Everest 3 High Passes Trek – Anticlockwise Route

A strenuous Everest high passes trek journey that’s challenging…but then whoever said hiking through some of the most beautiful wilderness in the world would be easy? This is a trip that requires more grit than experience…

The 3 high passes of the Khumbu is a trailblazing trek into the familiar wilderness above the treetops of the Everest region. These 3 truly gritty high passes known the world over as the Kongma La (5,535m), Cho La (5,420m) and Renjo La at (5,340m) of the better known Khumbu zone are what daredevil climbers will want to do once in a lifetime because of its sheer beauty and the formidable challenges it poses.

The venture also covers well-known trails that include EBC, the towering Kalapathar and the tranquil Gokyo valley with its emerald lakes. The cultural aspects of this trip are simply amazing as it gives you deep insights of mountain traditions and how mountain communities survive in these harsh zones, but yet reserve their warm smiles for visitors despite the biting cold.

Our journey ventures into the virgin Nangpa la valley, a sublime Sherpa village where trekkers relish the power of nature and this also covers the vibrant village of Thame which is home to one of the biggest monasteries in the Khumbu & the Himalayan views from hereabouts is said to be some of the best in the world.

On every mountain trek, the direction of a high- altitude matters. So, our anticlockwise itinerary provides enough time to acclimatize the body before crossing the highest and most demanding passes.

Before moving towards the high passes, you trek through Namche, Tengboche and Dingboche to gain high-altitude experience. Thereafter, the route connects the Khumbu Valley with Kongma La, Everest Base Camp, Gokyo, Cho La, and Renjo La before returning towards Namche Bazaar.

The 19-day Everest High Passes Trek of the Khumbu is a trailblazing journey into the familiar wilderness above the treetops of the Everest region. These three genuinely gritty high passes known the world over as the Kongma La (5,535m), Cho La (5,420m), and Renjo La (5,340m) of the better-known Khumbu zone are what daredevil climbers will want to do once in a lifetime because of its sheer beauty and the formidable challenges it poses. The venture also covers well-known trails, including EBC, the towering Kalapathar, and the tranquil Gokyo Valley with emerald lakes.

The cultural aspects of this trip are remarkable as they give you deep insights into mountain traditions and how mountain communities survive in these harsh zones while retaining their warm smiles for visitors despite the biting cold. Our journey ventures into the virgin Nangpa la valley, a sublime Sherpa village where trekkers relish the power of nature. This also covers the vibrant village of Thame, which is home to one of the biggest monasteries in the Khumbu. The Himalayan views from hereabouts are said to be some of the best in the world.

The best season to undertake the Everest 3 High Pass Trek is typically during the autumn months of October and November. During this time, the weather is stable, the skies are clear, and the temperatures are relatively moderate, making it ideal for trekking through the challenging high passes of Renjo La, Cho La, and Kongma La. The views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks are at their most spectacular, and the trails are generally safe and accessible, providing an unforgettable trekking experience in the Everest region.

June, July, and August are the low months to visit the Everest region as the trail remains slippery and muddy due to the monsoon. Furthermore, January and February months are typically highly cold seasons, and the trails are covered by snow. In addition, visit our trekking season information section for further details.

Check out our designated itinerary below for Everest 3 High Passes Trek or kindly send us an email and we’ll tailor-make an itinerary based on your requirements.

If you are a seasoned hiker and physically fit, then you are definitely eligible for this challenging high-altitude adventure. The Everest 3 High Passes Trek demands good stamina, endurance, and previous hiking experience in rugged terrain.

Since 2011, Glorious Himalaya Trekking Company has been operating this tour for hundreds of thrill-seekers, and 97% of our previous customers have successfully completed the journey. With the right preparation and determination, you too can conquer this incredible Himalayan challenge.

Our expert local mountain guides and porters are the backbone of your journey. They are always there to motivate and support you throughout the journey.

So, are you a thrill seeker and looking for a challenging high-altitude hike inside the Himalayan region of Nepal? Then, book our 19 Days Everest 3 High Passes Trek and test your physical and mental endurance along with our local Sherpa guide and porters.

We have also another Everest 3 High Passes Clockwise route Package and Everest Three Passes with Island Peak climbing package for you.

You can also check our 14 Days Everest Base Camp Trek package if you are looking a short and less challenging hike in the Everest region.

What Happens If Weather Prevents a Pass Crossing?

The weather in the high Himalayas can change quickly, particularly around High Passes. Snow, strong winds, poor visibility or difficult trail conditions can sometimes make a pass unsafe to cross.

Your safety comes first. Our expert guide checks the weather forecast, trail conditions and the group’s physical condition before attempting each high pass. If conditions are not suitable, we do not take unnecessary risks simply to follow the itinerary.

Our Guides Keep You Informed

Before each demanding section, your guide will explain the expected conditions and the plan for the day. If circumstances change, you will be informed about the available options so that decisions can be made together with safety as the priority. The exact decision depends on the weather, trail conditions and the safest available option at the time.

Accommodation on Everest Three Passes Trek

The Everest Three Passes trek offers limited accommodation options throughout the trek. Most places along the trail have basic tea houses that provide ideal resting points after long walking hours. While the higher parts of the trek offer basic tea houses only, the lower region, including Lukla and Namche Bazaar, also provides some luxurious options. The local families of the area run the accommodation points and provide top-notch hospitality whether you stay at a tea house or hotel.

The tea houses are simple, with wooden beds and thin mattresses, and have a shared bathroom. Luxury lodges have a comfortable bed with warm blankets and attached bathrooms. At the tea houses, showers are available for an extra cost (for hot water). The water is free and of better quality at luxury lodges. Likewise, charging devices at tea houses costs extra, whereas charging devices at hotels is free. Furthermore, basic tea houses cost USD 5-10 per night and a time meal, and USD 50-100 at a luxury hotel. Yet, the cost of tea houses may increase as trekkers ascend to higher elevations.

Meals and Water available during this trek

The tea houses along the trail provide meals and water during the trek. You can choose from the menu for the meals from local to Western cuisine. On the three-pass trek trail, Dal Bhat, Dumplings, Sherpa Stew, and Tsampa are common local foods. Likewise, Noodles, pancakes, soups, and pizzas are the options for Western cuisine. However, most tea houses offer choices among porridge, pancakes, eggs, bread, tea, and coffee for breakfast, Chowmein, soups, Thukpa, and Dal Bhat for lunch and dinner. Yet, food availability becomes scarce as you ascend to higher elevations and near passes; thus, carrying some energy bars can significantly help.

For drinking water, boiled and mineral bottled water are available at teahouses along the trail. A litre of mineral bottled water costs between $ 2 and $ 4, and boiled water costs $ 1- $ 2 per litre. Fresh natural source water is also available, but we suggest you use boiled or mineral bottled water because natural source water is not hygienic, which may cause serious health issues. However, if you want to use direct natural source water, use a water purifier or purification tablets before drinking.

Communication and Internet facilities

Generally, two telecoms (NCELL and NTC) provide services in the Everest region. NCELL is best for data services with 4G coverage. However, NTC sim card offers better coverage in remote areas and affordable voice and data packages. For internet facilities, lower altitudes like Namche Bazaar, Lukla, and Phakding offer Wi-Fi facilities, but at higher altitudes, Wi-Fi becomes limited and expensive, but speed is slower.

Everest Link Wi-Fi cards are available at shops and lodges along the trek route. Packages and prices can change, so trekkers should check the current price when purchasing the card.

The internet speed is reasonable at lower elevations and ideal for browsing, emails, and social media usage. However, the speed reduces significantly at higher elevations, and connectivity is dependent on weather.

Three-pass comparison in a table

Distance from Everest Base Camp to Three Passes Trek

The distance from Everest Base Camp to the Three Passes trek is 35 km through the most scenic landscape of Khumbu Valley. EBC and the 3 Passes trek are iconic adventures in the region, but combining both in one trek is exhilarating. Here is a brief of the distance from Everest Base Camp to the Three Passes trek:

Everest Base Camp to Kongma La Pass

Everest Base Camp (5,364m) to Kongma La Pass (5,535m) begins with a walk to Lobuche and Gorakshep. The trail ascends to Kongma La on the way to Lobuche, and after hiking through Gorakshep, trekkers reach Everest Base Camp. The approximate distance between the points is 11-12 km, and the journey takes 7-9 hours. The stunning views of Mount Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and Makalu, combined with a journey through rocky terrain and glacier moraines, are major highlights of the trek.

Everest Base Camp to Cho La Pass

Everest Base Camp (5,364m) to Cho La (5,420m) starts with a return to Lobuche and proceeds to Dzongla from EBC. The ascent to Cho La involves a steep climb over icy and rocky terrain, followed by a descent to Gokyo. Majestic views of Mount Cholatse and Taboche are the significant highlight of the trek. Moreover, the EBC to Chola Pass is 15-17km.

Everest Base Camp to Renjo La Pass

Everest Base Camp (5,364m) to Renjo La Pass (5,360m) is the final Pass of the journey, taking 18-20km. After completing the Chola, trekkers proceed to Gokyo Valley and Renjo La Pass. The trail ascends gradually, passing through stunning valleys and high ridges with panoramic views of Mount Everest, Makalu, and Ngozumpa glacier.

Necessary Permits and Documents for 3 Passes Trek

Obtaining the permits for the trek is essential, as, without a license, you can’t complete your trek. With no worries, the Glorious Himalayas provides you with all the necessary permits, but having information about them can help you boost your knowledge. Here are two mandatory permits required for the trek to Everest High Passes Trek:

1. Sagarmatha National Park Permit

As the trees are within the protected area of Sagarmatha, obtaining the permit is vital. The permit is available at the Nepal Tourism Board Office of Kathmandu and Check post of Monjo. It costs NR. 3,000 for foreigners and NR. 1,500 for SAARC nationalities.

2. Local Entry Permit

Another permit you need for this trek is the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entry Permit. It is also known as the local entry permit in the Everest region. It costs Nepalese rupees 3,000 per trekker. This permit can only be issued at the Lukla check post.

Necessary documents for permits

You only need a valid original passport for this trek. Medical reports or insurance policies are not mandatory for Everest base camp for any other treks inside Everest region.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is a coverage created to secure against risks and financial losses. It is the foremost aspect of trekking in high-altitude areas like the Everest Three Pass trek. The trek to Three Passes is above 5,500m, where Acute Mountain Sickness is a concern; a travel insurance helps you to cover your medical emergencies. Likewise, the trek passes through remote locations where medical assistance is unavailable;  the plan must cover high-altitude helicopter rescues up to 6,000 meters. Moreover, it compensates for trip interruptions, cancellations, and lost or stolen baggage.

Glorious Himalayas highly recommends buying travel insurance while planning the trek. It is one of the mandatory requirements for high-altitude treks, provides peace of mind, and provides comprehensive coverage. Numerous international and local companies offer trekking insurance, but buy from the most reputable ones. Moreover, before buying insurance, consider whether it allows for high-altitude coverage, medical evacuation, trip cancellations, and gear protection.

How to Get Prepared For 3 High Passes Trek in Khumbu Region?

As the 3 High Passes Trek is one of the most adventurous treks in the Khumbu region, preparing for it is vital to complete it safely and smoothly. The trek demands physical fitness, mental preparation, and proper planning. Here is a way how you can prepare for the trek:

Physical preparation

The trek is physically challenging and requires core body strength and leg muscles. For leg strength, trekkers should focus on exercises like squats, lunges, and stair climbing. Likewise, if possible, practice long hikes on rugged terrain, carrying a backpack.

Cardiovascular exercise

Cardiovascular exercise is essential for boosting stamina and enhancing overall body functions. Running, jogging, cycling, stair climbing, high knees, pushups, and aerobic exercise are some cardiovascular exercises that help increase oxygen efficiency, enhance stamina, and adapt to high altitude.

Mental Preparation

Trekking in high altitudes requires mental preparation, which is the foundation of a successful trek. Stay focused and motivated during your trek, especially at tough sections, and set clear goals and expectations. Similarly, understand that the trek is challenging and get ready to face discomfort, fatigue, and sometimes shortness of breath. Moreover, practice stress management with meditation and yoga.

Proper acclimatization

Proper acclimatization is the key to a successful trek, as it is a way to allow your body to adjust to lower oxygen levels at higher altitudes. It helps to prevent altitude sickness and enhance trekking performance. However, skipping acclimatization days, ignoring symptoms, and skipping meals can result in acute mountain sickness. Avoid it. In addition,  Namche Bazaar and Gokyo Valley are the common acclimatization points during the trek to Everest Three Passes.

Choose professional guides

Guides are helping hands and hiring a professional for the Three Passes trek is an investment in safety and experience. Having a professional guide by your side can significantly help protect, enjoy, and succeed. From guiding in the navigation to offering each simple detail to managing every logistics, a guide provides you with a journey with peace of mind. Additionally, choose a guide wisely and consider whether they are licensed, check their experience, communicate with them before the trip, and meet or talk to them to assess their personality, patience, attitude, and professionalism.

Kathmandu to Lukla Flights & Ramechhap Rerouting Guide

Tenzing-Hillary Airport in Lukla at 2860 meters is the gateway to Everest 3 High Passes adventure. However, due to air traffic at Kathmandu Airport, Lukla flights operate from Ramechhap Airport during the peak trekking seasons.

Regular Season vs. Peak Season Flights

During off trekking season, flights operate directly between Kathmandu (TIA) and Lukla. However, from last week of September to end of November in autumn and from the last week of March to the end of May in spring season, the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) reroutes almost all commercial Lukla flights to operate from Ramechhap (Manthali Airport) to prevent severe air traffic delays at Kathmandu’s international airport.

What to Expect During the Ramechhap Rerouting

If you are trekking during the peak Spring or Autumn seasons, you should take a drive around 1 am via a private or shared vehicle from Kathmandu to reach Manthali Airport in Ramechhap to catch your Lukla flight. The flight from Ramechhap to Lukla takes only 15 minutes on a small twin-otter aircraft. On your return flight after the trek, you will fly back to Ramechhap and take a drive for about 4-5 hours back to your hotel in Kathmandu.

Essential Lukla Flight Tips & Safety Policies

• Weight Allowances: The standard luggage limit on Lukla flights is 15 kg (33 lbs) total per passenger (typically 10 kg for checked duffel bags and 5 kg for hand carry). Excess baggage costs an additional fee per kilogram if payload permits.
• Weather Delays & Buffer Days: Lukla Airport relies on visual flight rules (VFR). Dense fog, high winds, or rain can cause flight delays or groundings for several days. We strongly recommend building 1 to 2 extra buffer days into your international travel itinerary.
• Helicopter Option: If scheduled flights are canceled or delayed for several days due to weather, chartering a shared helicopter from Kathmandu or Ramechhap to Lukla is often available at an additional cost ($450–$600 per seat depending on availability).