A Trek That Changed Everything

I still remember the wind on my face as I stood on top of Renjo La Pass, one of the three high mountain passes in the Everest region. My legs were tired, my fingers cold, but my heart was full. The mountains stretched far and wide, and for a moment, I forgot everything else. That's when I knew—the Everest Three High Passes Trek is more than just a hike. It's a life-changing journey.

I didn't expect it to be easy. And it wasn't. But each pass we crossed taught us something new—about the mountains, about Nepal, and about ourselves.

What Is the Everest Three High Passes Trek?

The Everest Three High Passes Trek is a long and tough trail in the Everest region of Nepal. It takes you over three major mountain passes that rise above 5,000 meters (over 16,000 feet). The three passes are:

  • Kongma La Pass – 5,535 meters (18,159 feet)

  • Cho La Pass – 5,420 meters (17,782 feet)

  • Renjo La Pass – 5,360 meters (17,585 feet)

Along the way, we walked through quiet Sherpa villages, crossed glaciers, and stopped at famous places like Everest Base Camp, Gokyo Lakes, and Namche Bazaar. This trek is a loop, which means we didn't take the same path twice.

Trek Facts at a Glance

Here are some important numbers that show what this trek is really like:

  • Total Distance: Around 160–180 kilometers (99–112 miles)

  • Trek Duration: 18–21 days, depending on rest days and pace

  • Maximum Elevation: Kongma La Pass at 5,535 meters

  • Trek Difficulty: Challenging – not for beginners

  • Best Seasons: Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November)

The Everest Three High Passes Trek is harder than the normal Everest Base Camp trek. It's longer, higher, and includes more remote sections. But it's also more peaceful and wild—and that made it so special for us.

Starting the Journey: Lukla to Namche

We began our adventure with a short, exciting flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. The tiny airport sits on the edge of a cliff and gave us our first thrill. From Lukla, we hiked through green forests and over suspension bridges until we reached Namche Bazaar, the main Sherpa town.

Namche felt like a small mountain city. We took a rest day there to help our bodies adjust to the altitude. The view of Everest from a nearby hill made our hearts race.

Crossing the Passes One by One

Kongma La Pass – The Highest One

This was the toughest pass. We left early, walked across a rocky valley, and then climbed steeply. At the top, prayer flags danced in the wind. The cold was sharp, but the view was worth it. Looking back, this was the day I felt most proud.

Cho La Pass – Ice and Snow

Cho La took us through a glacier. The trail was icy and slippery. We had to be careful, but the sight of the snow-covered peaks all around made it feel like a dream.

Renjo La Pass – The Most Beautiful

Renjo La was our last pass, and it gave us the best views of the whole trek. As we climbed, we could see the Gokyo Lakes below and Everest shining in the distance. It was breathtaking. I cried happy tears at the top—partly from joy, partly from the thought that the hardest part was over.

A Personal Moment I'll Never Forget

One night, we stayed in a tiny teahouse near Gokyo. The stars outside were the brightest I've ever seen. There was no noise, no phone signal—just silence and beauty. I stood outside, wrapped in a warm jacket, and looked up. In that quiet moment, I felt completely at peace.

The mountains have a way of making you feel small, but in a good way. They remind you of how big the world is and how lucky we are to explore it.

Tips That Helped Us Succeed

  • Go Slow and Take Rest Days: Altitude sickness is real. Walking slowly and resting often made a huge difference.

  • Drink Lots of Water: Staying hydrated helped us feel stronger.

  • Bring Warm Gear: The nights were freezing, especially at high camps.

  • Eat Well: Dal Bhat (a Nepali meal) gave us lots of energy.

  • Use a Local Guide: Our guide knew the trails and helped us stay safe, especially during tough parts.

Why This Trek Is So Special

This trek gave us more than just views. It gave us a sense of adventure, of discovery. We met friendly locals, shared laughs with fellow trekkers, and faced tough moments that made us stronger.

Not many people do the full three passes. That made the trail feel quiet and personal. It was like having the Himalayas all to ourselves.

Final Thoughts

The Everest Three High Passes Trek is not for everyone. It's long, hard, and cold. But for those who are ready, it offers something unforgettable. It's more than just walking in the mountains—it's a journey of growth, courage, and deep connection to nature.

I came back with tired legs and a full heart. The mountains taught me to keep going, even when it's hard. They showed me beauty I never imagined. And most of all, they reminded me that the best views come after the hardest climbs.