Best Time For The Everest Three High Passes Trek

When Is the Best Time for the Everest Three High Passes Trek?

The best time for the Everest Three High Passes Trek is mid-October to late November and late April to May. In these windows, Kongma La, Cho La and Renjo La are usually free of deep snow, the weather is stable and the views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyu are at their best.

Timing matters more on this route than on almost any other trek in Nepal. Unlike the Classic Everest Base Camp Trek, which follows one valley, the Three Passes crosses three exposed passes above 5,300 m. Snow, ice or poor visibility on a single pass day can force a detour of one to four days. Choosing the right month is the simplest way to make your trek safer, easier and more rewarding.

This guide breaks down every season and month, explains how conditions change on each pass, and helps you pick the perfect time for your priorities.

Seasons at a Glance

Season	Months	Pass conditions	Views	Crowds	Verdict
Autumn	Late Sep–Nov	Dry, stable, mostly snow-free	Crystal-clear	Busy (esp. October)	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Best
Spring	Late Mar–May	Old snow early; clear by late April	Clear mornings, haze later	Moderate–busy	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Excellent
Winter	Dec–Feb	Deep snow and ice; passes often closed	Very clear but harsh	Very quiet	⭐⭐ Not recommended
Monsoon	Jun–Aug	Rain, fog, slippery rock	Mostly cloudy	Very quiet	⭐ Not recommended

Quick picks:

• Clearest views: mid-October to mid-November
• Warmest pass crossings: late April to May
• Fewer crowds with good conditions: late November or early April
• Avoid: December to February and June to August for the full Three Passes

Season-by-Season Guide

Autumn (Late September–November): The Best Season

Autumn is the classic season for the Three Passes. The monsoon rains clear the dust from the air, leaving crisp, stable weather and the sharpest mountain views of the year.

• Weather: mostly dry and sunny; clear mornings, with some afternoon cloud early in the season.
• Pass conditions: generally snow-free in October and early November; icy patches on Cho La become more common in late November.
• Temperatures: pleasant days at lower villages; nights at high camps of -10°C to -18°C, getting colder through November.
• Crowds: October is the busiest month in the Khumbu, so lodges at Lobuche, Gorak Shep, Dzongla and Gokyo fill quickly.
• Highlights: the best views from Kala Patthar, Gokyo Ri and Renjo La; the Mani Rimdu festival at Tengboche Monastery, usually in October or November.

Watch out for: late-monsoon rain in early to mid-September, and the occasional post-monsoon storm.

Spring (Late March–May): Warmer Days and Blooming Rhododendrons

Spring is the second-best season and a favourite for trekkers who prefer milder temperatures.

• Weather: warmer and generally stable; clear mornings, with afternoon cloud and haze building by May.
• Pass conditions: winter snow can linger on the passes in March and early April; conditions usually improve from mid-to-late April.
• Temperatures: the warmest pass crossings of the year in May; nights at high camps of -8°C to -15°C.
• Crowds: busy, especially near Everest Base Camp, which fills with climbing expeditions in April and May.
• Highlights: rhododendron forests in bloom below Namche and Tengboche; colourful expedition tents at EBC; the Mani Rimdu festival at Thame, usually in May.

Watch out for: fresh snow in March, and haze that can soften long-distance views later in the season.

Winter (December–February): Quiet but Challenging

Winter brings clear, crisp skies, but also extreme cold and heavy snow on the passes.

• Weather: often clear and dry, with very cold mornings and strong winds at altitude.
• Pass conditions: snow and ice frequently make Kongma La and Cho La impassable; Renjo La can also close.
• Temperatures: nights of -20°C to -30°C at high camps.
• Facilities: some lodges at Dzongla, Thangnak, Lungden and Chhukung close for the season.

Our advice: winter is not recommended for the full Three Passes. For a winter trip, consider the Everest View Trek or, for experienced trekkers, a carefully planned Gokyo Lakes Trek.

Monsoon (June–August): Wet and Unpredictable

The summer monsoon brings warm, wet weather to the Khumbu.

• Weather: frequent rain in lower valleys, with cloud and mist hiding most views.
• Pass conditions: slippery rock, fog and poor visibility make crossings riskier; fresh snow can fall high up.
• Logistics: Lukla flights are often delayed or cancelled; landslides can affect trails.
• Upside: green landscapes, wildflowers and very quiet trails.

Our advice: the monsoon is not recommended for the Three Passes. If you can only travel in summer, ask us about shorter, lower-risk options.

Month-by-Month Guide

Month	Weather & pass conditions	Crowds	Rating
January	Coldest month; deep snow on passes, often closed; some high lodges shut	Very quiet	⭐ Avoid
February	Very cold; snow common; Sherpa New Year (Losar) celebrations in villages	Very quiet	⭐ Avoid
March	Warming up; snow may still block passes early in the month; good for late-March starts	Quiet–moderate	⭐⭐⭐ Fair
April	Stable and warmer; passes clearing; rhododendrons; Everest expedition season	Busy	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Excellent
May	Warmest pass crossings; clear mornings, afternoon cloud; pre-monsoon showers late in the month	Busy	⭐⭐⭐⭐ Very good
June	Monsoon begins; rain, cloud and flight delays	Very quiet	⭐ Avoid
July	Peak monsoon; heavy rain lower down, poor visibility	Very quiet	⭐ Avoid
August	Monsoon continues; slippery trails, frequent flight delays	Very quiet	⭐ Avoid
September	Rain eases in the second half; improving views by late September	Moderate	⭐⭐⭐ Good (late Sept)
October	Clearest skies, stable weather, snow-free passes; Mani Rimdu at Tengboche (often)	Busiest	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Best
November	Dry, clear and quieter; colder nights and icier mornings on Cho La	Moderate	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Excellent
December	Cold; early snow possible; high lodges begin closing	Quiet	⭐⭐ Risky

Pass Conditions by Season

Pass	Autumn	Spring	Winter	Monsoon
Kongma La (5,535 m)	Usually clear; frozen lakes near the top in November	Snow possible until mid-April	Often impassable	Slippery scree, poor visibility
Cho La (5,420 m)	Good; glacier icy in the mornings, especially late November	Old snow early; good by late April	Often closed; hard ice	Fog, wet boulders, fresh snow possible
Renjo La (5,360 m)	Excellent; best visibility for the Everest view	Good; afternoon haze by May	Icy steps; may close	Views hidden by cloud

Microspikes are recommended in every season, as Cho La can be icy at any time of year.

Temperatures by Altitude and Season (Approximate)

Location	Altitude	Autumn day / night	Spring day / night	Winter day / night
Namche Bazaar	3,440 m	12–18°C / -2 to 4°C	12–18°C / 0 to 5°C	4–10°C / -10 to -5°C
Dingboche	4,340 m	8–14°C / -8 to -2°C	8–16°C / -6 to 0°C	0–6°C / -18 to -12°C
Gokyo	4,790 m	5–12°C / -10 to -5°C	5–15°C / -8 to 0°C	-5 to 5°C / -20 to -15°C
Gorak Shep	5,164 m	0–8°C / -15 to -10°C	2–10°C / -12 to -6°C	-10 to 0°C / -25 to -18°C
High passes	5,360–5,535 m	-5 to 5°C (with wind chill below -15°C)	-3 to 8°C	-15 to -5°C (with wind chill below -30°C)

Figures vary from year to year. Wind on the passes makes temperatures feel much colder.

The Best Time for Your Priorities

If you want…	Go in…	Why
The clearest mountain views	Mid-October to mid-November	Post-monsoon air is crystal-clear and stable
The warmest pass crossings	Late April to May	Highest daytime temperatures of the year
Fewer crowds with good conditions	Late November or early-to-mid April	Shoulder periods with mostly stable weather
Rhododendron blooms	April	Forests below Namche and Tengboche are in flower
Everest expedition atmosphere	April to May	Climbing teams camp at Everest Base Camp
Cultural festivals	October–November (Tengboche) or May (Thame)	Mani Rimdu masked dances and ceremonies
The best photography	October and November	Sharp light, blue skies, snow-capped peaks
The lowest risk of flight delays	October to November	Most stable flying weather into Lukla

Festivals and Events Along the Route

• Mani Rimdu at Tengboche Monastery: usually October or November, with masked dances and blessings; dates follow the Tibetan lunar calendar.
• Mani Rimdu at Thame Monastery: usually in May, on the descent section of the Three Passes.
• Losar (Sherpa New Year): usually February or March, celebrated in Khumbu villages.
• Everest climbing season: April to May, when Everest Base Camp becomes a tent city of expeditions.
• Dumje festival: a summer celebration held in Khumbu villages such as Pangboche and Namche, typically in June or July.

Festival dates change each year, so ask us before booking if you'd like your trek to coincide with one.

Lukla Flights by Season

Every Three Passes trek begins and ends with a flight to Lukla, and the weather affects flights as much as it affects the passes. Read more in our Kathmandu to Lukla Flight guide.

Season	Flight reliability	Departure point (typical)	Notes
Autumn	Good	Often Ramechhap (Manthali)	Occasional morning fog; best overall
Spring	Good	Often Ramechhap (Manthali)	Afternoon cloud; book early-morning flights
Winter	Moderate	Usually Kathmandu	Fog can delay early flights
Monsoon	Poor	Usually Kathmandu	Frequent delays and cancellations

Tip: whatever the season, add 1–2 buffer days before your international flight home.

Crowds on the Three Passes

The Three Passes is much quieter than the main Everest Base Camp route, except on the section between Lobuche, Gorak Shep and EBC, where it shares the trail with EBC trekkers. In October and April, small lodges at Dzongla, Thangnak and Lungden can fill quickly, so booking ahead with an operator is important. For a quieter experience with good conditions, consider late November or early April.

What to Pack for Each Season

Season	Seasonal essentials (in addition to the standard kit)
Autumn	Down jacket rated -20°C, warm sleeping bag (-15°C to -20°C), insulated gloves, microspikes for late November
Spring	Lighter layers for warm days, sun hat and SPF 50+, rain shell for afternoon showers, microspikes for March and early April
Winter	Heavy down jacket, -20°C to -25°C sleeping bag, insulated boots, gaiters, microspikes or crampons
Monsoon	Waterproof jacket and trousers, pack cover, quick-dry clothes, leech socks for lower trails

Year-round must-haves: thermal base layers, fleece, waterproof shell, broken-in boots, trekking poles, Category 3–4 sunglasses, headlamp, insulated water bottles and a 30–40 L daypack. Nepal Trip Services provides a down jacket, sleeping bag and duffel bag on loan.

Booking Tips by Season

1. Book 2–3 months ahead for October, November, April and May departures to secure Lukla flights and lodges at Dzongla, Thangnak and Gokyo.
2. Start your trek in early-to-mid October if you want the most stable weather on all three passes.
3. Choose late April or May if you feel the cold or want the warmest crossings.
4. Avoid starting in early March or late November unless you're prepared for snow and ice.
5. Add 1–2 buffer days for weather and flight delays.
6. Buy travel insurance when you book, covering trekking up to 6,000 m, helicopter rescue and trip cancellation.
7. Ask about festival dates if you'd like to see Mani Rimdu at Tengboche or Thame.

Staying Safe in Every Season

• Start pass days early (around 4:00–5:30 AM), as afternoon wind and cloud are common in all seasons.
• Respect turnaround times set by your guide.
• Use alternative routes if a pass is unsafe: Kongma La via Dingboche and Thukla, Cho La via Pheriche and Phortse, Renjo La by retracing the Gokyo Valley.
• Acclimatise properly in Namche Bazaar and Dingboche, whatever the season.
• Watch for altitude sickness and descend if symptoms worsen.
• Trek with a licensed guide who checks local conditions with lodges and returning trekkers each day.

FAQs About the Best Time for the Three Passes Trek

1. What is the best month for the Everest Three High Passes Trek?

October is the best month overall, with the clearest skies, most stable weather and snow-free passes. November is a close second, with similar views and fewer crowds, though nights are colder. For spring, late April and May are ideal.

2. Is spring or autumn better for the Three Passes?

Both are excellent. Autumn (late September–November) offers the clearest views and most reliable pass conditions. Spring (late March–May) is warmer, with rhododendrons in bloom and the Everest expedition season, but snow can linger early and haze builds by May.

3. Can I do the Three Passes Trek in winter?

It is not recommended. From December to February, deep snow and ice often close Kongma La and Cho La, temperatures at high camps fall to -20°C to -30°C and some lodges shut. Only very experienced trekkers should consider it, and alternative routes may be needed.

4. Is the Three Passes Trek possible during the monsoon?

It's possible but not advisable. From June to August, rain, fog and slippery rock make pass crossings riskier, views are often hidden and Lukla flights are frequently delayed or cancelled.

5. Is September a good time for the Three Passes?

Late September is good, as the monsoon fades and views improve. Early September can still bring rain, cloud and slippery trails. If you start in September, aim for the second half of the month.

6. Is December too cold for the Three Passes?

Early December can be possible in a dry year, but it's risky. Nights are very cold, snow can arrive early and some high lodges begin to close. Late November is a safer choice if you want quieter trails.

7. Is March a good time for the Three Passes Trek?

Late March can work well, but early March often has lingering snow on the passes, especially Cho La and Kongma La. Carry microspikes and stay flexible with your itinerary.

8. When is it warmest on the passes?

May offers the warmest pass crossings, with daytime temperatures near the passes sometimes above freezing. Nights at high camps are still cold, around -8°C to -15°C.

9. When are the clearest mountain views?

Mid-October to mid-November gives the clearest, sharpest views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyu, especially in the early morning from Kala Patthar, Gokyo Ri and Renjo La.

10. When are the Three Passes busiest?

October and April are the busiest months. The section between Lobuche, Gorak Shep and Everest Base Camp is the most crowded, while Dzongla, Thangnak and Lungden remain quieter but have limited lodges, so booking ahead matters.

11. Do I need microspikes in every season?

They are recommended year-round. Cho La's glacier can be icy even in October, and snow or ice is common in late November, March and early April. Microspikes are light and can be rented in Thamel or Namche.

12. How cold does it get at night on the trek?

In autumn and spring, nights at high camps such as Gorak Shep, Dzongla and Gokyo usually range from -8°C to -18°C. In winter, they can drop to -20°C to -30°C. A four-season sleeping bag is essential.

13. Can I see the Mani Rimdu festival on the Three Passes Trek?

Yes, if your dates match. Mani Rimdu is usually held at Tengboche Monastery in October or November and at Thame Monastery in May. Dates follow the Tibetan lunar calendar, so check with us before booking.

14. When should I book the Three Passes Trek?

Book 2–3 months in advance for October, November, April and May to secure Lukla flights and teahouses. For quieter shoulder months, 4–6 weeks is usually enough.

15. How does the season affect Lukla flights?

Flights are most reliable in autumn and spring, though early-morning fog and afternoon cloud can still cause delays. In peak seasons, many flights operate from Ramechhap (Manthali). Delays are most common in the monsoon and winter, so always add 1–2 buffer days.

Plan Your Three Passes Trek at the Perfect Time

Choosing the right season is the first step to a safe and unforgettable Everest Three High Passes Trek. Go in mid-October to November for the clearest views and most reliable passes, or late April to May for warmer crossings and rhododendrons in bloom. Either way, you'll be rewarded with Everest Base Camp, sunrise from Kala Patthar and Gokyo Ri, the turquoise Gokyo Lakes and three spectacular Himalayan passes.

With 16 years of experience in the Everest region, Nepal Trip Services helps you choose the best dates and handles every detail:

• Expert advice on the best departure dates for your fitness, budget and interests
• Licensed guides who monitor pass and weather conditions daily
• Early booking of Lukla flights and teahouses at Dzongla, Thangnak and Gokyo
• Daily health checks with a pulse oximeter and flexible alternative routes
• Down jacket, sleeping bag and duffel bag on loan, plus help renting microspikes

Group size	Price per person
1 person	US$ 1,600
2 people	US$ 1,500
3–6 people	US$ 1,480
7–10 people	US$ 1,450

Ready to pick your dates? View the full itinerary and inclusions on our Everest Three High Passes Trek – 19 Days page, explore all our Everest Region Treks, or plan a custom trip around your preferred season. Autumn and spring departures fill quickly, so we recommend booking 2–3 months ahead.

• WhatsApp / Viber: +977 982-8696557
• Email: info@nepaltripservices.com
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