Kongma La Pass, Nepal: Complete Travel & Trekking Guide

Kongma La Pass: The Highest and Wildest of Everest's Three Passes

Kongma La Pass (5,535 m / 18,159 ft) is the highest and most remote of the three great passes in Nepal's Everest (Khumbu) region. It links the quiet Imja Valley at Chhukung with Lobuche on the Everest Base Camp trail, crossing a high, rocky saddle decorated with prayer flags and ringed by frozen glacial lakes. From the top, Makalu, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Baruntse and Island Peak rise in a wild panorama that few trekkers ever see.

Most trekkers cross Kongma La as the first and toughest pass on the Everest Three High Passes Trek, followed by Cho La (5,420 m) and Renjo La (5,360 m). It is a long, demanding day with no teahouses between Chhukung and Lobuche, a steep loose descent and a crossing of the Khumbu Glacier. It is also one of the most rewarding days you can spend in the Himalayas.

This guide covers everything you need to know: location, route, difficulty, best season, permits, acclimatisation, packing and expert tips, followed by the 15 questions trekkers ask most.

Kongma La Pass at a Glance

Detail	Information
Altitude	5,535 m (18,159 ft)
Location	Khumbu region, Sagarmatha National Park, Solukhumbu District, Nepal
Connects	Chhukung (~4,730 m), Imja Valley → Lobuche (4,940 m), Khumbu Valley
Crossing time	8–9 hours (up to 10 hours for slower groups)
Distance	About 10 km
Height gain / loss	About 800 m up / 600 m down
Difficulty	Strenuous: the hardest of the Three Passes
Technical skills	None required; microspikes useful in snow or ice
Best seasons	Late September–November and April–May
Facilities on the pass	None: no teahouses, water or shelter between Chhukung and Lobuche
Main views	Makalu, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Baruntse, Island Peak, Khumbu Glacier, Kongma Tsho lake
Permits	Sagarmatha National Park + Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality
Trek that includes it	Everest Three High Passes Trek – 19 Days, from US$ 1,450 per person

Where Is Kongma La Pass?

Kongma La lies in the heart of Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Nepal's Solukhumbu District. The pass sits on the ridge between two of the Khumbu's main valleys: the Imja Valley, home to Dingboche, Chhukung and Island Peak, and the Khumbu Valley, which leads to Lobuche, Gorak Shep and Everest Base Camp. Instead of walking down and around via Dingboche and Thukla, Kongma La takes you straight over the top.

How to Get to Kongma La

There is no road to Kongma La. Every trekker reaches it on foot after a flight to Lukla and about a week of gradual climbing.

1. Fly to Lukla (2,860 m). A 35–40 minute flight from Kathmandu, or about 20 minutes from Ramechhap (Manthali) in peak seasons.
2. Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m) via Phakding, with an acclimatisation day.
3. Continue via Tengboche (3,860 m) to Dingboche (4,340 m) and take a second acclimatisation day with a hike up Nangkartshang Peak (~5,083 m).
4. Walk up the Imja Valley to Chhukung (~4,730 m), the last overnight stop before the pass.
5. Cross Kongma La (5,535 m) and descend over the Khumbu Glacier to Lobuche (4,940 m).

Treks That Include Kongma La

Trek	Duration	Kongma La role	Best for
Everest Three High Passes Trek	19 days	First and highest pass (anticlockwise route)	Fit, experienced trekkers
Everest Base Camp via Kongma La	15–16 days	Optional detour from Chhukung to Lobuche on the way to EBC	Strong trekkers adding a challenge to the Classic Everest Base Camp Trek
Island Peak + Kongma La	17–19 days	Acclimatisation crossing before or after the climb	Trekking-peak climbers

Browse all routes on our Everest Region Treks page, or plan a custom trip that includes Kongma La.

Crossing Kongma La: Chhukung to Lobuche Step by Step

Kongma La day starts in the dark. Most groups leave Chhukung between 4:00 and 5:00 AM with headlamps on, to reach the pass before the afternoon wind and cloud build. Here is how the day typically unfolds on the anticlockwise route.

Stage	Approx. time	Altitude	What to expect
Chhukung → base of the climb	1.5–2 hrs	~4,730 → ~5,000 m	Steady climb up grassy, then rocky slopes above the Imja Valley; views of Island Peak and Ama Dablam
Moraine shelf & frozen lakes	1.5–2 hrs	~5,000 → ~5,300 m	Gentler ground past small glacial lakes, often frozen; Kongma Tsho lies just below the pass
Final climb to Kongma La	1 hr	~5,300 → 5,535 m	Steep rocky scramble on loose scree to the prayer-flagged saddle
On the pass	15–30 mins	5,535 m	Photos, rest and a packed lunch; panorama of Makalu, Lhotse and Baruntse
Descent to the Khumbu Glacier	1.5–2 hrs	5,535 → ~5,000 m	Very steep, loose zig-zag path; the toughest section on the knees
Khumbu Glacier crossing	1–1.5 hrs	~5,000 → 4,940 m	Rubble-covered ice and moraine ridges; follow your guide's line closely
Arrival in Lobuche	—	4,940 m	Teahouse rest, hot drinks and an early night before Everest Base Camp
Total	8–9 hrs	~800 m up, ~600 m down	About 10 km

What You See from Kongma La

The summit of Kongma La is a narrow rocky notch strung with prayer flags, with a turquoise or frozen lake just below. The views are some of the most dramatic in the Khumbu:

• Makalu (8,485 m), the world's fifth-highest peak, rising to the east
• Lhotse (8,516 m) and the long Nuptse–Lhotse wall
• Ama Dablam (6,812 m), Baruntse and the glaciers of the upper Imja Valley
• Island Peak (Imja Tse, 6,189 m), the popular trekking peak near Chhukung
• The Khumbu Glacier snaking below toward Everest Base Camp
• Pumori, Lobuche and Cholatse on the far side of the Khumbu Valley

Everest itself stays hidden behind the Nuptse–Lhotse wall, but you'll see it up close two days later from Kala Patthar.

Clockwise Crossing: Lobuche to Chhukung

On the clockwise Three Passes route, Kongma La is crossed last, from Lobuche to Chhukung. The climb from the Lobuche side is shorter but much steeper, and the Khumbu Glacier crossing comes first. By then you are very well acclimatised, but tired legs make the steep ascent tough. Most trekkers, and Nepal Trip Services, prefer the anticlockwise direction for safer acclimatisation.

How Difficult Is Kongma La Pass?

Kongma La is graded strenuous and is widely considered the hardest of the Everest Three Passes. It needs no ropes or technical skills, but it combines extreme altitude, a long day, steep loose terrain and total remoteness.

What makes Kongma La hard:

• Highest pass: at 5,535 m, it is higher than Everest Base Camp (5,364 m).
• Long day: 8–9 hours of walking, often more with breaks.
• No facilities: no teahouses, shelter or water sources between Chhukung and Lobuche.
• Steep, loose descent: the scree path down the Lobuche side is hard on knees and balance.
• Glacier crossing: an hour or more over the Khumbu Glacier's moving rubble at the end of a tiring day.
• Weather: strong wind, cold and snow can arrive quickly, especially after midday.

Kongma La vs Cho La vs Renjo La

Factor	Kongma La	Cho La	Renjo La
Altitude	5,535 m	5,420 m	5,360 m
Route	Chhukung → Lobuche	Dzongla → Thangnak	Gokyo → Lungden
Crossing time	8–9 hrs	7–8 hrs	7–8 hrs
Main challenge	Length, altitude, steep descent, Khumbu Glacier	Boulder scramble and icy glacier on top	Long stone staircase and long descent
Remoteness	Highest: no teahouses en route	High	Moderate
Best view	Makalu and Imja Valley lakes	Cholatse and Ama Dablam	Everest above the Gokyo Lakes
Difficulty	Hardest	Most technical	Easiest

Who Can Cross Kongma La?

• Fit trekkers comfortable walking 8+ hours with a daypack
• Trekkers with previous high-altitude experience, ideally above 4,500 m
• Determined first-timers who train for 8–12 weeks and follow a well-acclimatised itinerary with a guide
• Not recommended for complete beginners or anyone with heart, lung or knee problems without medical advice

Acclimatisation and Altitude Safety

Altitude sickness, not terrain, is the biggest danger on Kongma La. Never attempt the pass without first sleeping at least two nights above 4,300 m and feeling well.

Day (anticlockwise)	Stop	Sleeping altitude	Purpose
3–4	Namche Bazaar	3,440 m	Rest day + hike to ~3,880 m
6–7	Dingboche	4,340 m	Rest day + Nangkartshang hike to ~5,083 m
8	Chhukung	~4,730 m	Short day; optional walk toward Chhukung Ri
9	Kongma La → Lobuche	5,535 m → 4,940 m	Climb high, sleep lower

Warning signs to watch for: severe headache, vomiting, dizziness, confusion, loss of balance or breathlessness at rest. If any appear at Chhukung, do not cross; descend to Dingboche instead.

Safety tips:

1. Follow an itinerary with rest days in Namche and Dingboche.
2. Walk slowly and steadily; never race to the top.
3. Drink 3 litres of water on pass day.
4. Agree a turnaround time with your guide, and stick to it.
5. Use the alternative route via Dingboche and Thukla to Lobuche if weather or health is poor.
6. Carry travel insurance covering trekking up to 6,000 m and helicopter rescue.

Best Time to Cross Kongma La

The best months for Kongma La are mid-October to November and late April to May. The pass is usually clear of deep snow, the weather is stable and visibility is excellent.

Season	Months	Pass conditions	Day / night temp near the pass	Verdict
Autumn	Late Sep–Nov	Dry, stable, mostly snow-free	0 to 10°C / -10 to -18°C	Best
Spring	Late Mar–May	Old snow early; clear by late April	3 to 12°C / -8 to -15°C	Excellent
Winter	Dec–Feb	Deep snow and ice; often impassable	-8 to 3°C / -20 to -30°C	Not recommended
Monsoon	Jun–Aug	Rain, fog, slippery scree, poor visibility	5 to 12°C / -2 to -8°C	Not recommended

Temperatures are approximate and vary year to year. Wind on the pass makes it feel much colder.

Seasonal tips:

• October has the clearest skies but the busiest lodges at Chhukung and Lobuche; book early.
• November is quieter and still clear, with colder mornings.
• Early spring and late autumn: carry microspikes, as snow and ice linger near the top.
• Any season: start before 5:00 AM; afternoons bring wind and cloud.

Permits and Costs for Kongma La

No special permit is needed for Kongma La itself. The two standard Everest-region permits cover the pass and the whole Three Passes circuit.

Permit	Fee for foreign nationals	Where checked
Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit	NPR 3,000 + 13% VAT	Monjo
Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit	NPR 3,000	Lukla

A TIMS card is not required in the Everest region. Both permits are included in our trek packages.

Everest Three High Passes Trek Price (Including Kongma La)

Group size	Price per person
1 person	US$ 1,600
2 people	US$ 1,500
3–6 people	US$ 1,480
7–10 people	US$ 1,450

The Everest Three High Passes Trek package includes Lukla flights, permits, a licensed guide, porters, teahouses and three meals a day on the trek. Budget around US$ 20–30 per day extra for hot showers, charging, Wi-Fi, snacks and drinks, plus tips.

Accommodation Before and After Kongma La

There are no lodges on the pass itself, so you sleep in Chhukung the night before and in Lobuche the night after.

Stop	Altitude	Teahouse standard	Notes
Dingboche	4,340 m	Good	Bakeries, Wi-Fi and the best rooms in the upper Imja Valley
Chhukung	~4,730 m	Basic	A handful of lodges; small dining halls with yak-dung stoves
Lobuche	4,940 m	Basic	Busy in peak season, as it lies on the main EBC trail

• Rooms are simple twin-sharing with beds and blankets; bedrooms are unheated.
• Toilets are shared and showers are limited or unavailable.
• Charging and Wi-Fi (Everest Link) cost extra and are slow.
• A four-season sleeping bag (rated -15°C to -20°C) is essential; ours can be borrowed with the package.

Kongma La Packing List: Pass-Day Daypack

Your porter carries the main duffel, but on pass day everything you need for 8–9 hours above 5,000 m must be in your own 30–40 L daypack.

Category	Essentials
Warmth	Down jacket (rated -20°C), fleece, thermal base layers, windproof shell jacket and trousers
Head & hands	Warm beanie, buff, liner gloves + insulated mittens, UV400 Category 3–4 glacier sunglasses
Traction & support	Microspikes, trekking poles, broken-in waterproof boots, gaiters (optional)
Food & water	2–3 litres in insulated bottles, packed lunch from Chhukung, energy bars, nuts, chocolate, electrolytes
Safety	Headlamp with spare batteries, personal first-aid kit, blister plasters, altitude medication (on doctor's advice)
Sun protection	SPF 50+ sunscreen and SPF lip balm, as snow glare is intense
Extras	Power bank, camera, toilet paper, small rubbish bag

Expert Tips for Crossing Kongma La

1. Start early: leave Chhukung by 4:30–5:00 AM to reach the top by late morning.
2. Pace yourself: walk at a speed where you can still talk; short, regular breaks are better than long stops.
3. Eat and drink on the move: loss of appetite is common, but you need fuel for the descent and glacier.
4. Keep water from freezing: use insulated bottles and carry them upside down inside your pack.
5. Fit microspikes before the ice: put them on at the first icy patch, not halfway across it.
6. Take the descent slowly: use poles, short steps and your guide's line on the loose scree.
7. Follow your guide on the glacier: the route over the Khumbu Glacier changes every season.
8. Respect the turnaround time: if you're not near the top by early afternoon, turn back.
9. Have a backup plan: the alternative route to Lobuche via Dingboche and Thukla takes a day longer but avoids the pass entirely.
10. Celebrate in Lobuche: you've crossed the highest of the Three Passes; rest well before Everest Base Camp.

Responsible Trekking on Kongma La

Kongma La is one of the most pristine corners of Sagarmatha National Park. Help keep it that way:

• Pack out all rubbish, including wrappers, tissues and batteries.
• Never wash in or pollute the glacial lakes below the pass.
• Leave prayer flags and cairns as you find them; add your own only with your guide's guidance.
• Use refillable bottles and purification tablets instead of plastic.
• Stay on the established trail to protect fragile alpine plants and moraine.
• Hire licensed local guides and properly equipped porters, supporting Sherpa families and fair working conditions.

Top 15 Frequently Asked Questions About Kongma La Pass

1. What is Kongma La Pass?

Kongma La is a high mountain pass in Nepal's Everest (Khumbu) region, connecting Chhukung in the Imja Valley with Lobuche in the Khumbu Valley. At 5,535 m, it is the highest of the Everest Three High Passes, alongside Cho La (5,420 m) and Renjo La (5,360 m). "La" means pass in the Sherpa and Tibetan languages.

2. How high is Kongma La Pass?

Kongma La stands at 5,535 m (18,159 ft). That is about 170 m higher than Everest Base Camp (5,364 m) and only slightly lower than Kala Patthar, making it one of the highest points most trekkers will ever reach on foot.

3. Where is Kongma La located?

The pass lies inside Sagarmatha National Park in Solukhumbu District, northeastern Nepal. It sits on the ridge between the Imja Valley (Dingboche, Chhukung, Island Peak) and the Khumbu Valley (Lobuche, Gorak Shep, Everest Base Camp), directly south of the Nuptse–Lhotse massif.

4. How long does it take to cross Kongma La?

Most trekkers need 8–9 hours from Chhukung to Lobuche, covering about 10 km. Slower groups or those dealing with snow may take up to 10 hours. Plan for a pre-dawn start and arrival in Lobuche by mid-to-late afternoon.

5. Is Kongma La the hardest of the Three Passes?

Yes, in most trekkers' experience. It is the highest and longest of the three, has no teahouses en route, ends with a steep, loose descent and a Khumbu Glacier crossing. Cho La is more technical because of its icy glacier on top, while Renjo La is generally the easiest.

6. Do I need climbing experience or technical gear for Kongma La?

No technical climbing skills, ropes or harnesses are needed. However, you should be comfortable on steep, rocky and loose ground. Microspikes and trekking poles are strongly recommended, especially after fresh snow or early in the season when ice lingers near the top.

7. Can beginners cross Kongma La?

Kongma La is not ideal for complete beginners. Previous high-altitude trekking experience, such as the Classic Everest Base Camp Trek or Gokyo Lakes Trek, is strongly recommended. Very fit, well-prepared first-timers can manage it with 8–12 weeks of training, a properly acclimatised itinerary and an experienced guide.

8. What is the best time to cross Kongma La?

The best months are mid-October to November and late April to May, when the pass is usually snow-free and the weather is stable. Winter brings deep snow that often closes the pass, while the monsoon (June–August) brings rain, fog and slippery scree.

9. Should I cross Kongma La clockwise or anticlockwise?

Anticlockwise (Chhukung to Lobuche) is recommended for most trekkers. You reach the pass after rest days in Namche and Dingboche, and the climb from the Chhukung side is more gradual. Clockwise (Lobuche to Chhukung) means a steeper ascent on tired legs at the end of the circuit.

10. Are there teahouses or water sources on Kongma La?

No. There are no teahouses, shelters or reliable water sources between Chhukung and Lobuche. Carry 2–3 litres of water in insulated bottles, a packed lunch from your Chhukung lodge and plenty of energy snacks.

11. What are the views like from Kongma La?

From the prayer-flagged saddle, you see Makalu (8,485 m), Lhotse (8,516 m), Ama Dablam, Baruntse and Island Peak, with frozen glacial lakes just below. On the descent, the Khumbu Glacier stretches toward Everest Base Camp, with Pumori, Lobuche and Cholatse beyond. Everest itself is hidden behind the Nuptse–Lhotse wall from the pass.

12. Can I skip Kongma La if conditions are bad?

Yes. If weather, snow or health make the crossing unsafe, your guide can take you from Chhukung back down to Dingboche and on to Lobuche via Thukla. This alternative adds about a day but rejoins the same route, so you can still continue to Everest Base Camp, Cho La and Gokyo.

13. How do I prevent altitude sickness on Kongma La?

Follow a gradual itinerary with acclimatisation days in Namche Bazaar and Dingboche, sleep in Chhukung before the crossing, walk slowly, drink 3–4 litres of water daily and avoid alcohol. Tell your guide about any headache, nausea or dizziness right away. Never cross with worsening symptoms; descending is the best treatment.

14. Do I need a guide for Kongma La?

A licensed guide is strongly recommended and is now standard for trekking in Nepal. Kongma La is remote, the trail can be faint under snow and the Khumbu Glacier route changes every season. An experienced guide handles navigation, pacing, turnaround decisions and emergency support.

15. How do I book a trek over Kongma La?

Kongma La is included in our Everest Three High Passes Trek, a 19-day circuit from US$ 1,450 per person. You can also add Kongma La to an Everest Base Camp itinerary. Contact Nepal Trip Services by WhatsApp, phone or email, or use our trip planner to design a custom route.

Plan Your Kongma La Adventure with Nepal Trip Services

Kongma La is the ultimate test of the Everest Three Passes: the highest, the wildest and, for many trekkers, the most satisfying crossing in the Khumbu. Standing among the prayer flags at 5,535 m, with Makalu on the horizon and frozen lakes at your feet, you'll understand why so many trekkers call it the day of their lives.

Success on Kongma La comes down to three things: the right season, careful acclimatisation and an experienced team beside you. With 16 years in the Himalayas, Nepal Trip Services takes care of every detail so you can focus on the mountains:

• Licensed, experienced guides who know the pass, the glacier route and changing conditions
• Well-paced itineraries with rest days in Namche and Dingboche before the pass
• Daily health checks with a pulse oximeter and a full first-aid kit
• All logistics handled: Lukla flights, Ramechhap transfers, permits, porters and teahouses
• Down jacket, sleeping bag and duffel bag on loan
• Flexible plans, including the safe alternative route around Kongma La when needed

Ready to cross Kongma La? Explore the full itinerary, inclusions and group prices on our Everest Three High Passes Trek – 19 Days page. For other routes, see all our Everest Region Treks, or plan a custom trip built around your dates and experience. Spring and autumn departures fill quickly, so we recommend booking 2–3 months ahead.

• WhatsApp / Viber: +977 982-8696557
• Phone: +977-9813593530
• Email: info@nepaltripservices.com
• Office: Thamel, Kathmandu, Nepal
• Response time: usually within 0–2 hours

Altitudes, timings, permit fees and prices are approximate and current as of October 2026. Trail conditions on Kongma La change with weather and season; your guide will make the final call on the day.