Three Passes + Three Hills Trek, Nepal

[frenchy_84]

Myself and a couple of mates have just got back from spending 4 weeks in Nepal, where we completed the 3 Passes Trek in the Sagarmatha NP. It was completely different to tassie walking yet it was an amazing trip. I really have Nick S to thank for the inspiration for the trip, leading up to summer my mates and I couldnt decide on which Tas walk to do and then Nick posted his trip report on the 3 passes and so I thought why on earth are we arguing about WA's vs Spires when we could be doing this, and finally we agreed.
I wont go over the details to much as we basically followed the same itinerary as Nick. Highlights for me were the acclimatisation circuit around Namche, Chukkung Ri, watching the sun rise over Mt Everest from Kala Pattar, and the last few days from Dzongola to Namche particularly Renjo La.

Attachments

Sunrise from Tingboche

Ama Dablam

Ama Dablam looks completely different from other angles

Looking back down the valley from Dingboche after overnight snow

Ama Dablam from further up the valley at Chukkung

[frenchy_84]

Next series of photos

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Panorama from half way up Chukkung Ri

Panorama from the top, with Lohtse south face, Makalu and Ama Dablam

The view looking back from halfway up Kongma La

About to cross the Khumbu glacier, all the valley glaciers are covered in rubble and very ugly. Reminded me of surveying a mine stockpile...

The view down the Khumbu valley after the sunrise

Last edited by frenchy_84 on Wed 08 May, 2013 8:12 pm, edited 1 time in total.

[frenchy_84]

The altitude made the physical exertion difficult, but after Kongma La, I didnt have any more headaches or notice any altitude sickness. We had acclimatisation days in Namche, Dingboche and Chukkung, I had slight headaches at Chukkung and felt absolutely rubbish on top of Kongma La but after that I felt fine. One member of the group had a cold in Chukkung, and was never able to get over it and it ruined his acclimatisation so he really struggled over the 3 passes until we dropped elevation near Thame.

Attachments

Kala Pattar

Cholatse

Looking up towards Cho La pass

Panorama from Gokyo Ri, this was the first day we could see Cho Oyu

The view from half way up Renjo La

Last edited by frenchy_84 on Wed 08 May, 2013 8:36 pm, edited 2 times in total.

[Davo1]

WoW!!!!!

Great pics, thanks.

[biggbird]

Awesome shots mate, especially that of Cholatse! Was a great mountain that one. Looks like you guys had quite different conditions to us, a heck of a lot more snow!

Had been looking forward to these shots for a while, definitely not disappointed

[frenchy_84]

Glad you like them.
Here is a light hearted trip report from a lone ranger we picked up on the trail. With plenty of Rafael Nadal jokes.
http://rantingpikey.blogspot.com.au/201 ... -camp.html

[stepbystep]

*&%$#! fabulous mate!!

Thanks for posting

[doogs]

Amazing and inspiring photos Frenchy I hope to get to Nepal one day! I certainly think you made the correct decision on where to go for your summer trip

[north-north-west]

The light in that first shot is superb.
Lucky *&%$#!. Must be nice to have money . . .

[frenchy_84]

The light in that first shot is superb.

The quality has deteriated in a series of resized jpeg exports but it does have potential.

Must be nice to have money . . .

There has to be some reason to live in Mackay

[Nuts]

Screen Shot 2013-05-15 at 6.26.19 AM.png (19.89 KiB) Viewed 14995 times

Haha, would never have guessed.

Nice report Frenchy, Great set of Photos.

[north-north-west]

Must be nice to have money . . .

There has to be some reason to live in Mackay

I'd rather be poor and live in Tassie. Still, at least you aren't in Rockhampton .

[Nick S]

Glorious mountains! That one of the sunlight hitting Ama dablam? is very nice. So much more snow around than when I was there. Did you need to use crampons at all over any passes?
Thanks for the mention Frenchy, nice to know my report was some inspiration for the trip. Your pics make me want to plan a return! Definitely one day, but a few other places first..

[tibboh]

Such an awesome landscape kind of leaves me speechless