Everest Three Passes Trek: Complete 2025 Adventure Guide

Witness Nepal’s most thrilling high-altitude trekking experience Everest Three Passes Trek. The traditional trek with its striking landscape and alpine terrain, the trek links three beautiful mountain passes: Renjo La (5,388m), Cho La (5,420m), and Kongma La (5,535m).The trek embarks on its route through the heart of the Khumbu region, offering an adrenaline-pumping ride along spectacular glaciers, rugged valleys, and mythical Sherpa towns.

More commonly known as the “Three Passes & Three Peaks Trek”, this trek also includes optional ascents of three ridge tops: Gokyo Ri (5,357m), Kala Patthar (5,643m), and Chhukung Ri (5,550m)—all without climbing permits. These summits provide unobstructed views of Mount Everest and other Himalayan giants such as Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Makalu, and Cho Oyu.

Journey Overview
This 17-day circuit trek traces a portion of the Everest Base Camp trail but extends deeper into Sagarmatha National Park’s less-used trails, giving trekkers a more demanding high-mountain experience. The trek is approximately 148 kilometers long and physically demanding with daily walks of around 11–12 km depending on altitude.

Contrasting the conventional EBC trek, Three Passes Trek is a circuit of loops amidst remote glacial valleys, alpine rock ridges, and ancient Sherpa villages that will take you into the spiritual and natural center of the Himalayas. It takes you along Namche Bazaar, Khumbu’s liveliest hub, Thame Village, where Apa Sherpa calls home, and Phorche, a rustic highland layover frequently used as an alternative winter route.

Difficulty and Physical Demands
This trek falls in the category of “challenging” and is best suited for experienced trekker or physically capable adventurers who are ready to accept a serious challenge. The trails are often icy, rocky, and exposed. Ideally, the trekkers must arrive well-equipped with microspikes, better layering system, and mentally and physically adapted to changing conditions.

Acclimatization is crucial you’ll be spending several days above 5,000 meters, and ascending slowly is key to avoiding altitude sickness. Daily treks typically range between 6 to 8 hours, with shorter distances at higher elevations due to reduced oxygen levels.

Clockwise or Counterclockwise-Which Route to Choose?
Most trekkers opt for the clockwise direction, starting with Renjo La Pass, proceeding via Cho La, and finishing with Kongma La. Why? It is a less steep ascent, and one has greater acclimatization opportunities and higher success rates.

Starting clockwise also has the bonus of viewing Gokyo Valley and those stunning turquoise lakes close at hand early in the trek, followed by the more developed Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar part. Trekkers taking the counterclockwise itinerary tend to tire themselves arriving at EBC and fail to enjoy the splendor of Gokyo.

Hidden Peaks Worth Exploring
Beyond the peaks and passes so named, the region holds lesser-known gems for the adventurous visitor:
Sundar Peak (5,360m) – Thame
Nangkartshang Peak (5,100m) – near Dingboche
Ngozumpa Tse (5,553m) – above Gokyo
Pokalde Peak (5,806m) – near Kongma La
Awi Peak (5,245m) – Zhong La ridge

These side climbs add extra days, but the reward 360° vistas of untouched Himalayan country is unforgettable.

Why You Need a Guide
While some try this trek on their own, a guided trek is highly advisable. Trails may be poorly signposted, snowy, or under perilously icy conditions, particularly near the passes. A knowledgeable local guide not only offers safety but also profound insight into Sherpa culture and mountain variety.
Nepal Wilderness Trekking Company possesses experienced trekking guides who have working backgrounds in the Everest region for years. For single or group traveling, they offer secure, ethical, and affordable trekking tours, organizing the itinerary according to your interest and physical capacity.

Highlights of the Everest Three Passes Trek
Breathtaking views from Gokyo Ri, Kala Patthar, and Chhukung Ri
Get close to the giant giants: Mount Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, and so many more
Chance to take pictures of the Khumbu Glacier, Gokyo Lakes, and serene alpine meadows
Dive into the Sherpa communities’ culture and their local traditions and ancient monasteries
Walk in the footsteps of Everest heroes Kami Rita and Apa Sherpa

Everest Three Passes Trek Cost for 2025,2026

Cost of the Everest Three Passes Trek typically includes permits, guide, porter, accommodation, and meals during the trek. International flights to Nepal, visa, travel insurance, or personal gear such as trekking boots, jackets, and sleeping bags are not included. There could be extra fees for services such as helicopter evacuations, extra nights, or side trips to other summits. Budgeting for such personal expenses as souvenirs, additional snacks, and gratuities to guides and porters must be made.
To complete the Three Passes Trek, you’ll need:

Permits Required

Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit
Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit
These can be arranged by your trekking agency and are valid for the entire Everest region.

Best Time to Trek & Seasonal Tips
March–May (spring) and October–November (autumn) are the best times. It can be attempted during winter trekking, but Cho La Pass is normally closed because of heavy snowfall and has to be detoured through Phorche Village. Sharp skies and few tourists are in December and January but tough conditions.

Is This Trek for Beginners?
Novices can take the Three Passes Trek only after proper preparation, but not as a maiden experience at high altitudes. Isolation, wild weather, and altitude elevation are significant drawbacks.

But for those with very good fitness levels, grit, and the support of experienced guides, the trip can be life-changing to the core a Himalayan odyssey in the truest sense that tests you to your limits and provides you with an experience you will cherish for a lifetime.

Why to trek with Rara Treks?
Locally owned & operated – No agents, no surcharges
Record-breaking success ratio for the Three Passes Trek
Tailor-made itineraries to suit your interests & walking speed
Fully transparent costings with no hidden extras
Individualized service from seasoned English-speaking guides who have led this trek many dozen times

Whether you’re traveling solo, with a partner, or in a group, Rara Treks is your trusted partner in navigating the Everest highlands safely and meaningfully.
Ready for a custom trek? If our listed dates don’t fit your schedule, we’re happy to plan a private journey tailored to your timeline and interests. Let’s turn your Himalayan dream into reality.