Three Passes Trek Tours & Trips

What our customers ask about Three Passes Trek Tours & Trips

• When is the best time to do the Three Passes Trek in Nepal?

  The Three Passes Trek is best done during autumn (September to November) or spring (March to May). Autumn offers the most reliable conditions with steady weather and clear views of the mountains. A TourRadar traveler who trekked with Swotah Travel noted: "The weather was perfect and clear during our trek allowing us to enjoy breathtaking views from all three passes." The paths at Kongma La Pass (5535m) Cho La Pass (5420m) and Renjo La Pass (5360m) are most accessible during these periods. Avoid the monsoon season from June through August when rain is frequent and winter months from December to February when extreme cold and snow make the trek challenging.

• What are the major highlights of the Three Passes Trek?

  The route showcases four peaks above 8000m including Everest Lhotse Makalu and Cho Oyu along with the pristine Gokyo Lakes and authentic Sherpa settlements. A TourRadar reviewer shared: "From the lush green forests of the foothills up to Tengboche to the imposing peaks and glaciers of the upper Khumbu and Everest base camp to the breathtaking scenery of Gokyo every day offered something spectacular." The trek includes stops at Everest Base Camp (5364m) the Kala Patthar viewpoint (5545m) and the culturally significant Tengboche Monastery.

• What are the views like from each of the three high passes?

  Each pass presents different perspectives of the Himalayan landscape. Kongma La (5535m) looks out over Mt. Nuptse Lhotse and the Khumbu Glacier. From Cho La Pass (5420m) trekkers can see Ama Dablam and Cholatse while Renjo La (5340m) offers clear views of Mt. Everest. A TourRadar traveler notes: "The view from Renjo La was absolutely mind-blowing - you could see Everest Lhotse Cholatse and the stunning Gokyo Lakes below." The passes work together to provide a complete picture of the region's highest peaks.

• What kind of accommodation can I expect during the Three Passes Trek?

  Lodging along the trek consists of teahouses and local lodges in villages such as Namche Bazaar Dingboche and Gokyo. The journey typically starts and ends with 3-4 nights in Kathmandu at places like the Yatri Suites and Spa. A TourRadar traveler reports: "The teahouses were basic but comfortable with our guide always securing the best available options." Rooms are usually shared between two people with basic amenities becoming more limited at higher elevations.

• How many days should I plan for the Three Passes Trek?

  The trek requires 15-22 days to complete with most routes taking 18-19 days for proper acclimatization. Tour operators like Swotah Travel and Sherpa Expedition build in essential rest days at Namche Bazaar and Dingboche to help trekkers adjust to the altitude. According to a TourRadar traveler: "The 19-day itinerary gave us enough time to acclimatize properly and enjoy the magnificent views from each pass without feeling rushed."

• What kind of weather conditions should I expect during the trek?

  The weather changes dramatically with elevation and time of year. Lower areas near Lukla (2860m) and Namche Bazaar (3440m) see temperatures between 10-15°C while the higher passes can drop below -10°C especially at Kongma La Pass (5535m). A TourRadar traveler advises: "Weather can change quickly at high altitude particularly around the passes so proper gear and layered clothing are essential." Clear skies are most common in the morning with clouds often moving in by afternoon especially before monsoon season.