The Three Passes Trek - Everest trekking - Nepal's toughest Everest-region hike

[@mrdavemo]

Nice movie, Hank. Thanks for the effort. It brought good memories of my trip in 1992. Three of us tried to get over Kongama La without a guide from the other direction and missed the pass, getting instead to a nearby pass that you couldn't climb down from! Holy shit, that was a long day, because we decided we needed to walk back down to Dingboche, I think it was. One of the longest hiking days of my life. It's funny that the effort is a big part of the event in the moment. But 20 years later, that's not what I remember! The mountains, the stories, the people. I'm loving the travel life, and I follow you on Instagram, too. Fun to see what you're up to. Keep at it!

[@HankLeukart]

Hi, Dave! Thanks for the message. To be honest, I didn't want a guide for our trip at first (I prefer to do stuff on my own!), but in the end, I'm glad we had one. Karma Sherpa was fun to be around, and he got us out of bed in the morning and made sure we didn't make any navigational or safety mistakes, which took a load off Susan's and my shoulders, making the trip a bit less stressful. And hearing your story also makes me happy we had him. But, yeah, when I watch this video, I see how tired we were, but when I think of the trip now in retrospect, I just think of how beautiful it was and how I'd like to go back!

[@epicv7dayz824]

Mate...hands down the very best Nepal hike video I’ve seen, the cinematic experience is amazing . Great commentary. A very pleasurable experience. I’m not climbing anything higher than sea level so this was a great escape. Bravo !!

[@21Swayzee]

We have been heading to this area every 10 years since 98. Going to miss it this year, but hope to make it back soon. Thanks for bringing back some memories. Adding our support to fellow trekkers and creators. Absolutely beautiful!

[@HankLeukart]

So glad you enjoyed it!

[@tseringnamgyal6662]

I'm so proud by you, Susan, and Karma for completing The Three Pass Trek. Good luck in your future endeavors!

[@HankLeukart]

thank you!

[@robynb7853]

I really enjoyed your video Hank, fantastic editing and image quality. I loved how you didn't gloss over how hard and unrelenting it is. I did EBC and the Cho La with my teenage daughters late last year, there were many moments when dying from a Yak horn stabbing was a preferable option. Your video brought back some amazing memories, thank you.

[@HankLeukart]

Hi, Robyn! I'm so happy you enjoyed the video! I'm very, very impressed that you convinced your teenage daughters to do this trek. What a unique and wonderful family you must have. I would have whined the entire time if I had been forced to do this as a teenager. (I whined even now!)

[@WybleMontano]

The best documentary ever! The background music made it very dramatic! Good job you guys!!! LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE!

[@HankLeukart]

Thanks -- glad you liked it!

[@Mrbfgray]

I can't stand the fakery and BS drama. Worst example in yr.s.

[@irishjonny11]

great video guys...……...I am just back from the Annapurna trail where I had a great 3 week trek....in October I return to do the 3 Passes Trek. but do it the opposite way to which ye guys done it.....

[@HankLeukart]

Thank you! Glad you liked it. I've never done Annapurna but would really like to, especially because it's lower altitude. The Three Passes Trek is wonderful (though difficult due to the altitude). I think you'll really enjoy it. If you have any questions, let me know! -Hank

[@irishjonny11]

annapurna was beautiful...... Great trek but the last 2 days after summiting Thorongla Pass [5416 METERS].. It was mainly road down to Jonsom I suffered a bit for the 3 or 4 days up around 4500 meters.no sickness but found it hard to sleep.I hope I can complete 3 Passes

[@awolmallorca6327]

Great video, thanks for sharing. I did the EBC back in December and had a very different experience, the trail was so quiet and many tea houses were closed, but it was an incredible experience. Being December I also had it a little colder than you did, I awoke in my room one morning with ice on my sleeping bag, apparently it dropped to -12 that night... inside! Would not have had it any different though. I also worked the Chola Pass into my trip but did it the opposite direction to you guys and I'm so glad I did it that direction, I do not envy anyone who has to climb out of Gokyo. I would love to go back and do the Three Passes route one day. Thanks for sharing

[@HankLeukart]

Glad you enjoyed the EBC trip! I also did the EBC trip by itself with my brother in December, and, yes, we enjoyed the experience because there were fewer people even though the weather was quite cold some days. We also made a video of that trip: kzbin.info/www/bejne/j4u6mp5uqM2NoNE I definitely recommend Three Passes -- it was a great experience!

[@NicolaLovesMusic]

This looks so epic! I'll be heading to Nepal myself in March and cannot wait to see views like this. Thanks so much for sharing, it's really beautifully filmed and edited!

[@HankLeukart]

Thanks, I'm happy you liked it, and I hope you have an amazing trip in Nepal! It's a great place!

[@surentamang7635]

Great video.Lots of love from Nepal

[@eagleeye8089]

WOW. THIS IS ONE OF MY DREAMS TO TREK THE 3 PASSES. CONGRATS

[@HankLeukart]

Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@santoshdhungana1941]

Rip to those who had dislike this video, see their effort, very good to see you in my country, nice video and thx for to visit our country, lots of love from Nepal,,,

[@HankLeukart]

So nice of you! Glad you liked it! I hope life is good in Nepal.

[@santoshdhungana1941]

@@HankLeukart sir, ya till now life is going good here in Nepal . Where are you from? How's the condition over there? Stay safe!!!if you have plan to visit Nepal once again hope to meet you,,

[@गरीबखानाबदोश]

You guys have done amazing job.what a beautiful place you exploring.Lots of love from INDIA

[@HankLeukart]

Thank you, Roy!

[@HimalayasTravel]

Really wonderful and thrilling documentary film...

[@gurunketa]

Three pass trek, certainly on my top list. Thanks for sharing.

[@HankLeukart]

Glad you liked it!

[@1800marwin]

You had me at “I think we’re at 400,000 feet”. Subbed.

[@HankLeukart]

lol glad you enjoyed it, sorry i'm such a whiner

[@anasoares3774]

Belo filme sucesso sempre amigo 🎉🎉

[@PendakiSOLO1]

the best location for hiking in the world.... first i go to ebc... 1997 n 2017 renjola.. cholla.. n kongmala pass...

[@johnmenzies6865]

Love those alarms landing in Lukla - very short runway. Great movie - you chose the toughest three week trekking in the entire country. Have a look at Peter Weres trekking book.

[@Jacco_Prins]

Awesome video. Would love to walk there too. I totally understand why many of those places are so important for the people living there and that some of those mountains are holy. It looks just amazing. And the music fits perfect and giving it something extra like the music from the lords of the ring did too. Love it guys :)

[@HankLeukart]

Hi, Jacco. I'm glad you liked the video. Yes, Nepal is a beautiful place.

[@EverestExperts]

Wonderful job on the filmmaking here. If you ever want to go packrafting in Canada, let me know...

[@HankLeukart]

Uh, yes, I'm totally up for it. What did you have in mind? :)

[@EverestExperts]

Just saw this now, sorry. Are you in the neighborhood at all this summer? I always have lots of ideas on the back burner. Could do a first descent to scout a trip for the Canadian Packraft Roundup...

[@karmagurung15]

Very well documented, amazing

[@HankLeukart]

Thanks, Karma!

[@AdventureRyan]

Thanks for sharing. Some harsh, but amazing terrain out there--Wow!

[@HankLeukart]

Thanks, glad you liked it!

[@michaelfitzgerald434]

Wonderful video. I am amazed at the physical condition you two must be in. God Bless!

[@HankLeukart]

Thanks, Michael!

[@victoriashockley6063]

I found your channel today and just really enjoy your videos. Totally envious of you. I’m very curious to see if you ever want to climb and summit Everest?

[@HankLeukart]

Hi, Victoria! Glad you liked the videos! I'm not 100% opposed to summiting Everest, but people die every year doing it (5 in 2018, 5 in 2017, 7 in 2016, 19 in 2015), and so in some ways, it seems like an exercise in suffering with unnecessary high risk. There are so many other more fun and interesting adventures to do in the world (uncharted and otherwise) that I'd rather do first. Do you plan to do the climb?

[@victoriashockley6063]

I know people say you can do anything you put your mind to but I don’t think I would ever get to the top. Maybe one day to the EBC trek like you and your brother did. That’s my dream

[@alpaca93752]

Can you discuss the boots you were wearing for this hike? This has been hard to find advice on online. How heavy duty did you go with your hiking boots? And any other essential gear recommendations?

[@clausfrlund2749]

Amazing photography you are making Hank!

[@andrewmacpherson706]

Good video did that a lot of years ago takes me back well done, Its been emotional

[@HankLeukart]

Thanks for watching, Andrew. So glad you liked it.

[@cncguides]

Doing one massive pass after another is tough, tough, tough. After I did Renjo La, I had enough for the moment. Headed straight back to Namche and the good life. I head over to Nepal once or twice a year and I am trying to get to the stage where I arrange the schedule so I can enjoy the trekking more than I suffer from the trekking. I think you might understand.

[@HankLeukart]

yeah, high-altitude hiking is another thing altogether!

[@karipintakivi9153]

3 Passes trek might be the toughest Everest region popular hike, but there certainly are tougher passes like Trashi Labtsa, Mingbo La, Amphu Labtsa all around 5800m, not to mention Sherpani Col and West Col from Makalu, which are both over 6000m. Even some low seldom hiked (by westerners) trails like the "Yak Butter Trail" shortcut from Dudh Kund to Lukla are quite hard, requiring down climbing in places, especially if icy, also the via ferrata trail from Thame to Kongde Ridge.

[@HankLeukart]

true! thanks so much for all this info. i gotta get back there and do some more off-the-beaten-path hikes!

[@premandassociates]

wonderful film Hank!! excellent photography, though the panning sometimes is too fast that it hurts the eyes when you see it in full mode! we plan to do it in November this year and I am also sort of a whining type and I sincerely hope that I wont this time!

[@HankLeukart]

Thanks -- glad you liked it so much!

[@HikewithJeet]

What a beautiful video! Hats off

[@HankLeukart]

Thanks, Jeet! So glad you liked it!

[@jinceantony7995]

Amazing.. one of the best storytelling i ever seen

[@HankLeukart]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@WitcherDAD]

Amphu Lapcha Pass ( 5845m ) in Everest Region is on the top most difficult trekking routes . I have seen 8 years ago in Gokyo Swiss guy with his 12 years old son crossing three passes on December. They were look like they doing that every day . The worst there is only AMS , if you know what are doing is not that difficult like people saying :)

[@HankLeukart]

Thanks for the info! Maybe my next trip will be to head over Amphu Lapcha! -Hank

[@kkg8785]

awesome video... thanks for sharing..

[@HankLeukart]

Thank you!

[@Kubotahonda5]

Wow 😳 Such a beautiful country 🏔🌲❤️ , definitely going to visit one day soon - from Tokyo Japan

[@HankLeukart]

You definitely should go! If you have any questions about planning your trip, let me know.

[@sabdar07]

Hi hank, as always one another best vlog of yours. Same entertainment same energy as that of your ebc trek with your bro. I like and enjoy the way how you present it with a smile always on your face even though it's a tougher one. I 100% agree to your words about leaving our usual life and experiencing something new and beautiful as this one. Great work hank. Keep rocking.

[@HankLeukart]

Thanks, Sabdar! I'm glad you enjoyed it. More to come!

[@customknife1]

Lovely. Truly lovely.

[@shmish]

Great video, thanks for sharing! What do you think of taking a porter rather than a guide?

[@HankLeukart]

i liked having a guide to get us out of bed in the morning, but guide/porter/no one all work

[@jtwalace]

Thanks for sharing this Hank! A very well done video!! My partner and I really enjoyed watching this. I will be trekking the Three Passes in Nov/ Dec 2020 and am looking for a guide, do you have any recommendations? I am not sure if I should just wait until I get to Kathmandu to ask around/ meet guides or organise one in advance? Any help appreciated. Jade

[@Rototo1771]

The epic music is totally over the top - 20.000 people make the same trek every year.

[@HankLeukart]

the cinematic music reflects the stunning, sweeping views and the intense physical exertion required to hike steep mountain passes at such high altitudes. and yes, this is a popular trek that anyone who is up for it should try!

[@ameliavirgiani6953]

Hi, that's great video. I really enjoy it. When did you do that?. The view look amazing. Thank you

[@HankLeukart]

hi amelia! glad you liked the video. we did it in late October/early November, and yes, we had great weather!

[@jimgarvin5811]

This is wonderful. Thank you for the video :)

[@HankLeukart]

Thanks, Jim! Glad you liked it!

[@martybmurphy]

Do you have a copy of your itinerary? Great documentary!

[@HankLeukart]

Hi, Marty! You can see our full itinerary and download a GPS track of our trip on my blog: withoutbaggage.com/films/nepal-three-passes/

[@EarlyDawnTravels]

The best storytelling.

[@HankLeukart]

Thanks! Are you planning a Nepal trip?

[@enjoynepaltreks6860]

Wow....tantalizing panorama

[@kumararkan2740]

Awesome our Nepal your Nepal love you from Nepal

[@edwardmacias1026]

Amazing scenery Amazing people

[@yasaryagmur00]

Beautiful, when did you do this trek?

[@HankLeukart]

October 2014

[@cloudridermrbliss7085]

Wow great videoo I miss Manang Nepal.😙😙😙

[@HankLeukart]

Thanks, glad you liked it!

[@jimclay4775]

My compliments on a very nice video that was thoughtfully put together. I am curious as to what kind of video/photography gear you used. The 40 pound packs sounds pretty heavy for a trek that doesn't involve camping, and I didn't notice you carrying crampons or an ice axe (perhaps I just missed them). I'm guessing the photo/video gear was a significant burden, but you certainly put it to good use.

[@HankLeukart]

We didn't need crampons or an ice axe for the conditions, but we did need to make sure the conditions on each pass were okay before attempting to hike over them. As for pack weight, I doubt we were carrying 40 lbs each -- though it's wasn't as light as you might think, because we carried everything you'd need for camping trips except for food, tent, and cook system, and the weather was extremely cold so we had a lot more layers and jackets than you might have for most hikes. Because electricity is sparse/can be expensive for charging as you get more remote, I was carrying a large amount of batteries and chargers for the gear. We had two DSLRs, a GoPro + selfie stick, and a snapshot camera backup, plus chargers and multiple batteries for each device. I don't remember, but I imagine my pack was about 25-30 lbs (camera gear) and Susan's was 15 lbs? Just guessing.

[@jimclay4775]

Thanks for the reply. On my last trip to Nepal (October, 2015) for a trek over Thorung La my pack weighed between 20 and 25 pounds, and that included a DSLR and a couple of zoom lenses but no sleeping bag. I am contemplating doing the Three Passes Trek in the coming February, so my plan would include carrying a sleeping bag. As someone rapidly approaching 65, years old, I can't have a 40-pound pack . . .

[@yakudza07]

Oh, it's one of the best movies about this trek. Was it a first time in Nepal?

[@HankLeukart]

This was my second trip to this region of Nepal!

[@ibnukaryadi9821]

Love and enjoying the movie....

[@HankLeukart]

thank you!

[@cohall46]

Very entertaining and very enjoyable to watch. Great video scenery. The humor and one-liners sprinkled throughout the video were appreciated. Both of you did and excellent job with the narration. Thanks for sharing.

[@bwalsh1105]

Humor..? You must be easily amused

[@mytravellinfo]

OMG we are all gonna die .... thanks for the video .. so what are you up to recently?

[@lucamagnanensi]

Very impressive video!! What kind of camera did you use? EDIT: ok all in the description, tx!!

[@HankLeukart]

Glad you liked the video! For this video, we used a combination of a Panasonic Lumix GH4 (I carried it), Canon Rebel T7i (Susan carried it) iPhone 6, and a GoPro HERO4. My hiking videos often use a hodgepodge of cameras because some situations make using a DSLR/big-body-mirrorless annoying/difficult. At meals, I often use an iPhone so I'm not sticking a big camera in people's faces at the dinner table. When it's raining, I almost exclusively use iPhones because newer models are waterproof. GoPros are good for kayaking and when you want to wave a camera around on a selfie stick to get a big wide shot (like our summit shots). Hope that helps!

[@lucamagnanensi]

@@HankLeukart I really appreciated every suggestion !

[@alleda]

Hank - you are hilarious! And this is a really good video :)

[@HankLeukart]

Thanks, Audrey! Glad you liked it! Are you planning to do the trek?

[@audreyadellaumbol7302]

Maybe next year, or 2020 :) I did EBC in 2017, and couldn't proceed through Cho La due to heavy snow so we went back down the same way.

[@youstopthat1629]

What month did you start this trek? I'm hoping to complete it in 2020.

[@HankLeukart]

We started at the end of October and hiked into the beginning of November. Honestly, we had perfect weather every day, though it was sometimes extremely cold. Good luck in 2020, and let me know if you have any other questions while planning your trip!

[@RamiroCadenas]

Hi Hank!, really enjoyed your video. I want to ask you, what camera do you use to film?.. I've been wanting to buy one, so it would be of great help to know the equipment you use in your videos. Thank you!! Cheers!

[@HankLeukart]

I usually use a combination of a Lumix GH5, GoPro Hero Session, and an iPhone 7. I usually put the GH5 away when it's raining and use the iPhone 7 (waterproof). I use the GoPro for action stuff (paddling, etc.)

[@RamiroCadenas]

Thank you very much!. I've been inspired by this film. Wish you good luck. Best regards from Argentina.

[@chhiringsherpa8563]

Yes ! You are right bro 😃😃😃😃 the menu are crezy 🤗👏👏👏

[@buckerooter]

Did you two see any mountain bikes on this trip? I’m thinking of going there soon with my bike.

[@HankLeukart]

I don't remember seeing any bikes. Some section could be quite difficult on a bike due to the steepness of switchback sections.

[@buckerooter]

Looks tough for sure. Thanks for your video and reply.

[@fabriceboone4700]

Clark .Bostrom , mountainbikes totally forbidden in Everest area, they will stop you at Lukla. Head for Annapurna circuit, awesome ride.

[@throughtheeyesofasafariran167]

Hi Frank loved the video well done guys :-) am planning on doing the three passes this year bit would like to also do EBC we did it last year but would like to see it again and spend a day or two extra this time as we had limited time last year, is it possible to tag EBC on and would you say its best to do it on the way up or the way down.? the Three passes looks amazing wow blown away by the scenery i thought EBC was epic am super excited thanks and take care Gareth

[@throughtheeyesofasafariran167]

Hank Leukart thanks very much for the info, just out of interest how long did the entire trip take and what was the ball park cost.? We used a local Agent form Kathmandu it was $1500 for a guide, flight into lukla and two porters including all tea houses and permit and food etc. It sounds like it should be much cheaper just going with a guide and then paying for flights and tea houses separately would be good to get your feedback on this as I am traveling for a year so on a budget in Nepal as doing another 10 countries there after thanks again and apologies for calling you frank take care Gareth.

[@HankLeukart]

We completed it in 15 days, but we rushed due to some weather concerns. I would probably set aside 21 days for buffer and so you can enjoy a few rest days during the trek. 18 days minimum. I think $1,500 is in the right ballpark, but guide quality, tea house quality, and food quality can vary. I know that Karma Sherpa offers Three Passes itineraries that are less money than that but may offer fewer included services, and he also offers some itineraries that cost more money because they include more amenities, etc. If you want to get more information from him, you can contact him through www.higherpathtreks.com. You can certainly save money by not using porters or guides, but that can make your trip more difficult, of course. We didn't have any porters, only Karma Sherpa as our guide. When my brother and I did EBC, we didn't use porters or guides (that route is more straightforward). Show less

[@supershortsporty]

Hello and thanks so much for this video! I was wondering if Susan wore contact lenses for the trek and whether or not solution freezing (and cleanliness) were issues on the trip. Thank you!

[@HankLeukart]

Susan says: "I did wear contact lenses. Solution freezing wasn't a problem. Cleanliness was OK, since there was always some kind of running water. But it wasn't always warm, which meant that sometimes my hands weren't as clean as they could have been. Which might have contributed to an eye issue" late in the trip.

[@supershortsporty]

Thank you! I was able to successfully wear contacts every day. What an amazing trip!

[@sagarrai5310]

Wow i love nepal. Beautiful nepal.

[@HankLeukart]

yeah, it's an amazing place!

[@waxonwaxoff6094]

This is amazing 😉 thank you for sharing

[@HankLeukart]

Thank you! Glad you liked it!

[@gyorgyangelkottbocz9766]

nice place. way too many people. certainly won't take this trek. thanks for showing, nice video!

[@HankLeukart]

thank you for watching! glad you liked it.

[@sune3000]

Wow, really well done!

[@HankLeukart]

thanks, glad you liked it!

[@borger2109]

Hi Hank (& Susan), Top notch vid! thanks for sharing! This one is definitely next up for me. I did AC & ABC twice so I am ready for the real treks :). Two questions: 1. When exactly did you go (what dates?) and 2. The hours shown in your itinerary are the overall "outdoor" times or the actual hiking times without including the stops, lunches & rest breaks? This is probably the first time I see people doing the 3P trek without side trekking to EBC & Kalapattar. I take my hat of to you guys! Cheers & thanks again.

[@HankLeukart]

Hi Martin! 1) We arrived in Kathmandu on October 21. 2) The hours shown on my blog include all stops and breaks. Also, when we did this trek, Susan also visited both Kala Pattar (Day 10) and Ama Dablam base camp (Day 13) during the trip, as you can see from the itinerary. They're not in the video because I didn't go to either because I had been to Kala Pattar and EBC on a previous trip, and I was exhausted and dying for a little downtime. But, I highly recommend that people who do Three Passes also visit at least Kala Pattar if they haven't been to it before.

[@borger2109]

Thanks, I guess I do not have any excuse NOT to go anymore! the plan is next year around that same time! Last Q: Never had any problems with getting a room? It seems the trek is getting more and more crowded.

[@HankLeukart]

We didn't have any problems with rooms, though Karma Sherpa handled the rooms for us. When I did the EBC trek in 2011 without a guide with my brother, we had no problem finding rooms. The trek has gotten more popular, but there's also more lodging now too.

[@MrYudix]

CONGRATULATION TO YOU GUYS

[@HankLeukart]

thank you!

[@123port2]

Nice vid man!!! Planning to do this on month of february? Do you think its passable and possible? Thanks!

[@HankLeukart]

The problem with doing this December - February is that it will be extremely cold and since it's winter snow season, if there's a lot of snow, it can block the passes or make it impossible to find or see the trail. If you're using a guide who knows exactly how and where to go (and when and where not to go), then it's probably okay, but I'd be cautious. Be very, very cautious if you're going by yourself.

[@JLWonderland1]

We are planning a trek this Sept-Oct. Do you think trail runners would be sufficient, or boots are required? We are planning for the EBC as a part of our 4-month around the world adventure, and want to be lean about our pack weight. Also, any suggestions of making reservations at those tea houses? Thanks!

[@HankLeukart]

Hi Jiayi! I'm so jealous that you're on an around-the-world trip -- I wish you guys had invited me! :) The shoes question is a tough one because it depends a lot on personal preference. I wore light Salomon hiking shoes for the trip -- the Salomon X Ultra Mid 3 GTX -- which combines the comfortable feel and light weight of trailrunners, but, like some hiking boots, has a mid-top height and fairly aggressive traction on the sole. For me, this is a good compromise (though these kind of shoes are not as durable and don't last as long as hiking boots). But Susan wore even lighter trailrunners for our trip and didn't seem to have a problem, though she was a bit less stable on snow. She'd also tell you that she prefers low-rise shoes, because some think it's important to strengthen your ankles, as opposed to depending on high-top shoes to provide ankle support. However, you will be hiking in snow, and this trip can get extremely cold at high altitudes, so some may find the traction on trailrunners to be lacking -- and they're also not as warm as a more substantial shoe. That's why my recommendation is the kind of trailrunner/boot hybrid I wore. But if your personal preference is trailrunners (especially due to weight), I think you'll do fine: just make sure they're big enough to accommodate super thick, warm socks! As for tea houses, Karma Sherpa made some reservations for us (though they had to be resorted a few times due to schedule changes), but I've also done the Everest Base Camp Trek with my brother without a guide, and we didn't make any reservations in advance. We had no problem showing up at tea houses and finding a spot. Most places have multiple options in case one is full. Let me know if you have any other questions!

[@nathf1980]

Hi Awesome film ! I’m doing the 3 passes early April 2019 . What down jacket was it you were wearing ? Struggling to know what fill power I should go for . Thanks in advance

[@WitcherDAD]

I did 7 treks on December in thin gore-tex with windstopper and 3 under layers , but you know I`m Polish :)

[@alejandroandresberman8781]

I'm planning to do this same trek next Sept 2023 after completing EBC back in 2019. Is it harder than EBC? Is it easy to follow the path after you leave the EBC trail? Thanks a lot! Greetings from Argentina! :- )

[@HankLeukart]

It's harder than EBC and a bit harder to follow but it's still doable. Make sure you are very aware of weather conditions before crossing the passes, because they can be dangerous and impassable in some conditions.

[@daljitsinghkhurl1789]

Congratulations ♥️ 👏 ♥️

[@HankLeukart]

thanks!

[@bsalrai5067]

Love from Nepal

[@TobyVisuals808]

Can I ask why you did the trail clockwise?

[@HankLeukart]

I think Karma Sherpa made that decision for us, but either way works.

[@sharondavidson4639]

Fabulous and very informative videos! What did your packs weigh roughly? Do you know?

[@HankLeukart]

+Sharon Davidson Glad you liked the video! I think our packs were in the 20 lbs. range. Mine may have been heavier because I was carrying a bunch of camera gear and batteries.

[@saangmoktantamang8986]

Thank you guys I from Nepal

[@WakilchandMahto-vf5jz]

Mi

[@kiruk.b5761]

Superior mountain🏔️🏔️☔🌲

[@HankLeukart]

yeah the scenery is incredible

[@faithwatkins8087]

What is the name of the trekking company you used? Did you book from stateside or Kathmandu?

[@HankLeukart]

The guide we hired, Karma Sherpa, is the managing director of Higher Path Treks: www.higherpathtreks.com

[@mcdaddy7317]

awesome vid

[@HankLeukart]

Thank you!!

[@airymind]

How difficult is the 3passes trek compare to JMT?

[@HankLeukart]

i'd say they're about the same level of difficulty but very different treks. three passes for me was 36,000 feet gain/15 days, and jmt was 50k feet gain/18 days. on jmt, you have to carry your own food+tent+stove, so your bag is MUCH heavier. on three passes, the elevation is much higher for a LOT longer (nearly the entire hike takes place at over 10,000 feet and you reach 18,000 feet). if you're very sensitive to altitude sickness you're going to have a harder time on three passes.

[@airymind]

@@HankLeukart Thank for quick reply it is a helpful advice.

[@vhuppi]

How is kongma ? I have not been there.

[@HankLeukart]

Totally beautiful. I think it may have been my favorite, though Gokyo is also incredible, so it's hard to compare.

[@wanderphil6878]

Hello Hank, I just wanna ask how much did you pay for the guide? Thanks😊

[@HankLeukart]

It's been awhile so I don't remember, but you can contact Karma Sherpa for a quote through his company here: www.higherpathtreks.com

[@wanderphil6878]

@@HankLeukart Thanks a lot 😊

[@alpinerambletreks5191]

an awesome blog

[@HankLeukart]

Thank you 😊

[@marcmanitou4182]

No wonder you were the guide's first customers out of 7 to complete the 3 passes trek, because you did it the wrong way. Going counter-clockwise means you acclimate better ascending slower, villages are more interesting, there are monasteries to visit, visiting ADBC helps acclimatisation also. Also all the passes are less steep on the east side making crossing faster and safer. It is dangerous to get up to 5300m (Renjo La) on day 7 already, and fast escape from Gokyo is not possible if AMS hits (except by helicopter if they can fly, not at night). You made it, yes, but many do not, and people have died also.

[@HankLeukart]

It's been awhile, but I think was the one who suggested doing our trip clockwise, because I had already done the EBC-only trek before (see my other video) and wanted to go in a different direction on the way up. We did side trips on the way up that made the climb plenty interesting, and I prefer to climb up steep stuff as opposed to walking down -- it's easier for me. And I think the views are considered to be better going clockwise. Regardless, I think both directions have their pros and cons, and I know there are many who prefer counter clockwise, which is a great way to do it too. And I agree that everyone should be very careful to make sure they acclimatize correctly.

[@thc6503]

Did u say 400,000 feet at 3:28 :v

[@HankLeukart]

Haha, yes, I was tired :)

[@manojrajbc3704]

Amazing 👌👌👌

[@HankLeukart]

Thanks, glad you liked it!!

[@BobKangol]

beautifully edited thanks for sharing! :)

[@HankLeukart]

Thanks, Bob!

[@kumararkan2740]

Nice video

[@HankLeukart]

thank you!

[@sharondavidson4639]

What time of year did you trek?

[@HankLeukart]

Late October and into November

[@maezoe477]

How many days did you do this trek?

[@HankLeukart]

Due to the weather concerns, we completed this trek in 15 days, which included visits to Kala Patthar and Ama Dablam Base Camp (not shown). Keep in mind that most people do this trip in 19-21 days.

[@barpakghalenepal2949]

Nice❤❤❤

[@HankLeukart]

thanks!

[@lucamagnanensi]

16:03 El Chaltèn? ehhehehehe

[@HankLeukart]

Haha, yeah, interesting name for a Gokyo teahouse!

[@seanh70]

Um, these planes don't ALWAYS crash. Very rarely.

[@HankLeukart]

True, I was being too hyperbolic. Whoops. :) However, Wikipedia lists 8 plane crashes at the Lukla airport since the year 2000, so I do stand by the assertion that this is very dangerous airport and flight, considering that there's a plane crash there almost every other year (!). en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tenzing-Hillary_Airport

[@Mountainpazz]

I really enjoyed your your video Hank! I’ve been doing some research on Nepal and you’ve inspired me. Coming from Florida the elevation will be an issue and need to find a way to acclimate ahead of time. If all goes well planning 2018. I will look for you on Instagram...mine is @pamhikez Looking forward to seeing your photos!

[@HankLeukart]

Hi, Pam! Thanks so much for the kind words. I hope you end up having a successful trip in Nepal. The altitude is tough for everyone, but if you take it slow while going up and adhere to correct acclimatization schedules, you'll likely be fine (though maybe a little cranky and tired).

[@pgurunglamxne]

❤🙏🏼🇳🇵

[@HankLeukart]

Glad you liked it!

[@yourfriendlyuser2946]

Amazing video 👍. But why do you keep talking about dying and not making it after every 5 minutes 😄

[@HankLeukart]

Haha, I was tired and cold a lot. :)

[@dennistedder3384]

Way too much white noise; music doesn't add anything. Dump the music; why does everyone have to have music. Muffle that mic. Good video.

[@anybleepinusername]

I agree. The music adds nothing to this video, it only takes away. The music also makes it hard to understand what the speakers were saying. On several occasions I had to jump back 10 seconds and listen a second time to try and understand what was being said. This problem may not be obvious to the video creator since he/she was presumably familiar with what was being said, but for a viewer on KZbin this can be a big problem. Aside from the music, this was a great video.

[@peterjuha549]

Hi Hank, thanks for this video,lot of work!!! nice you made it in 15days ;-) can you send me contact on Karma Sherpa? My friend is going to Nepal and I like this guy, can be nice to give him more work ;-) thank you!!! Best regards, Pete

[@HankLeukart]

Hi Peter! Thank you! Here's the link to Karma Sherpa's trekking guide company: www.higherpathtreks.com. You can also email: [e-mail]. Have fun!