When talking about the Everest Three Passes Trek, also known as Everest High Pass Trek in the Khumbu region of Nepal, think about all the words that are synonyms with the word challenge. This strenuous trek is difficult for sure, but it is an awesome trek at the same time. Hiking through tough passes, and admiring breathtaking views are some of the perks of doing this demanding hiking journey. Popular as one of the most strenuous treks in the world, this journey takes you on a trip of a lifetime. Be part of the exciting Everest Three Passes Trek that is truly outstanding with World Alpine Trek and take away the golden memories of cruising through the Himalayas of Nepal.
Take on the ultimate Everest Three Passes trek to test out your daringness and explore the exciting mountain galore. This challenging journey includes exploring various natural beauties such as stunning landscapes, mountain rivers, glaciers, large lake basins, and the beautiful greenery of Sagarmatha National Park. The journey starts with an exhilarating 20-minute flight to Lukla Airport and directly heads into the colorful mountain villages. From there the journey takes us on the trail that leads to these amazing mountain passes locally known as Kongma La Pass, Cho La Pass, and finally Renjo La Pass. One can head start this epic journey with Renjo La Pass, Cho La Pass, and then Kongma La Pass. Either way, any route you prefer, World Alpine Trek is always ready to build a trip of your choice under the supervision of our professional travel planner and experienced trekking guides.
The journey up to Namche Bazar is the same as any other trekking route in the Everest region. There are two trekking trails to do the Everest Three Passes trek from Namche Bazar. You can either take the route that leads to Tengboche from Namche or start by crossing Kongma La (5535 m). Or one may choose to trek to Thame from Namche and cross Renjo La (5360 m) first. The most popular one with trekkers commencing with Kong Ma La as it is considered one of the hardest passes to cross. Therefore, most like to cross difficult ones before hiking a comfortable one. Between them is Cho La pass, which requires hiking past a glacier; hence extra trekking gear such as micro-spikes may be necessary. Nevertheless, the checklist for Everest Three Passes trek equipment mostly depends upon the weather and season you are trekking in.
Gokyo Valley, which trekkers reach after crossing the exhausting Cho La pass, is a pleasing addition to this journey. Everest Three Passes Trek venture surely includes picturesque and breathtaking mountain scenery but the emerald beauty of Gokyo Valley and Gokyo lakes is something not to miss while venturing the Everest region. Tucked under the lap of Mt. Cho Oyu, these turquoise six-pool lakes hold mythical values and are quite breathtaking sites to explore for peace and relaxation. On the same note, the 360-degree view from Gokyo Ri, even more, intensifies the beauty of this arduous journey. On the whole, the trip covers most of the Everest region and includes all of the attractions you'd anticipate. So, if you're extremely driven and want to see the finest of the Everest Three Passes Trek, join us on this thrilling adventure.
The first day marks your arrival day in Kathmandu. Clear all the visa requirements and customs clearance, if any, at the arrival section of the airport. As you come out, you will find a representative from World Alpine Treks waiting for you holding a board with your name. You will then be transferred to your hotel in Kathmandu. The representative will shortly inform you about the plans ahead.
On the second day, you will be headed to the domestic terminal of Tribhuwan Airport for a flight to Lukla. The flight to Lukla in itself is an enriching experience where you will be able to enjoy some wonderful views of the mountains. As you land in Lukla, you will meet our other crew members at the airport. From Lukla, we walk down the trail along with hotels and lodges to Dudhkoshi River. We cross a long suspension bridge over the river and follow a path that takes us to Phakding. We stay at Phakding for the night. (Inclusive of Breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
We wake up early and enjoy our breakfast. Then we follow our trail that goes through an undulating path up and down via traditional villages, fields, and rhododendron forests. We gradually ascend and enter Sagarmatha National Park with magnificent views of Mt. Thamserku on sight. We pass villages like Jorsale and Monjo on the way to Namche. Namche Bazaar is an old but lively Sherpa village. It is a gateway to all the trekking routes to the Everest region. There are many vibrant shops, cyber cafes, restaurants, hotels, and lodges now. Namche Bazaar never rests. It always gets a lot of visitors and is always crowded. We stay at a guesthouse/ lodge in Namche for the night. (Inclusive of Breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
The narrow streets of Namche are always crowded. Do not be surprised if the yak bells and other horns wake you up. Today is a day set aside for acclimatization purposes. As we gain height, our body needs to be well adapted to the altitude change. Therefore, we have set aside an extra day in Namche. Today, we hike up to Everest View Hotel for close-up views of the mountains in the Everest region. From the hotel, we can enjoy some striking views of mountains like Kwangde, Thamserku, Kangtega, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, etc., and we walk towards the village of Khunde and Khumjung. We explored the villages and visited a museum and a photo gallery on our way back to Namche. We stay at a guesthouse/ lodge in Namche for the night. (Inclusive of Breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
As we ascend, our trail traverses through the forests of rhododendrons with brilliant views of Mt. Everest, Mt. Amadablam, and Mt. Lhotse on sight. After a while, the trail descends to the Dudh Koshi River at Phungi Thanga. From here, the trail further ascends through the forests of pine and rhododendron to Tengboche. Tengboche is accessible from the Tengboche monastery and has astonishing views of Mt. Ama Dablam along with other peaks in the region. Tengboche monastery is considered the largest monastery in the region. Today, we stay at a guesthouse/ lodge in Tengboche for the night. (Inclusive of Breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
We leave Tengboche and start climbing up the trail for around six hours to Dingboche. As we ascend, we can notice the change in vegetation. We can find ourselves moving above the tree line with pastures and meadows along the way. On the way, we can see small fields enclosed by stone walls to protect crops from cold winds. As we open up to the meadows of Dingboche, we will find ourselves in a spectacular location with wonderful views of Lhotse and Nuptse Ridge on sight. If the weather is favorable, one can relish the fantastic views of the sunset over the Ama Dalam Himal in the Everest region. Tonight, we are staying at a guesthouse/ lodge in Dingboche. (Inclusive of Breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
We leave Dingboche and start walking to the trail for around two hours to Chukkung. You will likely come across the different Himalayan animals like Mountain Goats, Yaks, and Mules grazing on the lush grassland that lines the trail.Chhukung village serve trekker Nuptse Peaks by the Lho Glacier and Nup Glacier . Chhukung Valley is a good place for acclimatization, several guesthouses have been built here. Tonight, we stay at a guesthouse/ lodge inChukkung. (Inclusive of Breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
We begin today’s trek very early in the morning to reach the highest part of the entire trip which is Kongma La Pass. We can either take a trail over a hill which is to the northwest of Chhukung over the Nuptse Glacier moraines or we can walk back to Bibre and trek on the trail above the Niyang Khola. The top of the pass is marked by cairns and Buddhist prayer flags. The final descent from the passes is the most difficult part of today’s journey. After climbing the moraine on the far side, the trail turns north through Khumbu Glacier which takes us to Lobuche. We stay at a guesthouse/ lodge in Lobuche. (Inclusive of Breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
Today is one of the most rewarding days of our journey. Our week-long hard work is going to pay off as we will be stepping into the Everest Base Camp – the dream of every single travel lover. From Lobuche, we follow a rocky path to the last village of the trail – Gorekshep. From Gorekshep, we continue towards the world’s highest base camp, i.e., Everest Base Camp through the Khumbu glacier. It is considered one of the most dangerous sections of the Everest Base Camp Trek. As we reach the base camp, we will be showered with some mesmerizing views of glaciers, lakes, caves, and icefalls. Though the views of Mt. Lhotse and Mt. Nuptse are quite clear, Mt. Everest hides back behind the shades of Lhotse and Nuptse. After spending some time in base camp, we return to Gorekshep via the same route. Tonight, we are staying at a guesthouse/ lodge in Gorekshep. (Inclusive of Breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
Today, we woke up a little early to catch the sunrise views from Kalapatthar. We hike up for around two to three hours from Gorekshep to Kalapatthar. As we ascend, we get the first glimpse of the mighty Mt. Everest along with the other peaks like Mt. Pumori, Mt. Lingtren, Mt. Khumbutse, Mt. Changtse, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Nuptse, Mt. Cho Oyu, Mt. Ama Dablam, etc. The golden rays of sunrise glittering over the snow-clad mountains in the region look amazing. After having this fantastic view from Kalapatthar, we retrace our steps back to Gorekshep and descend to Dzongla. Tonight, we stay at a guesthouse/ lodge in Dzongla. (Inclusive of Breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
As we move ahead from Dzongla, we come across a stone-paved flat path. We walk along the trail and ascend steeply to the Chola pass. The trail along the pass is rocky and icy, which makes our walk quite difficult. However, the views of mountains and glaciers that the pass offers are more than enough to overshadow all the difficulties. From the pass, we make a steep descent down to the village of Thangna/ Dragnak. From the village, we can rejoice in some stunning views of Machhermo Peak. Tonight, we are staying at a guesthouse/ lodge in Dragnak. (Inclusive of Breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
From Dragnak, we climb up to a ridge that offers splendid views of Gokyo Valley and Mt. Cho-Oyu. From the ridge, we walk through a trail that widens up and passes through Pangka. From here, the trail descends to a riverbank. No sooner, we climb on through the moraine of Ngozumpa glacier. The climb up the moraine is quite steep, but the first view of Gokyo Lakes is enough to get rid of all the hasty moments during our journey. Tonight, we are staying at a guesthouse in Gokyo Valley. (Inclusive of Breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
From the Gokyo Valley, we hike up to Gokyo Ri for stunning views of mountains and serene emerald lakes in the valley. Gokyo Ri is often considered one of the best viewpoints in the Everest region. As you hike up the Ri, you will be rewarded with panoramic views of the Mahalangur Himalayan range. The peaks of Mt. Cho-Oyu, Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Makalu, Mt. Cholatse, and Mt. Tawache rising tall in a row look amazing. Even the view of glaciers, icefalls, and groups of lakes in one shot is alluring. Tonight, we are staying at a guesthouse in Gokyo Valley. (Inclusive of Breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
Moving ahead from the Gokyo Valley, we continue along our trail to Lunden. Today is an adventurous day as we will be crossing the Renjo La pass at the height of 5435 meters. The steep ascent up the pass and walk through the pass can be a bit difficult. The pass might be rocky and slippery; however, we cross the pass, enjoying some majestic views of mountains, glaciers, and valleys. After crossing the pass, we descend to the village of Lunden. Tonight, we stay at a guesthouse in Lunden. (Inclusive of Breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
Leaving Lunden, we descend to the village of Thame, enjoying the splendor of mountain peaks in the backdrop. We pass the forested area on the way to the village. Thame is an interesting village in that region, mostly inhabited by people of the Sherpa community. Upon arrival, we trek to Thame monastery and explore around the village areas. Tonight, we stay at a guesthouse in Thame. (Inclusive of Breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
Today, we descend to Namche Bazaar via the same path that we had taken earlier. We descend through the same path to Namche Bazaar. Tonight, we are staying at a guesthouse/ lodge in Namche. (Inclusive of Breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
We further descend to Lukla via Phakding. We stay at a guesthouse/ lodge in Lukla for the night. (Inclusive of Breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
We take a return flight from Lukla to Kathmandu. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel room in Kathmandu. You can relax in your room for the rest of the day. (Inclusive of Breakfast).
After eighteen days of long journeys, today is a free day in Kathmandu. You have two options for the day – you can either explore some unexplored UNESCO-listed heritage sites around Kathmandu or go to the shopping malls for shopping. You can also collect some souvenirs for your family and friends back home. (Inclusive of Breakfast).
Before a few hours of your scheduled flight, you will be transferred to the international terminal of Tribhuwan International Airport. (Inclusive of Breakfast).
Upon Arrival
Our trek package encompasses complimentary airport transfers as part of our commitment to delivering a wonderful trekking experience. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by one of our dedicated representatives, who will hold a World Alpine Treks signboard with your name to ensure prompt identification and a warm welcome. Our representative will then escort you to your hotel accommodations in a private, well-appointed vehicle ensuring a comfortable and seamless transition from the airport to your hotel.
Once at the hotel, our team will provide a brief overview of your itinerary while the hotel staff handles your check-in process efficiently. This will allow you to familiarize yourself with the upcoming journey while the hotel formalities are taken care of seamlessly. Following this, you will have the opportunity to relax and acclimate to your new surroundings, ensuring you are well-rested and prepared for the adventure ahead.
Nepal Visa
Obtaining a tourist visa for Nepal is pretty easy. All foreigners, except Indian nationals, will need a visa to enter Nepal, however, you cannot take a visa on arrival if your country is not listed among those that require a visa before arrival.
There are several ways to get a tourist visa. One, you can apply for a tourist visa from the Nepalese embassy or consulate office in your home country or you can apply for an On-Arrival Visa by filling up an online application form. To access the details, please click HERE.
Requirements for Visa
Visa Extension
The flights to Lukla take off from Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport as well as from Ramechhap’s Manthali Airport. However, during peak trekking seasons which are from March, April, May, September, October, and November, flights to Lukla only take place from Ramechhap airport.
The decision was taken to cater to the traffic congestion at Kathmandu’s airport and to lessen the delays and risk of flight cancellation. The flight duration from Kathmandu to Lukla is about 30 minutes, but from Ramechhap Airport, it is about 10 minutes. Furthermore, the weather in the Himalayas is erratic and can shift rapidly. Thus, flying from Ramechhap to Lukla is more favorable hence flights were rerouted to Ramechhap’s Manthali airport.
Our team at World Alpine Treks will secure the earliest flights possible for our clients to ensure a seamless journey.
Due to flight diversion, an additional destination has been included in the itinerary for travelers heading to Everest. Now, it has become a standard practice to travel to Ramechhap to catch the flights to Lukla.
To get to Ramechhap, we will start early, waking up at around 1 AM on the second day. A private vehicle will be ready to take you to Manthali Airport, located 83 Km east of Kathmandu. The journey to the airport typically takes about 4 hours from Kathmandu.
The airport is located in a scenic location by the bank of the Tamakoshi River, offering travelers a glimpse of the unique geography of Nepal.
On Everest Three Passes Trek, you will stay in carefully chosen hotels and mountain lodges that serve the best.
While in Kathmandu, we choose hotels that offer a great location, a high standard of comfort and quality, and a solid value to our guests. We want to make sure your 3-day stay in Kathmandu, before the trek and after the trek is comfortable and satisfying.
Alternatively, while hiking, which is 15 days of the total journey, you will be staying in cozy and traditional mountain lodges with a welcoming atmosphere and authentic charm.
Mountains lodges in Lukla, Phakding, and Namche range from simple to luxury lodges offering various services. In luxury mountain lodges, you will find spacious rooms with private bathrooms with hot water, electricity, internet services, and many more amenities. While in standard lodges, you will find rooms with twin beds, a communal dining hall, and shared bathroom facilities. These standard teahouses surely do not seem fancy but are comfortable and grant integral and distinctively memorable parts hiking in the Nepalese Himalayas. However, if you'd like to enhance your stay during your stopover at these locations, please let us know. We are more than happy to accommodate your requests.
However, please note that, as you trek higher, only standard lodges are available because of the high altitude and challenging terrain. Thus, the mountain lodges beyond Namche bazar are basic but welcoming and have a lively social atmosphere.
Everest Three Passes Trek is a strenuous trekking journey that takes place at a great elevation. Therefore, having nutritious and healthy meals is significantly important and we highly value that as well.
Hence, our 20-day Everest trek package includes 19 Breakfasts, 18 Lunches, and Dinners with seasonal fruits. Lunch and Dinner while in Kathmandu are not included in the trek package. And trekkers will have to take care of any extra expenses they make on the trek.
While in Kathmandu, your designated hotel will serve a warm and healthy breakfast every day. For lunch and dinner, you will easily find several restaurants serving different types of cuisines. Similarly, trekkers with dietary restrictions can also find restaurants that serve foods based on their preferences.
As per during trek days, our chosen mountain lodges will serve you the warm and delicious meals on their menu. Their menu consists of Western as well as local cuisines such as Momo (dumplings), pasta, noodles, Daal Bhat (rice with lentil soup and vegetable curries), omelets, fried rice, oatmeals, bakery goods and much more. For anyone, who would like to have non-veg, the options are available yet we would recommend sticking to veg meals for the trekking duration. Non-veg meals are difficult to digest and can cause stomach problems besides, the trek routes lie in Sagarmatha National Park which is an animal cruelty-free zone. Hence, all meat items are frozen and brought from the city to the trail. Thus, staying veg while trekking is highly recommended.
Similarly, staying off alcohol or soft drinks is also advised for health reasons. And it is greatly suggested to drink soups and hot drinks while on the trail.
The Everest Three Passes Trek is one of the most challenging and rewarding trekking routes in the Himalayas, offering spectacular views and an immersive experience in the Khumbu region. The best time to undertake this trek depends on the weather, temperature, and scenery, which vary significantly across the four seasons: spring, summer(monsoon), autumn, and winter.
Well to start, autumn is considered one of the best times to do the Everest Three Passes Trek. Autumn season in Nepal runs from September to November. This post-monsoon and pre-winter season hence, you get the mild weather conditions. It is neither hot nor wet. Also, the skies are clear and offer great mountain visibility. Less greenery is seen but autumn colors will create a stunning backdrop for trekkers to view. Also, it is one of the ideal times to capture the best faces of surroundings as bright skies and striking contrast.
As it is pre-winter season, the daytime temperature would range around 10°C to 15°C (50°F to 59°F) at lower elevations; and -5°C to 5°C (23°F to 41°F) at higher elevations. And during night time, the temperature ranges around 10°C to -5°C (14°F to 23°F). The weather can become extremely cold so being prepared with the right gear is essentially important.
It is an extremely challenging time to do Everest Three Passes Trek. Winter in Nepal lasts from December to February. During this time, it snows a lot, creating snow-covered landscapes and extreme weather conditions. Similarly, due to snowing, crossing mountain passes becomes difficult. However, it is best to consult with an experienced person about the trail and its conditions before attempting this adventure. Nevertheless, the trail is almost crowd-free thus you can comfortably enjoy the pristine conditions of the trail. Similarly, this time around clear skies are common, but the weather remains unpredictable.
At time around daytime temperature ranges from 5°C to 5°C (23°F to 41°F) at lower elevations; and -10°C to -20°C (14°F to -4°F) at higher elevations. And during nighttime, it can drop to -20°C (-4°F) or lower at higher altitudes. Hence, if you decide to opt for this around, it is very important to have the right gear with you.
Another wonderful time to attempt the Everest Three Passes Trek is spring season. March to May is the spring season in Nepal and this time around, the weather is stable and the skies are clear, making excellent trekking conditions. One might experience occasional precipitation towards May. Similarly, the landscape is vibrant with blooming rhododendrons and other alpine flowers. Still is present at higher elevations but it is no trouble walking through them. Also, visibility is excellent thus mountain scenery at this time is simply majestic.
And daytime temperature ranges from 15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F) at lower elevations; 0°C to 10°C (32°F to 50°F) at higher elevations. And night time temperature can drop to 5°C to 5°C (23°F to 41°F) at higher altitudes.
Summer/Monsoon season sees fewer crowds because of heavy rainfall, especially in lower elevations. Summer and monsoon coincide in Nepal and go on from June to August. The weather is often cloudy with limited visibility but trekkers can experience lush greenery and solitary of the trail. Lower region especially experiences rainy season thus trails become muddy and slippery; hence, one must be prepared with the right gear. Likewise, please keep some contingency days as flight cancellations are quite frequent at this time. Therefore, it is best to consult with experts before planning the journey this time around.
Despite rainfall and wet trails, the daytime and nighttime temperatures remain mild. The daytime temperature ranges from 5°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F) at lower elevations, and 0°C to 10°C (32°F to 50°F) at higher elevations. And nighttime temperature can go on from -5°C to 5°C (23°F to 41°F) at higher altitudes.
Also known as a rest day, acclimatization day is an important part of an itinerary where you are scheduled to take a break while hiking in the high-altitude areas. It is a part of an itinerary because it is essential to allow trekkers to adapt to the reduced oxygen levels at higher elevations.
When trekking in high-altitude areas we should be cautious of how our body is accommodating to changing surroundings. Our body should physiologically adapt to function effectively in low-oxygen environments, thereby reducing the risk of altitude-related illnesses such as acute mountain sickness (AMS), High-Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE), and High-Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE).
During a trek like Everest Three Passes Trek, there are two separate days allotted for acclimatization. One in Namche and one in Dingboche. Both places were carefully chosen as rest spots because these places are at perfect altitudes to acclimatize.
On the acclimatization day, trekkers particularly do not have to engage in any activities. However, we would rather suggest staying active than staying idle. For instance, while trekking Everest High Pass, on the acclimatization day in Namche, one could go for short hikes to Syangboche airport, and Everest View Hotel or stroll around the market, exploring cafes and shops. Similarly, while in Dingboche, one could opt for a short hike to Chukkung Ri or Nagarjun Hill, to have picturesque scenes of the Himalayas.
Overall, the whole point of acclimatization is to allow the body to adjust to the altitude. It is crucial to not hasten the journey in the rush of finishing the journey quickly. Proper acclimatization is necessary to minimize the risk of altitude-related illnesses and to enhance the trekking experience.
Electricity
Electricity is available on the Everest trails of Nepal. However, it is important to keep in mind that the availability of electricity is limited but enough to serve all. Electricity in the Himalayan trails is produced through hydropower projects and solar panels. In places where hydropower electricity is not available, which often is the higher altitude areas near 4000 meters above sea level, electricity is accessed through solar panels.
In lower trekking altitudes, electricity is freely available. However, in higher altitudes, one would have to pay some amount to get their electronic gadgets charged. Usually, charging costs would come to around Nepalese rupees 200-500 depending upon the altitude. Nevertheless, it is highly suggested to finalize the price before using the service and if possible, it would be even better to bring your power bank.
Also, the most common type of electric socket and plug is the Type C and Type D socket. These operate on a standard voltage of 230 volts with a frequency of 50 Hz. Moreover, it is highly advised to carry universal travel adapters for Type C plugs to ensure compatibility with electrical outlets.
Phone, Internet
Wi-Fi and Internet are available on the trekking trails of Everest Three Passes. May not be available throughout the trail, yet service will be available for a good amount of the journey. There are various ways one could access the internet on the trail. You can buy local SIM cards or connect to the Wi-Fi available at the teahouse.
For anyone considering staying online consistently during the journey, buying a local SIM card would be the most convenient option available. You can purchase NTC (Namaste) or Ncell SIM cards upon your arrival at the airport or a shop near your hotel. They are easily available to purchase. While buying the SIM card, you may purchase any of the internet plans that suit you the most. Normally, it would cost you no more than 1000-2000 Nepalese rupees. Buying a SIM card is pretty reliable as it would allow you to be online or call anyone as you wish.
Besides these two options, you have one more option to stay connected while doing any treks in the Everest region. You can find Everest Link, which is a telecommunications company based in Nepal that provides internet and Wi-Fi services. They have a network of Wi-Fi hotspots and internet access points in various locations along the trekking routes. There are different plans available for buyers to purchase, and it would cost around 2000-3000 Nepalese rupees.
And lastly, it is important to note that internet or Wi-Fi connection quality may not meet the standards of the urban areas.
Bathrooms and toilets along trekking routes of Everest Three Passes Trek differ as per the trekking trail and it very much depends upon the teahouses you stay as well. Some premium teahouses in lower elevations such as Lukla, Phakding, and Namchhe Bazaar offer rooms with attached bathrooms and hot water running.
However, most teahouses are standard and offer basic amenities like rooms, food, bathrooms, electricity, and showers. They offer shared bathrooms with squat-type toilets. In some teahouses, you can find Western types of toilets as well. They may not seem luxurious but are convenient for trekkers on the trail.
Hot showers may not be readily accessible in every teahouse, but in instances where they are unavailable, one can request one for an extra fee. Typically, this service costs between 300 to 500 Nepalese rupees, varying based on the altitude.
Everest Three Passes Trek is a difficult trek on a difficulty level ranging from easy to difficult. You start from Lukla which is at an altitude of 2860 msl and reach an altitude of 5545 msl at Kala Patthar in a matter of 10 days.
For the most part, it is a moderate hike through the valleys of Nepal, but the terrain becomes difficult as you get closer to Everest Base Camp. Some days even involve walking for 8 hours. Also, crossing mountain passes is not an easy task. It requires being careful and patient as it is quite challenging due to their rugged terrain.
While all three passes present significant challenges due to their high altitude and difficult geography, Cho La Pass stands out as the most difficult due to its glacier crossing, and steep rocky sections. Also, unpredictable weather makes the journey a bit more challenging.
Though the journey presents its own set of difficulties, the thrill of embarking on the trek, encountering breathtaking scenery, and the profound sense of achievement upon reaching Everest Base Camp and navigating through three towering mountain passes make every stride worthwhile. Adequate preparation, encompassing physical fitness and adjusting to high altitudes, is crucial for enhancing the experience and ensuring a smoother journey.
A skilled guide can elevate your journey from ordinary to extraordinary, shaping it into a truly unforgettable experience. Our carefully selected professionals boast diverse backgrounds, all sharing a deep-rooted love for Nepal's untamed wilderness. With extensive outdoor expertise and a genuine passion for exploration, our guides ensure that every adventure is both inspiring and enjoyable while prioritizing safety above all else. They are trained in mountain safety and First Aid so they are capable of handling challenging situations that might occur. Similarly, we routinely check the oxygen level of trekkers to ensure the well-being of every participant. In case of emergencies, your immediate evacuation will be our utmost priority, thus consulting with your insurer, we will manage emergency helicopter rescue and fly you out to the city to seek immediate medical assistance. Lastly, while we prioritize your safety and well-being with great caution, it is equally your effort as a team that will make this journey even more memorable and smooth.
Altitude sickness is a type of mountain sickness that can occur when hiking at a higher elevation. It is caused when our body is unable to acclimatize to the lower oxygen levels and atmospheric pressure at high altitude areas. There are 3 different types of altitude sickness categorized based on their levels of sickness.
It is one of the mild forms of altitude sickness. If treated immediately trekkers can complete the trek without any delay. However, if ignored, it can result in something more serious.
Common symptoms of AMS include tiredness, nausea, dizziness, loss of appetite, and headaches. These symptoms can be treated with medication. However, one should not just ignore these symptoms.
It is another type of mountain sickness but a more serious one. In this type, fluid is collected in the lungs and it can be very dangerous. It is one of the main causes of death as well.
The symptoms of HAPE are similar to AMS so one can ignore the seriousness and may think medication can solve the issue. However, the situation can quickly escalate to seriousness as symptoms change to shortness of breath, dry coughs, severe headache, confusion state, and loss of coordination.
During such conditions, seeking immediate medical attention is required. Delay in medical attention can lead to life-threatening events so it is very important to be mindful of a patient's condition.
Nevertheless, it is a treatable condition so one should not be entirely scared about it. However, it is quite important to not exhaust our bodies while hiking at high elevations.
HACE is another serious version of altitude sickness. In this type, fluid is collected in the brain and thus is life-threatening. This happens when our body is unable to adapt to low oxygen levels at higher elevations.
Symptoms of HACE include severe headache which won’t be treated with medication, confusion, irritability, hallucinations, loss of balance and coordination, and blurred vision along with symptoms of AMS but a bit more severe.
Just like HAPE, immediate medical attention is needed. Alongside, descending the patient to a lower altitude is also equally important.
Following are the ways to prevent altitude sickness while hiking the high-altitude trekking areas of Nepal.
Travel insurance is highly recommended for trekking on Everest High Pass. It is one of the most important travel documents every traveler must have. While it may not be a mandatory travel document to enter Nepal, it is still essential to purchase insurance if you are considering trekking at higher altitudes. Everest Three Passes Trek is in remote areas and is in high elevations. Hence, it involves health risks such as altitude sickness, and injuries which can be financially stressful. Additionally, travel plans can be disrupted due to various reasons such as flight cancellations or personal emergencies. Therefore, to cover such events, travel insurance can come in handy.
Nevertheless, it is very important to keep in mind that you purchase a nice insurance plan. The Everest Three High Passes Trek ranges over 5000 meters in elevation. Hence, you must make sure, their insurance covers an altitude of 6000 meters, has emergency medical treatment, and evacuation by helicopter. These are essential provisions to have in your travel insurance while Everest 3 Passes Trekking.
It is highly suggested to exchange your currency for Nepalese currency while trekking to the Everest Three Passes. In Kathmandu, you can shop using their credit/debit card or even with dollars but it is not the same case everywhere else.
The local currency of Nepal is Nepalese Rupees (NPR or Rs): US $1 = NPR 132, Euro 1 = NPR 142, Canadian Dollar 1 = NPR 97, Australian Dollar 1 = NPR 88, and so on,
Trekking trails in Everest region only accept Nepalese currency so before you embark on the trek, do not forget to exchange your currencies. Besides, bring enough cash that will last you till the duration of your journey. ATM or card services are rarely available on the trail.
Permits are essential if you wish to trek Everest High Pass. The necessary permits are the Sagarmatha National Park entry permit and the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu municipality permit. Usually, these permits are prepared by trekking agencies travelers are traveling with so trekkers may not worry about how to access it.
Nevertheless, one can access the Sagarmatha National Park permit from the Nepal Tourism Board office in Kathmandu or the entry checkpoint in Monjo along the trekking route. The permit fee is payable in Nepalese Rupees (NPR) and is subject to change. Currently, the permit fee is USD 30 (3000 Nepalese rupees).
Khumbu Rural Municipality Enter Permit can also be gained from the Nepal Board Office in Kathmandu. The permit fee for foreign travelers is USD 20 (NRP 2000).
Trekking permits are essential and to travel without them will result in monetary fines for the travelers. These permit fees go into the maintenance of the trails and the authority makes proper use of them as well.
A typical day while Everest Three Passes Trek follows a well-established routine. Generally, the day begins around 6 in the morning, with trekkers waking up and freshening up before enjoying a hearty breakfast.
After breakfast, we begin the trek and walk for about 3-4 hours with breaks in between to take a rest and enjoy the surroundings. Around noon, you will stop at a teahouse along the trail for lunch, where you can choose from a variety of options. Teahouses are accommodating to dietary restrictions and will often prepare meals according to trekkers' preferences.
Following lunch, the journey continues, with breaks in between as needed, until the destination for the day is reached in the late afternoon. Upon arrival, you will settle into your accommodations at the teahouse and enjoy a hearty dinner. While this routine provides a general overview of a typical trekking day, it's important to note that each day may bring new experiences and variations. Some days may require waking up earlier than usual for new experiences or to reach a specific destination. Thus, expect unique experiences every day you are walking the Himalayan trail.
Our team of experienced and skilled guides and porters will assist you all through your journey. Our guides hold government licensing for mountain trekking, hence are trained and government-authorized. Proficient in intensive wilderness first aid, responsible tourism, effective communication, and professionalism, they are dedicated to ensuring a seamless journey. Beyond their commitment to smooth operations, they are enthusiastic advocates for Himalayan landscapes, investing deliberate efforts to promote their beauty. Recognizing their dedication, we ensure fair compensation and comprehensive care for our team members, considering them integral to our operations and deeply valuing their hard work.
We also prioritize the safety of our team members, providing them with the necessary gear and training to ensure their safety. We also strive to provide a safe and secure working environment, with zero tolerance for any form of harassment or discrimination.
To make your journey smooth, our team will arrange a drop-off service when it’s time to depart. It is part of our complimentary airport transfers included in our trek package. One of our representatives will meet you at your hotel approximately three hours before your scheduled flight time. They will accompany you to the airport, ensuring a hassle-free transition, and bid you a safe journey back home.
Flawless, thoughtful, and amazing experience!
I had a wonderful experience with this company and Deepak and Nabin. They were very flexible to all my needs and put together the perfect Everest Mountain Flight and Nagarkot Hiking for my requirements, attending to every detail. I did not lift a finger. I felt confident that I got the best experience possible, from the best restaurants to hotel rooms and locations visited, to interesting conversations. Very good people and made me feel safe and welcome the moment I arrived. I would not hesitate to recommend them to anyone and wish them success.
