The Everest 3 high passes trek is a well known but still challenging trek in the Nepal Himalayas that involves crossing three high mountain passes in Everest trail. Namely Kongma La (5,535m/18,159ft), Cho La (5,420m/17,782ft), and Renjo La (5,340m/17,520ft) pass, respectively.
This Everest three high passes trek offers versatile view of the world’s highest mountain, Mount Everest (8,848m/29,029ft). This high pass trekking trip gives chance to experience the unique culture of the Sherpa people in everest region.
The trek typically takes 18-21 days, starting and ending at Lukla, and passes through the Solu-Khumbu region, including the villages of Lukla, Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Pheriche, Lobuche, Gokyo, Thame, Thamo, Lungden and Dingboche.
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Which pass is the hardest among 3 high passes?
The hardest of the three passes is considered the Cho-La pass (5420m), which runs from Lobuche Kharka to Thangnak. This is second pass of the 3 high passes trek comes after descend from EBC to Lobuche.
We see Pokalde Peak (5245m), Lobuche Peak, Nirekha Peak, and many other snow peaks during the hike from lobcuhe to Dzonglha (4830m). Druing the chola pass day, from the top of chola pass – we can see Mt Makalu, fifth highest mountain in earth.
After challenging climb & breathtaking views of these mountains around Everest, we continue on to Gokyo, passing long walk on the Nagzumba glacier right after Thangnak village. Towards the end of the glacial trek we start ascending to Gokyo and the view of Gokyo Ri (5420m) starts opening in front f our eyes.
Gokyo Ri is regarded as the best spot in the entire Himalayas in the Everest region. After Gokyo Ri climb the trail to Renjo-La pass (5360 m) is by the lake before climbing steep to the top or renjo la pass.
Everest 3 high passes trek is recommended for experienced trekkers with decent physical fitness, as the high passes involve steep ascents and descents, and the high altitude can be challenging.
Everest 3 high passes trek altitude
Trekking across high-altitude terrain, the Everest 3 high passes trek reaches a maximum altitude of 5,535 meters (18,159 feet) at Kongma La Pass. From 2,800 meters (9,186 feet) in Lukla to 4,400 meters (14,436 feet) in Namche Bazaar, the trek’s average elevation varies. As they cross the three high passes, trekkers will experience a variety of heights, including severe ascents and descents.
It’s vital to remember that trekking at high altitudes can be difficult, and hikers should be mindful of the dangers of getting altitude sickness. Altitude sickness signs and symptoms can include headache, nausea, exhaustion, and shortness of breath.
It is advised to adequately acclimate, drink lots of fluids, and refrain from overexertion during this long trek to reduce the risk of altitude sickness. If you experience symptoms of altitude sickness, it’s important to descend to a lower altitude immediately.
Best Time for Everest 3 high passes trek
All of Nepal’s months are suitable for the Everest three high passes trek. For a less strenuous walk, it is preferable to hike the Everest 3 High Pass in the autumn and spring.
Autumn (September, October, November) – Fall
For trekkers visiting Nepal in the autumn , it is a happy time of year. For the most part, the Everest three high passes trek is suited for the weather throughout the months of September, October, and November.
In Nepal, the fall is one of the busiest trekking seasons. This time of year is ideal for trekking since the temperature is just right—neither too hot nor too chilly. You may participate in a number of the important festivals that fall throughout the autumn in Nepal if you hike the Everest 3 high passes trek in the autumn season.
Spring (March, April, May)
One of the greatest seasons of the year is spring, when gorgeous flowers blossom and fresh leaves begin to emerge. The entire area turns green, providing you with fresh air and pleasing to the eyes. During Everest 3 high passes trek, you will be passing along the rhododendron flower forest. There are more than 15 types of rhododendrons in Everest region.
Nepal’s natural beauty increases throughout the springtime. Also springtime will have best weather to see the mountains more clearly. The Everest Region & entire trekking trails of Nepal has a favorable climate and temperature, in spring.
In late May, you could anticipate a little light precipitation. But don’t worry, the vista you get to explore the these mornings are beautiful. The moving clouds on top of snowy mountains is stunning.
Everest three high passes trek difficulty
The Everest three high passes trek is a challenging trek because it requires climbing 3 high passes in one trek – namely, Renjo La Pass, Cho La Pass, and Kongma La Pass. These passes goes along the region of Everest base camp’s difficult and physically taxing sections.
As you ascend to a higher altitude, the amount of oxygen becomes increasingly scarce. Therefore, you can have Acute Mountain Sickness. And thus, walking in this altitude will not be as easy as in normal terrain.
Outline itinerary for Everest three pass trek
- Day 1 – Arrival at Kathmandu airport (1380m).
- Day 2 – Kathmandu city tour; full day
- Day 3 – Fly from Kathmandu airport to Lukla (Tenzing Hillary Airport) (2810m), followed by a short and easy trek to Phakding (2610m). – 25 minutes flight to lukla – 3 hours walk to Phakding
- Day 4 – Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3440m). – 8-9 hours of trekking
- Day 5 – Acclimatization day at Namche and visit surrounding village Khunde, Khumjung Everest view hotel and back to Namche
- Day 6 – Trek from Namche to Tengboche (3790m) – 6-7 hours of trekking
- Day 7 – Trek from Tengboche to Dingboche (4350m); 6 hours
- Day 8 – Trek to Chuukung (4760m) – 4 to 5 hours of trekking
- Day 9 – Cross one of the pass today, Kongmala pass (5535m) step towards Lobuche (4925m). – 8 to 9 hours of trekking
- Day 10 – Trek to Ghorekshep (5180m) and walk up to Everest Base camp (5364m) and get back to Gorekshep. – 9 to 10 hours
- Day 11 – Early morning hike up to Kalapather for sunrise then trek to Dzonglha (4830m).
- Day 12 – Today cross the second pass, Chola pass (5420m) then trek down to Thagnag (4695m). – 8 to 10 hours of trekking
- Day 13 – Trek to Gokyo (4800m) and visit fifth lake in Gokyo and back to Gokyo or take half day rest in-front of Third Lake (Gokyo village by the side of third lake). – 7 to 8 hours of trek in total
- Day 14 – Today we cross the third pass, Renjo la pass down to Lungden (4350m) – 8 to 9 hours of trekking
- Day 15 – Trek to Hidden Thame village (3840m) visit Thame monastery. – 4 to 5 hours of trekking in total
- Day 16 – Trek back to Namche bazaar. – 5 to 6 hours of trekking
- Day 17 – Trek downhill from Namche to Lukla. – 9 to 10 hours of trekking
- Day 18 – Fly back to Kathmandu and transfer to Hotel. Usually flight from Namche is in early morning. – 25 minutes of flight
- Day 19 – Drive to TIA airport for your final departure.