Travel Insurance for Everest High Pass Trek
Travel insurance is a must for the Everest Three Passes Trek. Given the remote location and high altitude (above 5,500m on the passes), having a comprehensive travel insurance policy is highly recommended – many trekking agencies, including Mountain Eco Trails, actually require it.
At a minimum, your insurance should cover emergency medical treatment and helicopter evacuation up to altitudes of around 6,000m. Trekking in the Everest region comes with inherent risks such as altitude sickness, injuries, or severe weather conditions that might require immediate evacuation. Carry a copy of your insurance info with you, and provide one to Mountain Eco Trails during booking – this ensures quick action in case of an emergency. With the right insurance in place, you can trek with peace of mind knowing you’re protected if the unexpected happens.
Best Time to Do the Everest Three Passes Trek
Choosing the best time for the Everest Three High Passes Trek is crucial for a successful and enjoyable journey. Generally, the two main trekking seasons in Nepal are ideal:
Autumn (September to November): This is the peak season and widely regarded as the best time for the Three Passes Trek. After the summer monsoon, the air is crisp and clear, offering stunning mountain views. Days are typically sunny and not too cold, while nights get chilly at higher elevations. Autumn’s clear skies mean optimal conditions for photography and spectacular sunrises from the passes.
Spring (March to May): The spring season is the second most popular time. The weather starts cold and dry in March, warms up in April, and by May, it can get quite mild (even hot at lower altitudes). This season is known for blooming rhododendrons and wildflowers that add colour to the trek, especially in the lower forests. Views are generally good, though late spring can bring some haze. Overall, spring offers a beautiful trekking experience with moderate temperatures and long daylight hours.
Our recommendation: Aim for October-November or April for the best balance of stable weather, clear views, and manageable trail conditions on the Everest High Pass Trek. These times increase your chances of safe pass crossings and spectacular scenery every day. Whenever you go, Mountain Eco Trails will provide an updated weather forecast and guidance to ensure you’re well-prepared for the conditions.
Permit Cards Required for the Everest Three Pass Trek
Trekking in the Everest region requires a couple of permits, which our team will help arrange for you. Before setting foot on the trail to Namche or beyond, make sure you have obtained:
Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit: This permit is mandatory for all trekkers entering the Everest (Sagarmatha) National Park, which covers the area from Monjo upwards (including Namche, EBC, Gokyo, the passes, etc.). The permit costs NPR 3,000 per person (approximately $25 USD) for foreign nationals. (SAARC country citizens pay NPR 1,500.)
Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit: Often simply called the Khumbu local permit, this has replaced the need for a TIMS card in the Everest region. It is issued by the local government to support development in Khumbu. The cost is NPR 2,000 per person (around USD 17) for the first four weeks of trekking in the area (and NPR 2,000 for each additional month if you stay longer).
Note: As of 2025, the Nepal government has implemented regulations that all trekkers must trek with a registered guide or porter for safety. Mountain Eco Trails will ensure compliance with all regulations – we arrange the permits and provide the licensed guide, so you can focus on the trek itself.
Trekking equipment for the 16-DayEverest Three High Passes trek
Trekking gear and equipment also play an important role in your successful trek to the Everest Three High Pass. We suggest you carry at least the most essential gear you need during this trek. Here is the list of trekking gear you need:
Upper Body:
- Sunhat and a warm woollen hat
- Headlight with extra batteries as a backup.
- Sunglasses and sunscreen
- Winter gloves
- Long-sleeved t-shirts, rainwear, windproof jacket, hooded rain jacket, sweater, and fleece jacket.
Lower Body:
- Waterproof and windproof trekking pants.
- Thermal trousers.
- An extra pair of underwear.
- Cotton pants.
- Hiking boots, thick woolen socks, and crampons (might be useful)
Toiletries
Towel, Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Toilet paper, etc.
Miscellaneous accessories:
First aid kit, camera, battery chargers, Trekking poles, sleeping bag, water purification tablet, and binoculars.
Get more information regarding the Common Trekking Gear for Nepal through this link.
Trekking Trail Conditions Across the 3 Passes
The trail conditions on the three high passes – Kongma La, Cho La, and Renjo La – range from challenging rocky paths to slippery ice, requiring trekkers to be sure-footed and well-prepared. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect on each pass trek section:
Kongma La Pass (5,535m) – Remote and Rugged
The Kongma La Pass is the most challenging among the Three High Passes of the Everest. The trail to Kongma La is wilder and more remote. Starting from Chhukung, the path is initially a gradual ascent over grassy ridges, but it soon turns into a steep climb on scree and rocks. As you near the top, you’ll traverse a rocky ridge and possibly cross a small frozen lake. The top
On the descent toward Lobuche, be prepared for a steep downhill through the broken rock and a glacial moraine. You’ll also have to navigate the edge of the Khumbu Glacier – hopping across boulders and following cairns. This section can be tiring at the end of a long day. Sturdy trekking boots, trekking poles, and an early start are key for Kongma La.
Cho La Pass (5,420m) – Icy and Steep
The Cho La Pass trek is famous for its glacier crossing. From Dzongla through the steep scramble for the first hour or two, you’ll be climbing a rocky ravine. As you ascend, the views of Ama Dablam and Cholatse behind you are magnificent. Near the top, you’ll reach the edge of the Cho La Glacier. You’ll cross this flat section in about 20-30 minutes. From the top of Cho La, you can see down into the Gokyo valley on one side and back toward Lobuche on the other.
The west side descent is steep and involves navigating through boulders and gravel. There is often ice on the initial descent – caution is required. After descending a few hundred meters, the trail improves and follows a valley towards Thagnak.
Renjo La Pass (5,360m) – Spectacular and Rewarding
The Renjo La Pass trek section is typically the last pass tackled, and while it is high and strenuous. From Gokyo, the trail is clear and zigzags up a barren hillside. You’ll be hiking on gravel and rock, but there are fewer sections of sheer drop or scrambling. As you ascend, altitude will make you breathe hard, but turn around occasionally – the view of Gokyo Lakes getting smaller and the Himalayas getting wider is incredible motivation. Near the top, there could be some snow (especially late autumn or spring), but usually a trail is cut through it by previous trekkers. Upon reaching Renjo La, you’re greeted by one of the best panoramas in the Everest region: a sweeping view of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu all in one frame, with the Gokyo Lakes and Ngozumpa Glacier sprawled below.
Accommodation and Meals for 16 Days in the Everest Three Passes
During the Everest Three High Passes Trek, you will stay in teahouse accommodations along the route. Teahouses (also known as lodges) are small, family-run guesthouses that offer basic lodging and home-cooked meals – they are an integral part of the Nepal trekking experience, providing warmth and comfort in remote areas.
Accommodation:
Each night, we will stop at a village or established trekking stop that has teahouses. Rooms in teahouses are usually twin-share (two single beds per room), with a pillow and blankets provided. The rooms are simple and walls are thin (usually wooden construction or stone), so do not expect luxury – this is part of the adventure! At lower elevations (Lukla, Namche, etc.), some teahouses might have attached bathrooms and slightly more amenities, but in higher or smaller settlements (Chhukung, Lobuche, Gokyo, etc.), the bathrooms are mostly shared and outside the room. Heating: The only heat source is typically a stove in the dining hall, burning wood or yak dung. Bedrooms themselves are not heated, so you’ll be bundling up at night in your sleeping bag. Keep this in mind, especially on cold nights above 4,000m.
Electricity & Charging: Most teahouses have solar or generator electricity. You can usually charge your devices (phone, camera) for a fee of a few hundred Nepali rupees per hour/device. The higher you go, the more expensive charging can be (because fuel or solar panels are limited). There might be occasional power outages or limited hours of power.
Bathrooms & Facilities: At teahouses, toilets are usually shared. In many places, especially higher up, toilets will be basic squat-style outhouses. Some newer or recently renovated lodges might have Western-style toilets and even hot showers (for an extra charge). Hot showers, where available, might use solar-heated water or gas-heated water, and they typically cost anywhere from NPR 300–600 ($3-6).
Meals in the Everest Three Passes Trek
One of the joys of trekking is the hearty meals you get to eat after a long day. Mountain Eco Trails packages typically include three meals a day on the trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner) from the teahouse menus. The menus are surprisingly extensive, though many items are variations on a theme. At lower elevations, you might find a wider variety of foods, and as you go up, the menu stays similar, but some items may not be available due to supply issues. Expect a mix of Nepali, Sherpa, and basic Western dishes:
Breakfasts could include porridge, muesli, or corn flakes, often with hot milk; eggs (fried, omelette, boiled); Tibetan bread or chapati with jam/peanut butter; pancakes; and of course, tea or coffee. Many trekkers love to start the day with a hot bowl of porridge and a mug of milk tea.
Lunch and Dinner menus often overlap. A popular and highly recommended choice is dal bhat – the Nepali staple of steamed rice, lentil soup, and curried vegetables (and often pickles). Dal bhat is all-you-can-eat and provides excellent energy. Other options include noodle dishes (fried noodles with veg or meat, ramen soup), fried rice, mo:mos, pastas, and potato dishes. In places like Namche or Lukla, you might even find yak steak or pizza on the menu, but as exotic as that sounds, it’s often better to stick to simpler, locally sourced meals for freshness.
Altitude Sickness Tips for the Three Passes Trek
Trekking above 5,000m is no joke – Altitude Sickness (Acute Mountain Sickness, AMS) is a real concern on the Everest Three High Passes Trek, but with the right precautions, you can minimise the risks. Here are some tips and information specific to this high-altitude adventure:
- Acclimatisation is a major factor in avoiding sickness. Acclimatise properly whenever you are resting on the extra days.
- Stay Hydrated with at least 3-4 liters of water a day.
- Eat Nutritious food loaded with carbohydrates and protein. Avoid Meat items in the mountains, which are not hygienic at all.
- Recognise the AMS symptoms early so that you can take action immediately.
- Medication can be a key if the symptoms start to increase. Our trekking guide carries basic medicine like Diamox to help with sickness.
- Hike at a right pace. Do not rush right from the beginning, as there is so much energy at first. Walk at a similar speed throughout the entire trek.
- Listen to Your Guide when he gives suggestions about the sickness and its prevention.
Remember, feeling a little breathless or headachy at 5,000m is normal. The goal is to keep those symptoms mild. By following these altitude sickness tips, you stack the odds in your favor to successfully cross all three passes without incident. And in case something does go wrong, you have a reliable team with you to handle it. Our priority at Mountain Eco Trails is your safety and health – we want you to enjoy the adventure and make it back with only great memories.
Booking Procedure with Mountain Eco Trails
Ready to take on this incredible journey? Booking the Everest Three High Passes Trek with Mountain Eco Trails is straightforward and designed to give you confidence from the moment you sign up. We pride ourselves on transparent pricing, flexible options, and excellent customer support. Here’s how the booking process works:
Booking with Mountain Eco Trails means you’re not just buying a trek – you’re getting a full support system from start to finish, backed by a team that values trust, safety, and personalized service. Our goal is to make the booking process as seamless as possible so that you can focus on the excitement of your upcoming Everest Three Passes journey.
Feel free to contact us at any stage for clarification via email or WhatsApp at +9779849790153. We look forward to helping you conquer the three passes and create memories that will last a lifetime!
