Weather on the Everest Three Passes Trek: Best Time & Climate Guide

The Everest Three Passes Trek is one of the most exhilarating and comprehensive adventures in the entire Everest region of Nepal. Known for crossing three major high-altitude passes - Kongma La (5,535m), Cho La (5,420m), and Renjo La (5,360m) - this trek takes travelers into the heart of the Khumbu Himalayas, offering a 360-degree experience of towering peaks, remote valleys, and authentic Sherpa culture.

However, beneath its beauty lies one of the trek’s most defining elements - the weather. The success and safety of your Three Passes adventure depend heavily on understanding and respecting the weather conditions in the Everest region. From snow-covered trails and thin mountain air to unpredictable winds and temperature drops, the weather dictates everything - your pace, comfort, safety, and even the breathtaking views you come for.

In this guide, we’ll dive deep into the seasonal and month-by-month weather patterns you can expect during the Three Passes Trek, how to prepare for them, and when the best time is to embark on this once-in-a-lifetime journey.

Understanding the Route - What Makes It Weather-Dependent

Unlike other popular routes like the Everest Base Camp Trek, the Three Passes Trek covers a circular route that traverses multiple valleys and high passes connecting the Khumbu, Gokyo, and Imja Valleys. The trail ranges from 2,800 meters in Lukla to over 5,500 meters at Kongma La, the highest of the three passes.

Such dramatic altitude variations mean trekkers experience several microclimates in a single journey. The lower altitudes around Namche Bazaar and Thame might offer mild weather, while the upper passes can experience fierce winds, sudden snowfalls, or sub-zero temperatures - even during peak trekking seasons.

Because the Three Passes Trek takes you through multiple sides of the Everest massif, the weather patterns can change quickly. You might begin your morning with a bright blue sky and end your afternoon walking through thin fog or light snow.

Why Weather Plays a Crucial Role in the Three Passes Trek

Weather isn’t just about comfort; it determines your entire trekking experience. Visibility, trail safety, and the ability to cross high passes are all directly influenced by weather conditions.

• Visibility: Clear weather offers the best views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu - four of the world’s highest peaks. Cloudy or misty weather can obscure these spectacular panoramas.

• Trail Conditions: Heavy snow can block the high passes, especially Cho La, making them dangerous or even impassable.

• Temperature: Extreme cold at higher altitudes can cause frostbite or hypothermia if trekkers are not properly equipped.

• Wind Factor: Strong Himalayan winds are common above 5,000 meters, especially in the afternoons, making early morning pass crossings essential.

For these reasons, planning your trek according to the weather is the smartest way to ensure a safe, enjoyable, and successful adventure.

Seasonal Weather Overview of the Everest Region

The weather in the Everest region is largely influenced by altitude and season. While Nepal experiences four distinct seasons, only two of them - spring and autumn - are considered ideal for trekking the Three Passes. Here’s a detailed look:

Spring (March to May)

Spring marks the beginning of the main trekking season in the Everest region. After a long, cold winter, temperatures start to rise, and the landscape bursts into life with blooming rhododendrons and alpine flowers.

• Temperature: At lower altitudes (Lukla, 2,800m), daytime temperatures range between 10°C-20°C. Higher up near the passes, it can range from -10°C to -2°C.

• Weather: Mostly clear with mild temperatures and excellent visibility. Occasional snowfall may occur in early March, especially around Kongma La.

• Highlights: Blue skies, vibrant trails, fewer crowds than autumn, and beautiful Himalayan vistas.

Spring offers stable weather, making it one of the best times to complete the Three Passes Trek safely.

Summer / Monsoon (June to August)

Monsoon season brings heavy rainfall across most parts of Nepal, but the Everest region, lying in a partial rain shadow, receives slightly less than other regions. However, it still remains a challenging time for trekking.

• Temperature: Mild and humid at lower altitudes (10°C-18°C), but still cold near the passes (-5°C to -10°C).

• Weather: Expect cloudy skies, rain showers at lower elevations, and possible snow or sleet at higher sections.

• Visibility: Often poor due to mist and clouds covering the mountain views.

• Trail Condition: Wet, slippery, and occasionally prone to landslides or leech presence below 3,000m.

Though not ideal for everyone, monsoon trekking appeals to adventurous trekkers seeking solitude and green landscapes.

Autumn (September to November)

Autumn is considered the prime trekking season for the Three Passes Trek. Following the monsoon, the air clears up, and the sky turns deep blue, offering crystal-clear mountain views and dry trails.

• Temperature: 15°C to 20°C at lower altitudes; -10°C to 0°C near the passes.

• Weather: Cool, stable, and dry. Early autumn (September) may still have some residual rain, but October and November are ideal.

• Highlights: Perfect visibility, comfortable walking temperatures, and lively local festivals like Mani Rimdu in the Khumbu region.

This is the most recommended season for trekkers aiming for both safety and stunning scenery.

Winter (December to February)

Winter transforms the Everest region into a frozen wonderland - but it’s not for the faint-hearted. While skies remain crystal clear, temperatures drop sharply, and snow often covers the higher passes.

• Temperature: -15°C to -25°C near the passes; 0°C to 5°C at lower areas like Namche Bazaar.

• Weather: Cold, dry, and windy with occasional snowstorms.

• Trail Condition: Many tea houses above 5,000m close temporarily due to harsh conditions.

• Recommendation: Suitable for experienced trekkers or those seeking solitude in icy landscapes.

Month-by-Month Weather Breakdown on the Three Passes Route

Temperature and Altitude Comparison Across the Passes

Kongma La Pass (5,535m)

The highest and often coldest of the three passes. Early mornings can reach -20°C, while daytime temperatures hover around -5°C. Expect snow patches year-round.

Cho La Pass (5,420m)

Located between Dzongla and Gokyo, Cho La is infamous for its icy and slippery trail. Strong winds and snow are common, especially during late autumn and early spring.

Renjo La Pass (5,360m)

Renjo La offers one of the most panoramic Himalayan views, including Everest, Lhotse, and Gokyo Lakes. It’s relatively less icy than Cho La but can still experience sharp winds and sudden drops in temperature.

How Weather Affects Trek Difficulty and Safety

Weather directly affects trail safety and the difficulty level of the Three Passes Trek.

• Snow and Ice: Heavy snowfall can obscure the trail, making navigation challenging.

• Wind Chill: Strong winds increase the risk of hypothermia.

• Visibility: Low visibility during cloudy conditions can make crossing passes unsafe.

• Oxygen Levels: Cold weather increases the body’s oxygen demand, making acclimatization even more crucial.

Hiring an experienced guide from a reputed company like Best Heritage Tour ensures you can navigate such conditions safely and confidently.

Best Time to Do the Three Passes Trek

The best time for the Three Passes Trek is during spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November).

• Spring offers stable weather, longer daylight hours, and colorful landscapes.

• Autumn provides unmatched visibility, dry trails, and moderate temperatures.

Both seasons minimize the risks associated with snow, rain, and extreme cold - giving you the best chance to complete all three passes successfully.

Weather-Ready Packing Tips for Trekkers

To tackle the unpredictable Himalayan climate, your gear should cover both warmth and versatility.

Essential clothing items include:

• Thermal base layers (top and bottom)

• Insulated down jacket

• Waterproof shell jacket and pants

• Fleece jacket or softshell

• Trekking boots with ankle support

• Warm gloves, hats, and socks

Accessories to combat weather:

• Sunglasses with UV protection

• Sunscreen and lip balm

• Reusable water bottle and purification tablets

• Lightweight trekking poles

Always pack for layering, so you can easily adapt to temperature changes as you ascend or descend.

The Role of an Experienced Guide in Unpredictable Weather

Even the best-prepared trekkers can face sudden weather shifts in the Everest region. This is where having an experienced guide becomes invaluable.

Guides from Best Heritage Tour are trained to interpret local weather signs, choose safe timings for pass crossings, and adjust itineraries when needed. Their deep knowledge of terrain, altitude, and safety protocols ensures your trek remains enjoyable - even when conditions change unexpectedly.

Conclusion - Embark on the Three Passes Trek with Confidence

The weather in the Everest region may be unpredictable, but with proper planning, gear, and guidance, the Three Passes Trek is one of the most rewarding adventures on Earth. From the chilly mornings at Kongma La to the stunning views atop Renjo La, every step tests your endurance and rewards you with raw Himalayan beauty.

Choose the right season, pack smartly, and rely on the expert guidance of Best Heritage Tour - your trusted local travel partner in Nepal.

Phone/Whatsapp/Viber: +977-9851149197 / +977-9810043046

Email: info@bestheritagetour.com / bestheritagetour@gmail.com

Website: www.bestheritagetour.com

Office: Thamel Marg, Kathmandu, Nepal

Start planning your unforgettable journey across the Three Himalayan Passes with confidence.

Author: Best Heritage Tour

Date: 4th November, 2025