I have a question for those that have done the three passes EBC trek, and who've also done the huayhuash trek (supported). which is more difficult overall if we ignore the fact that the three passes takes twice as long.. just in terms of harder terrain, acclimatizing to altitude, cold, comfort, bigger days, etc..?

We have two kids who will be 9 and 11 next year, they've hiked and backpacked all over the rockies, the alps, patagonia, etc.. so they're fit and keen hikers/scramblers, but have never really done much hiking above 3500m and never slept higher than 3000m. so we don't really know how they'll react to altitude.

We want to do one trip in 2020 and assuming it goes well, the other one in 2021. Just wondering what would be the best order to do them if there's a pretty clear "easier" of the two? thanks!

Huayhuash is harder and more strenuous since you cross at least one pass per day.

thanks, did you do it with donkeys?

marving wrote:thanks, did you do it with donkeys?

For the Huayhuash, yes. The donkeys take a different (longer) route on some days since a few passes are too steep for them. Here is our report if you are interested:

https://www.summitpost.org/the-spectacu ... sh/1012136

Here is our trip to EBC if you want to compare photos and experiences:

https://www.summitpost.org/a-return-to- ... aya/838418

Note that since we went in winter and since we had a porter with altitude sickness we did not cross the passes though.

Still, the Huayhuash is definitely harder since there are a lot more passes to cross (though it's still not that tough).

The EBC trek itself (minus the three passes) is gentle in comparison, but you will be crossing Three Passes on the Three Passes trek, which will of course be the most strenuous part.

Both are worthy treks.

If you have at least a month, I would choose Nepal. If you have less than a month, I would choose Peru.

thanks! so guess we'll do three passes first and huayhuash another year. and i guess on the three passes trek, if the first trek doesn't go well, we can always avoid the next two and take the long way around.. which isn't possible on huayhuash