Three Passes Trek Facts

The Everest Three Passes Trek is the highest and most complete trekking route in the Everest region of Nepal. The trek crosses three major high mountain passes above 5,000 meters: Kongma La Pass (5,535m), Cho La Pass (5,420m), and Renjo La Pass (5,360m), while also including Everest Base Camp, Gokyo Lakes, Kala Patthar, and the Khumbu Glacier.

The total Everest Three Passes Trek distance is around 160 to 180 kilometers depending on the itinerary, and most trekkers complete the route in 17 to 21 days. The trek reaches its highest sleeping point at Gorakshep (5,164m) and its highest walking point at Kongma La Pass, making proper acclimatization one of the most important parts of the journey.

Compared to the standard Everest Base Camp Trek, the Everest Three Passes Trek is more difficult because of longer trekking days, steeper ascents, glacier crossings, changing mountain weather, and repeated high-altitude exposure. However, it also offers far more variety in landscapes, fewer crowds after the main Everest Base Camp trail, and some of the best panoramic mountain views in Nepal.

The route passes through famous Sherpa villages including Namche Bazaar, Dingboche, Thame, Lobuche, and Gokyo. Trekkers experience traditional teahouse culture, suspension bridges, alpine valleys, glaciers, frozen lakes, and close-up views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, Ama Dablam, and many other Himalayan peaks.

The best time for the Everest Three Passes Trek is during spring (March to May) and autumn (late September to November), when weather conditions are more stable and visibility is clearer. Winter trekking is possible but snow and ice on Cho La Pass and Kongma La Pass can make the route significantly harder.

Everest Three Passes Trek guide covers all essential facts including trek difficulty, itinerary planning, altitude sickness prevention, permits, costs, accommodation, food, packing lists, weather conditions, trekking distances, and what trekkers should realistically expect before attempting one of Nepal’s most demanding high-altitude treks.

What Is the Three Passes Trek?

The Three Passes Trek is a loop trek inside Nepal’s Sagarmatha National Park. It is also called the Everest Three High Passes Trek or the Khumbu Circuit. You cross three passes, all above 5,000 meters:

Pass	Height	What It Is Like
Kongma La	5,535 m	The highest. Rocky and icy. Needs care.
Cho La	5,420 m	Has a glacier. The most technical section.
Renjo La	5,360 m	The most beautiful. Great views of the Gokyo Lakes.

The route goes in a circle through the Khumbu Valley. It connects three river valleys: the Imja Khola, the Dudh Koshi, and the Bhote Koshi. Most people also visit Everest Base Camp at 5,364 m, Kala Patthar at 5,545 m, and Gokyo Ri at 5,357 m along the way.

Total walking distance is about 149 km on the standard route. If you add the full Everest Base Camp section, it goes up to about 192 km.

Everest Three Passes Trek Quick Facts

The Three Passes Up Close

Kongma La Pass at 5,535 m

Kongma La is the highest of the three passes. It sits between Chukhung and Lobuche. To get there from Chukhung Ri, you walk through a big boulder field, cross over old glacial rock piles, and climb to a ridge with wide views of Makalu, Lhotse, and the Khumbu Glacier below.

The trail is not always easy to follow. The last part going up is steep and often icy in the early morning. Most people cross this pass after resting in Dingboche and Chukhung first, which is the right approach.

From the top you can see the south face of Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Makalu, the Khumbu Glacier, and the blue Imja Lake far below.

Cho La Pass at 5,420 m

Cho La sits between Dzongla and Dragnag. It is the pass that worries people the most, and for good reason. The east side of the pass drops onto a glacier. Depending on conditions, it can be icy and steep. Microspikes or crampons are a good idea here.

The glacier section is not mountain climbing but it is also not just walking. You may use your hands at some points. If fresh snow or ice has come in overnight, the crossing becomes a real scramble.

From the top you see Cho Oyu at 8,201 m, Gyachung Kang, and the whole Gokyo Valley below you.

Renjo La Pass at 5,360 m

Renjo La connects Lungden to Gokyo. Many people say this is the most beautiful of the three passes when standing at the top. On a clear morning you get a perfect view of Everest with Lhotse and Makalu on each side, and the Gokyo Lakes shining in the valley below. A lot of trekkers say the view from Renjo La is their best moment on the whole trek.

The climb up from Lungden is long and rocky. The walk down toward Gokyo asks for careful steps on loose stones. Compared to Cho La, it is not as difficult.

From the top you see Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, the Ngozumpa Glacier which is Nepal’s biggest glacier, and all five Gokyo Lakes.

Annapurna Circuit vs Manaslu Circuit vs Everest Three Passes Trek – Quick Facts

Three Passes Trek Day by Day Plan

There is no single fixed schedule. The direction you walk the loop and your speed will vary. Most agencies plan 18 to 21 days. Below is a solid 19 day plan:

Day	Route	Top Height	Walk Time
1	Fly Kathmandu to Lukla. Walk to Phakding.	2,610 m	3 to 4 hours
2	Phakding to Namche Bazaar	3,440 m	5 to 6 hours
3	Rest day in Namche Bazaar	3,440 m	Short hike only
4	Namche to Thame	3,800 m	4 to 5 hours
5	Thame to Lungden	4,380 m	5 to 6 hours
6	Lungden over Renjo La to Gokyo	5,360 m	7 to 8 hours
7	Gokyo Ri climb. Rest day in Gokyo.	5,357 m	4 to 5 hours
8	Gokyo over Cho La to Dragnag	5,420 m	7 to 9 hours
9	Dragnag to Dzongla to Lobuche	4,940 m	6 to 7 hours
10	Lobuche to Gorak Shep to Everest Base Camp	5,364 m	7 to 8 hours
11	Kala Patthar then down to Pheriche	5,545 m	7 to 8 hours
12	Pheriche to Dingboche. Rest day.	4,410 m	3 to 4 hours
13	Dingboche up to Chukhung Ri	5,546 m	5 to 6 hours
14	Chukhung over Kongma La to Lobuche	5,535 m	8 to 9 hours
15	Lobuche to Tengboche	3,870 m	6 to 7 hours
16	Tengboche to Namche Bazaar	3,440 m	5 to 6 hours
17	Namche to Lukla	2,840 m	6 to 7 hours
18	Fly Lukla back to Kathmandu	none	Flight day
19	Buffer day or departure	none	none

Day 19 matters. Lukla flights get cancelled often because of weather. Always keep at least one extra day free before any flight home.

How Hard Is This Trek Really?

The Everest Three Pass trek is one of the hardest walking treks in all of Nepal. Here is why:

Height: On three different days you go above 5,300 m. At that height the air has about half the oxygen of what you breathe at sea level. Everything takes more effort. Walking, sleeping, eating, even thinking.

Ground: The passes are rocky and loose. There are boulder fields, steep grass slopes, and one real glacier crossing on Cho La. This is not a smooth path.

Length: Six to eight hours of walking each day for 17 or 18 days in a row. The tiredness builds up over weeks and people often do not plan for that.

Weather: Things change fast above 5,000 m. A clear morning can become a snowstorm in the afternoon. If a pass gets icy after new snow, you may need to wait a whole day.

How It Compares to Other Nepal Treks

Trek	Difficulty Level	Top Height	Days
Poon Hill	Easy	3,210 m	4 to 5
Annapurna Base Camp	Medium	4,130 m	10 to 12
Everest Base Camp	Medium to Hard	5,364 m	14 to 16
Three Passes Trek	Hard	5,545 m	18 to 21
Manaslu Circuit	Hard	5,106 m	14 to 18
Kanchenjunga Circuit	Very Hard	5,143 m	20 to 25

Good fit for: People who have done at least one trek at high altitude before, are in good shape for cardio, can walk 7 or more hours with a bag, and are ready to handle cold and discomfort.

Not a good fit for: First time trekkers with no training, people with heart or lung conditions, anyone with tight travel dates and no spare days built in.

Permits You Need for the Three Passes Trek in 2026

You need two permits. The old TIMS card system no longer applies in the Everest region.

Permit Costs

Permit	Cost for Foreign Visitors	Cost for SAARC Countries	Cost for Nepali Citizens	Where to Get It
Sagarmatha National Park Entry	NPR 3,000 (about USD 23)	NPR 1,500	NPR 100	Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu or at Monjo gate
Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit	NPR 2,000 to 3,000 (about USD 15 to 23)	Same price	Same price	Only in Lukla. Cannot get this one in Kathmandu.

Total permit cost for most foreign visitors is around NPR 5,000 to 6,000, which is roughly USD 38 to 46.

TIMS cards are no longer needed for the Everest region as of October 2018. The Khumbu Pasang Lhamu permit replaced it.

If you start from Jiri or Salleri instead of flying to Lukla, you also need the Gaurishankar Conservation Area Permit which costs NPR 2,000 to 3,000 plus 13 percent tax.

Where to Pick Up Each Permit

The Sagarmatha National Park permit is available at the Nepal Tourism Board office in Kathmandu. Getting it before your flight to Lukla saves time. You can also pick it up at the park gate in Monjo on the trail.

The Khumbu Pasang Lhamu permit is only available in Lukla or Monjo. You will also receive a digital trek card along with it.

Rangers check your permits at several points along the route, including Monjo, Namche, and Tengboche. Keep both paper and digital copies.

How Much Does the Three Passes Trek Cost?

Costs depend a lot on whether you go with an agency or plan things yourself.

Full Cost Table

What You Pay For	Low Budget	Middle Range	More Comfort
Agency package with guide, porter, food, and stay	USD 1,400	USD 1,800	USD 2,500 and above
Permits	USD 38 to 46	USD 38 to 46	USD 38 to 46
Return flight Kathmandu to Lukla	USD 340 to 400	USD 340 to 400	USD 340 to 400
Extra snacks and personal spending	USD 100 to 150	USD 150 to 200	USD 200 to 300
Travel insurance for high altitude	USD 80 to 150	USD 100 to 180	USD 150 to 250
Total estimate	USD 1,600 to 1,800	USD 2,100 to 2,500	USD 3,000 and above

If You Go Without an Agency

Expense	Cost
Teahouse room per night	USD 5 to 10
Three meals per day	USD 20 to 35
A licensed guide per day	USD 30 to 40
A porter per day	USD 25 to 35

There are no ATMs after Namche Bazaar. Carry enough Nepalese Rupees in cash for the whole trek before you leave Namche. All teahouses above Namche only take cash.

Best Time to Do the Three Passes Trek

The season you choose matters a lot. The Cho La pass can be unsafe or completely blocked after heavy snowfall.

Season by Season Guide

Season	Months	Conditions	Should You Go?
Spring	March to May	Warm days, clear skies, flowers blooming, crowded	Best choice
Late spring	Late May to June	Hazy skies, some rain starting	Not ideal
Monsoon	July to August	Heavy rain, wet trails, passes can be dangerous	Do not go
Autumn	September to November	Very clear skies, stable weather, busy season	Best choice
Early winter	December	Cold and quiet, passes may close after snow	Only for experienced people
Winter	January to February	Extremely cold, passes often closed	Do not go

October and November have the best skies in autumn. April and early May bring blooming flowers on the lower trails in spring. Late March and late November are less busy but carry a bit more weather risk.

Altitude Sickness: The Biggest Risk on This Trek

More people turn back from this trek because of altitude sickness than any other reason. Taking your time to adjust to the height is not optional.

Altitude Risk at Each Stop

Location	Height	Risk Level
Phakding	2,610 m	Very low
Namche Bazaar	3,440 m	Low
Dingboche or Pheriche	4,360 to 4,410 m	Medium
Lobuche	4,940 m	High
Gokyo	4,790 m	High
Cho La Pass	5,420 m	Very high
Kongma La Pass	5,535 m	Very high
Kala Patthar	5,545 m	Very high

Rules You Must Follow

1. Do not go up more than 300 to 500 meters per day once you are above 3,500 m
2. Take two full rest days, one in Namche and one in Dingboche or Pheriche
3. On rest days, walk up higher during the day but sleep at a lower point that night
4. Drink 4 to 5 liters of water each day
5. Know the warning signs: headache, feeling sick, dizzy, no appetite, tired, and trouble sleeping
6. Go down right away if you feel confused, cannot breathe at rest, or symptoms keep getting worse
7. Ask your doctor about Diamox before the trip. The common dose is 125 to 250 mg twice a day as prevention
8. Start pass crossings very early in the morning and take your time on the way up

A single helicopter rescue flight from the route can cost USD 2,000 to 5,000 or more. Travel insurance that covers high altitude rescue is a basic requirement, not an option.

What to Pack for the Three Passes Trek

Pack as light as you can. Every extra kilogram is a real problem above 5,000 m. If you hire a porter, they carry your main bag up to 20 kg. But you still carry a smaller daypack with the items you need during the walk.

Clothing by Layer

Layer Type	What to Bring
Base layer	2 sets of moisture pulling thermal tops and bottoms, merino wool or similar material
Middle layer	Fleece jacket or thick wool jumper
Warm layer	Good down jacket, 700 fill power or better
Outer layer	Waterproof and windproof jacket
Trekking pants	2 pairs of quick drying pants
Warm lower layer	Insulated pants or thermals for cold nights and passes
Shoes	Waterproof trekking boots, worn in before the trip
Socks	4 to 5 pairs of merino wool trekking socks
Hands	Thin inner gloves and thicker outer gloves or mittens
Head	Warm hat, sun hat, neck buff or balaclava
Eyes	Glacier sunglasses with UV protection. Very important above 5,000 m.

Nights at Gorak Shep and on the passes can reach 15 to 20 degrees below zero, even in October. Do not buy cheap gear for the main items. Your sleeping bag and down jacket are your safety.

Equipment You Need

Item	Notes
Trekking poles	Help a lot on the way down
Microspikes	Must have for Cho La, useful on Kongma La when icy
Head torch and spare batteries	Pass crossings often start at 4 or 5 in the morning
Sleeping bag	Rated to at least 15 degrees below zero
Small daypack	20 to 30 liters for daily use while porter carries main bag
Main bag	60 liters or bigger for the porter
Water filter or purification tablets	Grayl water bottles work very well
Power bank with big capacity	Charging a device at teahouses costs USD 3 to 5

Medical Items to Pack

• Diamox, after talking with your doctor
• Ibuprofen and paracetamol
• Anti allergy tablets
• Blister care pads
• Anti diarrhoea tablets such as Imodium
• Rehydration salts
• Antiseptic wipes and plasters
• A small pulse oximeter. This shows your blood oxygen level and is very useful at high altitude. A reading below 85 percent needs attention.

The Best Views Along the Route

Gokyo Ri at 5,357 m

Gokyo Ri sits above the village of Gokyo and above the Ngozumpa Glacier, which is the largest glacier in Nepal. From the top you can see four mountains above 8,000 m at the same time: Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu. Many experienced trekkers say the sunrise from Gokyo Ri is even better than the view from Kala Patthar. The walk from Gokyo village to the top takes about 1.5 to 2.5 hours.

Kala Patthar at 5,545 m

This is the classic Everest viewpoint and the highest point on the standard Three Passes route. The walk before dawn from Gorak Shep in the dark and cold, arriving at the top just as the sun hits Everest, is one of the great moments in Himalayan trekking. It is not technical at all. It is just cold, dark, and breathless.

Chukhung Ri at 5,546 m

Not as many people visit this one because it sits off the main circuit. But the close up view of the Lhotse south face from here is outstanding. If you are resting in Dingboche and the weather is clear, do not miss it. The views of Ama Dablam, Makalu, and Nuptse from the ridge are some of the best on the whole trek.

The Gokyo Lakes

Five blue and green glacial lakes sit in the Gokyo valley. The water gets its color from tiny particles of glacial rock suspended in it. The upper two lakes are rarely visited. Even the lower ones are nearly empty outside peak season. They sit between 4,700 and 4,900 m above sea level.

Sleeping and Eating on the Trek

The whole route is served by teahouses. These are small mountain lodges run by local families. They provide a room, food, and sometimes warm water for washing.

Rooms are simple. The mattresses are thin. Your sleeping bag is not optional because the teahouse blankets are not warm enough above 4,500 m.

Food is available all the way to Gorak Shep. The main dish is dal bhat, which is rice with lentil soup. You can also order noodle soup, eggs, pancakes, Tibetan bread, and pasta. The choice gets smaller above Lobuche.

Most teahouses have a main room with a stove. Bedrooms are not heated. This is why your sleeping bag earns its price.

Showers exist in bigger villages like Namche and Dingboche. A real warm shower becomes very rare above 4,500 m.

Electricity and internet exist in lower villages. They become patchy and expensive above Dingboche. Expect to pay USD 2 to 5 per hour for Wi-Fi and USD 3 to 5 to charge your phone.

In October and November, the most popular teahouses in Namche, Dingboche, Gorak Shep, Gokyo, and Lobuche fill up fast. Book ahead or ask your guide to call ahead each day.

Should You Hire a Guide?

A licensed Nepali guide costs USD 30 to 40 per day. For a 19 day trek that is USD 570 to 760. That is real money. Here is what you get for it: someone who knows the route in all weather, watches you for signs of altitude sickness, handles teahouse bookings, speaks Nepali, knows when Cho La is safe to cross, and can get help fast if something goes wrong.

A porter, who carries your main bag, is a separate hire at USD 25 to 35 per day. Some people hire a guide and porter combined into one person to reduce cost.

Hire a guide if you have never been to the Khumbu before, if you are going in shoulder season, or if you are travelling alone.

Wildlife Inside Sagarmatha National Park

The entire trek passes through Sagarmatha National Park. The park was created in 1976 and covers 1,148 square kilometers. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Animals You Might See

Animal	Where	Notes
Himalayan Thar	Rocky slopes above 3,500 m	A mountain goat. Common near Namche.
Musk Deer	Forest sections below 4,000 m	Shy. More active at dawn and dusk.
Snow Leopard	Very rare anywhere on route	Present in the park but almost never seen.
Red Panda	Lower forests	Very rare. It is an endangered species.
Himalayan Griffon	Flying above valleys	A large bird of prey. Seen often on warm days.
Blood Pheasant	Juniper and forest zones	Seen in the lower parts of the route.
Yaks	Along the whole route	Kept by Sherpa families for carrying loads. Not wild.

Below 4,000 m the trail goes through birch, pine, and juniper trees. In April the lower slopes turn red and pink from the rhododendron flowers. Above the tree line the ground becomes bare rock and ice.

Sherpa Culture Along the Way

The Khumbu is Sherpa territory. The Sherpa people came from Tibet around 500 years ago. Their culture and Buddhist faith are woven into everything along this route.

Tengboche Monastery at 3,870 m is the most important monastery in the Khumbu. The prayer hall holds a large statue and the building hosts the Mani Rimdu festival each year in October or November. Respectful visitors are welcome inside.

Khumjung Village sits just above Namche. It is a traditional Sherpa village with a school started by Sir Edmund Hillary’s Himalayan Trust in 1961.

Mani walls and prayer flags are found across the whole route. Always pass a mani wall on the left side, keeping it to your right hand. Walk clockwise around stupas.

Namche Bazaar at 3,440 m is the main trading town of the Khumbu. The Saturday market has run for hundreds of years. Namche has good bakeries, coffee shops, and gear stores. Enjoy it because everything gets simpler above this point.

Take off your shoes when entering a monastery or a home. Ask before taking photos of people or sacred sites. Do not touch offerings or sacred objects. Tip your guide and porter well.

Common Mistakes That End the Trek Early

Going Too Fast

The single biggest and most dangerous mistake. Cutting the trek down to 14 or 15 days raises the risk of altitude sickness a great deal. The 18 to 21 day plan exists for a reason.

Not Listening to Early Warning Signs

A mild headache while walking can feel normal. A strong headache that stops you sleeping at night, combined with feeling sick, is not normal. It is altitude sickness. Trekkers who push on thinking it will go away are the ones who end up needing a rescue flight.

Running Out of Cash

There are no ATMs after Namche Bazaar. Many trekkers end up short of cash in small villages above 4,000 m. Take out extra money in Kathmandu and add more in Namche before moving higher.

Buying Poor Gear for the Main Items

A down jacket that stops working at 5,400 m is a safety problem, not just uncomfortable. A sleeping bag rated for only a few degrees below zero means terrible nights that pile up into total tiredness. Do not save money on your sleep system and insulation layers.

Getting Insurance That Does Not Cover This Height

Many basic travel insurance plans stop covering you above 4,000 or 5,000 m. Read what your policy actually says. You need cover that works above 5,500 m and includes helicopter rescue.

Not Checking the Weather Before Cho La

The Cho La glacier can become really dangerous after new snow falls overnight. Talk to trekkers coming from the other direction. Ask your guide. Be willing to wait a day if the pass is not safe.

Not Wearing Your Boots Before the Trek

Blisters that start on day two become a serious problem by day eight. Walk in your trekking boots for at least four to six weeks before your trip to break them in.

How to Train for This Trek

You do not need to be a professional athlete. But you do need real fitness.

The Minimum Standard

You should be able to walk 6 to 8 hours without stopping, carrying a 6 to 10 kg bag. You should be able to cover 15 to 20 km per day on hilly ground. You should be able to do this for many days in a row.

A 12 Week Training Framework

Phase	Weeks	What to Do
Build base	1 to 4	Walk daily, 5 to 8 km. Do cardio 3 times a week: cycling, swimming, or running.
Add strength	5 to 8	Walk on hills with a loaded bag. Do squats, lunges, and step ups twice a week.
Build up time	9 to 11	Two weekend walks of 15 to 20 km. Increase bag weight to 8 to 10 kg.
Wind down	12	Reduce the amount of exercise. Rest and eat well.

Your legs will be tested the most on the way down from the passes. The drop from Renjo La and Kongma La is long and steep. Work on your quad muscles and your knees in training.

The Lukla Flight: What to Know

Almost everyone flies into Lukla from Kathmandu. The airport is called Tenzing Hillary Airport and sits at 2,840 m. The runway is 527 meters long and sits on a slope with a mountain at the far end.

Flights run on small aircraft with 12 to 20 seats. The flight takes about 30 to 40 minutes. One way costs about USD 170 to 200.

Flights can only take off when the weather is clear. Fog, cloud, or strong wind can ground all flights. Delays are common. Always add at least one or two spare days at each end of your trip. Never book an important flight home for the same day as your Lukla departure.

Going Solo or with a Group?

Factor	Going on Your Own	Joining an Agency
Freedom	High. Walk at your own speed.	Low. Follow the group plan.
Cost	Lower if you skip a guide.	Higher as a package.
Safety	Lower if something goes wrong.	Higher. Guide deals with problems.
Social	Up to you.	Built in.
Planning	All on you.	Agency does it.
Permits	You sort them out.	Agency sorts them.
Best for	People with experience at high altitude.	Most people, especially first timers.

Most trekkers on this route go with a guide, even those who consider themselves experienced. The glacier on Cho La, navigation in bad weather, and altitude risk all make having a good Nepali guide worth the cost.

How to Protect the Environment Here

Sagarmatha National Park gets tens of thousands of visitors each year. The effect is visible. Waste at high camps, worn out trails, and pressure on water and fuel.

What you can do:

Use a reusable water filter bottle and say no to plastic bottles at teahouses. Carry out anything you carry in. Stay on the marked trail to stop the ground from wearing away. Do not give money or sweets to children along the trail. Support teahouses that are locally owned. Keep your distance from wildlife and do not feed animals. Eat teahouse meals rather than bringing packaged food from below.

The permit fees you pay go toward trail care, conservation, and local community work.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I do this trek without a guide? You can. There is no rule saying you must have a guide on this specific route as of 2025. But it is not a good idea for most people. The glacier on Cho La, route finding in bad weather, and altitude emergencies all go much better with an experienced guide.

Is this harder than Everest Base Camp? By a lot. This trek is longer, goes higher, and involves three pass crossings. Everest Base Camp has no pass crossings at all. If you have done EBC, this is the next step up.

How many people do not finish? No official number is kept. Based on reports from guides and trekkers, roughly 15 to 25 percent of people turn back or change their route because of altitude sickness. Good rest days cut this number down greatly.

Do I need mountain climbing experience for the Cho La glacier? No. It is serious trekking, not mountain climbing. Microspikes and trekking poles are enough in normal conditions. In very icy or heavy snow conditions, your guide may use a rope for extra safety.

What about phone signal and internet? Nepali SIM cards from NTC or Ncell work in most big villages. Above Lobuche and in the Gokyo valley the signal drops out often. Wi-Fi at teahouses is slow, unreliable, and charged per use. Download offline maps such as Maps.me or Gaia GPS before you leave Kathmandu.

Wildlife and Nature at a Glance

What	Found Where
Himalayan Thar goat	Rocky slopes, common near Namche
Musk deer	Forests below 4,000 m
Snow leopard	Extremely rare, present but almost never seen
Red panda	Low forest areas, very rare
Himalayan Griffon	Soaring above valleys
Rhododendron forest	Below 4,000 m, beautiful in April
Ngozumpa Glacier	Nepal’s largest, visible from Gokyo Ri
Five Gokyo Lakes	Between 4,700 and 4,900 m

Is the Three Passes Trek Worth Doing?

Yes. Without question, if you are ready for it.

This is not a trek you fall into without thought. It asks for proper preparation, real fitness, and the willingness to deal with cold rooms, hard ground, and long days. The teahouse blankets are thin. The pass crossings start in the dark. Some days will simply be very tough.

But the reward matches the effort. Watching the sun hit Everest’s summit from Renjo La at 6 in the morning. Crossing the Cho La glacier with ice all around you. Standing on Kala Patthar before the rest of the world wakes up.

The Three Passes Trek shows you the Khumbu as it actually is. Big, raw, and not the least bit interested in how hard you have trained. That is the whole point.

Best Everest Three Passes Trek Company in Nepal