Is the Everest High Passes Trek the right choice for you?
The Everest High Passes Trek is best suited for those looking for a high level of adventure and trekking difficulty in the Himalayas. Renjo La, Cho La, and Kongma La Pass are the three main passes to cross, making it a highly recommended trek for strong trekkers both physically and mentally. Because it involves high altitudes and terrain, the trek is very involved, and one needs to prepare for it. From a challenge perspective, you will enjoy the physical exercise through stair climbing, bushwhacking, and rugged terrain, as well as cultural interaction throughout this trek with beautiful views at the end of the trail.
However, if you are new to trekking at higher altitudes or have health concerns about your energy levels, the Everest High Passes Trek may present some challenges. The toughness of the route, the duration of the trip, and the potential for severe weather in the mountains necessitate careful planning for this exploration. For people who do not wish to have a very stiff climb or look for a trek with fewer tests of altitude, there are other treks in the Everest region or the length and breadth of Nepal that may be more appropriate to their abilities. Finally, this trek combines high altitude and challenging terrain with stunning views and exposure to some of the region's most vibrant cultures.
Everest Three High Passes Trek difficulty level.
Even for experienced trekkers, the Everest High Passes Trek, which includes the Everest 3 Passes, is relatively difficult. In terms of passes and terrain, this trek ranks among the most challenging in the entire Everest region. Renjo La, Cho La, and Kongma La are other formidable passes that trekkers have to cross, all of which are above 5,300 meters, so hikers must be more careful to avoid altitude sickness. There are hills to climb, sharp rocks, and glaciers that one has to traverse through, and this makes the Everest hike a challenging test physically and psychologically. This trek requires the walker to experience a relatively high level of fitness and stamina.
The Everest 3 Passes trek necessitates mental endurance due to the unpredictable weather conditions and the extended duration of 20 days. Correct pre-competition training, therefore, becomes a vital ingredient in the training process, as well as acclimatization measures. The trek, on the other hand, is very challenging, but once done, the reward is the beautiful view and the feeling of having accomplished something great. Generally, when doing the Everest High Passes treks, it is advisable to trek in the company of experienced porters and guides to get the most out of the physical, scenic, and cultural attractions along the trail.
Fitness level required for the Everest High Passes trek
The Everest High Passes Trek requires a high level of physical and endurance fitness before it begins due to its challenging nature. This trek goes through three passes of intermediate elevation, namely Renjo La, Cho La, and Kongma La; all of them have steep climbs and difficult terrain. If a trekker wants to complete the trek, he should be fit, have excellent cardiovascular fitness, and be exposed to long days of trekking at high altitudes. Cardiovascular activities such as running or cycling, as well as general body flexibility, with a special emphasis on the legs and tummy muscles, will enable anyone to handle the Arenal trek.
Also, one of the critical factors in planning for the Everest High Passes trek is the process of acclimatization. When you climb high mountains, your body is unable to receive as much oxygen as it needs, which means you also need determinative strength. It is possible to enter a training regimen that will require hiking at higher altitudes, if possible, to acclimate to such conditions. Preparation therefore comes in handy so that you can effectively meet the physical exercise demands of the trek and at the same time have the best view of the Mt. Everest hike. Physical fitness and the early initiation of measures to adapt well to the prevailing conditions help ensure that the adventure is enjoyable and effective.
Is preparation required for the Everest High Passes trek?
Proper preparation for the trek is required to make the Everest High Passes Trek engaging and worthwhile. Given that this trek demands high-altitude trek periods and traverses three colossal passes: Renjo La, Cho La, and Kongma La, it's crucial to allocate sufficient time to physical training activities. This includes maintaining a robust cardiovascular profile, engaging in strength training, and engaging in endurance hiking to enhance the strength of your lower body. Getting used to the environment is also important, and therefore you should start by doing some hiking at high altitudes, then rest and do it again at higher altitudes. This will help the body adjust to less oxygen in the air. Furthermore, you will also learn about the high-altitude trekking conditions and the packing list required for the trek, making you better prepared for this challenging trek.
Food and accommodation during the Everest High Pass trek are available.
Overnight accommodation is provided in teahouses, which are simple eateries typically placed at reasonable intervals throughout the trekking routes to the high passes of Everest. Of the total number of teahouses, most are simple and offer clean lodgings that include two or three single beds. Except for the high altitudes, all the rooms come equipped with high-quality blankets, pillows, and mattresses to enhance comfort during the night. It's important to note that most teahouses offer basic toilet facilities, either within or in close proximity, and they may lack a separate cubicle. The purpose is to provide basic comforts during trekking in challenging terrain, with a focus on cleanliness and warmth.
Food taste and quality vary according to the trekking duration and altitude to ensure trekkers eat what suits their system at the altitude. We use 3-star hotels in Kathmandu, serving bed and breakfast based on the day's trekking activities. During the trekking, teahouses prepare various meals to enable hikers to replenish their energy all through the journey. Common breakfast items include Tibetan bread or Gurung bread, chapati with cheese or oatmeal, buttered bread or French toast with syrup, honey, or peanut butter, cornflakes, hashed brown or scrambled eggs, pancakes, porridge with milk or muesli, and beverages such as milk, coffee, and tea.
At lunch and dinner, there are local and international dishes, as well as seafood and barbecue facilities. The menu offers a variety of dishes, including thukpa (noodle soup), rice and lentil (a Nepalese dish), momo (Tibetan dumplings), Tibetan or chapati bread, macaroni and spaghetti, sherpa stew, soups, potato dishes, sandwiches, pizzas, rice with curry, spring rolls, burgers, and even yak steak. Rice pudding, apple pie, fruit bars, popcorn, cake, pastries, and other desserts and snacks serve to supplement dietary needs. The trekking trail provides clean water, and one can purchase bottled mineral water for approximately one dollar each.
Permits and passes required for the Everest High Passes trek
Before embarking on the Everest High Passes Trek, you must obtain a number of permits to comply with the legal requirements for the trekking zones. For this adventure, you'll need two primary permits: The other two important permits that trekkers must obtain are the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit and the Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit. Again, both permits are essential for the trekkers, and generally, you will get your trekking packages with the necessary documentation for the permit.
Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit: This is a permit that is necessary if one wants to visit the area known as Khumbu, and this is very useful if one intends to go trekking in the area. This permit can be obtained at the Lukla or the National Park Entrance Gate in Monjo. The fee for obtaining this permit is NPR 2,000 per individual.
Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit: This allows a person to enter Sagarmatha National Park, which is in the Everest region. You can obtain this permit from the Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu or at the National Park entrance gate at Monjo. The Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit cost NPR 3,000 per head.
When it comes to the Everest High Passes, these permits are critical; they will guarantee you the right accreditation to get to this fabulous but risky territory. Your trek package will cover the permits and associated expenses, saving you the trouble of obtaining them yourself.
Travel insurance required for the Everest Three Passes Trek.
It is crucial to prepare for the Everest Three Passes Trek. Given the demanding nature of the trek and its altitude, it's crucial to secure comprehensive travel insurance that covers potential risks like medical emergencies or evacuation, trip cancellation, and loss or damage to personal property. The journey traverses high-altitude areas, steep passes, and heights of over 5000 m and above, all of which are known risk triggers for altitude-related diseases and complications. Your insurance should cover trekking at high altitudes and, most importantly, helicopter evictions, which may be required sometimes due to dangerous altitude-related sickness. It is advisable to arrange suitable travel insurance so that you feel more comfortable when you are in this region's steep and less populated territory.
Altitude sickness during the Everest High Passes trek.
Altitude sickness, also known as acute mountain sickness, is a condition that occurs when one moves to a higher altitude without prior acclimatization. It is especially useful for trekkers and climbers who traverse higher-altitude regions, such as the Everest Three Passes Trek. Anyone planning a high-altitude trek should have knowledge about the factors that lead to the occurrence of these conditions, signs of altitude sickness, ways to avoid it, and how to treat it.
Causes of Altitude Sickness
- Reduced Oxygen Levels: As altitude increases, air pressure decreases, leaving less oxygen in the air.
- Rapid Ascent: climbing to high altitudes too quickly without allowing the body time to acclimate.
- Genetic Factors: Some individuals are more susceptible to altitude sickness due to genetic predisposition.
Symptoms of Altitude Sickness
- Headache: a common initial symptom that can range from mild to severe.
- Dizziness: feeling lightheaded or unsteady.
- Fatigue: unusual tiredness or exhaustion, even with minimal exertion.
- Shortness of Breath: Difficulty breathing, especially during physical activity.
- Nausea and Vomiting: Feelings of sickness in the stomach and potential vomiting.
- Difficulty sleeping: Insomnia or disturbed sleep patterns.
- Loss of appetite: reduced desire to eat or drink.
Prevention of Altitude Sickness
- Gradual Ascent: Increase elevation slowly, allowing time for acclimatization.
- Acclimatization Days: To help the body adjust, plan rest days at higher elevations.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to maintain proper hydration levels.
- Avoid alcohol and tobacco. These substances can exacerbate symptoms.
- Medication: Consider using acetazolamide (Diamox) to aid acclimatization.
- Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to symptoms, and if they worsen, go down.
The Everest High Passes trek guides and porter service
Guides:
It is highly recommended to hire a professional guide for the Everest High Passes Trek due to their extensive knowledge. Tourists employ the guides to educate them about the challenging terrain and the cultural and geographical significance of the area. Their experience allows them to guide you topographically and establish an appropriate pace based on the track you need to cover. Additionally, they assist with language translation and liaising between you and the locals. They possess extensive knowledge about signs of altitude sickness and other illnesses, enabling them to either manage the illness or modify the itinerary as needed. Apart from increasing the level of security in the trekking event, they also bring into the whole experience a deeper understanding of the history, tradition, and natural sights of the Everest region.
Porters:
Porters serve as your helpers and help alleviate much of the burden you take on your back for the journey by helping carry your bulky items. This is very good, as you can concentrate on the trek, not the landscape, and save energy for the high pass. Local porters, familiar with such conditions and adept at moving loads across stiff, rough terrain, use this method. Typically, a porter can transport up to 20–25 kg of equipment at a time, which they can then split between two trekkers. Hiring porters is not only useful to trekkers since it relieves them of the burden they’d otherwise have to carry, but it is also a source of income for the locals of this area. Employing porters is a delicate affair, requiring clients to be extremely sensitive to their treatment and the protection they provide from the region's harsh terrains.
Transportation during the Everest High Passes Trek
The Everest High Passes Trek involves a one-way flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, the trek's starting point. This brief but highly photogenic flight is necessary because the Lukla airport is quite small and marks the beginning of the trek. It covers tremendous views of the Himalayas and is available with the local flight operators. However, it's important to note that poor weather frequently affects flights to and from Lukla airport, potentially leading to cancellation or delay. We recommend maintaining an open schedule and adding extra days for navigation to accommodate any disruptions in the schedule.
However, transport from Lukla to the start and end points of the trek is by air, while most movement is by foot. The trek entails walking through marked routes that go through beautifully cultivated Sherpa villages, sub-tropical forests, and tactuous steppes.Porters, who carry heavy loads, are hired to assist in carrying gear and necessities, allowing the trekkers to focus on their journey. However, most treks involve walking activities, although local vehicles or yaks may be used to transport supplies to higher regions. Trekking, being the primary mode of transport, necessitates the proper arrangement of flight logistics to and from Lukla to ensure a successful trek.
Internet and network availability during the Everest High Passes trek
Internet and network reception are also a problem during the Everest High Passes Trek, particularly when at higher altitudes. The internet is more or less predictable in the lower altitudes and urbanized places like Lukla and Namche Bazaar; it is usually available in the teahouses, cafes, and some lodges they come across. Almost all facilities offer Wi-Fi connectivity; however, their bandwidth availability varies, and connectivity issues may arise due to high user traffic or inclement weather.
The thing you need to know as you move up the Everest region is that the network coverage gets low. The availability of wireless networks decreases, and if a connection does exist, it could be intermittent or even sluggish. Still, in some of the teahouses and lodges along the trek, there is an opportunity to use the Internet via satellite. You can purchase local SIM cards with data bundles in Kathmandu to stay connected, but note that the signal strength and data speeds decrease as you ascend the altitude. Therefore, it's advisable to ensure you meet your internet and communication needs before embarking on the trek, and prepare for the possibility of losing network connectivity while you enjoy the breathtaking scenery and embark on the exhilarating journey through the Everest High Passes.
Why travel with us?
Selecting Hiking Adventure Treks for the Everest High Passes means choosing to trek with a company committed to delivering an excellent and marvelous experience. All of our experienced guides are first and foremost natives of the Everest region; thereby, they have rich, first-hand knowledge of the trails, the people, and history. They are professional guides for your safety and care; they understand that every traveler is unique and will adjust it to your speed and interests. With their assistance, one will gain much more insight into the Sherpa people's rich cultures and the beauty of the scenery, which made this trek so special.
More than our tour guides, Hiking Adventure Treks ensures full-service support from the start to the end of your trip. Whether it means getting the right permits as well as transportation, or getting the best gear and lodgings for your stay, we handle all the logistics, leaving you to enjoy the spirit of the journey. Our principles of sustainable and responsible tourism guarantee that we do not harm the natural environment or local communities, providing the highest quality of trekking. When you embark on a trip with us, you will exclusively interact with dependable and skilled porters, reside in comfortable teahouses, and receive a customized itinerary that caters to both novice and seasoned trekkers. If any company offers you an efficient and comprehensive tour of the Everest High Passes, it must be Hiking Adventure Treks.
Packing list
Clothing
- Base Layers: moisture-wicking thermal tops and bottoms.
- Insulating layers: fleece jacket or vest, down jacket (warm and lightweight).
- The outer layers should include a waterproof and windproof jacket and pants.
- Trekking pants are lightweight and quick-drying.
- Long-sleeved and short-sleeved moisture-wicking shirts for trekking.
- Underwear: Breathable and moisture-wicking.
- Hiking Socks: Wool or synthetic blend socks.
- Gloves are insulated and waterproof.
- Hat: a warm hat for cold weather, and a sun hat or cap for sunny days.
- Gaiters are used to protect against snow and debris.
Footwear
- Trekking boots: sturdy, waterproof boots with good ankle support.
- Camp Shoes: lightweight and comfortable shoes or sandals for evenings.
Equipment and gear
- Backpack: 40–50 liters of capacity for carrying essentials during the day.
- Sleeping Bag: With a compression sack, it is rated for -10°C to -15°C (14°F to 5°F).
- Trekking poles are adjustable and lightweight for stability.
- Headlamp: Includes extra batteries for early morning or evening treks.
- Water Bottles/Bladder: At least 2 liters of capacity.
- Sunglasses: UV protection to shield against the intense mountain sun.
- Duffel Bag: For porters to carry your main gear.
Accessories
- Towel: Quick-dry travel towel.
- First Aid Kit: Basic medical supplies, including altitude sickness medication.
- Water Purification: Tablets or filters are used to ensure safe drinking water.
- Sunscreen: high SPF to protect against strong UV rays.
- Lip balm: with SPF protection.
- Personal hygiene items: toothbrush, toothpaste, wet wipes, and biodegradable soap.
Optional Items
- Camera/Phone: To capture memories with extra batteries or a power bank.
- Journal/Book: For downtime and reflection.
- Snacks: energy bars, nuts, and dried fruits for extra energy on the trail.
Documentation
- Permits and Passports: Required trekking permits and a photocopy of your passport.
- Travel Insurance: Proof of coverage for high-altitude trekking and emergency evacuation.
By packing these essential items, you will be well-prepared for the challenges of the Everest High Passes Trek and ready to enjoy the stunning beauty and adventure that await in the Himalayas.
