Three Passes Trek clockwise vs anti-clockwise route

Trip Overview

The Three Passes Trek is a challenging and iconic trekking route in the Everest region of Nepal. It involves crossing three high-altitude passes: Kongma La (5,535m/18,019ft), Cho La (5,420 m/ 17,782ft), and Renjo La (5,345m/17,536ft). This trek also provides the opportunity to visit Everest Base Camp and the pristine Gokyo Lakes. Indeed, the Three Passes Trek is a breathtaking journey that weaves through the majestic landscapes of Nepal’s Everest region. This trek is a thrilling symphony of natural beauty, cultural richness, and physical challenge, as it takes you across three high-altitude passes, each higher than 5,000 meters. This route is a trekker’s dream, showcasing the grandiose peaks of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Makalu, and leading you through the heart of the Khumbu valley, where the legendary Sherpa culture thrives. The Three Passes Trek is considered one of the most challenging treks in the Himalayas due to its high altitude, steep climbs, and unpredictable weather conditions. However, it is also an incredibly rewarding experience, offering breathtaking views of some of the world’s highest mountains and unique cultural experiences with the Sherpa people.

Highlights of Three Passes Trek:

The Three Passes Trek is an incredible adventure that offers a unique blend of stunning natural beauty, cultural experiences, and personal challenges. Here are some of the highlights of this trek:
. Three High-Altitude Passes: The trek involves crossing three high-altitude passes: Kongma La (5,535m/18,019ft), Renjo La (5,345m/17,536ft), and Locha La (4,850m/15,912ft).
. Breathtaking Views of Everest and other Himalayan Peaks: The trek offers stunning views of some of the world’s highest mountains, including Mount Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu.
. Remote and Unspoiled Landscape: The trek takes you through a remote and unspoiled landscape, with minimal human habitation and limited infrastructure.
. Sherpa Culture and Villages: You’ll have the opportunity to experience the unique culture and traditions of the Sherpa people, who are native to the region.
. Gokyo Lake and Gokyo Ri: The trek passes through the picturesque Gokyo Lake and offers stunning views from the summit of Gokyo Ri (5,357m/17,575ft).
. Dingboche and Lobuche: You’ll visit the picturesque villages of Dingboche and Lobuche, which are known for their stunning views and Sherpa hospitality.
. Everest Base Camp: The trek culminates at Everest Base Camp (5,364m/17,598ft), where you can see the majestic south face of Mount Everest up close.
. Unforgettable Sunrises: The trek offers some of the most unforgettable sunrises in the Himalayas, with breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks.
. Sense of Achievement: Completing the Three Passes Trek is a significant achievement, requiring physical endurance, mental toughness, and determination.

Clockwise vs anti-clockwise routes of Three Passes Trek

Three Passes Trek in terms of direction can do clockwise as well as anti-clockwise. The main difference between the clockwise and anti-clockwise routes of the Three Passes Trek is the order in which the high passes are traversed. The clockwise route begins at the Renjo La Pass, followed by the Cho La Pass, and ends at the Kongma La Pass. The anti-clockwise route, on the other hand, begins at the Kongma La Pass, followed by the Cho La Pass, and ends at the Renjo La Pass.

Here is a general outline itinerary of both the clockwise and anti-clockwise routes:

Clockwise Route Itinerary

Day 1: Flight to Lukla, trek to Phakding
Day 2: Phakding to Namche Bazaar
Day 3: Acclimatization day in Namche Bazaar
Day 4: Namche Bazaar to Thame
Day 5: Thame to Lungden
Day 6: Lungden to Gokyo via Renjo La Pass
Day 7: Acclimatization day in Gokyo
Day 8: Gokyo to Thagnak
Day 9: Thagnak to Dzongla via Cho La Pass
Day 10: Dzongla to Lobuche
Day 11: Lobuche to Gorak Shep, visit Everest Base Camp
Day 12: Gorak Shep to Kala Patthar, then to Lobuche
Day 13: Lobuche to Chhukung via Kongma La Pass
Day 14: Chhukung to Tengboche
Day 15: Tengboche to Namche Bazaar
Day 16: Namche Bazaar to Lukla
Day 17: Flight back to Kathmandu

Anticlockwise Route Itinerary

Day 1: Flight to Lukla, trek to Phakding
Day 2: Phakding to Namche Bazaar
Day 3: Acclimatization day in Namche Bazaar
Day 4: Namche Bazaar to Tengboche
Day 5: Tengboche to Dingboche
Day 6: Acclimatization day in Dingboche
Day 7: Dingboche to Chhukung
Day 8: Chhukung to Lobuche via Kongma La Pass
Day 9: Lobuche to Gorak Shep, visit Everest Base Camp
Day 10: Gorak Shep to Dzongla
Day 11: Dzongla to Thagnak via Cho La Pass
Day 12: Thagnak to Gokyo
Day 13: Acclimatization Day in Gokyo
Day 14: Gokyo to Marlung via Renjo La Pass
Day 15: Marlung to Namche Bazaar
Day 16: Namche Bazaar to Lukla
Day 17: Flight back to Kathmandu

Which route is popular and recommended?

Three Passes Trek can be done clockwise and counterclockwise. Out of these two routes, the anti-clockwise route is more popular than clockwise. We also mostly organize Three Passes Trek following the anti-clockwise route. The reasons are as follows:

More Acclimatization Opportunity:
In the anti-clockwise route, you will get two days of acclimatization before starting to cross the first pass. One acclimatization in Namche Bazaar and the next acclimatization in Chhukung.

Namche Bazaar: Reaching Namche Bazaar in the trek provides an excellent opportunity for acclimatization. Namche is a key acclimatization point with several options for day hikes to help your body adjust to the altitude.

Chhukung: Acclimatization in Chhukung also helps to prepare trekkers for high-altitude passes and reduces the risk of altitude sickness. Chhukung, located at an altitude of about 4,730 meters (15,518 feet), serves as a perfect spot for acclimatization due to its strategic location and surrounding hiking opportunities like hike to Chhukung Ri, which stands at about 5,550 meters or exploring the Imja Valley

Importance of Acclimatization
Proper acclimatization is crucial to prevent Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) and its more severe forms, High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE) and High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE). Symptoms of AMS include headache, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, and difficulty sleeping. If symptoms persist or worsen, it’s important to descend to a lower altitude immediately.

Gradual Ascent:
Although the route involves significant elevation gain, the ascent is more spread out, allowing for better acclimatization compared to some of the steeper sections on the clockwise route.

Well-trodden Trail:
The anti-clockwise route is well-marked and established, making navigation simpler and reducing the chances of getting lost.

Support and Supplies:
With more trekkers and guides familiar with the anti-clockwise route, getting assistance, advice, and resupply is easier. The popularity of the anti-clockwise route simplifies logistical planning.

Chance of visiting Everest Base Camp:
Sometimes because of the snow level the passes might become unpassable. Even in such a scenario, you do not miss visiting Everest Base Camp, the main dream of all trekkers, if you follow the anti-clockwise route.

Summary

The anti-clockwise route of the Three Passes Trek is advantageous for those who prefer better acclimatization, an established trail, and easier logistics. This route is well-suited for trekkers looking for a balance between challenge and comfort.

Packing Essentials for Three Passes Trek

. Clothing: Layered clothing to adapt to varying temperatures.
. Footwear: Sturdy, comfortable trekking boots.
. Gear: Sleeping bag, trekking poles, headlamp, water purification tablets, and high-energy snacks.
. Health: First aid kit, medications for altitude sickness, and personal hygiene products.

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