Doing three passes trek, starting in Jiri Feb 6th. Some advice...

1. Rather than hire guides for the whole trip, is it possible to just hire them when we arrive at the last village before each pass? (on 3 seperate occasions)

=== Almost impossible.

1. The same question but regarding crampons and ice axes?
   === better to have your ice axe.. but not really need crampons

2. If we arrive in Namche Bazaar, snow everywhere, and decide we need a guide for the whole thing, do you think we could get one just for a loop starting and finishing at Namche Bazar?

===> guide is not really possible taking from Namche Bazar but porter from Lukla is possible.

1. -10 or -20 sleeping bag?
   That is fine but don't forgot to take your inner of sleeping bag

2. Which pass is most likely to be open?
   Idea is just take recent position from local tea houses where you are going to be. Normally it depend on current weather condition. do really take care of condition

3. I'm thinking if some of the passes are shut we can backtrack and head up the next valley, if we did this because, say 2 of the passes were shut, how many extra days would it add on? (we have loads of time so its not a problem, but just wondering)

Khumjung, Khungde are again nice valley to add in your itinerary other valley it will be included in your program

Hi adocat

1. I have not tried this but the odds do seem long. Although the spring season does not really start for a few weeks there will be others on the trail with guides so it might be possible to fall in step with trekkers who have a guide.

2. Most people cross the passes without an axe and crampons, many of them use poles for stability.

3. It might be possible to hire a guide at Namche but a better chance at Lukla. There are possible issues around licenses, insurance etc.

4. Lots of variables but the -10C might suffice augmented with base layers, if you 'feel the cold' take the -20C.

5. & 6. Don't know.

6. I have a pair of Kahtoola microspikes (not used in Nepal) but they do give extra grip and confidence on snow and ice covered hills (though not tested on steep slopes with deep snow). They definitely llow an increased pace in the right conditions.

If you don't get too many more replies consoder re-posting on the Nepal branch.

Enjoy the trek.

scoodly

Unless you know how to use an ice axe and crampons well, I would not bring them for this trek. Most people do fine with trekking poles. If you really need an ice axe and crampons, you probably shouldn't be going over the pass unless you really have the skills. Often, these tools give people over confidence and they really don't have the skills to use them properly, and then can end up in a very bad situation or accident.

In February, I would hire a guide do this entire trek, and I would hire a guide from Kathmandu. I agree with the posters above, it will be difficult to find a reliable guide in the last village before each pass. Further, you are trekking during the winter. There can be snow, drifting snow, and blizzard conditions above Namche, so I'd trek with someone that knows the route. There won't be as many tea houses open, and if you mess up, the consequences can be serious.

You must be flexible in your itinerary, depending on conditions.

Thanks for all your replies guys, we'll take it all on board. I guess it's either take a guide for the whole thing or be prepared for varies changes of itinerary. Hmm...

I'll try and post some info about current conditions etc when we're done incase its of use to anyone.

I've been there end of December. A -10°C sleeping bag is more than sufficient, anyway lodges have blankets that you can use to top of it.
Cho La is the most difficult pass. Renjo La and Kongma La are rather easy, but snow or ice can make them difficult or impossible. In particular patches of sheer ice can be a serious problem. A local guide will not be of much help in such bad conditions.

Hi, if you want a reliable guide to start from Namche, get in touch on PM and i'll direct you to a guy that is a good guide, a good guy and Namche native that might agree to take the job on short notice.

Moshe