Three-passpack list-what you need for the three-pass and EBC-Trek

Three-passpack list-what you need for the three-pass and EBC-Trek

Are you wondering what you have to take with you to plan a three-pass pack list? Here is an overview of everything you need for the Three High Passes Trek in Nepal and where you can buy it.

Many hikers who are planning a trip to the Nepalese Himalaya get stuck on the question of what they should pack up. The truth is that the equipment list of each can be a little different, based on various factors, including; Seasons, preferences and tolerance to the pack weight.

However, if the three-pass hike will be your first big hike in the Himalaya, then I am sure that this useful packing list will serve as the basis for your equipment.

Alt = "Olly Gaspar hiking in the Himalaya khumbu"
Alt = "Gokyo Trek, three high passes Trek, Nepal, Ngozumpa Gletscher"
Alt = "Edmond Hillary Bridge three high passes trek nepal"

Three passes trek resources

In the planning phase of the three-pass treasure in Nepal? I have written comprehensive trekking leaders who aim to answer all of their independent travel routes.

You can watch this travel route leader or alternatively search travel reports and day guides in the following list.

Everest Three High Passes Trek Day 1 - 3
Everest Three High Passes Trek Day 4 - 6
Everest Three High Passes Trek Day 7 - 9
Everest Three High Passes Trek Day 10 - 12
Everest Three High Passes Trek Day 13 - 15
Everest Three High Passes Trek Day 16 - 20

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Three passports passport list

So here is my recommended three-pass pack list. I created this list based on my personal experience with the three-pass trek and with the help of several trekking shops in Thamel.

I added optional links to each article as a recommendation. However, most of these articles can also be purchased cheaply in Thamel (but usually of lower quality).

So if you are at home and use this three-pass pack list, you have to decide before the hike what you take to Nepal and what you want to buy in Thamel.

1. Upper body

During the days on the passes, it is important that you keep your core warm and dry.

  • 2x long-sleeved thermal underwear-merino wool offers the best quality
  • 1x trekking shirt - light but hard -wearing
  • 1x isolation layer - light fleece is a great thing
  • 1x down layer
  • 1x hardshell jacket - indispensable to stay dry

2. Head

Here are some important accessories that you should include in your three-pass pack list.

  • 1x warm hat or ear warmer - cheap, fleece is fine
  • 1x sunglasses - absolutely necessary to avoid snow blindness, side protection is very useful
  • 1x buff - very versatile and useful for a number of applications

3. Legs and boots

Boots are probably the most important piece of trekking equipment you can have, but what do you have to bring for your legs?

  • 2x light trekking pants - those with zipper to quickly turn them into shorts are great
  • 1x trekking boots of good quality - do not save on these unless you like bubbles, make sure you wear them in it too
  • 3x trekking socks - preferably Merino
  • 3x light and fast drying underwear - the easier the easier, the better
  • 1x thermal leggings-light merino wool is great

4. Pack and other essentials

While I think the bag is the most important component of each trekking system, there are several things that you should take into account when you start the three-pass trek.

  • 1x 40-60l of hiking backpack and a rain cover-good brands are Osprey, Deuter and Berghaus
  • 1x field first aid set
  • 1x water bottle-I swear by Grayl bottles because they filter their water, which means that I don't have to bring water cleaning tablets with me
  • 1x water filter or cleaning tablets-Lifestraw in a nalgene bottle works well
  • 1x physical Khumbu trekking card-to be found everywhere in Thamel
  • 1x sleeping bag - you should have at least minus 15 degrees Celsius. They sell very warm and light down sleeping bags in Thamel.
  • 1x warm gloves - the gloves you can find at Thamel are of rather low quality, online you will find a better offer online
  • 2x trekking sticks - also cheap in Thamel
  • 1x microfiber cloth
  • Toilet articles: toothbrush, deodorant, sunscreen
  • Cash - there are only two ATMs in the Khumbu, one in Namche Bazaar and one in Khumjung (thank you Goo Yong Ahn for the update in the comments)
  • Optional: Diamox - prescription drug for AMS, can also be purchased easily and cheaply in Thamel.

5. Electronics

Useful gadgets for your three-pass pack list.

  • phone
  • Optional: battery pack
  • Optional: Small universal charger-some huts require money per socket for charging
  • Optional: Kindle-ideal for reading in the tea huts and to have light e-book guides
  • Optional: Solar charger - not really necessary, but can help to charge your electronics during the day
  • Optional: camera-GoPro is great, but the mountains look small and far away on ultra-wide cameras. A small mirrorless camera like the A6500 is a good choice.

6. Important tea house pack list

For all objects that you want to bring for the tea houses along the Three High Passes Trek.

  • 1x headlamp
  • 1x set made of light fleece sleep pants and top
  • 1x cotton shirt for the bed
  • 1x pair of warm sleeping socks
  • Optional: 1x set of playing cards

Alt = “three passes trek teahouse“ accommodation in a typical tea house

Breakdown of the layer system

If you do research what you have to bring for the Everest Three Passes Trek or for all alpine trek with overnight stays, you will often come across the term; Stratification.

But what is it?

Basically, it's just like that. Use several lighter layers to keep you warm instead of having a heavy, bulky all-in-one snow jacket.

Layers give you more control over the temperature regulation through the use of breathable substances that are suitable for the conditions.
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See also: 15 important articles for digital nomads

How difficult should my bag be?

Minimizing the packing weight is usually the top priority for long-distance hikers. Make sure that your backpack is not too stressful on the long days in height.

So how difficult should the pack of Three Passes be? Strive for 10-14 kg.

In order to keep the weight low when planning your Three Passes equipment list, don't bring a few clothes with you than you really need. Most trekker usually wash their socks every day and dry their sweaty shirts and underwear after moving in the tea house. The dry conditions in the Himalayas mean that things usually dry overnight.
Alt = "Three high passes trekking equipment, which is packed"

Thamel Shopping Guide - where you can buy cheap trekking equipment in Kathmandu

Would you like to buy equipment for the three-pass hike if you arrive in Kathmandu? Good call.

The demand for cheap trekking equipment in Thamel has created a huge gray market for everything, from fake North Face hard bowls to worn low-hiking shoes.

It is true that in Thamel you can really buy everything you need for the three-pass hike. However, note that the quality will not always be the best.

For inexpensive equipment of decent quality with shopkeepers who tell you what you need and not just try to make quick money, visit the Kalapathar Trekking Store and Shona’s Alpine. I bought all of my not significant performance items such as fleece, t-shirts, hats, buffs, socks and even trekking sticks in these two shops.

Save tips for money

Remember that bartering is the order of the day in all market shops in Nepal. Don't be satisfied with the first prize, but do not drive the business owner's profit tension to close zero.

There is a good balance that should be preserved when trading, and this is usually answered with the question; How much is this article really worth?

In addition to the barter trade, you will find a few more tips here to save money when shopping for your three-pass pack list.

  • Think about whether you really need a 1000 dollar shell from Arc’teryx or whether a normal Goretex jacket is sufficient
  • Don't buy more than you need - follow this packing list and you will also shave the grams
  • The great articles that you can buy in Thamel are a sleeping bag, trekking socks, base layers, fleece, trekking pants and hats.
  • Pay attention to the fees of the ATMs-usually calculate a fixed fee per withdrawal in Nepal for foreign visa cards.
  • Invest in high-quality equipment-things like Goretex jackets, trekking shoes, a good backpack and a filter bottle last a long time and can be used for many years. In the long run, it will probably cost more to do without these essential things because in the end they will replace them anyway.

Where you can stay in Thamel to buy this three-pass pack list

Choosing the right accommodation before and after the hike is important, since you most likely have to leave some non-trekking equipment with a trustworthy caretaker. Second, trust me when I say that you want a nice bed with a warm shower when you return from the mountain.

Therefore, it is best to choose the same hotel or hostel for the nights before and after the three-pass hike.

I stayed in the Beehive Hostel, a cheap accommodation just 3 minutes from the main shopping quarter, which offers warm showers and large, comfortable private rooms. They also left our bags free of charge for 20 days while we were in the Khumbu.

If you like it a little more elegant, try the Hotel Blue Horizon or the Fairfield by Marriott.

Three passes: Independent trekking guide eBook

Alt = “Three passes: Independent trekking guide of Olly Gaspar at WE Seek Travel”
Since the internet connection in the Khumbu is limited, I wrote a comprehensive trekking guide to the three passes, which you can download as an eBook for use on your cell phone, tablet or e-reader.

I currently listed this eBook at Amazon at a reduced price of less than $ 6!

More Three Passes Guides and Blogs

I hope you found this guide to the three-pass pack list. For a full daily three-pass trekeeper, be sure to have a look at my blogs below.

If you have suggestions or updates at prices and shops in Thamel, please let me know in the comments below or send me an email so that I can keep this list up to date.

Alt = "Trek with three passes, Cho la pass"

My camera and photo equipment

  • Mirrorless camera: Canon R5
  • Drone: DJI Mavic Pro 2
  • 360-degree action camera: Insta360 One X2
  • Landscape lens: Canon RF 15-35 mm f/2.8l
  • All-round lens: Canon RF 24-105 mm f/4L
  • Tele lens: Canon RF 100–500 mm f/f/4.5–7.1 l
  • Long action rod: Insta360 Invisible Pole (Bulletime)
  • Landscape lens filter: Hoya Circular Polarizer
  • Camerarucksack: F-STOP Tilopa
  • Favorite photo accessories: Peak Design Capture Clip

A list of my recommended photo equipment (including what I use and why) can be found in my guide for camera equipment for the trip.

If you want to use one of the photos on this website, please visit my licensing page to find out how. I also sell professional art prints, visit my print store or contact me directly for customs deductions from pictures on WE Seek Travel.
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