Everest Three Pass Trek

The first step of your adventure is an extraordinary flight over the mountains to Lukla, which is known for having a runway that is literally built on the edge of a cliff. Just after disembarking the plane, you will be blessed by the freshness of the Himalayan air and the liveliness of Lukla.

Once you have greeted the team, you will start your gentle trek through lovely Sherpa settlements, mani walls, spinning prayer wheels, and strolling alongside the Dudh Koshi River. The path slowly goes down to Phakding, a tranquil and remote village by the river that is covered with pine trees.

The second day brings a combination of stunning scenery and rugged terrain. You will cross a series of suspension bridges over the Dudh Koshi River and walk past small hamlets like Monjo until you come to the Sagarmatha National Park area.

The trail gets quite steep as you approach the famous Hillary Suspension Bridge which sways high above the rushing river below. A consistent uphill walk takes you to Namche Bazaar, the lively capital of the Khumbu region, with its stores, cafes, and even bakeries and trekkers from all over the world.

Acclimatization is a must during your high altitude adventure and Namche is the most suitable place to do it.

A short hike to Hotel Everest View or nearby villages like Khumjung and Khunde is ideal that help you with the altitude adjustment. At the same time, you will also be rewarded with the breathtaking panoramas of Mount Everest, Ama Dablam, Thamserku and Lhotse among others.

The afternoon is free for you to unwind, visit the Sherpa Cultural Museum, or hang around the cafes and bakeries.

Today's trek is full of nature and tranquility. The path after the departure from Namche follows the hillside and presents wide vistas of Ama Dablam dominating the skyline. You descend to Phunki Tenga before you make a gradual and continuous steep climb through the forest to Tengboche.

It is where the biggest and most important monastery (Tengboche Monastery) of the region is located. The place is very tranquil with peaceful high mountains surrounding it, prayer flags flapping in the wind, and a soothing spiritual vibe.

From Tengboche, you go down through the juniper woods and cross the Imja Khola River. Then the trail gradually ascends through the scenic landscape of the region. En route, you will pass through a popular old hamlet of Pangboche.

Eventually, the trail goes through wide valleys with stone-walled fields just before reaching Dingboche. It is a high-altitude settlement which is renowned for its stunning views of the Ama Dablam and Lhotse.

This is a short, beautiful walk that leads you further into the Imja Valley. You will pass through rubbly stretches, large grassy areas and alpine fields with scattered shrubs. Looking at the Three Passes Trek map, we will move forward. The unending views of glacier extensions, sharp rock formations, and incredible Himalayan summits continue to provide you with a visual feast.

Chhukung is a small, secluded village amidst snowy ridges with a tranquil and pristine atmosphere. With its basic teahouses and stone walls, you can find a comforting feeling of protection in a rough and wild environment.

The acclimatization day in Chhukung is very important to allow your body to get used to the thinner air before going to higher and towards the difficult sections of the hike.

On this day, you can take an acclimatization hike to Chhukung Ri peak (5,546 m) which offers you the breathtaking, panoramic vistas of Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and the gigantic Imja Glacier below. The sheer scale of massive icefalls, serrated ridges, and far-off mountains stretches into the horizon.

Besides, you can also go further into the Imja Valley and explore the tranquil Imja Lake. It is a turquoise glacial lake that lies in the shadow of the lofty ice cliffs and the surrounding Himalayas. Besides offering visual treats, the day is helpful for supporting acclimatization to make the crossing of Kongma La Pass easier and safer.

Today, you will cross the first high pass of the Everest Three Passes Trek. It is one of the challenging days of this trek. The walk starts before dawn, ascending through steep slopes of loose rocks. Occasionally, there can be snow stretches as you move upwards to the Kongma La Pass.

The view from the summit is of the great Nuptse Wall and the other high peaks that are close by. From the top of a pass, you will make a gradual descent to the glacier leading to Lobuche, where the cozy lodges offer you a well-deserved rest.

The path is steep but the view is great as you walk on the edge of the Khumbu Glacier’s moraine. You will see the icefalls, crevasses and the surrounding Himalayas. After a long walk, you get to Gorakshep, the last settlement on the Everest route.

From here, you go on with the famous hike to Everest Base Camp surrounded by fluttering prayer flags, sweeping glaciers, and remote Himalayan valleys. It’s hard to describe the feeling of being at Base Camp. It seems unreal and very satisfying at the same time. It reveals the vastness of the area with a panorama of Everest and the surrounding Himalayas, majestic Khumbu Icefall and Khumbu Glacier, all stretching before your eyes.

After having a quality time at the Base Camp, you will head back to Gorakshep to sleep.

You will leave your cozy little lodge right before sunrise and start up the steep trail to Kalapatthar, which is considered the best place to see Everest really close. The moment the sun peeks over the mountains, the whole horizon turns golden. You will see a majestic panorama of peaks and glaciers bathed in soft morning sunlight, a sight you are never going to forget.

After descending back to Gorakshep for breakfast, you will start on the downhill trails towards Lobuche. The trail becomes less steep as you head towards the destination, which is a kind of comfort for your body after two rigorous and high-altitude days.

From Lobuche The trail gradually goes up and down along extensive, high ridges and gives you the uninterrupted views of the magnificent peak of Cholatse and a series of glacial lakes that are shining below. The further you go into the valley, the more impressive the view gets with steep cliffs rising on both sides.

Dzonglha is just below these high cliffs, bringing in the feeling of both isolation and grandeur. The calming atmosphere of the area offers relaxation and the mental and physical readiness for the hard Cho La Pass.

Cross Cho La Pass (5,420 m) and Reach Thangna (4,650 m)
Trek Distance: 12 km
Trek Duration: 7-8 hrs

A very early pre-dawn start is essential for crossing Cho La Pass when the weather conditions are stable. It is a hard uphill walk over rocks which might be slippery due to ice, for which the use of microspikes or traction aids is often essential.

When you reach the top, the beauty of nature is at its best as the morning sun makes the rugged ice formations sparkle and sharp rock ridges outline the horizon. The silhouette of Ama Dablam and the far-off Gokyo Valley are mesmerizing from the spot.

The descent on the other side of the pass needs caution, moving over ice and loose rock patches. At the end of the day, you will be in Thangna, lying at the base of the giant Ngozumpa Glacier.

A very early pre-dawn start is essential for crossing Cho La Pass when the weather conditions are stable. It is a hard uphill walk over rocks which might be slippery due to ice, for which the use of microspikes or traction aids is often essential.

When you reach the top, the beauty of nature is at its best as the morning sun makes the rugged ice formations sparkle and sharp rock ridges outline the horizon. The silhouette of Ama Dablam and the far-off Gokyo Valley are mesmerizing from the spot.

The descent on the other side of the pass needs caution, moving over ice and loose rock patches. At the end of the day, you will be in Thangna, lying at the base of the giant Ngozumpa Glacier.

Today’s hike is very picturesque leading you along the vast Ngozumpa Glacier, which is the longest glacier in the Nepal Himalayas. The path through moraines and rocky ridgetops gives you great views of icefalls, crevasses and the high peaks of the Himalayan range.

The Three Passes Trek map guides you further. As you approach Gokyo, the blue-green lakes come into view each reflecting the towering mountains that surround it. Gokyo Village is a quiet, charming settlement beside the third Gokyo Lake, just right for you to unwind and enjoy the amazing nature. The peaceful surroundings and the unspoiled nature make your overnight stay in this village satisfying.

After breakfast, the whole day is dedicated to discovering the incredible Gokyo area. The main event is climbing up to Gokyo Ri, a place where the most fascinating view in the whole Himalayas can be seen. The ascent is hard but not unbearable.

The view from the top, Everest, Cho Oyu, Makalu, and Lhotse are all brilliantly lined up one after another, while down the valley, the series of sparkling turquoise lakes looks like a naturally made jewel necklace of the same color spreading across the valley. The moment is humbling and thrilling, a great example of the high Himalayas' impressiveness.

After coming down, you can spend the afternoon in Gokyo village. Sit by the Gokyo Lake and enjoy the peacefulness of the mountains being reflected in its glittering water.

Today you will face the last high pass of the trek, Renjo La. Although the pass is less technical than the previous ones, it still gives you the most extraordinary beauty and vast panoramas as your reward.

The hike up is slow and gives you the chance to enjoy the rough beauty of the landforms, glaciers and the peaks of the Himalayas.

The way down takes you to the Bhote Koshi Valley which is scenic and peaceful. You will spend the night in Marlung which is charming and picturesque. The village offers the perfect conditions to rest, reflect and enjoy the calmness of the high Himalayas.

As you leave Marlung, you will follow the ancient trading routes used by Tibetan traders. Gradually, you will pass through forests and small local villages until the trail connects to the main Everest route.

The Everest 3 Passes Trek map guides you through the trail. Further, you will descend across picturesque hamlets and terraced fields where you can glimpse the local life and culture of the people.

Finally, the arrival in Namche Bazaar comes as a refreshing break after several days spent in very remote places.

We are on day 17 of our Everest Three Pass Trek itinerary. Your last day's trek takes you back through the greenery, suspension bridges, and beautiful villages you visited on the ascent. The path gives you one more time to enjoy the mountain view, hear the rushing water of the Dudh Koshi River and reflect on the journey so far.

Reaching Lukla marks the closure of the marvelous Three Passes trekking journey through the high Himalayas. In the evening, you will have a party with your guides and porters, celebrating the successful end of your adventure.

After breakfast, you are going to board the first flight of the day from Lukla Airport to Kathmandu. The trip presents you with the amazing bird's-eye view of the great Himalayan range, glaciers, deep valleys and winding rivers, before going down to the huge city area of the Kathmandu Valley.

After you land, a hotel transfer will be ready for you. For the remainder of the time, you can unwind, freshen up or explore the nearby streets or local markets.

Today is a buffer day, which we highly recommend including in your itinerary. Flights between Lukla and Kathmandu are frequently delayed or canceled due to unpredictable mountain weather.

This extra day provides flexibility in case of flight disruptions and helps ensure you do not miss your international departure. If your flight returns to Kathmandu on schedule, you can spend the day relaxing, shopping for souvenirs, or exploring the cultural and historical attractions of the city.

We will transfer to airport as per your flight schedules