When the Mountains Demand More Than Strength
The wind cut through my jacket as I took another step upward. My legs burned. My breath came in short, sharp bursts. Snow crunched under my boots, and the world around me felt both huge and silent. I wasn't chasing a finish line. I was chasing the strength to keep going. Somewhere along the trail, my idea of “success” began to shift.
What Makes the Three Passes So Special
The Everest Three High Passes Trek is a 17–20 day journey through the Khumbu region of Nepal. It crosses three challenging mountain passes — Kongma La (5,535 m), Cho La (5,420 m), and Renjo La (5,360 m).
-
Average length: 17–20 days
-
Total distance: About 160 km (100 miles)
-
Maximum elevation: 5,545 m (18,192 ft) at Kala Patthar
Unlike the popular Everest Base Camp route, this trek is longer, harder, and far more remote. It tests not just your legs and lungs but also your patience, determination, and spirit.
The Hardest Days Teach the Most
The climb to Kongma La was relentless — a wall of rock and ice that seemed to stretch forever. My heartbeat was loud in my ears, and the air felt thin enough to disappear. Turning back would have been easy, but I didn't.
Halfway up, I realized something important: success isn't always about how quickly you reach a goal. Sometimes, it's about the quiet decision to keep moving forward when every part of you wants to stop.
The Power of Small Steps
Each day brought new challenges — slippery ice, steep inclines, freezing winds. There were moments I could only focus on my next footstep. At first, this felt like survival. Later, it felt like wisdom.
We often believe big leaps bring big results. But here, in the thin air of the Himalayas, I learned that small, steady steps are what carry you to the top.
The Gift of the Journey
One clear morning on Renjo La Pass, I watched the sun paint Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu in gold. No noise, no rush — just the mountains, the wind, and my own breath.
For once, I didn't think about where I needed to be next. I didn't think about finishing. That moment was complete on its own. Success, I realized, isn't about having more. Sometimes, it's about knowing you have enough.
The People Who Walk Beside You
Along the way, I met trekkers from all over the world — each with their own pace, their own reason for being here. Some were fast, others slow. Some were seasoned climbers, others first-timers.
One night in a teahouse, a Sherpa guide told me, “We walk the same path, but we each carry our own mountain.” His words reminded me that success isn't measured by how heavy your burden is — it's in the courage to carry it at all.
Redefining Success
By the end of the trek, my definition of success had changed:
-
Showing up even when you're unsure.
-
Taking small steps when big leaps feel impossible.
-
Savoring the moments, not just chasing milestones.
-
Walking your own pace, not someone else's.
The Everest Three High Passes Trek gave me more than a completed route. It gave me resilience, patience, and a deeper sense of gratitude.
If You Ever Go
Prepare for the challenge. Train your body and mind. Respect the altitude and the weather. And most of all, let the mountains teach you.
When you finally stand at the top of a high pass, you'll understand: the real success isn't the view or the height. It's the strength you found in every step that brought you there.