Everest High Passes Trek - Anticlockwise Route 19 days

Best Time for Everest High Passes Trek Anticlockwise

The ideal seasons for the Everest Anticlockwise High Passes Trek are undoubtedly Spring and Autumn, as these spans of the year offer the unobstructed views and also make the high passes safe to ascend with no worries of high precipitation. Besides, during these particular seasons, there is less chance of unfortunate conditions such as landslides, rock falls, snowy sections, and the blockage of the trail that usually happens during monsoon and winter seasons, which makes the trailhead safe to ascend.

Likewise, Spring tends to fall in Nepal in March, April, and May, which means it's a blooming, thriving season where the national flower, rhododendron, blooms in the shade of red and pink, making the forested area right from Phakding, the beginning of the trailhead. As there is almost zero chance of heavy rainfall, and winter has just come to an end at this timeframe, the spectacular view of Ama Dablam can be seen towering high in the clear sky that tends to accompany us throughout the journey.

During Autumn, the weather condition blends perfectly with the temperature, only ranging from 5 to 12 degrees Celsius at the lower elevation and falling to - 14 degrees Celsius at Everest Base Camp and the other three passes, offering a mild humidity to take an uphill walk.

Besides, along with the favourable climatic conditions, it doesn't compromise on rewarding hikers with the clear views of mountains and landscapes, as it comes after the end of monsoon (heavy snow and rainfall), the chance of snowstorm or blizzard is less, offering safe ascent and the unhindered views in every stride. Meanwhile, if you are willing to do this Everest 3 high passes trek anticlockwise in winter, then it is surely possible, but it needs extra preparation and gear to tackle the cold temperature at higher elevations.

Everest 3 High Passes Trek Anticlockwise Difficulty Level

This Everest Anticlockwise High Passes Trek falls under one of the challenging treks in Nepal, which is considered as 9 out of 10 in terms of difficulty grading level. However, the anticlockwise route of the Everest 3 High Passes Trek is comparatively more moderate and simpler than the clockwise route, ensuring that even a newbie with proper preparation can complete this trailhead with a gradual ascent.

On top of that, this trek does demand at least 5-6 hours of hiking daily and can exceed up to 8-9 hours on the ascent day to high passes back and forth, hence, a basic fitness level is required for this trip and ample of preparations if you are a new bie.

Another main factor that contributes highly to the difficulty of this overall trip is the thrilling Everest Three Passes that crosses the high elevation of 5000 meters: Kongma La, Renjo La, and Cho La, which is not a stroll around the park as the higher the elevation you ascend, the higher the risk always circulates. Besides, this trek does take an ascent to EBC, and also Kala Patthar over 5500 meters, and technical sections in between crossing the passes, so you have to be familiar with how the gears work, and also need a prior high-altitude trekking experience.

In addition, just to remind you that this anticlockwise route of the Everest three high pass trek consists of hiking through the steep, rocky, and glacial sections, but that lasts only for 1-2 hours while reaching the destination, so it won't be problem if you have prior experience of basic 5-6 hours of hiking. The only concerning part is whether you are ready to take on this wild adventure or not, as it does involve rugged terrain and long duration of hike, if you are a new bie then, the only suggest is to consider opting for the regular Everest Base Camp Trek, and then you can undertake this journey with ofcourse! No fuss.

Risk of Altitude Sickness and Acclimatization Tips for Everest Anticlockwise High Passes Trek

As we've already become how this anticlockwise route to Everest High Pass Trek reaches the elevations of such heights, the risk of AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) is always there no matter of whether you are a pro hiker or just a newbie. Usually, after crossing the elevation of over 3000 meters, the thin air and the rise of altitude start hitting you, but the real question is whether it is a mild or severe one. 

If you are wondering whether you can get one, then do not worry, as this Everest High Passes Trek anticlockwise itinerary is carefully tailored by the professional expert teams, ensuring that you only take a gradual ascent and don't ascend more than 500-600 meters per day. On top of that, this is a counterclockwise route where you will be crossing the hardest one, Kongma La at first, and going for the other two passes; hence, you will be fully prepared till then to ace the other ones. 

Here are the essential Tips to conquer the Three Passes Trek in an anticlockwise direction safely, which surely acts as a great help to make your way to ace the greater heights with safety:

• Follow the rule, "Ascend High, Pace Slow", which means take a daily ascent of only 300-500 meters and do not rush out things thinking about matching other fellow hikers' pace. Remember that everyone's level of endurance is different. If you just panic, it could ruin your expedition. Hence, walk along the guide and don't overdo it, unmatch the itinerary.
• Consider having "Himalayan Salt Water" to hydrate your body if you are unable to fuel your body with at least 3-4 litres of water per day. If not that, then you can either have soupy food items just to ensure that your body is getting proper hydration.
• Please remember that your guide and supporting crews always try their best to assist you and do what's best for you. Believe the guide's emergency protocols if such unfortunate things occur. And, most importantly, a trust guide for the route navigation as he'll assist you through the safest trailhead.

Training for the Everest Three Passes Trekking in Anti-Clockwise Direction

No matter what prior experiences you have to be fully prepared and set for the upcoming adventure is always highly suggested, as this Counterclockwise 3 passes Trek in Nepal visits the summit point of Kongma La Pass at 5535 meters. So, make sure that you have all the training on how to use crampons, boots, and even gear if you are a beginner, so the panic situation doesn't occur at just the beginning, which usually happens for new hikers if they are not well prepared. You can either do the training in your own home country by taking some training sessions, in the gym, or with experts, or else you can just go for short hikes nearby. 

However, if you are already in Kathmandu, then you can even do like short treks in Nepal or just do artificial rock climbing that is located in the Thamel area, which everyone usually does for any adventure treks in the Himalayas out there. Besides, our trekking guide will also train you if you are unfamiliar with using the technical gear and navigating the technical section trailhead. 

Also, as it has already been mentioned that this Everest Three High Pass Trek does ask 7-8 hours hike duration, you must strengthen up stamina level and be engaged in physical activity. Either join a gym and build up the core muscle, such as weight lifting, squats, lunges, to level up your leg muscle, so En route you don't feel any leg trembling situation. If time fits, then try to engage in swimming, running, or any energy-building activities, or you can just do ups and downs through a staircase so your body gets used to rapid walking.

Take a note, that mind do play an important aspect to either make your trip as it's your mindset that energizes the whole stamina and also build positivity to make the trip a complete success. Create a positive enthusiasm and perseverance level so your mind always pays attention to completing the expedition rather than giving up due to minor issues. Hence, pre-training, mental preparedness, and physical strength truly merge to make the odyssey a hassle-free journey!

Meals and Accommodation Facilities along the trail

Our Everest High Passes Trek Anticlockwise package covers all the lodging facilities for the expedition starting from Kathmandu and throughout the trailhead within the Everest region. We hand-select all the tea houses, ensuring that hygienic and amenities facilities won't be compromised. 2 nights here in Kathmandu before and after the trip will be provided; however, if you are staying for more days, then, you can arrange you top notch hotels or any category hotels here in the Thamel area aka tourist city mid center point of Kathmandu. For your ease, we can also offer you a complimentary staycation in our hotel for 1-2 days standard hotel for free, just to make your overall trip in Nepal, the best one.

While En route, along the Khumbu region (Everest), you will get basic tea houses yet well maintained and cozy enough to settle in with an attached washroom. Whereas, at the upper section of the main section, the amenities facility gets limited with a shared washroom, and Wi-Fi facility only in the dining areas. Nonetheless, other extra facilities such as laundry service, hot shower, or any extra privileges will be provided at an extra cost of $4-$5, as it costs extra in tea houses due to limited resources.

Likewise, for the meals, this trek caters to all tastes, ensuring that everyone's taste palette gets fulfilled. Starting from veg, vegan, and nonveg items, this region serves a wide variety of menu covering Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner. The meals are home-cooked by the Sherpa locals themselves; you just have to order them from the menu, and they will be prepared accordingly. Do not forget to mention any food items if you are allergic to something, such as lactose intolerance, garlic, or any substance allergy, so the food can be prepared accordingly.

Everest Three Passes Trek Permit Requirements

Even though it is a counterclockwise route, the permits are similar to the clockwise route, or you can say to the EBC, to attain the permits, you must obtain them from a registered trekking agency. After your booking is confirmed, Destination Himalaya Treks takes care of your permits required for the trip. Also, take good note that these permits will be checked at several points of the Three Passes within the Khumbu region, so just carry them with you throughout the expedition. Here are the permits required for this trek:

• Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit cost: It costs around USD 25, which is approximately NPR 3000/- to obtain this permit.

• Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit cost: The fee for this permit is USD 16, which is approximately NPR 2500/- 

Why Travel Insurance is compulsory for Everest High Passes Trekking Anti-Clockwise?

Even though this trek to Everest Three Passes route in an anticlockwise direction is easier than the clockwise, please note that this trek does ascend an elevation of 5000 meters on various sections, such as Gokyo Ri- 5357 meters, EBC (Everest Base Camp), and other three high passes such as Cho La, Kongma La and Renjo La, hence to attain the permits for 3 passes Trek is 100% compulsory. Having said that, without nice policy coverage, it is a complete waste to acquire one. So, what are the policies that your insurance compliance must cover? 

While obtaining the travel insurance, make sure that it covers trip delays, cancellations, and any sort of injuries, minor or serious. Please note down if it covers all. Besides, most importantly, the emergency evacuation (helicopter rescue) is included in your policy, which too over 300 meters.

Remember that the risk of unfortunate conditions is always circulating without any invitation, and this trek is a total nightmare without any travel insurance. Having one helps you to hike along freely without any tension about what might happen in the future, and allows you to meander around with a free mind. Hence, trip coverage is one hundred crucial to make the expedition a hassle-free journey.

Essential Tips for Everest Three High Passes Trek (Anticlockwise Route) - Packing List, Safety, and Acclimatization

1. While ascending, follow the approach "Pole Pole", which simply defines "Take slow to slow ascend and do not rush yourself going beyond the limits. Remember that you must hike in a gradual pace, adapting to the rising elevation without going over the moon. Walk smartly, steadily, and most importantly, along the guide to make the expedition complete without any fuss.
2. Pack smartly and effectively, do not stuff gears that become a complete hassle, to take an ascent in the thinner air, above 3000 meters. Even though you hire a porter, he can carry only 25 kgs that can be shared between 2 hikers, other gear must be carried by yourself, and also try to carry a belt bag (waist bag) to fit the quick pieces of stuff like gadget, medicines (guided ones), and quick snacks.
3. Remember that packing depends on your preference, as everyone has their importance to carry the essentials; however, do not forget to pack essential gear such as a fleece jacket, dry fit tshirts and pants (trousers) and fur socks, clothes so it becomes warm and cozy enough with low temperature -5 degree celsius. Also, other warming clothes such as an insulated vest, hats (warm caps), down jacket.
4. Do not miss out on carrying crampons, micro spikes to cross the glacier section, trekking poles (2), and head lamps - it is compulsory so you can meander in the early morning at 3 AM to 5 AM while walking uphill to Kalapatthar, Cho La Pass, Kongma La Pass and Renjo La to watch out the pathway as it goes by steep section.
5. While acclimatizing in 3 sections, in Namche, Dingboche, and Gokyo Valley, make sure to take a 1-2 hour uphill hike at least, so it becomes easier to over the rising elevation on the following upcoming days. If you feel too tired to hike, then make sure to engage in strolling around nearby so the legs and mind become thoroughly active.

How to Book the Everest 3 Pass Trek package? Safe Booking Procedure?

Willing to book this trek to Everest Three Passes in Nepal, to book this package, you just have to pay 10% of the total cost, and your seat to the Himalayas is secured, yes! We only acquire 10%, and the remaining amount can be paid after arrival here in the land of the Himalayas. Destination Himalaya Treks and Expedition has been operating tours and trekking for 2 decades, being a member of TAAN (Trekking Agency Association of Nepal) and NMA (Nepal Mountaineering Association); hence, your booking is completely safe with us. 

After the confirmation of the booking, send us your photocopy of the passport, arrival date, and time, travel insurance (if you have one), so we can manage the logistics accordingly with permits, of course! If you have any queries then, contact us, we are 24/7 hour online to assist you!