High Altitude Challenges: Preparing Physically and Mentally for the Everest Three Passes Trek

The Everest Three Passes Trek is also known as the Three High Passes Trekking. This trek is a bit different than your typical Everest base camp trek since it takes a different route even if the journey ends in the base camp itself. You will get to explore some of the most stunning views above the height of 5000m above sea level in this trek. Moreover, many amazing aspects will keep you hooked throughout the trek which might also decrease the uneasiness and discomfort that you may feel in a difficult trek. That said, the journey through Everest’s three passes will not be simple or easily completable.

Make sure to read till the end of this article to know more!

 

What is the best time of the year to go to the Everest Three Passes Trek?

There is always a best time when going on a trek as difficult as the Everest Three Passes Trek. Two of the most favorable seasons for the trekking journey are spring and fall. Both seasons have amazing weather and the temperature is just the right one for the trekkers to walk through great distances without suffering. In seasons with extreme weather conditions like winter and summer, it can be extremely tough for one to complete the trek to the same destination without panting, resting for more days than what has been scheduled, and in some cases returning home midway.

In spring, you are more than likely to see fresh blooms around the Everest region. The trees are rich in rhododendron trees and you will see the bloom of many other plants as well. Similarly, trekkers will also get to experience the beauty of the clear blue sky that goes perfectly with the colors of the mountains. Additionally, the season is more on the hotter side but is not extremely hot either. Finding the right clothes to wear is just as easy.

Likewise, you can just as well enjoy the trekking journey when you go to the Everest Three Passes Trek during fall. In the fall, trekkers are likely to see the beauty of high mountains without any barriers. And, you will easily find many other trekkers who are going through the same journey as you. The season is on the cooler side, and to be fair, as favorable as can be.

 

How to physically prepare for the Everest Three Passes Trek?

There are many ways you can physically prepare yourself for the Everest Three Passes Trek. This trek is going to last you a while, therefore, you need to start preparing at least two to three months before the actual journey. From stamina and fitness to mental awareness and

strength, the Everest Three Passes Trek is going to test your limits to the fullest.

The following are some ways that you can physically prepare for the Everest Three Passes Trek:

 

Start training early

A mistake that many beginner trekkers tend to make during their Everest Three Passes Trek is that they come underprepared. One can’t start a trek as tough as this one without knowing the basics, which is very much related to preparing yourself through intensive training and shorter treks two or three months before the trek. Moreover, you cannot simply ignore the fact that to loosen some muscles in your body and keep yourself comfortable throughout the journey, you must have endurance capacity that can fully unleash once you have trekked and trained beforehand.

READ MORE : A Day-by-Day Itinerary for the Short Everest Base Camp Trek

 

Cardiovascular exercises

Activities that will improve your cardiovascular endurance are going to help you in trekking activities that involve high altitudes like Everest Three Passes Trek. These exercises could include cycling, aerobics, hiking, swimming, and running. If you are in a health condition that increases the likelihood of contracting cardiovascular diseases, then you should opt for such exercises. Exercising every 30 minutes in a single day months before your trek is advised.

 

Strength and endurance training

Trekkers need to train themselves to be both strong and know how much they can endure physically. Such training is going to help them easily complete a trek like Everest Three Passes Trek. Strength training workouts like squats, planks, pushups, leg presses, etc. that focus on certain parts of your body will make those specific parts fit and tough enough for high-altitude treks.

 

Flexibility training

Just making yourself physically strong and enduring is not adequate for a trekking journey like this one. Therefore, you need to be as flexible as possible. There are many activities as well as training options that will help you get to this goal. Stretching your body, arm circles, and legs swinging are some ways you can make your body flexible. Such practices will eventually help you go through the toughest trail with the least possible physical rigidity which is exactly what the Everest Three Passes Trek demands. This is further going to reduce soreness and stiffness of your muscles.

 

Treks to higher altitude

Trekking to altitudes that, in the end, won’t make an impact in your Everest Three Passes Trek is of no use. You need to make sure that you trek to higher altitude locations which will make your journey simpler. Doing this is going to require lots of preparation and time. Hence, if you are planning to go on the trek next year, it is about time that you pack your bags for trekking journeys to fairly easier yet high altitudes as soon as you can before the Everest region trek.

 

Nutrition and hydration

Trekkers must keep themselves loaded with as much nutrition and hydration as possible. Doing this is going to keep you mentally and especially, physically fit for the trek. Eating whatever you wish without giving much focus to your body’s nutritional needs is going to make you a neglectful trekker. Eating in moderation is another way you can succeed in tough trekking journeys. Similarly, you need to keep your body as hydrated as possible. Doing this is going to keep you from getting dehydrated and immensely tired throughout the trek.

 

Avoid tobacco and alcoholic beverages

A lot of trekkers tend to take the help of tobacco and alcoholic beverages to keep themselves warm. But, this is quite contrary to what you should be doing during the trek. Consuming tobacco and alcohol during your trek will make you extremely sensitive both physically and mentally and worsen an already difficult journey while you also lose strength and energy.

 

Take medications and get yourself tested

The trekkers need to get themselves tested and take medications as necessary. Doing this is going to help them know where the issues lie in their bodies, and even minds, at times. You can successfully trek without an issue when you have all the necessary medications at hand.

 

How to mentally prepare for the Everest Three Passes Trek?

While you will have physically prepared yourself for the trekking trails of the Everest region, you need to be just as wise about mental preparedness as well. Doing this is going to ensure that trekkers are ready to step on the success of their journey in every possible way.

The following are some ways you can prepare yourself mentally for the Everest Three Passes Trek:

 

Prepare to get out of your comfort zone

You should never limit yourself to your comfort zone. The more comfortable you are with the living conditions and your bodily conditions, the tougher it will be to conquer a trekking journey like this one. Hence, you need to mentally prepare yourself to go out of your comfort zone. Training does not only require physical preparedness since it starts with how mentally prepared you are. The more you try to test your limits, the better you will see in the long run.

 

Know your gears

There are many types of gear and equipment that you will be using during your Everest Three Passes Trek. This means that you need to mentally learn and grasp all the purposes these gears hold, how many gears and what types of them you will be needing during your trek. To begin with, you have to keep a list of these gears while consulting with either a professional or someone from your trekking agency. Then, you need to add some more gear to your list as per your expertise in trekking. Learn thoroughly about all the gears you need in your journey by analyzing the weather you are going in. Lastly, don’t gear up in a hyper manner or overload yourself!

 

Learn about altitude sickness

Since Everest Three Passes Trek will take you through trails that are mostly above the height of 5000 meters, you have to learn about altitude sickness. Knowing about the symptoms and the ways you can find remedies is brilliant. However, trying your best to find measures for prevention before you even get started is all the more better. You can take help from other professionals, and do your research through articles and blogs on the internet, magazines, and books about trekking.

 

Conclusion

On this trek, you are going to come across amazing aspects like rhododendron forests, a view of some of the tallest mountains, the heartwarming hospitality of the locals, Sherpa culture exploration, mind-blowing panoramic views of the landscapes, etc. But then again, this does not come without a price for your comfort and fitness level. Henceforth, there are many reasons why you need to be adequately prepared both physically and mentally for the Everest Three Passes Trek.