How difficult is Everest Three High Pass Trek? A Complete Guide

Why is the Everest Three Passes Trek Challenging?

Why do people find the Three Passes Trek so difficult? For starters, the hike is extremely long. It should take you approximately three weeks to complete it. On a usual day, you go for 6 to 7 hours, covering rough and uneven routes. There are places on the route that require going up very steep hills. Plenty of these roads are slippery due to snow and ice. Walking on big rocks and crossing frozen rivers is also a part of the journey. You should practice hiking and always watch your steps.

The most serious concern is the height. On the trek, hikers must cross Kongma La, Cho La, and Renjo La via Gokyo Lakes, which are all above 5000 meters! As there is less oxygen the higher you go, your breathing gets rather difficult. You breathe faster and seem to tire much sooner than before. Certain people may experience headaches or feel ill. And this can lead to altitude sickness if you haven't prepared well and taken some time for acclimatization. 

Weather conditions in the mountains may change quickly. Suddenly, we have sunshine, and then just as fast, it starts snowing. At night, the temperature can drop to very low levels. Wind makes the cooler temperatures seem harsher, especially at high passes. The weather can change swiftly and hinder your journey if you do not take proper measures to tackle it.

It is difficult to find help from others while on the route, as you can get simple meals at the tea houses and electricity is lacking, while health centers are not close. You will be brought up to face various tasks by yourself and manage your own challenges.

People still make the journey despite the difficulties only because the scenes are so incredible.

Factors Affecting The Everest Three Pass Trek Difficulty

Many challenging elements add difficulty to the Everest Three Passes Trek. Dealing with all of them is difficult as it makes the journey more challenging.

High Altitude

On the Everest 3 Pass Trekking, you will be in the mountains at high altitude and the air may thin to a noticeable degree. The passes of Kongma La (18,159 feet), Cho La (17,782 feet) and Renjo La (17,560 feet) are higher than most mountains you would find in other countries. Once you reach this altitude, each breath gives you less oxygen. Consequently, you could start to feel exhausted, develop headaches, get a stomachache or have issues with clear thinking. People can develop altitude sickness which is serious and may be fatal if untreated. It is safer to walk slowly and give your body a chance to get adjusted to the thinner air. Spending two days in Namche Bazaar helps most trekkers cope with the altitude. Following this, you can take extra rest days at Dingboche or Gokyo Village. Having a strong body can only help so much, as even you might get affected by the mountains’ altitude. No matter how healthy someone is, they should listen to their body and avoid rushing. 

Rugged Terrains

The trek routes on the 3 Pass Trek are rough and uneven and tough to walk on. From the beginning at Lukla, the routes go through forests, over running streams, and up and down rocky slopes.

On the way to Lobuche village, you will have to watch where you step because the rocks can easily slip beneath you. Walking between Dzongla and Cho La pass, the trail will be slippery with mud in warmer temperatures and very icy in colder weather. Some sections have very narrow paths that are bordered by steep cliffs. Taking one wrong step could cause a fall. On the route to Kongma La from Chhukung, you will need to make your way across big boulders and rocks where there isn’t always a clear path.

You have to set a slower pace and use more strength to get through the rough ground, compared to smooth surfaces. Walking for so long makes your feet hurt and your legs get tired. If you don’t walk on rugged terrain often, your feet will feel quite sore after each walk.

Glacier Surrounding

Part of the Three Pass Trek takes you along glaciers such as the Khumbu Glacier and the Ngozumpa Glacier. Going on a glacier is very different than regular hiking. Rocks and dirt are resting on the ice, so it appears as plain ground in some sections. However, large cracks called crevasses can be hidden below, even covered by snow. The rocks are rough, bumpy and can be quite slippery. 

You will have to cross a glacier field during your journey through the Cho La pass. Sometimes, you need crampons as part of your gear. Near Dragnag, those traveling on foot go alongside Ngozumpa Glacier which is the longest in the Himalayas. The area is especially bright because of the ice and snow. White surfaces in the snow can be too bright for your eyes and also cause your skin to burn. On bright days, the air remains very cold around glaciers due to the ice.  Hiking on or near glaciers is very enjoyable, although it requires more effort and more attention than usual mountain hiking.

Steep Climbs

Throughout the Everest Three Pass Trek Route, you will be challenged by some steep slopes that will make your body work hard. It’s obvious from the name that you’ll climb up three challenging passes with many steep sections. There is a gain of about 2,600 feet from Lobuche to the Kongma La pass over only a few miles. It’s similar to getting up the many stairs of a high building! Loose rocks and gravel along the path on the mountainside can give way, making it more difficult to go up.

From the village of Dzongla, the trail begins slowly but ends up being steep and requires you to push yourself near the top. At the highest point, navigating along slippery rocks while trying not to fall can be intimidating. The eastern side of Renjo La is the section that has the steepest gradient. From Lungden, the path takes a steep and narrow climb through the valley. Toward the end, you walk on rocky stairs cut into the mountainside and straight up.

Just the simple journeys on foot between villages can involve steep sections. The journey up takes most people several hours. With all the tough climbs, you need to have strong legs as well as stamina.

Duration And Distance

It takes around 18 to 21 days to complete the Three Pass Trek starting from Lukla and going over 60 kilometers or 37 miles. Since the ground is not flat and the air is thinner, walking for many hours each day over long distances can be exhausting. You will be on your feet for 5 to 8 hours every single day. Well, each day is different. Sometimes, the distance for the day is short, just like in Namche Bazaar or Dingboche, to help you adapt to the elevation. Other times, you find your day stretching out far, especially during crossings of high passes. You need about 8 to 10 hours to hike from Kongma La to Lobuche.

Being on your feet for several days straight can wear you out. You may feel pain in your muscles, get blisters on your feet and a twisted ankle can become more serious if you don’t let your body recover. It takes strong muscles and a strong will to finish this walk. You must stay patient and keep moving forward each day, even when you feel tired.

Unpredictable Weather Conditions

Quick changes in weather in the region can make the Three Passes Trek much tougher. The start of the day could have a clear and sunny sky and then, by afternoon, it might be snowing. The temperature while the sun is out is usually 10 to 15 degrees Celsius but can go lower on winter days. Nights could bring the temperature down to below -10 degrees Celsius. With winds blowing, it could somewhat make the temperature feel chillier. 

The weather can be hazardous if you are on one of the passes. Because of heavy snowfall, the trail can be hard to trace. Strong snowstorms in Dzongla village have forced trekkers to stay put, as they could not cross the Cho La pass. It is usual for fog to build up in the afternoon, particularly around the Gokyo Lakes. The possibility of such intense fog, that one cannot keep track of the trail, is always present. Lower down the trekking route, rain showers are pretty frequent, especially near Phakding and Monjo villages. As a consequence, the path becomes muddy and slippery. So, beginning each day's hike with a weather check is extremely important!

Limited Resources

When you reach higher points on the Three Passes Trek, you will encounter fewer settlements and supplies. Therefore, you should come ready and be able to manage with what is on hand. In the small mountain villages, you will find simple tea houses where you can eat and stay overnight. However, these places are very simple and don’t offer many amenities. Most rooms are very simple, featuring only a thin wall and a bed. Most of the rooms aren’t heated except for the big dining area which people use in the evening. Bathrooms are sometimes shared and could be placed away from the main teahouse. The options for food reduce as you get to higher levels. While there are many types of food in Namche Bazaar, this narrows down when you reach Gorak Shep.

Another problem is finding enough clean water. Always keep yourself hydrated by drinking a lot of water at high altitude, but do not drink water from the streams without first treating it. Usually, tea houses only serve hot or bottled water and you need to pay for it. There is no quick access to medical care which could take days if you ever become sick or hurt. There are medical clinics in Namche Bazaar, Pheriche and Kunde, but they are meant for minor issues only.

If something you own becomes damaged or worn down, finding a new one is very hard. Some stores in Namche Bazaar provide only basic trekking equipment and the prices are expensive. For this reason, you should plan well and bring all the necessary gear from the beginning of your trip.

Difficulty While Crossing The Three High Passes: Renjo La, Cho La, and Kongma La

Climbing the three big mountain passes is similar to walking up three massive staircases to heaven. Climbing over Renjo La pass is considered the first main difficulty. The trail becomes very steep as you reach higher. There are places where you have to walk over large rocks. If it is not the summer season, you will likely see snow and ice near the top. Along the route, you are helped by little piles of stones, known as cairns. Because the wind can get very cold, a warm jacket is necessary.

The most dangerous section near Cho La pass is the glacier field. A glacier acts as a moving river of frozen water. Walking on ice can be tricky and sometimes it breaks with unusual cracks. During spring and fall, you might experience deep snow when you walk. With each step, your feet sink which makes your legs feel very heavy. You will climb over big rocks along the trail and at times you should use your hands for support. You feel your heart rate increase because it is more difficult to breathe.

The highest of the three is Kongma La pass. You have to climb over rocks that can be slippery and may slip from under your feet. For over an hour, the trail climbs a steep path. Toward the top of the rock, you should be careful not to lose your footing. Winter means that the entire pass can be hidden by snow.  Going down on the other side is tough because it slopes steeply and the rocks are slippery. 

You may experience quick changes in temperature and weather on all three passes. While the weather may look good at first, clouds might arrive very rapidly. Therefore, people must be cautious and ready when they travel through these large mountain passes.

Risk Of Altitude Sickness During The Trek

Being at high altitudes can cause your body to develop altitude sickness. This is the result of having less oxygen available as you rise to higher levels. Kongma La, Cho La and Renjo La are the three high passes that are over 5,000 meters. At this altitude, the oxygen is much less than what your body is normally used to. Some very unpleasant sensations may be experienced when a person develops altitude sickness. It feels as if your head is being hammered from the inside. You may also instantly feel as though fainting or throwing up. As the symptoms get worse, you may feel lost and have difficulty walking properly.

Altitude sickness can affect anybody, irrespective of whether they are fit or strong. You just give it some time to allow the body to adapt to higher elevations, which is why seasoned trekkers proceed slowly.  After two nights in Namche Bazaar (3,440 meters) and Dingboche (4,410 meters), they travel further up the Everest Three High Passes Trek.

Tips To Avoid The Possibility Of Mountain Sickness

• Hydration stands as the number one priority when traversing high-altitude terrains. Your body evaporates higher amounts of water through breathing and sweating so you need to drink at least 3 to 4 liters of water daily.
• The beneficial effects of garlic on altitude adjustment make it worthwhile to try the common garlic soup served in numerous tea houses. Hot water, ginger tea or garlic soup helps your body adapt to higher altitudes by giving you improved tolerance to the change. 
• The impact of altitude problems intensifies when temperatures decrease. You should wear multiple clothing layers together with a quality down coat and thermal garments as well as a warm hat and gloves for protection from cold temperatures. Select a sleeping bag with an efficiency rating of below-freezing temperatures for nighttime use. 
• Since coffee dehydrates your system, drink only light amounts of it but pair it with additional water consumption. Avoid taking alcohol, cigarettes and sleeping pills as they can worsen altitude sickness.
• Monitor your physical condition attentively. Report your symptoms of headache, dizziness, reduced appetite and difficulty sleeping to your guide without delay. 
• Stop at every location to monitor your oxygen level with an oximeter and notify your guide about discomfort and any oxygen readings below average. 
• Altitude sickness symptoms should never be ignored because attempting to work through symptoms may result in a worsening of your condition. A rest day with a descent to a lower altitude for one day should resolve your issue. 

Mental And Emotional Challenges

Hiking the Three Passes route for weeks can be challenging for your mind as well as your body. Walking for weeks in the wilderness of the Himalayas, away from home, your feelings change as often as the paths you follow. You may find yourself overwhelmed by fear in some particularly scary areas. Walking over the ice at Cho La pass makes many people feel uneasy. Frequent trips along steep and small paths can cause your heart to race. Fear is something that can affect hikers of any level.

Living in the mountains, where it’s cold and everything is simple, can make you long for home. You could find yourself feeling down, with no clue as to why you decided to travel. You might experience low points in the higher regions as the air is very thin and the evenings can be freezing. Most days while trekking, last around 6-8 hours. Eventually, doing these things for a long period makes you mentally exhausted. It is more difficult to decide which action to take. Sometimes, small annoyances can seem like big problems when you body and mind are tired.

How to Prepare for the Trek to Everest: Three High Passes?

Physical Strength

• Get ready for the trek by training for at least 3-4 months before your date.
• Run, hike or cycle for around half an hour daily to strengthen both your heart and your lungs.
• To train, use combo exercises by walking up stairs with your backpack as though you were hiking up a mountain.
• Doing plank positions and similar exercises can strengthen your core for walking on rough terrain.
• Repeat daily hikes of 6-8 hours to get ready for each day’s trekking.
• Whenever you can, hike or run at higher elevations to help yourself get used to thinner air.
• Go for hikes over rough terrain, closely carrying the equipment you’ll need during the trek.
• Practice breathing exercises, as it will make your body more ready for high altitudes.
• Work out harder as you advance, always leaving time to rest to reduce the risk of injury.

Create A Positive Mindset

• Study the trek thoroughly to be aware of what hurdles you’ll face during your daily treks.
• Talk to experienced hikers who have hiked there before and use their tips.
• Practicing meditation from time to time will help you deal with pressure and emotions.
• Begin by planning short-term goals instead of trying to complete everything in a single go.
• Keep in mind that nights will often be spent outside and your meals will often be simple.
• Remember that challenges are part of improving and the main way to gain experience is by facing them.
• Be patient, as becoming used to a new environment takes time and cannot be done quickly.
• Keep training with tough workouts, even if it becomes difficult, to increase your mental endurance.
• Envision yourself finishing each stage on the way there to have more confidence before departing.

Carry Proper Equipment

• Get boots made for hiking that are waterproof and have great ankle support and have a good pattern on the soles. Before starting your trek, wear them and break them in to avoid blisters. Because the 3 Passes route involves hiking through forests, over moraines and across glaciers, your boots must be reliable and waterproof.
• Dress in layers that can protect you from very hot and cold temperatures. Put on a base layer made of synthetic or merino wool to transfer sweat from your body. Use mid-layers made of fleece or down to help keep the heat in. Cover your body with a windproof and waterproof outer layer (a jacket and pants). 
• You should carry a down sleeping bag suitable for temperatures down to -10°C to -15°C because the teahouses are usually not heated except in areas used by all. In places like Gorak Shep and Dzongla which are very high up, the temperature in your room can fall below the freezing mark.
• Make sure your winter accessories include waterproof cold-weather gloves lined with regular gloves, a warm hat with earflaps that fully cover your ears, a windproof piece you can pull up over your face, and strong polarized sunglasses for glaciers and high heights.
• Select trekking poles that can be adjusted to reduce the strain on your knees and offer improved balance. These are especially useful as you go down Kongma La pass, over loose and steep ground, and across the icy Cho La.
• Carry a headlamp that works well and remember to pack extra batteries and power banks(since the temperature is low). To finish their journey through the high passes in time, many trekkers start their ascent early in the morning while charging devices is unreliable and expensive at lodges. 
• Purchase a filter for your water and some purification tablets as a safety measure. As you ascend higher, safe drinking water can be very pricey, so treating your own local water instead is more affordable and helps reduce plastic waste. 
• Use products that safeguard your skin from the extremely strong UV rays found in high altitudes. You should use SPF 50+ sunscreen that protects against sweat, apply SPF 30+ lip balm, wear a hat with long borders and with neck protection and go with long sleeves and pants made of light materials. 
• If you are hiking during winter or spring (November-April), carry microspikes or lightweight crampons to help you walk on slippery icy parts, as you do on Cho La pass when crossing a glacier.

Learn Basic Technical Skills

• Before you start your trek, make sure you understand map reading, navigating, using topographic lines on the map, noticing big features and collaborating with a compass. Be able to discover route markers such as cairns when there are no painted signs in places with lots of rocks.
• Find out the best techniques for your trekking poles in all the different terrains you may encounter. During really steep uphill sections, pull down your poles and drive off using them. When descending, make the poles longer and move forward with them to support your knees and stay stable.
• When walking downhill, pause on one of your knees for a second with every step, because it helps bones support some weight and allows your leg muscles to rest as you walk.
• Try to get rid of air through tightly sealed lips, as it helps you keep more energy and raises your levels of oxygen if you are at an altitude higher than 4,500 meters.
• Consider using microspikes or crampons in the time between winter and early spring as part of your preparation before arriving in Nepal. Find out the best way to walk with the support offered by these traction devices. The icy parts of Cho La can only be crossed with steady movements and the help of traction devices.
• Use the best breathing strategies to ensure you take in the most oxygen when at high altitudes. Don’t use your chest for breaths; instead, inhale deeply through your nose to the belly and exhale out of your nearly shut mouth. 
• You should be familiar with glacier travel skills before deciding to cross Cho La pass. Examine the ground for places where crevasses might be, try not to walk on the glacier edge itself where crevasses could develop and first confirm the solidity of the trail before stepping on it.

Easy Trailhead Alternative To Reach The 3 Pinnacles

Some trekkers find the full Three Passes trek too hard. Good news! There are easier paths that still let you see the amazing mountains and passes without doing the whole tough journey. These paths are like taking a shortcut to the best parts.

Everest Base Camp Trek via Gokyo Lake (15 days): Would you like to visit the Everest Base Camp and also see pretty blue lakes? This is a wonderful trip! First, you take a plane to a mountain town called Lukla. Afterward, you walk through forests with many green plants and colorful birds and flowers. The Sherpa people welcome you with a wave and a friendly smile whenever you pass by their villages. The track is taken to Gokyo Valley instead of following the main route. You can view five gorgeous blue lakes here and from there climb Gokyo Ri. Following this, you climb Cho La Pass and proceed to Everest Base Camp from where dedicated climbers take on the world’s highest mountain. 

Gokyo Renjo La Pass Trek (12 days): The trek starts with a visit to Gokyo and its pleasant blue lakes. After climbing Gokyo Ri, you will have photos that your friends may not think are real. Next, you cross the Renjo La Pass. Even though the path is both steep and rough, it is not so difficult. If you prefer solitude but seek interesting places, this journey is ideal for you. Taking the quieter trails allows you to appreciate the quiet and the wonderful things around you.

Is the Everest Three Pass Trek Right For Beginners?

Hiking over the Three Passes in the Everest region? Well, it may not be ideal for those just starting out. Crossing three extremely high passes is no joke and doing that requires you to be both fit and have some trekking experience before. While you don’t have to be an expert, you should feel secure walking long, steep, rocky routes, even if they are covered by ice. Near three weeks are required for this trip which means dealing with the high altitude and any weather conditions the mountain brings. Beginners might not be prepared for the massive challenge and high risk involved in trekking at this altitude. Still, if you have good preparation, are guided by experienced experts and improve your fitness, almost anyone with a fit body and mind might manage. But honestly? It’s better if you’ve already finished a few shorter hikes and feel absolutely up for the task.

If you are getting into this, consider how strong you are and how easily you adapt to high altitudes before making any plans.

But, how about you explore an easier trek that is perfect for beginners and families? Well, you may not reach the 3 Passes in Nepal but you will still get to see the stunning views of the Himalayas. The Everest View Trek is perfect for you if you are short on time but want to see the mountain majesty by reaching the highest elevation of 3880 meters at Tengboche Monastery and visiting other attractions in just 7 days.  You can have the best comfort through the Everest Luxury Trek 12 Dayswith stays at the best hotels with top-notch amenities, giving you comfort while reaching the Everest Base Camp. 

Essential Safety Tips To Take On Challenges

• Always travel with others when trekking in high mountains. Travel with an experienced group or guide who is knowledgeable about the area. Having another person near you in case of an accident or sickness could be crucial for your safety.
• Notice whenever your body tries to signal that something is wrong. Call it a day and rest anytime you become exhausted or feel a headache. Speeding up or ignoring the ache can cause you to become sick at high altitudes.
• Make sure to hydrate the body with 3-4 litres of water each day, and if that sounds too much, then try to substitute it by having ginger soups, sherpa stews, and other soups so your body stays hydrated and warm at the same time.
• Check the weather before attempting any high pass. If a storm or heavy snow starts, turn back. Unfavorable weather can make a simple trail suddenly become dangerous.
• Keep some emergency supplies with you even when going on a short day hike. Carry extra meals, cozy clothes and a few essential items for first aid. Being away from help can turn even little problems into serious ones.
• Reduce your walking speed and keep stopping from time to time for a rest. Even if you exercise regularly, climbing too fast may lead to altitude sickness. Walk as quickly or slowly as you find comfortable.
• Keep your hands available as you go over any challenging places. Use the trekking poles, but make sure you are ready to grasp rocks in case you slip. 
• Be aware of the symptoms of altitude sickness for yourself and for your friends. Report any headaches, being unable to stay upright, confusion or repeatedly being sick. The only effective solution is to move lower whenever these things happen.
• Maintain sun protection since the sun is especially powerful in high elevations. Always remember to wear a hat, sunglasses and use sunscreen after a short interval. On cloudy days, the UV rays from the mountains can hurt your skin the same way bright sun can.
• In bad weather, have confidence in your guides' judgment about crossing passes. That means being open to waiting an extra day or more for the weather to clear up. After all, no flight missed will ever be worth one's life crossing a deadly mountain pass.

Conclusion

The Everest 3 Pass Trek in Nepal is not an easy journey, but it’s worth the effort. The air becomes thinner, the land becomes tougher, and the weather is unclear, so this trip will try your limits. If you prepare your body, use the right equipment, have the necessary skill, and stay positive, you can make it through Kongma La, Cho La, and Renjo La passes.

Keep in mind that the mountains have been here for ages, so you can take your time crossing them. Be patient, watch your surroundings, and listen to what your body tells you. Looking out at the world’s highest mountains from these passes rewards each effort taken to get there.

Whether you are starting your adventure in the Himalayas or coming back for more, the Everest Three Pass Loop will stay in your mind even after you get home.