Best Time to Trek the Everest Three Passes: Month-by-Month

The Two Trekking Seasons

Because the circuit crosses three passes above 5,300 m, the season has to give you both open, safe passes and settled weather, not just clear views. That narrows the sensible window to two seasons.

Autumn is the standout: after the monsoon, the air is washed clean, giving the sharpest views and the most stable weather, and the passes are firm underfoot. Spring is close behind, with warming days and rhododendron on the lower trail. See the seasonal overview for autumn in Nepal.

Month-by-Month

Late September-October

The single best window. Post-monsoon skies are the clearest of the year, temperatures are comfortable low down and cold but manageable up high, and the passes are typically snow-free and firm. Also the busiest, so book teahouses ahead, especially around Dashain and Tihar.

November

Still superb and slightly quieter as the month progresses. Crystal skies and firm passes, but nights turn very cold and late November sees the first serious cold snaps and snowfall risk on the passes.

December-February

Bitterly cold, and the high passes are frequently snow-blocked, putting the full three-pass circuit out of reach for most trekkers. Kongma La and Cho La in particular can be impassable after snowfall. Only for the very experienced with a guide who reads conditions, and often only as a partial route.

March-April

Spring's headline months: warming days, rhododendron forests in bloom below Namche, generally good views and, as the Everest climbing season, a lively trail and Base Camp. Early spring can still hold snow on the passes, so microspikes matter.

May

Warm low down with afternoon cloud building, and views often best at dawn before the pre-monsoon haze rises. Passes are usually well clear of snow. A good late-spring option with the climbing-season atmosphere still present.

June-early September (Monsoon)

Heavy rain, cloud hiding the peaks, slippery trails and, critically, frequent Lukla flight cancellations. The passes are wet and viewless. Best avoided entirely for a trek that depends on both flights and clear passes. See monsoon in Nepal.

Passes, Snow & Weather Windows

The defining safety factor is the state of the three passes. Even in a good season, weather can close a pass for a day or two.

• Cross only in settled weather. Fresh snow makes Cho La icy and Kongma La and Renjo La hard to follow, start early and be over the top before afternoon wind.
• Carry microspikes year-round, snow and ice linger on the passes even in the main seasons.
• Build in buffer days so you can wait out a bad day rather than crossing in poor conditions.
• Trek with a licensed guide who can read recent conditions and lodge closures, essential on this route.

More on the terrain in the difficulty guide and on staying safe up high in the altitude sickness guide.

Lukla Flights & Timing Tips

• Lukla flights are weather-dependent in every season and worst in monsoon. On an 18-21 day trip, one grounded flight can cascade, so hold buffer days.
• Peak-season flights often shift to Manthali (Ramechhap), adding a long pre-dawn drive, factor this into spring and autumn plans.
• For fewer crowds with great weather, aim for late September or late November in autumn, or early March or late May in spring.
• Dashain and Tihar (Oct-Nov) fall in peak season, trails and lodges are busy and some staff travel home, so book early.
• Start early each day year-round, mountains are clearest at dawn before cloud and haze build.