What can I expect from the Everest Three High Passes Trek and Island Peak Climbing?
The trek starts with a scenic 30-minute flight to the lap of the Himalayas. After landing in Lukla, the gateway to Everest, you begin your journey, which includes an alluring experience of the Himalayas, as follows:
Majestic Peaks are your friends
Throughout your trek, you'll be surrounded by some of the world's tallest and most iconic mountains. The awe-inspiring views of Everest, Makalu, Lhotse, Cho Oyu, and Ama Dablam accompany you along the journey.
The rugged landscapes and towering peaks create a stunning backdrop, making each step of the trek a breathtaking experience. Additionally, the five glacial lakes of Gokyo and Imja Tsho add to the majestic scenery and reflect the towering giants around them.
Cultural and Lifestyle Festival Experience that Leaves You in Awe
Immerse yourself in the rich culture and traditions of the Sherpa people. Along the way, you'll explore the Sherpa Museum, Maniwals, Stupas, and Chortens, and visit significant monasteries like Khumjung, Tengboche, and Luwadong.
These cultural landmarks provide insights into the local religious practices and heritage. Also, the sound of the praying monks and the fragrance of the butter lamp offer a peaceful experience.
Besides, trekking in autumn offers the unique opportunity to witness vibrant festivals such as Lhosar, Mani Rimdu, and Dumje. These celebrations are filled with colorful dances, music, and rituals, a captivating glimpse into the Sherpa way of life.
Diverse Flora and Fauna in Sagarmatha National Park
Sagarmatha National Park is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. As you trek through the park, you'll encounter various wildlife species, such as the Himalayan Tahr, musk deer, and even the elusive snow leopard.
In addition, the park is also a birdwatcher's paradise, with species like the Himalayan monal, Tibetan cock, and blood pheasant.
The lush forests and alpine meadows are adorned with rhododendrons, blue poppies, and other unique Himalayan plants for the journey with a rich ecological experience.
Conquering the Island Peak
Island Peak, also known as Imja Tse, stands at 6,189 meters and is a thrilling climbing experience. The ascent involves technical sections, but the breathtaking views from the summit make the effort worthwhile.
During the ascent of Island Peak at a 45-degree angle, you can encounter towering rocks and icy walls that lead to the summit ridge.
You will be rewarded with panoramic vistas of the tallest mountain in the universe, Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Peak 38, Baruntse, and countless other towering vistas. The climb is both challenging and rewarding, marking the climax of your adventure.
Crossing the Three High Passes
The trek includes crossing three high passes, Renjo La, Cho La, and Kongma La, which present challenges and breathtaking views. At the summit of Renjo La Pass, you are treated to unparalleled views of Mount Everest, rivaling even those from Kala Patthar, along with stunning vistas of Gokyo Lake.
Cho La Pass is nestled between the snow-covered peaks of Lobuche 6,135 meters (920,127 ft.) and Cholatse 6,443 meters. It presents a challenging ascent, with icy conditions adding to the difficulty.
However, you are rewarded with stunning views of the majestic Ama Dablam. Kongma La Pass is a daunting climb described as a precarious struggle among skittering stones. The route involves crossing a glacier and a glacier-fed river, culminating in the highest point of the trek.
Despite the arduous journey, the pass offers awe-inspiring vistas of the surrounding Himalayan peaks.
How difficult is the Everest three-high pass trek with Island Peak Climbing?
The Everest Three Pass Trek with Island Peak climbing begins with the well-maintained trails from Lukla. From Namche, as we head to Thame, the trail condition starts to change. You feel the trail condition gentler until you reach the first pass, Renjo La.
Navigating the steep ascents and icy conditions along each pass is no child’s game. At the same time, the high elevation, coupled with traversing across glaciers and glacier-fed rivers, gives us an extra layer of challenge to the trek.
Additionally, Island Peak climbing is graded at a 2B difficulty level in the Alpine Grading System. This means it's moderately complex and requires a combination of technical skills and fitness. The thrilling challenge is described by steep ice walls and rocky terrain. It requires advanced slopes and the use of mountaineering equipment like ice axes, fixed ropes, and harnesses. Both novice and experienced trekkers with proper training can do this journey.
Best Time for the Everest Three High Passes Trek with Island Peak
We have conducted over 100+ trekking journeys to the Everest region. We prefer the spring and autumn seasons for the ultimate trekking and climbing experience, but the summer and winter seasons also have their charm.
Autumn (September to November):
Autumn stands out as the prime season for trekking in the Everest region. The beautiful landscape, comfortable weather, and alluring views describe the autumn season in this region, which is also the perfect time for peak climbing.
The season is right after the heavy monsoon, so the landscape will be green with golden autumn foliage contrasting against the backdrop of snow-capped peaks. Daytime temperatures average around 12°C, while at night, temperatures can drop to about -15°C.
This season attracts the highest number of trekkers, particularly in October and November, so trails and teahouses can be crowded. We recommend you make your plans for either early September or the beginning of November to face fewer crowds.
Spring (March to May):
Spring transforms the landscape with a weave of a tapestry of natural beauty and tranquility. The season offers a dry trail, comfortable weather, and clear skies, a perfect time to explore the mountains.
During the day, temperatures range from 5°C to 20°C, while at night, they can drop below freezing, reaching as low as -15°C. The landscape comes alive with blooming rhododendrons that add vibrant colors to the trails.
The stunning and clear views of the Himalayas all along the trail are a significant highlight of the season. Clear visibility and relatively stable weather are crucial for safe and successful ascents. After autumn, spring is considered the best time to trek and climb, so expect moderate to high numbers of trekkers, especially in April and May.
Summer/Monsoon (June to August):
Summer in the Everest region coincides with the monsoon season, which brings heavy rainfall and occasional thunderstorms.
This results in a slippery and wet trail that makes climbing and trekking more dangerous, with increased risks of avalanches and rockfalls. Additionally, cloud cover and fog can reduce visibility, making it harder to navigate the trail.
While the valleys become lush and green, the views of the mountains are often obscured by clouds. There are fewer trekkers during this period, and the experience is quieter. However, the challenges posed by the weather make it a less favorable time for trekking. For the best view and experience, the Everest Three High Passes with Island Peak is not recommended for the summer.
Winter (January and February):
Winter in the Everest region is a serene experience, and the landscape transforms into a winter wonderland. Daytime temperatures range from -5°C to 10°C, and nighttime temperatures drop between -20°C and -30°C. Snowfall is more frequent, bringing the whimsical charm of winter to the landscapes.
However, the extreme cold and potential for snow-covered trails require trekkers to be well-prepared with proper gear and flexibility for weather-related delays. At the same time, the technical skills required and the need for specialised equipment make winter climbs more demanding, with visibility issues due to common clouds and fog. For your safety and beautiful experience, NTE does not recommend the Everest Three High Passes Trek along with Island Peak Climbing in the winter season. There will be a high risk of closing the high passes due to heavy snowfall, and tea houses near the pass can be closed.
Everest Three Passes Trek with Island Peak Climbing Cost
You will find wide range of prices for the Everest Three Passes Trek with Island Peak climbing on the market. It may cost 2000 USD to 3000 USD, depending on the group size, number of trekking and climbing days, and the service you are looking for. For more details, feel free to contact our experts anytime.
Everest Three Passes Trekking Permit Cost:
- The Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit costs NPR 3000 per person.
- Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit Costs NPR 2000 per person.
Island Peak Climbing Permit Cost Breakdown:
- Spring (March–May): USD 250 per person
- Autumn (September–November): USD 125 per person
- Winter (December–February): USD 70 per person
- Summer (June–August): USD 70 per person
Altitude Sickness:
Given the significant altitude gain of 400 to 500 m on the Everest trek, which starts at an elevation of 2840 m, altitude sickness is a concern to be mindful of. To mitigate its effects, it's essential to acclimatize properly by walking at your own pace and allowing your body time to adapt to the altitude.
Carrying necessary medications, like Diamox can also be beneficial. At the same time, be aware of other altitude sickness prevention measures, such as staying hydrated, avoiding alcohol and caffeine, and listening to your body for signs of discomfort.
Transportation:
When you book with Nepal Trekking Experts, all transportation fees and arrangements are already included in your trekking package. Your journey begins with a breathtaking domestic flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, which takes approximately 30 minutes.
Food:
In the Everest region, you'll find a variety of food options to fuel your trekking adventure. For traditional Nepali cuisine, you can enjoy Dal Bhat Tarkari, a hearty meal of lentil soup, rice, and mixed vegetables, or try Momo, which are steamed or fried dumplings filled with meat, vegetables, or cheese. Tsampa, a roasted barley flour, is also a Sherpa staple.
If you're craving international flavors, there are plenty of choices, including pasta, pizza, burgers, sandwiches, and spaghetti served with local mushrooms and handmade sauce.
For snacks, you can opt for fried rice with various toppings, rice with dried yak meat, fried rice with cheese and sauce, or a variety of potato dishes. Beverages like tea, coffee, and butter tea are available to keep you hydrated and warm.
Remember, in desserts like apple pie, rice, or chocolate pudding, mars/snickers roll might be available that can be purchased separately. Vegetarian and vegan-friendly options are available, and dietary restrictions can be accommodated upon request.
Accommodation:
The remote region has ample choices for accommodation options tailored to meet different needs and preferences. Teahouse accommodation is a common choice, with essentials like beds, blankets, and shared bathrooms. For a more comfortable stay, luxury teahouses are available in lower elevations, offering private rooms, attached bathrooms, and amenities like hot showers and Wi-Fi.
However, as trekkers ascend to higher altitudes, accommodations transition to more rustic settings, from basic tea houses offering simpler rooms to essential services. Here, amenities may be more modest, with shared bathrooms often featuring squat-style toilets.
To ensure the comfort and warmth of trekkers during chilly mountain nights, we provide a clean, -20°C sleeping bag. It allows you to rest easily and rejuvenate for the next day's adventures.
Wi-Fi and Telephone Service:
Even in the high elevation of the Everest region, you can get access to the internet and telephone service to connect with the world. However, as you ascend, the reliability of these services can vary.
Many tea houses offer Wi-Fi access at a rate of around $3-5. Similarly, the areas have phone service and mobile reception. To ensure connectivity throughout the trek, it is advisable to purchase a SIM card from providers like Nepal Telecom in Kathmandu.
Note: Depending on the accommodation, you may charge your devices in your room or pay a small fee (in local currency) to charge in the main dining hall. Carrying a power bank is recommended.
Porter Service:
Nepal Trekking Experts travel packages for the Everest region do not include a porter by default. However, we encourage you to consider your personal preferences and requirements when making this decision. While having a porter is not mandatory, it can significantly enhance your trekking experience, mainly if you are new to high-altitude trekking.
In such cases, we recommend hiring a porter to carry your bag, as it can alleviate the physical strain and allow you to enjoy the journey fully. Each porter carries the bags of two individuals with an average weight of around 20 kg to enable you to bring a small daypack for essentials.
Travel Insurance:
Travel insurance is strongly recommended for the Everest Base Camp trek due to potential risks like altitude sickness, accidents, and medical emergencies. A good policy typically covers emergency medical expenses, including evacuation, trip cancellations, lost luggage, and accidents. Since the trek reaches high altitudes, ensure your policy covers above 5,500m, as standard ones usually only cover up to 3,000 m.
When choosing a provider, compare policies and check coverage for trekking in high-altitude areas and medical evacuation. Additionally, ensure coverage for altitude-related illnesses and flight and baggage issues, as these are common concerns during the trek. It's crucial to read the fine print and select a policy that meets your specific needs, considering the risks involved in trekking in Nepal.
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