Everest Three Passes Trek

Trek Overview

About This Trek

The ultimate Everest region challenge — crossing three high passes (Kongma La, Cho La, and Renjo La) while also visiting Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lakes in one epic loop. Demanding, remote, and utterly rewarding, this is the full Khumbu experience for seasoned trekkers.

This ambitious circuit links all the great highlights of the Khumbu — EBC, Gokyo Lakes, three 5,000m+ passes, and countless breathtaking viewpoints — into one continuous adventure. Not for the faint-hearted, but the most complete Everest region experience possible.

The Ultimate High-Altitude Loop

Three passes over 5,300m, four 8,000m peaks, Gokyo lakes, Everest Base Camp – no backtracking.

Region

Khumbu, Sagarmatha NP

Max Altitude

5,545 m (Kongma La)

Duration

16–20 days KTM–KTM
~150–170 km trekking

Difficulty

Strenuous / Expert
High passes, glacier, altitude

Best Season

Mar–May, Sep–Nov
Clear skies, stable

Highlights

Kongma La (5,545m) · Cho La (5,420m) · Renjo La (5,340m) · Gokyo Ri · Kala Patthar · Everest BC

Himalayan Panorama

Peaks Visible from the Three Passes

Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, Ama Dablam – a dream from every angle.

Peak Name	Height (m)	Best Viewed From

Everest (Sagarmatha)8,848Kala Patthar, Gokyo Ri Lhotse8,516Chukhung Valley, EBC Makalu8,485Chukhung Valley (sunrise) Cho Oyu8,188Renjo La Pass, Gokyo Ama Dablam6,812Namche, Tengboche Nuptse7,861Dingboche, Kala Patthar

No other trek offers this many 8,000m peaks in one circuit – the Three Passes is the ultimate.

Permits & Budget

Entry Requirements 2026

Sagarmatha National Park + Khumbu Municipality permit. TIMS not required.

Required Permits

Permit	Cost (NPR)	Cost (USD)
Sagarmatha National Park Entry	3,000	~$23
Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Municipality	2,000	~$15
Total ~$38 – No TIMS needed. Solo allowed.

Checkpoints at Monjo, Namche, Tengboche. Carry 2 passport photos.

Budget Estimates (per person, 18 days)

Style	Cost (USD)	Includes
🎒 Independent (budget)	~$690	Flights KTM↔Lukla, teahouses, permits
🚐 Standard (guide + porter)	~$960–1,100	Flights, guide, porter, permits, meals
✨ Luxury (private expedition)	$1,500+	Private jeep, best lodges, extra days

Cash needed: NPR 40,000–50,000. Last ATM in Namche – withdraw before.

On the Trail

Teahouses & Sherpa Hospitality

Basic but warm lodges. Bring a sleeping bag (comfort -15°C).

Accommodation

Lukla, Namche – better teahouses, attached baths possible
Dingboche, Lobuche, Gokyo – basic, shared squat toilets
Hot shower: NPR 400–700 (solar – not guaranteed above 4,000m)
Charging: NPR 300–800 per device – bring power bank

Food & Prices (NPR)

Dal Bhat (unlimited) – 600–1,000 NPR
Tibetan bread + eggs – 400–700 NPR
Noodles / Thukpa – 500–800 NPR
Boiled water – 100–200 NPR/L (treat further)

💧 Never drink tap water. Use filter/purification tablets. No plastic bottles – refill.

Packing List

Essential Gear for Three Passes

Pass temperatures can drop to -20°C with wind chill – expedition‑ready gear required.

Clothing

Down jacket (-15°C to -20°C rating) – non-negotiable
Merino wool base layers (2–3 sets) – NO cotton
Waterproof shell jacket & pants, fleece mid-layer
Trekking pants (2), wool socks (4–5 pairs), insulated gloves, beanie, balaclava

Gear & Health

Sleeping bag (comfort -15°C) + liner
Trekking poles, headlamp + spare batteries
Power bank (20,000+ mAh) – limited charging above Namche
Water filter/purification tablets, water bottles (2L)
First aid: Diamox, ibuprofen, blister care, ORS, sunscreen SPF 50+

Altitude Awareness

AMS Risk at 5,500m+

Acclimatization days built in – drink 4–5L water daily, climb slowly, descend if symptoms worsen.

Know AMS Signs

Headache, nausea, fatigue = mild. Vomiting, ataxia = descend 500m immediately.

Hydrate

Drink 4–5 liters of water daily. Dehydration mimics AMS.

No Alcohol

Avoid alcohol and sleeping pills above 3,500m.

Insurance Mandatory

Must cover helicopter rescue up to 6,000m. Rescue from EBC area ~$5,000–8,000.

Diamox

125mg twice daily – start from Namche (3,440m). Consult doctor.

Flight Delays

Lukla flights weather‑dependent. Keep 2–3 buffer days.

Sherpa Culture

Respecting Khumbu Traditions

Tibetan Buddhism, prayer flags, mani stones – always walk clockwise.

Do's ✅

Walk clockwise around chortens and mani walls
Ask permission before photographing monks or locals
Say "Tashi Delek" (hello and good luck)
Remove shoes before entering monastery or teahouse dining rooms

Don'ts ❌

Never point feet at people or religious objects
Don't touch prayer flags or move mani stones
Don't give candy to children – donate to local schools
Don't litter – carry all plastic back to Lukla

♻️ Sustainable: Refill water, support local teahouses, use solar chargers.

Route Guide