Mountains are calling! This is the most common phrase used in the adventure activity world. You don’t have to climb the mountain to achieve the mountaineering feeling. High Altitude passes treks are extreme adventure activity that offers mini – mountaineering experiences. Where in the world would be insane other than the Everest region? Yes, the home of the world’s tallest mountain has an adventurous trekking trail that tests people’s endurance and spirit. Today’s blog is about finding answers to the question “How hard is the Everest 3 High Passes Trek?”
The literal meaning of the word mountain is high hill often covered by snow. However, people regard the mountain as the symbol to test their perseverance and prove the supreme ego of mankind. Therefore, people always try to reach the heights and want to experience supremacy by looking at the dwarfed look of the surrounding environment. During the voyage of the Everest 3 High Passes Trek, trekkers leave their footprints at the base camp of Mt. Everest and traverse to places beyond 5000 m.
Adventure is guaranteed in this trekking trail. It gives you an impression of peak climbing. Therefore, the difficulty grade of the trek is very high. So, in this blog, we try to find the ways to minimize the difficulty level by understanding the detail on the trail condition. Moreover, the blogger believes that the travelers can prepare better for the trek after reading the blog.
Table of Contents
Everest 3 High Passes Trek Introduction
The Everest 3 High Passes Trek is one of the adventurous and arduous trekking trips to do in Nepal. The trek is not simply a walk in a park. It encompasses three iconic mountain passes of the region and includes hiking of two gigantic hills along with the Everest Base Camp hike. Kongma La Pass (5535 m), Chola Pass (5420 m), and Renjo La Pass (5360 m) are major mountain passes of the trail.
The trekking trail of the Everest 3 High Passes Trek includes exploration of Sherpa villages, Everest Base Camp, and Hill hikes. Therefore, you can call the Everest 3 High Passes Trek in Nepal as the Khumbu Circuit Trek that traverses through almost every corners of the Everest region.
Debate on Clockwise or Anticlockwise for 3 Passes Trek
Before heading towards analyzing the answers to the question “How hard is the Everest Three High Passes Trek?”, let’s know about the common debate about doing the trek. People often argue about the trail route for this challenging trekking course. The clockwise route to do the Three High Passes Trek in Nepal is from the Thame section with the Renjo La Pass as the first Mountain Pass. This way has single acclimatization day before crossing the 5360 m high pass.
The anticlockwise is from the Dingboche route. While doing the trek in this way, trekkers will do two acclimatization activities before crossing the 5535 m tall Kong Ma La Pass. Lots of trekking guides and travel experts believe that the anticlockwise way of doing the trek is less risky in terms of altitude sickness due to enough acclimatization activities before entering the high – altitude places. However, trekkers are doing the trek in both ways. It depends upon the counseling and style of the trekking guide that you follow.
How hard is the Everest 3 High Passes Trek?
So, let’s analyze the difficulty level by briefly noting down about the trekking difficulty in the various sections of the Everest 3 High Passes Trek route. This trekking trip is divided into four sections. They are Trek to Everest Base Camp, Kong Ma La Pass crossing, Chola Pass Crossing, and Renjo La Pass Crossing.
Kongma La Pass Crossing Difficulty
The first mountain pass in the Everest 3 High Passes Trek in Nepal is the Kong Ma La Pass. It is also the tallest pass among three passes. The trail to cross the pass starts from Chhukung Village. The trail is rocky and rugged. Trekkers have to cross at least 3 ridges with many uphill and downhill sections.
High altitude, rocky trail, and narrow route make it harder for trekkers to easily navigate. If it snows, then the condition worsens as there are many crevasses. It is not well trodden trail and trekkers may find it hard to walk due to presence of many small cattle trails. Moreover, trekkers have to walk on the glacier for about 1 to 1.5 hours after crossing the pass to reach Lobuche.
Difficulty level for trek to Everest Base Camp
By the time trekkers start their trek to the Everest Base Camp they would have already conquered the Kongma La Pass (5535 m) with two acclimatization days. Therefore, trekking to the Everest Base Camp is comparatively easier than crossing the pass. The trail from Lobuche Pass to the Everest Base Camp (5364 m) is on the Khumbu glacier and moraines. Big boulders and unpredictable weather conditions are the nemesis of easy trekking trip to the Everest Base Camp via Gorakshep.
The hardest day in this section is the day when trekkers do the morning hike of Kalapathar (5545 m) and trek to Dzongla via Lobuche. It is the longest day and equally tiring!
Chola Pass Trek Difficulty
Dzongla to Thaknak via Chola Pass is scenic but demanding section. The Chola Pass is at an altitude of 5420 m but the trail makes it harder for trekkers. The initial section of the trail is on the open valley. It is easy trek from Dzongla Village to the foothill of the Chola Pass. However, the trail is so confusing for average trekkers. You shouldn’t leave your trekking guide and wander alone while crossing the pass. The hardest part of the Chola Pass crossing is the descent.
In some trekking season, trekkers may have to use the fixed rope to descend down from the pass. The scenery of 360 degree view of mountains including Makalu, Everest, Choyou, and Lhotse can reduce the difficulty level mentally.
Ngozumpa Glacier Walking Difficulty
Upon crossing the Chola Pass, trekkers head to the Gokyo Lake Valley. The trail from Thaknak to Gokyo is on the Ngozumpa glacier. This is the world’s longest glacier and trail is very confusing. Therefore, in 2023, the locals have built the new route. Earlier, trekkers had to walk through the glacier in the trail full of boulders and rocks. Nowadays, trekkers head to the Gokyo 2nd Lake and continue the trail to Gokyo 3rd Lake. Please note that it is very tedious to walk in the glacier.
Renjola Pass Crossing Difficulty
Few years before, people used to say that the Renjo La Pass is the hardest mountain pass to trek in the region. However, it has changed drastically. There is very less amount of snow in the pass. Some section of this pass has fixed rope for easy crossing. The descent is a lot harder than ascent.
How to overcome Everest 3 High Passes Trek Difficulty?
Meticulous planning can help you overcome the Everest 3 High Passes Trek difficulty. If you follow the proper itinerary plan and heed the instructions of the trekking guide, then you can comfortably complete the trek. Make sure that you are following the healthy dietary plans. Build up the cardio – vascular ability in such a way that you can easily walk for about 7 to 8 hours every day in the high – altitude places. Do exercises like cycling, running, swimming, and walking at least one month prior to the trek. Have an open mind and prepare for mental breakdown!
Buy the travel insurance that covers incidents above 5000 m altitude. Your insurance plan must include emergency helicopter rescue. Heed the instructions of your trekking guide and don’t wander alone especially during the crossing of mountain pass. Keep at least 1 or 2 days as reserve days. This will help you to do the trek without any rush or pressure to reach Kathmandu as per your international flight schedule. Sometimes, rushing during the trek can be fatal and it may lead to unsuccessful trekking trip.
Pack the essentials after consultation with the travel planners. Eat soupy food and drink water frequently. Avoid greasy food, smoking, and alcohol during the trek. Don’t skip the acclimatization activities. If you can follow the trekking plan and itinerary, then you can comfortably complete the trek.
Can I trek solo without guide in Everest 3 High Passes Trek?
Yes, you can trek solo but don’t think about it! You are going on the adventurous journey of crossing mountain like High Passes of the Everest region! The Everest 3 High Passes Trek is not an average hill hiking or stroll in the park. There are no phone signals, internets and supporting people along the way to save your life in case of any health issues. Your life is more precious than the dollars. It requires an expert guidance.
Therefore, this blogger strongly recommends trekking guide for the trek. Get the trekking package from Nepal Government registered trekking agency and leave all the trip logistic hassles to the agency. It is safe to travel with the agency as it helps you during the time of emergency.
The Everest 3 High Passes Trek is difficult. There is denying in this fact. However, meticulous planning, expert trekking guidance, and honest execution of trekking itinerary can help you easily complete the Everest 3 High Passes Trek.
