Trip Information
Trip Duration
18 Nights 19 Days
Difficulty Level
Difficult
Destination
Nepal
Maximum Height
5545 m
Guiding Method
Trekking
Best Season
Spring & Autumn
Highlights
- Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla, enjoying aerial views of the Himalayas, including Everest.
- Immerse yourself in Kathmandu’s rich culture with temples, markets, and shrines before the trek.
- Spectacular panoramic views of the Everest massif and other towering Himalayan peaks.
- Explore the bustling Sherpa town of Namche Bazaar, a hub of the Everest region.
- High-suspension bridges, prayer wheels, colorful prayer flags, mani walls, and chortens.
- Explore the wide range of flora and fauna within Sagarmatha National Park.
- Walk across the impressive Ngozumpa Glacier, one of the largest in the Himalayas.
- Discover the pristine beauty of the Gokyo Lakes.
- Hike to Gokyo Ri for stunning sights of the lofty peaks of the Khumbu region.
- Reach the foot of the world’s tallest peak, Everest Base Camp (5,364m/17,598ft).
- Witness the awe-inspiring sunrise paint over Mount Everest and surrounding peaks from Kala Patthar (5,545m/18,192ft).
- Explore the ancient Tengboche Monastery, the largest in the Khumbu Valley.
- Encounter the magnificent sight of Khumbu Glacier and Khumbu Icefall.
- Cross the three high mountain passes of the Everest region– Renjo La, Cho La, and Kongma La.
- Experience the rich Sherpa culture and warm hospitality in villages along the Everest trekking route.
The Everest Three High Passes Trek is a 19-day adventure that takes you through the heart of the Everest region in Nepal. It’s considered one of the most challenging treks in the world and with good reason.
This Everest three-passes trek combines the thrill of crossing three high passes with a classic Everest Base Camp (EBC) trek and exploring the beautiful Gokyo Lakes. You’ll conquer three Everest high passes: Renjo La (5,360m), Cho La (5,420m), and Kongma La (5,540m), each offering astounding views of Everest (8,848m) and the surrounding peaks.
This Everest Three High Passes trek itinerary follows a clockwise direction, starting with Renjo La, the least challenging and lowest-altitude pass. This approach allows ample time to adjust to the thin mountain air, minimizing the altitude sickness risk before tackling more demanding passes and climbs.
The clockwise Everest high passes trek begins with a thrilling mountain flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, the gateway to the Khumbu Valley. From Lukla, the well-trodden path follows the EBC hiking trail until Namche Bazaar. Here, the route diverges towards Thame village, known for its ancient Thame Monastery.
From Thame, you trek to Lungden and conquer Renjo La, your first high-mountain pass. Then, you’ll enter the pristine Gokyo Valley. Here, tranquility awaits as you explore the series of serene Gokyo Lakes.
An extra day in Gokyo Valley allows you to hike Gokyo Ri. This famous viewpoint offers a magnificent panorama of 8,000-meter giants like Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu. Not only mountains, you’ll also witness the imposing Ngozumpa Glacier, one of the longest glaciers in the Himalayas. Exploring the Gokyo Valley marks the completion of the first exciting chapter of your Nepal’s Three Passes trek.
Next, prepare to conquer your second mountain pass: Cho La. Further, Everest High Passes trekking takes you from Dragnag to Dzongla via Cho La Pass. This pass rewards you with astonishing views of high mountain peaks, including Everest itself.
Now, you’ll move towards Gorak Shep, the base camp for Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar. Visiting EBC and standing at the foot of the world's tallest mountain is unforgettable. This Three Passes trek also includes a hike to Kala Patthar, where you’ll witness a breathtaking sunrise painting the towering peaks on the horizon in a silhouette of colors. These are memories that will last a lifetime.
The final and most challenging pass awaits– Kongma La. However, having traversed two passes and trekked to Gokyo Valley, EBC, and Kala Patthar, you’ll be well prepared for this ultimate test of endurance.
From the top of Kongma La Pass, savor the awe-inspiring views of Lhotse, Lhotse Shar, Makalu, Baruntse, and Ama Dablam. Your descent takes you through Chukhung village before returning to Lukla via Namche Bazaar. A final flight back to Kathmandu concludes your epic adventure of Everest Three High Passes trek in a clockwise direction.
Nepal 3 passes trek is ideal for experienced trekkers seeking a demanding route with incredible rewards, from jaw-dropping scenery to cultural richness. This trek is a real challenge.
You'll climb high mountain passes, witness breathtaking sunrises from Kala Patthar, and experience rich Sherpa culture up close. You'll also find peace in the beautiful Gokyo Valley. If you’re looking for an unforgettable Himalayan experience, the Everest Three High Passes Trek is the ultimate challenge and reward.
Note: While this overview details is for the Everest Three High Passes Trek in a clockwise direction, the trek can also be completed counter-clockwise, conquering Kongma La first, Cho La second, and Renjo La third.
Route Map
Altitude Graph
Itinerary
Upon your arrival at the Kathmandu International Airport in Nepal, our dedicated representative will greet you with a warm welcome. They will help you with the immigration and customs process, ensuring a smooth entry into the country.
Our representative will transfer you to your pre-arranged hotel in Kathmandu after your arrival. Once you have checked in, take some time to refresh and rest after your journey.
Later in the evening, join the welcome dinner organized by Nepal Ascent Trek teams. This is a great chance to chat with your trek guide and fellow trekkers. After dinner, get back to the hotel and rest.
Overnight stay in Kathmandu.
Your second day in Kathmandu is divided into two parts: exploring the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Kathmandu Valley and preparing for the upcoming Everest Three Passes adventure.
Your day begins with a visit to the renowned Pashupatinath temple, one of the most sacred Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. This riverside temple complex is a holy place and an essential spot for culture and architecture.
Next, you'll explore the majestic Boudhanath Stupa, one of the world's biggest. It's a very special place for Tibetan Buddhists in Nepal. The stupa's vibrant atmosphere makes it a must-visit destination.
Continuing your cultural journey, you'll visit Swayambhunath, the Monkey Temple. This old Buddhist dome sits on a hill with a fantastic view of the entire Kathmandu city. It's decorated with colorful prayer flags and intricate carvings.
Concluding your Kathmandu exploration, you'll visit Kathmandu Durbar Square, a historic square showcasing a fusion of architectural styles, intricate woodcarvings, and ancient temples. This vibrant square is a living museum of Nepal's cultural and architectural heritage.
Returning to the hotel, meet your guide for a comprehensive briefing on the upcoming Nepal Three Passes trek itinerary. Your guide will address any questions or concerns you may have and conduct a thorough check of your trekking gear and equipment.
Thamel offers numerous shops to purchase or rent quality equipment if you require additional gear. After a fulfilling day of exploration and preparation, enjoy a hearty dinner and retire early, as tomorrow, you'll catch an early flight to Lukla, the starting point of your Three High Passes Trek.
Overnight stay in Kathmandu.
Everest Three High Passes Trek adventure begins with an adrenaline-pumping flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, an enthralling aerial journey that provides the first glimpses of the towering Himalayan peaks.
Upon landing at the renowned Lukla airport, perched high on a steep mountain ridge, you’ll start your Everest high passes trekking journey.
The trail from Lukla descends towards the Dudh Koshi River Valley, winding through vibrant Sherpa villages and verdant landscapes. The rushing river sounds will accompany you along the off-the-beaten path. En route, expect a company of trail dogs with outstanding mountain vistas.
The day’s trek ends in Phakding, a charming settlement nestled along the banks of the Dudh Koshi River. Here, you can acclimatize and soak in the authentic mountain village atmosphere.
Overnight stay in Phakding.
Today's adventure takes you deeper into the Dudh Koshi Valley. You'll enter Sagarmatha National Park at Monjo village, so remember to show your trekking permits.
One of the most excellent parts of today's trek is crossing suspension bridges adorned with colorful prayer flags. You'll even tackle the iconic Hillary Bridge, one of the tallest in the region.
After conquering the bridge, prepare for a challenging climb to Namche Bazaar. As you near 3,500 meters, you might start to feel the effects of altitude. That's why taking a rest tomorrow is super important.
Nestled in the mountains, Namche Bazaar is the perfect place to acclimatize for your next adventure. This bustling Sherpa town offers everything from cafes and restaurants to hotels, shops, banks, ATMs, and even a fresh bakery. If you forgot any last-minute gear, this is your last stop to grab it.
Overnight stay in Namche Bazaar.
Today's all about adjusting to the higher altitude. Namche Bazaar, a favorite stop for many Everest climbers, is the perfect place to acclimatize for your next adventure.
There are some fantastic hiking options to help you acclimatize while experiencing the rich Sherpa culture. Hike to traditional Sherpa villages of Khumjung and Khunde. In these villages, you’ll discover landmarks like the ancient Khumjung Monastery, Hillary School, and Khunde Hospital.
You can make the three-hour side trip to Everest View Hotel near Khumjung. This hotel provides a spectacular sight of Everest from every corner, and the hike will help your body adjust to the altitude.
If you're looking to explore Namche Bazaar leisurely, there's plenty to see and do. Immerse yourself in the local culture at the Sherpa Museum or a nearby monastery. When you need a break, unwind at the many cafes, bakeries, and restaurants – treat yourself to a good meal and soak in the lovely mountain scenery.
Overnight stay in Namche Bazaar.
Today's trek starts with a scenic farewell to Namche Bazaar. The path winds out, offering one last look at this bustling Sherpa town before continuing towards Thame.
The journey is a beautiful mix of landscapes: gradual climbs through rhododendron and pine forests, following the Bhote Koshi Nadi (River), and passing charming Sherpa villages. Look for gompas (monasteries), mani walls (inscribed stones), and other fascinating sights.
As you move deeper into the valley, the trail gets up and down, offering changing views of the surrounding peaks. A highlight is crossing the Bhote Koshi suspension bridge, where you'll see three notable paintings of Guru Rinpoche on the cliff face below.
Keep following the left trail around the hillside, ignoring branches off to the other side. The scenery gets wilder, with the towering Himalayas as your constant backdrop. Finally, decorative gates mark your arrival in this remote, traditional Sherpa village of Thame, nestled amidst the majestic mountains.
Overnight stay in Thame.
Today's trek takes you deeper into the heart of the Everest region. Before you depart, explore Thame Monastery, built in the 17th century. This historic site is a center of spiritual practice for the Sherpa people, and you'll witness ancient artwork, colorful murals, and a peaceful atmosphere.
After this quick cultural immersion, you'll start your trek to Lungden. As you leave Thame behind, prepare to enter a more secluded wilderness. Expect to see fewer fellow trekkers and be captivated by the sight of yaks grazing freely in vast pastures.
The trail winds through picturesque villages like Hungmo and Taranga before reaching Marlung Hamlet, perched above the Bhote Koshi River. The landscape gradually changes, transitioning from lush greenery to sparser vegetation. As you climb towards Lungden, the exquisite panorama of the Himalayas unfolds before you, making the Renjo La Pass a prominent sight.
Finally, you arrive at Lungden village, a small settlement near the old Khumbu-Tibet salt trade route. Lungden serves as the base camp for those attempting the Renjo La Pass, one of the first three high passes encountered when trekking the three passes trek in a clockwise direction.
Overnight stay in Lungden.
Today’s trek is about conquering your first significant challenge in the Everest Three High Passes Trek: the Renjo La Pass!
Leaving Lungden village, you'll ascend a steep trail, passing a large, serene lake. Brace yourself as you get closer to the pass – the path transforms into a rocky, steep climb with switchbacks.
With each step, the air thins, but the reward is undeniable. The amazing Everest landscapes unfold before you, with the surrounding peaks growing ever more majestic.
Finally, you'll emerge at the top of the 5,360-meter Renjo La Pass, a small, flat area adorned with colorful prayer flags. This well-deserved moment of triumph marks your conquest of the first high-altitude pass.
The descent from Renjo La is demanding, with a steep initial section that gives way to a more manageable path. Finally, a gradual trail alongside the stunning Gokyo Lake leads you to your breathtaking destination: the enchanting Gokyo Valley.
Overnight stay in Gokyo Valley.
Today's a well-deserved rest day after conquering the Renjo La Pass. But that doesn't mean you have to be completely inactive. You have superb options to further your acclimatization and soak in the top-notch beauty surrounding you.
If you are adventurous, take the challenging hike to Gokyo Ri. This climb, with an almost 600-meter ascent on a steep, zig-zag trail, will test your limits. But the reward is unparalleled – the absolute best scenery in the Khumbu region.
Witness Gokyo Lake, the Ngozumpa Glacier, and an unbeatable view of four 8,000-meter giants: Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu. Insider tip: Hike for sunrise to witness the mountains bathed in golden light.
For a different perspective, explore the other Gokyo Lakes. While not a relaxing stroll, a walk north to Gokyo 4th and 5th Lakes offers eye-catching scenery. Remember, the trail is rugged, and the altitude can be challenging, so pace yourself and enjoy the incredible views.
No matter your choice, spend the day savoring the fresh mountain air and the grand beauty of Gokyo Valley.
Overnight stay in Gokyo Valley.
Today's a scenic and leisurely day compared to your recent challenges. Savor a delicious breakfast while enjoying the majestic mountain vistas surrounding you. Take a moment to stroll around Gokyo Valley, spending some time on the peaceful shores of Gokyo Lake.
The afternoon brings a short trek to Dragnag (4,700m), but don't underestimate the route. While shorter in distance, it involves several ups and downs as you traverse the Ngozumpa Glacier, the natural bridge between Gokyo and Dragnag/Thangnak.
The exact path may vary due to glacial changes, but you'll primarily be trekking on a rock and dirt trail, avoiding any ice sections. Pack enough water to stay hydrated since no settlements or teahouses are along the way.
Overnight stay in Dragnag.
Today's adventure tackles Cho La Pass (5,368m), the second high-altitude challenge on the Everest Three Passes trek. An early start (ideally by 6:00 am) is recommended to benefit from clearer weather conditions for crossing the pass.
The trek from Dragnag begins with a steady climb onto a ridge, followed by a gradual descent. Brace yourself for a dramatic shift in scenery as you approach Cho La – steep, rocky terrain and impressive rock faces surround you. Just before reaching the pass, you'll encounter a highlight of the trek: a majestic glacier crossing.
For safe passage, microspikes or crampons are highly recommended for traction on the icy terrain. Once you conquer the glacier, a steep, rocky climb leads you to the top of Cho La Pass. Take a moment to celebrate this achievement and soak in the exceptional view.
The descent to Dzongla starts with a steep, rocky section and transitions into a more gradual path down the valley. Pack plenty of water, snacks, and potentially lunch, as there are no facilities between Dragnag and your final destination, Dzongla.
Overnight stay in Dzongla.
As you progress, your Three High Passes Trek route intersects with the bustling main Everest Base Camp trail. Here, turn north and traverse a fragile moraine towards Lobuche village.
En route, pay your respects at the solemn memorials of Thukla Pass, a poignant reminder of the climbers who lost their lives attempting to conquer Everest.
Beyond Lobuche, the trail winds between the mountains and the Khumbu Glacier moraine. Here, you get captivating glimpses of the Italian Pyramid and the Changri Nup Glacier terminal moraine.
Finally, the last part is tricky – you have to walk over the rocks from the Changri Glacier. As you arrive at Gorak Shep, nestled at the foot of Kala Patthar, you’ll be rewarded with the glorious view of Pumori, Lingtren, Khumbutse, and Changtse peaks.
Overnight stay in Gorak Shep.
Today's hike from Gorak Shep leads you gently uphill toward Everest Base Camp. The trail follows the edge of the Khumbu Glacier, with some rocky parts and gradual climbs. It's not super hard, but it's a steady walk-up.
Prepare to be stunned by the phenomenal panoramas unfolding before you. The Khumbu Icefall, a staggering cascade of ice and crevasses, dominates the landscape.
During spring climbing season, the sight becomes even more surreal, with a sea of yellow tents dotting the glacier like a climbers' city stretching towards the west. Closer to base camp, the trail goes down onto the glacier itself. Look out for small glacial lakes and pointy blue ice – nature is truly splendid.
Finally, you'll reach Everest Base Camp – a special place with a long history. Imagine standing at the foot of the tallest mountain in the world, where many climbers have started their big adventure!
This feeling of reaching Everest Base Camp will be unlike anything you've ever felt. It's a moment you'll want to treasure forever, so take plenty of pictures to capture the incredible scenery and your amazing accomplishment. After soaking it all in, you'll return to Gorak Shep for a well-deserved rest.
Overnight stay in Gorak Shep.
Today's adventure is a pre-dawn climb to Kala Patthar, aptly named "Black Rock." Before the first light paints the sky, you'll leave Gorak Shep. The trail starts steep, winding above the settlement's water source. As you gain altitude, the path levels out, offering a glimpse of Everest's mighty presence.
The trail continues its gradual ascent, and as the sun rises, you'll reach a steeper section leading to the first viewpoint marked by colorful prayer flags. Here, the final 30-meter push to the summit gets rocky and challenging, demanding all your determination.
But the reward at the 5,545-meter peak is worth every step. Witness an amusing panorama of Mount Everest and its neighboring giants bathed in the golden light of sunrise.
Imagine the first rays of sunlight hitting the top of the world's tallest mountain, illuminating the peaks and creating a dramatic silhouette against the colorful sky. This sunrise experience from Kala Patthar is exceptional – you'll never forget this picturesque view.
Soak in the dramatic scene, take pictures amidst the prayer flags, and let the majesty of this location sink in. Then, retrace your steps back to Lobuche via Gorak Shep.
Overnight stay in Lobuche.
The final challenge, conquering Kongma La Pass on the Everest High Passes Trek, awaits. Leaving Lobuche, you begin your walk with a gentle climb along the frozen lakes lining the path. As you gain altitude, the climb steepens and ends at the Kongma La Pass. Today, you tackle the third, highest, and most challenging passes on your three high passes trek route.
Reaching this lofty vantage point is a moment to savor. Here, you'll be rewarded with enchanting scenery encompassing the majestic peaks of Lhotse, Lhotse Shar, Makalu, Baruntse, and the Ama Dablam. Take a deep breath and soak in the awe-inspiring vista – you've conquered this legendary three-passes trek's final and most formidable pass.
From Kongma La, the descent leads you into the eastern side towards the remote village of Chukhung. This hamlet, primarily used for yak pastures, has become famous for acclimatization and nearby hikes. As you approach Chukhung, be mesmerized by the eye-pleasing sight of Island Peak and Amphu Lapcha.
Once you reach Chukhung, settle into your tea house and celebrate your achievement- traversing all three Everest High Passes.
Overnight stay in Chukhung.
The trek from Chukhung to Namche is a long but rewarding day. You’ll get remarkable mountain vistas and the opportunity to experience the cultural highlights of the Khumbu region. The journey begins with a descent from Chukhung, passing through Dingboche village. This trekking section offers a close-up sight of the iconic Ama Dablam peak.
Further walking towards the west and southwest, the trail passes through several smaller villages before reaching Pangboche. From here, you climb to the world-famous Tengboche Monastery, one of the most important Buddhist monasteries in the Khumbu Valley. From here, a long descending path leads to the buzzing town of Namche Bazaar, the capital of the Everest region.
After reaching Namche Bazaar, you can indulge in the town’s amenities. After spending weeks in the challenging mountain environment, several bakeries, cafes, restaurants, and bars with fast internet provide a welcoming respite for you.
Overnight stay in Namche Bazaar.
The last trekking day from Namche Bazaar to Lukla is a scenic and eventful journey through the Dudh Koshi Valley. Before reaching Larja Dobhan, you may have one last chance to glimpse the majestic Mount Everest and Lhotse.
The trail descends from Namche Bazaar through pine trees to Larja Dobhan, where you’ll cross a bridge over the Dudh Koshi River. The route follows a flat path along the river, passing through Jorsalle and crossing several metal bridges.
Afterward, the trail ascends slightly and climbs steeply for a short distance to Monjo. The path descends briefly from here before crossing another suspension bridge over the Dudh Koshi, leading to Benkar. The journey continues with a series of uphill and downhill sections and passes by Phakding village. After this, you make a short, sharp ascent, passing through the Buddhist town of Ghat.
A gradual steep climb brings you to Thado Koshi, and crossing the final bridge leads through a scrub forest above Chauri Kharka. After ascending for the last half an hour, you reach Lukla, ending your Everest High Passes Clockwise Trek.
Overnight stay in Lukla.
After an early morning flight from the tiny mountain airstrip of Lukla, you arrive in the bustling Kathmandu. The contrast between the remote Himalayan trails and the urban energy of Nepal’s capital is striking.
The rest of the day is free to explore. Dive into the bustling markets and bazaars. Explore the narrow alleys and purchase some souvenirs or local crafts to bring back home as cherished mementos of your trek.
This evening, however, marks a special occasion– a farewell dinner hosted by the Nepal Ascent Treks team. Celebrate your victory of conquering the Everest Three High Passes Trek alongside your guides and fellow trekkers.
Overnight stay in Kathmandu.
Today signifies the final day of your unforgettable trekking journey in the Himalayas. Begin your day in Kathmandu with a leisurely breakfast. Savor your final moments in this vibrant city.
Depending on your flight schedule, a representative from Nepal Ascent Treks will accompany you to Kathmandu International Airport to assist with your journey home.
If you wish to extend your vacation and explore more of Nepal, India, or Bhutan, we offer a variety of tour packages. Let us know your preferences, and we’ll be delighted to assist you in planning your next Himalayan adventure.
Happy Safe Travel!
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What's Included
Meal
- Breakfast,Lunch and dinner during the trek.
- Fresh seasonal fruits after the dinner (while on the trek).
Accomodation
- Lodge expenses during the trek.
- Stay in the city at finest hotel (3 nights twin sharing room at Kathmandu).
Staffs & Crew
- Insurance of guide and porter.
- Licensed, experienced and English speaking trekking guide.
- A porter and his entire expenses.
Transportation
- Airport pickup and drop facility.
- Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu flight tickets
Permits & Paperworks
- Trekking permits/TIMS.
Activities
- Full day guided city tour in Kathmandu (Day 2) by a private vehicle.
Other
- Down jackets and sleeping bags (provided upon request).
- First aid medical kit
- Nepal Ascent Treks duffel bag, t-shirt, and trekking map.
Complimentary Extras
- Welcome and farewell dinner at one of the finest Nepalese Restaurant with traditional ethnic music and dance.
- 1 hour trekkers massage / Yoga after the trip completion.
- Local sim card
What's Not Included
- Cost incurred during the tour around the city.
- Extra porter charge.
- Nepal arrival visa.
- Cost for additional trips.
- Extra hot showers, wifi & battery charging on a trek.
- Travel insurance which covers emergency rescue and evacuation.
- Tipping to staffs (as an appreciation).
- Meals in the city except for breakfast and other mentioned special dinner.
GROUP TOURS
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Essential Info
Physical Fitness
Many people have questions as to what level of physical fitness is required for visiting Nepal, and that is extremely reliant on what activity the visitor is engaging in. With that said, for a standard trek of moderate grading (Everest Base Camp Trek is an example of moderate) the daily activity will be 7-8 hours, and elevation will generally not exceed 5,500 meters. The day’s trekking is sustained and will involve both long steep climbs, and descents with a variety of terrain underfoot from well-trodden paths, to rocks covered with ice or snow. A typical day would include a number of climbs or descents of 500 meters or more, starting after breakfast, resting at lunch, then continuous trekking until arriving at the teahouse.
In preparation for the trek, it is important to begin a training requirement at least 4 months before departing for Nepal. Three to four hours of aerobic exercise like running, walking, swimming, cycling & some gym work per week is the minimum and most will find it beneficial to add some basic strength training to their physical fitness routine. One of the best ways to prepare is to take practice hikes with a daypack roughly the same weight as what you will be taking on the trek. Do this only after a baseline of fitness has been reached. Moving fast is not the end goal, rather endurance is the focus, and will provide a more enjoyable and safe adventure.
Trekking Seasons in Nepal
There are two main seasons in which Nepal sees the most amount of visitors. Fall (September through November) being the most popular, and spring (March to May) coming in close behind. The summer months of June, July and August are the monsoon season and as such the trails are mostly washed out, and roads can sometimes be impassible due to landslide activates. Not to mention the view is non-existent. Still, there are a few places that lie in rain shadow areas and see significantly less rain if any at all, and summer can be a good time to visit these places.
Winter in Nepal is dry, with very cold nights where temperatures can drop to -20°C at the highest altitudes, but the days are pleasant and sunny. Additionally, the trails are much less crowded during this time of year. In Kathmandu, maximum daytime temperatures reach around 20°C.
Fall is the most popular because it’s after the monsoons, and the air is dry, the days are sunny, and everything is green in the lower valleys from the excessive rains. Spring is a popular choice because some rain returns, but the weather is generally warm and dry, and flowers are in bloom in the lower elevations.
Trekking Day
A typical trekking day begins with a cup of tea at around 6 in the morning. It is advised to pack your trekking gears in a duffle bag and essential supplies in your day pack in these early hours. After having breakfast, we begin the trek and head along the trail at around 8 am. The morning walk is designed to be longer as we begin with refreshed bodies and enthusiasm. Following a good morning’s walk, we make stop for lunch at around 11.30 am. The lunch involves group meals enjoying the vicinity around the stop. You can explore the surrounding or use the time according to your own consent. After resting for about an hour or two, we resume our trek to reach teahouse or camp by 3-4 pm. The afternoon walk is relatively shorter and can involve games and side trips as organized by the trekking guides. You also can enjoy breaks during the trek to relax, read or stroll around the area. You can converse with the local people and observe their lifestyle. Dinner is served around 7 in the evening to round off the day.
Meals and Accommodations
During the length of the trek, the accommodation style is commonly referred to as teahouse. These are family-run basic lodges that fill the role of the restaurant, meeting place, and boarding house for tourists. Electricity can be found in the rooms, which means one light bulb, and one or two outlets for charging electronics. The common areas are also lit by electricity. Teahouses may use solar, hydroelectric, or have electrical lines running into the village, so the commonality and availability of electricity may vary.
Most teahouses have private rooms, though if the trek is in a more remote or high altitude place dormitories are the norm. Each room has 1 or 2 single beds with basic bedding, and the bathroom is shared. Expect a mix of western and squat style toilets in the bathrooms.
Breakfast and dinner are taken at the teahouse and these lodges have large family style dining rooms centered on a stove to provide heat. The menu will have Nepali style western foods such as pasta, pizza, pancakes, burgers, and fries. Also on the menu is the traditional Dal Bhat meal. This is a lentil soup with rice and vegetable or meat curry. Most menus will also offer a smattering of local cuisine.
Internal Flight Delays
Nepal is an incredible country of mountains and valleys, rivers and green rolling hills. With this incredible diversity of landscapes, road travel can be extremely time consuming and flights within Nepal to reach popular trekking destinations is a must. Along with this mountainous terrain also comes the possibility of in climate weather. Not to mention the incredibly high number of visitors during peak seasons makes internal flight delays a very real possibility. To manage this possibility, it may be helpful to have a few extras days on either end of your tour. If any cancellations or flight delays do occur (high chances of flight delays from around Kathmandu to Lukla, Everest region), we also provide services to arrange helicopter to help you to be on your schedule on the premises of Civil Aviation Rules in Nepal which state that helicopters can fly if the visibility is 1500m. The cost ranges from USD350 to USD650 according to the number of passengers. The payment can be made either to the helicopter company or to us directly and can be made either by cash or using a credit card. It will also be helpful to purchase and review your insurance as some of the alternative measures for travel may be covered. Flight insurance too may cover changing your international flight if necessary.
Travel Insurance
Many expeditions and tours require that travel insurance is purchased prior to arriving in Nepal, but other treks and tours may not. However, travel insurance is definitely an important consideration. There are a number of reasons to consider insurance. Firstly, it may be required, so check to see what is being asked for by the company. Second, Nepal is a landlocked country, and there are few direct flights. Travel in and out can encounter some disruptions and if purchasing insurance, make sure flight delays and cancellations are included. The next reason to choose insurance is that, though every safeguard is in place during your tour, there are always extenuating circumstances that may result in an accident. Read the fine print of insurance policies to ensure trekking or any other activity you are engaging in is covered, as some policies have stopped covering trekking in certain places. It is impossible to have a relaxing trip without the comfort of good insurance, so do the research and choose carefully.
Nepal Visa Entry Procedure
For entry into Nepal, there are visa requirements everyone (except Indian nationals) must complete before being allowed to pass through immigration. This is for air travel as well as overland transportation. Most visitors may obtain a visa to enter Nepal, however, there are exceptions. There are a number of entry points where you can obtain the visa upon arriving by land, but Tribhuvan International Airport is the only one for air transport.
Visa on Arrival Tourist Visa
Three options are available for entry
15-day single entry: US $30
30-day single entry: US $50
90-day multiple entries: US $125
Please have a passport valid for at least 6 months from the time of entry, and have cash ready, preferably in US dollars, though there are other currencies Nepal Immigration accepts. If you are entering via overland, you must have US cash and 3 passport photos. For arrival by air, the kiosks at the airport take your picture for you.
For the most up to date list of exceptions for visa on arrival or to obtain the most current visa information, visit the Nepal Department of Immigration website.
Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)
Acute Mountain Sickness is usually seen in un-acclimatized people shortly after ascent to high altitudes. The condition occurs due to the thinning of air as the altitude increases. The condition, if not taken seriously and treated immediately, can be life-threatening and its symptoms can be seen generally above 3000 meters. Some of the symptoms of AMS are nausea, vomiting, tiredness, shortness of breath and cerebral pain. The treks are designed to properly acclimatize you to the change in high altitude climate and sufficient precautionary measures too are taken to take utmost caution. We also equip our staffs with cell phones and satellite phones in occurrence of any emergency cases. We are greatly driven to keep the safety and security of our clients as our foremost concern.
Drinking Water
Water is essential for life, and clean water is imperative while on holiday. When choosing to visit less developed countries it is a concern that all travelers should consider. A few options are available when trekking or traveling in Nepal that will mitigate any chances of drinking contaminated water which could cause disruption of an otherwise fun adventure. The first consideration to take into account is that tap water should not be ingested. That even means when brushing your teeth. Most will choose to buy bottled water and if doing so make sure the cap has not been opened previously. Plastic bottle refuse is a problem, and with that being said there are other options on the market to assist in making water drinkable. Your local outdoor store can help with choosing what option might be best to use in conjunction with a reusable bottle. Your guide can also steer you to water that has been filtered and purified so ask him or her what is available.
Arrival Instruction
Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, our company representatives are stationed to welcome you to the country. We request you to carefully look for your name being held by our representatives following the events upon landing. The representatives are responsible to escort you to your hotel in Kathmandu. You will see men offering you to carry luggage and take you to your destination as you exit the airport. We request you to pay no attention to these people and follow the designated representatives and follow their instructions. You will also need to keep an eye on your luggage and belongings to avoid any complications.
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Everest Base Camp and Three high passes
Will Huntrod
AU
