Cho La glacier over the years.

Renjo La (5,360m): The Most Scenic Pass

Renjo La is the "easiest" of the three passes (a relative term at 5,360m). The ascent from Gokyo is steep but on a clear trail, and the views from the top are arguably the best of any pass in the Khumbu, with Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu all visible along with the turquoise Gokyo Lakes below. The descent to Lungden is straightforward.

Why it is the most scenic: The combination of the Gokyo Lakes below, the Ngozumpa Glacier stretching to the horizon, and the full Everest massif panorama makes Renjo La the visual highlight of the three passes.

The Complete 18-Day Three Passes Trek Itinerary

This itinerary follows the most common direction: EBC first, then Kongma La, Cho La, Gokyo, and finally Renjo La. This direction is generally preferred because it gets the hardest pass (Kongma La) done while you are still relatively fresh, and finishes with the most scenic (Renjo La).

Day 1: Fly Kathmandu to Lukla (2,840m), Trek to Phakding (2,610m)

Distance: 8km | Duration: 3-4 hours | Elevation Change: -230m

The standard start to any Khumbu trek. The 35-minute flight from Kathmandu to Lukla is followed by an easy descent along the Dudh Kosi river to Phakding. Use this day to find your rhythm, check your gear, and begin hydrating aggressively.

For a three-week trek, gear organization matters more than on shorter treks. Ensure your crampons, gaiters, warm gloves, and down jacket are easily accessible, not buried in your duffel bag.

Accommodation: Multiple options in Phakding. $3-10/room.

Day 2: Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440m)

Distance: 11km | Duration: 5-7 hours | Elevation Change: +830m

The big climb to Namche. Cross the Dudh Kosi multiple times on suspension bridges, enter Sagarmatha National Park at Jorsale, and tackle the steep 600m switchback climb to Namche Bazaar.

Three Passes specific tip: Use Namche's gear shops for any last-minute equipment. If your crampons do not fit perfectly or you need gaiters, this is your last chance to buy or rent. Several shops rent crampons for $2-3/day.

Accommodation: Namche has the best lodges in the Khumbu. $5-20/room.

Day 3: REST DAY in Namche Bazaar - Acclimatization

Acclimatization Hike: Everest View Hotel (3,880m) or Khumjung (3,790m) | Duration: 3-5 hours round trip

The first critical acclimatization day. Hike high, sleep low. The standard EBC acclimatization protocol applies: trek to 3,800-3,900m, spend time at altitude, return to Namche (3,440m) to sleep.

Three Passes perspective: This is just the beginning of your acclimatization journey. You have 15 more days above 3,400m ahead of you, with multiple days above 5,000m. Take this rest day seriously.

Day 4: Namche Bazaar to Tengboche (3,860m)

Distance: 10km | Duration: 5-6 hours | Elevation Change: +420m (with intermediate descent)

The scenic traverse from Namche to Tengboche, with panoramic views of Ama Dablam, Everest, Lhotse, and Nuptse. Descend to Phunki Tenga (3,250m) before climbing steeply through rhododendron forest to Tengboche Monastery.

Visit the monastery. The 3:00 PM prayer ceremony is open to visitors and provides a profound cultural moment against the backdrop of the highest peaks on Earth.

Accommodation: Tashi Delek Lodge and Gompa Lodge are popular. $8-15/room.

Day 5: Tengboche to Dingboche (4,410m)

Distance: 12km | Duration: 6-7 hours | Elevation Change: +550m (with intermediate descent)

A long, demanding day that pushes through the tree line and into the alpine zone. Pass through Pangboche (oldest monastery in Khumbu) and Shomare before climbing to Dingboche in the Imja Khola valley.

The landscape transformation from forested terrain to barren alpine highlands is dramatic. Ama Dablam towers above, and the Lhotse wall dominates the northern horizon.

Accommodation: Hotel Dingboche, Snow Lion Lodge. $5-10/room.

Day 6: REST DAY in Dingboche - Acclimatization

Acclimatization Hike: Nagarjun Hill (5,100m) | Duration: 4-5 hours round trip | Elevation Gain/Loss: +690m / -690m

The second mandatory rest day. The hike to Nagarjun Hill (or alternatively to the ridge above Dingboche at ~5,000m) is your most important acclimatization effort before the high passes. By reaching 5,100m and returning to sleep at 4,410m, your body begins the critical adaptation to very high altitude.

Altitude assessment: This is a decision point. If you feel strong after reaching 5,100m, the Three Passes are likely achievable. If you struggle badly, had severe headache, or vomited, seriously reconsider the full route. You could still do the standard EBC trek and skip the passes.

Day 7: Dingboche to Lobuche (4,940m)

Distance: 8km | Duration: 4-5 hours | Elevation Change: +530m

Climb through Dughla (4,620m), pass the memorial cairns honoring Everest's fallen, and continue to the windswept settlement of Lobuche. The air is thin (roughly 55% sea-level oxygen), and even simple tasks feel effortful.

Mental preparation: From Lobuche, the Three Passes route begins to diverge from the standard EBC trek. Over the next 11 days, you will cross terrain that most Khumbu trekkers never see. Embrace the commitment.

Accommodation: Limited options in Lobuche. Eco Lodge, Mountain Lodge. $8-12/room.

Day 8: Lobuche to Gorak Shep (5,164m), Trek to EBC (5,364m)

Distance: 12km | Duration: 7-9 hours | Elevation Change: +224m to Gorak Shep, +200m to EBC

The same approach as the 12-day EBC itinerary: trek to Gorak Shep in the morning, drop your pack, lunch, then continue to Everest Base Camp in the afternoon.

At EBC (5,364m): The Khumbu Icefall looms above, and during climbing season (April-May), the expedition tents create a colorful scene. Outside climbing season, the site is austere but no less impressive.

Return to Gorak Shep before dark. Early to bed; tomorrow morning is Kala Patthar.

Accommodation: Buddha Lodge or Snowland at Gorak Shep. The most basic and expensive lodging on the route. $15-20/room.

Day 9: Kala Patthar Sunrise (5,643m), Descend to Lobuche (4,940m)

Distance: 10km | Duration: 6-7 hours total | Elevation Change: +479m (Kala Patthar), then -703m back to Lobuche

Pre-dawn ascent (4:00 AM start): Climb Kala Patthar for the best Everest panorama available without mountaineering equipment. The sunrise illuminating the south face of Everest from the 5,643m viewpoint is the iconic image of the Khumbu.

Why return to Lobuche, not descend farther: On the Three Passes route, you need to position yourself for Kongma La. Returning to Lobuche (rather than continuing the standard descent) puts you in the right starting position for Pass 1 the next day.

Spend the afternoon resting, checking your crampons and gear for the pass crossing, and getting maximum sleep.

Day 10: Lobuche to KONGMA LA (5,535m) to Chukhung (4,730m) - PASS 1

Distance: 12km | Duration: 7-9 hours | Elevation Change: +595m (ascent to pass), -805m (descent to Chukhung)

The ascent (Lobuche to Kongma La, 4-5 hours):

From Lobuche, the trail heads east across moraine and rocky terrain toward the Khumbu Glacier. The route is not always obvious; follow cairns and, ideally, your guide. The terrain becomes increasingly steep as you approach the pass, with loose scree and rock scrambling in the final section. The last 200m of altitude gain is the steepest and most demanding, requiring hands-on scrambling in places.

At Kongma La (5,535m):

The panorama is extraordinary: Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Ama Dablam, Island Peak, and the Imja Valley spread below. Prayer flags mark the pass. Take photographs, catch your breath, and begin the descent promptly.

The descent (Kongma La to Chukhung, 3-4 hours):

The descent to Chukhung is steep and requires crampons in the upper section where snow and ice cover the trail. Below the snow line, the trail drops steeply through moraine and scree to the valley floor, then follows the Imja Khola to Chukhung.

Chukhung (4,730m) is a small settlement in the Imja Valley, surrounded by stunning peaks including Island Peak (6,189m), Lhotse, and Ama Dablam. After the intensity of Kongma La, the relative comfort of Chukhung's lodges feels luxurious.

Accommodation: Chukhung Guest House, Panorama Resort. $5-10/room. Warmer and more comfortable than Gorak Shep.

Day 11: REST/Buffer Day in Chukhung

Optional Excursion: Chukhung Ri (5,546m) | Duration: 4-6 hours round trip

This buffer day serves multiple purposes:

1. Recovery from Kongma La. The pass crossing is exhausting, and your body needs recovery before two more passes.
2. Weather buffer. If Kongma La was delayed by weather, this day absorbs the schedule impact.
3. Optional Chukhung Ri summit. If you feel strong, the climb to Chukhung Ri (5,546m) offers one of the best viewpoints in the Khumbu, with close-up views of the Lhotse face, Island Peak, and Ama Dablam.

Day 12: Chukhung to Dingboche to Dzongla (4,830m)

Distance: 16km | Duration: 6-8 hours | Elevation Change: -280m (to Dingboche), then +420m (to Dzongla)

A long transfer day that repositions you for Cho La. Descend from Chukhung to Dingboche, then instead of continuing down the main trail, turn west and climb to Dzongla, the staging point for the Cho La crossing.

The trek to Dzongla traverses the upper Khumbu, passing through increasingly desolate terrain. Dzongla itself is a tiny settlement consisting of a few tea houses at 4,830m, perched on a hillside overlooking the Cholatse Glacier.

Accommodation: Dzongla Lodge and a couple of other basic tea houses. $5-10/room. Very basic, cold, and exposed.

Day 13: Dzongla to CHO LA (5,420m) to Dragnag/Thagnak (4,700m) - PASS 2

Distance: 10km | Duration: 6-8 hours | Elevation Change: +590m (ascent), -720m (descent)

The ascent (Dzongla to Cho La, 3-4 hours):

Start at 5:00 AM. The trail climbs steeply from Dzongla through rocky moraine, with the final approach to the pass on a steep scree slope. The trail is well-cairned but demanding. The pass itself is marked by prayer flags and offers views of Cholatse (6,440m) and Taboche (6,542m).

The glacier crossing (Cho La to the rocky descent, 1-2 hours):

This is the crux of the pass. From the prayer flags, the trail descends onto a snow-covered glacier. Put on crampons before stepping onto the snow. The glacier is approximately 500m wide and descends gradually. In good conditions (firm snow, clear visibility), it is straightforward. In poor conditions (fresh snow hiding crevasses, soft afternoon snow, fog), it becomes genuinely dangerous.

Walk in the footsteps of those ahead. If you are first on the glacier, probe ahead with trekking poles. Stay roped if your guide provides a rope. Move steadily and do not stop on the glacier.

The rocky descent (glacier to Dragnag, 2-3 hours):

Below the glacier, a steep, rocky descent leads to the valley floor and the small settlement of Dragnag (also called Thagnak). The descent is tiring on the knees but not technically difficult.

Dragnag/Thagnak (4,700m) is a tiny settlement used primarily as a Cho La staging point. Tea houses are very basic.

Accommodation: A few basic lodges. $5-10/room.

Day 14: Dragnag to Gokyo (4,790m)

Distance: 7km | Duration: 3-4 hours | Elevation Change: +90m

A short, relatively easy day after the intensity of Cho La. The trail crosses the Ngozumpa Glacier (the longest glacier in Nepal) and then follows its lateral moraine to the village of Gokyo, set on the shore of the stunning Third Gokyo Lake (Dudh Pokhari).

Crossing the Ngozumpa Glacier takes 1-2 hours and involves navigating over rocky moraine with some ice patches. It is not technical but requires attention to footing. The glacier is enormous, stretching 36km, and crossing it gives a visceral sense of glacial scale.

Gokyo (4,790m) is a beautiful settlement on the turquoise Third Gokyo Lake. The lake system consists of six major lakes strung along the glacier, each a different shade of blue-green. After the barren terrain of the passes, Gokyo feels like an oasis.

Accommodation: Several good lodges in Gokyo, including Gokyo Resort and Namaste Lodge. $8-15/room. Significantly better than Dzongla or Dragnag.

Day 15: Gokyo Ri Sunrise (5,357m), Explore Gokyo Lakes

Distance: 8km (Gokyo Ri round trip + lake exploration) | Duration: 5-7 hours | Elevation Change: +567m / -567m (Gokyo Ri)

Pre-dawn: Gokyo Ri (3-4 hours round trip)

Wake at 4:00 AM and climb Gokyo Ri (5,357m) for a sunrise panorama that rivals Kala Patthar. From the summit, you see four of the five major Gokyo Lakes spread below, the vast Ngozumpa Glacier, and a horizon-spanning arc of 8,000m peaks: Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, and dozens more.

Many trekkers consider the Gokyo Ri sunrise equal to or better than Kala Patthar because of the combination of lakes and peaks.

Afternoon: Explore Gokyo Lakes

After returning from Gokyo Ri and resting, explore the lake system. The Fourth and Fifth Gokyo Lakes are accessible on day hikes. The water color is extraordinary, ranging from deep blue to brilliant turquoise depending on the light.

This is a much-needed day for photography, rest, and mental recovery before the final pass.

Day 16: Gokyo to RENJO LA (5,360m) to Lungden (4,380m) - PASS 3

Distance: 11km | Duration: 5-7 hours | Elevation Change: +570m (ascent), -980m (descent)

The ascent (Gokyo to Renjo La, 3-4 hours):

Start at 5:30-6:00 AM. The trail climbs steeply from Gokyo, initially following the northern shore of the Third Gokyo Lake before turning west and ascending through moraine to the pass. The final section is a steep scree climb, but the trail is well-defined.

At Renjo La (5,360m):

The view from Renjo La is the visual climax of the Three Passes Trek. Behind you, the Gokyo Lakes shimmer in their glacial blues and greens, with the massive Ngozumpa Glacier stretching to the south. Ahead, the Bhote Koshi valley drops away to the north toward the Tibetan border. On the horizon, Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu create a wall of 8,000m peaks. Crampons may be needed on the upper section if icy.

The descent (Renjo La to Lungden, 2-3 hours):

The descent on the western side is steep but straightforward, dropping through moraine and scree to the small settlement of Lungden in the Bhote Koshi valley. The terrain is gentler than the other two pass descents.

Lungden (4,380m) is a tiny hamlet with a few basic lodges. After three passes, even the most basic tea house feels like luxury.

Accommodation: Very basic lodges. $5-8/room.

Day 17: Lungden to Thame (3,820m)

Distance: 12km | Duration: 4-5 hours | Elevation Change: -560m

A relaxed descent through the Bhote Koshi valley to Thame, a beautiful Sherpa village that feels worlds away from the tourist-heavy Namche trail. The valley is quieter, the scenery is lush (compared to the barren highlands above), and the sense of accomplishment grows with each step.

Thame is a historic Sherpa village, birthplace of Tenzing Norgay Sherpa (who with Edmund Hillary made the first confirmed ascent of Everest in 1953). The Thame Monastery above the village is a serene and significant Buddhist site, and the annual Mani Rimdu festival variant held here is a cultural highlight.

Accommodation: Several comfortable lodges in Thame. $5-12/room. A welcome return to relative comfort.

Day 18: Thame to Namche Bazaar to Lukla (2,860m)

Distance: 27km | Duration: 8-10 hours | Elevation Change: -960m total

The final, long day. Trek from Thame to Namche Bazaar (3 hours), then continue the familiar trail from Namche down to Lukla (6-7 hours). This is a marathon finish, covering nearly 30km in a single day, but the trail is entirely downhill from Namche, the altitude is manageable, and the motivation of completion drives you forward.

Alternatively, split this into two days: Thame to Namche (Day 18) and Namche to Lukla (Day 19), adding one more day to the itinerary for a more comfortable finish. This 19-day option is recommended if your body is feeling the accumulated fatigue of three weeks of trekking.

Celebration in Lukla: You have completed one of the most challenging popular treks in the world. Celebrate accordingly.

Accommodation in Lukla: Multiple options. $5-15/room. Hot showers, real beds, and cold beer await.

Equipment: What You Need for the Three Passes

The Three Passes Trek requires more specialized equipment than the standard EBC trek. This is not a gear list for tea house trekking; this is a gear list for crossing high passes with glacial terrain.

Essential Equipment Not Needed for Standard EBC

| Item | Why It Is Needed | Notes | |------|-----------------|-------| | Crampons | Required for all three passes | Lightweight aluminum, 10-12 point. Rent in Namche ($2-3/day) or bring your own | | Ice axe | Recommended for Kongma La and Cho La | Provides stability on steep ice. Your guide may carry one for the group | | Gaiters | Snow and scree on all passes | Prevent snow and rocks entering boots | | 4-season sleeping bag | Cold nights at 4,800-5,200m | Rated to -20C minimum. Tea house blankets are insufficient above Dingboche | | Balaclava or face mask | Wind and cold on passes | Exposed skin freezes quickly at 5,400m in wind | | Rope and harness | For glacier crossing on Cho La (if guided) | Your guide may provide this for the Cho La glacier. Discuss in advance |

Standard Trekking Gear (Still Essential)

• Trekking boots (broken in, waterproof, ankle support)
• Layering system (base layer, fleece, down jacket, waterproof shell)
• Trekking poles (essential for all three passes)
• Headlamp with spare batteries
• Sunglasses with UV protection (essential for snow glare)
• Sunscreen SPF 50+ and lip balm
• First aid kit including Diamox, ibuprofen, and stomach medication
• Water purification (tablets or filter)
• Daypack (30-40L) and main trekking bag (if using porter)

For a complete equipment guide, see our Everest Base Camp packing list.

Altitude Profile and Acclimatization Strategy

The Three Passes Trek has one of the most demanding altitude profiles of any popular trek in the world. Here is the complete altitude chart.

| Day | Start | End | Max Altitude | Risk | |-----|-------|-----|--------------|------| | 1 | Lukla 2,840m | Phakding 2,610m | 2,840m | Low | | 2 | Phakding 2,610m | Namche 3,440m | 3,440m | Moderate | | 3 | REST Namche | Namche 3,440m | 3,880m | Low | | 4 | Namche 3,440m | Tengboche 3,860m | 3,860m | Low | | 5 | Tengboche 3,860m | Dingboche 4,410m | 4,410m | Moderate | | 6 | REST Dingboche | Dingboche 4,410m | 5,100m | Moderate | | 7 | Dingboche 4,410m | Lobuche 4,940m | 4,940m | High | | 8 | Lobuche 4,940m | Gorak Shep 5,164m | EBC 5,364m | Very High | | 9 | Gorak Shep 5,164m | Lobuche 4,940m | KP 5,643m | Very High | | 10 | Lobuche 4,940m | Chukhung 4,730m | Kongma La 5,535m | Extreme | | 11 | REST Chukhung | Chukhung 4,730m | 5,546m (optional) | Low-Moderate | | 12 | Chukhung 4,730m | Dzongla 4,830m | 4,830m | Moderate | | 13 | Dzongla 4,830m | Dragnag 4,700m | Cho La 5,420m | Very High | | 14 | Dragnag 4,700m | Gokyo 4,790m | 4,790m | Low | | 15 | Gokyo 4,790m | Gokyo 4,790m | Gokyo Ri 5,357m | High | | 16 | Gokyo 4,790m | Lungden 4,380m | Renjo La 5,360m | Very High | | 17 | Lungden 4,380m | Thame 3,820m | 4,380m | Low | | 18 | Thame 3,820m | Lukla 2,860m | 3,820m | Low |

Key observation: You spend 8 consecutive days sleeping above 4,700m (Days 7-14). This is an extremely long time at altitude and pushes the limits of acclimatization for most people. Cumulative fatigue compounds altitude effects significantly.

Acclimatization Key Points

1. Never skip the rest days at Namche and Dingboche. These are non-negotiable.
2. Consider adding a rest day at Gokyo (before Day 16) if you are feeling the cumulative effects.
3. Diamox prophylaxis is recommended for the entire duration above 3,500m.
4. Hydrate aggressively: 4-5 liters daily above 4,000m.
5. Monitor yourself daily using the Lake Louise AMS scoring system.
6. Know your bail-out routes: From any point on the circuit, there are descent options to lower altitude.

Cost Breakdown: Three Passes Trek

| Cost Category | Estimated Range | |---------------|----------------| | Permits | $50 (Sagarmatha + TIMS) | | Flights (KTM-Lukla return) | $350-400 | | Accommodation (18 nights on trail) | $100-200 | | Food (18 days on trail) | $450-650 | | Guide (18 days) | $360-540 ($20-30/day) | | Porter (18 days) | $270-360 ($15-20/day) | | Crampons (rental or purchase) | $30-80 | | Kathmandu hotels (pre/post + buffer) | $80-150 | | Tips (guide and porter) | $150-250 | | Miscellaneous | $150-250 | | Total (guided with porter) | $2,500-4,500 |

Agency package option: Many agencies offer all-inclusive Three Passes packages for $3,000-5,000, covering everything except personal expenses and tips.

What to Do If a Pass Is Closed

Passes close due to heavy snow, extreme wind, or dangerous ice conditions. Here are your options for each pass.

If Kongma La Is Closed

• Alternative: Descend from Lobuche to Dingboche via the standard trail, then trek up to Chukhung from Dingboche (1 extra day). You skip the pass but reach the same destination.

If Cho La Is Closed

• Alternative: Retrace from Dzongla to Dingboche/Pangboche, then take the trail to Phortse and over to Gokyo via the alternative Gokyo trail (2 extra days). This is a beautiful route through less-traveled terrain.

If Renjo La Is Closed

• Alternative: Return from Gokyo to Namche via the standard Gokyo trail (2 days), bypassing the pass entirely.

Weather buffer days: Build 2-3 buffer days into your schedule for pass closures. The 18-day itinerary assumes good weather on all three pass days. In reality, waiting 1-2 days for conditions to improve is common.

Guide Recommendation: Strongly Advised

While the EBC standard route can be done independently, the Three Passes Trek is strongly recommended with a guide, and many agencies consider it mandatory. Here is why:

• Route-finding on Kongma La is difficult in cloud or snow. The trail is not well-marked in the upper sections.
• Glacier safety on Cho La requires experience in assessing crevasse risk and snow conditions.
• Weather decisions on all three passes require local knowledge. An experienced guide knows when conditions are safe and when to wait.
• Emergency response in the remote sections between passes requires communication equipment (satellite phone) and knowledge of evacuation options.
• Logistics of 18+ days of tea house bookings, meals, and porter coordination are complex.

See our best trekking agencies for the Everest region for agency recommendations.

Frequently Asked Questions

How hard is the Three Passes Trek compared to EBC?

Significantly harder. The standard EBC trek is rated moderate-challenging; the Three Passes is very challenging. You add three high-pass crossings (each above 5,300m), 6-8 extra days at altitude, glacier traversal, and technical terrain requiring crampons. The cumulative fatigue of 18 days is also substantially greater than 12-14 days.

Do I really need crampons for all three passes?

Yes. Conditions vary, but snow and ice are present on all three passes for most of the trekking season. Kongma La's descent, Cho La's glacier, and Renjo La's upper section all regularly have ice or compacted snow. Attempting any pass without crampons in icy conditions is reckless.

Can I do the Three Passes Trek without a guide?

Legally, yes. Practically, it is inadvisable. Route-finding on Kongma La and glacier safety on Cho La require experience that most trekkers do not have. The remote sections between passes have limited rescue access. A knowledgeable guide significantly increases your safety.

What is the best direction to do the Three Passes?

The most common direction is EBC first, then Kongma La, Cho La, Gokyo, Renjo La (as described in this itinerary). This gets the hardest pass (Kongma La) done first and finishes with the most scenic (Renjo La). Some trekkers do it in reverse (Renjo La, Gokyo, Cho La, Kongma La, EBC), which has the advantage of building up to the hardest pass but means crossing Cho La's glacier in the more dangerous uphill direction.

How many buffer days should I add?

At minimum, 2-3 buffer days for pass closures due to weather. This extends the 18-day trek to potentially 20-21 days. Also add 1-2 buffer days in Kathmandu for Lukla flight cancellations. Total trip planning: 22-24 days from arrival to departure.

Can I do the Three Passes in 15 days or fewer?

Extremely fit, acclimatized trekkers have completed it in 14-15 days by combining some days and cutting rest days. This is not recommended for anyone who does not already know their altitude tolerance extremely well. The acclimatization risk of compressing this route is severe.

What is the best time for the Three Passes Trek?

Late October to mid-November offers the most stable weather with the clearest skies for pass crossings. Late March to April is the second-best window. Avoid monsoon season (June-August) when passes are snow-covered and dangerous, and deep winter (December-February) when extreme cold and snow make the route impassable.

Is the Three Passes Trek worth it vs standard EBC?

If you have the fitness, experience, and time, absolutely. The Three Passes gives you everything the standard EBC trek offers (Everest Base Camp, Kala Patthar) PLUS the Gokyo Lakes, Gokyo Ri, three dramatic high passes, and the sense of having completed a true expedition-style trek. It is the definitive Khumbu experience.

What about helicopter evacuation from the pass areas?

Helicopter evacuation is available from most points on the route but can be delayed by weather. The most remote sections (between Kongma La and Chukhung, on the Cho La glacier) have the most limited access. Ensure your insurance covers helicopter evacuation above 5,000m, and carry a satellite communicator if possible.

Can I combine the Three Passes with Island Peak?

Yes. Island Peak (6,189m) is accessible from Chukhung, which you pass through after Kongma La. Adding Island Peak requires 3-4 extra days and a climbing permit. It extends the Three Passes Trek into a 22-25 day mega-expedition. See our Island Peak climbing guide for details.

What is the success rate for all three passes?

Approximately 65-75% of trekkers who attempt all three passes complete all three. The most common reasons for not completing are weather closures (a pass is closed for multiple days), altitude sickness (forcing descent before completing the circuit), and physical exhaustion (deciding to take an alternative route after one or two passes).

How do I train for the Three Passes Trek?

Begin serious training 16-20 weeks before departure. Focus on cardiovascular endurance (hiking, running, cycling), leg strength (squats, lunges, stair climbing), and back-to-back long days (consecutive 6-8 hour hikes on weekends). Include elevation gain in training hikes (1,000m+ per hike). If possible, do a high-altitude acclimatization trip (to 4,000m+) in the months before the trek.

Final Verdict

The Three Passes Trek is the ultimate Khumbu experience. It combines the iconic destinations of EBC and Kala Patthar with the ethereal beauty of the Gokyo Lakes, the adrenaline of three high-pass crossings, and the profound satisfaction of spending nearly three weeks in the world's most dramatic mountain landscape.

It is not for everyone. The physical demands, altitude risks, equipment requirements, and time commitment make it a trek for experienced, fit, and motivated individuals. But for those who are ready, it delivers an experience that no other trek in Nepal can match.

Start with the standard EBC trek if you have not been to the Khumbu before. Come back for the Three Passes when you know the region, know your body, and are ready for the ultimate challenge.

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Exploring your options in the Everest region? Compare our EBC 14-day itinerary for the standard route, or see individual pass guides for Kongma La, Cho La, and Renjo La. For a shorter high-altitude experience, consider adding just the Gokyo Lakes to your EBC trek.