Why I Chose the Three Passes Trek Over Everest Base Camp

When I first thought about hiking in Nepal, I heard a lot about the Everest Base Camp trek. Many people said it was amazing and full of beautiful views. But after reading more, I found something called the Three Passes Trek. I didn’t know much about it at first, but the more I learned, the more I wanted to go on that one instead.

The Three Passes Trek is harder than the regular Everest Base Camp trek, but it also feels more like a real adventure. It takes you through three big mountain passes: Kongma La, Cho La, and Renjo La. These are very high places in the mountains where you have to walk up steep paths and sometimes over snow or rocks. It sounded challenging, but I liked that. I didn’t want to just walk where everyone else walked. I wanted to push myself and see parts of the mountains that most people skip.

Another reason I chose the Three Passes Trek was the views. I saw photos of people standing on top of the passes with big snowy mountains all around them. The sky looked so blue, and everything looked peaceful. You can still go to Everest Base Camp on this trek, but you also get to see more valleys, lakes, and quiet trails. I wanted to be in nature, away from busy paths and crowded lodges.

I also liked the idea of a circle. The regular Everest Base Camp trek is like going in and out the same way. But the Three Passes Trek is like making a loop. You start in one village and end in another. It made the walk feel fresh every day because I was always seeing something new.

One thing I thought about was the people I would meet. I heard that not many people do the Three Passes Trek, so the trails are more peaceful. I liked the thought of walking in silence, hearing the wind, my footsteps, and maybe a yak bell. I still met other hikers, and we shared stories at the teahouses at night. But during the day, it felt more personal and special.

Choosing the Three Passes Trek was the best decision for me. It wasn’t easy, and there were days when I was very tired. But every time I stood at the top of a pass and looked around, I felt proud. I felt strong. And I felt lucky to see the Himalayas in such a beautiful way.

Now when people ask me why I didn’t just do Everest Base Camp, I tell them this story. I tell them the Three Passes Trek gave me more than just a walk to one place. It gave me a real journey through mountains, through quiet moments, and through myself.

Trekking Across Kongma La, Cho La, and Renjo La: The Ultimate Challenge

The Three Passes Trek is not just a walk in the mountains. It is a tough journey where you cross three very high passes: Kongma La, Cho La, and Renjo La. Each one was hard in its own way, but each one also gave me something special. This part of the trek really tested me, both in my body and in my mind.

The first pass I crossed was Kongma La. It was the highest of the three and also the longest. I remember waking up early, before the sun came up. It was cold and dark, and my backpack felt heavy. The climb was steep and rocky. I had to stop often to catch my breath. At that high place, the air felt thin. My legs were tired, and my head hurt a little. But when I finally reached the top, I looked around and saw big snow-covered peaks. I was tired, but I also felt proud. That moment made all the hard steps worth it.

Next came Cho La, the second pass. It was tricky because of ice and snow. I had to be very careful where I stepped. There was a glacier at the top, and the path was slippery. I used trekking poles to keep my balance. I also wore warm clothes because the wind was strong. Cho La was not as high as Kongma La, but it felt colder and more dangerous. Still, it was one of the most beautiful parts of the Three Passes Trek. I saw shining ice, blue skies, and long views of the mountains.

The last pass was Renjo La. By the time I reached this one, my body was more used to walking, but I was still tired. The climb felt long, with many stone steps going up and up. But something about Renjo La made me feel calm. When I got to the top, I saw a perfect view of Everest and other peaks. There was a lake below with bright blue water. It felt peaceful. Renjo La was my favorite pass because I felt strong and happy there.

Each of these passes showed me something different. Kongma La taught me to be patient. Cho La taught me to be careful. Renjo La gave me peace. They were all hard in their own ways, but I am glad I did them. The Three Passes Trek was not easy, but it gave me a big sense of achievement.

Looking back, crossing Kongma La, Cho La, and Renjo La was the heart of the Three Passes Trek. It pushed me, taught me, and showed me how strong I could be. I now know that sometimes, the hardest paths bring the most beautiful rewards.

Teahouses, Trails, and Thin Air: Life on the Route

Walking the Three Passes Trek is not just about climbing high passes. It’s also about the small things that happen each day—where you eat, where you sleep, and who you meet. Life on the trail is simple, but also full of little moments that stay with you.

Most mornings start early. I would wake up in a small wooden teahouse room, usually with two beds and a warm blanket. It was cold outside, and sometimes even inside, so I wore my jacket right away. Teahouses are cozy places to sleep along the Three Passes Trek. Some have thick blankets, while others need you to bring your own sleeping bag. There’s usually no heater in the room, just warm tea and a big smile from the owner.

Breakfast was often the same: porridge, eggs, or pancakes with honey or jam. I liked drinking hot tea because the mornings were chilly. After breakfast, I packed my backpack and started walking. The trail was different every day. Sometimes I walked on rocky paths. Other times, I passed through small villages with yaks and prayer flags. There were days when I walked beside rivers, and other days when I climbed steep hills in the snow.

Walking was hard at times, especially because the air gets thinner the higher you go. On the Three Passes Trek, the air has less oxygen. That means you breathe faster and feel tired more quickly. I walked slowly, took deep breaths, and drank lots of water. I also learned to listen to my body. If I had a headache or felt dizzy, I would rest. The guides and other trekkers were always kind and ready to help.

Lunch was usually at another teahouse along the trail. I often ate dal bhat, a meal with rice, lentil soup, and vegetables. It gave me energy to keep going. After lunch, I walked again until I reached the place where I would sleep. Some days were short and easy. Other days were long and tough. But I always looked forward to resting at night.

In the evenings, teahouses were full of people. Trekkers from all over the world sat around a small stove, sharing stories and laughs. Some read books or wrote in their journals. Others played cards or just looked out the window at the stars. The teahouse owners cooked hot meals and offered warm drinks. It felt like home, even in the middle of the mountains.

Life on the Three Passes Trek is not fancy. There’s no Wi-Fi in many places and no hot showers most of the time. But it is real. It is peaceful. It brings people together. And every day, even though I was tired, I felt happy to be there.

The Three Passes Trek showed me how simple life can be when you walk, eat, rest, and share with others.

The Highs and Lows: Tough Moments and Unforgettable Views

The Three Passes Trek was one of the hardest things I have ever done. But it was also one of the most beautiful. Some days were really tough, and I felt like giving up. But then I would look up and see snow-covered mountains or a bright blue sky, and I would keep going.

One of the hardest parts was the altitude. As I walked higher and higher, the air got thinner. That means there was less oxygen to breathe. My head hurt, and sometimes I felt dizzy. I walked slowly, took deep breaths, and drank a lot of water. Even with that, some days were still hard. My legs were tired, and I missed warm showers and soft beds. I also missed my family and friends. It can feel lonely in the mountains when you’re far from home.

But the hard moments didn’t last forever. There were many things that made me smile and kept me going. I remember one day when I reached the top of Cho La Pass. It was cold, and my hands were freezing. But then I looked around and saw giant mountains all around me. They looked like white castles made of ice. The sky was so clear, and the wind made everything feel fresh. I forgot about my tired legs and just stood there, watching.

The Three Passes Trek is full of views like that. Lakes that shine like glass. Quiet valleys where yaks walk slowly by. Long trails with prayer flags blowing in the wind. Every day had something beautiful to see. Some days I would stop walking just to watch the clouds move over the peaks.

Meeting people also helped during the hard times. I walked with other trekkers from different countries. We shared snacks, talked about our homes, and helped each other when the trail got tough. At night, in the teahouses, we sat around the fire and told stories. I also met kind Nepali guides and porters who always had a smile and a helping hand.

One time, near Renjo La Pass, I almost turned back. I was cold, and the climb felt too steep. But then I saw a group of trekkers waving at me from ahead. They waited and cheered when I reached them. That small moment gave me strength. It reminded me that I was not alone.

Even though the Three Passes Trek was hard, I would do it again. The high mountain views, the quiet paths, and the kind people made it worth every step. Sometimes, when things feel too hard, you just have to take one more step. Then another. And soon, you find yourself looking out at the most amazing view you have ever seen.

The Three Passes Trek showed me that hard things can also be beautiful. It pushed me, but it also gave me something I will never forget.

Tips I Wish I Knew Before Starting the Three Passes Trek

Before I did the Three Passes Trek, I thought I was ready. I had done some hikes before, and I packed warm clothes and snacks. But once I started walking, I realized there were many small things I didn’t know that could have helped me. Now that I’ve finished the trek, I want to share some simple tips that I wish I knew before.

The first thing is about fitness. The Three Passes Trek is long and hard. It’s not just a short walk. Some days you hike for 6 to 8 hours. There are big hills and rocky paths. To get ready, it helps to walk or climb stairs every day for a few weeks before your trip. I wish I had trained more. My legs were sore in the beginning, but they got stronger with time.

Next is gear. You don’t need the fanciest stuff, but you do need the right things. A good pair of hiking boots is very important. They should feel comfortable and not give you blisters. I also learned to love my trekking poles. They helped my knees on the way down. Bring warm clothes too, because it gets really cold at the high passes. Layers work best—like a t-shirt, a warm jacket, and a waterproof coat on top. Don’t forget gloves, a hat, and a sleeping bag for cold nights.

Another important thing is acclimatization. That means giving your body time to get used to the high altitude. On the Three Passes Trek, you go very high, and the air gets thinner. If you walk too fast or climb too high in one day, you can get sick. I took rest days in places like Namche Bazaar and Dingboche. On those days, I still walked a little, but not too much. It really helped me feel better on the trail.

Food and water matter too. Eat well, even if you’re tired. Dal bhat (rice and lentils) gave me lots of energy. Drink clean water all the time. I used a water filter and water-purifying tablets so I wouldn’t get sick. Snacks like nuts, chocolate, and energy bars also helped on long walks.

Planning is the last big thing. Don’t rush the trek. I met some people who tried to finish fast, and they looked really tired and didn’t enjoy it much. I gave myself enough days, and that made everything easier. It also helped to talk to people who had done it before or to go with a guide. They knew the route well and gave great advice.

The Three Passes Trek is one of the most amazing things I have ever done. But it’s even better when you’re ready for it. Now, I know what works, and I hope these tips help someone else have a safer and more fun trip.

If you plan to do the Three Passes Trek, take it slow, stay warm, and enjoy each step.

Conclusion

Looking back, the Three Passes Trek was more than just a long hike. It was a journey that tested my body, mind, and heart. I walked through quiet valleys, crossed snowy passes, and stood in front of mountains that made me feel small in the best way. There were hard days with cold winds and tired legs, but also peaceful mornings, kind people, and views that made it all worth it.

I learned so much—not just about trekking, but about slowing down, listening to my body, and trusting the path. The teahouses, the trails, and even the thin air all became part of the story. Every step, whether uphill or down, taught me something new.

If you’re thinking about the Three Passes Trek, I say go for it, but take your time. Prepare well, walk slowly, and keep your eyes open. It’s not always easy, but it’s one of those experiences that stays in your heart for a long time.

The Three Passes Trek gave me more than memories. It gave me confidence, peace, and a deep love for the mountains. And for that, I’m truly thankful.