# Everest Three Passes Trek: Kongma La, Cho La and Renjo La Complete Guide

_Published 15 April 2026_

For experienced trekkers, the **Everest Three Passes trek** is the ultimate adventure in the Khumbu. It links the region's greatest highlights, **Everest Base Camp**, **Kala Patthar**, the **Gokyo Lakes** and **Gokyo Ri**, in a grand loop over three high passes: the **Kongma La (5,535 m)**, the **Cho La (5,420 m)** and the **Renjo La (5,360 m)**. Along the way, you visit four valleys, cross glaciers, and see Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyu from every angle.

It is demanding, long and high, and not for first-time trekkers. But for those with the experience and fitness, it is one of the finest treks on Earth. Here's the route, how hard it really is, which direction to walk, how to acclimatise and how to prepare.

**Quick answer:** the Everest Three Passes trek takes **18–21 days** from Kathmandu, crossing **Kongma La (5,535 m)**, **Cho La (5,420 m)** and **Renjo La (5,360 m)**, and visiting **Everest Base Camp**, **Kala Patthar (5,545 m)** and **Gokyo**. It is graded **strenuous**, requires previous high-altitude experience, and costs about **US$1,800–2,500** with a guide and porter. The best months are **October–November** and **April–May**.

## Three Passes at a glance

FactDetailsDuration18–21 days from KathmanduWalking distanceAbout 160–170 kmPassesKongma La 5,535 m; Cho La 5,420 m; Renjo La 5,360 mOther highlightsEverest Base Camp, Kala Patthar, Gokyo Ri, Chhukung Ri, ThameGradeStrenuousStart and finishLuklaAccommodationTeahouse lodgesPermitsSagarmatha National Park and Khumbu local feeBest timeOctober–November; April–May## The three passes

### Kongma La (5,535 m)

The highest of the three, the **Kongma La** links **Chhukung** in the Imja valley with **Lobuche** in the Khumbu valley. The climb from Chhukung is long and steep, passing small frozen lakes near the top, and the view from the pass over the Imja valley, Makalu and the Khumbu Glacier is superb. The descent to the Khumbu Glacier and the crossing of the moraine to Lobuche make this a very long day of 8–10 hours.

### Cho La (5,420 m)

The **Cho La** connects **Dzongla** on the Everest side with **Thagnak** in the Gokyo valley. It is the most technical of the three, with a steep, rocky ascent, a crossing of a small glacier near the top that can be icy and crevassed, and a steep, loose descent. Microspikes and sometimes a rope are needed, depending on conditions. It is also the most popular pass, used by trekkers linking EBC and Gokyo.

### Renjo La (5,360 m)

The **Renjo La** links **Gokyo** with the remote **Bhote Koshi valley** and the villages of **Lungden** and **Thame**. Its summit offers one of the finest views in the Himalaya: Everest, Lhotse and Makalu rising above the turquoise Gokyo lake and the Ngozumpa Glacier. The trail on the Gokyo side has stone steps built in recent years, and the descent to Lungden is long but straightforward.

## Recommended itinerary (anticlockwise)

DayRouteSleeping altitude1Arrive Kathmandu1,400 m2Fly to Lukla, trek to Phakding2,610 m3Namche Bazaar3,440 m4Acclimatisation in Namche3,440 m5Tengboche3,860 m6Dingboche4,410 m7Chhukung4,730 m8Acclimatisation: Chhukung Ri (5,550 m)4,730 m9Kongma La (5,535 m) to Lobuche4,940 m10Gorak Shep and Everest Base Camp5,164 m11Kala Patthar, descend to Dzongla4,830 m12Cho La (5,420 m) to Thagnak4,700 m13Gokyo4,790 m14Gokyo Ri and fifth lake4,790 m15Renjo La (5,360 m) to Lungden4,380 m16Thame3,820 m17Namche Bazaar3,440 m18Lukla2,840 m19Fly to Kathmandu1,400 m20Spare day / departure—Have a look at our [Everest Three Passes Trek](/everest-three-passes-trek) for full details.

## Which direction: clockwise or anticlockwise?

Most trekkers walk **anticlockwise**, crossing the Kongma La first, then the Cho La, then the Renjo La. This allows gradual acclimatisation in the Imja valley before the highest pass, and the Kongma La's steep side is climbed rather than descended. The **clockwise** direction, starting with the Renjo La from Thame, is quieter at first but involves a rapid gain to the Renjo La early in the trek, which is harder for acclimatisation. Your guide may adjust the direction based on conditions and your experience.

## How difficult is the Three Passes trek?

We grade the Three Passes as **strenuous**. You spend many nights above 4,500 m, and three pass days each involve 7–10 hours of walking at over 5,000 m, on rough, rocky and sometimes icy terrain. The Cho La glacier crossing requires care, and the descents from the passes are steep and loose. Previous trekking experience at altitude, ideally Everest Base Camp or the Annapurna Circuit, is strongly recommended, along with excellent fitness and comfort on exposed terrain. For the details, read our [training guide](/blog/how-to-train-for-everest-base-camp).

## Acclimatisation

Acclimatisation is critical. Take the rest day in Namche, spend at least two nights in the Dingboche–Chhukung area and climb Chhukung Ri before the Kongma La. By the time you cross the first pass, your body should be well adapted. Walk slowly, drink plenty of water and tell your guide about symptoms. If you develop altitude sickness, the loop can be shortened or you can descend. Read our [altitude guide](/blog/altitude-sickness-nepal-trekking).

## Gear for the passes

- **Microspikes** for icy sections, especially on the Cho La glacier.
- **Gaiters** for snow.
- A **sleeping bag** rated to about −20°C.
- A warm **down jacket**, insulated gloves and a warm hat.
- **Trekking poles** for steep descents.
- **Glacier sunglasses** with side protection.
- A **headlamp** for pre-dawn starts on pass days.

Have a look at our full [packing list](/blog/nepal-trekking-packing-list).

## Best time

**October and November** offer the most stable weather and clear skies, with the passes usually free of deep snow. **April and May** are warmer, but the passes can hold snow in early spring. Winter brings heavy snow that can make the passes dangerous or impassable, and the monsoon brings cloud, rain and slippery trails.

## Pass days, step by step

Each pass day follows a similar rhythm. You wake around 4 a.m., eat a quick breakfast of porridge or Tibetan bread, fill your bottles with hot water and set off by head torch. The first hours are cold and dark, climbing steadily over moraine as the sky lightens behind the peaks. Your guide sets a slow, steady pace, stopping every so often to let everyone catch their breath. As the sun rises, the surrounding mountains glow pink and gold, and the effort feels worthwhile.

Near the top, the terrain usually becomes steeper and rockier. On the **Kongma La**, the final climb is a steep scramble up boulders to a notch decorated with prayer flags. On the **Cho La**, you put on microspikes, cross the small glacier carefully in single file and then climb a final rocky section to the pass. On the **Renjo La**, stone steps make the final climb easier, and at the top Everest and the Gokyo lakes appear together below you. At the top, you celebrate with photos and a snack, then begin the descent, which is often steep and loose and requires concentration. By mid-afternoon, you arrive at the next lodge, tired but elated.

## The side trips that make the loop special

Beyond the passes, the Three Passes trek includes some of the best viewpoints in the Khumbu. **Chhukung Ri (about 5,550 m)**, climbed on the acclimatisation day from Chhukung, looks across to Lhotse's massive south face, Island Peak and Makalu. **Kala Patthar (5,545 m)** offers the classic view of Everest's summit. **Gokyo Ri (5,357 m)** provides a panorama of four 8,000 m peaks above the turquoise lakes. And the walk to the fifth Gokyo lake gives a quieter, intimate view of Everest and Cho Oyu. Many trekkers find that these side trips, as much as the passes, are the highlights of the journey.

## Thame and the Bhote Koshi valley

After the Renjo La, the trek descends into the quiet **Bhote Koshi valley**, once the main trade route to Tibet via the Nangpa La. The village of **Thame** is famous as the childhood home of Tenzing Norgay and of many renowned Everest climbers, including Apa Sherpa, who summited Everest 21 times. Thame Monastery, perched on a hillside above the village, is one of the oldest in the Khumbu and hosts the Mani Rimdu festival in spring. After the high passes, walking through this peaceful valley back to Namche is a lovely way to end the trek.

## Shorter variations

If you do not have time or experience for all three passes, several variations capture much of the experience. The **Gokyo and EBC via Cho La** loop (about 15–17 days) crosses one pass and visits both highlights. The **Renjo La and Gokyo** route adds one high pass, with one of the best views in the Khumbu, to a Gokyo trek. The **Kongma La and EBC** route adds the Imja valley and Chhukung to a standard Everest Base Camp trek. Talk to your guide about the best option for your fitness and schedule.

## Safety on the passes

The passes are high, remote and exposed to changing weather. Always start early, because afternoon cloud and wind are common. Turn back if weather deteriorates, visibility drops or anyone shows signs of altitude sickness. Never cross alone. On the Cho La, rockfall is possible on the descent to Thagnak, so move steadily through exposed sections. In snow, route-finding becomes difficult, and a guide who knows the pass is essential. Make sure your insurance covers trekking to 6,000 m and helicopter evacuation.

## Lodges on the Three Passes route

Teahouses are available throughout the loop, but some stops are basic and small. **Chhukung** has several good lodges; **Dzongla** and **Thagnak**, on either side of the Cho La, have a handful of simple lodges that fill up in peak season; **Gokyo** has comfortable lodges beside the lake; and **Lungden**, below the Renjo La, is small and quiet. In October and November, your guide will book rooms ahead at the busier stops. Read our guide to [teahouse trekking](/blog/teahouse-trekking-in-nepal).

## Who is the Three Passes trek for?

The Three Passes trek suits fit, experienced trekkers who have already been to high altitude and want the most complete Everest region experience. It suits people who enjoy long days and rough ground, and who don't mind basic lodges and cold nights. It is not recommended as a first Himalayan trek. If you have done Everest Base Camp and want to return, this is the natural next step.

## Cost

A guided Three Passes trek typically costs **US$1,800–2,500** per person, including Lukla flights, permits, guide, porter, lodges and meals. Food and lodge prices are higher at Gorak Shep, Dzongla, Thagnak and Gokyo because of the altitude. We cover this in our [cost guide](/blog/cost-of-trekking-in-nepal).

## A closer look at the Cho La crossing

Because the Cho La is the most technical of the three passes, it deserves special attention. From Dzongla, a small cluster of lodges beneath the towering walls of Cholatse and Taboche, the trail climbs gradually up a grassy valley before steepening into a rocky gully. As you gain height, the views back towards Ama Dablam and the Khumbu open up. Near the top, the trail reaches the edge of a small glacier. Here you put on microspikes, and your guide checks the conditions. In most autumn seasons, the glacier is covered with firm snow and a well-trodden path; in some seasons or after storms, it can be icy or have hidden crevasses, and the guide may use a rope. After crossing the glacier, a short scramble leads to the prayer-flagged pass.

The descent on the Gokyo side is steep and loose, with boulders and scree that require careful footwork, especially when snow or ice lies on the rocks. Rockfall is possible, so move steadily and follow your guide's instructions. Once off the steep section, the trail eases towards Thagnak, a small settlement at the edge of the Ngozumpa Glacier, where you rest before crossing the glacier to Gokyo. The Cho La day usually takes eight to nine hours, and it's the day most people talk about afterwards.

## The Khumbu from every angle

One of the special things about the Three Passes trek is how it reveals the Everest region from many different perspectives. From Chhukung, you see Lhotse's massive south face and the Imja glacier lake. From the Kongma La, the Khumbu Glacier stretches below you with Pumori and Everest's shoulder beyond. From Kala Patthar, Everest's summit rises directly above base camp. From the Cho La, Ama Dablam and the peaks of the Khumbu line the horizon. From Gokyo Ri, four 8,000 m peaks rise above the lakes. And from the Renjo La, the entire panorama of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu and the Gokyo valley spreads out before you. No other trek gives such a complete understanding of the world's highest mountains.

## Food and water on the trail

Food on the Three Passes route follows the usual Khumbu teahouse menu: dal bhat, noodle soups, fried rice, potatoes, pasta, eggs, porridge and Tibetan bread, with prices rising as you go higher. At remote stops such as Dzongla, Thagnak and Lungden, menus are shorter. Bring snacks from Kathmandu or Namche, such as nuts, chocolate and energy bars, for the long pass days. Water is available at lodges, boiled or filtered for a fee; carry purification tablets or a filter and at least two litres on pass days, plus a thermos of hot tea if possible. Eating and drinking well is essential to keep your energy up at altitude.

## Permits and logistics

The Three Passes trek requires the same permits as the Everest Base Camp trek: the **Sagarmatha National Park permit** and the **Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality fee**. Your trekking company arranges both. Flights to Lukla (often from Ramechhap in peak season) are weather-dependent, so keep at least one spare day at the end of your itinerary. Because the trek is long and involves remote sections, a licensed guide and a porter are strongly recommended, both for safety and for carrying the extra gear needed for the passes.

## Training for the Three Passes

Train for at least 12–16 weeks. Your plan should include long hikes of six to eight hours with a pack, ideally on consecutive days, steep hill climbs and descents, stair climbing, cardio and leg strength training. Practise walking on rough, rocky terrain and scrambling if you can, and get comfortable using trekking poles and microspikes. If possible, gain experience at altitude beforehand, for example on Everest Base Camp, the Annapurna Circuit or a high trek elsewhere. Read our [training guide](/blog/how-to-train-for-everest-base-camp).

## Weather on the passes

Weather is the biggest variable on the Three Passes trek. In the main seasons, mornings are usually clear, with cloud building in the afternoon, which is why pass days start before dawn. Wind on the passes can be strong and bitterly cold, so a windproof shell, warm gloves and a balaclava or buff are essential. Snowfall can occur at any time of year above 5,000 m; a fresh fall can make the Cho La and Kongma La dangerous and slow, and your guide may decide to wait a day or reroute. Late-autumn storms, such as those caused by cyclones in the Bay of Bengal, occasionally bring heavy snow to the Khumbu, so flexible plans and spare days are wise.

## Common questions from trekkers

**Can I do the Three Passes as my first trek?** We do not recommend it; start with Everest Base Camp or another high trek to learn how your body handles altitude. **Is the Kongma La harder than the Cho La?** The Kongma La is higher and longer; the Cho La is more technical because of its glacier. **Do I need crampons?** Microspikes are usually enough, but in icy conditions, your guide may recommend crampons. **Can I rent gear in Namche?** Yes, Namche has gear shops, but it is better to arrive prepared. **What if I get sick?** The loop allows you to descend quickly at several points, and helicopter evacuation is possible in emergencies with appropriate insurance.

## Our tips from the trail

- Do not skip the acclimatisation day in Chhukung; Chhukung Ri is excellent preparation for the Kongma La.
- Start pass days early and carry plenty of water and snacks.
- Keep your camera and phone batteries warm inside your jacket.
- Take your time on steep descents; most injuries happen going down.
- Book lodges in advance at Dzongla and Thagnak during peak season.
- Enjoy the quiet Bhote Koshi valley at the end; it is a perfect cool-down.

## Three Passes vs Everest Base Camp

The standard Everest Base Camp trek follows the main Khumbu valley up and back, taking 12–14 days. The Three Passes trek includes everything on the EBC trek, plus the Imja valley, Chhukung Ri, the Gokyo Lakes, Gokyo Ri, the Renjo La and the Bhote Koshi valley, taking about a week longer. It is harder, quieter in its remote sections and far more varied. If you have the time, fitness and experience, the Three Passes gives you the complete Everest region; if not, EBC or the Gokyo–EBC loop via the Cho La is an excellent alternative. Have a look at our [EBC guide](/blog/everest-base-camp-trek-guide) and [Gokyo vs EBC guide](/blog/gokyo-lakes-vs-everest-base-camp).

## Insurance

Because the Three Passes trek reaches over 5,500 m and involves glacier travel, your insurance must cover trekking to at least 6,000 m and helicopter evacuation. Check whether the policy covers the use of microspikes on glaciers. More on this in our [insurance guide](/blog/travel-insurance-for-nepal-trekking).

## Booking your Three Passes trek

Book at least two to three months ahead for October–November and April–May, when Lukla flights and lodges at Dzongla and Thagnak fill quickly. Choose an itinerary with acclimatisation days and at least one spare day, and confirm that your guide has crossed all three passes many times. Our team plans each Three Passes trek individually, adjusting the direction and pace to your experience and the conditions.

## Life in the Imja valley

The first part of the loop explores the Imja valley, less visited than the main Khumbu trail. From Dingboche, with its stone-walled potato fields, the trail climbs to Chhukung, surrounded by Lhotse, Island Peak and Ama Dablam. Climbers heading to Island Peak pass through, and the lodges have a lively, adventurous atmosphere.

## Are you ready for the Three Passes?

The Three Passes trek takes in everything famous in the Khumbu and adds high, wild passes and quiet valleys that most Everest trekkers never see. It demands experience, fitness and respect for the mountains, but rewards you with a journey you will never forget. [Contact us](/contact-us) to plan your Three Passes adventure.

## Frequently asked questions
### How long is the Everest Three Passes trek?
About **18–21 days** from Kathmandu.

### What are the three passes?
**Kongma La (5,535 m)**, **Cho La (5,420 m)** and **Renjo La (5,360 m)**.

### How hard is the Three Passes trek?
**Strenuous**: long, high pass days on rough terrain, for experienced trekkers.

### Do I need climbing experience?
No technical climbing, but experience at altitude and comfort on steep, icy terrain are important.

### Which direction is best?
**Anticlockwise**, starting with the Kongma La, for better acclimatisation.

### Do I need microspikes?
Yes, especially for the Cho La glacier.

### Does the trek include Everest Base Camp?
Yes, plus Kala Patthar, Gokyo and Gokyo Ri.

### When is the best time?
**October–November** and **April–May**.

### How much does it cost?
About **US$1,800–2,500** with a guide and porter.

### Can I skip one pass?
Yes, many trekkers do only the Cho La, linking EBC and Gokyo.

### Are there teahouses on the route?
Yes, including at Chhukung, Dzongla, Thagnak, Gokyo and Lungden.

### Do I need a guide?
Strongly recommended, especially for route-finding and safety on the passes.


Web page: https://www.himalayanhiking.com/blog/everest-three-passes-trek-guide