Three Passes Trek

Information

Distance

150.0 km

Duration

18–21 days

Max elevation

5,644 m

Country

Nepal (NP)

Difficulty

Very strenuous — crosses three high Himalayan passes above 5,300 m (Renjo La 5,360 m, Cho La 5,420 m, Kongma La 5,550 m), including the Ngozumpa glacier crossing which requires extra caution

Best Season

March–May (spring) and October–November (autumn)

Permits & Fees

TIMS Card (NPR 2,000), Sagarmatha National Park Permit (NPR 3,000), Khumbu Rural Municipality Permit (NPR 2,000); the Khumbu region is exempt from the national 'No Guide No Trek' policy, so solo hiking is possible, though a guide is still recommended for glaciated routes

Description

The Three Passes Trek is the most ambitious circuit in Nepal's Khumbu (Everest) region, guiding trekkers across three historic Himalayan high passes — Renjo La (5,360 m), Cho La (5,420 m), and Kongma La (5,550 m) — in a ~150 km loop typically completed over 18–21 days. Unlike the standard Everest Base Camp trek, this circuit also visits the stunning five Gokyo Lakes, ascends Kala Patthar (5,644 m) for a direct view of Everest, and traverses the Ngozumpa Glacier, Nepal's largest. The Cho La crossing demands extra caution as it involves glacial terrain that may be icy or snow-covered; crampons are sometimes required. Widely regarded as one of the most rewarding Himalayan trekking experiences, it combines glacial lake scenery, views of multiple 8,000-metre peaks, and the achievement of three high mountain passes in a single expedition.

Trail Highlights

Three historic high passes — Renjo La, Cho La, Kongma La; Everest Base Camp (5,364 m); the summit of Kala Patthar (5,644 m) with direct panoramas of Everest, Lhotse, and Nuptse; the five stunning Gokyo Lakes; and the Ngozumpa Glacier — Nepal's largest glacier