Three Passes Trek - 19 days

What is the best time to do the Everest Three Passes Trek?

To make any trip successful, the first and foremost thing that comes our mind is the favorable seasons to do any kind of adventure. Especially, when we are planning such a high-altitude Everest 3 Passes Trek, we must be concerned about the suitable timeframe and note down the specific ideal time. For this expedition, the best seasons are Spring (March to May) and Autumn (August to October), as expected. 

Here’s a little breakdown of these two mentioned peak seasons.

Spring (March to May) 

It is one of the most loved seasons by hikers to trek the Everest Three Passes. Wondering why? As we know, spring offers a perfect bloom of flowers and greenery to the forests, which makes the route even more beautiful, adding tones to the white snowy peaks. Besides that, during this period, we can easily ascend to the high passes without feeling tired and panicking about high rainfalls, high humidity, and not to forget! Risky snowy trails. Hence, the perfect weather with climatic conditions perfectly mix, offering safety and enjoyable views of landscapes, mountains, and dense forests at the same time.

Autumn (August to October)

Autumn stands out as another peak season and crowded time for the Three Passes Trek in Nepal, as it has a meaningful significance attached to it. The two major festivals of Dashain and Tihar fall perfectly between September to October, allowing hikers to experience what lively culture feels like in the Himalayas. On top of that, as we all are familiar, it falls after the heavy monsoon season, due to which the sky becomes less foggy, showing crystal clear views of the mountains. If you are someone who seeks to know the great cultural value of this country, then this ideal period fits perfectly.

How difficult is the Everest 3 Pass Trek? 

We are all familiar with how challenging it is to ascend over 4000 meters each day. It isn't an easy task that can be completed in the blink of an eye, just like that. Everest Three High Passes Trek is one of the most challenging hikes among all the trekking adventures in the Khumbu region. In general, we must walk 4-6 hours on most days. The strenuous section comes while making our way through the snowy trails during the crossing and after descending the high passes as we trail by the snowy, rocky, steep sections, and not to forget! glacier moraines.

This trek takes you to an elevation of over 3000 meters right from the beginning, with muscle-paining ascents and descents that can be genuinely hard for beginners. One of the most concerning parts is altitude sickness, as this trek reaches an elevation of 5545 meters, there is always the risk of severe effects of altitude. To avoid that, you must acclimate well and ascend gradually while properly hydrating yourself. 

Apart from that, other difficult paths come when we walk along the deep valleys and rugged terrains while ascending to the Kalapatthar. But, it is easier than crossing over snowy passes. If you don't have any prior experience, then you might feel difficulty in breathing, like suffocation of the lungs, if you aren't well prepared enough. We do not want that, do we? So, please do some kind of basic physical training just to boost your stamina. To know more, you can check our blog entitled: How difficult is Everest Three High Pass Trek, which explains challenges and suggested tips as well.

However, with the proper acclimatization days, a detailly crafted itinerary, and a positive mindset with willpower, this trek can be completed without any hassle.

How to avoid altitude sickness during the Everest Three High Passes Trek?

Heading to any expedition in mountain areas in high altitudes brings the risk of AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness), no matter how pro hiker/trekker we are. Having said that, "Prevention is better than cure." If you do not follow some preventive guidelines, then the effect of altitude sickness is quite expected along the Three Passes Trek route. If you are feeling some sort of difficulty/uncomfortable in breathing, then report the guide immediately, as it is a mild symptom of AMS, as the thinner the air gets, you are more likely to feel this kind of effect.

So, how can we feel the symptoms of AMS? Well! Firstly, if you feel any symptoms like dizziness, fatigue, tiredness, nausea (feeling like vomiting), difficulty in breathing, and a severe headache. If such things happen, do not panic! Just take an easy and do a gradual ascent.

Secondly, check your oxygen level with an oximeter given by us at every stopping point. Thirdly, please make sure that you are not overdoing your physical endurance, take patience, and don't rush; if it gets a bit frustrating, take a leisurely day's rest. To know the complete guidance, you can check our recently updated blog: Everest High Pass Trek guide.

So, you might be concerned about what can be done to avoid the high-altitude sickness throughout the 3 passes trek, then here are some of the basic guidelines:

• Walk at your own pace along the guide, do not panic! Please remember that a gradual ascent is the key to succeeding at the summit. Do not overspeed yourself, which can be both mentally and physically tiring.
• Hydrate yourself right from the start of the trip, as it increases your stamina level and avoids dryness in your mouth that could sometimes lead to increased headaches and fatigue, leading to altitude sickness.
• Drink hot ginger soups or dry ginger that are available in every tea house along the route of the Everest region, which boosts the energy and increases the warmth of the body.
•  Avoid smoking and drinking hard drinks that significantly cause rapid feelings of an increasing heartbeat and lead to dehydration and dryness.
• Inform the guide and lodges beforehand if you are allergic to some foods, like lactose intolerance or vegan, as they might not know your health condition. So, it is always best to remind the guide as well.
• Have hot soupy foods such as Thukpa, noodles, and if possible, try to avoid cold beverages.
• If you are too allergic to coldness, then please inform us beforehand so we can arrange 1 sleeping bag per person for the trek. Sometimes, it becomes too unbearable in high sections that can cause AMS, so make yourself warm and cozy by carrying warm fur clothes.

Can a beginner do the trek to Everest 3 Passes?

If you are a beginner and have no prior experience of a high-altitude expedition, then this Three High Passes Trek might be a bit challenging for you as it takes you over 4000 meters each day and crosses 5000 meters at the maximum level. Crossing Renjo La, Cho La, and Kongma La Pass for sure demands a strenous ascent, through rugged and steep terrains, which is surely not a beginner-friendly task.

If you have zero experience of even short hikes, then we highly recommend that you not undertake the Everest Three Passes without any preparations. You must be physically prepared and set the itinerary as per your pace, so the hiking duration won't be much of an issue at the peak heights. Besides all of these, packing the right gear is crucial; at the same time, make sure to carry essentials accordingly. Whereas, if you are an experienced hiker, then it is highly suggested to follow preventive guidelines, as altitude sickness might hit anyone despite of experience. 

How to be prepared for the Three Passes Trek?

Well! No matter how pro-hiker/climber you are, without any pre-preparation, the trip can be filled with frustration, self-doubt, and questionable decisions. If you have made up your mind to hike on the legendary Khumbu region trails, then it is one hundred percent necessary to make yourself all prepared and ready, as being in the mountains for a straight 19 days Everest Three Passes Trek far away from home isn't an easy task. Yes! It's filled with joys and many challenges in the meantime. 

With proper preparation, it not only acts as a safety net but also lets you freely walk on the trail without worrying much about future consequences. So the first and foremost thing you must do is build your inner core strength by hitting the gym and some kind of cardio engagement. However, being physically prepared doesn't mean being all bulked up with abs.

We simply mean/suggest just building some stamina, if you don't want to hit up the gym, then just do a 3-4 hour walk on an alternative day, or you can also either do the walk by the staircase up and down carrying a hiking bag with some kgs of load on.

While we take notes on being only physically fit, we overlook being mentally prepared for the trip. As already mentioned, this trek isn't walking in an amusement park; we are walking and being accommodated at local tea houses with limited facilities that can be head-pounding and tiring to beginners. On top of that, ascending the snowy sections might also be frustrating, where we just wanna give up, but please note that "Consistency is the Key" and do not panic! Just make a positive mindset with great enthusiasm before the trek, it surely makes the trek 99% easier than it is.

Accommodations and Lodging Facilities

For this expedition, you'll be provided with the best of the best tea houses/lodges available in the Khumbu region. As we know, how famous this route is famous as it serves many other expeditions, so they are built with modern amenities. However, standard rooms don't mean decorated with luxury items, but yes, highly infrastructure rooms made out of wood that seem like a Swiss style with cozy blankets, pillows, comfortable mattresses with an attached bathroom (if possible).

However, please do not expect room-attached toilets/washrooms in some sections of the trek, as some areas have a limited tea house where we don't have too many options to choose from. If you are 2 heads of travelers, then you must share rooms in 2-3 lodges. However, if you are a solo traveler or willing to stay alone, then we can manage a single bedroom.

In Kathmandu, you will be lodged at a 4-star hotel with facilitated rooms, or you can also be given options of similar kinds of hotels (if you have anything in mind). 

Foods 

Throughout the Everest Three Passes Trek, you’ll get a full-course meal served and cooked by the local people of this region, a variety of Western and local cuisines. There are many food options available on the menu that you can choose from. However, as much as you reach a higher elevation, the wide range of the menu gets limited. 

Morning (Breakfast): In the morning, you are offered a menu to choose from. Starting from local breakfasts like Tibetan bread with curry, Khapse (made out of wheat and sugar), and Puri (oily chapati) with vegetable curry, with many others, to modern breakfasts such as porridge, oatmeal, muesli, toast with eggs and butter jam, etc., are served.

Lunch and Dinner: For both sections of meals, the foods are even more delightful and fulfilling. The diverse sections of the menu consist of Momo, Pizza, Sandwiches, Ramen, Nepali noodles, Thukpa (made out of wheat, flour, and stew), soups (veg and non-veg), Spring rolls, french fries, and everyone’s favorite the ultimate Dal Bhat (served with rice straight out of farms, tomato pickle, spinach, green vegetables, lentil soup). The amazing part is that this can be refilled as much as you can without any additional cost. It is highly recommended as it is fulfilling yet appetizing to indulge in. 

Note: While having these foods, don’t forget to dine in the kitchen area, where there is a traditional heater used to warm the lodges. These wide varieties of foods and comfortable lodges make your trip truly easy to complete without any fuss. All these meals are included in our package and are managed hygienically. 

Top-notch, Experienced Guides and Porters for Everest Three High Pass Trek

One of the biggest questionable curiosities that arise among hikers before the Three Passes Trek is obviously "What kind of guides are here to accompany us? Are they experienced? Do they charge you extra apart from the costs that you paid for the trek? " Well, to quench your stress, we are here to answer you. Guides play a vital role that can either make or break your trek, so choosing the right guides is one hundred percent necessary. 

Our Destination Himalaya Treks guides are experienced, locally registered, and medically equipped with the experience of serving more than hundreds of adventure lovers like you just within the Everest region. They are familiar with how to tackle unforeseen challenges and also ensure that you are feeling comfortable and safe at the same time. They are not there only to guide you but also to make the trip more enjoyable as they explain every corner of the hot trending spots.

Regarding the porter, we provide a strong sherpa porter who can carry a 22 kg load (1 porter must be shared between 2 hikers). Do not worry about charges! No, they don't charge you additional cost; however, if you like their service, please pay a tip as you wish as a gesture of respect and thanksgiving.

Transportation Facility to reach the Everest 3 Passes Trek route

All transportation costs or fees, and all the required arrangements are included in our Three Passes Trek package, which means when you are booking your expedition with us, all the requirements are managed accordingly. To begin/start the journey, the first and foremost thing is your arrival here, in Nepal. Soon after you arrive, you will be picked up via private vehicle from the airport to the hotel. To reach the trailhead, the trek begins with flying a board from Kathmandu to Lukla, then the expedition begins in a feet (walking trail). Both In and Out transportation includes air charter; however, at peak seasons, it might get delayed due to air traffic contingency and bad weather conditions. If you want to enhance the odyssey, overall, then you can also add, helicopter pick up from Gorak Shep or Gokyo to get back to Kathmandu for USD 999, or just reach Luka by heli, adding USD 499, if you are short in time, either way, your overall trip will surely be enhanced.

Travel Insurance

We highly recommend you get travel insurance for this trip, as we are ascending each day at high altitudes with some risk of altitude sickness. By mentioning risk, we don't mean that it is a dangerous hike, but as we know that we will be on the trail of mountainous areas, so there is always a high challenging factor of altitude sickness. 

However, this 3 Passes Trek itinerary is set with 2 proper acclimatization days, so there is less chance of major altitude sickness. But, as it is said, "It is better to be prepared than regret."Insurance acts as our safety net to hike more freely without worrying much about medical services. On top of that, Nepal medical emergency evacuation can cost hundreds of dollars, so make sure that your travel insurance includes emergency evacuation and medical services over 4500 meters. 

Permits for Everest 3 Passes Trek

To do this trek to Everest Three Passes, there are only two permits required, firstly the Sagarmatha National Park permit, and another tends to be the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit, which can be obtained from Kathmandu - Nepal Tourism Board or in the village of Monjo. These permits are checked at many stopping points, and also registered at the beginning of your expedition, which tracks your well-being throughout the expedition and also boosts in economic growth of locals and conserves the untamed beauty of this territory. 

Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit cost: NPR 3000 per person

Sagarmatha National Park permit cost: NPR 2800 per person

After your booking is made with us, all the required permits will be arranged by us, with ease, before you arrive here in Nepal, as it is included in our fee, there is no extra cost. 

Tips for Three Passes Trek Nepal (ATMs, Credit Cards, Gear, Acclimatization, Food, Personal Expenses)

1. Please make sure to check all the trekking gear and equipment before the trek starts, and if you have forgotten any, we can provide you with some, or you can simply buy here at Thamel or Namche Bazaar with the help of a guide.
2. It is highly suggested to wear hiking shoes beforehand, many times just for practice, if it's new. Also, please avoid wearing/buying too tight if possible, buy 1 size bigger, but not too loose shoes. That would be perfect after we wear thick climbing socks.
3. There might be heavy snowfall on some of the sections, so make sure to carry crampons (please do not miss out on this), hiking boots are not enough to navigate the snowy trails
4. You can get electric sockets in Namche, Lukla, and Phakding (lower sections), but in most of the sections, the electric sockets are in the dining area, which will cost you approximately USD 3 to 4. So, please carry a power bank to charge the gadgets.
5. There are zero ATM services or credit card services after passing Lukla and Namche, so make sure to withdraw money beforehand, as credit cards don't work in remote trails.
6. Do not forget to carry dry garlic (which helps warm up the body), granola, and bars of protein (protein bars) for a quick snack time. Someday, we must hike 7 hours straight, which can weaken our bodies. There are tea houses in between, but it costs you triple the exact price in remote areas. 
7. Carry a small backpack with you that fits all your basic and important items, even though you are hiring a porter. If possible, carry your daily medicines, chargers, water bottle, and phones by yourself.
8. This package covers all your meals and accommodation, or you can say all the expenses required for the expedition, except the tips. Our Three Passes Trek cost doesn't include your tips. It's not necessary, but if you are satisfied with their hardworking services, then it would be a great gesture.
9. If possible, please carry a trash bag to decompose the waste, as we don't want to spoil Mother Nature, do we? This small initiative can turn out to be a big protection of the pristine nature of the Khumbu region.

Three Passes Trek Cost

Our Everest Three Passes Trek cost starts from USD 1499 to USD 1699, which includes all the requirements for this trip, such as permits, lodging, standard meals, logistics, overall everything essential. The price depends on how many trekkers each group holds. For instance, if you are solo to do this trek, then it can cost you $ 1699, and the price decreases with the increase in team members. However, if you are a family traveling with children, then let us know; we can provide you with special family discounts. 

Meanwhile, if it doesn't match your budget estimation, then you can simply customize this trek to the Everest Three Passes price and itinerary as your choice with no hassle, as our team is available 24 hours to assist you. 

Booking Procedure

To secure your Everest 3 Pass Trek with us, you just have to pay 10% of the total trip cost, in advance, if you haven't arrived in Nepal, via bank transfer that is provided on our site. However, if you are already here, then you can just pay in cash by visiting our office. Make sure to go through a detailed procedure while booking your expedition, as being affiliated with TAAN (Trekkers Association Agency of Nepal) and NMA (Nepal Mountaineering Association), your booking is fully secured. After your booking is made, we will send you a notification with a receipt of your name, company's name, and amount paid, ensuring you are tension-free knowing that your booking has been securely made. The remaining amount can be paid, 90% after you arrive here in Nepal, in person also Please note to send your passport photocopy, 2 passport-sized photos, and travel insurance paper (if you have one), so we can make arrangements accordingly.