Cross Renjo La, Cho La and Kongma La on a clockwise circuit linking Gokyo, Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar in one 17- days trek.
The Everest Three Passes Trek is for trekkers who want more than a walk to Everest Base Camp and back. From Namche Bazaar, the route turns toward Thame and Lungden before crossing Renjo La (5,360 m / 17,585 ft) into Gokyo. From there, Cho La (5,420 m / 17,782 ft) leads toward the Everest Base Camp side of the Khumbu. After Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar (5,545 m / 18,192 ft), one major crossing still remains: Kongma La (5,535 m / 18,159 ft), the highest of the three passes. The result is a genuine circuit through several distinct parts of the Khumbu rather than a trek built around one destination and a return along much of the same valley. It is also demanding. This 17-day version is best suited to fit, well-prepared trekkers who are comfortable with consecutive mountain days, long pass crossings and sustained altitude.
17 Days | Strenuous | 3 High Passes | Gokyo + EBC + Kala Patthar | Highest Point 5,545 m
Why Choose the Everest Three Passes Trek?
The classic Everest Base Camp trek is primarily destination-led. The Three Passes Trek is route-led. After Namche, you leave the main Base Camp trail for Thame and Lungden. Renjo La moves you into Gokyo. Cho La brings you back toward Lobuche and the upper Everest Base Camp corridor. Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar follow, but the journey still is not finished. Kongma La then carries the route into the Imja Valley before the long descent begins.
Each pass changes where the trek goes.
You experience the Thame side of the Khumbu, the Gokyo lake basin, the Everest Base Camp corridor and the Chhukung side within one continuous journey. This is not simply a harder version of Everest Base Camp. It is a broader way of crossing the Everest region.
Clockwise Route at a Glance
Lukla →Phakding →Namche Bazaar Thame →Lungden →Renjo La →Gokyo Lake →Thagnak →Cho La →Dzongla →Lobuche →Gorak Shep → Everest Base Camp →Kala Patthar → Lobuche → Kongma La → Chhukung →Dingboche →Tengboche → Namche Bazaar → Lukla
Renjo La - 5,360 m / 17,585 ft
The first high crossing takes the route from the Lungden side into Gokyo.
Cho La - 5,420 m / 17,782 ft
The second pass connects the Gokyo side with Dzongla and Lobuche.
Kongma La - 5,535 m / 18,159 ft
The third and highest pass carries the route from the Lobuche side into the Imja Valley. Chhukung is the gateway to Island Peak expedition. Together, the three passes create the circuit.
Everest Three Passes Trek Highlights
- Cross Renjo La, Cho La and Kongma La in one clockwise journey.
- Reach Everest Base Camp without making it the only objective of the trek.
- Climb Kala Patthar (5,545 m / 18,192 ft), the highest point on the itinerary.
- Spend two nights in Gokyo and climb Gokyo Ri (5,357 m / 17,575 ft).
- Approach the first pass through Thame and Lungden instead of immediately following the main EBC corridor.
- Travel through the Gokyo lake and Ngozumpa Glacier landscape before crossing toward Lobuche.
- Experience quieter high-pass sections alongside the established Everest Base Camp route.
- Finish the high-pass sequence over Kongma La before descending through Chhukung, Dingboche and Tengboche.
Is This Trek Right for You?
A good fit if you:
- already have some multi-day trekking experience;
- are comfortable walking for several consecutive days;
- want Gokyo, Everest Base Camp, Kala Patthar and all three passes in one route;
- prefer a circuit to retracing the standard EBC trail;
- accept simpler accommodation at higher settlements;
- understand that snow, altitude and mountain weather can change the day's plan.
Consider the Everest Base Camp Trek instead if you:
- are planning your first serious Himalayan trek;
- mainly want Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar;
- have less time;
- prefer to avoid three demanding passes above 5,000 metres.
This is a relatively compact Three Passes itinerary. If you prefer a slower pace or additional acclimatization time, the route can be extended rather than forcing the same circuit into fewer days.
Difficulty and Fitness
The Everest Three Passes Trek is strenuous.The challenge comes from accumulation rather than technical climbing. Over 17 days, you cross three passes above 5,000 metres, spend repeated nights at altitude, walk over moraine and glacial terrain and complete several long mountain days. The toughest stages can require around six to nine hours of walking depending on trail conditions, snow and group pace.
What preparation helps for Everest Three Passes Trek?
You should arrive able to walk uphill and downhill for several hours on consecutive days.
- regular hill walking;
- cardiovascular training;
- leg and core strength;
- long walks carrying the daypack you intend to use;
- back-to-back training days rather than only single hard workouts.
Previous multi-day trekking experience is strongly recommended. The goal is not simply to be fit enough for one difficult day. You need to recover well enough to do it again.
What about altitude?
The itinerary includes an acclimatization day in Namche and a second night in Gokyo. Those stops help pace the journey, but no itinerary can guarantee how an individual will respond to altitude. Symptoms must be taken seriously. If the guide believes a trekker should stop ascending, rest or descend, the planned schedule comes second. This 17-day route is therefore better suited to experienced and well-prepared trekkers than to someone choosing the shortest possible Three Passes itinerary.
Everest Three Passes Trek Dates, Price and Availability
Our Three Passes Trek packages are designed to take care of the details from start to finish. From permits, Lukla flight arrangements and mountain accommodation to meals, experienced guide support and local logistics, we handle the essential arrangements throughout your journey. We also manage necessary operational changes that may arise due to weather or transport disruptions, helping you trek with greater peace of mind.
Since 1998, we have been helping travelers experience the Himalayas with reliable local expertise and dedicated support. We take care of the details so you can focus on the trail, the mountains and the experience. More questions Send Inquiry
Why Trek with Global Eco Trails?
On a Three Passes trek, the operator matters most when the plan needs to change. The straightforward days are easy to describe on a website. The more revealing moments are when weather affects a pass, a trekker needs more time, a Lukla flight changes or the group has to decide whether continuing upward is sensible. Global Eco Trails is a Kathmandu-based trekking company and TAAN member. For this trek, the company coordinates the moving parts of the journey: permits, flights, lodge arrangements, licensed guide support and local trekking logistics.
The aim is not to pretend uncertainty can be removed from the Himalaya. It cannot. The value is having a local team responsible for helping manage that uncertainty when it appears.
Speak to Our Trek Expert 24/7 Support Available
If you are uncertain about fitness, porter support, adding an acclimatization day, private departure arrangements or whether the Three Passes Trek is right for you, ask before booking.
Plan Your Everest Three Passes Trek
If you want a demanding clockwise circuit that combines Gokyo, Everest Base Camp, Kala Patthar and all three high passes- and the 17-day pace fits your experience - the next step is to check the current departure and group price. If you are unsure about fitness, acclimatization, porter support or whether a slower itinerary would suit you better, ask before booking.
