The Everest Three High Passes Trek is one of Nepal’s most thrilling and demanding trekking adventures in the Everest. It is ideal for experienced trekkers seeking a challenge beyond the classic Everest Base Camp Trek. This circuit trek takes you deep into the heart of the Khumbu region, crossing three of the most spectacular high-altitude passes in the Nepal Himalayas: Renjo La (5,360m), Cho La (5,368m), and Kongma La (5,540m).
Along the route, you’ll explore iconic landmarks such as Everest Base Camp (EBC) and Kala Patthar (5,540m), while also summiting remarkable vantage points including Gokyo Ri (5,360m) and Chukkung Ri (5,550m). Each viewpoint offers unparalleled panoramic views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, and other towering Himalayan giants.
The trek begins with a scenic flight to Lukla, followed by a journey through traditional Sherpa villages, lush forests, and terraced fields above the Dudh Koshi River. As you enter Sagarmatha National Park near Jorsalle, the trail leads to Namche Bazaar, a vibrant Sherpa hub and the gateway to Everest. Here, trekkers acclimatize while experiencing the local culture and warm hospitality.
Continuing through the spiritual hub of Tengboche Monastery and across glacial landscapes such as the Khumbu and Ngozumpa Glaciers, the trek offers both cultural insight and awe-inspiring natural beauty. Kongma La, the first and highest of the passes, tests your endurance, but rewards you with raw Himalayan grandeur.
After conquering Everest Base Camp and witnessing a sunrise from Kala Patthar, the trail veers west toward the technical Cho La Pass, which demands sure-footedness and occasionally the use of crampons. The descent leads into the breathtaking Gokyo Valley, home to emerald lakes and the lunar-like Ngozumpa Glacier. A sunrise hike to Gokyo Ri offers one of the most spectacular views in the world—featuring four of the six highest peaks on Earth.
The final challenge, Renjo La Pass, unveils a dramatic perspective of the Gokyo Lakes with Everest towering beyond. From here, the descent through Thame provides a peaceful finale, offering time to reflect and relax at a serene monastery before returning to Namche and eventually flying back from Lukla.
The Everest Three Passes Trek is ideal for physically fit trekkers with previous high-altitude experience. While trekking is possible year-round, the best seasons are spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November), offering clear skies, stable weather, and vibrant landscapes.
At Breeze Adventure, we offer expertly guided and fully supported treks to ensure your safety, comfort, and adventure. Whether you’re seeking a high-altitude challenge or a shorter Everest Base Camp trek, our team is here to help you craft the perfect Himalayan journey.
Three Passes Trek Without Everest Base Camp
You can enjoy the Three Passes Trek without the Everest Base Camp. This involves traversing three high passes while bypassing the popular EBC route. Avoiding the Everest Base Camp, you need to head towards Renjo La, Cho La, and Kongma La. This route allows you to enjoy the less crowded paths where you can enjoy the peaceful scenic beauty.
However, the paths to the Three Passes Trek are quite difficult. The location is remote, with the requirement of good physical fitness and preparation. The major aspects of this journey include moving towards the Three Passes and bypassing the Everest Base Camp. Similarly, remote exploration with Sherpa Culture is another major attraction.
You can also add side trips, such as visiting Gokyo Lakes and the surrounding viewpoints. Despite the trip excluding EBC, the time for the whole journey is still 17 to 19 days.
Three Passes trek Vs. Everest Base Camp
Three Passes Trek is less explored and hence less popular than the Everest Base Camp. Whereas, EBC is the most hyped and one of the most popular treks in the world. Here are other major differences, have a look:
Three Passes Trek involves Renjo La, Cho La, and Kongma La passes. These are absolutely difficult to access. This is a remote trek requiring quite good potential, both physically and adventure skill-wise. You need strict guidelines and good cooperation in this trek. Despite a challenging journey, you will learn more trekking skills and enhance personal growth. For a different experience, you should try the Three Passes Trek in the Khumbu Region.
On the other hand, Everest Base Camp is more popular and easier. You can enjoy this trek with a huge crowd and many trekking groups. With the arrival of lots of people, helping each other is common here. You will enjoy a close and clear view of Mount Everest and the surrounding peaks. This is also a dream destination for lots of people.
EBC trekking is flexible with both long and short trek options. You can do this trek in 18 days, or make it a short trip of either 7 or 9 days. You can also enjoy this as a luxury helicopter tour of just a few hours. Meanwhile, the Three Passes Trek is a remote journey requiring a minimum of 17 days.