Everest Three Passes Trek

We consider the Everest Three Passes Trek to be challenging. It is more demanding than the Everest Base Camp trek. It passes through three challenging passes and is longer than the EBC trek. The Everest Three Passes Trek is difficult but doable with correct fitness.

Trekking conditions: You will be trekking for about 6 hours daily for about 16 days. It is not only physically challenging but also mentally challenging. You must prepare for the challenge that follows you everywhere with this trek. The trails are steep, and you must trek through the glacier moraine. The rocky paths and barren lands make the hiking conditions challenging. Your challenge is not only the trail but also the altitude. The three passes are all over 5000m. You will be over 4000m for most of the trek. Even taking a small step in these high altitudes may leave you breathless. The chances of altitude sickness are high.

Fitness guideline: Aim for regular cardio a few times a week, such as hiking, jogging, cycling, or swimming for 30 to 60 minutes. If you can, go on practice hikes using the boots and backpack you plan to bring so your body gets used to the gear and uneven trails. Stair climbing or walking uphill is also great for preparing your body. Add simple strength exercises like squats, lunges, and planks. They help build your leg and core strength. Gradually increase the time and difficulty of your hikes to avoid injury. Try to build up to walking five to six hours a day. The key is to stay consistent. Regular moderate training will make the trek feel easier and more enjoyable.

Age and Health: We have trekkers aged 18 to 70+ on this trek. Age is not a barrier if you are fit enough for the trek.  Do a medical check-up before the trek to know whether you can take on this challenge. Asthma patients can take their inhalers with them for an easier trek. Pack your medicines accordingly. We also recommend getting a flu shot before the trek.

Acclimatization is essential in this trek. You will be trekking above 5000m. This high altitude is harsh. You need strategies to tackle the altitude.

• “Climb High, Sleep Low” Principle: This is a golden rule many trekkers follow on the acclimatization day. People hike a little higher than their overnight stay location. Say, hike to Nangkartshang to acclimate to Dingboche. You climb a round trip from 4,410m at Dingboche to Nangkartshang Hill at 5,083m. Exposing your body to these high altitudes and returning to a lower altitude to sleep adjusts your body better. Your body produces more red blood cells, and ultimately, the body preserves more oxygen, making the trip easier.
• Scheduled Acclimatization Days: We have planned and scheduled 3 days for acclimatization in the package. You will be trekking over 5000m with a low oxygen level. You need to acclimate to adjust your body. Our first acclimatization stop is in Namche Bazaar, a bustling market hub. The second stop is Dingboche, where you will hike up to Nangkartshang Hill. Our final acclimatization stop is Gokyo, a high village with Gokyo Lakes.
• Gradual Ascent: Our altitude will increase no more than 600m every day. After Dingboche, however, the altitude increase will be even slower, from 400m to some days only ~200m. We have meticulously designed the itinerary to have a gradual ascent. This way, the difference between two consecutive days won’t be drastic. Your body will be well accustomed to the altitude as we go.
• Hydration and Diet: Hydration is key to acclimatization. Your body needs to be well-hydrated to function correctly. You also need energy. Fuel your body with carbs even if you don’t feel like it. Our guides will also carry a flask with hot ginger tea.

You need the correct gears to complete the gears. The weather is unpredictable. You should prepare yourself for any circumstance. Someday it might rain, someday it can be sunny, while some are freezing. Here are the detailed packing lists with the trekking gear you need for the Everest Three Passes Trek.

Clothing:

• Base Layers: Your base layer must be either synthetic or polyester, moisture-wicking. Carry at least two pairs of base bottoms and tops. They keep you warm at night and let the body breathe during the day during the hike.
• Trekking pants: Pack two pairs of quick-drying and lightweight pants. Convertible pants are very popular among trekkers. Carry warm fleece and insulated pants to keep warm.
• Trekking shirt: Avoid cotton tops. Carry at least 3 or 4 moisture-wicking shirts. Also, pack some long sleeves for sun protection and to stay warm.
• Insulating Layer: This is your mid-layer. Pack a warm fleece or down sweater jacket.
• Jackets: A warm-down coat is essential for the coldest parts of the trek, especially at Gorak Shep or Gokyo, where it can drop below -15°C. You can either buy it yourself or rent one in Kathmandu. You’ll also need a waterproof shell that fits over your layers. The weather can change quickly, so always keep it in your daypack.
• Water/windproof covers: Bring windproof and waterproof outer layers. You need to pack waterproof jackets and pants. You also need waterproof covers for your daypack and duffel bags.
• Accessories: 4-5 merino wool or synthetic blend socks. Also, carry some thin socks to wear under your main socks. It prevents blisters. Carry a pair of thick wool gloves and a pair of insulated gloves or mittens. You also need warm beanies covering your ears for higher altitudes and colder days. Bring a sun cap for sun protection. Wear SPF30+ sunscreen, lip balm, and UV sunglasses for additional sun protection.

Footwear:

• Trekking Boots: Good, broken-in boots are one of the most important things you need. Your trekking boots need to be waterproof and have good ankle support.
• Camp Shoes/Sandals: You need lightweight sandals or shoes for the lodges. You need a light sandal to walk around after the day ends. Bring something easy to slip on and off.
• Gaiters: Gaiters are the covers that you can strap to your shoes to keep the mud and snow out. These are entirely optional but recommended. It’s unnecessary if your boots are secure at the ankle and you wear quality rain pants.

Backpack and Bags:

• Duffel Bag: You won’t carry your duffel bag. We provide an 80 to 100-liter duffel bag for your trekking gear. The porters will take it. We allow about 15kg per trekker for porters to carry. We handle the duffel transport. You won’t see it again until the next lodge, once you pack it in the morning.
• Daypack: This is the weight you will carry. Daypacks should be around 30 to 40 liters. Carry your items and documents in your bag for easy access. Pack a backpack with a built-in rain cover.
• Rain Protection: Carry rain protection for all your backpacks. Pack your stuff with plastic shells and cover the whole bag with a rain cover. If it doesn’t rain, leaked moisture and mist can get your things.

Sleeping Gear:

• Sleeping Bag: You can carry your sleeping bag, or we can provide one. We offer a high-altitude sleeping bag rated to about -20°C. Though you will stay in lodges with blankets, it may not be warm enough. We can also provide extra blankets in the lodge if you want.
• Sleeping Pad: This is entirely optional. Lodges have mattresses and blankets for you. The beds are modest but comfortable. You can bring a thin sleeping pad for extra cushioning or insulation.

Personal Accessories:

• Headlamps/Flashlight: Bring a headlight or flashlight with extra batteries. You need them during pre-dawn trekking. You also need them during your stay in the lodge.
• Water Bottles and Purification: Carry a 2 to 3-liter water bottle. You can refill them at lodges on the trail. Carry some purification tablets so your water is safe for consumption. Drink warm water and hydrate well.
• First Aid Kit: Our team will carry a first aid kit. It is still better if you have a personal one. Carry some bandages and personal medication enough for the trek. Carry any other basic first aid essentials like tapes and pins. Also, carry some AMS medication prescribed by your doctor.
• Toiletries: Carry toilet paper and sealable bags to throw away to minimize litter on the trail. Carry a quick-dry travel towel and deodorant. Carry hand sanitizer in case water is not available. Make sure you pack enough of everything you need. Take some wet wipes for quick cleaning if showering is not available.
• Trekking pole: Hiking down a hill is hard on the knees. Trekking poles help. They make the trek easier. Trekking poles are beneficial if you want extra support on the way.

Miscellaneous:

• Money pouch or Wallet: Carry your essential documents like permits and passports in an easily accessible place. Carry a photocopy of them for backup. Also, keep your cash close to you and secure.
• Electronics: Take your phone and travel adapter with you. You need your charger and a high-capacity power bank. You can take a camera with you if you like. Ensure you can charge your electronics along the way and keep them secure.
• Snacks: You get food in the lodge. If you want food to snack on during the trek, you can bring it yourself. Energy bars are highly recommended and popular.

Additional stuff: Bring earplugs if you are a light sleeper. Trekking maps will help give you an overview of the places you will visit. You can carry small locks for extra protection.

Guides: Our guides are professional experts licensed by the Nepal Government. They are either local or have enough experience in the region. They speak Nepali, Sherpa, and English. Knowing the local language makes your experience more intimate.

They will identify landmarks and peaks for you along the way. They also have extensive knowledge of the local folklore and culture.

Guides can identify symptoms of AMS. They can detect the early symptoms and help avoid them. They will make sure you are safe before starting or continuing the trek.

They also provide technical support to the trekkers. Guides are essential for the trek. Your experience is affected positively by guides.

Porters: Porters are the backbone of any trek in Nepal. They carry your considerable weight and make your trek easier. Carrying the weight at any altitude is hard. Higher altitudes make even walking without any weight hard.

We ensure ethical working conditions for all of our team members. Porters are vulnerable to unethical working conditions. Some porters have to carry more than 30 kg. These are extremely harsh conditions and keep the porter’s health in line.

Our team is all treated fairly. We have a weight limit and tipping culture to ensure fair pay for our porters and work in good working conditions.

Guides and Porters make the trek easier. They act as a cultural bridge for trekkers. We make sure to take care of our staff. Many of our guides and porters have been with us for years, even decades. We arrange a whole female crew for a women-only trek. Our team makes sure your safety and experience are their top priority.

We preach freedom. However, we also preach respect. You must realize that while paying for the trek, you are still a guest in the area. You need to respect the local culture and practices. Here are some ways you can:

• Open your shoes/hats when you are visiting religious sites. You need to respect the monastery’s rules. Spin the prayer wheels and walk clockwise while visiting the stupas. Don’t make noise and disturb the others.
• Most locals are Buddhists. Buddhists practice patience. They don’t believe in violence over anything. Don’t shout or show agitation. If there are any problems, your guide will help mediate the situation.
• You can learn basic greeting phrases like “Namaste” and “Tashi Delek” to greet the local people. Practicing these small gestures brings a smile to their face. You can say “Mitho cha” to compliment the food and “Dhanyabad” to thank you. You don’t need perfect pronunciation to convey your feelings.
• There are a few trail etiquette rules. Your guide will teach you this etiquette. If any animals are passing by, make way for them. Stand on the hillside, as the animals can push you off the hill.
• Don’t litter the place. You won’t throw your waste everywhere in your home country. Show the same respect here. Throw your toilet papers in zip locks or throw them in a designated trash place.
• Take care of your hygiene. Don’t eat raw food and drink tap water. Make sure to sanitize or wash your hands before and after eating.

Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) Prevention and Response:  AMS is one of the most significant concerns for the trek. Altitude sickness can affect different people differently. There is no actual response to severe AMS except for descending. Symptoms include headache, nausea, fatigue, tiredness, loss of sleep and appetite, and dizziness. If the symptoms are mild, you can rest, acclimate, hydrate, and eat well. If the symptoms are severe, you will have a helicopter rescue. We have acclimatization days to avoid these severe conditions. But we cannot be sure you will or won’t get altitude sickness.

Weather and Route Safety: Weather in the mountains is not predictable.  We will check the forecast every day to prepare for the next day. The weather can influence the trail condition. If anything affects the trial, we will schedule our trek accordingly. Our guides will fix a rope or use an ice axe to cut steps if needed on tricky sections. It is typically not required for the Everest Three Passes Trek.

Communication and Emergency Contact: Our guides will carry a local mobile phone. If anything happens, they will be in line with our Kathmandu office. We will proceed with the actions accordingly. Wifi is slow. You can carry a local SIM card to have a network connection and buy data.

Helicopter Evacuation: We will handle the logistics for helicopter evacuation. We will make sure this is not needed. But if you need a helicopter evacuation, we will manage it. Most insurers work with local helicopter companies and usually approve evacuations quickly. In places like Pheriche or Namche, helicopters often arrive within 30 to 60 minutes if the weather allows. In remote areas, we first move the person to the nearest flat or safe spot. It might involve walking with support, carrying a porter, or using a yak.

Every trekker must have travel insurance. We require travel insurance for client safety. Travel insurance helps people avoid financially straining themselves.

• Altitude: Make sure your insurance covers high-altitude trekking above 5600m. The Everest Three Passes trek goes above 5,500m. Double-check the insurance package before purchasing. You can get our assistance if you have any doubts. We will help you choose the best package with the best company.
• Helicopter Evacuation: A helicopter evacuation can cost between $5000 and $10,000. Travel insurance means the company will pay for the helicopter or reimburse you. Also, the insurance should cover medical bills and provide an early flight back home in a medical emergency.
• Trip Cancellation and Interruption: Choose a package that covers trip cancellations. Our policy includes a full refund if canceled 30 days before the trek, a partial refund before 15 days, and no refund after that. You can have security over this with travel insurance.
• Baggage and Property: Many insurance plans cover lost or delayed baggage. It can happen on flights to Lukla due to weight limits. During the trek, your bag stays with the porters and is safe. If you’re bringing expensive gear or electronics, check your policy. Some plans limit how much they cover per item.
• Policy Details to Provide: Before the trek starts, you must provide the policy details. We require your insurer’s name, 24-hour emergency number, and policy number. Having a copy of your policy and ID card is also good. Give a copy to our team in Kathmandu as well. In an emergency, we contact the insurer right away.
• Emergency Funds: Even if you have insurance, it is better to have emergency funds. Set aside some money if you need to pay for the helicopter to get reimbursement later. It is not common, as most insurers pay the aircraft directly.

Having travel insurance is mandatory for all of our clients. We mandate this so you can trek freely and without worries. Buy a package that covers all of the points mentioned above. Choose the package carefully so you can avoid any surprises later.

Here are a few things you need to know about the Nepal tourist visa and currency,

Nepal Tourist Visa: It is not hard for most nationals to get a Nepal tourist visa. You can get one from the Nepal Embassy in your home country. Otherwise, a visa on arrival is also available. You can fill out the form online and pay the fees at the airport. You can also fill out the physical form at the airport. Carry some passport-sized photos for the visa. Show your valid passport with at least 6 months and a few blank pages left. Pay your visa fee according to the number of days you want to stay. You can visit the Nepal Government page to learn about the stay and costs.

Trekking Permits: You need a Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit and a Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit. You can get these at Kathmandu or the Monjo checkpoint. We will manage the permits for you. Make sure you have multiple passport-sized photos for these permits.

Nepal Currency – The Nepalese Rupee (NPR): You must carry cash on the trek. Exchange money in Kathmandu and take hard cash for any economic transactions. The trail villages don’t typically accept credit cards. ATMs are also not available above Namche. Even the one in Namche may not work.  You need cash to pay for additional facilities, snacks, and to tip the porters.  Take at least NPR 20,000 to 30,000 for expenses. Carry this cash separately in different places, giving you extra money, even if you lose some.

We offer some optional additions for clients. These additions will cost more but provide more comfort. Here are some add-ons we provide:

• Kathmandu Cultural Tour: You can go sightseeing in Kathmandu before or after the trek. We arrange a private bus for sightseeing at the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. In addition, you will visit places like Bouddhanath, Pashupatinath, Swayambhunath, Kathmandu, or Patan Durbar Square. A full-day tour usually costs $50 to $70 per person and covers the guide, driver, and entry tickets.
• Chitwan Jungle Safari: Chitwan is famous for its National Park. You can go on a jungle safari and get the chance to see rhinos, tigers, and other animals up close. A standard Chitwan package includes 2 nights and 3 days at a resort. You will enjoy activities like jeep safaris, canoeing, cultural performances, and visits to the elephant sanctuary. We can organize everything for you. Travel from Kathmandu is either a short 20-minute flight or a 5 to 6-hour tourist bus ride. It’s a peaceful way to enjoy Nepal’s wildlife and lowland scenery.
• Pokhara and Annapurna Foothill Trek: If you have time and want more experience in the mountains of Nepal, you can get this add-on. Pokhara is a beautiful and popular city. You can chill by Phewa Lake, which has mountain views of the Annapurnas. You also have options to do short treks like the Poon Hill 3-4 day trek or a day hike to World Peace Pagoda. You can do paragliding, zip-lining, and mountain biking here.
• Island Peak Climb: You can detour and climb Island Peak while on the trek. Chukkung is the Base Camp of Island Peak. You can have an extra day of trek. Island Peak is a non-technical climb for beginner mountaineers. You need to have extra preparations if you want to go on this climb.
• Helicopter Exit or Entry: You can shorten the trek by taking a helicopter exit or entry. We can arrange a helicopter directly to Lukla or Namche in the beginning. You can fly directly to Kathmandu from Gokyo or Namche while exiting. They are a luxury add-on and will cost you more.
• Bhutan or Tibet Tour: You can also have a 4 to 5-day Bhutan or Tibet tour. We arrange flights, visas, and an itinerary. Acquiring a visa to Tibet can be tricky due to political reasons. But if allowed, you can go on these tours for additional memories.

Additional stuff: We can arrange professional videos and photos for you. You can also rent gear if you don’t want to buy any. Finally, we can arrange a homestay or volunteer in villages like Khumjung or Thame.

Booking with us is easy. Here are the instructions if you want to book with us:

• Contact Us / Inquiry: Contact Peregrine Treks and Tours for inquiries about the Everest Three Passes Trek. You can get our information through our website. You can get to us by email or phone. We will brief you on the trek. You can let us know about any customizations so we can arrange them accordingly.
• Reservation and Deposit: You must pay about 20% of the total trek cost to confirm the booking. We will forward you an online booking form. You must complete the form with your full government name, nationality, DOB, contact number, etc. You will get a confirmation email after you pay the deposit. We also send the receipt for every payment. Please keep a copy and review it for safety.
• Balance Payment: You will pay the rest after arriving in Kathmandu. You typically pay it the day you arrive, so the rest of the trek goes smoothly. You can pay with a credit card. We accept major currencies like USD, EUR, GBP, etc.

The Everest Three Passes trek is a thrilling adventure in the Everest region. We look forward to trekking with you. Feel free to reach out to us about any inquiries. We are happy to help. Have a memorable adventure.