Beyond the Base Camp: Trekking Everest’s Renjo La, Chola Pass, and Kongma La at Upright Citizens Brigade

The Everest Base Camp trek is the dream of an adventurer, but three high passes, Renjo La, Chola Pass, and Kongma La, make it tougher. The trip offers the experience of one's life in demanding trekking, landscapes, high-altitude experiences, and a sense of great accomplishment.

We will further discover what makes this trek so special, how it integrates with the visit to Everest Base Camp, the best time to go, the cost and itinerary for a 17-day trek, and why you should choose Nepal High Trek to make your adventure great.

The Three High Passes Adventure: Renjo La, Chola Pass, and Kongma La

The rugged terrain and dramatic vistas are what make the Everest Three High Passes trek famous and top on the agenda for any seasoned trekker. Here are some of the things each pass will bring:

Renjo La Pass (5,360 meters): This pass is well known for its breathtaking panoramic views of the Everest massif and the Gokyo Valley. It is relatively tough and demanding, making the ascent toward Renjo La tough and hard, but at the top, every strain is worth every step for its panoramic view. Many trekkers describe this as one of the most exciting moments with a unique perspective of the Everest region.

Chola Pass (5,420 meters): Known for its difficult icy track and tough ascent, the pass is among the three highest and technically hardest passes. The pass links Gokyo Valley with the Everest region; crossing it provides stunning views of the surrounding peaks and glaciers. Stunning views of all the Himalayan ranges and the surrounding peaks and glaciers make trekking in these areas worthwhile.

Kongma La Pass (5,535 meters): This is the highest of the three and gives a really serious crossing challenge. The pass offers magnificent views while trekking across Khumbu Valley and surrounding peaks. It is more described as the most challenging physical one yet with the best views of landscapes it can offer.

This trek is all about not just crossing high passes but also witnessing the beauty of landscapes on offer right in the heart of the Himalayas.

Can We Include Everest Base Camp in the Three High Passes Trek?

Many travelers wonder if it's possible to include the Everest Base Camp in their itineraries while tackling the three high passes. The answer is: yes. The Everest Three High Passes trek normally includes a visit to the Everest Base Camp Trek as part of the route. Here's how it fits into the itinerary:

The trek usually begins from Lukla, where trekkers are airlifted and start their journey towards Namche Bazaar. After crossing Renjo La, one would make their way back to Everest Base Camp by following the Khumbu Valley. It provides an opportunity to experience the iconic base camp and the surrounding peaks before continuing on to the other passes. This trek is designed so that EBC will be visited between the passes. This translates literally into getting to experience both the high passes and the base camp without backtracking.

Adding the EBC to your trek makes it more adventurous and links you well with the Everest region, thus enhancing the worth of the experiences derived from it.

Greatest Time to Visit Everest Three High Passes Trek: Best Seasons and Weather Conditions

The challenge in planning a trek to Everest Three High Passes is timing your trek so you not only cross the passes but enjoy the trip as well. The best seasons are:

Spring (March to May): This is considered the finest time for trekking in the Everest region. The weather is generally stable, and the sky is clear with very mild temperatures. This season provides good visibility and proper hiking temperatures for exploring high passes around the region.

Autumn (September to November): Autumn is another top season for trekking. The weather remains clear during autumn, with a little chill in the morning and night and fresh, cool breezes during the daytime. Although the temperature is a bit cold in comparison with spring, the overall weather is good. To add, the summer monsoon rains are over, giving you the best scenes of mountains.

Both seasons offer the best conditions for trekking the three high passes, but be prepared for cold and possible weather changes at high altitude.

Three High Passes Trek: A Detailed 17-Day Itinerary and Cost Summary

The traditional Everest Three High Passes trip takes 17 days. Here's an amazingly detailed itinerary with an overview of costs:

●      Day 1-2: Arrival in Lukla and Trek to Phakding

●      Day 3-4: Phakding to Namche Bazaar

●      Day 5: Acclimatization Day in Namche Bazaar

●      Day 6-7: Namche Bazaar–Thame Trek

●      Day 8: Trek from Thame to Gokyo

●      Day 9-10: Gokyo and Hike to Gokyo

●      Day 11: Cross Renjo La Pass and trek down to Lungden.

●      Day 12-13: Trek from Lungden to Dzongla across the Chola Pass

●      Day 14: Dzongla to Lobuche

●      Day 15: Lobuche to Gorak Shep, visit Everest Base Camp, and then back to Gorak Shep

●      Day 16: Trek over Kongma La Pass and descend to Chhukung

●      Day 17: Chhukung-Lukla Trek

Cost Breakdown:

Permit fees: $50 - $100

Guide and Porter Fees: $300 - $500

Accommodation and Food: $600 - $1,000

Miscellaneous (flights, insurance, etc.): $500 - $800

The whole trek cost ranges from $1455 to $2159 per person, depending on services and level of comfort.

Why Choose Nepal High Trek for Your Adventure in Everest High Passes?

Choosing a reliable and experienced local trekking agency can dramatically enhance the whole experience of trekking. Nepal High Trek is one of the best choices for a few reasons:

Local Knowledge: In the Everest region, Nepal High Trek provides local experience to assist you in all ways with essential insights and suggestions. Their professional knowledge in this sector guarantees a safe and well-organized trekking experience.

Tailored Services: They offer personalized services, developed for preferences and needs, with experienced guides and reliable porters.

Safety and Support: Nepal High Trek will ensure your safety by providing all the support, including following an ideal acclimatization schedule and getting emergency readiness.

By choosing Nepal High Trek, you will have chosen a well-managed, enjoyable, and safe trekking adventure that is backed by local knowledge and professionalism.

Conclusion: The Ultimate Everest High Passes Trek Experience

The Three Passes high trek in Everest will give you a more than adventurous trip to experience the raw beauty of the Himalayas. Everest is evidence of the magnificence of the region, with its challenging passes, stunning views, and a chance to visit the base camp of the mountain. This grand trek through the greatest regions of the earth, planned in one of the best seasons with the help of a reliable agency like Nepal High Trek, will give you unforgettable experiences. Nepal High Trek And Expedition Pvt. Ltd. is an authentic local trekking company based in Kathmandu, Nepal, specializing in multi-day tours, treks, climbing and other related activities for solo travelers and private groups. You can contact us at info@nepalhightrek.com or via WhatsApp at +977-9851142116.