The Everest Three High Pass Trek is an 18-day journey in Nepal, with 15 days spent trekking through the Khumbu. It links Everest Base Camp (5,364 m), Kala Patthar (5,545 m), Gokyo Lakes, and Gokyo Ri (5,357 m) by crossing Kongma La (5,535 m), Cho La (5,420 m), and Renjo La (5,360 m). Rather than returning along the same valley, the trail forms a complete circuit, so each stage brings new landscapes, villages, and mountain views instead of repeating what you’ve already walked.
Most people looking at this trek have already heard about Everest Base Camp. What they’re less certain about is whether the three passes are worth the extra effort. I usually explain it this way: Everest Base Camp shows you one side of the Khumbu, while this route connects almost everything the region is known for. You visit the Base Camp, climb the most popular viewpoint, cross three high passes, spend time beside the Gokyo Lakes, and finish having seen far more than a single valley.
After flying to Lukla, the trail follows the Dudh Koshi Valley through Phakding, Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche, Lobuche, Gorak Shep, Everest Base Camp, and Kala Patthar.
From there, the route leaves the familiar trail behind, crossing Kongma La to Chhukung, Cho La into the Gokyo Valley, and Renjo La before descending through Thame, Namche Bazaar, and back to Lukla. Travelling in a loop means each day feels like part of a continuing journey rather than a return trip.
People often expect the passes themselves to be the biggest obstacle. In reality, the bigger challenge is recovering well enough to cross the next one. You’ll spend several days above 4,500 metres, where every climb takes more effort and progress naturally slows. That’s why I build acclimatisation days into the itinerary before the higher sections instead of trying to gain altitude too quickly.
This trek takes place inside Sagarmatha National Park, so you’ll need a Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit together with a Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entry Permit. I arrange both before the trek begins, and because the route stays on established trekking trails, no climbing permit is required.
The landscape changes constantly throughout the circuit. Forest trails below Namche Bazaar gradually give way to open valleys, glacial moraines, frozen lakes, and exposed mountain passes. Crossing each pass means an early start, but it also brings a completely different view of the Khumbu on the other side. By the time you descend from Renjo La towards Thame, it feels like you’re entering another part of the Everest region altogether.
Most trekking days take between six and eight hours, with longer days on the pass crossings. I’ve found that the strongest trekkers aren’t always the ones who enjoy this route the most. The people who finish with the biggest smile are usually those who keep a steady rhythm, look after their acclimatisation, and treat the Three High Pass Trek as a journey across the Khumbu rather than a race between passes.
