The Three Passes Trek was the most challenging and rewarding adventure we’ve ever taken. It’s not just a hike—it’s a full-circle journey through the Everest region that pushes your limits and shows you views you never imagined. From icy mountain passes to remote Sherpa villages, every day felt like a new world. We carried tired legs and full hearts all the way through.
What Makes the Three Passes Trek Special?
Unlike other treks in the Everest area, this one doesn’t follow a straight path. It forms a loop, linking up three high passes—Kongma La (5,535m), Cho La (5,420m), and Renjo La (5,360m). Each pass has its own personality, its own rhythm. The trek takes about 17 to 20 days, depending on your pace. In total, we covered around 160 kilometers of pure mountain trail.
The best part? We didn’t have to retrace our steps. Every day brought new landscapes, new views, and new reasons to keep moving forward.
Starting from Lukla: Into the Heart of Khumbu
We flew into Lukla, the well-known gateway to the Khumbu region, and began walking towards Namche Bazaar. The early days felt familiar—green hills, prayer flags, swinging bridges, and the steady sound of boots on rock. As we climbed toward Namche (3,440m), the air grew colder and thinner. We took a rest day here, enjoying the lively town and adjusting to the altitude.
Namche was where we began to feel the scale of what we were about to do. Everest loomed in the distance, and the trail ahead looked both inviting and mysterious.
The First Challenge: Kongma La Pass
Kongma La was the first and highest of the three. We left Chhukung early in the morning. The climb was long and steep, scattered with boulders and dusted in frost. At the top—5,535 meters high—the world looked frozen and still. A glacier shimmered below us. We stood in silence, catching our breath and trying to take in the white, wild world around us.
Crossing Kongma La tested our strength. But once we got past it, we felt ready for anything.
Gokyo Lakes and the Second Pass: Cho La
After a few days, we reached the turquoise Gokyo Lakes—truly one of the most stunning places I’ve ever seen. We rested and explored the area, even climbing Gokyo Ri (5,357m) for an epic panorama of Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu.
Next came Cho La, a steep and icy route that leads back toward the Khumbu Valley. The trail was narrow and covered in snow, so we had to be careful. But the climb was worth every step—especially when the peaks of Ama Dablam and Cholatse lit up in the morning light.
The Last Stretch: Renjo La and a Grand Goodbye
Renjo La, the third pass, felt like a final challenge before heading home. Starting from Gokyo, we climbed slowly, legs heavy but spirits high. At 5,360 meters, the top gave us one last glorious view of Everest and the vast valley below. It felt like a farewell from the mountains—a quiet nod to everything we’d gone through.
From there, we descended into the less-traveled Bhote Koshi Valley and made our way back to Lukla through peaceful villages like Thame and Namche.
Final Thoughts
The Three Passes Trek is not just a trail—it’s a test of your will, your strength, and your spirit. It’s for people who want more than just a look at Everest. It’s for those who want to walk around it, breathe it in, and face it from every side.
Yes, it was hard. Yes, it was long. But somewhere between the silent snowfields and the quiet hum of yak bells, we found something rare. A deep, unshakable feeling of awe. If you're ready for an adventure that blends challenge with beauty, this trek is your calling. And trust me, the mountains will answer.
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