To hike the Everest Three Passes Trek in Nepal in 2024

Anand

March 19, 2024

To hike the Everest Three Passes Trek in Nepal in 2024

Nepal’s Three Passes Trek stands out as one of the most exceptional trekking adventures available in the Khumbu (Everest) region of Nepal.

This renowned trek, also known as the Three High Passes, guides trekkers over the challenging Khumbu passes of Kongma La at 5,550 m (18,209 ft), Cho La at 5,420 m (17,782 ft), and Renjo La at 5,360 m (17,560 ft).

Offering a unique and rewarding experience, this trek takes you on a circular route around Sagarmatha National Park, providing breathtaking landscapes and a deep immersion into the rich Sherpa culture of the region.

Key Highlights of the Everest Three Pass Trek:

Experience an exhilarating mountain flight to and from Lukla, offering stunning aerial views.
Explore Namche Bazaar, a vibrant Himalayan Sherpa town blending modernity with tradition.
Visit the iconic Tengboche Monastery, the oldest and largest monastery in the Khumbu region.
Reach the legendary Everest Base Camp, situated at the base of the majestic Mt. Everest.
Enjoy awe-inspiring vistas of the Khumbu Ice Fall and Glacier from Everest Base Camp.
Witness panoramic views of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Amadablam, and Thamserku from Kala Patthar.
Challenge yourself by crossing the three high mountain passes – Renjo La, Cho La, and Kongma La.
Marvel at the Himalayan landscape from the vantage point of Gokyo Ri.
Immerse yourself in the serene beauty of Gokyo Valley and its pristine lakes.
Discover the rich historical and cultural heritage of the Sherpa people along the trekking route.

Starting Point: The trek usually starts from Lukla, which you can reach by a mountain flight from Kathmandu. Alternatively, you can start from Jiri, Phaplu, Shivalaya, or Salleri for a longer trek.
Passes to Traverse: The Three Passes you will cross are Kongma La at 5,550 m (18,209 ft), Cho La at 5,420 m (17,782 ft), and Renjo La at 5,360 m (17,560 ft)
Duration: The trek typically lasts between 16 to 21 days, depending on acclimatization and side trips planned
Distance: The total distance covered is around 166 km but can vary based on side trips taken
Difficulty: The trek is considered moderate to difficult and requires a good level of fitness and basic navigation skills
Permits: Foreigners need two permits: the Khumbu Rural Municipality Permit and the Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit
Essential Gear: It is recommended to carry warm clothing including a warm fleece or cotton sleeping clothes and a -15 C sleeping bag
Best Time to Go: The most popular seasons are fall (September to November) and spring (March to May). Winter has fewer crowds but is cold
Accommodation: Lodging along the trek will be in comfortable lodges run by local families unless you prefer camping.
Navigation: The trail is well-defined with few options for wrong turns due to the scale of the mountains. Having a physical Khumbu trekking map can be helpful for major junctions

Remember that preparation is key for this challenging trek.

Ensure you have the necessary permits, gear, and physical fitness before embarking on this adventure in the stunning Khumbu region of Nepal.

Difficulty level of the everest three passes trek:

The difficulty level of the Everest Three Passes Trek is graded as 9 out of 10, making it a very challenging and demanding trek that requires a high level of fitness and experience with high-altitude trekking.

This trek involves crossing three high passes over 5,000 meters – Renjo La, Cho La, and Kongma La – which adds to the strenuous nature of the journey.

Additionally, the trek includes long distances, varying trail conditions, and significant altitude gains, making it suitable only for experienced trekkers who are well-prepared physically and mentally for the challenges it presents

Average duration of the everest three passes trek:

The average duration of the Everest Three Passes Trek is typically between 16 to 21 days, depending on factors such as acclimatization and side trips planned.

This challenging trek covers a distance of approximately 166 km and involves crossing three high passes over 5,000 meters – Renjo La, Cho La, and Kongma La.

Trekkers should plan for a trekking itinerary that allows for proper acclimatization and exploration of the stunning Khumbu region in Nepal.

Best way to get to the start of the everest three passes trek:

The best way to get to the start of the Everest Three Passes Trek is by flying to Lukla from Kathmandu.

Lukla serves as the official starting point for the trek and is accessible by a mountain flight from Kathmandu.

This flight offers stunning views of the Himalayas and is a convenient and popular way to begin the trek. Alternatively, some trekkers choose to start from Jiri, Phaplu, Shivalaya, or Salleri for a longer trek.

It is essential to plan your transportation to Lukla in advance to ensure a smooth start to this challenging and rewarding trek in the Khumbu region of Nepal.