Three Peaks Climbing Nepal

• Physical Training: Build cardio fitness by doing aerobic exercises like hiking, running, cycling, swimming, or stairs 3–4 times a week. Improve stamina by running 5–10 km or doing a 2-hour hike with a backpack. Practice hiking as often as possible, especially on hills or uneven terrain. Carry a daypack (5–8 kg) to simulate trek conditions. Try at least one hike with 1,000m of elevation gain, if possible.
• Strength and Flexibility: Focus on leg, core, and back strength. Do exercises like squats, lunges, step-ups, and calf raises. Core workouts like planks or sit-ups help with balance and back support. Some upper body strength is helpful for short climbing sections, so include push-ups or light weights. Stretch regularly or do yoga to stay flexible and recover better after long days.
• Altitude and Gear Prep: You can’t train for altitude while living in low elevations. You can push your exercises to be fit. You can train with hypoxic tents. Learn to pace yourself and practice deep, steady breathing. Test your gears and boots, and stay prepared.
• Mental Readiness: Trekking for many days can be mentally tough. You will hike for almost 6 hours daily. It can negatively affect your mental health. Meditate and train your mind.
• Health Check: Get a medical check-up before your trip. Talk to your doctor about high-altitude travel and manage any existing conditions. Ensure your body can handle the trek if you have any lung-related problems.

Note: You don’t need to be super fit, but training greatly helps. Start early, ideally 3 to 6 months before. Focus on cardio and leg strength. The better your shape, the more enjoyable the trek will be. With solid prep, many people of all ages have done it.

• Symptoms: The early signs of altitude sickness or AMS include headache, fatigue, nausea, loss of sleep and appetite, and dizziness. The symptoms occurring mildly are common at altitudes above 3000m. Symptoms can worsen with vomiting, severe headache, fatigue, and confusion. More serious altitude illnesses include HAPE (fluid in the lungs) and HACE (swelling in the brain). HAPE symptoms include breathlessness at rest, a wet cough, and weakness. HACE signs are confusion, poor coordination, and strange behavior.
• Prevention: We have designed the itinerary with various acclimatization and cognitive days to prevent altitude sickness. We follow the “Climb high and sleep low” on the acclimatization day. You hike to a higher altitude and return to sleep at a lower altitude. In severe altitude sickness, there is no other way but to descend. Some trekkers take Diamox to help acclimate. It has various side effects, but it does the work regardless.
• What if you get sick? Everyone adjusts to altitude at their own pace, so don’t compare yourself to others. If you start feeling unwell, tell your guide right away. Acting early can prevent bigger problems. Guides check in with you daily and might measure your blood oxygen. Be honest about how you feel. Mild symptoms usually get better with rest, fluids, and painkillers. Never climb higher if you feel worse. The schedule includes extra rest days. If symptoms worsen, descending even a few hundred meters can help quickly. Guides carry first aid supplies, oxygen, and special altitude equipment. We arrange a helicopter evacuation if needed.
• Acclimatization, Hydration, Diet, Rest, and Attitude: The trip is designed with rest days and gradual altitude gains to help your body adjust. You only sleep above 5,000 meters after weeks of preparation. Even if you don’t feel thirsty, drink plenty of water or tea. Eat carbohydrates like rice, pasta, and local dishes to keep your energy up. Walk slowly and steadily in a comfortable way. Try to avoid any strenuous exercise on rest days. Altitude sickness can affect anyone. There is no shame in turning back if needed. Trust your guides and always put safety first.

Note: Knowing about altitude sickness helps you spot problems early and act quickly. Guides prioritize your safety and adjust plans as needed.

• Visa: A Nepal tourist visa is typically easy to get. Most nationals can get it from the Nepal Embassy in their home country. You can also get a visa on arrival. The visa fee differs depending on the number of days you are planning to stay. For this trek, you need a 30-day visa. It will cost you USD 50.
• Passports and Travel Documents: Make sure your passport is valid and has at least 6 months before the expiration date, with a few blank pages. Carry your travel insurance details. Carry printouts of your flight tickets and booking confirmation as proof of your return ticket and itinerary, even if not usually required.
• Permits: You need many licenses for this trek. You need a Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit and a Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality permit for the trek. Furthermore, you need a climbing permit from the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) for Mera, Island, and Lobuche East peaks. The costs for these are in the package. We will handle them for you.
• Vaccinations & Health: Check the Nepal government website to see if you need any vaccinations to enter. It’s not a formal requirement today, but being safe is better.
• Visa Extensions: You can extend the visa if you want to stay more days than intended. Visit the Central Immigration Office in Kathmandu to expand and pay the additional daily fees.
• Customs: You can bring personal gear for trekking without issues, as long as it’s clearly for personal use. Drones need special permission, and drugs, firearms, or satellite phones without clearance are not allowed. Our guides carry any needed communication gear.
• Money: You can bring up to $5,000 in cash without declaring it. ATMs in Kathmandu dispense Nepali Rupees. Bring some small USD bills for visas, tips, and trip payments. Exchange Rupees at airports or banks and keep receipts if you plan to convert leftover money back, but avoid exchanging too much as reconversion is limited.
• Health and Entry: Check health rules like COVID tests or vaccine proof before you travel, as they can change. Right now, Nepal requires vaccination or a negative test for entry. We’ll keep you updated on any changes.

Note: Bring photocopies of all essential documents with you to be safe. Bring a few passport-sized photos as well. Getting a visa approval is not hard in Nepal. Visit the Nepal Government Website to learn more in detail.

• Exchanging Money and ATMs: You can exchange money in Kathmandu. It’s the easiest place. There are many money exchange centers. Count your rupees and ask for minor changes like 100s or 500s to pay money more easily in remote areas. Kathmandu has many ATMs accepting international cards with withdrawal limits of around 35,000 NPR and fees. Namche Bazaar has ATMs, but they are unreliable, so withdraw enough cash before trekking.
• Trekking Expenses and Tipping: The package includes your trekking expenses like food, accommodation, permits, guides, and porters. You do need to carry some cash for personal expenses and tipping. You must pay extra for snacks, drinks, Wi-Fi, showers, and tips. Prices rise with altitude. You must tip your porters and guides about 10% of your total trek cost.
• Credit Cards and Cash to carry: Some lodges accept credit cards, but these are limited. You need to carry cash for any economic transactions during the trek. Even if credit cards are accepted, you must pay a 3-4% fee. Carry about 20,000 to 30,000 Nepali rupees in cash for tipping and personal expenses for the trek.
• Bargaining and Small Change: Bargaining is normal in Kathmandu markets but not in trekking lodges. You have to pay fixed prices for food and drink. Always keep small rupee notes handy for tea, snacks, and tips. Carry change so paying is easier.

Note: Carry cash securely in a neck pouch or money belt, and keep some emergency funds hidden. Use Nepali Rupees before leaving since they’re hard to exchange abroad. Still, you can exchange leftovers back to USD at the airport with your original receipt.

• Greetings and Respect: Say “Namaste” or “Tashi Delek” with a slight bow and hands together to greet or say goodbye. Dress modestly, avoiding revealing clothes in villages. Make sure to remove your shoes and hats before entering any religious sites. Small donations are appreciated.
• Cultural Etiquette: Walk clockwise around stupas and mani walls and spin prayer wheels respectfully. Never take religious items or flags. Ask for consent before taking photos of people, especially monks or during ceremonies. Avoid using drones unless you have permission.
• Interacting with Locals: Use your right hand when giving or receiving things. Don’t point your feet at people or sacred objects; do not step over prayer books or people who are praying. Be patient, as locals may avoid saying no directly.
• Dining and Hospitality: Meals are shared. Don’t touch others’ food or double-dip. Try to finish your food or politely show appreciation. When invited into homes, remove your shoes, accept tea or snacks, and avoid stepping over your legs or disrespecting the hearth.
• Responsible Travel: Respect the sacred mountains by not littering and keeping noise low. Be kind to animals and avoid disturbing wildlife. Smoking indoors is rude. Moderate drinking is okay, but avoid getting drunk.
• Respect for Staff and Giving: Treat guides and porters respectfully and speak calmly. Avoid giving sweets or money to children and consider donating to local schools or hospitals instead. Giving gifts to your crew is appreciated when done privately.

Note: Respecting local customs and culture enriches your trek experience and builds goodwill with the people you meet. Being polite, patient, and mindful of traditions helps everyone enjoy the trip safely and meaningfully.

• Hydration, Food & Health: Hydration is the key to avoiding altitude sickness. Push your body to hydrate well, even if you don’t want to. Your body needs energy to trek, so eat well. You may face a loss of appetite as a result of changing altitude. But your health must always be your top priority.
• Group & Trail Safety: Don’t wander alone, especially in remote areas. Stay with your group and guides. Inform someone before stepping off the trail. Walk at a steady, talkable pace to avoid exhaustion or attitude issues. Most injuries happen while descending, so be careful. Watch footing on loose rock, gravel, ice, and narrow trails. Step uphill when animals pass.
• Sun & Altitude: The sun is harsh at high altitudes. Ensure you have sun protection like a cap, UV sunglasses, and sunscreen. You may get snow blindness if you are not careful enough. You should know your symptoms and inform your guide in any case. Listen to your body if you are feeling any symptoms of AMS.
• Emergency Prep: Your guides will carry emergency kits like first aid. They’re also in contact with our Kathmandu office. If anything happens, they will communicate with us in Kathmandu. We will then take the necessary steps moving forward.
• Travel insurance guidelines: Make sure your insurance covers trekking and climbing up to 6,500 meters, with rope and crampon use included. It should also cover helicopter evacuation and medical treatment in Nepal. Choose the package for trip cancellations or delays and any lost or damaged gear. Be open about any existing health conditions that can affect your coverage. We recommend having at least $100,000 in medical protection.

Note: Travel insurance is essential. It covers emergencies like altitude sickness or evacuation, which can be costly. Once purchased, share your policy details with us or bring them to the pre-trek briefing so we can assist quickly if needed.

• Kathmandu Sightseeing Tour: We can arrange a sightseeing tour if you have time left on your visa. You can take the tour before or after the trek. The Kathmandu Sightseeing tour includes visiting the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu. You will get in a private vehicle with a guide and see the Bouddhanath stupa, Swayambhunath, Pashupatinath, and Kathmandu Durbar Square. This tour is exceptionally beneficial for anyone wanting to know more about Nepal’s culture and heritage. It gives an insight into the cities of Nepal.
• Accommodation Upgrades: We arrange hotel accommodation upgrades in Kathmandu. Even without the upgrade, you will stay in a nice 3-star hotel. You can ask for better accommodation with better facilities, and we will deliver them. You can also get accommodation upgrades in Namche Bazaar and Lukla. We can arrange a tent upgrade if you want a luxurious vibe during the trek. Some villages like Dingboche and Tengboche have some premium lodges. We can arrange them for you.
• Cultural Experiences and Activities: Take a scenic Everest mountain flight after the trek. You can also get a helicopter tour to Base Camp with a landing at Kala Patthar. You can head to Chitwan for 3–4 if you want a different environment. Chitwan offers a jungle safari with wildlife, local culture, and resort downtime. You can also visit Pokhara for lakeside relaxation, Annapurna views, short treks, or paragliding.
  Enjoy a massage, spa, or cooking class to unwind in Kathmandu or Pokhara. You can also try bungee jumping, rafting, or zip-lining. We can book a cultural dinner with traditional Nepali food and dance for your final night. We can also arrange a custom trekking or climbing extension.

1. Contact Information: Our contact information is available on our website. You can email or directly call us for any travel details. We will clear your queries and get back to you with availability dates.
2. Booking confirmation: You should proceed with the booking after getting the details. We will likely send you a form via email. Fill it and send it back. You must also send a scan of your passport and any other required documents with the form. It is for the permit arrangements.
3. Deposit Payment: We usually require you to pay a 20-30% non-refundable deposit. We can arrange your trekking permits, guides, and other reservations. We accept bank transfers, online payment gateways, and credit cards.
4. Preparation: Feel free to contact us for any additional inquiries. We will send a document with all the information about the trek. It includes an itinerary, packing tips, and general information. You need to buy travel insurance and a flight ticket. You need to share the flight details a month before us so we can arrange the pickup. You can also discuss any customization you want for the trip.
5. Arrival in Nepal: Our staff at the airport will greet you. They will get you to your hotel and answer any questions. You must pay the rest for the trek at this stage.
6. Cancellation Policy: We allow rescheduling within a specific timeframe or a partial refund, depending on how early you cancel the trip. Canceling at least 30 days in advance gets you a full refund, minus permit costs. You get a partial refund if you cancel 15 days before the trip. You get no refund after that timeframe. Therefore, we recommend you buy travel insurance that covers cancellation fees.
7. Final Payment: You must pay the rest of the money after you arrive in Kathmandu. Pay before your trek starts. We accept USD, EUR, and NPR. You have to pay a 3% service charge for credit cards in Nepal.
8. Additional Inquiries: You can contact us with any questions. We will get back to you as soon as possible.

We do our best to book the lodges we promise, but sometimes, things may not go as planned. Trails are extremely crowded during the peak season, and our lodge for the night may change. Though not common, we may opt for a simpler lodge if the lodges don’t have any room available or have an issue. We can also set up tents as a last resort. We will make sure you have a place to sleep. These situations are rare, but we prepare for any surprises.

There may be occasional power cuts or frozen water pipes. Don’t be surprised or agitated by these sudden changes. These remote villages have limited resources; you can’t expect a city-like luxury. While we ensure your safety and comfort, this isn’t a luxury trip unless you request upgrades like heated tents and extra support.

Wherever we stay, we focus on cleanliness. Our team checks kitchens to ensure food safety and sticks with teahouses known for good hygiene.

• Spring (March to May):

Spring is a good season. It is considered one of the best trekking seasons. In March, the lower areas are mild but still cold higher up. By April and May, days warm up, but nights stay cold. Kathmandu is around 15 to 20°C. Lukla and Namche reach 10 to 15°C. At higher camps like Gorak Shep, it can be nearly freezing during the day. Summit mornings can drop to -20°C. Spring has clear mornings and some afternoon clouds with occasional showers and haze that may reduce views.

• Pros: Trails are not crowded, and teahouses are almost empty. Mountain views are clear and bring peace. Some even enjoy spending a holiday during the season.
• Cons: The Water is freezing and limited due to frozen pipes. Snow covers the trails, and flight delays are a huge concern.
• Autumn (Sep to Nov):

Autumn is the peak Everest trekking season. Monsoon season ends, and the air is crisp.  The temperature is mild, and October is typically dry and mild, considered the best month for trekking. November sees cooler temperatures, shorter daylight hours, and stronger winds. In areas like Lukla and Namche, daytime temperatures can be 10°C to 15°C, while nights drop below freezing by late October. Higher elevations, including Base Camp, are often below freezing during the day, and summit mornings can reach as low as -20°C. Skies are mostly clear throughout October and into early November.

• Pros: The sky is clear and has stable weather. The temperature is comfortable at mid-altitudes. You can enjoy the major Nepali festivals like Dashain and Tihar. The water is also running well because of the monsoons.
• Cons: The trails are incredibly crowded and busy. Popular spots like Namche and Lukla flights fill quickly. The lodges might have no rooms available. November has colder days and possibly early snow.

Monsoon (June to August)

We don’t recommend trekking during the monsoon season. This trek is long and at a very high altitude. The monsoon season makes the trek highly challenging and potentially unsafe.
June is the beginning of monsoon season, which brings hot, humid weather and frequent rain showers. While higher elevations receive less rain, the heavy clouds still block mountain views. Lukla flights are frequently delayed or canceled due to poor visibility. Rivers are flooded, and trails are risky.

• Pros: Trekking is peaceful with minimal crowds.
• Cons: Landslides are a considerable risk. The Amphu Lapta pass is often covered with snow and gets unstable storms. It is hazardous and almost impossible to cross this pass in this season. Increasing humidity and altitude can increase health risks, such as edema. Climbing is also rare due to the unpredictable weather.

Winter (December to February)

Winter is understandably freezing. It is dry, with clear skies in December and early January. January and February are frigid, with heavy snow blocking the passes. Daytime temperature in lower villages like Namche is around 5 to 10°C. The night temperature is below freezing above 3000m. The temperature can reach up to -25°C or colder at the Everest Base Camp.  Late winter in February may bring storms as spring begins.

• Pros: Almost no trekkers make the trails very peaceful. The air is fresh, and the views are clear. If you don’t mind the cold, this season offers an unforgettable quiet beauty. Some people even enjoy a holiday in this season here.
• Cons: It’s very cold. Water pipes are often frozen, limiting the water supply. Few lodges are even open for the season in higher altitudes. Heavy snow or unsafe ice may block the Amphu Laptsa crossing. Climbing is more challenging in the cold and wind. Lukla flights often get delayed due to the weather.

Thus, autumn is the best season for trekking, and monsoons are the worst. If you’re experienced, you can enjoy the trek in any season. We recommend this trek from Late March through mid-May or Late Sept through late October.

We rate the Three Peaks Climbing Nepal expedition as moderate to challenging. There are different factors for this result:

• Duration and Stamina: The trek lasts for 27 days. It brings you to remote mountains with at least 20 days of daily trekking. You need good endurance to walk 5 to 7 hours daily. There are built-in rest days for a better experience. The trek tests your stamina and endurance.
• Altitude: You will walk and sleep above 5000m for many days. You will sleep as high as 5,400m. Altitude is the biggest challenge. The peaks are over 6,000m, and the oxygen is very thin. The oxygen level is roughly 47% of the sea level.

We have acclimatization days, but the altitude will undoubtedly affect you. You will likely feel breathless and fatigued, and have some mild AMS symptoms as the best-case scenario.

• Technical Difficulty: Trekking peaks are called Mera Peak, Island Peak, and Lobuche East Peak. These peaks do require mountaineering and are real mountaineering endeavors. Mera is mostly a long glacier walk with a tough summit day. Island Peak has a steep ice-covered headwall and a sharp summit ridge. You must use ropes, crampons, and a harness for the summit. Lobuche East is similar to or even slightly steeper than.

You won’t be rock climbing, but will use basic mountaineering techniques. These are moderately challenging climbs. You don’t need to be an expert or even have any experience. You should get used to wearing crampons, being tied to a rope, and climbing a jumar. Our guides will handle the technical parts, like fixing the ropes. They will also teach you how to climb along the way. Many first-time beginners can successfully finish the trek with our support.

Planning a trek like the Three Peaks takes careful preparation, getting used to the altitude, and understanding the local area. We are here to make your journey safe, smooth, and unforgettable from beginning to end. Our team will handle everything, including permits, flights, guides, and gear, so that you can focus on the climb. Reach out today, and let us start planning your adventure with confidence.