What is the 3 Passes Trek on Mount Everest? A First-Time Journey I’ll Never Forget

I still remember the day I asked, “What is the 3 passes trek on Mount Everest?” I had done some short treks before, but this one sounded different. I found out that the Everest three pass trek is one of the hardest but most exciting treks in Nepal. It takes you through three high mountain passes—Kongma La (5,535m), Cho La (5,420m), and Renjo La (5,360m). These numbers sounded scary at first. But I decided to give it a try.

As a first-time trekker in the Everest region, I was nervous. But from the start, the trail took me through small villages, wide valleys, and snow-covered paths. The days were long. Some climbs felt never-ending. But the views kept me going. Each pass gave me something new—giant peaks, deep glaciers, and skies so blue, they looked fake.

I met people from all over the world. Some had done this trek more than once. I also learned that only a small number of trekkers take this route compared to Everest Base Camp. In fact, less than 5% of trekkers in the Everest region choose this full circuit (Nepal Tourism Board, 2024). That made it feel even more special.

Crossing each pass was like a mini-victory. I took slow steps, drank a lot of water, and listened to my body. At night, I stayed in local teahouses. The food was simple—mostly dal bhat—but it felt like a feast after a hard day.

The best part? I saw Mount Everest from different angles, not just from one spot. And I didn’t need to climb it to feel proud. This trek made me stronger, inside and out.

If you want a real adventure and love being in the mountains, this trek is for you. Just go slow, prepare well, and trust yourself. The Everest three-pass trek changed me. It showed me that with effort and belief, I can go higher than I ever thought.