SnapTrip
ExtremeKhumbu, Nepal
Three Passes Trek Trek
The ultimate Khumbu challenge — crossing three high passes above 5300m while combining Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lakes into one epic circuit. For experienced trekkers only.
Quick Answer
The Three Passes Trek trek takes 18–22 days, reaches a maximum altitude of 5,545m, and costs $1800–$3000 total (permits included). It is rated extreme and best done in spring or fall.
Duration
18–22
days
Max Altitude
5,545m
18,192 ft
Total Cost
$1800–$3000
USD per person
Best Seasons
spring
fall
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🔥 Popular this season
Trek Highlights
- Kongma La (5535m), Cho La (5420m), Renjo La (5345m)
- EBC + Gokyo Lakes combined
- Ngozumpa Glacier crossing
- Gokyo Ri & Kala Patthar summits
- The ultimate Khumbu circuit
Permits & Documents Required
TIMS Card
$20Trekkers' Information Management System card
Nepal Tourism Board, KathmanduProcessing: Same day
Sagarmatha National Park Permit
$30Entry permit for Sagarmatha National Park
Monjo entry gateProcessing: On the spot
Tip: Get your TIMS card and permits from the Nepal Tourism Board office in Kathmandu or Pokhara before starting your trek. Bring passport-sized photos and a copy of your passport.
Complete Equipment Checklist
🧥Clothing(13 items)
- Moisture-wicking base layers
- Fleece mid-layer jacket
- Waterproof shell jacket
- Trekking trousers (zip-off)
- Thermal underwear
- Warm hat & sun hat
- Gloves (liner + insulated)
- Wool/synthetic hiking socks (4+ pairs)
- Gaiters
- Expedition down jacket (-30C)
- Balaclava / neck gaiter
- Double insulated mountaineering boots
- Snow pants
🎒Gear(10 items)
- 60–70L trekking backpack
- Sleeping bag (-10C rated)
- Trekking poles (collapsible)
- Headlamp + spare batteries
- Water bottles (2× 1L)
- Waterproof stuff sacks
- Crampons / microspikes
- Ice axe (if snow season)
- UV-protection glacier glasses (Cat 4)
- 4-season tent (if camping sections)
🩺Essentials(11 items)
- Passport + permit photocopies
- First aid kit
- Diamox (altitude sickness prevention)
- Sunscreen SPF50+ & lip balm
- Water purification tablets
- Snacks (energy bars, trail mix)
- Cash in NPR (ATMs unreliable on trail)
- Oxygen saturation monitor (pulse oximeter)
- Emergency whistle
- Satellite communicator (InReach)
- Detailed topographic map
📷Optional(8 items)
- Kindle / book
- Playing cards
- Binoculars
- Journal & pen
- Portable charger (10000mAh+)
- Camera with extra batteries
- Solar panel charger
- Trekking umbrella
📖 In-depth guide available
Read our complete day-by-day Three Passes Trek guide with permit costs, teahouse tips, and altitude acclimatization advice.
Required Permits
- •Sagarmatha NP Permit ($30)
- •TIMS Card ($20)
Requirements
FitnessExcellent fitness required
Difficultyextreme
Acclimatization4 days
Max altitude5,545m (18,192 ft)
🤔
Not sure if this is the right trek?
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