Kongma La Pass
The highest and wildest of the three Everest passes
Kongma La (5,535 m) is the highest pass on the Everest Three Passes Trek, crossing from Chhukung to Lobuche past frozen lakes, with Makalu and Lhotse behind you and the Khumbu Glacier ahead.
Why Kongma La Pass is known
Highest of the three passes on the Everest Three Passes Trek
High basin of small frozen lakes below the summit
Views of Makalu, Lhotse, Ama Dablam and Baruntse
Crossing of the Khumbu Glacier on the descent
Quiet trail far from the main EBC crowds
About Kongma La Pass
Kongma La (5,535 m / 18,159 ft) is the highest of the three passes on the Everest Three Passes Trek. It links Chhukung in the Imja Valley with Lobuche in the Khumbu Valley, crossing a high, rocky ridge between Pokalde and Kongma Tse. Few trekkers cross it, so the trail is quiet and wild compared with the main Everest Base Camp route.
The climb from Chhukung
Most trekkers leave Chhukung (4,730 m) before dawn. The trail climbs steadily over grassy slopes and then moraine, passing a series of small, often frozen lakes in a high basin. The last section is a steep scramble over rocks to the prayer flags at the top. Allow 4 to 5 hours from Chhukung to the pass.
The view
From the top you look back over the lakes to Makalu, Baruntse, Ama Dablam and the south face of Lhotse. Ahead, the grey rubble of the Khumbu Glacier stretches below Nuptse, Pumori and Lobuche Peak.
The descent to Lobuche
The western side is steep, loose and slow. At the bottom you cross the Khumbu Glacier on a rough, changing trail between ice and rocks; an experienced guide is important here. Lobuche (4,940 m) is about 3 to 4 hours from the pass, so the whole day takes 8 to 9 hours.
Safety tips
There are no teahouses between Chhukung and Lobuche, so carry at least 2 litres of water, snacks, a packed lunch and all your warm layers. Start early, as wind picks up after midday. After fresh snow the pass can be dangerous; your guide may take the longer valley route via Dingboche and Dughla instead.
Highlights
- Stand on the highest pass of the Three Passes Trek
- Walk past frozen lakes in a high mountain basin
- See Makalu, Lhotse and Ama Dablam from the summit
- Cross the Khumbu Glacier to Lobuche
- Enjoy one of the quietest trails in the Everest region
Location
Open in Google MapsFrequently asked questions
How high is Kongma La Pass?
Kongma La is 5,535 m (18,159 ft), the highest of the three passes on the Everest Three Passes Trek.
How difficult is Kongma La?
It is the hardest pass of the three: a long climb from Chhukung, a steep, loose descent and a rough crossing of the Khumbu Glacier, with 8 to 9 hours of walking above 4,700 m. No climbing skills are needed, but good fitness is essential.
Where does Kongma La start and finish?
It runs from Chhukung (4,730 m) in the Imja Valley to Lobuche (4,940 m) in the Khumbu Valley. Some trekkers start from Dingboche, but that makes a very long day.
How long does it take to cross Kongma La?
About 4 to 5 hours from Chhukung to the top and 3 to 4 hours down to Lobuche, so 8 to 9 hours in total.
Are there teahouses on Kongma La?
No. There is nothing between Chhukung and Lobuche, so carry at least 2 litres of water, a packed lunch, snacks and all your warm layers.
Do I need crampons or microspikes for Kongma La?
Usually not in the main seasons, but after fresh snow microspikes help on the icy sections. Trekking poles are strongly recommended for the descent.
Can I skip Kongma La?
Yes. Many trekkers skip it and walk from Dingboche to Lobuche via Dughla instead. Your guide will also choose this route if snow or weather make the pass unsafe.
What can you see from Kongma La?
Looking east: Makalu, Baruntse, Ama Dablam and the south face of Lhotse above the frozen lakes. Looking west: the Khumbu Glacier, Nuptse, Pumori and Lobuche Peak.
