Three Passes Trek Photography Guide: Best Viewpoints & Camera Settings
The Everest region is one of the most photogenic landscapes on Earth, and the Three Passes Trek is considered the ultimate photography route in Nepal. With dramatic glaciers, sky-piercing peaks, turquoise lakes, high-altitude passes, and endless mountain panoramas, it offers breathtaking frames every step of the way.
If you want to capture this trek at its best—through professional-quality images or stunning travel memories—this guide provides complete Three Passes Trek photography tips, including the best viewpoints, recommended camera settings, timing for natural light, and composition techniques suited for high altitude landscapes.
Why the Three Passes Trek Is a Photographer’s Paradise
The trek includes some of the highest and most spectacular viewpoints in the Khumbu region:
- Gokyo Ri (5,357 m)
- Chhukung Ri (5,550 m)
- Renjo La Pass (5,360 m)
- Kongma La Pass (5,535 m)
- Cho La Pass (5,420 m)
- The Ngozumpa Glacier
- Gokyo Lakes
- Ama Dablam viewpoints
- The Khumbu Icefall and Everest massif
Each section offers a different photographic opportunity—from sunrise ridge shots to glacier details, lake reflections, and night sky astrophotography.
In this guide, we break down everything you need to know to elevate your Himalayan photography.
Best Viewpoints on the Three Passes Trek
Gokyo Ri Viewpoint
One of the top highlights for anyone collecting Gokyo Lakes photos. From the summit of Gokyo Ri, you get a sweeping view of Everest, Cho Oyu, Makalu, Lhotse, and the entire turquoise lake system.
Why It’s Photogenic
- Panoramic 360-degree views
- Sunrise creates golden light over Everest
- Best viewpoint for capturing the Ngozumpa Glacier
- Clear reflections on the lakes during early morning hours
Best Time of Day
Sunrise is ideal. Afternoon light is beautiful in autumn but harsh in spring.
Renjo La Pass
Renjo La is often considered the most visually stunning of the three passes.
Why It’s Photogenic
- Iconic view of Gokyo Lakes from above
- Everest appears perfectly framed
- Sharp contrast of icy glaciers and deep blue lakes
Best Time of Day
Early morning for soft light and stable weather.
Cho La Pass
A dramatic glacier crossing and one of the most thrilling Cho La photo spots.
Why It’s Photogenic
- Rugged ice formations
- Mountain silhouettes
- Wind-blown snow and changing weather create atmospheric shots
Best Time of Day
Late morning, once the sun illuminates the glacier.
Kongma La Pass
This is the highest and most remote of the three passes.
Why It’s Photogenic
- Raw, untouched alpine terrain
- Deep valleys and ridges
- The Nuptse wall in the distance
Best Time of Day
Sunrise or early morning before winds pick up.
Chhukung Ri
One of the best viewpoints in the entire Everest region.
Why It’s Photogenic
- Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Island Peak
- Incense smoke from Chhukung village adds texture during cold mornings
- Excellent for sunset shots
Best Time of Day
Sunset, especially in autumn for warm-colored skies.
Best Time of Day for Three Passes Photos
Understanding Himalayan lighting is essential for effective Three Passes Trek photography tips.
Sunrise
Ideal for:
- Gokyo Ri
- Renjo La
- Kongma La
- Chhukung Ri
Benefits:
- Soft golden light
- Dramatic shadows
- Clear skyline
Sunset
Best for:
- Chhukung Ri
- Ama Dablam viewpoints
- Gokyo Lake reflections
Benefits:
- Warm tones
- More forgiving for exposure
- Captures snow peaks glowing in orange and red hues
Midday
Useful for:
- Glacier details
- Ice formations
- Sharp landscapes
But shadows may be harsh, so adjust exposure compensation.
Night Sky (Astrophotography)
The region has minimal light pollution.
Ideal for:
- Milky Way shots over Gokyo
- Long exposure images
- High-contrast star fields
Recommended Camera Settings for High Altitude Photography
Photographing in the Himalayas requires adjustments due to bright snow, reflective ice, atmospheric haze, and strong UV.
Below are essential camera settings for high altitude shooting.
Landscape Photography Settings
Aperture
f/7.1 – f/11
Provides deeper depth of field for mountains, lakes, and valleys.
Shutter Speed
1/125 – 1/500 sec
Fast enough to eliminate handshake at altitude.
ISO
100–400
Use lowest ISO possible for crisp shots.
White Balance
Daylight or Cloudy
Adds warmth to snow and glacier scenes.
Exposure Compensation
+0.3 to +1.0
Snow scenes often trick your camera into underexposing.
Portrait or Human Element Shots
Aperture
f/2.8 – f/4
Creates subject isolation against large mountain backdrops.
Shutter Speed
1/250 or faster for moving subjects.
ISO
200–800 depending on available light.
Glacier and Ice Detail Shots
Aperture
f/8 for maximum texture clarity.
Shutter Speed
1/200–1/500
Polarizing Filter
Reduces glare and deepens blues of lakes and sky.
Astrophotography Settings
Aperture
f/2.8 or lower
Shutter Speed
15–25 seconds (depending on focal length)
ISO
1600–3200
High ISO is necessary but avoid pushing too far to reduce noise.
Manual Focus
Set to infinity; fine-tune using live view zoom.
High Altitude Photography Challenges and How to Handle Them
Extreme Cold
Cold drains battery life rapidly. Carry 2–3 spare batteries and keep them warm inside your jacket.
UV Reflection
Snow and glaciers reflect UV light intensely. Use a lens hood and polarizer.
Harsh Light
Use exposure bracketing when necessary.
Fog and Altitude Haze
Shoot after sunrise when haze begins lifting.
These adjustments form a crucial part of effective Three Passes Trek photography tips.
Composition Techniques for Himalayan Landscapes
Use Foreground Elements
Rocks, prayer flags, yaks, or trekkers create depth.
Shoot Wide, Then shoot Tight
Capture the vast landscape but also take closeups of textures, ice, or local life.
Rule of Thirds
Place peaks or lakes strategically for balanced frames.
Leading Lines
Trails, ridges, and glacial moraines guide the viewer’s eye.
Reflections
Early morning at Gokyo Lakes is ideal for mirror reflections.
What Gear to Carry for the Three Passes Photography Journey
- Mirrorless or DSLR camera
- Wide-angle lens (14–24mm)
- Telephoto lens (70–200mm)
- Polarizing filter
- ND filter for long exposures
- Tripod (lightweight carbon fiber)
- 2–3 batteries
- Memory cards (high capacity)
- Waterproof camera cover
Portable gear works best because high-altitude climbing days can be demanding.
FAQs: Three Passes Trek Photography Tips
1. What are the best Three Passes Trek photography tips for beginners?
Use a wide-angle lens, shoot at sunrise/sunset, apply +0.3 to +1 exposure compensation, and focus on stable compositions. These core Three Passes Trek photography tips ensure better mountain images.
2. Where can I take the best Gokyo Lakes photos?
From Gokyo Ri, Renjo La Pass, and the lakeshore during early morning reflections.
3. What are the best Cho La photo spots?
The glacier crossing, ice walls, and the high ridge viewpoints on the east side of the pass.
4. What is the best time of day for Three Passes photos?
Sunrise for panoramic viewpoints, midday for glaciers, and sunset for warm-toned portraits.
5. What camera settings work best at high altitude?
Aperture between f/7.1–f/11, ISO 100–400, shutter speed 1/125–1/500, and exposure compensation +0.3 to +1 for snow scenes.
Trek the Three Passes with We Ramblers
Capturing the best Himalayan photos starts with being in the right place at the right time — safely and confidently.
We Ramblers offers expertly guided Three Passes and Gokyo treks designed for trekkers and photographers alike.
Our advantages include:
- Experienced local guides familiar with the best viewpoints
- Safe acclimatization schedule for high-altitude shooting
- Small group sizes for flexible photography stops
- Transparent pricing and professional logistics
- Customized sunrise and viewpoint itineraries
Join We Ramblers to explore the Everest region with expert support and exceptional service.
Contact us today to begin your Himalayan photography journey.
