Everest Three High Passes Trek - 18 days

Accommodation, such as the Everest Three Pass Trek, is essential in high-altitude trekking. It is where you will spend your acclimatization or resting time and eat your meals. Hence, learning about all the accommodation options from lower to higher altitudes is necessary. You can get luxurious accommodation options in the lower altitude and city areas. In contrast, as you climb altitude and reach remote areas, the accommodation services become basic, and luxury decreases.

In most of the treks, the trekkers will stay in teahouses. The teahouses are tiny houses with expansive rooms and twin beds. In the teahouses, trekkers have to share the bed, and since it has an attached bathroom, they also have to share the bathroom. The teahouses will give you all the items, like pillows, blankets, bedsheets, etc, to make your sleep warm and cozy. However, it is also wise to carry your sleeping bags to make it more comfortable.

Everest 3 High Passes Trek occurs at high elevations, and your body needs enough nutrition. We ensure that you get enough nutritious food throughout the trek.  During the trek, each day, the trekkers will have three meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The guides hand-select the lodges for fresh, hygienic, tasty, and nutritious food.

Breakfast

Breakfast is an essential meal of the day as it is the first one. There are several menus for breakfast, such as eggs, chapati, bread, soups, toast, etc. During high altitudes, many trekkers often skip breakfast to start the trek early, which is not ideal and should not be considered. In the initial portion of the trek, trekkers have to cover more distance; breakfast is essential for the initial burst of energy.

Lunch and Dinner

Lunch and dinner are also crucial during trekking, as trekkers need to consume food with carbohydrates and proteins. The menus for lunch and dinner are somewhat similar. When you visit, try Nepali dishes like Dal (lentil), Bhat (rice), Tarkari (curry), Momos (dumplings), and Chowmein (noodles). Drinking plenty of liquids such as green tea, lemon tea, hot lemon, ginger tea, and garlic soup is essential. Eating fresh vegetables is also recommended. In trek regions, non-veg items are available, but we don’t recommend them due to hygiene concerns. Dairy items, alcoholic drinks, caffeinated items, and hot chocolates should be avoided. The menu offers traditional, Asian, and Western food, but it becomes shorter as the altitude increases and you reach the remote areas.

Drinking plenty of water is essential for high-elevation treks like this to provide your body with adequate fluids and prevent sickness. You can request a drinking water refill at the tea houses or lunch stops. The primary drinking water sources at high altitudes are taps and handle pumps, which are unsuitable for drinking water. So it is wise to request the teahouses to filter and boil the water before drinking. You may have to pay extra to the teahouse for their services.

Some places might charge extra for hot water. Similarly, you will also find drinking water taps throughout the lower segments of the trail. Similarly, freshwater streams are plenty on the way to refill your bottles. Keep purification tablets with you to be extra safe while drinking water here. Mineral water will be available at every lodge, and the cost will be a minimum of $1 & maximum of $4 for a bottle.

Trekking the Everest three-pass trek is fun, and the experience can be challenging. However, if you don’t time the trek and experience the ideal trekking conditions, your experience might get more demanding and less fun. In Nepal, there are two best seasons: spring and autumn. Similarly, there are two less ideal seasons for trekking: monsoon and winter.

Spring

Spring is the best season for the Everest trek in Nepal. This season begins in March and ends in May. Everest Three High Passes Trek is one of Nepal’s most adventurous treks, so trekking in ideal conditions like spring will be unique. In the Spring, trekkers will feel the clear weather and mild temperature, making trekking easier. Furthermore, the best attraction for hiking in the Spring season is the flowering trails that will entertain the trekkers throughout the trails.

Autumn

Another fantastic trekking season other than Spring is the Autumn season. This season starts in the middle of September and ends in November as early September receives rainfall since it falls in the rain shadow area. However, as the days progress and the month of October arrives, the weather and climate become some of the best for trekking. This season offers ideal conditions for outdoor adventures. The country experiences pleasant temperatures, warm days, and cool nights and mornings, perfect for exploration without hassle.

Off seasons

Like the best time for trekking, there is also a less ideal time for trekking the Three High Passes trek. Monsoon season is unsuitable for hiking due to wet, slippery trails and a high chance of floods, landslides, and soil erosions. During the monsoon season, the trails become infested by insects and mosquitoes, which is not ideal for trekking. Another off-season is the trek in the Khumbu region in the winter. Trekking in the winter is difficult due to the cold temperature, dynamic weather, and the chance of natural disasters like blizzards, snowstorms, and avalanches.

Read More: Restricted and Challenging Treks In Nepal

Lukla is the optimal starting point of the Gokyo Lake trek. Your domestic flight to Lukla will most likely be in the morning time from Kathmandu. It will be a short 45-minute flight. If the flight to Lukla is unavailable, the trekkers must drive from Kathmandu to Manthali via Jeep. After reaching the Ramehchhap, you will board the flight to Lukla, which will take about 5 hours. On both flights to Lukla, the trekkers will get stunning panoramic views of the mountains and the Khumbu region.

Leaving the valley, you can enjoy a fantastic view of diverse Nepalese geography and an amazing view of the Himalayas. The landing at Tenzing Hillary Airport in Lukla is Infamous for its short runway and extreme geographic location. You will have a nerve-racking experience while landing here. After landing in Lukla, you will first glimpse Mount Everest. You will land at Tenzing Hillary Airport, where the airstream is surrounded by some of the tallest peaks in Nepal. The trek starts from Lukla, where you will start trekking on the side of the Dudh Koshi River.

Internet and phone connectivity are essential in high-altitude remote treks like the Three High Passes Trek. Connecting with your loved ones or trekking agency in the country is necessary. Internet is available throughout the Everest trails through Everest Link data cards. You can purchase these at the teahouses on the trail, and they work adequately in most areas.

The phone network is not available at all parts of the trek. You can take the mobile connection network, either Ncell or NTC, which works to a decent altitude. Especially during the days, your only communication option will be a GPS signal phone. Ensure poor signals are present in the high-elevation areas while the rest of the lower sections are fine.

We highly recommend you do the Everest Three High Passes trek with experienced guides, even if it is not mandatory. The trail leads you to three of the highest mountain passes of the Himalayas, and it is no easy task to complete without one. As for your safety, we at HST make it the top priority.

Our guides are trained for all conditions and have excellent knowledge of the area. So, avoid solo treks to the Everest Three Passes trail for your safety and experience.

The Everest Three High Passes Trekking Route takes you to the challenging and rugged terrains of the Khumbu region. In this trek, you will explore different types of landscapes throughout the trekking route, from subtropical barren lands, lush jungles, flowering meadows, rocky peaks and valleys, glacial moraines, and snowy mountains.

This trek route takes you to the three highest trekking passes: Kongla Ma Pass, Cho La Pass, and Renjo La Pass. As you traverse this route, you will also explore various villages, towns, and settlements and the culture and tradition of the Sherpa village. The route also takes you to some of the biggest attractions of the trek, like Everest Base Camp Trek, Kala Patthar, Gokyo Valley, Gokyo lakes, and the three passes.

Note: The above table starts from the starting and end points of the actual start of the trek, which is Lukla.

The Everest Three High Passes trek is one of the most challenging treks in Nepal. The trek difficulty ranges from moderate to challenging, even for those with prior trekking experience. However, it is crucial to know if the trek is suitable for you. Here are some factors to consider to know if this trek suits you.

Budget

The Everest Three High Passes Trek is one of the most expensive treks in Nepal. The trek takes you to the remote area of the Khumbu region, where the trek cost is higher than other regions. So, if you are looking for a budgeted trek in Nepal, the Everest Three High Passes Trek is not for you. However, you can still decrease the overall cost of the trek by avoiding the side treks or trekking in less ideal trekking conditions.

Prior Medical Condition

The Everest Three High Passes trek is one of Nepal’s most challenging but adventurous treks. This trek takes you above an altitude of over 5000m, which might suit some people but not others. Trekking at high altitude is not ideal for those with prior medical lung or heart conditions and difficulty breathing. So, if you have that medical condition, it is wise to consult your doctor first, but this trek might not suit you if the issue is critical.

Time Commitment

The Everest Three High Pass Trek is one of the most extended treks in Nepal. Naturally, this trek’s duration ranges from 15 to 18 days. So, if you don’t commit to spending about two weeks on your trekking days, this is not for you. You can decrease the trek duration to 10 to 12 days if you don’t take your rest day; however, it is very risky as you can suffer from altitude sickness that will end your trek in a halt.

Everest Three High Passes Trekking is one of Nepal’s most fun and challenging treks. However, this trek can be attractive to people with specific personal preferences. Everest Three High Passes Trek may be a mystery for the trekkers who have not experienced it before. Here are some things you can expect from the Everest High Passes Trek.

• Everest Three High Passes Trek is a high altitude challenging but rewarding trek. After all the challenges and difficulties you face during the trek, you will feel a sense of accomplishment when you climb the high passes.
• In this trek, you can expect the majestic three high passes of the Khumbu region in Renjo La, Cho La, and KongLa Ma.
• Some of the majestic views of the mountains like Mt Everest (8849), Ama Dablam (6856m), Cho Oyu (8201m), Lhotse (8516m),  Nuptse(7861m), Pumo Ri (7165m) can be expected in this trek.

The difficulty level of the Everest Three High Passes Trek is moderate to challenging. For the veteran and experienced trekkers, the trekking destination might be a bit less challenging; however, for beginners, this is among the most strenuous treks in Nepal. Several factors influence the difficulty level of the Three High Pass Trek, which are explained below:

High Altitude

The high altitude is one significant factor influencing the difficulty of the Everest Three High Passes Trek. In this trek, the highest elevation you will be trekking above the altitude of 5200m for plenty of days. Trekking in these high elevations will increase the chance of altitude sickness. Any trekkers suffering from altitude sickness will not be able to complete the trek and will need immediate medical attention.

Long Distance and Duration

The Everest Three High Passes Trek is challenging mainly because of its long-distance and duration. The total duration of this trek ranges from 15 to 18 days, and every day, trekkers have to trek for 6-7 hours to cover a lot of distance. Since the trekkers must work several hours daily for at least two weeks, it will tire them. Hence, trekkers need to increase their physical stamina.

Tough Routes

The EBC High Pass trek is one of the most extended treks in Nepal, and when you compound it with the challenging routes that the trekkers have to pass daily, it makes the trekking quite tricky. In the lower altitude, the trekking route can be more accessible; however, as the altitude increases, trekkers must pass through rocky valleys, steep ascents, glacial moraines, and slippery, snowy mountains. Naturally, trekkers will find it hard to trek in these trekking conditions easily.

Dynamic Weather and Temperature

Trekking in the Khumbu region, also known as the Everest region, can be difficult because the weather can be unpredictable. If you’re trekking during the off-season, be careful. The weather can make the Everest Three Passes trek more challenging. Even though the weather is usually good during the peak season, it can freeze at night, dropping below freezing. So, it’s important to pack lots of layers and warm clothes. Flights from Kathmandu to Lukla might be canceled if the weather is bad because it’s essential to have safe conditions for landing. When trekking in the Everest region, it’s wise to plan for extra days to allow for possible weather delays and ensure your trek goes smoothly.

• 5 AM—6 AM: You can start your day on the EBC trek by waking up early at the teahouse where you stayed. The trek begins from around 5 AM to 6 AM, and you can enjoy a tasty local breakfast with a breathtaking view of the region’s mountains, peaks, and valleys.
• 7 AM—8 AM: Get ready for the hike after breakfast. Pack essential items and wear layers of clothes suitable for the altitude. Prepare a separate handbag for things you’ll need along the way, like snacks, chocolates, water bottles, and sunglasses.
• 8 AM to 12 or 1 PM: You will start hiking around 8 or 9 AM, depending on when you wake up. This part of the hike usually takes 4-5 hours. After walking for that long, it will be time for lunch, depending on your plan.
• 12 PM to 1 PM: You’ll have an hour-long break for lunch and relaxation. The guide or trekking agency will bring you to a suitable teahouse for lunch, where you can enjoy local dishes like Dal and Bhat and Western options such as pizzas, burgers, and spaghetti at some teahouses.
• 1 PM to 4 PM: After resting and having lunch, we walk in the afternoon. This walk takes 4-5 hours. Because we might be tired, we will walk a short distance and stroll around. We will visit different villages, old temples, monasteries, etc., and the sun’s light cast shadows on the mountain towns when it gets darker.
• 4 PM to 5 PM: It’s evening and time to go to the teahouse. It’s best to go before sunset when there’s still light outside.
• 5 PM to 7 PM: You can put your bags in your room when you arrive in the village. Relax by the fire with a hot cup of tea or coffee and chat with the locals. You can also ask for internet access to connect with your loved ones, explore the villages, visit local temples and monasteries, and meet local people.
• 7 PM to 8 PM: It’s time for dinner. You may have local meals, but some teahouses offer Western options, too. Join everyone for dinner, as it’s a great time to share stories and socialize.
• 8 PM to 10 PM: It’s essential to head to bed early after dinner. You have a tough day of trekking tomorrow, so getting a good night’s rest is wise. Wish your crew goodnight and try to fall asleep quickly to give your body and mind the rest they need.

• Stunning high-altitude trek, which consists of fun, thrill, and adventure. Trekking has a particular risk, but the reward is inspiring and motivating.
• One of the significant reasons for trekking the three high passes trek is to explore the amazing Gokyo Valley and get closer to the Gokyo Lakes.
• One of the primary reasons that make the Three Pass term attractive is to visit the Everest Base Camp, Gorakhstep, and hike towards Kala Patthar for the stunning views of the mountains.
• For wildlife lovers, the EBC 3 Passes trek can be attractive as you will pass through Sagarmatha National Park, where you will get the chance to see some of the rare floras and faunas like Himalayan Tahr, Snow Leopard, Red Panda, and others.
• Trekking the Khumbu region and reaching EBC camp is quite an achievement, and when you go further and conquer the three passes, your sense of accomplishment is quite high.

To trek in the Everest region, you need a few permits. For every trekker wishing to hike, the EBC needs at least two permits: the Sagarmatha National Park and Khumbu Municipality permits. Trekking the EBC via Jiri also requires another license in the Gaurishankar Conservation Area permit. Before the application for the municipality permit, every trekker must issue the TIMS card, which is now optional, so let’s get into them.

Sagarmatha National Park Permit

Everest Base Camp lies in the middle of one of Nepal’s most prestigious national parks, Sagarmatha National Park. First, trekkers must get a Sagarmatha National Park permit from the Nepal Tourism Board or Monjo’s Sagarmatha National Park entrance gate. It costs NPR 3000 per person and supports park conservation.

Khumbu Municipality Permit

To begin your trek in the Khumbu region, you must obtain a permit from Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Municipality. This permit is required for all visitors to the area. You can get the license at the Lukla Checkpoint on your first day of trekking or at the Monjo checkpoint if you are trekking through Jiri or Salleri. The cost of the Khumbu Municipality permit is approximately $16.

Gaurishankar Trekking Permit

If you’re traveling to Everest Base Camp from Jiri, you may need a permit for the Gaurishankar Conservation Area. To begin your journey, take a bus or private car to Jiri, which is a 7 to 8-hour trip from Kathmandu. Once in Jiri, obtain the permit, and you can start your hike to Everest Base Camp. You can purchase the license in Shivalaya or the Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu. The Gaurishankar Conservation Area permit costs $16 or NPR 2000.

TIMS Card

When trekking in Nepal, you can get a Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) card from the Nepal Tourism Board or a TIMS counter in Kathmandu or Pokhara. This card allows you to track your movements and receive emergency support in some areas of Nepal. If trekking independently, getting permits for the three passes (Renjo La, Cho La, and Kongma La) from the Nepal Tourism Board or the entrance gates to each pass is necessary.

When you go high up in the mountains, the air gets thinner, and it has less oxygen. This can make you feel sick. You might feel this way if you’re trekking to Everest Base Camp. The condition of falling ill during the high altitude trek is called Altitude Sickness. It is also known as the Acute Mountain Sickness. The altitude sickness can be mild or severe. Simple altitude sickness symptoms can be nausea, vomiting, headache, fever, coughing, tiredness, shortness of breath etc. To help your body get used to the high altitude, you’ll have some rest days in Namche Bazaar and Dingboche. Some people might get sick, but most don’t. Tell your guides if you have a headache, nausea, or trouble breathing.  Here are some of the remedies for the altitude sickness:

• Proper acclimatization is the best remedy for acute mountain sickness. Ascend and Descend gradually, and do not rush towards the altitude.
• Make sure you are trekking high, but you are lowering altitude for sleep. This practice will minimize the chance of altitude sickness.
• Keep yourself hydrated all the time. Dehydration is another major cause of altitude sickness. Drink at least 7 to 8 liters of water every day.
• Avoid taking caffeinated products or alcohol during the trek as they cause dehydration.
• Take medicines like Diamox during the high-altitude trek, which can give you instant relief from altitude sickness.
• If the symptoms persist, immediately lower the altitude, and let your guides know if the condition develops serious.

The Everest Three Pass Trek is quite challenging as trekkers have to trek for several days, and each day, they have to trek for 7 hours to cover more distance. Hence, there is a high probability that the trekkers can get fatigued if they are not physically fit. Being physically fit and raising your endurance level of physicality will help you cover more distance and not leave your trekking crew hanging. Here are specific ways to improve your physical fitness.

Cardiovascular exercises are the best way to make your core strong and give you an uplift in your stamina. Exercises like jogging, swimming, running, and hiking with backpacks are the best way to raise your physical fitness.
Strength Exercises: Making your body strong before trekking is crucial so you can carry your heavy baggage and trek for a long time.
Breathing Exercises: It is important to breathe fresh air during your expedition in the high altitude. These breathing exercises, like yoga, meditation, etc., can also raise physical fitness.

You Might Be Interested: Fitness level required for Everest Base Camp

In the lower altitude city areas, there are banks, money exchanges, and ATM cards, which you can use to exchange or withdraw cash. However, it is not as accessible in the remote Sherpa villages. Namche is the Sherpa hub where many services are available, so you can withdraw money or exchange cash, but make sure you carry extra cash.

When traveling to rural areas of the trek, please be aware that cards are not accepted. Carrying enough cash with you is recommended, especially in the higher elevation areas of Khumbu. ATMs, banks, and money exchange services are available at Kathmandu, Lukla, and Namche Bazaar. Planning wisely for the upcoming week while you are in Namche is essential.

Travel Insurance is very important for travelers or trekkers, especially those heading to different countries for the adventure in the Himalayas. The main reason for issuing travel insurance for these adventure treks is to prevent the trekkers from incurring additional expenses during the trek. For this trek, the travel insurance must cover the high-altitude trekking and emergency evacuation, saving them thousands of dollars if anything unforeseen happens.

Travel insurance covers medical expenses, luggage loss, property damage, flight cancellations, personal liability, etc. However, keep in mind there are certain expenses that travel insurance does not cover, and they are prior medical conditions, expensive jewelry, private items, injuries due to risky activities, or drug abuse.

Tipping is not mandatory in Nepal. However, you can show your appreciation to the guides and porters by rewarding them with some tips. You are helping the local economy and the gesture is nice. You can tip the team on the last day of the trek or when you go your separate ways.

Here is a general gear checklist for the trek for on-season trekking.

Upper Body: –

A long-sleeve thermal base layer

Trekking shirt
Insulation layer
fleece jacket
Warm Down Jacket
Gloves
waterproof jacket
T-Shirt lightweight

Head: –

Beanie and ear warmers
Sunhat & Scarf
Headlights with extra batteries

Face: –

Sunglasses with UV protection
Sunscreen
Dust Masks
Lip Balm
Face /Body wipe

legs & Boots: –

Trekking Pants two pairs
waterproof jacket
Trekking boots
Sport Shoes
Gaiters
Crampons (If snow or Ice)
Slippers
Thermal Leggins
Underwear & thick Socks

Essentials Gear: –

Trekking pole
Sleeping bag
Towels
Raincoat
Water bottle
Backpack or Day pack

Toiletries: –

Quick drying towel
Toilet paper
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
soap
Shampoo
Small mirror
Nail cutter

Personal accessories: –

Money
Camera
Phone
Watch
Power bank
Extra batteries for the Camera

Extra: –

Diary & Pen
Books
Extra Passport copy and Photos
Binocular
Firsts Aid Kits

Note: The above list can be customized as per the seasons and necessity of the trekkers.

We are experienced. Our team has managed treks in the Everest region for well over two decades.
* Our guides are fluent in English, Nepali, and Local Sherpa dialects. They know the terrain, culture, people, and the Sagarmatha national park through & through.
* HST will provide you best value services for your money. No hidden cost, every step with HST is transparent and clear. We value our clients over profit any day.
* Your safety is the top priority while trekking with the HST team.
* We go the extra mile to assure you of a complete trekking experience in Nepal. HST is your ideal choice for trekking in Nepal.