Trekking in the Everest region is a dream for many adventure seekers worldwide. Why wouldn't it be? The region offers off-beat trekking trails that take you as high as 5500 meters above sea level. Among all, the Everest High Pass trip itinerary is the one that overshadows the others.
Traversing through 3 high-altitude passes in the Khumbu region: Kongma La Pass (5535 m), Cho La Pass (5370 m), and Renjo La Pass (5345 m) set the trek to Everest High Pass apart from other standard treks in the region like Everest Base Camp Trek. Likewise, you'd also explore the infamous Gokyo Valley, Gokyo Ri (5365 m), and Gokyo Lakes.
When you opt for the trek to Everest High Pass, you're signing up for 3 weeks of continuous walking on the hills and rocky mountainous terrain of the Nepalese Himalayas. It's not an all-year-around hike since the weather gets absurd in the Himalayas, especially during winter and monsoon, due to heavy snowfall or rainfall.
March, on the other hand, is such a pleasant time to commence the Everest High Pass hike as everything seems so lively. The new leaves and flower buds appear on the trees giving a vibrant feel to the forests. The entire atmosphere becomes pleasant, with clear blue skies decorated with spots of white clouds. The natural flora and fauna of the region are at their best in March.
Another significant fact about the Everest High Pass trip, also known as Everest Three Passes Trek, is that the hiking trail falls under the protection of Sagarmatha National Park, one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The national park houses rare animals such as red panda, snow leopard, Himalayan Tahr, musk dear, and more than 118 species of birds.
The trek to Everest High Pass in March gives you the perfect opportunity to witness all the excellence of nature in the Himalayan region of Mt. Everest. Let's dive into some of the highlights of this Three Passes trek and see if March is a good month for you to plan the trip.
Highlights of the Trek to Everest High Pass in March
Vibrant spring in the Everest Region
Nepal welcomes spring in March with open arms after a long winter, making this the perfect time of year for trekking. The attitude is pleasantly upbeat, and the temperature is not as frigid as it would be in the winter. You can travel on a smooth trail the entire way with occasional snowy patches.
In the spring, the surrounding area is vibrant with fully-bloomed wildflowers. The Rhododendron, Nepal's national flower, starts to blossom in March that is already brimming with colors. In the lower elevations of the hike, Rhododendron forests magnificently beautify the Everest High Pass trail in red.
With stony routes, snow-capped mountains, and the least flora, the scenery eventually appears solid as you ascend to higher altitude. However, the days would be bright and warm, making your trek somehow more comfortable.
Weather and Temperature
The weather is quite unpredictable in the Himalayas, especially around Mt. Everest. Since you'd be hiking in the area, you may encounter unfortunate weather circumstances. However, March weather is one of the safest to pursue the Everest High Pass journey.
The temperature fluctuates according to altitude zones; hence, the temperature is typically higher at lower elevations than at higher ones. There's a considerable difference in temperature in the high pass between day and night. The average minimum temperature in the Everest region is -8°C, while the average maximum is 5°C. In March, you may anticipate between 6 and 7 hours of sunshine every day.
The plus point of trekking in March is that there is rarely any rainfall or snowfall, making the hike much more enjoyable with the view of the white mountains contrasting against the clear blue sky.
Extraordinary mountain flight to Lukla, with fewer chances of cancellation
The flight from Kathmandu to Lukla is one of the most thrilling flying experiences one can get. This short 30 minutes mountain flight blesses your eyes with an excellent view of the Nepalese Himalayas and lands on the dangerously-elevated runway. The flights are usually in the morning, and the chances of cancellation are quite high due to unfavorable weather circumstances. However, flying to Lukla in March is almost certain as the sky clears up pretty well.
Bustling Everest trails in March
The spring months receive the most hikers in the Nepalese Himalayas. March being the first spring month in Nepal, you'll undoubtedly pass by many enthusiastic faces on the way to your destination. Making new like-minded acquaintances from around the world and exchanging hiking stories would be a great opportunity in tea houses or even on the trail. Similarly, your hosts will also reflect spring's warm and welcoming vibe. All of these contribute to a fantastic trekking experience on your Everest hiking expedition.
Witness the exceptional life of Sherpas
You will go through some of the most isolated Himalayan communities for most of your hike to the Everest High Pass. The Sherpas are locals of the Everest region and are renowned for their charismatic leadership and accomplishments on mountain summits in the Himalayas. To advance even an inch toward the higher Himalayas would be difficult without the Sherpas' expertise. You will be guaranteed a taste of Sherpa's life while completing the Three Passes journey.
March Festivities in Khumbu Region
With great passion, the Sherpas observe Gyalpo Lhosar, the Tibetan New Year. The stupas, chortens, and monasteries in the area are where the inhabitants gather and perform spiritual acts while wearing traditional attire and engaging in synchronized singing, dancing, and playing musical instruments. The conflict between Gods and Demons is portrayed in some ceremonial dances. Following the Tibetan lunar calendar, Gyalpo Lhosar usually occurs during late February or early March. If you're lucky enough, you could attend this well-known festival on your upcoming trek to Everest High Pass in March.
Guide and potter requirement for Everest Three Passes Trekking
It is not a compulsion to hire a guide or potter to trek to Everest High Pass in March. However, it will be easier for you to transport your bags with the help of a potter, given the rough terrain and the great distance to travel. At Outfitter Nepal, we provide physically-fit potters who carry up to 24 kilos of bags (12 kg per person).
A competent guide can make the difference between successfully navigating the three passes and failing to do so. And we assure you that your journey to the Everest region will be enjoyable and comfortable with our knowledgeable English-speaking guides.
Trek difficulty in March
One of the most challenging climbs in the Khumbu region is the Everest Three Passes Trek. Conquering the high-altitude passes requires a 3-week long trip over rugged terrain. The main worry when trekking in the Himalayas is altitude sickness, which may be avoided by adequately acclimatizing and staying hydrated.
The unpredictable Himalayan weather causes the most difficulty during the High Pass Trek. The weather condition can fluctuate in no time. Considering the pleasant and stable spring weather, your trek to Everest High Pass in March would be considerably less challenging.
Everest High Pass Trip preparation
To prepare for this difficult trip to the Everest High Pass, it is generally advisable to have some prior trekking experience or at least be in decent physical condition. You can entertain some cardio activities in your daily routine, like running, jogging, dancing, etc., or just taking a walk around your city.
On this excursion, you will gain between 300 and 700 meters of height each day. From Lukla at 2,840 meters, you will reach Kala Patthar at 5,643 meters, resulting in a significant risk of high altitude sickness. Make sure your body and mind can withstand the change in altitude.
A typical day on the trek to Everest High Pass in March
Around 7 am, the trek's days begin with a warm, hearty breakfast overlooking the Himalayas. Depending on how far you need to reach that day, you'll hike through villages, forests, or rocky slopes for 4 to 5 hours before lunch. You continue the trip and walk for another 3 to 4 hours after lunching and resting at a tea shop. You have dinner and spend the night at another teahouse/lodge, where you can relax or partake in exciting conversations with the hosts or other hikers.
Helpful Tips for your trek to the Everest region
- You must be physically and emotionally prepared for the hike.
- Hire a guide and a porter if you want to make the most of your Three Passes Trek.
- Exercise all essential caution and keep altitude sickness in mind.
- Only use a recognized and trustworthy trekking company to arrange the tour.
- Make sure to add a few extra days, just in case.
We have adequately described what it's like to trek to High Pass in March. With more than 20 years of experience, we are one of the top trekking companies in Nepal and can offer you the most competitive package deals. Send us a note using the contact form at the bottom of the page for any extra information, or feel free to mail us to reserve a trek with Outfitter Nepal. Have a great trek!
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