Some treks change your legs. Others change your heart. For me, the Everest Three Passes Trek did both. It’s not just a trail it’s a full-on Himalayan experience that makes you feel small, humble, and more alive than ever. If you’ve done shorter treks or even Everest Base Camp, and you are craving something bigger and tougher, the Three Passes Trek is one worth every breathless step.
So, What Is the Everest Three Passes Trek?
The name says it all: three mountain passes—Kongma La (5,535m), Cho La (5,420m), and Renjo La (5,360m). These aren’t just hills. These are giant staircases of rock and ice that test everything from your stamina to your sense of humor. But the reward? Some of the best mountain views in the world—seriously.
This route loops through the Khumbu region, passing through Everest Base Camp, Gokyo Lakes, and tiny Sherpa villages along the way. It's not a straight line, and it doesn’t make things easy. But that’s what makes it special.
The Start: Lukla Airport—Where the Adventure Begins
The flight to Lukla is a heart-pounder. The plane is small, the landing strip is short, and your trek basically starts the moment you step off. From Lukla, you walk through pine forests, cross swinging bridges, and start feeling that thin air as you climb.
Tip: Keep it slow in the beginning. Altitude is no joke here. I saw strong trekkers break down just because they rushed.
The Three Giants: Kongma La, Cho La, and Renjo La
Let’s talk about the passes—the real stars of the show.
Kongma La (5,535m)
This one hit me like a hammer. It’s steep, rocky, and there's no teahouse in sight. I had to carry extra water and snacks. But when I reached the top, I saw a side of the Khumbu Glacier I’d never seen before. It was like looking down at a frozen dragon.
Cho La (5,420m)
It was icy, narrow, and slippery—like walking on butter with hiking boots. But it connects you to the magical Gokyo valley. You pass by a glacier that looks like it’s been ripped from a movie set. Just be careful here. The weather can change fast.
Renjo La (5,360m)
This one felt more peaceful. You climb early, zigzag up, and boom—you’re standing above the Gokyo Lakes, watching them sparkle like blue coins. And guess what? You see Everest from an angle that most people never do.
Gokyo Lakes: A Blue You’ll Never Forget
After Cho La or before Renjo La (depending on your route), you reach Gokyo. These lakes? Unreal. The water is so blue, I stared for 10 minutes before I even took a photo. I also climbed Gokyo Ri early one morning. The view? Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu—all in one shot. Worth every freezing minute.
Everest Base Camp (Because Why Not?)
Most people do EBC as a goal. For us on the Three Passes Trek, it’s a side trip. That’s how wild this trek is. Still, it felt good to stand there and look at the Khumbu Icefall, imagining the climbers who go beyond.
The People, the Tea, the Nights
Sherpa hospitality is something else. The tea houses are simple, but the people are warm. I shared laughs over hot dal bhat and endless cups of ginger tea. Some nights were silent and freezing. Others were full of snoring hikers and loud wind. But every single night felt earned.
Things I Learned the Hard Way
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Acclimatize properly. Extra days aren’t lazy—they’re smart.
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Layer up. You’ll freeze at the passes and sweat lower down.
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Start early. Especially on pass days. Weather shifts fast.
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Don’t skip the side hikes. Gokyo Ri, Chhukung Ri, and Kala Patthar are worth the burn.
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Respect the mountains. Altitude, landslides, snow—these aren’t just stories.
Final Thoughts
The Everest Three Passes Trek isn’t for everyone. It’s long. It’s tough. And it asks a lot from your body. But if you’re craving a trek that gives you more than photos—something real, something wild—it might just be the best walk of your life.
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