How fit do I need to be for the Three Passes Trek?

This is a strenuous trek. You should have previous trekking experience and a high level of cardiovascular fitness. We recommend training at least 3-4 months in advance with hiking, stair climbing, and strength training.

In which direction is it best to cross the passes?

While it can be done in either direction, Lynx Adventure Tour typically operates the trek in a counter-clockwise direction (Kongma La first). This allows for a more gradual acclimatization process before hitting the highest points.

What happens if I cannot cross a pass due to weather?

Safety is our priority. If a pass is blocked by heavy snow or if a trekker is unwell, our guides are experts at rerouting the group via lower trails to ensure everyone reaches safety or continues the trek comfortably.

Is there a risk of altitude sickness?

Because we spend many days above 5,000m, the risk is real. Our itinerary includes multiple acclimatization days in Namche Bazaar and Gokyo to give your body the time it needs to adapt.

When is the best time to go?

The "Golden Windows" are Spring (March to May) for blooming rhododendrons and clearer passes, and Autumn (September to November) for the sharpest mountain views and stable weather.

Three Passes Trek

The Three Passes Trek is one of Nepal’s most exhilarating and challenging trekking routes, combining the highlights of the Annapurna Circuit, Tilicho Lake, and high Himalayan passes. Organized by Lynx Adventure Tour, this trek is ideal for experienced trekkers seeking adventure, spectacular mountain scenery, and high-altitude challenges.

The trek crosses three major passes : Thorong La (5,416m), Kongma La (5,535m), and Chulu Pass (5,420m)making it a true expedition in the Annapurna region. Along the way, trekkers experience traditional villages, glacial landscapes, high alpine meadows, and panoramic Himalayan peaks.

Duration: 20 days (customizable based on your schedule and preferences)
Difficulty: Strenuous (designed for experienced trekkers with good fitness and high-altitude experience)
Maximum Altitude: 5,555m (Kala Patthar)
Best Seasons: Spring (March–May) for clear skies and blooming landscapes; Autumn (September–November) for stable weather and vibrant views
Starting Price: Contact us for a personalized quote tailored to group size, preferences, and inclusions

Estimated reading time: 9 minutes

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Overview

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Overview

The Everest Three Passes Trek is widely considered the most challenging and rewarding teahouse trek in Nepal. It connects the four main valleys of the Khumbu Bhotekoshi, Gokyo, Everest, and Imja via three high-altitude passes: Kongma La (5,535m), Cho La (5,420m), and Renjo La (5,360m).

This route is designed for seasoned trekkers who want to bypass the crowded main trails and witness 360-degree views of four of the world’s six highest peaks: Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu.

Quick Trip Facts

Duration: 20 Days (Including acclimatization)
Maximum Altitude: 5,545m (Kala Patthar) / 5,535m (Kongma La Pass)
Trek Grade: Strenuous / Challenging
Start/End Point: Lukla
Key Highlights: Everest Base Camp, Gokyo Ri, the Ngozumpa Glacier (Himalayas’ largest), and the high-altitude Sherpa culture of Thame and Khumjung.
Accommodation: Mountain Teahouses

Highlights

Trek to the world-famous Everest Base Camp
Enjoy the amazing view of the Himalayas from Kala Patthar
Travel through the Sherpa villages of Namche, Khumjung, Khunde, and Dingboche
Visit Tengboche the biggest and oldest monastery n the region.

Day 1 :

Arrival & Preparation in Kathmandu

Altitude: 1,400m
Description: Your journey begins in the vibrant capital. Meet your trekking team, finalize permits, and do a final gear check in the bustling streets of Thamel.

Day 2 :

Kathmandu to Lukla & Trek to Phakding

Altitude: 2,860m (Lukla) to 2,610m (Phakding)
Distractions: Experience the "heart-in-your-throat" flight to Lukla, one of the world's most scenic mountain airstrips. The trek begins with a gentle descent, passing Mani stones and prayer wheels while following the Dudh Koshi River.

Day 3 :

Phakding to Namche Bazaar

Altitude: 3,440m
Distractions: Enter the Sagarmatha National Park at Monjo. After crossing the high Hillary Suspension Bridge, tackle the famous "Namche Hill" to reach the horseshoe-shaped Sherpa capital.

Day 4 :

Acclimatization Day: Everest View & Museum

Spend a rest day acclimatizing in Namche. Hike to the Everest View Hotel (3,880m) for stunning views of Everest, Ama Dablam, and Thamserku. Explore the local market or visit the Sagarmatha National Park Visitor Center to learn about the region’s biodiversity.

Activities: 3-4 hour acclimatization hike, cultural exploration
Overnight: Namche Bazaar (3,440m)
Tip: Stay hydrated and monitor for altitude symptoms.

Day 5 :

Namche Bazaar to Pangboche

Altitude: 3,930m
Distractions: The trail winds around the mountainside with spectacular views. You’ll bypass the busier Tengboche and head straight to Pangboche, home to the oldest monastery in the Khumbu region.

Day 6 :

Day Hike to Ama Dablam Base Camp

Altitude: 4,600m (Base Camp)
Distractions: A spectacular side-trip to the foot of the "Mother’s Necklace" Ama Dablam. This is a quiet, powerful place away from the main trails where you stand directly under soaring granite walls.

Day 7 :

Pangboche to Dingboche

Altitude: 4,410m
Distractions: Enter the high alpine zone where trees disappear, replaced by low shrubs and soaring ice walls. Dingboche is protected by ancient stone walls designed to shelter crops from high-altitude winds.

Day 08 :

Dingboche to Chhukung

Altitude: 4,730m
Distractions: A short day to prepare for the first pass. Chhukung is nestled in a glacial valley surrounded by massive glaciers and the towering south face of Lhotse.

Day 09 :

Chhukung to Lobuche via Kongma La Pass

Altitude: 5,535m (Pass) to 4,940m

Distractions:The First Pass. Kongma La is the highest and toughest of the three. It is a rugged, wild climb over rocky moraines with a surreal view of the Khumbu Glacier from the top.

Day 10 :

Rest Day in Lobuche

Altitude: 4,940m
Distractions: After the intensity of Kongma La, this is a vital day for recovery. Hydrate, eat well, and prepare for the Base Camp push tomorrow.

Day 11 :

Lobuche to Gorak Shep & Everest Base Camp

Altitude: 5,164m (Gorak Shep) to 5,364m (EBC)
Distractions: Trek alongside the Khumbu Glacier to Gorak Shep. Continue to Everest Base Camp to stand at the edge of the Khumbu Icefall, the pinnacle of the Everest experience.

Day 12 :

Kala Patthar Sunrise & Trek to Dzongla

Altitude: 5,545m (Kala Patthar) to 4,830m
Distractions: A pre-dawn climb to Kala Patthar for the ultimate Everest sunrise. Afterward, trek toward Dzongla, a quiet spot at the foot of Cholatse, to prepare for the next pass.

Day 13 :

Dzongla to Thagnak via Cho La Pass

Altitude: 5,420m (Pass) to 4,700m
Distractions: The Second Pass. Cho La involves a scramble and a walk across a flat glacier. It’s an icy, thrilling adventure that leads you into the beautiful Gokyo Valley.

Day 14 :

Thagnak to Gokyo

Altitude: 4,790m
Distractions: Cross the massive Ngozumpa Glacier, the longest in the Himalayas. On the other side, the stunning emerald-blue third lake of Gokyo awaits.

Day 15 :

Rest Day or Hike to Gokyo Ri

Altitude: 5,357m (Gokyo Ri)
Distractions: A day for exploration. Hike to Gokyo Ri for a panorama that includes four 8,000m peaks: Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu.

Day 16 :

Gokyo to Lungden via Renjo La Pass

Altitude: 5,360m (Pass) to 4,370m
Distractions: The Third Pass. Renjo La offers arguably the best view of Everest because you can see the mountain and the Gokyo Lakes together. Descend into the remote Bhote Koshi Valley.

Day 17 :

Lungden to Thame

Altitude: 3,820m
Distractions: Descend through ancient trade routes used by Tibetan salt traders for centuries. Thame is a historic village and the home of many legendary Sherpa mountaineers.

Day 18 :

Thame to Monjo

Altitude: 2,835m
Distractions: The air feels thicker and warmer as you drop below the tree line. Bypass Namche and settle into Monjo, exiting the National Park.

Day 19 :

Monjo to Lukla

Altitude: 2,860m
Distractions: Your final day on the trail. Retrace your steps back to Lukla and enjoy a "Victory Dinner" to celebrate your incredible 3-pass achievement.

Day 20 :

Fly back to Kathmandu

Distractions: An early morning flight back to the capital. After 20 days in the wild, a hot shower and the comforts of the city will feel like pure luxury.