Everest base camp and the passes trek are two of the most amazing trekking journeys that you can take when in Nepal. A lot of times than never, you get an option to choose between the two and settle for one. Likewise, there is no such thing as a better route and the trail difficulty and preference mostly depends on the trekker himself. You can get a scenic view of the Khumbu region from both the trekking journeys and Sagarmatha National Park becomes a major highlight for the visitors.
Make sure to read till the end of this article to learn everything you need to about the Everest base camp and the three-pass trek while choosing the right adventure for you!
How are Everest base camp and three-pass trek different from one another?
While they both hold similarities with one another, the Everest base camp and the passes trek are different from one another in different aspects. Though not major differences, many times, trekkers can choose the best route available to them with consideration to their features. Some of the differences between the two routes are as follows:
Time taken
While the Everest base camp may seem like a more difficult pathway for a Khumbu trek, it may come as a surprise that the Everest three-pass trek takes an even longer time to complete. Both treks can be completed in two to three weeks. While the Everest base camp trek takes a maximum of 12 to 14 days, the three-pass trek takes at least 16 to 20 days to complete. Though there isn’t as much time difference between the completion of the two treks, the amount of locations you want to explore makes both the treks either longer or shorter.
Difficulty
Both the treks are difficult in their ways. However, the Everest base camp trek is a tad bit easier for even beginners to complete than the Three Passes trek. The former has a shorter route and the trails are not quite as challenging. The latter, on the other hand, has a uniquely challenging route that most people will have a hard time going through. Moreover, the Everest base camp trail is more developed and in better condition than the three-pass trek trail as it is more popular and has been funded by various organizations over the years. Once you are done with the initial bit of the trek, you will find much convenience throughout the rest of the journey.
Peak elevation
Both the Everest base camp trek and three passes trek have a peak elevation of 5000 m above sea level. Therefore, you might face an equal amount of altitude difficulty as well as a similar number of aspects for exploration in both journeys. While the Everest base camp trek can go up to Kalapathhar, the three-pass trek can go almost as high as the peaks that are also almost around the same level as that of the highest elevation of the EBC.
Crowd
While both trekking journeys are popular among trekkers from all around the world, the Everest base camp beats the popularity level as a trekking destination since it is the only base camp of Mount Everest. Since many trekkers tend to go to both locations during peak seasons, the crowd in Everest base camp is going to be higher than the crowd of the three passes treks.
Expertise required
Both the Everest base camp and the three-pass trek require different types of fitness and expertise levels. You may have heard trekkers with zero to less experience succeeding in completing the Everest base camp trek without going through lots of difficulties. But, it may be hard for one to hear the same about the passes trek for all the realistic reasons. You need a considerable level of physical fitness for both journeys, but you also need just as high a level of experience and expertise in making long and high-altitude journeys if you want to succeed in the three-pass trek.
Accommodations
The accommodations for both journeys are similar. You will be staying in local teahouses or hotels that best suit your budget and time constraints. The teahouses and hotels are almost the same and will help you discover how life is in the Khumbu region. Similarly, you will be able to get good enough amenities in both the treks, whatsoever, Everest base camp trek may serve a tad bit better amenities if you are in the more developed and crowded regions. The food available to you is almost the same too.
Distance travelled
Though located in similar locations, the Everest base camp trek and three passes trek have a different number of kilometers covered. You need to cover a total distance of 166 kilometers when you are on the Everest three-pass trek. And, the Everest base camp trek requires you to cover no more than 130 kilometers.
Guides and porters
You are likely to need guides and porters to complete both the treks. Though Everest base camp is comparatively easier and covers a shorter distance than the three-pass trek, you need guides and porters to carry your loads and take care of your journey in this trek as well. Carrying at least one guide per individual or a single group of trekkers is mandatory.
What is the best season for the Everest base camp trek and three passes trek?
The Everest base camp trek and three-pass trek can be traveled in the same seasons. The most preferable seasons for both the treks are fall and spring. During spring and fall, the weather is extremely favorable. The sky is as clear as can be. And, you will come across fresh air and a clearer view of the mountains as well.
As for the temperature of the Himalayas during these seasons, it is neither too hot nor too cold. The temperature rises and drops may cause great difficulty for trekkers in completing a trekking journey. But, when the temperature and the weather are moderate, you will only feel convenience in making the rather challenging treks a success.
Furthermore, you don’t necessarily have to make the tough decision of finding the right clothes to wear as the options for clothing are easier to choose. Winters can be harsh for those who want to go for the amount of clothes that may be adequate for them in the high altitude. And, choosing the right trekking clothes for the ruthless summer heat can be just as difficult, especially since you will be trekking closer to the sun.
You also get to avoid the annoyance of monsoon rain when you choose either spring or fall for your trekking journey. This is mostly because both seasons have the least probability of rainfall. Rainfall is possibly the biggest cause of hassle in your trek due to slippery and extremely dangerous trails.
How to choose between the Everest base camp trek and the three-pass trek?
The final decision after all the research for an aspiring trekker is to decide which of the 14 days Everest base camp trek and three passes trek may be the best option for you. Some elements make a trekker choose one from the other. Choosing the right pathway for your journey also depends on your capabilities and expertise as a trekker. However, to make things easier for you, we have listened to the factors that you can consider to make the ultimate decision:
Consider the trekking difficulty
Not every trekker who is looking to go on either of the treks wants an easy journey. Some are adrenaline junkies who have been aiming to beat themselves both physically and mentally through an active trek. For such trekkers, the best option would be to choose the three-pass trek. As for the trekkers who want to go through an easier path without having to push their limits as much, you can simply opt for the Everest base camp trek.
Think through your expectations
Trekkers don’t only go on a trekking journey to cause stress to their bodies and exercise properly but also to find the most aesthetic places possible. You have to think through your expectations when it comes to the views that you will find along the journey. The three trek’s attractive aspects include the three peaks themselves, a panoramic view of the landscapes, and the discovery of the most remote villages in Khumbu. As for the Everest base camp, the major highlights are Kalapathhar, the Everest base camp itself, and a very intimate closure with the Sherpa culture and traditions.
Keep in mind your expertise level
Different trekkers have different levels of expertise when it comes to trekking journeys. Mindlessly choosing an easier or tougher trek might also mean that you may not enjoy your trekking journey as much as you ought to. Therefore, one must be mindful about the journey they are going to be taking depending on how much expertise they have with relation to trekking. You can choose a three-pass trek if you have better resilience and expertise in trekking while those with lesser expertise can go for an easier Everest base camp trek.
Conclusion
Both journeys are similar yet different. While the Everest base camp majorly focuses on the base camp of Mount Everest itself, the three-pass trek is all about walking through the trails of three major peaks in Nepal. Nevertheless, both the trekking trails have amazing aspects to explore as a trekker.
