The classic Everest Base Camp Trek gets most of the attention, and rightly so. But for trekkers who've already done a Himalayan trek or two and want something that pushes further, TrekNomads also runs the Everest Base Camp Three Passes Trek, a route that adds three high mountain passes and three separate viewpoint summits to the standard EBC journey. This is where the Three Passes Trek really differs.
What Are the Three Passes?
The trek gets its name from three high-altitude crossings: Kongma La (5,535m), Cho La (5,368m), and Renjo La (5,360m). Each one comes after Everest Base Camp itself, not before, so trekkers reach EBC the same way as on the classic route, then continue into terrain most EBC trekkers never see. Kongma La connects Chhukung to Lobuche, Cho La links Dzongla to the Gokyo valley, and Renjo La carries you from Gokyo back toward Namche Bazaar. Along with the passes, the trek also includes climbs to three viewpoints above 5,000m: Chhukung Ri, Kala Patthar, and Gokyo Ri.
How It's Different From the Classic EBC Trek
The core Everest Base Camp Trek and the Three Passes Trek follow the same route as far as base camp and Kala Patthar. After that, they split completely. On the classic route, trekkers return through the same villages after reaching Everest Base Camp. The Three Passes Trek continues through Cho La, the stunning Gokyo Lakes, and Renjo La before rejoining the main trail near Namche Bazaar. That extra loop is what turns a 16-day trek into a 20-day one, and it's also why the trek distance nearly jumps from around 145 km to over 180 km.
A Longer Trail
Both treks share the same difficult grading, but the Three Passes version pushes further into that difficulty. Where the classic trek's highest point is Kala Patthar at 5,545m, the Three Passes Trek touches a similar high point at Chhukung Ri (5,550m), and then asks trekkers to cross three separate passes above 5,300m in the days that follow, each with its own steep ascents, icy sections, and long trekking days. The classic trek is already demanding; this one adds sustained effort at altitude on top of that.
Premium Support, Even Out Here
Despite the added difficulty, the trip is still structured around the same premium standards TrekNomads applies elsewhere. Your stay includes a 4-star hotel in Kathmandu and premium teahouses with attached bathrooms where available, along with three meals, tea or coffee, and 2 litres of water each day. A porter is provided for every two trekkers, and an experienced, licensed guide leads the group throughout. So while the terrain gets harder, the daily logistics don't.
Classic EBC Trek vs Three Passes Trek
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Everest Base Camp Trek (Classic) |
Everest Base Camp Three Passes Trek |
|
|
Duration |
16 days |
20 days |
|
Trek distance |
145+ km |
180+ km |
|
High passes crossed |
None |
Kongma La, Cho La, Renjo La |
|
Viewpoints summited |
Kala Patthar |
Chhukung Ri, Kala Patthar, Gokyo Ri |
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Highest point |
5,545m (Kala Patthar) |
5,550m (Chhukung Ri) |
|
Kathmandu hotel |
4-star |
4-star |
|
Trek accommodation |
Premium teahouses, twin-sharing |
Premium teahouses, twin-sharing |
|
Meals & water |
3 meals/day, 2L water |
3 meals/day, 2L water |
|
Guide & porter |
Included |
Included |
|
Trek gradient |
Moderate ( fitness is mandatory) |
Difficult ( Better suited for experienced ) |
Who This Trek Is Really For
This isn't the trek to pick for a first Himalayan trip. TrekNomads recommends it for trekkers with a strong fitness base and, ideally, prior high-altitude experience, since the itinerary stacks three passes above 5,300m on top of an already demanding route. Acclimatisation days are still built in along the way, but the overall physical and mental load is meaningfully higher than the classic trek.
Final Thoughts
The Three Passes Trek isn't a different version of Everest Base Camp so much as an extension of it. Everything a trekker experiences on the classic route is still here: the flight into Lukla, Sherpa villages, Tengboche Monastery, the walk to base camp itself, but the itinerary keeps going once most trekkers would already be heading home. Kongma La, Cho La, and Renjo La turn what's usually a there-and-back journey into a full loop through some of the most remote and scenic corners of the Khumbu region, making this the version of EBC built for trekkers who want the complete Everest experience rather than the highlight reel.
FAQs: Everest Base Camp Three Passes Trek
1. What is the Everest Base Camp Three Passes Trek?
It is a challenging trek in the Khumbu region that combines Everest Base Camp with three high-altitude passes: Kongma La, Cho La and Renjo La. The route also includes Chhukung Ri, Kala Patthar and Gokyo Ri.
2. What are the three passes on this trek?
The three passes are Kongma La (5,535 m), Cho La (5,368 m) and Renjo La (5,360 m).
3. Does the trek include Everest Base Camp?
Yes. The itinerary takes you from Lobuche to Gorak Shep and then to Everest Base Camp at 5,364 m.
4. Which high-altitude viewpoints are included?
The trek includes Chhukung Ri, Kala Patthar and Gokyo Ri, all above 5,000 metres. Chhukung Ri reaches 5,550 m, Kala Patthar 5,545 m and Gokyo Ri 5,357 m.
5. How difficult is the Everest Base Camp Three Passes Trek?
It is graded tough to difficult. The route involves long trekking days, rough terrain and three passes above 5,300 metres, so a good level of fitness and previous trekking experience are recommended.
6. Is previous trekking experience required?
Previous trekking experience is required for this trek. TrekNomads recommends the trek for people with good fitness, strong determination and an interest in high-altitude adventures.
7. Are acclimatisation days included in the trek?
Yes. The itinerary includes an acclimatisation day at Namche Bazaar and another at Chhukung, including a hike to Chhukung Ri. There is also a rest day in Gokyo with an optional hike to Gokyo Ri.
8. What kind of accommodation is provided?
The trek includes accommodation in premium teahouses during the trekking section. Attached bathrooms are available at most locations, except places such as Lobuche, Gorak Shep, Dzongla, Dragnag and Marlung.
9. Are meals and drinking water included?
Yes. The package includes breakfast, lunch and dinner during the trek, along with three servings of regular tea or coffee each day and 2 litres of mineral or hot water.
10. Are guides and porters provided?
Yes. The trek includes an experienced, English-speaking, government-licensed trek guide and assistant guide. One porter is provided for every two trekkers, with a maximum luggage allowance of 10–12 kg per person.
11. Does the trek include a visit to Gokyo Lakes?
Yes. After crossing Cho La, the route continues towards Gokyo, where trekkers can enjoy the area's scenic lakes and mountain views.
12. Is travel insurance included in the trek package?
Insurance and Personal adventure insurance are not included in the package.
13. Is a medical certificate required for the trek?
Yes. Trekkers need to provide a signed medical certificate from their doctor and sign an indemnity bond before joining the trek.
14. Can I take a helicopter during the trek if needed?
Helicopter services can be facilitated in certain situations, including from Gorak Shep, but the helicopter fare is not included and must be paid directly to the operator.
15. What is the best reason to choose the Three Passes Trek?
The route offers more than the usual Everest Base Camp experience. You get to cross three high mountain passes, visit Gokyo, climb three major viewpoints, and explore different parts of the Khumbu region.
