Three Passes Trek - 19 days

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

To make any trip successful, the first and foremost thing question that hits our mind is the favorable seasons to do any kind of adventure. Especially, when we are planning such a high-altitude Everest high pass trek, then 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-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 trail along the Everest region. 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 being another peak season and crowded time for this 3 passes trek in Nepal as it has a meaningful significance attached to it. The two major festivals of Dashain and Tihar fall perfectly between Sep to Oct 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 mountains. If you are someone who seeks to know the great cultural value of this country, then this ideal period fits undoubtedly perfectly for you.

How difficult is Everest 3 Pass Trekking? 

We all are familiar with how challenging it gets to ascend over the 4000 meters each day. It isn't an easy task that can be completed in the blink of an eye, just like that, Three 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 most of the 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 ascends and descends 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 acclimatize well and ascend gradually with 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 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.

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 Three Passes Trek?

Heading to any expedition of 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. 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 severe headache. If such things happen do not panic! Just take an ease 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. 

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 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 that 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 gingers that are available in every tea house along the route of Everest region that boost up the energy and increase the warmness of the body
•  Avoid smoking and drinking hard drinks that significantly cause rapid feelings of 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 they might not know your health condition. So, it is always the best thing 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 pax for the trek. Sometimes, it becomes too unbearable in high sections that can cause AMS, so make yourself warmth and cozy by carrying warming fur clothes

How to be prepared for the Everest High Pass Trek?

Well! No matter how pro hiker/climber you are, without any pre-preparation, the trip can be filled with frustration, self-doubts, and also questionable. 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 straight 19 days 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 doesn't only act 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 some 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 don't want to hit up the gym then just do a 3-4 hours 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 by 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.

What kind of accommodations to expect during the Everest Three Passes Trek?

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 as it serves many other expeditions so they are built accordingly with modern amenities. However, standard rooms don't mean decorated with luxury items but yes! highly infrastructured 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 give options of similar kinds of hotels (if you have anything in mind). 

Foods along the trail

Throughout the 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 time, you are offered a menu to choose from. Starting from local breakfasts like Tibetian 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 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

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 gratitude of respect and thanksgiving.

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 only enough to navigate the snowy trails
4. You can get electric sockets in the 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 the Lukla and Namhe, so make sure to withdraw money beforehand as credit cards don't work at 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 body. 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 Everest 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 great gratitude.
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 pristineness of the Khumbu region.

Travel Insurance

We highly recommend you get travel insurance for this trip as we are ascending each day at high altitudes with some risk circulating. 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 mountain areas, so there is always a high challenging factor of altitude sickness. 

However, this Three 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.