08/05/2026
Hi.
Preparations for the Three High Passes Trek have entered a new phase.
For over 4 months, I have been toughening my body in the Scottish mountains, but I know the real test will come in September 2026.
In the Himalayas, I will face opponents I don’t encounter in Scotland: a severe lack of oxygen and an extreme high-altitude climate.
🧪 The Battle for Every Breath
At the altitudes I must conquer – especially on Kongma La (5,535m) – the oxygen level drops to about 50% of what we have here in Inverness.
Every step is an effort comparable to sprinting up to the 10th floor of a building.
The body works at 200% of its normal capacity, and the blood thickens to transport what little energy remains to the muscles.
This is exactly why I train with a weighted pack – I must condition my lungs to work in an oxygen deficit.
❄️ Conditions That Do Not Forgive
The Himalayas are not just about height; they are a weather system that changes in minutes:
Deadly Cold: Even in September, temperatures on the passes can drop to -15°C, and gusty winds make the "feels like" temperature significantly lower.
Treacherous Ice: On the technical Cho La (5,420m) pass, I will have to cross a glacier. Here, any mistake can lead to a dangerous fall, which is why I am currently honing my conditioning and balance.
Harsh Sun and Sudden Blizzards: UV exposure is massive there, and in an instant, a clear blue sky can turn into a blinding white wall of snow.
🎗️ Why am I doing this?
This expedition is not just a battle against thin air, freezing cold, and my own weaknesses across three passes above 5,000 meters. It is a tribute to my Parents.
Both fought the toughest battle imaginable – the battle against cancer. I witnessed their suffering and the incredible strength they showed every single day. Sadly, cancer took them both after a long and difficult struggle. This expedition is dedicated to their memory.
The timing is not a coincidence.
I am setting off in September because September 22nd, 2026, will mark the 10th anniversary of my Mother’s passing. I want to be there at that time, close to the heavens on the roof of the world, to honor her memory and show that the fight they fought has not been forgotten.
Every heavy breath on the trail and every frozen finger has a purpose. I want to raise £5,535 for Macmillan Cancer Support.
This amount symbolizes the altitude of the highest point of my journey. Fighting cancer is the hardest mountain in the world – I want to help those who have to climb it every day.
Join my mission and support the cause:
👉 https://www.justgiving.com/page/lukasz-netkowski-1...
Every share of this post is like an extra dose of oxygen for me on the trail! Thank you! 🏴🇳🇵
