The Everest Three Passes Trek is one of the most popular high-altitude treks as it crosses the Kongma La, Cho La, and Renjo La passes in the Everest region. There are beautiful views along the route and a range of geographic and trekking scenarios to experience.
Known to be one of the most difficult treks in Nepal, climbers need to understand that they need good physical fitness and acclimatization qualities for the high altitude landscapes, steep hills, and changing weather before taking on this challenge.
Through this blog, we will share details about the trek and assess its difficulty level. This will help trekkers understand what they will need to prepare for the trek so they have the best experience possible on this strenuous journey.
Trek Overview
The Everest Three Passes Trek will take 18-21 days to complete and cover roughly 160-180 km. It offers a different trekking experience as you will be trekking for long hours/days.
The highest point is the Kongma La Pass at 5,535 m, which requires tough physical preparation and acclimatization, since the cold and altitude at this high level of trekking is extreme. Kongma La is one of the most challenging passes in Nepal for this reason.
Since trekkers will see such jaw-dropping views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Ama Dablam as they traverse the trek. They will be greeted by great peaks views and scenery, which is what they will get, and every time trekkers will experience an allure providing mesmerizing panoramas that simply cannot be compared.
Many features make a strenuous trekking experience: remote valleys, glacial crossings, rugged high-altitude passes, and many more, including the amount of adventure and spectacular scenery that all trekkers will be exposed to every single time
Factors That Make the Trek Challenging
The Everest Three Passes Trek is more demanding from the perspective of altitude, high altitude sickness (AMS). The altitude at the beginning of the trek is 2,800m, with the highest point at Kongma La Pass at 5,535m. You will have a number of acclimatization days to manage the effects of altitude, which is critical to doing it safely.
The trek includes major technical difficulties as a result of the steep inclines and declines at certain locations. Cho La Pass is infamous for traversing icy and snowy sections and glacier crossings at certain points during the trek.
They can be dangerous with unpredictable conditions and require caution and trekking experience. There may be certain areas that could require technical gear, such as crampons and ice axes, to assist further.
The trek consists of long hiking days, typically 6 to 9 hours of trekking, and the occasional day even exceeding 10 hours. Each trekker must be highly fit to undertake the trek. Trekkers will push their physical limits for 18 to 21 days, and the combination of length and the rough terrain will drain trekkers physically and mentally due to this inevitable, continuous, and demanding endurance.
Finally, trekkers should consider that there are limitations to using remote locations with few facilities. Depending on the section of the trek, tea house availability, and medical provisions are very limited; weather conditions can be unpredictable and harsh.
Renjo la pass
Comparing the Three Passes
The Everest Three Passes Trek involves Kongma La (5,535m), the longest and steepest pass, which is infrequently walked, strenuous, and rocky. It requires a high level of endurance, with cold, windy, and high-altitude terrain. It does have stunning views of Lhotse and Makalu.
Cho La (5,420m) is the most technical of all three passes because it requires glacier crossing, and it does have some icy, slippery sections that will require either crampons or microspikes. Renjo La (5,360m) is the easiest pass out of the three and has stunning panoramic views of the mountain range of Everest and the Gokyo Lakes, amongst desolate valleys.
Physical and Mental Preparation Needed
- Fitness Level Needed
For the Everest Three Passes Trek, you will require good endurance, and we recommend that you have done some prior multi-day trekking. You should be able to hike 6-8-hour days with a backpack with a significant amount of elevation gain on rough, steep, and rugged terrain.
You have to train on building your leg strength and endurance, which may include an exercise program with squats and lunges, step-ups, and cardio workouts. If you can, make sure you do some hikes with a loaded backpack.
- Altitude Training
It will be helpful to do pre-trek cardio exercise such as running, cycling, stair climbing, or swimming. They all help improve your overall cardiovascular fitness and endurance level, which are important for long days at high altitude.
It is possible to complete shorter high-altitude treks, such as trekkers do to Everest Base Camp, before heading into the Three Passes to start acclimatizing and practicing altitude management. You will also need to stay hydrated, rest, and acclimatize on your ascent.
- Mental Toughness
Mental preparation is key to monstrous fatigue, cold plays a role, and the unpredictable nature of high altitude. The aspects of patience, resilience, and a positive mindset will help trekkers manage their physical and environmental stressors.
Meditation is one way to develop mental toughness, and the dedication and research about the trek builds the trekkers’ mental strength. Focusing on the rewarding aspects of the adventure instead of the challenging physical elements provides additional support to trekkers through long days of intense physical activity.
Best Time to Trek
The spring from March to May and autumn from September to November are the best times to trek the Everest Three Passes. They provide stable weather conditions with clear skies and excellent visibility of the mountain scenery.
Spring has blooming rhododendrons along the way and fairly mild trekking conditions. In the autumn, you are sure of being able to trek with dry trails and crisp air, while generally getting some of the clearest views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Ama Dablam.
The winter season (December to February) is also challenging for trekkers. The extreme cold weather making trekking difficult, snow blocking the passes and further compounding navigation problems, and requiring the additional equipment of crampons for traveling on snow.
The summer monsoon season (from June to August) will be plagued with poor trekking conditions due to heavy rains, wet and muddy trails, very slippery trails, risks of landslides, and limited visibility. Therefore, it is best to avoid trekking in the summer monsoon if possible during the mid-year season.
Essential Gear and Safety Tips
Main items include your boots, as well as crampons or micro spikes for the icy areas of the trek. Bring multiple warm layers, an insulated down jacket, and a sleeping bag rated at -15°C to be safe when they get cold at high altitude.
Bring trekking poles for steep terrain to reduce and maintain stability. A headlamp is an important part of the clothing kit, along with waterproof, thermal, hat, and glove layers.
It is important to always trek with a guide and porter. Not just for navigation purposes, but they may also be available in case of emergency. Keep a first aid kit, some Diamox if you are prone to altitude sickness (prescribed), and some water purification means.
Permits like the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality permit and the Sagarmatha National Park access card are also crucial. Permits have to be obtained before or during your trekking itinerary so that you comply with the regulations and contribute to the conservation effort.
Other gear: a 50-70L backpack with a rain cover, power banks, a quick-dry towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and hygiene items will improve comfort, safety, and success on the trek.
Conclusion
The Everest Three Passes trek has significant challenges as it is not a trek for beginners. You must also be prepared physically and mentally to have a safe and rewarding trek.
The experienced trekker looking for adventure will also receive a reward in every direction while feeling completely connected to the beautiful wilderness of the Everest region. If you are committed, careful, and respectful, then you will have the best experience.
To maximize your experience, you can follow a few steps to find out if you can succeed. One is to train – the right way. Pick a season that offers safer conditions. Have fun and respect the mountains. If the plan is correct and you have a great frame of mind, you will experience more than you ever thought possible in this incredible trek.
