Everest Three Passes Trek Difficulty

  • Taralal Dharel ( Hari )
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Everest Three Passes Trek Difficulty, The Everest Three passes trek is one of the most complete treks in Nepal which covers most of the Everest region on its trekking or circuit Route. It means both you will experience nature as well as face the many challenges and difficulties during the trek. the trekking routes of Everest Three Passes Trek are more challenging than comparing to the other trek like Everest Base Camp Circuit and many others as it involves the adventure walk through the three high passes of the region named: Renjo La, Cho La, and Kongma La which stand over the 5000 meters above the sea level.

The Everest Three Passes Trek begins with the most adventure and scenic flight to Lukla and the popular starting point of Lukla before heading north along the trek to reach Namche Bazaar. During the walk here you will also encounter the Dudh Koshi rivers and valley for where you can enjoy the view of the first of the three passes-Renjo La (5370 meters). After reaching the high point you will descend to the beautiful valley of the Everest region (Khumbu region).

During the Everest, Three Passes Difficult Trek you will also make your way to different regions of Khumbu from the Gokyo valley crossing the second pass called Cho la Pass (5420 meters). After encountering the second pass you will get the beautiful opportunity to explore the Everest Base Camp (the base camp of the world highest mountain) as well as get the opportunity to capture the best views of Everest and another surrounding snowy peak. Here you will also hike Kalapather which means Balck rock-the attractive viewpoint of the Khumbu region which offers the breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks including Everest, Ama Dablam, Nuptse, Lhotse and many other surrounding snowy peaks with their summit.

Then after enjoying the base camp you will inward the leg of your trek to the final pass- Kongma La Pass (5545 meters) to join with the classic Everest Base Camp Trekking route which will take your down to the Lukla, where your Everest Three Passes trek ends.

Table of Content

Highlights of Everest Three Passes Trek Difficulty

  • Thrilling and flight over the snow-capped crests to Lukla (tensing Hillary Airpot) rate on the list of the world's adventurous airport.
  • A beautiful exploration of Sagarmatha National park (first National park of Nepal) which covered 1148 Km2 and also listed in the UNESCO world heritage sites.
  • Opportunity to enjoy the breathtaking experience of high three passes: Renjo la pass, Cho La Pass and Kong La Pass all above 5000 meters from the sea level.
  • Walkthrough the Namche Bazaar (the largest settlement of the Sherpas's) along with the inspection of Gokyo Ri with the largest glacier in Nepal.
  • Explore the Tengboche monastery in the Tengboche village –the oldest monastery of the Khumbu region on the route.
  • An unbelievable glimpse of Mt Everest (the highest peak of the world) with the surrounding snowy peaks including Mt Nuptse, Mt Lhoste, Mt Ama Dablam along with the morning sunrise view.
  • Hike to Kalapather (the attractive views of the Khumbu region which offer the summit views of the surrounding peaks).

Why is the Everest Three Passes Trek difficult?

The Everest Three Passes Trek is very difficult and challenging to hike the Chola and require the crampons for the slippery paths. Kongma la pass is standing at an altitude of 5535 meters and lies between the two beautiful villages of Chukhung and Lobuche. You while the hike to the highest pass of the Khumbu region after enjoying the Everest base camp. Among the three passes (Renjo la Pass, Cho La pass and Kongma la pass) Kongma la pass is the highest pass among the passes in the Khumbu region. Renjo la pass is located in the Khumbu valley standing at the altitude of 5360 meters and lies in the eastern front of Lungden leaving the Gokyo to the west. The route to these three highest pass is very difficult to cross during the winter due to the high snow-level and is very hard to deal with.

The extreme cold in the high altitude is also one of the aspects that one is most worry about, during such long and altitude trekking. The high altitude can be very harsh and without proper rest and acclimatization, your body would not able to reach in such high altitude. You should know that all of these three passes are above the altitude of 5000meters so trekking in such altitude can be very harsh and difficult to settle down the major problems that you will face during the trek.

Also, the trekking trail of Everest Three Passes Trek is also very challenging. These three passes trek includes crossing the mighty passes (Gokyo Ri) and Even the Everest base Camp. here you can also skip the Base Camp if you don't want to face problems but we highly recommended to do the trek the Base Camp as it is very renewing and since the route also falls in the way of Everest three passes trek.

The Everest three passes trek route takes at least 17 days to complete and also in the way the thing always does not go on your way and as your plan so you should be extra careful for these things.

Proper training

17 days long Everet Three Passes trek is without the doubt tiring and difficulty so to face the major problems during this difficult and challenging trek you should be fit physically as well as mentally. During the adventure walking and hiking your whole body will be tired and be aching too but you cannot complete these trek without the proper self-motivation, so you should be mentally strong to cheer up. During the Everest Three passes trek, you will also see many people who give up during the trek and return back to their initial point.

So mental fitness is the most important thing while trekking. As we know the Everest region is one of the most remote areas in Nepal. Most of you are used to have or prefer the luxury life but trekking doesn't offer you luxury accommodation. During the hike and trek, you will miss your warm bed, you will also miss your hot shower and delicious food too.

As we see most of the people always have the fear about the remoteness in their heart and mind and also you could feel alone and trapped. You may also think about the worse things that may happen and how you will spend your day and how you will recover in such remote places. But don't worry about the local people you will see here are very friendly, nature and the Himalaya beautiful will also always accompany you.

Mentally and physical disturbance adds the Everest Three Passes Trek more difficult. Rather than thinking about the negative and terrible thing, we will suggest you enjoy your beautiful journey. Trekking in the Himalayan region in Nepal is fun if you know how to make your trip interesting and also how to enjoy your trip. As you know nature loves you if you also love and respect her back so wash your mind and enjoy your journey, enjoy and capture the beautiful snow-peaks and also keep motivating yourself during the walk.

Altitude sickness

Altitude sickness is the primary factor that increases the Everest Three Passes Trek difficulty. It commonly defines the group of the problem which sticks at the time while walking too quickly in the altitude. Altitude sickness is also knowns as mountain sickness. But altitude sickness is hard to understand and also very hard to determine whether they get altitude sickness or not. Some get altitude sickness even if they are supper physically and mentally fit and some do not.

However, the high possibility of getting altitude sickness is due to the lack of proper acclimatization. To be far from altitude sickness you need to get used to the altitude so it is better to take a rest day if you need it.

The major sign and symptoms of the altitude sickness are:·

  • Headache
  •  Dizziness
  •  Loss of appetite
  • Shortness on breathing
  •  Problems in sleeping
  •  Fatigue or Nausea

The preventative measure of the altitude sickness is :

  •  Use the principle climb high and sleep low, to be far from the altitude sickness if you climb 1000 per day then make sure to come down and rest at the lower altitude.
  •  At least drink 4-5 liter of the water to keep your body hydrated.
  • Sit far from the alcohols, tobacco, drugs and don't eat medications like sleeping pills while trekking Everest base camp.
  •  Avoid the heavy exercise for the 24 hours when you saw the symptoms of the altitude sickness.
  • Always carry some bars and chocolates which will provide you with the extra energy to hike in the altitude.
  •  Avoid the meat and only consume the balanced diet food including the local and traditional cuisine Dal Bhat which will provide you with rich protein and increase your strength.
  •  If you feel uncomfortable or identify the sign and symptoms of the altitude sickness then immediately share with your professional guide, he will help you to move in the lower altitude and provide you medical treatment as fast and possible.
  • And also consult with your doctor about it before starting your Everest Three Passes Trek.

Everest Three Passes Trek Difficulty (Round hike and a long walk)

These Everest three passes trekking route takes you through the rough terrains and steep climbs. You will also cross the landslide area which is very terrifying. These are the places where the land is very loose. You will also have the fear as for every couple of your step, you will see a step back.

You will also face the very challenging and tough climb in the trek, you will be climbing up the steep rocky hills which have the huge rocks and very thrilling.

Then after crossing the steep hills, crossing the landslide area you will come to encounter the glacier and you have to walk through it to reach in your final destination so you need to get across a few glaciers during the trek, while the most of the glacier is very smooth to cross and also you will face the couple of the glacier which are very tough to cross and here the pair of crampons works like a magic.

you will also cross the glacier before you reach or cross the Cho La Pass. This glacier takes around 40 minutes to cross and you will be very terrified and difficult because here you will walk through the melting ice which is getting thinner and thinner so to avoid this you need to be crossed this glacier before 10 am in the morning because the ice tends to melt after the sun gets higher.

Weather and Temperature of Everest Three Passes Trek Difficulty

As you know the weather in the Khumbu region (Everest region) is unpredictable so you should be careful if you are planning to trek this place in the off-season. bad weather of the region also increases the Everest Three passes Difficulty. Mostly the weather stays fine and quite stable while trekking in the peak season. But still, the temperature drops randomly and rapidly at night. And the temperature below the freezing point can be very unbearable so while trekking in this region you should pack lots of layers and warm inners gear.

Even the start of the trek can be a delay because of the weather. The one and only means to reach in the Everest region within very short of time are by taking the flight to the Lukla. So due to the bad weather, the early flight from Kathmandu to Lukla often cancels. To trek, the weather needs to be good for a plane to land safely in the Lukla airport. So this airport is also considered as one of the most dangerous airports in the world. so while trekking in the Everest region you should have some extra days to covers you trek and to make it smooth.

There is also a high possibility of an avalanche occurring so you should be extra careful while trekking Everest Three Passes Trek.

Best season to trek Everest base camp Three passes trek

Everest region is the home of the many small to the highest mountain peaks of the world. The snow-capped mountain ranges from 5500 meters to-8848 meters. Trekking to the easy as well as challenging trails all needs the comfortable weather and temperature of that region. The trail is very challenging while climbing the passes in the very hot, rainy or cold season. Snow-fall can be the main cause of death in the winter. So, trekking and climbing the peak in the Everest region is best in the spring and autumn season as the temperature and weather of that region remain stable and quite good too.

Here we will discuss all four seasons:

Spring season

Spring season is the peak season for both climbing all kinds of peaks and trekking in Nepal. In the spring season, the weather is quite stable, warm enough and offers clear views. The chance of rain or cloudy sky is less compare to the other time. Spring season is also best for peak climbing due to the warm weather, not so much snow deposited. The spring season ranges from March to May and lasts for three months. During the Everest Three Passes Trek in the spring season, you can climb Kalapather, Renjo La pass, Cho La pass, Kongma La pass without more difficult compared to the climbing in another season. Due to the clear weather, you can also enjoy the clear views of the surrounding peaks. The wind speed might be the problems for this season but talking consideration of this kind of a factor during the trek, then spring season is the best time to trek in the Himalayan region of Nepal, with clear views, peaceful environment. The trek will be very experienced and memorable.

Monsoon season

Monsoon season is the less trekking season in the Everest region in Nepal. The months of March, April, and May fall in the Monsoon season. At this time of the season, the vegetation will be greener and the air will be also clean. Although the clouds might cause some difficulties to enjoy the views during this season. Monsoon season offers the beautiful scenery as it usually rains during the night and continues for the next morning, by the morning the skies start to clean up. The sun rays breaking the rain-bearing clouds, the beautiful views of the snow-capped mountains is one of the beautiful views in the world.

The monsoon rain clears all the pollutants and the dust of the trial and offers you the clear crystal views of the skies and snow-capped mountains. The heavy rain in this season can bring some insects like leeches, bugs while walking in the forest. But if these insect doesn't bother then trekking in Everest three passes can be very beautiful. Being the less traveled trekking season, you can get good accommodation and food facilities with a good discount. You also don't need to share your room with any others. The trail is quite peace it means you can enjoy every walk of your journey.

Autumn season

The autumn season is also one of the best seasons for both trekking and climbing the peaks and trekking in Nepal. The months of September, October, and November fall in these months. The climate during this season is amazingly pleasurable. After the end of the monsoon season, the autumn season in Nepal starts. The autumn season begins from mid-September to November.

The season offers you clear visibility as you can enjoy the clear views of the snow-capped mountains as well as the surrounding is very clear and beautiful. The weather during this time is very fresh, clear and neither too scorching in the Terai plains in Nepal and nor excessively freezing in the high elevation. In fact, during these months, the days are very warm and the nights are pretty cool. But the bright sun makes the day very pleasant to walk. The average temperature around 20.C in the days and it may fall to 5.C at the night at the elevation between 1000 meters and 3500 meters. And the temperature ranges from 20.C during the sunny day and falls below the freezing point at the high altitude. Although the night is very cold at the peak and the weather during the day time is pleasant and warm too. Morning is very clear, no disturbance of the weather, you can view the clear snow-capped mountains during this season.

Winter season

Winter season means the cold season of the year. Every region of Nepal experiences a cold climate at this time. The months of December, January, and February fall in this season. If you are the adventure lovers and want to trek in the months where the trail is quiet and peace the trekking in the winter season will be best for you if the cold weather doesn't bother you. Being the less traveled trail you don't have to book an advance room, you will also get a good discount on your accommodation and foods. The average temperature during the sunny day rises up to 17.C and at night the temperature falls below the freezing point. It means normally the temperature is very cold during the morning and night pretty warn during the sunny day.

Being the cold weather this season also bring lots of challenges and difficulty. Heavy snow-falls will disturb you trek, high chance of avalanches and another disaster too, due to the heavy snow level pass remains closed, you will rarely get open teahouse in the high altitude as they all will shift in the low altitude. Trekking in the cold climate in the high altitude means you need to pack the right warm gear to be safe. Besides this season is good for those who want to enjoy quite difficult and challenging trails with the stunning views of the snow-mountains.

Gear and equipment required for Everest Three Passes Trek

Trekking in the high altitude means you need to be well prepared for what to take? And what not to take? And during the trek, what to wear? And what not to wear? You may have many such questions disturbing in your minds. So let us discuss here the right gear to carry.

Trekking in the different season means you need to carry different gears. For example if you plan to trek in spring season you need to carry some warm gear as winter has just gone, you also need to carry some lightweight dress while trekking in the day but if you choose to trek in monsoon season you need to carry some rain and windproof gear so make sure to carry the right gear while trekking in this season.

Sometimes carry too much and too little can put you in many difficulties and create problems. So you make sure to carry only require gear. Carry the unnecessary gears means making your trek in difficulty, you may not get a chance to enjoy nature and the environment. If you are trekking for short treks like Poon Hill trek and many other you just need to carry little gear but if you plan to trek for the more days like trekking in Everest Three Passes, Annapurna Circuit, Annapurna base camp, Everest Base camp then you need to carry quite more gears compared to the trekking in Short days.

Here we have listed some gear and equipment you required while trekking in Everest Three Passes:

Traveling bags:

  •  Day packs
  •  Duffer bags
  •  And Puck bags with waterproof covers

Head

  • Sunglasses
  •  Woolen hat
  • Sun Hat
  •  Scarf
  •  Headlight

Upper body

  •  Light T-shirt
  •  Waterproof jackets
  • Thermal Vest
  • Lightweight thermal tops
  •  Fleece Jackets
  •  Pullover
  •  Women sports bra, synthetic

Lower body

  •  Fleece pants
  •  Waterproof shell pants
  •  Lightweight walking pants
  •  Hiking short
  •  Undergarments

Handwear 

  • Lightweight fleece gloves
  •  Heavyweight gloves
  •  Water and windproof gloves

Footwear

  •  Hiking boots
  •  Camp sandals
  •  Pair of walking poles
  •  Thick warm wool hiking socks
  •  The inner socks

Other accessories

  •  Sunscreen
  •  First Kids
  •  Sleeping bags
  •  Pillowcase and other night accessories
  •  Water purifiers
  •  Hand sanitizers
  •  Towel
  • Wet wipes
  • Toiletries

The major attraction of Everest Three passes difficulty trek.

The major attraction of Everest Three Passes Trek is the stunning views of the world's highest peaks of the world. During the trek to three passes, you will also reach the beautiful Gokyo valley surrounded by the lakes which further paved the way to reach the Cho La Pass. You will reach Cho La which is located in the Khumbu valley standing at the altitude of 5420 meters while walking to the Cho La you will also cross the Ngozumpa glacier the largest glacier of the Khumbu region. And also the view of Renjo la and Kongma la pass also makes the trek beautiful.

Renjo la Pass

Rejo la pass is one of the highest passes of Everest  Three Passes Trek which is standing at the height of 5360 meters and offers an adventurous journey in a remote area that is beautifully blessed by nature. The Renjo la pass offers the amazing views of Mt Everest (the highest mountain of the world with a height of 8848 meters), Mt Nuptse, Mt Makalu making the trek very beautiful and more adventurous too. The route and path and make very beautiful and recently built too for the pass and can be used by the Yaks too. The major attraction of Renjo La Pass is the Khumbu region giving the beautiful interaction with the Sherpa culture.

Cho La Pass

Cho la pass is also another beautiful pass of the Everest Three Passes Trek which falls in the list if one of the highest passes in the Everest (Khumbu) region which provides the beautiful views of the mountain which is standing the height of more than 8000 meters. Cho La Pass also gives a beautiful and adventurous experience with some difficult and challenging paths and tough Cho La border. The sceneries of the high snow-capped mountains, glacier rivers, and lakes, sharp culture and tradition ate very amazing and breathtaking too. On the way to Cho La pass, you will also visit different monasteries and beautiful waterfalls. Crossing the path and route filled with the snow and walk through up and down would give an amazing experience in Cho la Pass.

Kongma La Pass

Kongma La is also the highest pass of the Everest Three Passes Trek which is standing at an altitude of 5528 meters and offers the unbelievable panoramic views of the mountains. The route to the Kongma la Pass is generally less crowded and less visited by the people so it is very challenging of all. The route to the Kongma la pass takes all the way to the beautiful and isolated villages of Chhukung village which gives the most stunning and detailed views of the gorgeous snow-capped mountains. The adventurous paths and the wonderful views of nature make the pass very interesting and exciting.

Everest Base Camp Trek

The Everest Base Camp is one of the most popular and famous trekking adventures in Nepal which is done in the Khumbu region-the home of the gorgeous Everest Himalayas of the country. The journey to the Everest Base Camp is the beautiful adventure filled with the Khumbu natural beauty, their culture, tradition and other snow-mountains ranges. The trial of the Everest Three Passes Trek takes yours through the Everest Base Camp which is one of the best opportunities to enjoy the views of the world's highest peaks-Mt Everest. The stunning views of Mt Everest, mt Ama Dablam, Mt Nuptse, Mt Cho Oyu, Mt Lhotse is majestic and something that is incredible, which are truly breath-taking and awe-inspiring. The journey to the Everest Three Passes through the Everest Base Camp is an unforgettable trip to one's life.

Kalapather

Kalapather is also one of the major attraction of Everest Three passes Trek. Kalapather is also known as " Black Rock" in English. It is the attraction viewpoint of the trek which offers the gorgeous views of the surrounding snow-peaks. You can also enjoy the summit views of the Mt Everest-the world's highest mountains, Mt Nuptse, Mt Lhotse, Mt Ama Dablam and many others which usually get blocked by mt Nuptse from base Camp. Kalapather offers the breath-taking views of these surrounding peaks.

Conclusion: Everest Three Passes Trek is definitely worth doing the trek. The trek to the base camp of Mt. Everest has earned top rank in the world best trek for many good reasons. It is a journey that you must do and experience in your lifetimes because of its attributes and beauty. Along with the trekking feature, you will get the good services during the trek to Everest Three passes.

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