How Challenging is Everest Three High Passes Trek?

“Climb mountains, not so the world can see you, but so you can see the world.” -David McCullough Jr.

How challenging is Everest Three High Passes Trek? The Everest Three High Passes Trek is one of the most difficult and challenging adventures. The trekkers have to climb the passes that are over 5,000m. Though challenging, each second during the trip is worth every hard work and penny. This trek takes you through the most beautiful part of the Everest region, a home to world’s highest peak, Mt.Everest (8,849m).

The trek to Everest Three Passes takes you across the three major high passes of the Everest region: Kongma La (5,535m), Cho La (5,420m), and Renjo La (5,340m). Along with the challenging journey, the panoramic views of the mountains make it the best choice for an adventurous soul.

Walking alongside some of the top four highest peaks in the world like Everest (8,849m), Lhotse (8,516m), Makalu (8,485m), and Cho Oyu (8,188m) is truly a dreamlike.

The Everest Three Passes Trek takes you through a remote route different from the typical Everest Base Camp Trek. The factors like high elevation, weather conditions, rough terrain, long walking hours, and physical fitness make the Everest Three High Passes a challenging trek.

Therefore, for the successful summit, this blog will tell you about how challenging is Everest Three High Passes Trek is and provide some best solutions to enjoy this adventure without difficulty.

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How Challenging is Everest Three High Passes Trek?

The Everest Three High Passes Trek is considered a challenging trek in Nepal because it takes you to cross the three high mountain passes, Kongma La (5,535m), Cho La (5,420m), and Renjo La (5,340m). Located in the Khumbu region, this adventure is suitable for experienced and seasoned trekkers only.

Taking beyond the 5000m, this journey required a good level of physical fitness, trekking experience, and mental strength. As the journey will be already physically demanding, the trekkers have to prepare mentally to tackle the long hours of walking on rough trails daily, steep climbs, snow-filled trails, glaciers, rocky routes, and high elevation. Due to the physical and mental exhaustion, there is a chance of getting confused and lost.

The biggest challenges of this trek are crossing glaciers, high passes, steep uphills, high elevation, and the cold weather.

The trek involves walking and climbing over the loose rocks and landslide areas. The slippery route due to the ice on the glacier and the rough terrain of the trails increases the danger. To avoid any difficulty, you have to cross the glaciers early in the morning and choose the perfect timing to cross the high passes.

The journey to the Himalayas is not all about views and peaks. You will need good preparation to avoid getting altitude sickness and medical issues. The Everest Three Passes Trek itinerary demands proper acclimatization, good preparation, and walking gradually to complete this trek safely. Besides the difficulty of this trek, the breathtaking mountain views, valleys, and beautiful natural environment make the trip rewarding and fulfilling.

Everest Three High Passes Trek Difficulty Level

Among many trekking destinations in Nepal, the Everest Three High Passes Trek is one of the hardest treks. To overcome this challenge, understanding how challenging is Everest Three High Passes Trek is crucial. The factors listed below are the factors that increase the Everest Three High Passes Trek difficulty Level.

High Altitude:

One of the major challenges of the Everest 3 Passes Trek is the elevation. This trek takes you to an extreme height, like crossing mountain passes that are above 5,000 meters. The three major passes you will be crossing are significantly difficult.

At high elevation, the air gets thin and carries less oxygen, making it difficult to stay longer and climb. This increases the risk of getting altitude sickness. To avoid issues like altitude sickness, you have to acclimatize properly and give your body enough rest and adapt to altitude. The common symptoms of altitude sickness are nausea, weakness, headaches, and dizziness.

Steep Climbs and Descents:

Trekking is easy like walking in the park. The route to the Everest Three High Passes involves a rough and rocky path. The roads in the mountains are not smooth and paved like those on flat land, especially the trekking routes of the Himalayas.

When you say how challenging is Everest Three High Passes Trek is. The steep climbs and descents are another major challenge of this trek. Along with walking for long hours, the trekkers have to walk over the steep uphill and downhill sections. The trails will be physically and mentally demanding. Crossing the rough and rocky paths, you also have to climb sharp slopes for hours. Descending will also be exhausting for the knees.

The trails of Everest Three Passes are more challenging, unlike the typical route to the Everest Base Camp Trek. You have to be physically fit and have good leg strength and stamina.

Unpredictable Weather:

Another major answer to your question about how challenging is Everest Three Passes Trek is weather of the Himalayas. The weather in the Everest region can change very quickly, and it can be very harsh. If you are thinking of doing this trek in winter, it’s impossible. Therefore, it is highly advised to trek in the best trekking seasons.

However, even in the peak time of the trekking season, the weather changes frequently. You can expect sudden snowfalls, rain, strong winds, and freezing temperatures. The higher you go, the more the weather makes the trek difficult. It’s best to prepare yourself accordingly.

Glacier Crossings and Ice Walks:

The Everest Three Passes Trek takes you through the glacier. And you know how challenging is Everest Three Passes Trek and crossing the glaciers are? Walking over the thin ice is not easy. The surface of the glaciers is very slippery and dangerous. You have to wake up very early in the morning to cross the glacier safely. After the late morning, like around 10 a.m., the ice starts melting and breaking. Walking or crossing the glacier increases the risk of accidents. You have to be very careful, and sometimes you will also need crampons to cross it.

Long Trekking Hours:

On an average day of the Everest Three High Passes Trek, you have to walk for 6 to 8 hours. Likewise, on the day of crossing the high passes, trekkers have to walk for 9 to 10 hours or even more. Walking up steep hills and decent is already physically demanding, and just adding more walking hours is challenging.

Therefore, it’s essential for you to be physically fit and have a good level of stamina. Continuous walking exhausts you mentally and physically. You have to be attentive to your health. You should eat proper, nutritious food, acclimate properly, and drink plenty of water.

Rough Trails:

Another difficult part of the Everest Three High Passes trek is the rough trails. Unlike the route to Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Base Camp, the route of the three passes is not well-marked, especially near the three passes. During the snowy conditions or foggy days, it is easy to lose the way.

To navigate correctly, a three-pass trek requires experienced and highly skilled guides. They can help guide you to cross the pass and avoid and risk of getting confused and lost on the path. We suggest that you bring the Everest Three High Passes Trek map.

Remote and Isolated Trails:

The Three Passes Trek passes through remote valleys and areas. Along the route, you will find a few villages and teahouses. Therefore, sometimes you have to walk for more than the estimated time to find the teahouse for the shelter. The remoteness makes it difficult to get immediate medical support, as it takes more time to arrive. However, you don’t have to worry because we provide emergency helicopter evacuation in cases of medical emergencies and need.

Physical and Mental Endurance:

As we already know how challenging is Everest Three Passes Trek is challenging physically; it also takes a toll on the mental well-being. Walking passionately, battling cold, tiredness, discomfort, and fear, makes it mentally hard to.

The Everest Three Passes Trek requires lots of mental determination and a positive mindset. For the successful trek, you have to stay motivated, focused, and positive throughout this adventure.

The Everest Base Camp vs the Everest Three High Passes Trek: The route of the Everest Three Passes has a longer duration and takes you to significantly higher elevations than the classic Everest Base Camp trek. The 3 passes trek adds about 35 to 4o km and 4 to 6 extra days to the itinerary.

The trek to Three Passes is challenging due to steep ascents of 500 to 1,100 m in thin air (for example, the Chhukung to Kongma La leg climbs 800 m over 11 km, on the other hand EBC days gain has 366 to 488 m only from Namche. The increasing altitude gain of Three Passe is 11,000, which is nearly double that of the Everest Base Camp. The hardest section of the Three Passes trek takes 8 to 9 hours. Meanwhile, EBC takes 5 to 7 hours only.)

How Challenging is Everest Three High Passes Trek in comparison to the Everest Base Camp Trek? It covers more ground, climbing high peaks, and more time each day in exertion than on the standard EBC trek. Though both trek starts from Lukla (2,860 m) and gain altitude each day, the Three Passes altitude gain takes you into the high Himalaya.

To give you an idea, on your 8 or 9 days of 3 passes, you will be at a similar height to EBC (5,364 m). Though this is the highest point of EBC, three passes continue to Kongma La, 5,535 m on day 9, and moving to two more passes (Cho La and Renjo La, 5,300-5,420 m). This means trekkers have to continuously climb above 5,000 m many times.

In comparison, the typical itinerary of the Everest Base Camp trek only surpasses 5,000 m on Kala Patthar (5,545 m) and the Base Camp (5,364 m). In conclusion, altitude, distance, time, and daily struggle are more prominent on the Three Passes Trek.

Why Everest Three Passes trek is difficult than Everest Base Camp trek

Fitness Level: How hard is the Three Passes trek in Nepal?

You know how challenging is Everest Three High Passes Trek is? It is a challenging and adventurous expedition that takes you to some of the highest peaks on Earth. The requirements to trek to Everest High Passes are to be in excellent shape and well-acclimatized. Though difficult, the Everest Three High Passes doesn’t require technical climbing (ropes/harness). With basic alpine skills and good physical fitness, it can be achieved.

For instance, you must know how to use crampons and an ice axe to cross snowfields. Must have experience of high-altitude hiking (above 4,000 m). Some travel agencies require having experience of trekking over 4,000+ m treks like EBC or Annapurna Circuit, or having similar trekking experience.

In summary, the Everest Three High Passes Trek is for the physically fit and experienced trekkers. They must have good mental preparation and tackle the pressure of walking for long days (often 6–9 hours) with heavy packs at high altitude.

How to Prepare for the Everest Three High Passes Trek?

Great preparation brings great success. As we already know, how challenging is Everest Three High Passes trek is challenging; it’s important to know the solution too. Some of the important preparation tips to overcome the challenges offered by the Three Passes trek are given below:

• Strength Training and Cardio: Do exercises that help in building endurance, like running, cycling, hiking, and stair climbing. According to trekking experts, they suggest you do regular cardiovascular exercises and strength training (especially leg and core strength) to prepare for long and steep uphill days. Gradually, increase the intensity of your workout, like wearing your loaded backpack and going for a hike. For Three Passes, consider hypoxic training or workouts that simulate altitude (if you have access to an altitude tent or can do hikes in thinner air) to adapt beforehand.
• Acclimatization: Arrive in Kathmandu a day ahead to take some rest. Make an itinerary that ascends gradually by including the rest days at Namche Bazaar and Dingboche. Get rid of the mindset of completing the trek fast by pushing each day straight up. Follow the “climb high, sleep low” rule. During the acclimatization days, go for short hikes (e.g., Everest View or Dingboche viewpoints) and then return to the lower altitude camp. Make sure to have two key acclimatization stops on the Three Passes. Stay hydrated (drink 3 to 4 liters per day) and avoid alcohol to prevent altitude sickness. Always listen to your body and inform your guide if you feel any kind of discomfort or symptoms of AMS.
• Trekking Gears and Equipment: Carry high-quality trekking gear suitable for a mountainous region. The most essential packing list of gear includes quality trekking boots, warm base layers, waterproof outer layers, gaiters (for neck and leg), an insulated down jacket, a 4-season sleeping bag (rated to -20°C), and sun protection (sunglasses and high-SPF sunscreen). Most importantly, do not forget to bring crampons to cross passes, and if possible ice axe too. Bring good-quality sleeping bags and down jackets. 
• Nutrition and Hydration: As you climb higher and gain altitude, the more you will burn calories. During the trek, eat plenty of carbohydrates and proteins. To eat during the trek, bring energy bars and an electrolyte mix. Some guides suggest electrolyte powders to add to water to replace lost salt. Pack some snacks for the trek as the meals at tea houses will be simple. And never ever skip meals, even if you feel like not having one, sick, headache, or sore throat. For energy and to avoid altitude sickness, you have to eat and keep your body hydrated.
• Mental Preparation: Make a mindset to handle the tough conditions like long, cold nights, rustic lodge conditions, rough terrains, steep climbs, unpredictable weather, and potential delays. On the Three Passes trek, it is advised to “expect the unexpected.” Do not focus on the total effort; instead, break down the trek into stages mentally. It is advised not to overexert early on, so control the speed and listen to your body.

Can a Beginner do the Everest Three High Passes Trek?

No, the Everest Three High Passes Trek is not for beginner trekkers. Knowing how challenging is Everest Three High Passes Trek is is very important for a successful and safe journey. Trekking to 3 high passes is not highly recommended for beginners and rookie trekkers. This trek is optimal for the trekkers who are experienced.

However, even if you have little trekking experience, if but prepare yourself physically and mentally, you can successfully complete the Everest Three Passes Trek. The Everest Three High Pass duration is long. It takes 19 days to complete. Crossing high passes over 5,000 meters above sea level is challenging and tiring. If you trek without proper physical training, a beginner could face serious problems.

Due to the challenges of high altitude, extreme weather conditions, difficult terrain, and long duration, the Everest Three High Passes Trek is recommended only for experienced trekkers.

However, if you are a beginner and you want to trek to the three passes, we suggest you to train several months priorly. Do a physical training that enhances your strength, stamina, and walking endurance. You can also try doing some easier the Everest Base Camp Trek or the Annapurna Circuit, to understand how your body reacts to altitude.

How Long Does 3 passes Trek Take?

The total days to complete the Everest Three High Passes Trek are 18 to 22 days. However, the exact total days to complete the varies depending on how chhlanging is Everest Three High Passes Trek for trekkers, walking pace, itinerary, physical fitness, acclimatization days, travel agency, the exact number of days can change depending on your walking speed, how many rest days you take, weather conditions, and your physical fitness. Some people may finish the trek faster if they are very fit and experienced. Others may take extra days to rest, enjoy the views, or recover from tiredness.

During the trek, you will cross three high mountain passes: Kongma La Pass (5,535 meters), Cho La Pass (5,420 meters), and Renjo La Pass (5,340 meters). You will also visit popular places like Everest Base Camp, Gokyo Lakes, Namche Bazaar, and many beautiful valleys and villages. Because of the high altitude and difficult paths, it is very important to trek slowly and allow your body enough time to adjust. Having acclimatization days is necessary to avoid altitude sickness.

Overall, it is best to plan around 3 weeks for the Everest Three Passes Trek to complete it safely and enjoy the journey fully.

Best Season for Everest Three High Passes Trek

The best time to do the Everest Three Passes Trek is in Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November). These times of the season are the peak season for trekking in Nepal.

Spring (March to May):

Trekking in the Himalayas during the spring is one of the best times. In the spring season, the weather becomes warm, the skies get clear and spread in a vast blue colour. Likewise, the routes will be dotted with colourful rhododendron and wild flowers. The favourable temperature and beautiful spring make it an optimal time for trekking and to enjoy the beauty of the Himalayas.

Autumn (September to November):

This season is the peak time for trekking in Nepal. Since its start, right after the rainy season, it clears out all the dust particles and decreases the humidity. The weather also gets warm and stable, suitable for trekking to the Everest Three Passes. The surrounding visibility is also great during Autumn. Most of all, it is the festival season as the Nepalese will be celebrating their main festival, Dashain and Tihar. The surroundings will be lively, and it gives the perfect opportunity to know more about local people, their culture, and traditions.

It is suggested to avoid trekking during the summer and winter, especially. The high passes are most likely to be closed during the wintertime due to the harsh cold weather. Heavy snowfall and unstable weather. Some do trek at other times, but there is a high chance of high passes not being open at other times. For a safe and beautiful experience, the Everest Three High Passes trek is most suitable during the peak season only. If you trek in spring and Autumn, you can trek smoothly and avoid heavy snow, rain, and extreme cold.

It’s already clear how challenging is Everest Three High Passes Trek is. For the successful summit, it requires good weather so that you can cross the high passes safely and enjoy the journey. If you trek during the peak season, you can expect some crowds, which makes the journey even more lively and fun. The services provided by teahouses are also better prepared for the tourists at this time.

Book in advance if you are trekking in the best season because there will be lots of people, and sometimes there are not enough rooms. If you book at the last minute, it can also be more expensive.

Everest Three Passes Trek FAQs

How hard is the Everest Three Pass trek?

The Everest Three Pass Trek is one of the most challenging treks in Nepal. This trek is suitable for experienced and seasoned trekkers. The Threepasses takes you to cross three major high mountain passes: Kongma La (5,535m), Cho La (5,420m), and Renjo La (5,360m).

All of these passes are above 5,000 meters. Most importantly, long duration, lengthy walking hours, rough terrain, high risks of altitude sickness, and steep climbs make the Everest Three Passes Trek challenging. A successful 3-pass trek requires good physical fitness, acclimatization, and trekking experience.

How Hard is the Cho La Pass?

Cho La Pass is a moderately to highly difficult pass. However, it totally depends on the weather and the trekker’s fitness level. This high pass altitude is 5,420 meters (17,782 feet), which involves lots of steep ascent and descent over rocky terrain and icy or snowy paths. Due to the snow, the trails become slippery and dangerous during winter or in bad weather. Though it is difficult, it won’t require technical climbing skills.

However, before crossing over Cho La Pass, your body must be well-acclimatized and physically fit. For a successful trek, you must prepare yourself mentally and physically, too.

Cho la pass  (5,420 meters ) is one of the most popular mountain high passes.

How Hard is the Kongma La Pass?

Kongma La Pass is the most difficult pass among the three major high passes in the Everest region. The pass altitude is 5,535 meters (18,159 feet), which is the highest among the three. The trekker has trekked for long hours over rough terrains, along with steep climbs. The route through this pass is quite remote with no teahouses along the way.

The path is also poorly marked, rocky, and icy, making it difficult to walk. Because of the height and isolation, the trekkers have to be physically fit and good acclimatization. To cross the pass safely, the trekkers have to start very early in the morning to avoid any weather disturbances.

The Kongma La Pass is a challenging and demanding mountain pass

How Hard is the Renjo La Pass?

Renjo La Pass is the easiest pass among the three passes in the Everest region. Easy doesn’t mean simple climbing over; it still requires a good level of physical fitness, preparation, and effort. However, this pass is still difficult for beginners. The Renjo La Pass altitude is at 5,360 meters (17,585 feet), which is still high.

In comparison to the other two passes, Renjo La Pass doesn’t have many technical difficulties. The journey through Rewnjo La Pass is still long and steep. Therefore, trekkers have to be prepared accordingly with good physical fitness and acclimatization.

Renjo La Pass is a popular, moderately challenging high-altitude pass

Can a Beginner do Everest Three Passes Trek?

No, a beginner can’t do the Everest Three Passes Trek. This trek is one of the most challenging and physically demanding treks in Nepal. Due to the high altitude (all three passes are over 5,000 meters), long trekking duration, rough terrain, and steep trail, this trek is not recommended for beginners.

If you are a beginner wanting to go for a three-pass trek, it is advised to get prior high-altitude trekking experience, like the Everest Base Camp or Annapurna Base Camp Trek. The Everest Three High Pass Trek requires an excellent level of trekking experience and acclimatization because it has a higher risk of altitude sickness.

How Long Does the 3 Passes Trek Take?

The 3 Passes Trek takes a total of 19 days to complete. However, the total day to complete the trek depends on the trekkers’ walking pace, physical fitness, itinerary, trekking agency, and acclimatization days. The typical days to complete the 3 Passes Trek are from 17 to 21 days, depending on the trekking agencies’ itinerary.

How Much Does the Everest Three Passes Trek Cost?

The cost of the Everest Three Passes Trek is $1,990 US dollars per person. However, the price may vary depending on the trekking agency, itinerary, duration of the trek, inclusions (guide, porter, permits, food, accommodation), and size of the trek. On the market, the cost of the Everest Three Passes Trek might cost you around  $1,200 USD to $2,500 USD per person.

If you are backpackers or looking for a budget trek to trek independently, the price may decrease to around $900 USD to $1,200 USD. But if you go for full-service packages with experienced guides, it will cost you more. If you trek with Access Nepal Tours and Trekking, we provide an all-inclusive package which covers food, accommodation, transportation, guides, porters, and permits.

What are The Major Passes During the Everest Three Passes Trek?

The major Everest Three Passes Trek is Kongma La (5,535m), Cho La (5,420m), and Renjo La (5,340m). All of these high mountain passes are located in the Everest region. It is a popular trekking destination among trekking lovers who loves challenges and adventure.