Everest Three Passes Trek

On your arrival at TIA, Kathmandu, you will be received by a representative who will have a name card. On clearing immigration and claiming your bags, you will be escorted to the airport exit where the vibrant environment of Nepal welcomes you right away.   

From the airport, a brief ride will take you along the busy streets of Kathmandu to your hotel. The ride is your first genuine impressions of the capital: whirling markets, temples wedged between modern buildings and a mix of history and daily life on the streets. Depending on when you arrive, you will get some time to relax at your hotel or take a walk around to see the area.

Lukla Elevation: 2,840 m / 9,318 ft.
Phakding Elevation: 2,610 m / 8,563 ft.
Flight Duration: 35-40 minutes 
Treking Distance: 8 km
Trekking Duration: 3-4 hours 

The day begins early with a drive to Tribhuvan Airport to board your flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. This is among the world’s most adrenaline-pumping flights. In the course of the flight, you have the fleeting views of Himalayan snow capped peaks to the horizon.

When the plane lands on the very narrow airstrip of Tenzing Hillary Airport (Lukla Airport), which clings to the side of a hill, you will have the initial thrill of adventure. After meeting your porters and organizing gear, there is time for a light breakfast and final preparations before hitting the trail.

Your hike actually begins as you leave Lukla and follow along the Dudh Koshi River valley. The hike to Phakding is relatively gentle as you pass through charming Sherpa villages, mani stones with Buddhist mantras carved into them, prayer flags flapping in the breeze and suspension bridges hanging high above the river. 

The landscape is green with foliage and the air is fresh and crisp. At Phakding, you will be residing in a teahouse where you can relax, enjoy a hot meal and begin to acclimatize with the mountain atmosphere. 

Namche Bazaar Elevation: 3,440 m.
Trekking Distance: 10-11 km.
Trekking Duration: 5-6 hours

Leaving Phakding behind, your route continues along the popular trail of the Dudh Koshi River valley, gradually climbing as you move toward Namche Bazaar. The trail passes through several quaint Sherpa villages, such as Monjo, where permits are checked at the Sagarmatha National Park entrance gate. It then continues to Jorsalle, a small village nestled among pine forests and rhododendron groves. Following the Everest 3 Passes Trek map, we will move forward. 

Along the way, you cross on a series of thrilling suspension bridges spanning the shimmering rivers below. One of them is the fabled Hillary Suspension Bridge with a stunning sight when you gaze down into the enormous river gorge.

As you ascend dense forests gradually give way to expansive views of huge mountains like Thamserku and Kwangde. After some time, you reach Namche Bazaar, the bustling Sherpa town. Colorful bazaars, cafes and lodges create a pulsating contrast with the remote and serene mountain terrain. This bustling town is a relief resting ground before moving further into the Everest region.

We are on day 5 of the 3 Passes Trek Nepal itinerary. You require a rest day in Namche Bazaar for acclimatizing your body to higher altitudes. Break in the trek will allow you to rest, recharge and prepare for more difficult sections of the trip that lie in front of you.

You can spend the day exploring crowded bazaars, browsing local coffee shops and taking vistas of the Himalayan mountains from various viewing points around the town. Fresh mountain air and lively Sherpa culture make for a nice place in which to rest your body and rejuvenate your mind.

To further aid acclimatization, a popular outing is a brief walk from Namche to the nearby village of Khumjung at roughly 3,780 meters. This gentle stroll will take 2–3 hours round trip and passes through terrace fields and woodland cover with even more stunning mountain vistas en route. 

In Khumjung, you will be able to tour the village monastery, which is famous for having a yeti scalp and observe typical Sherpa village life. Returning to Namche by the afternoon, you will be better acclimatized and ready to continue your Everest experience.

Tengboche Elevation: 3,860 m.
Trekking Distance: 6-7 km.
Trekking Duration: 5-6 hours

Namche Bazaar to Tengboche trek is the most scenic and spiritually rewarding part of the Everest Base Camp trail. Leaving behind the bustling market town of Namche the trail meanders across the mountainside with captivating views of Ama Dablam, Everest, Lhotse and Thamserku.

Moving forward, you will gradually drop down through pine and rhododendron forests. The route takes you through small Sherpa villages like Sanasa and Phunki Tenga. A short halt by the Dudh Koshi River flowing alongside these charming villages is a welcome break before the trail climbs steeply to Tengboche. Mani stones and prayer flags along the way remind you of the deep spiritual traditions that underlie the Khumbu area.

Eventually, you will arrive at Tengboche which is home to the popular Tengboche Monastery, the biggest and most noteworthy in the Everest region. The monastery, with incredible backdrop of Ama Dablam, is an ideal place to meditate, reflect or observe the daily prayers of local monks.

Tengboche is a viewpoint and a peaceful retreat that nicely balances the day’s steep climb. You will overnight in a local teahouse, unwinding and enjoying the tranquil ambiance.

Dingboche Elevation: 4,410 m.
Trekking Distance: 9-10 km.
Trekking Duration: 5-6 hours

We will depart Tengboche after a hearty morning breakfast. Then, we will follow the trail that passes along woodland paths before climbing gently into the higher zones. Pangboche is a quaint hamlet along the way where you can visit ancient monasteries and observe traditional stone houses nestled among terraced fields. 

As you ascend higher, the scenery of the lofty peaks such as Ama Dablam, Island Peak (Imja Tse) and Lhotse becomes prominent. The Everest Three Passes Trek map​ leads us through the trails. The atmosphere gets thinner and flora diminishes as a marking of your entrance into the rough high altitude environment of the Everest area.

Continuing further, you will arrive at Dingboche, a mountain village renowned for its peaceful valley setting and stunning views of the surrounding peaks. You can unwind and explore the vicinity with walks to viewpoints which treat you to the marvelous views of Ama Dablam and its adjoining mountains. There are several teahouses in the village where you will get warm food and cozy surroundings to refuel and prepare for the journey ahead.

Chhukung Elevation: 4,730 meters
Trekking Distance: 5-6 kilometers
Trekking Duration: 2-3 hours

The ascent from Dingboche to Chhukung is gradual and moderate through the stark alpine landscape of the high Imja Valley. As you leave Dingboche behind, the valley widens out and sweeping yak grazing fields and rolling hills replace the lower trail’s terraces and densely populated villages. 

The air is thinner, the skies clear more regularly and the silence of the high Himalayas is more profound. The route ascends slowly, thereby giving you an ideal place to acclimatize as you climb progressively without steep slope exhaustion. All around, you are presented with breathtaking views of mountains like Ama Dablam, Lhotse and Island Peak.

Finally, you will arrive at the small, windswept settlement of Chhukung beneath the towering faces of Lhotse and the Imja Glacier. This high altitude settlement is quiet and remote with a handful of teahouses offering warm meals and shelter. 

Chhukung is often used as a base for climbers heading to Island Peak or trekkers preparing for the Kongma La Pass. The latter one is what we are doing. Time permitting, you can take a rewarding side excursion to Chhukung Ri, a close by ridge with stunning vistas over the valley. 

Lobuche Elevation: 4,910 m.
Kongma La Pass Elevation: 5,535 m.
Trekking Distance: 11-12 km.
Trekking Duration: 8-9 hours

Chhukung to Lobuche via the Kongma La Pass is one of the toughest and rewarding trail sections of the Everest region. It gives you the sheer sense of remoteness and high altitude exposure. Early morning, you will ascend step by step through glacial moraines and rocky terrain.

Eventually, you will reach the base of Kongma La, the tallest and most challenging of the three major passes in the Khumbu. The climb is steep and demanding, especially in thin air but the brilliant views are worth it. A 360 degree panorama of mountains like Lhotse, Makalu, Ama Dablam and the vast sweep of the Khumbu Glacier thousands of feet below makes you feel like you have entered into a dream world.

As you come down off the pass, you will drop down towards the glacial valley and ultimately rejoin the main Everest Base Camp trail in Lobuche. The ground beneath your feet may be rough, loose boulders and icy patches depending on the season, so tread carefully. The day is long and demanding but highly rewarding with raw Himalayan views, solitude and one of the most iconic high-altitude traverses in the Khumbu.

Gorakshep Elevation: 5,170 m / 16,962 ft.
Everest Base Camp Elevation: 5,364 m / 17,598 ft.
Trekking Distance: 9-10 km.
Trekking Duration: 7-8 hours

The trek to Everest Base Camp is one of the most highly appreciated and memorable days of the whole trek. The walk begins with an easy stroll on a boulder covered trail that meanders between glacial moraines and along the edge of the Khumbu Glacier. The Himalayan giants like Pumori, Lingtren and Nuptse loom overhead on the skyline. 

Within some 2 to 3 hours, you reach Gorakshep. It is the final village before you head toward Base Camp.

From Gorakshep, the route goes up the jagged moraine of the Khumbu Glacier, gradually ascending to Everest Base Camp. Not steep but high altitude and rocky terrain make this section difficult to cover. 

Upon reaching Base Camp, you will stand at the foot of the world’s loftiest mountain, encircled by colorful prayer flags, tents during climbing season and massive walls of ice from the Khumbu Icefall. 

After soaking in the atmosphere and taking a few snaps, you will return to Gorakshep for the night. This untamed area, a former base camp, is now an overnight spot where you drop your packs, enjoy a hot meal and acclimatize for the final push.

Kala Patthar Elevation: 5,545 m / 18,192 ft.
Dzongla Elevation: 4,830 m / 15,846 ft.
Hike Distance: 13 km.
Hike Duration: 6-7 hours

You will begin the dawn hike from Gorakshep to Kala Patthar. It is one of the most spectacular and renowned vantage points in the Everest region. The ascent is steep and challenging, especially in the thin, cold air and rugged ground. But the sunrise over the Himalayas from the top is something surreal and unforgettable. 

As the sun’s first golden rays touch the summits you will have the mesmerizing sight of Everest, Nuptse, Pumori, Lhotse and more glinting in the radiance of daybreak. Kala Patthar offers the best close-up view of Everest’s summit that you cannot even achieve from Base Camp itself, so this is a treat of the entire trek.

After having absorbed the views and trekking back down to Gorakshep for breakfast, you will continue with a long but rewarding trek down the valley and west towards Dzongla.

The path diverges from the standard Everest Base Camp trek. The onward path is a more isolated and less-trodden with ethereal views of the Khumbu Glacier, Cholatse and Taboche. The terrain changes from glacial rocks to alpine pastures and the pace slows as you head down. 

At Dzongla, a small, scenic village under huge cliffs, you stay overnight prior to the challenging Cho La Pass the following day.

Cho La Pass Elevation: 5,368 m / 17,612 ft.
Gokyo Lake Elevation: 4,790 m / 15,715 ft.
Trek Distance: 10-11 km.
Trek Duration: 7-8 hours

It is an early start with a steep climb from Dzongla over rocky terrain, icy stretches and snowy grounds towards the Cho La Pass. The ascent up to the pass is challenging and requires caution, especially the glacier near the summit. 

But the reward is huge because from the top of Cho La, you can look out in wonder at the extensive panoramas of towering mountain peaks like Cholatse, Ama Dablam and Baruntse and massive glaciers stretching across the upper Himalayas.

Once you come down the pass, the route drifts gently onto a glacier to the base of the valley. Afterward, the path meets up with the Ngozumpa Glacier, the longest in the Himalayas. You will make your way through this rugged area before you come to the serene beauty of the Gokyo Valley where a chain of greenish-blue lakes sparkle at high altitude.

Gokyo village, which is situated along the third and largest lake, is a peaceful and lovely place to relax. With its clear glacial water, reflecting images of Cho Oyu and fewer trekkers than the Everest Base Camp trail, Gokyo offers an otherworldly high-altitude haven well worth the effort of the pass.

Gokyo Ri Elevation: 5,357 m / 17,575 ft.
Trekking Distance: 6 km.
Trekking Duration: 4-5 hours

After several days of trekking at high altitudes, Gokyo is the ideal place to relax and restore. Lying next to the turquoise waters of the third Gokyo Lake, this peaceful village is surrounded by giant mountains and glacier-fed water bodies. 

You can spend the day lazing in a teahouse, strolling along the shores of the lake, or simply soaking up the peace of this wilderness area. It’s an important acclimatization day before ascending towards higher terrain, i.e., the Renjo La Pass.

If the skies are clear and your energy is high, an early morning hike to Gokyo Ri is a rewarding optional adventure. The ascent is well worth the effort, as the top provides one of the most striking panoramas in the entire Khumbu region. The four of the world’s highest peaks: Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyu majestically stand before your eyes. 

You will also see the enormous Ngozumpa Glacier and the wide spanning hidden Gokyo Valley. On your way down, you can relax or go to the nearby lakes for the rest of the day before preparing for the next leg of your trek.

Lungden Elevation: 4,380 m / 14,370 ft.
Renjo La Pass Elevation: 5,360 m / 17,585 ft.
Trekking Distance: 13 km.
Trekking Duration: 7-8 hours

Today’s part of the hike is challenging as well as incredibly rewarding along the scenic and off-the-beaten sections of the Everest region. In the early morning, the trek ascends steadily towards the Renjo La Pass, the final one of the three high passes of the Khumbu. 

According to the Three Passes Trek map, the climb is steep and potentially snow-covered but the dramatic alpine views and sense of isolation make it unforgettable. From the top of the pass, you are treated to an eye-popping vista of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyu, set against shimmering turquoise lakes of Gokyo below.

From Renjo La, the route goes downhill through outcrops of boulders and grassy slopes to peaceful Bhote Koshi Valley. You ultimately reach Lungden after a long hour of downhill walk, which is a peaceful village surrounded by snow-capped ridges. It is a peaceful overnight stay with basic teahouses where you can relax and look back on the trek till now.

Namche Bazaar Elevation: 3,440 m / 11,286 ft
Trekking Distance: 18-19 km.
Trekking Duration: 6-7 hours

After a quiet overnight halt at Lungden, the trail resumes its gentle downward journey once again to the vibrant heart of the Khumbu, the beautiful village of Namche Bazaar. 

On the way, it passes through picturesque Sherpa settlements such as Marlung and Thame. Thame is a historic village with a monastery and also the home of some famous mountaineers such as Tenzing Norgay. 

The downhill is scenic and a gentle one with hillside terraced landscape, wind-blown prayer flags and distant snow-covered summits. It is a chance to observe the day-to-day life of the villagers on a track less traveled by tourists. 

As you descend, the trail merges into the Everest main trail and takes you back to the bustle of life in Namche Bazaar. After days of high-altitude solitude and traversing jagged high passes, back to Namche is like a warm hug full of hot meals, comfortable lodges and even bakeries or cyber cafes. 

It is the perfect place to rest, recover and reflect on the incredible high altitude adventures you have had before the final descent to Lukla.

Lukla Elevation: 2,840 m.
Trekking Distance: 18-19 km.
Trekking Duration: 7-8 hours

The final trekking day begins as you leave Namche Bazaar on the same long, winding trail down through pine groves, suspension bridges and familiar villages. While much of the trip is downhill, the path can be tough on the knees and requires sure-footedness, especially on the stone steps down to the Dudh Koshi River.

You will pass through Jorsalle, Monjo and Phakding where the air is denser and the forests greener. As you make your way back to Lukla, where your Himalayan trek began, most often there is a sense of accomplishment mingled with reminiscence. Your final night is a time to celebrate the victory with fellow travelers and guides, enjoy a hot meal and bask in one final view of the surrounding peaks.

You will be flown tomorrow by scenic flight back to Kathmandu but tonight you rest in the place where you began your adventure towards Everest, now successfully achieved. 

After your morning breakfast, you will be flying from Lukla to Kathmandu. The short but picturesque flight is your last chance to see the majestic Himalaya peaks up close before landing in the Kathmandu Valley.

About 45 minutes of flying returns you to the sounds of the capital city. It is a stark contrast after the days spent in the midst of the quiet, unblemished beauty of nature.

Once you return to Kathmandu, you will be driven to your hotel and have time to shower and rest. You can spend the remainder of the day exploring around the city’s temples and bazaars or you would rather rest. It is a time to unwind and absorb the vibrant culture of Kathmandu.

Today, you will make your way to Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu to take the flight to your destination. Depending on your schedule, you may get a chance for one final stroll around the city, picking up last minute souvenirs or just basking in the chaos of activity at the capital. Airport transfer will be arranged so that you make a smooth and timely departure.