Two High Passes Trek via EBC (Chola and Renjo La)

Challenges of Reaching Both Passes

Locations at High Altitude: Each of those passes is above 5000m (16400ft). Each is significant concerning proper acclimatization to stay ahead of altitude sickness. Slow ascents and resting days for the body to adjust to altitude are most crucial.

Steepness: Both trails going to Chola La and Renjo La are rocky, steep, and treacherous, especially when the weather turns sour (snow and ice or rain).

Stamina: Negotiation of rugged terrain at high altitude while carrying one's equipment demands stamina. Some form of aerobic activity and walking with loads must be done as a regular practice in the lead-up to this trek.

Weather: In the Himalayas, the weather changes with a mind of its own. Thus, you have to be equipped to deal with the biting cold, snow, and whipping wind on top. Warm clothes and gear are a must.

Is this trek for beginners?

The Two High Passes Trek via Everest Base Camp is not an easy trek accessible to a beginner. It is perhaps one of the toughest treks one can come across. It needs a good amount of physical fitness, altitude experience, and above all, mental fortitude because of the difficult terrain and high passes-high altitudes at which the passes are set (Chola La and Renjo La).

The trekking route consists of great ascents and descents, wherein the weather plays havoc in uncertainty, and passing the time above 5000m (16400 feet) where the risk of altitude sickness increases will have trekkers almost at their maximum possible limits. More formally, this trek is more suitable for trekkers having previous hiking or trekking proficiency, especially in high-altitude settings.

For all those beginning with trekking, Nepal has introductory treks such as the Everest Base Camp Trek and Annapurna Base Camp Trek that are considerably shorter and nondemanding but give good acclimatizing. However, should a beginner decide to undertake this trek, then adequate training several months ahead of the event should be done, together with preparation for high-altitude acclimatization, and preferably with a trekking guide who is well experienced.

Best Time to Trek

Two High Passes Trek through Everest Base Camp (EBC) is best undertaken during the pre-monsoon (spring) and post-monsoon (autumn) seasons, which have the most favorable weather, clear skies, and moderate temperatures for a safe and pleasant trek.

Spring (March-May)

Trekking in the Everest region is most lively during this season. Fairly moderate temperatures and generally clear skies allow amazing views of the Himalayan peaks. This season's weather has become quite extreme; snowstorm occurrences have minimal chances of happening. Despite its potential for very cold temperatures at high altitudes at night, it is spring, and then comes the blooming of wildflowers, which depicts this part of the world at its best. 

Autumn (September-November)

Another trekking season in this part of the world worth mentioning is intrinsically autumn. This refers to situations where conditions remain stable and where, as it turned out, pristine air offered fantastic outlooks of Everest, Lhotse, and all of its other higher peers. Daytime temperatures are pleasant, while nights can take that chilly bite at high altitudes. In superior cases, trekking trails are less busy during fall because most trekkers choose to go during this period, normally for the fantastic conditions and lower chances of rain.

Don't Even Think About Monsoon (June to August)

For this trek, the monsoon(June-August) season should be avoided because of heavy rainfall across this region, making it slippery with several landslide occurrences on their trail. The clouds and fog also tend to drop visibility, and altitude sickness risks rise. Furthermore, a lot of muck may cover many elevations on the trekking trail, making it more difficult to walk.

Winter (December to February)

The winter season is not suitable for the trek because of extreme cold temperatures at high altitudes. The passes become dangerous with snow, and some routes might be obstructed, while the fewer trekkers on the trail do make for possible solitude, unlovely cold, and harsh conditions amenable to a dangerous trek.

Physical Fitness Preparation

This trek is physically challenging, and on this basis focused training should be followed for endurance, strength, and stamina to prepare well for this strenuous activity. Build up that heart as the trek has to walk for long hours strenuously, especially when it comes to high altitudes. 

Regular cardiovascular workouts using machines such as running, cycling, or swimming should be practiced as well to build that strong heart. Aim for 45-60 minutes per workout before progressing to a few days per week. Strength training will cover the legs, core, and upper body to assist in climbing steep ascents and carrying your backpack. Spend 2-3 days a week on these exercises: squat, lunge, plank, push-up, etc. 

Important too is hill training or stair climbing to practice the elevation gain, so practice walking or running up hills with a loaded pack either way. Carrying a pack will help as it packs long durations that cannot be avoided along an increasing gradient. It is important to have stretching and yoga sessions in your regimen for mobility and recuperation, which are equally important in their failure to become injured. If the trek is to be undertaken at such a height, altitude training should, if possible, help the body acclimatize to the lower oxygen levels available. 

Finally, it is indeed necessary to prepare mentally since trekking involves both physical and mental tests. Train hard for those times when you will be challenged at trekking to endure at least some discomfort. Visualization of the outcome will motivate you not to quit. Start training about 8-12 weeks before the trek and gradually increase the distance and difficulty to be in shape for the challenges of the Two High Passes Trek.

Permits and Documents

• You might just need the Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit that allows entry into the Sagarmatha National Park where Mount Everest lies. Foreign nationals should pay the fee which is usually NPR 3,000. You can get this permit from Kathmandu or at the park entrance in Monjo that comes just before Namche Bazaar.
• TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System) Card: This card is needed by all trekkers in Nepal and also records the movements of trekkers for safety, regulation, and other officials. It costs around NPR 2,000 for individual trekkers and NPR 1,000 for group trekkers. You can collect your TIMS card from the Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu. 
• Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit: The permit applies specifically to the Khumbu area. Trekking beyond Monjo, high passes will be accessible with this permit. Dig deep into your pocket because it costs you an approximate NPR 2,000. This permit is normally included in trekking packages, but it can also be obtained in Lukla or at the entrance to the region.
• Passport: A valid passport (at least 6 months of validity) is required for entry into Nepal and indeed the issuance of the said permits. Keep the original and photocopies of the passport with you for safety, because that will be good. 
• Travel Insurance: This is usually not a permit but is required by trekkers. The cover should include the possible needs in terms of medical emergencies altitude sickness, and evacuation purposes by helicopter, which is quite the norm for Everest treks.

Normally these permits will be processed beforehand through a trekking agency based in Kathmandu or may be acquired directly from the respective office. Carry these permits as they will be required at several checkposts along the trek, which include Monjo, Namche Bazaar, and within the Everest region.

Accommodation and Food during the Trek

Accommodation

The accommodation can be found for the Two High Passes Trek via the Everest Base Camp (EBC) in tea houses and lodges along the trekking route. These are relatively simple shelters for trekkers. While they are less comfortable than the tea houses lower down in Lukla, Namche Bazaar, and Tengboche, such as rooms with twin beds, warm blankets, and shared bathrooms, they can be enjoyed. 

Additional facilities at such elevations may include hot shower facilities, Wi-Fi, and electricity, although there may sometimes be inconsistencies in connectivity. While at the mid altitudes Dingboche, Lobuche, and Gokyo, the lodgings are more basic with simple room furnishings and few, if any, facilities attached. You may have access to hot shower installations, but these are sometimes in themselves chargeable. At the highest points of the trek, such as Chola La, Renjo La, and Everest Base Camp, accommodation is very basic. Rooms may have only one bed and blanket, a shared bathroom at best, with little heating or insulation. Despite the simplicity, tea houses provide a refuge after long, tiring days of trekking and are well worth their reputation. Sharing a meal in a communal area with others can be one of the few comforts at the end of a long day.

Food

The Two High Passes trek offers sustenance from tea houses and lodges, presenting the trekkers with options for refueling. Down below, various choices of great Nepali, Western, and international foods to satisfy appetite are found: a heavy breakfast of pancakes, eggs, toast, porridge, or muesli to drink along with tea, coffee, or hot chocolate. Lunch and dinner offer several filling options: dal bhat (a lentil soup served with rice), momo (dumplings), fried rice, noodles, and pizza. 

Higher up, food becomes rather scarce, with most provided being simple and energy-giving to help one along those physically demanding days. So the further up you go, the more basic the meals will be, but still quite suitable for giving energy for the walk ahead the next day. Energy bars, chocolates, biscuits, and dried fruits for snacks are easily available around for any quick bites offered to keep you up in between the meals along the trail. Hot drinks, from various teas and coffees to soups, are there waiting for you to warm up your spirit, especially in the chilly altitudes.

Cultural Etiquette

The Two High Passes trek via Everest Base Camp (EBC) offers trekkers a glorious experience through the rich Khumbu region of the Sherpa people. One has to understand and respect local customs and culture to have meaningful and good interactions with people and for a good trekking experience. Here are some top cultural etiquette considerations that can be very useful while trekking:

Respect the Traditions and Customs of the Local People 

The Sherpa are identified as a clan that resorts to Buddhism; hence all their practices were somewhat associated with their religion. Walking in a clockwise direction as one moves past sacred places like monasteries and prayer flags is also an important practice. When visiting or entering a religious site, remove your shoes and try to keep silent. Greet locals with a friendly "Namaste" as a sign of respect.

Dress Comfortably

Dressing modestly and practically for the trek is important. All the more so, when entering sacred places, shoulders and knees should be covered. Clothes in that area tend to be a conservative norm, and by that mark itself, people will have undertaken a step towards goodwill.

Respect Local People and Their Space

Do the same for local folks, porters, and yak's residents. As with narrow trails or a busy village, step off to the side and let them pass. Because they're a major part of local life, you should give them space to move freely.

Politeness in Language 

A little simple Nepali, such as "Namaste" (hello), "Dhanyabad" (thank you), and "Pheri Bhetaunla" (see you again), shows respect just a little for the culture. English is pretty well-spoken, but you might want to learn a few words of Nepali; the locals will surely appreciate that. 

Tipping Etiquette 

In Nepal, tipping guides, porters, and tea house staff are generally accepted practices. While it is not mandatory, tipping has come to be seen as a means by which patrons can express their gratitude for the service rendered. In general, tipping occurs after services have been rendered and varies according to the customer's level of satisfaction.

Packing List

Here is a packing list with everything that will be necessary for a Two High Passes Trek via EBC, from the most essential gear to the petty things that will ensure a successful and comfortable trek.

Clothing

• Trekking Boots 
• Gaiters 
• Socks 
• Base Layer 
• Fleece Jacket 
• Down Jacket 
• Waterproof Jacket & Pants 
• Thermal Gloves 
• Hat 
• Sun Hat 
• Scarf or Buff 
• Trekking Pants 
• Down or Insulated Jacket 
• Clothing for Camp 
• Underwear 

Sleeping Gear

• Sleeping Bag 
• Sleeping Liner 
• Pillow Case 

Backpacking Gear

• Backpack 
• Waterproof Backpack Cover
• Sleeping Pad 
• Water Bottles 
• Water Purification Tablets 
• Hydration Bladder 

Health and Hygiene

• Personal Medications 
• First Aid Kit 
• Hand Sanitizer and Wet Wipes
• Toothbrush and Toothpaste
• Toilet Paper 
• Towel 
• Sunscreen 
• Lip Balm 
• Nasal Spray 

Electronics

• Camera 
• Smartphone 
• Headlamp 
• Chargers 
• Power Bank 
• Adapter 

Food and Snacks

• Energy Bars 
• Nuts and Dried Fruits
• Chocolate Bars
• Electrolyte Tablets 
• Instant Soup or Noodles 

Essential Documents

• Passport 
• Nepal Visa 
• Permits (TIMS Card, Sagarmatha National Park Permit, Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit)
• Travel Insurance
• Photocopies of important documents 

Miscellaneous

• Trekking Poles 
• Sunglasses
• Personal Locks 
• Snacks 
• Notebook 
• Travel Insurance Details 
• Cash 
• Ziplock Bags 
• Plastic Bags