Everest High Passes Trek

Everest High Passes Trek is a popular trekking route in the Himalayas among adventure lovers who strive to escape into the isolated Everest region. This trek is also popularly known as the Everest Three Passes Trek as it includes the trek across three high passes named Kongma La Pass (5535 m), Cho La Pass (5300 m), and Renjo La Pass (5340m). 

This 21-day adventurous journey is ideal for those adventure seekers wanting to experience trekking to the high Himalayas, routing through isolated valleys, traditional communities, and vast landscapes.

In addition to taking the trekkers through the scenic and challenging passes, the route also follows Everest Base Camp and includes exciting hikes to the popular viewpoints of the region, such as Kala Patthar, Chhukung Ri, and Gokyo Ri. The Khumbu Glacier, which is the largest glacier, the Ngozumpa Glacier, which is the longest glacier in Nepal, and the serene Gokyo Lakes add more challenges as well as excitement to this trek.

The entire route, day-end destinations, the passes, and the viewpoints all offer an amazing view of Mount Everest (8848 m), Mount Ama Dablam (6812 m), Mount Lhotse (8516 m), Mount Nuptse (7861 m), Mount Cholatse (6440 m), Mount Makalu (8485) and many other Everest Region’s Himalayas.  

Besides trekking to this high rugged landscape of the High Passes, you get to explore the culture & traditions of the Sherpas as the trail passes through Phakding, Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche, Lobuche, Gorakshep, Dzongla, and many others. Additionally, you will get to spend two nights in the lovely Gokyo Valley and stand by the immaculate Gokyo Lakes. 

The trek starts from Lukla and goes up through Namche Bazar and to the base camp; this part is also included in the usual Everest Base Camp trek. However, the difference is made by the main attractions in this unique trek in Nepal - the three passes, which are all more than 5000 m high.

After this extremely adventurous trek, the route leads back to Lukla for the scenic short flight back to Kathmandu. The trek allows travelers to explore the Everest region to the fullest. You get to experience and witness everything the Khumbu region has to offer.

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Everest High Passes Trek Highlights 

• Great opportunity to cross the three high passes of the Khumbu region in one journey

• A journey to the Everest Base Camp through a unique path, unlike the usual one

• Explore the famous Gokyo Village and Gokyo Lakes

• Exciting day hikes to the popular and scenic viewpoints of Everest, such as Kalapatthar, Chhukung Ri  & Gokyo Ri Peaks

• Traverse past dozens of Sherpa Villages with a distinct culture 

• Stunning mountain views and the Khumbu glacier

• Get a glimpse of the entire Khumbu region

• Discover Nepal’s largest Khumbu and the longest  Ngozumpa glaciers, respectively 

• Get insight into the distinct Tibetan Buddhism, the unique Sherpa culture, tradition, and lifestyle 

• Savor the delicious local cuisine and hospitality 

• Trekking inside the UNESCO-listed Sagarmatha National Park 

• Encounter the rare flora and fauna of Sagarmatha National Park

• Experience one of the least-traveled routes in the famous Everest Region 

Everest High Passes Trek Difficulty

Everest High Passes Trek, which is also known as Everest Three Passes Trek, is considered one of the most difficult treks in the Himalayas with many technical climbs. It includes crossing the three high passes above 5000 meters, and side trips to Everest Base Camp, Kala Patthar, Chhukung Ri, and Gokyo Ri.

On average, trekkers must walk 5-7 hours every day for 17 days on rocky ridges, glacial plains, snowy regions, and difficult terrain with steep ascents and descents. As a result, the more physically fit you are and mentally determined, the more pleasant and pleasurable the trek will be. So, we suggest the trekkers engage in cardio workout routines, backpack hikes, yoga, and meditation, and maintain their diet months before this journey. 

Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), also called altitude sickness, is one of the major challenges during high-altitude journeys. So, there are chances of being a victim of AMS during the Everest High Passes Trek. Acclimatization plays the biggest role in avoiding mountain sickness.

Hence, we have designed an itinerary that includes plenty of required days and hikes for acclimatization purposes. Likewise, keeping yourself hydrated is one of the major preventions. Carrying some altitude sickness medicines, such as Diamox, will also be helpful. And, we always suggest you inform your guide immediately if you see any symptoms. 

The extreme weather conditions and temperature can also make your journey more difficult. The weather in high altitudes is unpredictable, but there are times when you can make the trek successful without many hurdles. So, when considering doing the Everest High Passes Trek, make yourself learn about the weather conditions and the best time for the trek. 

Best Time to do the Everest High Passes Trek 

The optimum seasons for the Everest Three Passes Trek are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). The skies are clear, the weather is the most consistent, temperatures are pleasant, and the views are the most beautiful during these seasons. 

Everest High Passes Trek in spring 

During spring, the route offers breathtaking vistas of ice-capped mountains, vibrant hills, and vast Himalayan pastures. Rhododendrons and other spring flowers are in full bloom in the lower areas, enhancing the beauty of the surroundings.

There will be endless views of snow-covered mountain ranges above Namche Bazaar because the Himalayan region experiences considerable snowfall in the winter. The days are sunny, warm, bright, and longer, which is ideal for trekking. 

Everest High Passes Trek in autumn 

Autumn has an open and clear blue sky with bright and sunny days. The trekking routes grow drier after the wet monsoon, and the weather stabilizes. The hills appear lush and green, and the mountains show their best faces after the drenching monsoon season.

The temperature is often around 20 degrees Celsius during the day and as low as 5 degrees Celsius at night, below 3500 meters altitude. But in the higher region, the day temperature can reach 20 °C, and night can drop below the freezing point.

Everest High Passes Trek in Monsoon 

Similar to other treks in the Himalayas, for the Everest Three Passes Trek, the months of monsoon (June to August) are regarded as off-peak times. During these months, the weather is tough, and the trekking trails become muddy and hazardous due to excessive rainfall. In addition, landslides and river floods could obstruct hiking trails. Our trekking adventure is further made unpleasant by bugs like leeches. 

Everest High Passes Trek in winter

The winter months of December, January, and February are another off-season period. The temperature is very dry, harsh, and unpleasant to trek in. In addition, heavy snowfall during the winter can cause a lot of disruptions.

Similarly, due to the bitter cold, teahouses and lodges at higher elevations may close. Also, the passes are filled with a height of snow, making the trek unsuccessful. 

Permits to do the Everest High Passes Trek 

Everest High Passes Trek requires the following permits:

1. Sagarmatha National Park Fee

2. Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Municipality Permit

Note: Both of these permits are included in the Himalayan Trekkers’ Everest High Passes Trek Package.