For the trekker who has seen the classic trails, who has stood at the viewpoints and gazed at the high passes from afar, and who now seeks the ultimate challenge, there is one trek in the Everest region that stands above all others: The Everest Three Passes Trek.

This is the grand slam of Himalayan trekking. An epic and demanding circuit that connects the entire Khumbu region by crossing three spectacular high passes: Kongma La (5,535m), Cho La (5,420m), and Renjo La (5,360m). This journey is not for the faint of heart. It is a true test of endurance and spirit, designed for those who want to experience everything the home of the giants has to offer.

This trek doesn’t just take you to the landmarks—it takes you over them, behind them, and beyond them, revealing a perspective on the world’s highest mountains that few will ever witness.

The Grand Slam of Himalayan Trekking

What sets this trek apart is its sheer completeness. It weaves together all the highlights of the classic Everest treks and then adds the thrilling, high-altitude adventure of the passes, each with its own unique character.

• Kongma La (5,535m): The highest and often the most challenging of the three, this pass is a mighty undertaking that rewards you with breathtakingly close views of the colossal Lhotse-Nuptse wall and a stunning perspective of Makalu in the distance.
• Cho La (5,420m): The classic adventurer’s pass. The Cho La links the Khumbu and Gokyo valleys and involves a thrilling crossing of a glacier, making you feel like a true mountaineer.
• Renjo La (5,360m): Arguably the most scenically spectacular of the three, the Renjo La offers a jaw-dropping, panoramic vista looking back over the turquoise Gokyo Lakes and the massive Ngozumpa Glacier, with Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu creating a perfect backdrop.

This is a journey on the path less traveled. While you will visit the iconic sites, the trails connecting the passes offer a solitude and raw, untamed beauty that is simply unforgettable.

The Circuit: A Journey Over Peaks and Valleys

Following the classic anti-clockwise route, this trek is a logical and breathtaking progression through the entire region.

1. The Foundation: You begin on the classic trail from Lukla, ascending through Namche Bazaar and the main Khumbu Valley to achieve the legendary goals of Everest Base Camp and the iconic sunrise view from Kala Patthar.
2. The Passes: From there, the true adventure begins. You will tackle the passes one by one, a trilogy of challenges that takes you up and over the ridges that separate the great valleys of the Khumbu.
3. The Gokyo Interlude: In between the passes, you will have time to explore the stunning beauty of the Gokyo Lakes and summit Gokyo Ri for its world-famous panorama.
4. The Remote West: After crossing the final pass, Renjo La, you will descend into the quiet and culturally rich Bhote Koshi Valley, trekking through the historic Sherpa village of Thame—the childhood home of many famous Everest summiteers—before completing the grand loop back in Namche Bazaar.

Trek Highlights: An Unrivaled List of Achievements

• Conquer the three legendary high passes of the Khumbu: Kongma La (5,535m), Cho La (5,420m), and Renjo La (5,360m).
• Summit three incredible viewpoints: Kala Patthar (5,545m), Gokyo Ri (5,357m), and the Renjo La Pass itself for distinct and spectacular panoramas.
• Visit the iconic Everest Base Camp and stand in awe before the Khumbu Icefall.
• Discover the serene, sacred beauty of the turquoise Gokyo Lakes.
• Witness a breathtaking spectacle of four of the world’s six highest peaks: Everest (8,848m), Lhotse (8,516m), Makalu (8,485m), and Cho Oyu (8,188m).
• Explore the full spectrum of the Khumbu, from the bustling hub of Namche Bazaar to the remote, traditional Sherpa villages of the west.

Are You Ready for the Ultimate Challenge?

Let us be clear: this trek is strictly for experienced, high-altitude trekkers who are in exceptional physical and mental condition. It is one of the most demanding teahouse treks in Nepal. You must be prepared for consecutive long, strenuous days (8-10 hours), steep ascents and descents on rugged terrain, and basic glacier travel with our expert guides. This trek is not suitable for novice trekkers.

The Everest Three Passes Trek is not just a walk; it is an epic expedition that demands your best and rewards you with a Himalayan experience that is simply unparalleled. The stable weather of the autumn season provides the best window to attempt this grand traverse.

If you have the experience and the spirit to take on the ultimate Khumbu challenge, contact us to begin planning your expedition.