Everest Three Passes Trek: Low Oxygen, Big Adventure

As a mountain guide, I have walked many trails in Nepal. But the Everest Three Pass Trek? That one hits different. It is not just another trek. It is a real test of your mind, body, and will. I always tell people this is where the Himalayas show their true face.

The trek covers three high passes: Kongma La (5,535 m), Cho La (5,420 m), and Renjo La (5,360 m). Each one has its own mood, its own story. But if you ask me about the toughest and deadliest part, I’ll take you straight to Cho La Pass.

Cho La Pass – The Real Deal

Cho La is not just high it is wild. One moment, you are walking on a rocky slope. The next, you’re crossing an ice field where a wrong step can send you sliding. It’s cold, the wind bites, and you’ll feel like the pass never ends.

I remember guiding a group last autumn. The night before the pass, we stayed at Dzongla. It was calm then. But the next morning, clouds rolled in fast. The trail up was steep and slippery. The glacier on top was like a cracked mirror, and we had to rope up to be safe. That day, we had to turn back for one of our trekkers mild frostbite. It’s moments like these that remind you: nature doesn’t wait, and mountains don’t forgive.

What Makes Cho La So Dangerous?

• Unpredictable weather – Blue skies can turn whiteout in minutes.

• Glacier crossing – Crevasses can open up in the wrong season.

• Altitude – At over 5,400 meters, every step feels heavier.

• Steep descent – One of the most dangerous downhills on the trek.

I always say, it’s not about rushing through it. It’s about listening to your body, the mountains, and your guide. Cho La can break your rhythm, test your confidence, and push your limits.

The Reward? It’s Real.

After crossing Cho La, we often rest in Thangnak or head straight to Gokyo. That first sip of hot tea after Cho La? Feels like gold. The Gokyo Lakes shine in the sun, and the view from Gokyo Ri is like a reward from the mountains themselves.

One Last Thought

If you are planning the Three Pass Trek, come prepared. This isn’t just a walk it is a challenge. But for those who make it through, especially Cho La, there’s something that stays with you forever. It’s not just the photos or the views. It’s the pride of knowing you faced the toughest part of Everest and made it.