Everest Three High Passes Trek

Kongma La (5,535 m / 18,159 ft) is the first pass in the anti-clockwise direction and the highest of the three. The ascent from Chukung (4,730 m) gains 805 m over approximately 5 km on a rocky glacial moraine trail with several frozen lake sections in October through December. The trail is unmarked above the first steep section; groups require a guide who knows the route. From the col, the views north to Makalu (8,485 m), west to Nuptse (7,864 m), and down to the Khumbu Glacier and Lobuche Plain are some of the most open in the Khumbu. Descent to Lobuche (4,940 m) crosses the terminal moraine of the Khumbu Glacier on a loose rocky trail; the full day (Chukung to Lobuche) takes 8 to 10 hours.

Cho La (5,420 m / 17,782 ft) is the most technically demanding of the three passes. The ascent from Dzongla (4,830 m) starts on a steep rocky trail that transitions to a glaciated section below the col. Crampons are required for this upper section (approximately 300 m of icy slope at 30 to 40 degree gradient); they are essential even in dry seasons as the glacier surface does not melt fully. The descent to Thagnag (4,700 m) is also steep and loose with a fixed rope in place for the initial 50 m. Views from the col include Ama Dablam (6,812 m), Cholatse (6,440 m), Lobuche East (6,090 m), and the upper Gokyo corridor. Total day length: 7 to 9 hours from Dzongla.

Renjo La (5,360 m / 17,552 ft) is the least technical of the three passes but is widely considered the most visually compelling. The ascent from Gokyo (4,790 m) follows a clear trail to a wide col from which the panorama extends from Everest and Lhotse in the east to Cho Oyu (8,188 m) in the north-west, with the three major Gokyo lakes visible below and the Renjo La valley descending to Lungden on the far side. There is no glacier on the standard route and crampons are not required unless the trail is frozen after a snowfall. The descent to Lungden (4,380 m) is long (approximately 1,000 m altitude loss) on a scree and rock trail. Total day length: 8 to 9 hours from Gokyo.

The approach from Kathmandu begins with a 35-minute mountain flight to Lukla (2,860 m), the trailhead village in Solukhumbu district. In high season (April and October), flights are routed via Manthali Airport in Ramechap (133 km from Kathmandu, 4 to 5 hours by private jeep), reducing air traffic congestion at Tribhuvan International Airport; the Manthali to Lukla flight takes 20 to 25 minutes. The trail from Lukla descends to Phakding (2,610 m) along the Dudh Koshi River in 3 to 4 hours. Phakding is a Sherpa village with a well-established guesthouse strip.

Day 4 from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m) is 10 to 12 km and 5 to 7 hours. The trail crosses the Dudh Koshi River and Imja Khola via multiple suspension bridges before a sustained 600 m climb from the confluence at Jorsale to Namche. The Hillary Suspension Bridge (locally called the Hillary Bridge) spans the Imja Khola at approximately 2,800 m; two consecutive high bridges in this section are a common logistical challenge for trekkers with height anxiety. Sagarmatha National Park begins at Monjo (2,835 m); permit checks occur at the park gate just north of the village. A clear sightline to Everest opens from the trail below Namche at approximately 3,200 m. The Day 5 acclimatisation day in Namche includes a hike to Khumjung village (3,790 m) and the Hillary School, established in 1961 with Sir Edmund Hillary's support, or Everest View Hotel ridge (3,880 m) for the highest viewpoint above the Namche bowl.

Tengboche (3,867 m) is a half-day descent from Namche followed by a sustained 600 m climb; the full stage is 9.5 km and 5 to 7 hours. Tengboche Monastery, the largest and most significant Sherpa Buddhist monastery in the Khumbu, sits at the crest of a forested ridge with direct views of Ama Dablam (6,812 m) to the south-east. The monastery was originally built in 1916, destroyed by earthquake in 1934, rebuilt in 1936, and again rebuilt after a fire in 1989. The trek continues to Dingboche (4,410 m) via Debuche and Pangboche; Pangboche (3,985 m) holds another monastery said to contain relics attributed to a yeti. Above Pangboche the vegetation thins to low scrub; the valley widens into the high-altitude Imja Khola grasslands approaching Dingboche.

Everest Base Camp (5,364 m / 17,598 ft) is the seasonal staging camp for commercial and expedition attempts on Everest from the south side. The camp is occupied by expeditions from late February through May (spring season) and September through November (autumn season); outside these windows the site is largely cleared. The trail from Gorak Shep (5,170 m) to EBC follows the lateral moraine of the Khumbu Glacier for approximately 3 km on a rocky, uneven surface. Everest's summit is not visible from EBC itself; the view to the north is blocked by the Khumbu Icefall and the Western Cwm above it. What is visible from EBC: the lower section of the Khumbu Icefall (one of the most heavily crevassed and seraced glacier sections in the Himalaya), Nuptse South Wall (7,864 m), and the Pumori ridge (7,161 m) to the west. The round trip from Gorak Shep to EBC takes 3 to 4 hours.

Kala Patthar (5,545 m / 18,192 ft) is a scree peak immediately north of Gorak Shep, the highest point on the Three High Passes circuit. It provides an unobstructed view of Everest's south-west face: Everest summit, South Col, South-East Ridge, Lhotse (8,516 m) and Nuptse (7,864 m) in direct alignment. The summit gives a substantially closer view of Everest than EBC (approximately 4.5 km line of sight from Kala Patthar to the summit versus 12 km from EBC). The standard approach is a pre-dawn start from Gorak Shep at 4:00 to 5:00 am to reach the summit before sunrise at approximately 5:30 to 6:30 am; at this altitude in pre-dawn temperatures of -15 to -25 degrees Celsius, full layering including down jacket, balaclava, and insulated gloves is required. The ascent from Gorak Shep takes 1.5 to 2 hours on a steep, loose trail. After sunrise the route returns to Gorak Shep for breakfast, then continues west toward Dzongla for the Cho La approach.

Gokyo (4,790 m / 15,715 ft) is a Sherpa settlement at the edge of the Dudh Pokhari lake system, a group of six glacial lakes in the upper Gokyo Valley. The lakes, from the second to the sixth (Dudh Pokhari is the main one at 4,790 m), are considered sacred under Hinduism and Buddhism: no fishing is permitted and the lower two lakes are used for ritual bathing at festivals. The valley sits immediately above the Ngozumpa Glacier, the longest glacier in Nepal at approximately 36 km (22 miles), which descends from the flanks of Cho Oyu (8,188 m). The Ngozumpa Glacier is crossed on the trail between Thagnag (4,700 m) and Gokyo on Day 14; the crossing takes 1 to 2 hours on a marked route over the medial moraine and lateral debris. Ice pinnacles and meltwater pools are present on the glacier surface; the route is well-defined in most conditions but requires care in poor visibility.

Gokyo Ri (5,357 m / 17,575 ft) is a viewpoint above Gokyo village reached by a 2 to 3 hour ascent on a rocky trail from the teahouse cluster. The summit provides a panorama that includes Everest (8,849 m), Lhotse (8,516 m), Makalu (8,485 m), Cho Oyu (8,188 m), and Gyachung Kang (7,952 m) simultaneously, with the Gokyo lake chain visible below and the Ngozumpa Glacier extending to the north. This is one of the few viewpoints in Nepal where four 8,000 m peaks are visible without obstruction from a single summit. The ascent is non-technical on clear dry trail; crampons are not required. The return to Gokyo takes 1 to 1.5 hours. The Day 15 exploration day at Gokyo can also include hiking to the fourth lake (Thonak Tsho, 4,830 m) or the fifth lake (Ngozumba Tsho, 4,985 m) for extended views toward the Cho Oyu base camp region.

Acute mountain sickness (AMS) is caused by rapid ascent to altitude before the body has had time to produce additional red blood cells and increase breathing depth. Above 3,000 m, the risk of AMS increases with each 500 m of daily altitude gain; above 5,000 m, the risk of high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) and high-altitude cerebral edema (HACE) increases significantly. On the Three High Passes circuit, all three pass crossings are between 5,360 m and 5,535 m, and Kala Patthar at 5,545 m is the highest point. Three structured acclimatisation days are built into the itinerary to reduce the risk of these conditions.

Day 5 in Namche (3,440 m): the acclimatisation hike to Khumjung (3,790 m) or the Everest View Hotel ridge (3,880 m) and back applies the 'climb high, sleep low' principle, exposing the body to a higher altitude before returning to the Namche overnight. Day 8 in Dingboche (4,410 m): the Nagarjuna Hill hike (5,083 m / 16,676 ft) applies the same principle at a higher absolute elevation; this 3 to 5 hour round trip prepares the body for the 5,300 to 5,500 m range of the first pass day. Day 15 in Gokyo (4,790 m): the Gokyo Ri ascent to 5,357 m is the third acclimatisation hike, directly preparing for the Renjo La (5,360 m) crossing the following day.

Diamox (acetazolamide) is widely used as a prophylactic against AMS at high altitude. Standard dosage is 125 to 250 mg twice daily, started 24 to 48 hours before reaching altitude and continued through the highest point of the trek. Diamox is available in Kathmandu pharmacies without prescription and in Namche; carry it from Kathmandu. Side effects include increased urination and mild tingling in hands and feet. AMS symptoms to monitor: persistent headache not resolved by rest, nausea or vomiting, severe fatigue, loss of coordination (ataxia), or breathlessness at rest. Descend a minimum of 500 m immediately if any HACE or HAPE symptom is suspected; Swotah guides carry a pulse oximeter and supplemental oxygen at all times above Namche. Emergency helicopter evacuation from any point on the route is available in good weather; ensure your travel insurance explicitly covers evacuation from altitude above 5,000 m.

Two permits are required for the Everest Three High Passes Trek. Both are included in the Swotah trip cost and are arranged before the domestic flight to Lukla. Permit processing requires a valid passport (minimum 6-month validity), a Nepal visa, two to four passport-size photographs, and passport copies. The permits are checked at the Sagarmatha National Park gate at Monjo (Day 4), at checkposts in Lobuche and Gokyo, and at the Lukla exit point.

Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit (SNPEP): NPR 3,000 per person for non-SAARC nationals (approximately USD 22). The permit covers entry to all areas within the national park boundary, which extends from Monjo village (2,835 m) northward to the Everest, Lhotse, and Cho Oyu massifs. Sagarmatha National Park (1,148 km2) was established in 1976 and designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979.

Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit (KPLRM): NPR 2,000 per person. This permit was introduced in 2018 by the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality to fund local infrastructure and conservation in the Khumbu region; for the Everest region it replaced the older TIMS card, which is no longer required here. As of 2023, government regulations require all trekkers in the Everest region to trek with a licensed guide; independent solo trekking in the Sagarmatha region is not permitted by Nepalese law.

Teahouse accommodation on the Everest Three High Passes circuit ranges from the commercially developed corridor from Lukla to Lobuche (where lodges at Namche, Tengboche, and Dingboche have WiFi, hot showers, and private rooms) to the more basic stops at Chukung, Dzongla, Thagnag, Lungden, and Thame (shared bathrooms, limited menus, and no reliable hot water). Gorak Shep (5,170 m) has several lodges; most rooms there are shared, cold, and minimally furnished. Sleeping bags rated to -15 degrees Celsius are required from Lobuche upward. All teahouses on the route provide blankets, but the blankets alone are insufficient for Gorak Shep temperatures (-15 to -25 degrees Celsius overnight in October). A private room cost at Namche is NPR 800 to 2,000 per night; at Lobuche and Gorak Shep, expect NPR 200 to 600 with the understanding that teahouses recoup revenue from mandatory meals at their premises.

Dal bhat is the most calorie-dense, value-for-money meal on the trail (free refills, NPR 600 to 1,200 depending on elevation). The Tengboche bakery is noted for apple pie and coffee. Above 4,500 m, appetite suppression is common; force caloric intake even if not hungry. Avoid undercooked meat above 4,000 m, where refrigeration is inadequate; vegetarian options are the safer choice. Boiled or treated water is essential: tap water and stream water at all altitudes on this route requires treatment. Everest Link WiFi cards are available in Namche, Dingboche, Lobuche, and Gokyo (NPR 1,000 to 2,000 per card); speed is adequate for messaging but not video calls. Ncell mobile signal extends to Namche reliably; at Gorak Shep it is intermittent. Device charging at teahouses above Namche costs NPR 200 to 500 per charge; bring a 20,000 mAh power bank.

The Three High Passes Trek requires a fitness level above that of the standard Everest Base Camp Trek. Pass days involve 9 to 11 hours of continuous walking on technical terrain at 5,000 to 5,500 m, where oxygen availability is approximately 50 percent of sea level. Prior trekking experience at altitude above 4,500 m is strongly recommended; trekkers who have completed the standard EBC Trek are well positioned for the Three Passes circuit. Trekkers without prior high-altitude experience should complete a simpler high-altitude route (Annapurna Circuit, Manaslu Circuit) first.

Crampons are required equipment for Cho La Pass. The technical section on Cho La's Dzongla approach is a 30 to 40 degree icy slope of approximately 300 m vertical; without crampons, progress is extremely slow and the risk of sliding fall is high. Crampons suitable for hiking boots (C1 or micro-spike type) are sufficient; full mountaineering crampons are not required. Crampons are available for rent in Namche (NPR 200 to 400 per day) or purchase in Kathmandu's Thamel district. Trekking poles are essential for all three pass descents, all of which are steep and loose.

Training for the Three Passes circuit should begin 8 to 12 weeks before departure. Recommended programme: 3 to 4 aerobic sessions per week (running, cycling, or stair climbing) at increasing duration, up to 3 hours at moderate intensity by week 8; weighted pack hiking of 4 to 5 hours on consecutive days to simulate multi-day fatigue; single-leg strength work (step-downs, lunges, Bulgarian split squats) for descending stability, which is the primary stress on the knees for all three pass descents. The Khumbu Cough, a persistent dry cough caused by the cold, dry air at altitude, affects most trekkers above 4,500 m; cough drops and lip balm reduce discomfort. A chest infection developing from the Khumbu Cough is a common reason for early descent or trek abandonment; carry antibiotics as directed by a pre-trek travel medicine consultation.