Everest Three Passes Trek Difficulty
The Everest Three Passes is one of the most challenging hikes among all the trekking adventures in the Khumbu region. Generally, we walk 4-6 hours on most days. The strenuous section comes while making our way through the snowy trails during the crossing and after descending the high passes, as we trail by the snowy, rocky, steep sections, and not to forget! glacier moraines.
This trek takes you to an elevation of over 3000 meters right from the beginning, with muscle-paining ascents and descents that can be genuinely hard for beginners. One of the most concerning parts is altitude sickness, as this trek reaches an elevation of 5545 meters, at Kala Patthar, there is always the risk of severe effects of altitude. To avoid that, you must acclimate well and ascend gradually while properly hydrating yourself.
The most challenging section is an uphill walk to Kongma La Pass, at an altitude of 5535 meters above sea level, which stands out as the highest among all the high passes, and includes frequent descents. Whereas, the Cho La Pass might be a bit strenuous to some, to pass through as it requires navigation through several glaciers, and slippery icy terrains, especially during winter times and early spring. You will find the cross over to Renjo La (5360 m) easier, which is the last pass that you will navigate through.
If you don't have any prior experience, then you might feel difficulty in breathing, like suffocation of the lungs, if you aren't well prepared enough. We do not want that, do we? So, please do some kind of basic physical training just to boost your stamina. Nonetheless, as the Three Passes Trek doesn't feature any technical climbing or prior mountaineering experience, it can be completed with proper preparations and physical training.
Altitude Sickness
Heading to any expedition in mountain areas in high altitudes brings the risk of AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness), no matter how pro-hiker/trekker we are. Having said that, "Prevention is better than cure." If you do not follow some preventive guidelines, then the effect of altitude sickness is quite expected along the route. If you are feeling some sort of difficulty/uncomfortable breathing, then report the guide immediately, as it is a mild symptom of AMS. As the air gets thinner, you are more likely to feel this kind of effect.
So, how can we feel the symptoms of AMS? Well! Firstly, if you feel any symptoms like dizziness, fatigue, tiredness, nausea (feeling like vomiting), difficulty in breathing, or a severe headache. If such things happen, do not panic! Just take it easy and do a gradual ascent.
Secondly, check your oxygen level with the oximeter given to you at every stopping point. Thirdly, please make sure that you are not overdoing your physical endurance, take patience, and don't rush; if it gets a bit frustrating, take a leisurely day's rest.
So, you might be concerned about what can be done to avoid the high-altitude sickness throughout the 3 passes trek, then here are some of the basic guidelines:
- Walk at your own pace along the guide; do not panic! Please remember that a gradual ascent is the key to succeeding at the summit. Do not overspeed yourself, which can be both mentally and physically tiring.
- Hydrate yourself right from the start of the trip, as it increases your stamina level and avoids dryness in your mouth that could sometimes lead to increased headaches and fatigue, leading to altitude sickness.
- Drink hot ginger soups or dry ginger that are available in every tea house along the route of the Everest region, which boosts energy and increases the warmth of the body.
- Avoid smoking and drinking hard drinks that significantly cause rapid feelings of an increasing heartbeat and lead to dehydration and dryness.
- Inform the guide and lodges beforehand if you are allergic to some foods, like lactose intolerance or vegan, as they might not know your health condition. So, it is always best to remind the guide as well.
- Have hot soupy foods such as Thukpa, noodles, and, if possible, try to avoid cold beverages.
- If you are too allergic to coldness, then please inform us beforehand so we can arrange 1 sleeping bag per person for the trek. Sometimes, it becomes too unbearable in high sections that can cause AMS, so make yourself warm and cosy by carrying warm fur clothes.
Best Time
The ideal seasons to visit the Everest Three High Passes stand out to be Spring and Autumn, as during this span of the peak seasons, the weather generally remains stable with the mild temperature, ranging from 5 to 12 degrees Celsius. While the Spring offers the thriving blooming rhododendrons in the forest area, with clear views of mountains thundering in every stride, and the possibility of encountering Himalayan migrant birds at the same time. Whereas the Autumn season, on the other hand, makes the route surprisingly captivating with the golden, crusty leaves in the green hills, seasonal vegetation, along with the vibrant celebration of the major festivals of Dashain and Tihar, which fall under this time frame.
During these peak times, the weather and temperature usually remain stable, ranging from 5 to 18 degrees Celsius during the daytime, with a lower chance of precipitation (snowfall and rainfall), and might fall below 0 to 5 degrees Celsius in higher sections above 3000 meters, offering mild humidity for hiking and ascending higher. On the other hand, the weather and temperature near Everest Base Camp range from -5 °C to -10 °C at night, which is still bearable and considered suitable, considering the fact that we attain the elevation above 5000 meters, in Spring and Autumn.
Meanwhile, the trip in winter and monsoon brings high snowfall, with rapid fluctuations in temperature, and is expected to fall below - 15 to -22 degrees Celsius near the base camp and high passes, making the route 10x times more strenuous due to the high level of snowfall, at the same time. Due to the heavy precipitation, the route and access to the Everest Base Camp and the 3 passes might get blocked, along with the Lukla Flight being cancelled for several days. The views and the trailhead also get disturbed and hidden due to cloud fogginess, muddiness, and slippery on the forested area, due to the continuous rainfall, with the high possibility of trek disruption in between.
Nonetheless, if your time doesn't fit with the peak trekking season, then this adventurous adventure can surely be achieved in the off-season as well, with gradual ascent, minimum elevation gain per day, suitable gears, and equipment packing list. However, ensure that you have prior experience of high-elevation Himalayan adventure, to tackle the weather challenges and challenging route in winter and monsoon. On the other hand, beginners should opt for lower elevation treks like Everest View Trek or Peaky Peak Trek, if considering the off-season time of the year.
Distance and Length
The total distance that the regular standard EBC and Three Passes Trek covers is approximately 192.5 kilometres (118 miles), reaching the highest elevation of 5545 meters, at Kala Patthar, with a daily distance of 8 to 12 kilometres per day through varied kinds of terrains and trailheads. Reaching the Tenzing-Hillary Airport (2830 m) from Kathmandu (1360 m) in 35 minutes via Lukla Flight, with an elevation gain of 1200 meters, then crosses the first high pass of Renjo La (5360 m), following the route of Thame (3770 m), Lungden (4550 m), Gokyo Lake (4746 m).
Then, persisting with the hike further, with an uphill walk to the second high pass of Cho La - 5420 meters, then rejoins the regular route to EBC, touching the iconic spot of Lobuche at 4910 m, and takes an ascent to the Kalapatthar (5545 meters) via Everest Base Camp (5364 m). Continuing ahead, the trail leads you to Lobuche (4910 m), to Chhukung, and then crosses the final 3 high passes of Kongma La Pass (5535 m). Descending, with a downhill walk to Chhukung (4760 meters), Monjo (2835 m), and Namche Bazaar, with a visit to Tengboche monastery and the world's highest 5-star Everest View Hotel, and then, the trip concludes with a Lukla Flight back to Kathmandu, with an elevation gain and loss of approximately 6800 meters (22450 feet).
Transportation Options
All transportation costs or fees, and all the required arrangements are included in our package, which means when you are booking your expedition with us, all the requirements are managed accordingly. To begin/start the journey, the first and foremost thing is your arrival here, in Nepal. Soon after you arrive, you will be picked up via private vehicle from the airport to the hotel. To reach the trailhead, the trek begins with flying a board from Kathmandu to Lukla, then the expedition begins on foot (walking trail).
Both in and out transportation includes air charter; however, during peak seasons, it might get delayed due to air traffic contingency and bad weather conditions. If you want to enhance the odyssey, overall, then you can also add a helicopter pick up from Gorak Shep or Gokyo to get back to Kathmandu for USD 999, or just reach Luka by heli, adding USD 499. If you are short on time, either way, your overall trip will surely be enhanced
Hiking from Jiri to the Everest Region: Alternative Access to the Starting Point
If you are afraid of flights or worried about the delay of Lukla Flight, and seeking a roadway option, then you can consider starting the adventure with a bus/jeep or private car drive to Jiri, or Salleri, and start from Phakding, giving an extra 1 week, or only 3-4 days. In case you are short on time, you can choose the Phaplu Salleri route, whereas, for a more remote classic trailhead, consider the Jiri trailhead. For the roadway drive, we can provide you with a 4WD Jeep that fits up to 6 passengers. If you are travelling with a group or 2-3 hikers, then it is a great option and tends to be budget-friendly, with shared costs.
Instead of flying, the ground way route gives you peace of mind and assurance of reaching the starting point, or getting back to Kathmandu on time without much of a hassle.
Lukla Flight Information for 2026 Hikers
Please take note that the Lukla Flight, due to the heavy traffic flow and weather disturbance in peak seasons, might get delayed, or cancelled for a few 1-2 days, so set an extra day, leaving 3-4 days of leisure time back home. In the meantime, during March, April, May, October, and November, the flight to Lukla might be diverted to Manthali/Ramechhap due to high air traffic. If that happens, then we will take a 5-6-hour roadway drive in the early morning, approximately at 3 AM, on the planned day, and take a flight to Tenzing-Hillary Lukla Airport.
Alternatively, if you prefer, we can take a helicopter ride directly to Lukla and continue the trek, following the route to Phakding, Namche Bazaar, and then the 3 pass route from Thame to Gokyo Lake. This way, you can save time and also enjoy the breathtaking aerial view over the Himalayan range, in comfort; however, there is an additional cost of USD 450 to USD 550 per head, sharing the heli ride with 5 other passengers.
Travel Insurance
We highly recommend you get travel insurance for this trip, as we are ascending each day at high altitudes with some risk of altitude sickness. By mentioning risk, we don't mean that it is a dangerous hike, but as we know that we will be on the trail of mountainous areas, there is always a high risk of altitude sickness.
However, this 3 Passes Trek itinerary is set with 2 proper acclimatisation days, so there is less chance of major altitude sickness. But, as it is said, "It is better to be prepared than regret."Insurance acts as our safety net to hike more freely without worrying much about medical services. On top of that, Nepal medical emergency evacuation can cost hundreds of dollars, so make sure that your travel insurance includes emergency evacuation and medical services over 4500 meters.
Accommodations
For this expedition, you'll be provided with the best of the best tea houses/lodges available in the Khumbu region. As we know, this route is famous as it serves many other expeditions, so they are built with modern amenities. However, standard rooms don't mean decorated with luxury items, but yes, highly infrastructure rooms made out of wood that seem like a Swiss style with cosy blankets, pillows, comfortable mattresses with an attached bathroom (if possible).
However, please do not expect room-attached toilets/washrooms in some sections of the trek, as some areas have a limited tea house where we don't have too many options to choose from. If you are 2 heads of travellers, then you must share rooms in 2-3 lodges. However, if you are a solo traveller or willing to stay alone, then we can manage a single bedroom.
In Kathmandu, you will be lodged at a 4-star hotel with furnished rooms, or you can also be given options of similar kinds of hotels (if you have anything in mind).
Foods and Drinking Water
Throughout the Three Passes Trek, you’ll get a full-course meal served and cooked by the local people of this region, a variety of Western and local cuisines. There are many food options available on the menu that you can choose from. However, as you reach a higher elevation, the wide range of the menu gets limited.
Morning (Breakfast): In the morning, you are offered a menu to choose from. Starting from local breakfasts like Tibetan bread with curry, Khapse (made out of wheat and sugar), and Puri (oily chapati) with vegetable curry, with many others, to modern breakfasts such as porridge, oatmeal, muesli, toast with eggs and butter jam, etc., are served.
Lunch and Dinner: For both sections of meals, the foods are even more delightful and fulfilling. The diverse sections of the menu consist of Momo, Pizza, Sandwiches, Ramen, Nepali noodles, Thukpa (made out of wheat, flour, and stew), soups (veg and non-veg), Spring rolls, french fries, and everyone’s favourite, the ultimate Dal Bhat (served with rice straight out of farms, tomato pickle, spinach, green vegetables, lentil soup). The amazing part is that this can be refilled as much as you want without any additional cost. It is highly recommended as it is fulfilling yet appetising to indulge in.
Meanwhile, for the drinking facilities, from the cold beverages to the hot ones, you will find every kind. For the cold drinks, the famous options like Diet Cokes, energy drinks, lemon soda, are available, whereas, for the hot beverages, consider drinking tea, coffee, or any kind of protein and nutritious soups, like tomato soup, or ginger garlic soups. For the bottled water, the price is generally on the higher side, costing approximately $ 0.85 to $ 1; however, for cheaper options, you can find tap water supplies or access to hot drinking water in tea houses, which you might get charged on a bottle-to-kettle basis.
Note: While having these foods, don’t forget to dine in the kitchen area, where there is a traditional heater used to warm the lodges. These wide varieties of foods and comfortable lodges make your trip truly easy to complete without any fuss. All these meals are included in our package and are managed hygienically.
Is it a beginner-friendly trip?
If you are a beginner and have no prior experience of a high-altitude expedition, then this Everest High Passes Trek might be a bit challenging for you as it takes you over 4000 meters each day and crosses 5000 meters at the maximum level. Crossing Renjo La, Cho La, and Kongma La Pass for sure demands a strenuous ascent through rugged and steep terrains, which is surely not a beginner-friendly task.
If you have zero experience with even short hikes, then we highly recommend that you not undertake the Everest Three Passes without any preparations. You must be physically prepared and set the itinerary as per your pace, so the hiking duration won't be much of an issue at the peak heights. Besides all of these, packing the right gear is crucial; at the same time, make sure to carry essentials accordingly. Whereas, if you are an experienced hiker, then it is highly suggested to follow preventive guidelines, as altitude sickness might hit anyone despite of experience.
Why Destination Himalaya's Three Passes Trek Package Solves All Your Trekking Worries?
"I am overwhelmed by trek planning hassles" → From your arrival here in Nepal, every required logistics for the trip will be handled by us, right from Kathmandu airport pickup, 4-star hotels (In Kathmandu), and Lukla flights arrangements, permits, acclimatisation, itineraries, with the best comfortable tea houses bookings along the route, and sherpa expert guides, for the summit push, we will comprehensively, assure a hassle free adventure.
"I don't have more than 20 days in Nepal" → No worries, our customised 19-day itinerary completes Everest Base Camp and 3 high passes, within 17 days, whereas two days are set for arrival and departure dates, with two acclimatisation days, ensuring a safe crossing over 5000 m+ passes.
"What if flights to Lukla get delayed or passes close?" → Built-in buffer days, cover the weather delays, whereas, if it gets delayed for a few days more than 2, then, you can consider the helicopter return option from Gorakshep, or any stopping key points to Kathmandu - insurance coverage.
"Will altitude/pace leave me exhausted at 5,500m as a senior citizen or beginner?" → There are many medical posts along the main key stopping points - Namche, Pheriche, Gorakshep, whereas the trekking guide will assist you throughout and look after you and ensure that your body is coping well with rising altitude. Just a few months back, in 2025, 60-year-old Monique Gerfen crossed Kongma La on our pacing system: "3 rest days, perfect rhythm, 5th EBC success", where the guide monitors your health condition and oxygen level via oximeter every other day.
"I want authentic Sherpa culture, not just safe passage" → The guides, insights, a comprehensive, detailed overview into hidden monasteries, of Khumjung, Tengboche and Pangboche, introducing you to the Sherpa community people, ensuring the trip becomes a safe odyssey, along with rich cultural immersion.
"Can I return faster after Three Passes?" → Yes, of course, you can take a helicopter back from Gorak Shep after witnessing Khumbu Icefall, returning to Kathmandu earlier to catch international flights.
What's your excuse now, despite all the chaotic thoughts and questions, this adventure is not such a hassle adventure, as you think, where your logistics will be safely handled, the itineraries will be customised, and throughout the trip, the assistance of an experienced local guide keeps you intrigued.
How to be prepared?
Well! No matter how pro-hiker/climber you are, without any pre-preparation, the trip can be filled with frustration, self-doubt, and questionable decisions. If you have made up your mind to hike on the legendary Khumbu region trails, then it is one hundred per cent necessary to make yourself all prepared and ready, as being in the mountains for a straight 19 days, the Everest Three Passes Trek, far away from home, isn't an easy task. Yes! It's filled with joys and many challenges in the meantime.
With proper preparation, it not only acts as a safety net but also lets you freely walk on the trail without worrying much about future consequences. So the first and foremost thing you must do is build your inner core strength by hitting the gym and some kind of cardio engagement. However, being physically prepared doesn't mean being all bulked up with abs.
We simply mean/suggest just building some stamina. If you don't want to hit up the gym, then just do a 3-4 hour walk on an alternative day, or you can also either do the walk up and down the stairs carrying a hiking bag with some kgs of load on.
While we take notes on being only physically fit, we overlook being mentally prepared for the trip. As already mentioned, this trek isn't walking in an amusement park; we are walking and being accommodated at local tea houses with limited facilities that can be head-pounding and tiring to beginners. On top of that, ascending the snowy sections might also be frustrating, where we just wanna give up, but please note that "Consistency is the Key" and do not panic! Just make a positive mindset with great enthusiasm before the trek, and it surely makes the trek 99% easier than it is.
Guides and Porters
One of the biggest questionable curiosities that arises among hikers before the trek is obviously "What kind of guides are here to accompany us? Are they experienced? Do they charge you extra apart from the costs that you paid for the trek? " Well, to quench your stress, we are here to answer you. Guides play a vital role that can either make or break your trek, so choosing the right guides is one hundred per cent necessary.
Our Destination Himalaya Treks guides are experienced, locally registered, and medically equipped with the experience of serving more than hundreds of adventure lovers like you just within the Everest region. They are familiar with how to tackle unforeseen challenges and also ensure that you are feeling comfortable and safe at the same time. They are not there only to guide you but also to make the trip more enjoyable as they explain every corner of the hot trending spots.
Regarding the porter, we provide a strong sherpa porter who can carry a 22 kg load (1 porter must be shared between 2 hikers). Do not worry about charges! No, they don't charge you additional cost; however, if you like their service, please pay a tip as you wish as a gesture of respect and thanksgiving.
Packing Lists
To consider the high passes odyssey, one of the first and foremost things to consider is the packing gear and equipment checklist, considering all seasonal variations, which plays a vital role in making your trip go smoothly and hassle-free, to tackle any kind of temperature and weather variations. Here are some of the checklists that one should consider for a safe Himalayan adventure:
Clothings
- Moisture Wicked Dry Fit T-shirts (5-6 pairs) for day hike
- Light-weight Hiking Pants (consider dry fit)
- Hiking shorts (comfortable and easy to wear)
- Long Sleeves T-shirt (to wear on sunny days)
- Thermal Inner Wear and Thermal Vests - required for temperatures below 5 degrees Celsius
- Down Jacket or Puffer Jacket (for higher altitudes)
Foot Wear
- Hiking Boots (waterproof and strong grip)
- Flip Flops (to wear in at tea houses)
- Comfortable sports shoes (alternative to hiking boots for lower elevation)
- Hiking socks (wool or synthetic - avoid cotton socks)
Bagpack
- Duffle Bag 20 L to 35 L to stuff in all your clothes (carried by porter)
- Sleeping Bag (-5 to -10 rated)
- Waisted Bag (to fit in the personal items for a day hike)
- 15 to 20 L Dat Bagpack
Personal and Miscellaneous Items
- Travel Documents: Permits, Passport-sized photos, photocopy of travel insurance
- Power Bank with extra batteries for quick charging
- Head Torch and Torch Light
- 1 Pair of Trekking Poles - adjustable ones
- Brimmed Hat or Cap, or Light Scarves
- Gloves (screen touchable) and warm gloves - 1 pair
- Water Bottle - practice sustainability
- First Aid Kit - including oximeter, water purification tablet
- Toiletries Items: Towels (2), Soaps, Shampoos, Toilet Paper, etc.
- Skin care - moisturiser, SPF sunscreen 40 +, lip balm, etc.
Permits Required
To do this hike to the three passes, there are only two permits required, firstly the Sagarmatha National Park permit, and another tends to be the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit, which can be obtained from Kathmandu - Nepal Tourism Board or in the village of Monjo. These permits are checked at many stopping points and also registered at the beginning of your expedition, which tracks your well-being throughout the expedition, boosts the economic growth of locals, and conserves the untamed beauty of this territory.
- Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit cost: NPR 3000 per person
- Sagarmatha National Park permit cost: NPR 2800 per person
After your booking is made with us, all the required permits will be arranged by us, with ease, before you arrive here in Nepal, as it is included in our fee; there is no extra cost.
Travel Tips
- Please make sure to check all the trekking gear and equipment before the trek starts, and if you have forgotten any, we can provide you with some, or you can simply buy them here at Thamel or Namche Bazaar with the help of a guide.
- It is highly suggested to wear hiking shoes beforehand, many times just for practice, if it's new. Also, please avoid wearing/buying too tight if possible, buy 1 size bigger, but not too loose shoes. That would be perfect after we wear thick climbing socks.
- There might be heavy snowfall on some of the sections, so make sure to carry crampons (please do not miss out on this), hiking boots are not enough to navigate the snowy trails
- You can get electric sockets in Namche, Lukla, and Phakding (lower sections), but in most of the sections, the electric sockets are in the dining area, which will cost you approximately USD 3 to 4. So, please carry a power bank to charge the gadgets.
- There are zero ATM services or credit card services after passing Lukla and Namche, so make sure to withdraw money beforehand, as credit cards don't work in remote trails.
- Do not forget to carry dry garlic (which helps warm up the body), granola, and bars of protein (protein bars) for a quick snack time. Someday, we must hike 7 hours straight, which can weaken our bodies. There are tea houses in between, but it costs you triple the exact price in remote areas.
- Carry a small backpack with you that fits all your basic and important items, even though you are hiring a porter. If possible, carry your daily medicines, chargers, water bottle, and phones by yourself.
- This package covers all your meals and accommodation, or you can say all the expenses required for the expedition, except the tips. Our Three Passes Trek cost doesn't include your tips. It's not necessary, but if you are satisfied with their hardworking services, then it would be a great gesture.
- If possible, please carry a trash bag to decompose the waste, as we don't want to spoil Mother Nature, do we? This small initiative can turn out to be a big protection of the pristine nature of the Khumbu region.
Booking Procedure
To secure your trip with us, you just have to pay 10% of the total trip cost, in advance, if you haven't arrived in Nepal, via bank transfer that is provided on our site. However, if you are already here, then you can just pay in cash by visiting our office.
Make sure to go through a detailed procedure while booking your expedition, as being affiliated with TAAN (Trekkers Association Agency of Nepal) and NMA (Nepal Mountaineering Association), your booking is fully secured. After your booking is made, we will send you a notification with a receipt of your name, company's name, and amount paid, ensuring you are tension-free knowing that your booking has been securely made. The remaining amount can be paid, 90% after you arrive here in Nepal, in person.
Please note to send your passport photocopy, 2 passport-sized photos, and travel insurance paper (if you have one), so we can make arrangements accordingly.
