Everest Three Passes Trek

The best times to embark on the Everest Three Passes Trek are during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). In spring, rhododendron forests bloom, and the weather tends to be dry and stable with clear skies. A perfect for those unforgettable mountain panoramas. Autumn offers crisp air and brilliant visibility after the monsoon has washed the dust from the air. Early spring (March) or late autumn (November) may bring snow over the high passes, making the journey slightly more technical, but the trails are quieter and the light more ethereal. Monsoon season (June to August) is generally avoided due to slippery trails and limited mountain views, while winter (December to February) can be stunningly clear yet brutally cold making it suitable only for highly experienced trekkers with proper gear.

This trek is considered challenging, one of the toughest teahouse treks in Nepal.
It’s not just the distance or altitude; it’s the combination of three high passes above 5,300 meters, multiple glacial traverses, and long days on rugged, uneven terrain. The ascent of Kongma La, Cho La, and Renjo La demands stamina, mental focus, and resilience.
That said, the trek is not technical, you don’t need mountaineering experience but previous high-altitude trekking experience (for example, EBC or Annapurna Circuit) helps immensely.
The key is pacing. Our itinerary builds in acclimatization days and rest stops to keep you healthy and comfortable as you move deeper into the Khumbu.

Prior trekking experience is highly recommended. The Three Passes route pushes beyond the typical Everest Base Camp challenge, with longer hiking days and higher elevation gains.
If you have already trekked above 4,000 meters for instance, in Langtang, Annapurna, or Everest Base Camp, your body will adapt more easily. Mountaineering skills such as rope work or crampon use are not essential for most seasons, but basic familiarity is helpful if snow covers the passes. Your guide will assist with any required safety gear during crossings.

Yes — this is one trek where an experienced licensed guide and porter are not just helpful, but crucial. The Three Passes route is long, remote in sections, and can be confusing where trails diverge, especially in snow. A professional guide ensures your safety, arranges accommodations, monitors altitude symptoms, and navigates the glacier and pass routes. Porters carry your main gear (typically up to 20–25 kg combined) so you can trek comfortably with just a daypack — camera, water, snacks, and essentials.
Beyond the practical, traveling with a local team adds to the cultural richness: you learn stories, jokes, and mountain etiquette that no map can teach.

Two main permits are required for this trek:

• Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit — available in Kathmandu or Monjo checkpoint.
• Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entry Permit (Local Permit) — obtained in Lukla.

Your trekking company will handle both. Ensure your passport and a few passport-sized photos are available before the trek begins.

Layering is key as temperatures swing from warm valley sun to below-freezing nights at altitude.

Acclimatization is everything. The itinerary includes two major acclimatization days (in Namche and Dingboche) and gradual altitude progression. You’ll follow the golden rule: climb high, sleep low. Stay hydrated, eat regularly, and avoid alcohol. If symptoms of AMS (headache, nausea, dizziness, loss of appetite) occur, inform your guide immediately.
Mild cases respond to rest or mild descent. Serious symptoms require immediate evacuation which is why travel insurance covering high-altitude helicopter rescue is mandatory.
Guides carry oximeters and are trained in altitude response; your safety always comes first.

Yes, but they are basic and limited. Namche, Pheriche, and Khunde have small medical posts and volunteer clinics (Himalayan Rescue Association operates a reliable one in Pheriche).
Beyond these points, healthcare access is minimal. Evacuation by helicopter is the only realistic emergency option above 4,000 meters — which again underscores the importance of insurance and a reputable operator with evacuation arrangements.

Accommodation is in local teahouses that are simple, family-run lodges that provide rooms with twin beds, shared bathrooms, and communal dining halls heated by yak-dung stoves. In lower sections, some teahouses offer attached bathrooms and Wi-Fi; higher up, facilities get simpler but the hospitality grows warmer.
Meals are hearty and carb-rich to fuel trekking days: dal bhat, soups, noodles, momos, and pancakes. Hot tea, lemon ginger honey, and coffee are readily available.
You’ll come to love the rhythm, “trek, eat, rest, and repeat” and the quiet evenings when laughter and stories float through the thin, cold air.

Yes, but it’s patchy and often charged per MB. Most villages from Lukla to Dingboche offer “Everest Link” prepaid internet cards. Above 4,500 meters, signals weaken and power becomes precious. Treat connectivity as a luxury rather than a guarantee. The real connection out here is with nature, culture, and yourself.

Begin training at least 6–8 weeks before your trek. Focus on cardio (running, cycling, swimming), stamina (hiking with a backpack), and leg strength. Aim for hikes or stair climbs that mimic 5–7 hours of walking. If possible, practice at altitude or hill environments to get used to sustained climbs. The fitter you are, the more you’ll enjoy the journey — every step and every view.

Flights to and from Lukla are weather-dependent — fog or wind can ground planes for hours or even days. 

It’s wise to keep one or two buffer days in your schedule for flexibility.
If flights are repeatedly cancelled, helicopters may operate at an additional cost.
Iconic Himalaya’s operations team monitors flight updates closely and helps rebook or arrange alternatives as needed.

Absolutely.
The Everest Three Passes circuit can be shortened, lengthened, or modified to match your time and comfort. Some trekkers prefer to skip one pass, add side trips like Ama Dablam Base Camp, or include Tsho Rolpa Lake extensions. Private departures, slower paces, or cultural detours (visiting Khumjung’s monastery or Thame’s gompa) can be added easily.