Three High Passes, One Epic Trail: Conquering Everest’s Wild Side

If you are someone who loves a real mountain challenge, the Everest Three Pass Trek is probably the most complete adventure you can get in Nepal’s Khumbu region. Unlike the regular Everest Base Camp route that most people follow, this one takes you off the main trail and into a wild loop of high passes, icy valleys, and hidden corners of the Himalayas that many miss.

This trek isn’t just about reaching one goal. It’s about crossing three massive mountain passes – Kongma La (5,535m), Cho La (5,420m), and Renjo La (5,360m) – all while walking through places like Gokyo Valley, Everest Base Camp, and Kalapatthar. Every pass gives you a new view, a new test, and a different kind of reward.

So, what makes this trek so special?

Most treks go from point A to point B. The Three Pass Trek loops around, which means you're not repeating trails. You get a full-circle experience something that feels more like a real journey than just a hike to a famous spot.

You'll walk through quiet villages like Thame and Lungden, past frozen lakes, across glaciers, and into high mountain amphitheaters where even the air feels sharper. You'll see Everest, of course, but also Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, and Ama Dablam, sometimes all in one frame.

The Route: What to Expect

The trek usually starts from Lukla, after a short flight from Kathmandu. From there, most people follow this rough order:

• Lukla to Namche Bazaar – the gateway to the Khumbu. Great food, Wi-Fi, and gear shops. A good place to rest and adjust to the altitude.
• Namche to Tengboche/Dingboche – these sections lead you deeper into Sherpa country. Dingboche is often used as a base before tackling the first pass.
• Kongma La Pass – the first and often the hardest. There’s no tea house on this route, so you’ll carry extra snacks and water.
• Everest Base Camp and Kalapatthar – this part overlaps with the classic EBC trek. Kalapatthar gives you that postcard view of Everest.
• Cho La Pass – steep, icy, and wild. You’ll pass through a glacier, so it feels like a proper mountain expedition.
• Gokyo Lakes – one of the most peaceful and scenic sections. Gokyo Ri offers some of the best panoramic views in the entire Himalaya.
• Renjo La Pass – the final pass, leading to the quiet side of the Khumbu. Few trekkers go this far, which makes it even more special.
• Back to Namche and Lukla – wrapping up the loop.

How Hard Is It?

Let’s be honest  this isn’t a beginner’s trek. You need to be fit, and more importantly, mentally prepared. Some days are long, the air is thin, and the passes can be snowy or windy depending on the season. That said, you don’t need to be a mountaineer. With the right mindset, training, and a good guide, it’s doable for anyone who loves the mountains and wants to push a little further.

Best Time to Go

The best seasons are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). You’ll get clearer skies, safer trails, and better views. Winter is too cold and risky for the high passes, and monsoon (June–August) brings clouds, rain, and flight delays.

Gear and Tips

• Warm layers are a must. The temperature can drop below zero even in peak season.
• Carry microspikes or crampons for the passes – especially Cho La.
• A good guide and porter can make a big difference. Not just for safety, but also for connection with the culture and land.
• Don’t rush. Altitude sickness is real, and the only way to avoid it is by giving your body time to adapt.

Why It’s Worth It

The Everest Three Pass Trek isn’t just about big views or ticking off Everest. It’s about testing your limits, discovering places where silence stretches for miles, and feeling tiny (in the best way) among the tallest peaks in the world.

If you’ve already done a few treks and are looking for something that feels raw and real, this might be your next big mountain story.