Everest Three High Pass Trek: A Journey Through the Roof of the World

I can still feel the crunch of snow under my boots and the wind cutting across my face as we stood on top of Renjo La Pass, gazing at a horizon dominated by some of the tallest mountains on Earth. The Everest Three High Pass trek had always seemed like a distant dream—a path for the bold and the brave. But here we were, having crossed three major Himalayan passes and experienced the wild heart of Nepal.

This trek is more than just a trail—it’s an expedition through the soul of the mountains. It tests your strength, resilience, and love for high places. If you're looking for more than the usual Everest Base Camp trek and want to truly immerse yourself in the Khumbu region, this is it.

What Is the Everest Three High Pass Trek?

The Everest Three High Pass trek is a demanding and adventurous route in the Everest region of Nepal. It includes crossing three major mountain passes all over 5,000 meters:

Kongma La (5,535m / 18,159ft)

Cho La (5,420m / 17,782ft)

Renjo La (5,360m / 17,585ft)

These passes connect the major valleys of the Khumbu region, giving you access to Everest Base Camp, the turquoise Gokyo Lakes, and panoramic viewpoints like Kala Patthar.

The trek is roughly 160 kilometers (100 miles) long and takes 18 to 21 days to complete, depending on your route and pace. It’s physically tough but also one of the most rewarding adventures you can take in the Himalayas.

Our Route and Experience

We began our journey with a flight into Lukla (2,860m)—a thrilling landing on a short mountain runway. From there, we followed the well-trodden path to Namche Bazaar, where the real adventure began. Namche is a lively Sherpa town and the perfect place to acclimatize before heading to higher ground.

First Pass: Kongma La (5,535m)

Our first major challenge was Kongma La, the highest of the three passes. To get there, we trekked through Tengboche, Dingboche, and Chhukhung. These stops helped us adjust to the altitude and enjoy views of Ama Dablam, one of the most striking peaks in the region.

Crossing Kongma La was intense. The trail was steep, with boulder fields and snow patches slowing our progress. But the moment we reached the top, it all felt worth it. The views of Makalu, Lhotse, and Island Peak were breathtaking.

We descended into Lobuche, a gateway to Everest Base Camp (5,364m). The next day, we made our way to the base of the world’s highest mountain. Standing there, surrounded by ice and silence, I felt incredibly small and incredibly lucky.

Kala Patthar (5,545m)

Before tackling our second pass, we climbed Kala Patthar, the best viewpoint for Mount Everest. The sunrise over the Himalayas from here was unforgettable. The cold bit hard, but the golden light on Everest made everything else fade away.

Second Pass: Cho La (5,420m)

Our next challenge was Cho La Pass, which links the Everest trail to the Gokyo Valley. This was the most technical part of the trek, with a steep, icy trail that required careful footing. We started early to avoid melting snow and changing weather.

After a tough climb, we crossed the glacier and descended into Dragnag, finally reaching Gokyo (4,790m)—a peaceful village by the shimmering Gokyo Lakes. The view of the lakes against a backdrop of snow-covered peaks was like something out of a dream.

Gokyo Ri (5,360m)

While in Gokyo, we hiked up Gokyo Ri for yet another stunning panorama. From here, we could see Cho Oyu, Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu—four of the world’s six highest peaks—all in one sweeping view.

Third Pass: Renjo La (5,360m)

The final pass, Renjo La, was my personal favorite. The trail was less crowded, and the views were incredibly wide and clear. The climb was steady, and the sense of accomplishment when we reached the top was overwhelming. Below us, the Gokyo Lakes sparkled in the sun, and ahead, a ribbon of mountain peaks stretched into Tibet.

After the pass, we descended to Lungden and followed a quieter route back to Namche, reflecting on everything we had seen and done.

Why the Everest Three High Pass Trek Stands Out

Unlike the regular Everest Base Camp trek, this circuit offers variety, solitude, and full immersion. You get to see three major valleys, explore both famous and lesser-known trails, and enjoy cultural richness along the way.

What sets it apart:

Altitude: All three passes are above 5,000 meters

Terrain: Mix of forest, glacier, moraine, ridge, and alpine zones

Timeframe: Requires 3 weeks, ideal for long-form trekking lovers

Diversity: Buddhist monasteries, yak herders, and hidden valleys

One word that sums up the experience for me is “elemental.” You feel the wind, sun, snow, and earth in every step. You’re not just walking—you’re part of the landscape.

Tips for Future Trekkers

Train ahead: Cardiovascular fitness and leg strength help.

Pack smart: Lightweight gear, good layers, and warm gloves are key.

Acclimatize properly: Don’t rush. Altitude sickness is real.

Start early: Especially on pass days to avoid wind and clouds.

Hydrate: Drink at least 3-4 liters of water a day.

Final Thoughts

The Everest Three High Pass trek pushed me beyond anything I had done before. There were tough days, cold nights, and moments when I questioned my limits. But there were also moments of joy, wonder, and deep peace that I’ll never forget.

This trek is for those who seek more than just a walk in the mountains. It’s for those who want to feel the power of the Himalayas, not just see it. If you're ready to embrace the wild, to climb and cross and endure—this trek will reward you in ways no words can fully describe.

We didn’t just complete a trek. We lived an adventure.