Everest Three Pass Trek: A circular trek in Everest region

Trekking in the Everest region is already the most famous and counted as the adventurous sport in the world, for it homes the towering peak of all, Mt. Everest at 8,848 meters. As exhilarating can be scaling towards this majestic peak or trekking for its base camp, Everest region has several other rewarding journeys as well.

Three Pass Trek is probably the most satisfying and incredible journey you will ever walk on. The trek lets you unravel most of the beauty of the Everest region as it covers most of the region on its circular route.

The trek is described to be more challenging than Everest Base Camp itself, and obviously, its popularity isn’t a hyped one. To mark your visit with this strenuous, yet exciting journey of Three Pass Trek, here are some detailed information for your help.

ABOUT THREE PASS TREK

Three Pass trek is the ultimate and complete trekking experience in the enticing region of Everest. As the name of the trek suggests, the journey crosses the three high passes linking the four distinct valleys of Bhotekoshi, Gokyo, Khumbu, and Imja Tse.

The trek is a demanding one where crossing the rugged high passes of Renjo La at 5,388 meters, Cho La at 5,380 meters and Kongma La at 5,535 meters, you will climb the three acclaimed peaks of Gokyo Ri at 5,483 meters, Kalapathar at 5,545 meters and Chukung at 5,550 and not to mention hiking towards the most sought-after, Everest Base Camp.

In short, Three Pass trek is a splendidly extravagant journey, which is incomparable and the most memorable trekking experience you will ever have.

Also Read: Everest Three High Pass Trek – 21 Days

HOW HARD IS THE THREE PASSES TREK?

Three Pass Trek is a tough trek; to put in a simpler term, it is much more challenging than Everest Base Camp trek. The base camp is not necessarily a physically hard trek; it is for the people who don’t adhere to the acclimatization rule, who finds the trek strenuous. In Everest Base Camp, there are only two significant ascents; Jorsale to Namche and walk up to Tengboche.

The trek is an ultimate and extreme one, and its strenuous itinerary is best-suited for experienced trekkers who are looking for a challenge in high altitude passes with a hike to smaller peaks to explore the Himalayan wonder. However, no climbing skill is required in this journey.

THREE PASS TREK SOLO?

Often trekkers want to embark on the journey all by themselves. They want to explore without remaining in any rigid itinerary. As Three Pass trek is a hard one, is it possible to accomplish the trek independently?

Well, you can certainly go for Three Pass Trek on your own. But given its difficulty and all the equipment required, it is best to take help.

However, if you have made a heart to do it solely, you can hook up with other trekkers at least while crossing the passes because it is when the journey gets extra tough. You will meet several trekkers en route, with whom you can get along.

There aren’t many trekkers in this part of the region because of the constant change in weather conditions, and as the trail goes through a moving glacier, every day the trails in glacier could be wiped out.

Of all the challenges in Three Pass trek, the trail between Chukang and Labouche to the first pass is the most dangerous one. As per the reports, the glaciers in this area moves faster than usual. So, try gathering as much information from locals before going any further. Also, take your own GPS device and follow the track as it’s shown.

THREE PASS TREK BEST TIME

Best not to make any rush and create complications by trekking in the wrong time of year. Three Pass trek is best during March-May and October-November when the weather is clear, and the temperature is moderate.

Likewise, Three Pass trek in June, July, August is best to avoid because it is the monsoon when weather is unpredictable and due to rain and storm, flights to Lukla rarely operates. Also, the winter season from December to February is not the best time for Three Pass trek. You have to scale up towards a very high altitude region, where heavy snowfall can block the passes.

THREE PASS TREK DISTANCE

Three Pass trek is a glorious trek that ranges from 2,800 meters in Lukla to highest at 5,535 meters in Kong Ma La pass. Also, as the trek takes you in the vicinity of several peaks, depending on the peaks visited, the distance of the trek is about 166 kilometers/103 miles.

You will spend most of the hike above the altitude of 5,000 meters, and the total elevation gain is about 11,000 meters, which makes it quite an intense journey.

Classic Everest Base Camp Trek: 25 Days

THREE PASS TRAIL

The trails of Three Pass trek follows the circuit route of Everest region. It all begins with an exciting flight to Lukla, from where we scale up towards Namche Bazaar.

Also, known as the gateway to Everest and typical acclimatization-stay for trekkers, Namche is simply an exquisite Himalayan village, from where we hike to less trodden trail towards the Thame and Lungden close to the Tibetan border.

Then comes Rejo La pass, which is certainly not an easy task, but no matter the effort, the captivating view of shimmering parades of the Himalayas including Everest with pristine Gokyo Lakes will keep you rejuvenated.

Now, we scale the Gokyo Ri and later hike on the largest glacier, Ngozumpa before crossing the Chola Pass. We will now join the popular Khumbu Valley trekking route to hike the Kalapatthar peak and to explore Everest Base Camp.

The Three-Pass trail then moves towards Chukung from Lobuche crossing Kongma La, which is a less trodden and a tough pass. Then comes our third peak, Chukung Ri, from where the unobstructed view of Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Makalu can be seen.

As we make our way down, we trek via Tengboche monastery making a big circle to complete the Three Pass Trek.

JIRI TO EVEREST THREE PASSES TREK

In Jiri Three Passes trek, the journey starts from Jiri rather than the typical Lukla. Firstly your drive from Kathmandu to Jiri is 217 kms approxmitaly 8 hrs drive . Already the Three Pass trek is for adrenaline junkies and in this version, Jiri Three Passes trek, the days will be extended rising the level of challenge.

Although it is an optional choice, it takes a week to reach Namche Bazaar walking through the outer foothills and passes of Himalayas before trekking up the Khumbu valley.

The journey starts with after a bus ride to Jiri and passes by Hilly settlements like Deuarli, Sete, Junebesi, Numthala, and Cheubas before arriving at Namche, from where it connects the usual trail of Three Pass trek.