Everest Three Passes Trek

Who the Three Passes trek suits

The Three Passes is the full Khumbu loop and one of the toughest teahouse treks in Nepal. It crosses the Kongma La (5,535 m), Cho La (about 5,420 m) and Renjo La (about 5,360 m), linking Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar with the Gokyo Lakes and the quieter Thame valley.

It's strenuous: long days above 5,000 m, loose moraine, steep climbs and, on the Cho La, a glacier crossing that can be icy. It suits fit, experienced trekkers who have been to altitude before and have three weeks to spare.

Do you need a guide or permit?

No guide is legally required and no TIMS card. You need the Sagarmatha National Park permit (at Monjo) and the local municipality fee (at Lukla). See the 2026 rules.

We strongly recommend a guide. The passes are where trekkers get lost or hurt: trails over moraine are hard to follow, the Cho La glacier can need microspikes, and conditions change fast.

Best months, and when it's easiest to find a partner

October–November is the best window. April–May also works, but there can be more snow on the passes early in spring. In winter the passes are often icy or blocked.

Many people do EBC or Gokyo, but far fewer do all three passes. Find a partner before you fly to Lukla. Post your dates and mention "Three Passes" so the right people reply.

Doing the Three Passes with a partner

• Where to meet: Kathmandu, to share the Lukla flight and agree on a plan for weather delays.
• What to share: a guide, a porter, rooms and emergency gear like a satellite messenger.
• Where you can split up: some partners do only part of the loop, for example skipping the Kongma La and rejoining at Lobuche. Never let anyone cross a pass alone.
• Turnaround rules: agree the night before each pass on a start time, a turnaround time and what happens if either of you feels unwell.