About Everest High Pass Trek | Three Passes Trek in Everest Nepal
Everest High Pass Trek | Three Passes Trek in Everest Region 2025|2026
Experience the Ultimate Adventure on the Everest High Pass Trek – The Three Passes Trek in Everest Region
Join Himalayan Asia Treks for the iconic Everest High Pass Trek, also known as the Everest Three Passes Trek, one of the most thrilling and challenging trekking routes in Everest, Nepal. This trek takes you across three high mountain passes — Kongma La, Cho La, and Renjo La — offering breathtaking views of Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and other Himalayan giants.
Why Choose the Everest Three Passes Trek?
The Everest Three Passes Trek is a spectacular extension of the classic Everest Base Camp trek, designed for experienced trekkers seeking a tougher challenge and rewarding panoramic mountain vistas. Spanning approximately 70-75 kilometers, this trek crosses altitudes up to 5,535 meters at Kongma La Pass and covers diverse terrain including rhododendron forests, Sherpa villages, glaciers, and alpine landscapes.
Highlights of the Everest High Pass Trek
- Cross three high passes: Kongma La (5,535m), Cho La (5,420m), and Renjo La (5,360m)
- Spectacular views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Ama Dablam
- Explore Namche Bazaar, Tengboche Monastery, and Gokyo Lakes
- Experience Sherpa culture and hospitality in traditional mountain villages
- Opportunity to see rare wildlife like Himalayan Tahr and Snow Leopard habitats
- Challenging high altitude trekking for adventure enthusiasts
Everest Three Passes Trek Itinerary Overview
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu and preparation
Day 2: Fly Kathmandu to Lukla, trek to Phakding (2,610m)
Day 3: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440m), acclimatization
Day 4: Acclimatization hike around Namche Bazaar
Day 5: Trek to Tengboche (3,870m), visit Tengboche Monastery
Day 6: Trek to Dingboche (4,410m)
Day 7: Acclimatization day in Dingboche
Day 8: Trek to Lobuche (4,940m)
Day 9: Trek to Everest Base Camp (5,364m), return to Gorak Shep
Day 10: Trek to Kongma La Pass (5,535m), cross to Chhukung (4,730m)
Day 11: Trek to Cho La Pass (5,420m), descend to Dzongla (4,830m)
Day 12: Trek to Gokyo Lakes (4,790m)
Day 13: Trek to Renjo La Pass (5,360m), descend to Lungden (4,620m)
Day 14: Trek to Namche Bazaar
Day 15: Trek to Lukla
Day 16: Fly back to Kathmandu
Day 17: Departure or extension tours
Everest Three Passes Trek Map & Distance
The total trekking distance is approximately 70-75 km, with the route traversing the high passes and connecting key villages in the Everest region. This challenging route requires good physical fitness and proper acclimatization due to rapid altitude changes.
Best Time for Everest High Pass Trek
The ideal seasons for the Everest High Pass Trek are:
- Pre-monsoon (March to May): Clear skies, blooming rhododendrons, moderate temperatures
- Post-monsoon (late September to November): Crisp weather, stable conditions, and stunning mountain visibility
- Winter treks are possible but come with heavy snow and cold conditions, making the passes more difficult to cross.
Everest Three Passes Trek Cost and Package
Himalayan Asia Treks offers competitive and fully customizable Everest Three Passes Trek packages including:
- Airport transfers and domestic flights (Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu)
- Experienced English-speaking guides and porters
- Comfortable tea house accommodations along the route
- All meals during trekking
- Necessary permits: TIMS and Sagarmatha National Park entry
- Pre-trek briefing and equipment support
- Approximate Cost: USD 1,800 – 2,200 per person (depending on group size and service level)
Contact us to get a detailed itinerary and package quotation tailored for you.
Who Should Do the Everest High Pass Trek?
This trek is ideal for:
- Experienced trekkers with prior high altitude trekking experience
- Adventure seekers looking for a physically demanding challenge
- Photographers and nature lovers wanting unparalleled Himalayan panoramas
- Travelers interested in Sherpa culture and spiritual mountain sites
FAQs About the Everest Three Passes Trek
Q: How hard is the Everest High Pass Trek?
A: It is considered strenuous due to the three high passes, long distances, and high altitude (above 5,000m). Good fitness and acclimatization are essential.
Q: Do I need a guide for the Three Passes Trek?
A: Yes, guides are mandatory for safety and navigation.
Q: What permits do I need?
A: Sagarmatha National Park permit.
Book Your Everest Three Passes Trek Today with Himalayan Asia Treks
Ready for the ultimate Himalayan adventure? Book your Everest High Pass Trek – Three Passes Trek in Everest with Himalayan Asia Treks, a trusted trekking operator with years of expertise and excellent customer feedback.
Contact us now for a free consultation and custom itinerary.
Highlights
The Everest Three Passes Trek is one of the most challenging and rewarding trekking adventures in the Everest region of Nepal. It takes you through some of the most stunning landscapes, high-altitude passes, and remote valleys, providing a unique and unforgettable experience.
Here are some highlights of the Everest Three Passes Trek:
High-altitude passes: The trek involves crossing three major passes - Kongma La Pass (5,535m/18,159ft), Cho La Pass (5,420m/17,782ft), and Renjo La Pass (5,360m/17,585ft).
These passes offer breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks and valleys.
- Panoramic views of Everest and other peaks: Throughout the trek, you'll be treated to awe-inspiring views of some of the world's highest peaks, including Mount Everest (8,848m/29,029ft), Lhotse (8,516m/27,940ft), Nuptse (7,861m/25,791ft), Ama Dablam (6,812m/22,349ft), and many others.
- Remote and untouched valleys: The trek takes you through remote and less-visited valleys like the Gokyo Valley and the Renjo Valley. These regions offer a more tranquil and serene atmosphere compared to the popular Everest Base Camp route.
- Gokyo Lakes: The Gokyo region is famous for its pristine glacial lakes, notably the Gokyo Lakes. The turquoise waters of these lakes set against the backdrop of snow-capped peaks make for a surreal and picturesque setting.
- Sherpa culture and hospitality: Along the trek, you'll pass through numerous traditional Sherpa villages, providing a chance to immerse yourself in the local culture and traditions. Sherpas are known for their warmth and hospitality, which adds to the overall trekking experience.
- Everest Base Camp: The trek includes a visit to the Everest Base Camp (5,364m/17,598ft), allowing you to stand at the foot of the world's highest mountain. It's a significant achievement and a dream come true for many trekkers.
- Sagarmatha National Park: The entire trek falls within the boundaries of Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The park is home to diverse flora and fauna, including rare species like the snow leopard and red panda.
- Challenging adventure: The Everest Three Passes Trek is considered one of the most challenging treks in the Everest region due to the high altitudes, steep ascents and descents, and unpredictable weather. It's an adventure that will test your physical and mental endurance.
- Diverse landscapes: The trek takes you through a variety of landscapes, from lush green forests to barren and rugged terrains, from glacial moraines to picturesque alpine meadows. Each day brings new scenery and experiences.
- Team accomplishment: Completing the Everest Three Passes Trek is a significant accomplishment, and it often creates strong bonds and camaraderie among fellow trekkers, making it a truly memorable journey.
Useful Information
Everest 3 High Pass Trekking:
The Everest 3 High Pass Trekking is a challenging and adventurous trek in the Everest region of Nepal. It's designed for experienced trekkers seeking a more rigorous and less-traveled route than the standard Everest Base Camp trek. This journey typically covers three high passes: Kongma La Pass (5,535 meters), Cho La Pass (5,420 meters), and Renjo La Pass (5,360 meters). The trek usually takes around 17-20 days to complete, encompassing stunning views of Everest, neighboring peaks, remote valleys, and Sherpa villages.
Highest Trekking Pass in the World:
Kongma La Pass, at an altitude of 5,535 meters (18,159 feet), is considered one of the highest trekking passes in the world. Situated in the Everest region of Nepal, it's part of the Everest 3 High Pass Trekking route. Trekkers must acclimatize well and be physically fit to navigate this pass, which offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks.
Is K2 Harder to Climb than Everest?
K2, the second-highest mountain in the world, is often regarded as more challenging to climb than Mount Everest. While Everest is higher in altitude, K2 presents a more technically demanding and dangerous ascent. K2's steeper slopes, unpredictable weather, and technical climbing requirements, especially on the Abruzzi Spur and the notorious Bottleneck, make it a more daunting and perilous climb compared to Everest.
Everest Three High Pass Trek Highest Point:
The highest point reached during the Everest Three High Pass Trek is Kongma La Pass, standing at an altitude of 5,535 meters (18,159 feet). Trekkers traverse this pass, among others, to complete the circuit, experiencing high-altitude terrain and incredible vistas of the Everest region.
How Hard Is the 3 Passes Trek?
The Everest Three Passes Trek is considered a strenuous and demanding trek suitable for experienced hikers. The altitude, steep ascents and descents, variable weather conditions, and technical terrain, especially when crossing the high passes, contribute to its difficulty level. Adequate physical fitness, proper acclimatization, and prior trekking experience in high-altitude environments are recommended for those attempting this challenging route.
Everest Three Passes Trek:
The Everest Three Passes Trek is an iconic trek in the Everest region that involves crossing three high passes—Kongma La Pass, Cho La Pass, and Renjo La Pass—while exploring remote valleys, Sherpa villages, and stunning Himalayan landscapes. It's an extended and challenging alternative to the classic Everest Base Camp trek, providing trekkers with a more adventurous and less-crowded experience.
Everest Three Passes Loop:
The Everest Three Passes Loop refers to the circular route taken during the trek, which begins and ends at Lukla or Jiri (depending on the variation chosen). Trekkers typically follow a loop that takes them through the Khumbu region, allowing them to cross the three high passes and witness the diverse landscapes and cultural richness of the Everest region before completing the circuit.
Everest Three Steps:
The "Everest Three Steps" refer to three prominent high passes in the Everest region of Nepal: Renjo La Pass, Cho La Pass, and Kongma La Pass. These passes are integral parts of various trekking routes in the Everest region. They offer stunning panoramic views of the Himalayas and are known for their challenging yet rewarding nature due to high altitudes and occasionally demanding terrain.
Everest 3 Passes Trek:
This trek encompasses crossing all three major passes, Renjo La, Cho La, and Kongma La, which are collectively known as the "Three Passes Trek." It's a strenuous and adventurous journey that typically takes around 17 to 21 days to complete. Trekkers traverse through Sherpa villages, glaciers, high-altitude valleys, and get breathtaking views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and other towering peaks.
Everest High Passes Trek:
The "Everest High Passes Trek" is another name for the Three Passes Trek. It's called so due to the inclusion of the three high mountain passes that lie at altitudes exceeding 5,000 meters (16,400 feet) each. This trek is renowned for its challenging yet awe-inspiring trails, making it a bucket-list adventure for avid trekkers seeking both physical and visual thrills.
Everest Base Camp Three Passes Trek:
This trek combines the classic Everest Base Camp trek with the challenge of crossing all three high passes. Trekkers not only visit the Everest Base Camp but also traverse the passes, offering a comprehensive experience of the Everest region's diverse landscapes, culture, and majestic mountain views.
Three Passes Trek vs. Everest Base Camp:
While both treks offer spectacular views and an immersive experience in the Everest region, they differ in terms of duration, difficulty, and the variety of landscapes encountered. The Three Passes Trek is more demanding due to the additional challenge of crossing three high passes, making it longer and physically more strenuous compared to the classic Everest Base Camp trek, which focuses primarily on reaching the base camp of Mount Everest.
Is Trekking to Everest Three Pass Trek Dangerous?:
Trekking the Everest Three Pass Trek involves high altitudes, rugged terrain, and unpredictable weather conditions, which inherently pose certain risks. Altitude sickness, avalanches, and extreme weather can be potential dangers. However, with proper preparation, acclimatization, experienced guides, and adherence to safety guidelines, the risks can be minimized significantly.
Has Anyone Died Trekking to Everest Base Camp?:
Unfortunately, deaths have occurred on the trek to Everest Base Camp, primarily due to altitude-related illnesses, avalanches, and accidents. However, it's essential to note that thousands of trekkers complete this journey safely every year. Proper acclimatization, following expert guidance, and being aware of potential risks can mitigate these dangers.
Can You Go Higher Than Everest Base Camp?:
Yes, trekkers often ascend higher than Everest Base Camp during routes like the Three Passes Trek. Climbing Kala Patthar, a popular viewpoint near Everest Base Camp, allows trekkers to ascend to about 5,545 meters (18,192 feet) for a stunning panoramic view of Everest and its surrounding peaks. However, the summit of Mount Everest itself (8,848 meters or 29,029 feet) is accessible only through extensive mountaineering experience and a separate expedition.
Passport and Visa:
If you are planning to travel to Nepal, you will need a passport and visa. Here are some important details:
Passport:
- Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry into Nepal.
- Your passport must have at least one blank page for the visa.
Visa:
- Tourist visas are available on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu and at land border crossings.
- You can also obtain a visa from a Nepalese embassy or consulate before you travel.
- The cost of a tourist visa for 15 days is $30 USD, for 30 days is $50 USD, and for 90 days is $125 USD.
- You can pay for your visa in US dollars, euros, British pounds, Swiss francs, Australian dollars, Canadian dollars, Hong Kong dollars, Singapore dollars, and Japanese yen.
- You will need to provide a passport-sized photo and fill out a visa application form upon arrival or at the embassy/consulate.
Weather:
Nepal's climate varies with its topography and altitude. The low land Terai area has a hot and humid climate that can rise above 40 degrees Celsius during summer, middle region weather is pleasant almost all the year, and northern region temperature is always cold.
Best Time to Go Trekking in Nepal:
The best to do trekking in Nepal is in September to November and March to May. December and January are also possible to do trekking, but winter season, so that it would be cold and snowfall, we can suggest the lower part of mountain trekking. June, July, and August is the raining season, so we recommend contacting us for the best trek.
Is Everest Three High Pass Trek suitable trekking for me?
If you are physically fit and love to walk, then you can choose any trekking itinerary from our website to suit you. If you choose a long day's program, you have t walk more days in the mountain. All trekking programs can see on our website. We suggest that while going trek, please took one professional guide and if you cannot carry your luggage, then take one porter. If you need more questions about a suitable trekking package in Nepal, please drop an email or contact us on social sites.
Meals Everest High Pass Trekking:
The meal which is provided in the trekking area is included breakfast, lunch, and dinner. We provide breakfast and dinner where you stay overnights, and our guide will choose a restaurant for lunch on the way. Our guide and other staff always give priority t served delicious, hygienic, and each place exceptional food. We recommend you bring water purification tablets.
Guide and porter in Everest High Passes Trekking:
We provide you best staff to you who have good experience and government license. In a group, we provide one guide till 16 pax and one porter for each two-person. One porter carries 20 kg.
Luggage/Bag pack in Everest High Pass Trekking:
For main luggage, we will provide one porter for two-person. So we suggest you make two bag packs for trekking. One is for you to put cash, mobile, passport, sun cream, water bottle or light things you need every time and another one where you can put your clothes, spare jacket, and other heavy items. Domestic airlines provide fifteen kg, including your handbag; excess weight is chargeable around USD one per kg.
Personal Expenses Everest High Passes Trekking:
Personal expenses mean which is not covered your package column cost include. Usually, you have to pay for table drinks (alcoholic/nonalcoholic beverages), snacks (on the trek), tips, souvenirs, hot showers, and extra days if a flight is canceled or any other natural disasters.
Group Size, guide, and crew member Everest High Passes Trekking:
Himalayan Asia Treks are organizing Everest base camp trekking single to a maximum of sixteen pax in one group. If we have more than sixteen pax, we split this group into more groups. If there are two or more groups, you can walk together and stay in the same lodge, but the guide and other staff will be different. Our crew member is government certified and experienced in trekking fields.
Insurance/Rescue/Evacuation for Everest High Passes Trekking:
In the trekking route, sometimes there was a bad accident due to high altitude sickness or causality. If something happens in the trekking route or when you are in Nepal, you can contact your guide or office staff. We facilitate our client's spot at the hospital by air or ambulance. Therefore, we suggest to our client please do insurance and forward it to our company with your other document. For more details, Click Here. TIPS TO PREVENT HIGH ALTITUDE SICKNESS IN TREKKING IN NEPAL.