Everest Three Passes Trek

Yes, it is significantly more demanding. While Cho La is famous for its glacier and Renjo La for its stairs, Kongma La is the highest ($5,535m$) and most remote. We often find that trekkers are exhausted by the time they reach the top because there are zero tea houses or water sources between Lobuche and Chhukung. In our experience, we suggest crossing it only if you are feeling 100% on Day 14; otherwise, we can easily divert you via the lower trail to Dingboche for safety.

As of early 2026, the Khumbu region still allows solo trekking. While other parts of Nepal enforce the "mandatory guide" rule, the local Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality uses its own permit system that currently bypasses the federal TIMS requirement. However, for the Three Passes, we strongly advise against going solo. The trails over the passes (especially the Cho La glacier) can vanish after a light snowfall, making navigation dangerous without local knowledge.
 

Both directions visit the same highlights, but we usually recommend anticlockwise (Lukla–Namche–Thame–Lumde–Gokyo–Renjo La–Dzongla–Cho La–EBC–Kongma La–Chukung–Namche) for better acclimatization. Going anticlockwise, you sleep higher around Thame/Lumde and Gokyo before crossing Renjo La, then tackle the hardest sections (Cho La, Kongma La, EBC side) when your body is more adapted. Views are spectacular either way, but you approach major viewpoints (Gokyo Ri, Renjo La, Kala Patthar, Kongma La) from slightly different angles. We do not choose direction based only on scenery; we prioritize gradual ascent, pass conditions, and how you are feeling day to day. We will adjust the route if weather (snow on passes) or your health makes one direction safer for your specific dates.

For Three Passes, expect on‑trail costs (food and hot drinks) to increase noticeably above Namche, as everything is carried up by porter or plane. In our packages, we cover your standard meals (typically breakfast and dinner, plus lunch if stated), but extra drinks, desserts, or hot showers are paid by you directly in cash. As a rough guideline, many trekkers spend around USD 30–50 per day on meals and drinks above Namche on full‑board arrangements, more if you buy a lot of bottled water, snacks, or hot showers. We always advise you to carry enough Nepali rupees; higher teahouses may not accept cards reliably. If you travel independently, your daily budget may be higher per meal, while companies usually get slightly better lodge rates. We’re transparent about what meals are covered and what extra spending to expect each day.

We recommend you bring well‑broken‑in footwear, your own clothing layers (base layers, mid‑layers, rain shell), and a personal first‑aid kit; in Kathmandu you can safely rent heavy items like −15°C sleeping bags, thick down jackets, and sometimes trekking poles. For Three Passes in cold seasons, we do suggest bringing a sleeping bag liner and your own insulation if possible, as rental bags vary in warmth and cleanliness. We can help you arrange rentals through reliable shops in Thamel or include them in your package; we always check condition and fit before you leave Kathmandu. We do not recommend renting critical items like boots or contact lenses/glasses in Nepal—bring your own proven gear. If you plan to continue traveling after the trek, renting is often more practical than buying and carrying a heavy sleeping bag and jacket.

Yes, Three Passes is often still doable from late November into early December, but expect cold nights (possibly well below freezing above 4,000 m) and higher chance of snow on the passes. We strongly recommend bringing your own sleeping bag (rated −15°C or lower) or using a high‑quality rental rather than relying only on teahouse blankets. Blankets vary in quality and thickness; at higher places like Gokyo, Dzongla, Lobuche, and Chukung, they are often not enough on their own. We check weather and conditions daily and may change the order of passes or skip one if snow accumulates. We also advise insulated pads (foam + inflatable) since ground cold is a real issue in late season. If you are not properly equipped, we may ask you to upgrade your gear before starting the trek.