Full Guide of Everest Three Passes Trek – Three Passes Trek Guide 2023-2024
The Everest Three Passes Trek is a challenging trekking route in the Everest region of Nepal. The Three Passes Trek involves crossing three high mountain passes - Renjo La Pass (5,360m), Cho La Pass (5,420m), and Kongma La Pass (5,535m), each of which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding Nepal Himalayan peaks.
The trek begins with a flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, from where you start your trek to Namche Bazaar, the gateway to the Everest region. From Namche, the trail leads to the first pass, Renjo La Pass, which offers panoramic views of the Gokyo Lakes and the surrounding mountains.
After crossing Renjo La Pass, the trail leads to the second pass, Cho La Pass, which involves crossing a glacier and can be quite technical. The pass offers stunning views of Ama Dablam, Cholatse, and other peaks.
From Cho La Pass, the trail leads to Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar, where you can enjoy close-up views of Mount Everest and other Himalayan peaks. The pass, Kongma La Pass, offers spectacular views of the Khumbu Glacier and the surrounding peaks.
The Everest Three Passes Trek is a challenging and rewarding trek that requires good physical fitness and prior trekking experience. The best time to undertake this trek is in the autumn (September to November) and spring (March to May) seasons.
How hard Everest Three Passes Trek?
The Everest Three Passes Trek is considered to be a challenging and strenuous trekking package in Everest, suitable for experienced hikers who are physically fit and have previous high altitude trekking experience. The trek involves crossing three high mountain passes, including the Cho La Pass, Kongma La Pass, and Renjo La Pass, each of which is above 5,000 meters in altitude.
The trek takes around 19 to 23 days to complete and involves long, steep ascents and descents, as well as walking over glaciers and moraines. Altitude sickness is also a risk, as the trek reaches an altitude of up to 5,545 meters.
It is essential to take proper acclimatization days, stay hydrated, and follow a proper diet and sleep schedule during the trek. Hiring an experienced guide and porter is highly recommended to ensure a safe and successful trekking experience. Overall, the Everest Three Passes Trek is a challenging but rewarding adventure for experienced trekkers who are up for the physical and mental challenge.
How long does Everest Three Passes Trek take?
The Everest Three Passes Trek takes around 19 to 21 days to complete. During this time, you will trek through the three passes of Kongma La (5,535m), Cho La (5,420m), and Renjo La (5,360m), as well as visit the Everest Base Camp, Kalapatthar, Gokyo Lakes, and other scenic locations in the region.
The Everest Three Passes Trek is a challenging and adventurous trek that takes you through three high mountain passes in the Everest region of Nepal. The total duration of the trek depends on several factors such as your fitness level, the pace you choose to trek at, the number of rest days you take, and the weather conditions.
It's essential to note that this trek is physically demanding and requires a good level of fitness and acclimatization. Therefore, it's important to plan ahead, acclimatize properly, and take necessary rest days to avoid altitude sickness and enjoy the trek to the fullest.
What is the Three Passes Trek
The Three Passes Trek is a popular and challenging trekking route in the Everest region of Nepal. As the name suggests, the trek involves crossing three high mountain passes - Renjo La Pass (5,340m), Cho La Pass (5,420m) and Kongma La Pass (5,535m) - while exploring the picturesque landscapes and cultural highlights of the Khumbu region.
The trek begins in Lukla and takes you through several Sherpa villages such as Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche, and Gorak Shep, before reaching the base camp of Mount Everest. Along the way, you will get to experience stunning mountain views, including Mount Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, and others. You will also have the opportunity to visit Buddhist monasteries, learn about the Sherpa culture, and witness the traditional way of life in the Himalayas.
The Three Passes Trek is a challenging trek that requires a high level of physical fitness and experience in high altitude trekking. It typically takes around 19-21 days to complete the trek, depending on the itinerary and weather conditions. It is recommended to undertake the trek with a licensed guide or through a trekking agency for safety and logistical support.
When to do Three Passes Trek
The Three Passes Trek in the Everest region of Nepal is typically done between the months of March to May and September to November, which are the peak trekking seasons. During these months, the weather is usually dry and stable, and the views of the mountains are clear.
March to May is the spring season, and the trek offers the opportunity to see rhododendron forests in full bloom, while September to November is the autumn season, when the skies are usually clear, and the landscapes are adorned with autumn colors.
However, it is important to note that weather conditions in the mountains can be unpredictable, and there can be occasional snowfalls or heavy rainfall, even during the peak trekking seasons. Therefore, it is always recommended to check the weather forecast before starting the trek and to have appropriate gear and equipment for the prevailing conditions.
Additionally, it is advisable to avoid the monsoon season from June to August as the trails can be slippery, leech-infested and visibility can be limited due to clouds and rainfall. Similarly, December to February is the winter season when the trails can be covered in snow and can be extremely cold and challenging, with shorter daylight hours.
Three Passes Trek vs Everest Base Camp Trek
The Three Passes Trek and the Everest Base Camp Trek are two of the most popular trekking routes in the Everest region of Nepal. Here are some differences between the two:
1. Difficulty: The Three Passes Trek is considered to be more challenging and requires a higher level of fitness and experience. It involves crossing three high passes over 5,000 meters, which can be strenuous and demanding. The Everest Base Camp Trek, on the other hand, is less challenging and is suitable for most fitness levels.
2. Scenery: Both treks offer stunning views of the Himalayas, but the Three Passes Trek is known for its more remote and less crowded trails that provide a greater sense of wilderness. The Everest Base Camp Trek, on the other hand, is more popular and has more developed infrastructure, making it easier to access and navigate.
3. Length: The Three Passes Trek is longer than the Everest Base Camp Trek, taking around 20-22 days to complete. The Everest Base Camp Trek typically takes around 12-14 days to complete.
4. Altitude: Both treks involve altitude gains, but the Three Passes Trek reaches higher elevations, with the highest pass reaching over 5,500 meters. Proper acclimatization is essential for both treks, but it's particularly crucial for the Three Passes Trek due to the higher elevations.
5. Cost: The cost of the trek depends on several factors, such as the season, the number of days, and the services you opt for. However, in general, the Three Passes Trek is likely to be more expensive than the Everest Base Camp Trek due to its length and the need for more specialized equipment and guides.
Overall, both treks offer incredible experiences and breathtaking views of the Himalayas. However, the Three Passes Trek is more challenging and requires a higher level of fitness and experience, while the Everest Base Camp Trek is more accessible and suitable for most fitness levels.
Three Passes Trek vs Annapurna Circuit Trek
The Three Passes Trek and the Annapurna Circuit Trek are two of the most popular and challenging treks in Nepal. Both offer stunning views of the Himalayas and provide an opportunity to experience the local culture and lifestyle. However, there are some key differences between the two treks that may influence your decision on which one to choose.
Difficulty:
The Three Passes trek is considered to be more challenging than the Annapurna Circuit trek. It involves crossing three high passes (Kongma La Pass, Cho La Pass, and Renjo La Pass), all of which are above 5,000 meters. The Annapurna Circuit Trek is also a challenging trek, but it does not involve crossing any high passes.
Duration:
The Three Passes trek is longer than the Annapurna Circuit trek, taking around 19-21 days to complete. The Annapurna Circuit trek takes around 14-16 days to complete.
Scenery:
Both treks offer breathtaking views of the Himalayas, but the Annapurna Circuit Trek is known for its diverse scenery, including lush forests, waterfalls, and terraced fields. The Three Passes Trek, on the other hand, is known for its high mountain passes, glacial lakes, and stunning views of Mount Everest.
Crowds:
The Annapurna Circuit Trek is a popular trekking route, and as such, it can be quite crowded during peak trekking season. The Three Passes Trek, on the other hand, is a more remote and less-traveled route, so it tends to be less crowded.
In summary, if you are looking for a challenging trek with stunning mountain scenery and are willing to take on the high passes, then the Three Passes trek might be the right choice for you. If you prefer a more diverse range of scenery, want to experience the local culture and lifestyle, and are looking for a slightly less challenging trek, then the Annapurna Circuit Trek may be a better fit.
Everest Three Passes Trek Cost
The cost of the Everest Three Passes Trek can vary depending on a number of factors such as the season, length of the trek, level of service, and group size. However, here are some approximate costs to give you an idea:
1. Permit Fees:
• Sagarmatha National Park Permit: NPR 3,000 (approximately USD 25)
• Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit: NPR 2,000 (approximately USD 17)
2. Guide and Porter Costs:
• Guide: USD 35-45 per day
• Porter: USD 25-35 per day (can carry 18 kg)
3. Accommodation:
• Teahouse/Lodge: USD 10-20 per night
4. Food and Drinks:
• Meals: USD 35-45 per day
• Water: USD 1-3 per liter (depending on altitude)
5. Miscellaneous Costs:
• Flight to/from Lukla: USD 350-400 each way
• Travel Insurance: USD 100-150 for the duration of the trek
• Equipment Rental: USD 10-20 per day (if needed)
In total, you can expect to pay anywhere from USD 2000 to USD 3,000 for the entire trek. Again, this can vary depending on the factors mentioned above, so it's always best to check with a local trekking company in Nepal for more accurate pricing.
Everest Three Passes Trek Itinerary
The Everest Three Passes Trek is a challenging and adventurous trekking route in the Everest region of Nepal, which takes you through three high mountain passes, namely Kongma La Pass (5,535m), Cho La Pass (5,420m), and Renjo La Pass (5,360m). The trek also offers stunning views of the highest peaks in the world, including Mount Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Makalu.
The another option of Everest Three Passes Trek Itinerary can start Gokyo Lake via Renjo La Pass to Cho La Pass to Everest Base Camp to Kongma La Pass also.
Here is a sample itinerary for the Everest Three Passes Trek:
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu
Day 2: Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla (2,840m), then trek to Phakding (2,610m)
Day 3: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440m)
Day 4: Acclimatization day in Namche Bazaar
Day 5: Trek to Tengboche (3,870m)
Day 6: Trek to Dingboche (4,360m)
Day 7: Acclimatization day in Dingboche
Day 8: Trek to Chhukung (4,730m)
Day 9: Trek to Lobuche (4,910m) via Kongma La Pass (5,535m)
Day 10: Trek to Gorak Shep (5,160m), then hike to Everest Base Camp (5,364m) and back to Gorak Shep
Day 11: Hike to Kala Patthar (5,545m), then trek to Dzongla (4,830m) via Cho La Pass (5,420m)
Day 12: Trek to Gokyo (4,750m) via Dragnag (4,700m)
Day 13: Hike to Gokyo Ri (5,357m), then rest day in Gokyo
Day 14: Trek to Lumde (4,380m) via Renjo La Pass (5,360m)
Day 15: Trek to Thame (3,800m)
Day 16: Trek to Namche Bazaar
Day 17: Trek to Lukla
Day 18: Fly to Kathmandu
Day 19: Departure.
Is the Three Passes trek clockwise or anticlockwise?
The Three Passes Trek is a popular multi-day trek in the Everest region of Nepal that typically takes about 19-21 days to complete. The trek involves crossing three high passes - Renjo La, Cho La, and Kongma La - and is usually done in a clockwise direction, starting and ending in the town of Lukla.
The clockwise direction typically involves starting with the Renjo La pass and then crossing the Cho La pass and Kongma La pass in succession. This direction is often preferred because it allows trekkers to acclimatize gradually as they ascend higher into the mountains, and the views of the surrounding peaks and valleys are often more spectacular when approached from this direction.
However, it is possible to do the trek in an anticlockwise direction, starting with Kongma La and ending with Renjo La. This route is less commonly used and may present some additional challenges, but it can also offer a unique perspective on the landscape and avoid the crowds that often gather on the more popular clockwise route. Ultimately, the direction of the Three Passes Trek you choose to take will depend on your personal preference and trekking experience.
Everest Three Passes Trek without guide
The Everest Three Passes Trek is a challenging trek in the Everest region of Nepal that requires a good level of fitness and experience. While it is possible to do the trek without a guide, it is recommended to hire one for several reasons:
1. Safety:
The terrain and weather conditions in the Everest region can be unpredictable and hazardous. A guide with local knowledge and experience can help ensure your safety and make decisions based on changing conditions.
2. Navigation:
The trail is not always well-marked and can be confusing in some areas. A guide can help you navigate and prevent you from getting lost.
3. Culture:
The region is rich in culture and history, and a guide can provide valuable insight and interpretation of the local customs and traditions.
4. Logistics:
A guide can help arrange accommodations, meals, and permits, which can be challenging to organize on your own.
If you do decide to trek without a guide, it's important to do thorough research and prepare accordingly. Make sure to bring proper gear, including maps and navigation tools, and be prepared for emergency situations. It's also important to be respectful of the local culture and environment and to follow Leave No Trace principles to minimize your impact on the area.
Three passes trek packing list
What should I pack for the trek?
You should pack warm clothing, hiking boots, a sleeping bag, a down jacket, a waterproof jacket, a hat, gloves, a headlamp, a water bottle, a first aid kit, toiletries, and personal medications. It is also recommended to bring a portable charger and a power bank to charge your electronic devices.
Required trekking gears list
Hiking gears
- Day bag
- Walking pole
- Water bottle
- Head light
- Cloth and body wear
- Down jacket
- Sleeping bag
- Light warm hiking trouser
- Warm liner
- Towel
- Warm and sun hats
- Fleece / jacket and pants
- Windproof jacket
- Long and half sleeve hiking shirt
- Buff for (neck and head)
- Hiking boot
- Gloves / mittens
- Warm hiking socks (wool / synthetic)
- Flip flap/ Sandal
- Sun protection, health hygiene and water
- Sun cream
- Sun glass
- Sun hat
- Lip guard
- Tooth brush
- Face wash soap
- Sanitizer
- Prescription medicine
- Water purifier tablet / lightweight filter
- Toilet paper
- Menstrual product
Personal belonging items
- Passport
- Cash
- Visa / credit card
- Cell phone Power bank backup and charger
- Camera / Gopro
