The Three Passes Trek in Nepal is in the Everest Region (Sagarmatha National Park) and takes trekkers across three high passes, Kongma La (18,209 ft / 5,550 m), Cho La (17,782 ft / 5,420 m), and Renjo La (17,560 ft / 5,360 m) - hence, the Three Passes Trek. It's a lollipop loop that can be done
Three Passes Trek Map (and GPS Track)
Nepal's Three Passes Trek is one of my favorite hikes, and if you're thinking about a trip to Everest Base Camp, I strongly urge you to look at doing the Three Passes Trek instead; you can do Everest Base Camp as a detour and it will take just one extra day. If you're already thinking about doing
Nepal’s Three Passes Trek: Kongma La
Kongma La is the easternmost pass of Nepal's Three Passes Trek and is generally considered to be the most difficult of the three (but don't let the word difficult scare you). The Three Passes is commonly hiked in a counter-clockwise direction (although it can be hiked clockwise as well) which
Three Passes Trek Day 12: Renjo La (Gokyo to Thame)
This morning I am happy to find that the clouds responsible for last night's snow have vacated the area and left blue skies in their wake. Despite my originally wanting to put food into my mouth hole at 6:00 this morning (and then compromising for 6:30), nothing emerges from the kitchen until
Three Passes Trek Day 11: Dragnag to Gokyo
I wake up and head to the common area for breakfast where I find the lodge-keep asleep behind the bar. It's already eight o'clock, late for the Himalaya, and whilst standing and deliberating whether I'm going to rouse the sleeping sherpa, he gets up on his own. A few groggy moments later and he's
Three Passes Trek Day 10: Cho La (Dzongla to Dragnag)
Cho La Pass, today's objective, has been built up in my mind as a dangerous and monstrous obstacle - one that should only be attempted in the best of conditions and under proper supervision. Thankfully, I wake up to another day of clear skies because I will be doing this pass on my own (and with my
Three Passes Trek Day 9: Lobuche to Dzongla
Last night I ordered the vegetable chow mein for breakfast and the chef didn't approve (apparently it's not breakfasty enough a dish to warrant early-morning cooking). Fortunately, he comes around and I have a mediocre vegetable chow mein waiting for me at seven o'clock when I meet my crew in the
A Beginner’s Guide To Everest Base Camp
The Everest Base Camp trek is considered to be one of the most spectacular hikes on Earth. It takes trekkers up through the valleys of Sagarmatha National Park and to the base of the tallest mountain on Earth. Filled with a long history, fascinating culture, and incredible people, this trip is