Distance Between the Places During Three Passes Trek
The Three Passes Trek is one of the most thrilling and comprehensive high-altitude adventures in the Everest region. This circuit route offers the ultimate trekking challenge by crossing three of the highest Himalayan passes—Renjo La (5,465 m), Cho La (5,368 m), and Kongma La (5,535 m)—while connecting remote Sherpa villages, alpine lakes, and Everest Base Camp. Unlike the standard Everest trek, the Three Passes Trek route is circular, offering both diversity and panoramic beauty with fewer crowds.
Trekkers are treated to towering peaks, including Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu, along with serene valleys and ancient Buddhist culture. Whether you’re here for the Three Passes Trek elevation, epic scenery, or the sheer challenge, this adventure is a complete Himalayan experience.
How Long Is Three Passes Trek?
The total Three Passes Trek distance is approximately 165 kilometers (102 miles) when you include all side hikes like Everest Base Camp, Kala Patthar, Chhukung Ri, and the 5th Gokyo Lake. Spread over 19 days, it allows for optimal acclimatization, making it more manageable despite the physical demands.
The Three Passes Trek length varies by route variations, but We Ramblers’ classic itinerary balances elevation gain, rest, and adventure without compromising safety.
Elevation and Major Highlights on Three Passes Trek
This trek continuously rises above 5,000 meters and includes several key elevations:
- Renjo La Pass: 5,465 m – Gateway to Gokyo Lakes with views of Everest and Cho Oyu.
- Cho La Pass: 5,368 m – Ice-covered pass linking Gokyo with Lobuche.
- Kongma La Pass: 5,535 m – The highest pass with rugged Himalayan grandeur.
- Kala Patthar: 5,644 m – Best panoramic viewpoint of Everest.
- Gokyo Ri: 5,357 m – Overlooks turquoise Gokyo Lakes and the Ngozumpa Glacier.
The Three Passes Trek height challenges your endurance but rewards with jaw-dropping scenery and cultural richness across the Khumbu.
Daily Distances Hiked During the Three Passes Trek
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400 m)
Your Himalayan journey begins in Kathmandu, the vibrant capital of Nepal. After landing, you’ll be transferred to your hotel in the bustling district of Thamel. This day is for rest and preparation.
Day 2: Fly to Lukla (2,860 m) and Trek to Phakding (2,652 m) – 7.8 km
A short 35-minute scenic flight lands you at Lukla Airport, the gateway to Everest. From here, the trek begins with a gentle descent along the Dudh Koshi River to Phakding, passing mani walls and suspension bridges.
Day 3: Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m) – 10.7 km
Today’s trail follows the river valley, crossing multiple bridges, including the iconic Hillary Suspension Bridge. A steep climb brings you into Namche Bazaar, the main Sherpa town and acclimatization hub.
Day 4: Namche to Khumjung Village (3,790 m) – 2.7 km
A short but steep climb leads to Khumjung, a beautiful Sherpa village tucked under the sacred Khumbila peak. Known for the Khumjung Monastery and the alleged Yeti scalp, it’s ideal for acclimatization.
Day 5: Khumjung to Thame (3,800 m) – 8 km
Heading west away from the main Everest route, you reach Thame, a tranquil and lesser-visited Sherpa village with rich spiritual significance and views of Kwangde and Teng Kangpoche.
Day 6: Thame to Lumde (4,137 m) – 9.5 km
As you ascend into the Bhote Koshi Valley, the landscape turns more alpine. The day ends at Lumde (Lungden), a small settlement offering basic lodging and necessary rest before your first high pass.
Day 7: Lumde to Gokyo via Renjo La Pass (5,465 m) – 11.4 km
This is a tough but spectacular day. After a steep climb to the top of Renjo La Pass, you’re rewarded with panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, and the turquoise Gokyo Lakes. A descent brings you to the shores of Gokyo.
Day 8: Gokyo and Visit the Fifth Gokyo Lake (5,000 m) – 10 km
A side trek takes you to the fifth Gokyo Lake, offering dramatic reflections of the surrounding peaks. The Gokyo Lakes region is sacred to Hindus and Buddhists and an ecological treasure.
Day 9: Hike Gokyo Ri (5,357 m) and Trek to Thangnak (4,750 m) – 7.8 km
Before leaving Gokyo, hike up Gokyo Ri at dawn for panoramic sunrise views. After descending, cross the Ngozumpa Glacier to reach Thangnak, a small outpost before your next pass.
Day 10: Thangnak to Dzongla via Cho La Pass (5,368 m) – 9 km
The trail to Cho La Pass is steep and icy. Crampons may be necessary. The pass itself offers jaw-dropping views. Descend carefully to reach Dzongla, nestled beneath Cholatse peak.
Day 11: Dzongla to Lobuche (4,940 m) – 6.4 km
Today’s walk is shorter and gentler, passing through yak pastures and glacial outwash before connecting with the main Everest Base Camp route at Lobuche.
Day 12: Lobuche to Gorakshep and Visit Everest Base Camp (5,364 m) – 12.5 km
This is a challenging but fulfilling day. After reaching Gorakshep, continue along the Khumbu Glacier to Everest Base Camp. While you won’t see Everest from the base camp, the experience is iconic.
Day 13: Kala Patthar Summit (5,644 m) and Return to Lobuche – 9 km
A pre-dawn climb to Kala Patthar offers the best close-up views of Everest. After soaking in the sunrise, descend to Lobuche for the night.
Day 14: Lobuche to Chhukung via Kongma La Pass (5,535 m) – 10.5 km
This is the most strenuous and remote of the three passes. Crossing Kongma La, you’ll walk through moraines and rugged terrain before descending into the Imja Valley to Chhukung.
Day 15: Chhukung Ri Summit (5,546 m) and Trek to Pangboche (3,985 m) – 16 km
Climb Chhukung Ri for panoramic views of Ama Dablam, Island Peak, and Makalu. Then descend through alpine meadows to the picturesque village of Pangboche, home to the oldest monastery in the Khumbu.
Day 16: Pangboche to Namche Bazaar (3,438 m) – 14 km
Retrace your steps through Tengboche and lush rhododendron forests to Namche Bazaar. The trail offers final glimpses of snow-capped peaks.
Day 17: Namche Bazaar to Lukla (2,860 m) – 18.5 km
A long day of descent via the Dudh Koshi Valley brings you back to Lukla, where you celebrate the completion of the Three Passes Trek.
Day 18: Fly to Kathmandu (1,400 m)
Catch an early morning flight back to Kathmandu. If flying from Ramechhap, expect a 4.5-hour drive from the airport. Enjoy a well-earned rest at your hotel.
Day 19: Departure Day
Your Three Passes Trek concludes with a transfer to the airport. You leave Nepal with awe-inspiring memories of the Himalayas.
Why Choose We Ramblers for the Three Passes Trek
We Ramblers trekking company specializes in high-altitude adventures like the Three Passes Trek, offering unmatched safety, expert logistics, and local support. With a focus on acclimatization, route guidance, and emergency planning, including helicopter evacuation assistance, we are rusted by trekkers worldwide. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned Himalayan traveler, our experience ensures a seamless and enriching journey. Get in touch today for detailed information about the trek.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How many km a day in 3 Pass Trek?
On average, you’ll cover 10–15 km per day, depending on altitude and terrain.
2. How difficult is Three Passes Trek?
It’s very challenging, with three high passes over 5,000m—suitable for experienced and well-acclimatized trekkers.
3. What is the difference between 3 Passes and EBC?
The Three Passes Trek is a longer, tougher loop that includes Everest Base Camp and crosses three high-altitude passes, while the EBC trek is a more direct in-and-out route to base camp.
4. Do you need a guide for 3 Passes Trek?
A guide is highly recommended due to remote terrain and weather risks, though it’s not mandatory for solo trekkers (as of now).
