How Difficult Is the Three Pass Trek

If you have just come across the idea of doing the Three Pass Trek in the Everest region, you should know how difficult the Three Pass Trek is. There could be various reasons that you are planning to embark on this trail, but you are certainly one of those who would not just want to tick off the bucket list for going to Everest Base Camp via the classic route but also take the most advanced off-the-beaten-path route.

Overcrowding is a growing issue not only on Mount Everest but also on the classic trail to Everest Base Camp. According to the Sagarmatha National Park Office, more than 44,600 tourists entered the Khumbu region during the first nine months of Nepal’s 2024/25 fiscal year ( from mid July 2024 to mid April 2025). April 21, 2025, the park also recorded 694 tourists entering the region in a single day, highlighting just how busy the peak trekking season can become. Most of these visits occur between October and November and between March and April. The logical question is: Why is everyone traveling at the same time? It’s because of the pleasant weather window, and you may not want to miss it either. However, what if you are someone like me, who wouldn’t stand a chance of overcrowding? Well, that’s when the Everest Three Passes Trek comes in handy.

As interesting as it sounds to follow the Three Pass Trek Itinerary, it is probably one of the most challenging high-pass treks in Nepal. My name is Raj, and over a decade, I was a mountain guide in the Himalayas. In this article, I will share my experience as a guide, particularly the difficulties I encountered and how to prevent them.

Difficulties as It Is a Long-Distance Trail

Including two acclimatization days and side trips to Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar, the Three Passes Trek covers around 202 km (126 miles) and takes 18–19 days to complete. It is roughly 9–11 km (6–7 miles) of walking per day. While designing the itinerary for the Everest region, both hiking time and distance should be considered. Since it involves a lot of ascending and descending, 1 mile (1.6 km) of steep uphill hiking may take up to 2–3 hours, while 4–5 miles (6–8 km) of downhill hiking could be completed in 1–2 hours. Best to look at the map here.

Difficulties as You Gain Elevation

The trek starts from Lukla, reached by flight from Kathmandu (1,400m / 4,593ft). It’s a small mountain village located at 2,860m (9,383ft) with an effective oxygen level of about 71%. The higher you go, the lower the oxygen level will become. By the time you reach Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar, and the three high passes (Kongma La, Cho La, and Renjo La), the effective oxygen level is only about 50% of that at sea level.

A majority of trekkers who visit Nepal are from the lowlands or sea level. Whereas Kathmandu itself is already at 1,400m, Lukla Airport at 2,860m, and your final destination, Kala Patthar, at 5,545m (18,192ft). Throughout the trek, you will gain around 500m to 700m (6 to 8 hours) of elevation per day. If you have not experienced any high-altitude trek in your life, it could be challenging to reach certain heights in just a couple of days.

For example, the trail to EBC involves a 1,500m elevation change in just one day! The flight from Kathmandu to Lukla takes you to 2,860m in just about 35 minutes. For someone who is not used to this kind of change, your body may not adapt quickly. Therefore, the best way to prepare for this elevation is to allow extra days for acclimatization.

Difficulties as You Navigate the Route

There are several options, but in my opinion, it is best to follow a route that gradually gains elevation. Some routes (from Namche to Thame via Renjo La, the clockwise route) take you to the first high pass in just five to six days. Unlike the counter-clockwise route from Dingboche, which takes at least 8–9 days before reaching the first high pass, Kongma La.

Without choosing the right itinerary, the trek could be risky, given that the altitudes of these passes are above 5,000m. Therefore, I always suggest trekkers take the counter-clockwise route. On this route, you follow the classic EBC trail all the way to Dingboche, and then from there, take the path that goes to the first pass, Kongma La. This is a good route for acclimatization and to reduce the risk of altitude sickness. However, it is not the best option if you want to avoid the crowds, as you spend more time on the classic EBC trail, which has higher hiker volumes. Make a wise decision based on what you think is best for your fitness.

Difficulties as the Weather and Temperatures Are Low

The temperature at the Base Camp or in the high passes can drop to -15°C (5°F) in mid-November. In 2025, temperatures at Base Camp ranged from a maximum of about 5°C (41°F) to a minimum of about -15°C (5°F), and wind speeds were about 5 to 10 mph. However, during the same time of year at Lukla (where you begin the hike), the temperature ranged from a minimum of around 2°C (36°F) to a maximum of around 16°C (61°F).

The difficulty level of this trek is graded 9 out of 10. So it is not an easy trek. The challenge for the classical Everest Base Camp route is altitude sickness. For the Three Passes Trek, however, you also need to be mindful of the constant weather changes and be prepared to walk on snow, ice, glacier moraine, or fallen rocks.

Difficulties as the Seasons Change

Time is crucial for this trek. Due to the high passes, the weather might be challenging. Trekking in the perfect season with perfect weather is the key to success for this trek. Typically, there are two seasons that are considered safest throughout the year.

High Season (March to May and September to November)

During the period from September to November, Nepal offers a clear, cloudless sky against which you can see stunning views of the Himalayas from any corner of the country. For this trek, I would recommend a slightly different window from mid-October till mid-December. Although all available online references suggest that September to November is best, in my experience and given recent weather changes, the monsoon continues until the second or third week of September. So this could be challenging for someone traveling in a short time frame, as the Lukla flights are always uncertain due to weather, particularly during the monsoon.

Read More: Everest Base Camp Trek Difficulties

Challenges for Independent Hikers

YES! You can do this trek alone or independently without a guide. As a matter of fact, there are more independent trekkers on the EBC classical route. However, on the Three Passes Trail, you will find very few people trekking without a local guide. Mainly because of the constantly changing weather conditions and the fact that the trail goes through moving glaciers and high mountain terrain. That means the trails near the glacier can change due to snow, ice, and rockfall.

The trail between Chhukung and Lobuche on the way to the first pass is the most dangerous. According to reports, the route in this area can change due to unstable glacier moraine, snow, and rockfall. We advise you to gather as much information as possible from locals before you proceed to the high pass. Do not forget to bring your own GPS device and follow the track as it’s shown.

Despite the fact that hikers can actually proceed independently on the Three Passes Trek. However, for safety, we suggest you hike with a local guide.

How to Find a Local, Affordable Trekking Company in Nepal?

Here are some tips for finding a suitable travel company for your next adventure. Some of my suggestions below could save you a couple of hundred dollars, but you will still receive the best service. At the same time, even if you choose to go with a big brother (expensive company), make sure the company you choose has all of this!

• Look for a company that is not listed in the top advertising section on Google, because these companies would pass the cost of advertising on to clients.

• Check out the companies ranked on the second or third page of Google, as local companies in Nepal do not have sufficient resources or financing to compete with large international travel companies that may appear on the first page.

• Avoid third-party booking agencies, as local travel companies are likely required to pay a commission of at least 15% to 30% to these websites.

• Check a company’s legal documents page to ensure they are registered and appropriately licensed by the Nepal Government.

• Check what other travelers say about the company, such as on Tripadvisor. These are independent client reviews, verified by Tripadvisor, so you can be sure of the service these companies provide. If they treat 90% of their clients well, chances are, you will experience the same service.

• Check with a local company to confirm that their guide has a license, first aid and high-altitude training, insurance, and is equipped with the right hiking gear.

• Check with a company if they are concerned about your safety. If they have a proper contract, a good relationship with a helicopter rescue company, and an approved international hospital in Nepal. You may not need this service, but in an emergency, it is VERY important.

• “Heli scam is real, but not all companies to be blamed.” Be especially careful with a company that has few online reviews. Before the guide calls the helicopter, make sure the local company has policies requiring the guide to carry a Pulse Oximeter to monitor your acclimatization status. This small device will help track whether your body has acclimatized. Do you really need to cancel this trip mid-trip and go to the hospital? By keeping track of your blood oxygen levels and blood pressure at high altitude, you can monitor and act at the first signs of altitude sickness. It is the first responsible sign from the local company if it has trained its guide to use the device. We at NEST Adventure, along with our team, know how to use this device and are well-trained to maintain a high success rate on all high-altitude treks. Draft us an email if you want to know more about NEST Adventure and our team.

• Compare prices with a few other companies to make sure you are getting a good deal. At the same time, do not go with a price that is too low or too high. Stay with a medium one.

• Make it easy and safe with payment gateways like PayPal and e-transfer. Do not pay 100% in advance. However, most companies require at least 10 percentage of the total amount as a booking confirmation.

• Agree to meet with a guide prior to departure. So you get an idea of the level of his experience and whether you are compatible.

• Bring cash instead of paying by card. You will save 4% if you pay in cash.

If you would like to know more about our company and the feedback from our recent customers, check out our Tripadvisor page or contact us at nestadventure@gmail.com.

How to Be Safe

While it is an amazing experience, there are also some perils along the way, and it is important that all trekkers are aware of this. Altitude sickness and getting lost in the high passes due to the continually changing weather are two of the most common risks, but these can be mitigated by:

• Follow the proper itinerary, which includes enough acclimatization days.
• Cover the right amount of distance and elevation each day. Elevation changes should not be more than 400-500 meters each day.
• Always check the weather forecast.
• Choose the right trekking gear for you, and that is good enough for this trek.
• Give yourself some training before embarking on the trail. Even regular, basic exercises like swimming, yoga, aerobics, and running make breathing easier at high altitudes and also improve blood circulation.

Death & Casualty

Accidents and unfortunate news from the Everest region are often reported globally. However, most of those incidents pertain to the expedition and not trekking. Everest Base Camp earthquake and avalanche claimed the lives of 22 people in 2015. The cause of most deaths is the snowstorm. There is no actual statistic available online about how many people die in the Everest Base Camp Trek. However, a rough estimate we heard from the news is that about 3-5 people die each year on the whole EBC out of roughly 60,000 people. This is a death rate of less than 0.01%, mainly due to high altitude sickness.

How to Prevent

For someone who is physically fit, the Three Pass Trek is NOT as hard as you think. In general, if you follow some advice, you can do this hike, even if this is your first high-altitude trek in your entire life. Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) at high altitudes is the main problem without proper acclimation. Since people from around the world trek this trail, there are significant medical facilities that can be reached by helicopter and mobilized immediately.

Choose the Right Gear

As with every sport, it is essential that a multi-day high-altitude trek is not compromised. The following items could meet your basic requirements. Keep in mind that if you are traveling to multiple different countries and not ready for hiking (cold weather), you may need additional items. There’s a chance you can rent hiking gear in Kathmandu.

• Climbing ropes are not necessary.
• An ice ax is not necessary.
• Full-body Gore-Tex is not necessary.

What You Need Are:

• Hiking boots and crampons (high-ankle boots recommended)
• Sleeping bag (not necessary but recommended to have one)
• Down Jacket
• A pair of thermal sweaters to keep you warm inside
• A couple of comfortable dry hiking pants
• Hiking socks (thick and it should keep you warm enough)
• Hiking bag (minimum 50L+10)

Additionally, you could consider taking a warm hat/head cover, scarf, sunglasses, lip guard, sun cream, trekking pole, headlamp, windproof gloves, water bottle, water purification drops, camera accessory, first aid kit, etc.

Read more: Everest Region Packing List For The Female Trekkers

Acclimatization & Itinerary

Acclimatization should be at the top of your list for a satisfying Everest Three Pass Trek. Depending on where you come from, plan an itinerary with enough days of acclimatization in between. This route may take between 18–19 days with at least 2/3 days of acclimatization in the middle.

I have experience working with customers who are in reasonable fitness and are attempting EBC as their first high-altitude trek, with a 98% success rate. It is vital to identify the right company that can advise on and suggest the best Everest Base Camp Trek itinerary based on your experience and fitness level.

“The helicopter scam is real, and make sure you don’t deal with a company that has no stable reputation online.”

Training

A certain degree of physical fitness is required for any trek, but that does not mean you need a professional trainer or particular mountain experience. From my experience, let me break down some necessary training you can do at home or in the nearby park as part of your preparation. Trust me, this is going to help dramatically. If you keep it up for at least one or two months.

• Running in the park: At least one month before the date of departure, a minimum of 5-8 miles a day. This will help with breathing and blood circulation and build your thigh and torso muscles.

• Swimming: Holding your breath while swimming helps store oxygen, which can ease shortness of breath at high altitude.

• Yoga or Aerobic: Set aside time for yoga, stretching, jogging, and other exercises to tone your body and muscles.

• Gym: If you plan to hike with a loaded backpack, we suggest extra exercise, mainly leg squats, Leg press, Deadlifts, leg extensions, Wall sits, leg curls, etc.

• Test your gear: It is quite common for some trekkers to be unable to complete the EBC trek due to blisters on their feet. This happens if you just bought a new pair of trekking boots and haven’t tested the fit and made adjustments. Always remember your hiking boots should have enough room for fingers. Generally, hiking boots for mountain trails should have at least 0.5 sizes bigger than your regular size.

• Socks: Hiking socks also contribute to blisters on your feet. They should be thick and be able to regulate temperature to keep your feet from getting sweaty. When you purchase trekking socks, consider buying wool socks. Wool is naturally antimicrobial, so it tends to retain smells less than synthetic fabrics.

Suggestion

• Don’t be nervous; feel confident and like an experienced hiker.
• Drink enough fluids and stay hydrated; dehydration can also cause symptoms of being sick.
• Always give enough space for oncoming Yaks, Nyak, Ghokpe, and mules on the way, and make sure you still lean upon the sidewall.
• Always drink purified water and bring some water purification drops or tablets with you.
• Be aware of uncooked food; keep yourself vegetarian, as meat in the mountains is not fresh.
• Carry some extra calorie-light food.
• Always make sure you pack the right gear that fits for the Everest Base Camp Trek.
• Stay away from alcohol, smoking, or any drug at high altitudes.
• Bring your own basic first-aid box that you are comfortable with. Do not use any medicine whose brand you are not sure of.
• Do not sleep during the day at high altitudes. It’s recommended to move around and keep yourself active.
• Don’t think that these might be the symptoms of altitude sickness if you have a little headache or slight fever. It is normal to experience these symptoms when adjusting to varying altitudes.

Reminder

• Be strong physically and psychologically.
• Do you want a trekking company that is specialized and has a good track record or rating in every aspect of your safety?
• Does the itinerary you chose fit your level of fitness and desire?
• The time window is very important. Did you book your trip at the best time of the year?
• Insurance is not compulsory, but it is good to have one in case of an emergency. Did you find an insurance company that covers emergency and medical expenses, or other associated costs, in case of an evacuation on the trail?

Conclusion

Everest Three Pass Trek is off the beaten path in the Khumbu region, otherwise also known as the Everest region in Nepal. It has well-established trekking trails around the world. Checkpoints along the way are provided for your safety. It has all the logistics and communication facilities available at designated places. Almost every guest house offers Wi-Fi, including Base Camp, so you can communicate with your family or friends. A little preparation before you start will boost your confidence and make your trek enjoyable all the way to the Base Camp of the world’s highest mountain. Over 20 adventure travelers book a trip with us every year. If you want to join them, feel free to inquire with us. If you enjoy reading this article, share it with your friends and family who have been missing this exclusive information about EBC.

Three Passes Trek Difficulty FAQs