Three Passes Trek: Ultimate Trek in the Everest Region - 22 Days

Highlights

• Trek a circuit around the entire Everest region
• Amazing views of the highest mountains in the world
• Cross three challenging 5,000 m passes: Renjo La, Cho La and Kongma La
• Leave the crowds of the Everest Base Camp trek behind

Overview

The Everest Region is one of Nepal’s top trekking destinations, and the Three Passes Trek is its ultimate trekking adventure, crossing three passes over 5,000m, each offering amazing scenery and views. This trek was ranked the number 2 on kimkim's list of the best treks in Nepal. 

Interested in doing this trek? Get in touch with one of our local Nepal specialists who can organize everything for you. You'll have an experienced licensed guide, a safely designed itinerary, and the flexibility during the trek to move at your own pace. Chat with a local specialist

Kimkim travelers, Lidia and Franke, describe their Three Passes trek in October 2017

Getting There & Away

The typical starting point of the Three Passes Trek is the mountain airport of Lukla, a 30-minute spectacular flight from Kathmandu.

If you have some more time, there are a couple of alternative trailheads that add a number of trekking days in the Lower Khumbu: The small airport of Phaplu (adds about 4 days of trekking) and the trailhead at the end of the road in Jiri (adds about 7 days).

Please note: Kathmandu's airport is undergoing renovation for the rest of 2019. During this time, flights will operate from Manthali's Ramchhap airport, a 4-5 hour drive from Kathmandu. For more information, click here.

Permits & Regulations

As with other treks in the Everest region, you’ll need a TIMS ($10 USD) permit and a Sagarmatha National Park permit ($30 USD). If you’re going through a trekking agency, they will arrange these for you. If you’re arranging your trek yourself, you’ll need to pick up your TIMS permit in Kathmandu, and your Sagarmatha National Park permit in Monjo (a village checkpoint you’ll pass through on the first day of your trek).

Brief Itinerary

Best Season

Spring (March-May) and Autumn (October-November) are the best seasons to do this trek. The monsoon season (June - early September) has less predictable weather, but some trekkers still choose this time as it aligns better with their vacation schedule. Winter season (December - February) gets quite cold, and snow may block the passes, but often offers clear skies.

Difficulty

The three passes trek is rated “Challenging”. It is a very serious adventure given its high pass crossings. It is more challenging than its sibling treks Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lakes, but not quite as challenging as trekking peaks such as Island Peak and Mera Peak.

Accommodation & Meals

The Everest Region has excellent infrastructure for trekkers. The teahouses (lodges) are of relatively high quality and they serve good meals, especially in Namche Bazar which you’ll pass on the way up and down .

Variations

Generally, it’s best to complete the Three Passes trek counter-clockwise. It is possible to go clockwise, as well, but not recommended due to the steep altitude gain of crossing the Renjo La, first. From Gokyo, you can also add an extra day to visit the remote Gokyo Lakes farther up the glacial valley.

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