Everest Three Passes Trek

Detailed itinerary

• day 01
  Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m/4,593ft)

  Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, our representative will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. Take time to rest and adjust to the time zone. In the evening, we’ll hold a comprehensive pre-trip meeting where we’ll review your trek itinerary, discuss gear requirements, and answer any questions you may have.

  Points of Interest:

  • Thamel district (shopping and restaurants)
  • Durbar Square (if time permits)
  • Local markets and temples

  • Accommodation: Hotel
• day 02
  Fly to Lukla (2,840m) from Kathmandu – 35 minutes or drive to Manthali (474m) – 5 to 6 hours and a 20 minutes flight to Lukla, and then trek to Phakding (2,610m)

  Your adventure begins with an early morning flight to Lukla’s Tenzing-Hillary Airport, famous for its short runway and spectacular mountain views. After landing in Lukla, we’ll have a brief rest and meet our porters before beginning our trek. The trail to Phakding is primarily downhill, following the Dudh Koshi River valley.

  Note: During peak seasons (March-May and October-November), flights operate from Manthali Airport, requiring a 2:30 AM departure and 5-6 hour drive from Kathmandu.

  Flight: 30 minutes (Kathmandu to Lukla) or 20 minutes (Manthali to Lukla) | Trek Distance: 8km (5 miles) | Trek Duration: 3-4 hours | Difficulty Level: Easy (gentle downhill with some flat sections)

  Points of Interest:

  • Tenzing-Hillary Airport
  • Dudh Koshi River valley
  • Buddhist prayer wheels and mani stones
  • Traditional Sherpa villages

  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Meal: Breakfast
• day 03
  Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440m/11,290ft)

  Today features one of the most significant elevation gains of the trek. After breakfast, we’ll follow the Dudh Koshi River, crossing several suspension bridges including the famous Hillary Suspension Bridge. At Monjo village, we’ll enter Sagarmatha National Park (UNESCO World Heritage Site) where permits will be checked. The trail climbs steeply after the park entrance. The final two hours involve a challenging uphill climb to reach Namche Bazaar, the gateway to the high Himalayas and the commercial hub of the Khumbu region.

  Trek Distance: 11km (6.8 miles) | Trek Duration: 5-7 hours | Difficulty Level: Moderate to Challenging (significant uphill sections)

  Points of Interest:

  • Hillary Suspension Bridge
  • Sagarmatha National Park entrance
  • First viewpoint of Mt. Everest (weather permitting)
  • Namche Bazaar market

  • Accommodation: Guesthouse
• day 04
  Acclimatization Day in Namche Bazaar (3,440m/11,290ft)

  This is an altitude acclimatization rest day. Following the mountaineering principle of “climb high, sleep low,” today we’ll take an acclimatization hike to higher elevation while returning to Namche to sleep. This helps your body adapt to the altitude and reduces the risk of altitude sickness. The recommended hike is to the Everest View Hotel, offering spectacular views of Mt. Everest, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, and other peaks.

  Hike Distance: 5.6km (3.5 miles) round trip | Hike Duration: 3-4 hours round trip | Difficulty Level: Moderate

  Points of Interest:

  • Everest View Hotel
  • Khumjung village with its monastery
  • Hillary School
  • Sherpa Culture Museum and Sagarmatha National Park Visitor Center

  • Accommodation: Guesthouse
• day 05
  Trek to Pangboche (3,950m/12,959ft)

  After breakfast, we’ll begin with a relatively flat trail along the hillside with magnificent views of Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam. The trail then descends to Phunki Tenga (3,250m/10,663ft), where we’ll stop for lunch near the Dudh Koshi River. After lunch, we face a challenging 2-hour steep uphill climb through pine forests to reach Tengboche, home to the most famous monastery in the Khumbu region. After visiting the monastery, we’ll continue to Pangboche, an ancient Sherpa settlement with spectacular views of Ama Dablam.

  Trek Distance: 13.6km (8.5 miles) | Trek Duration: 6 hours | Difficulty Level: Moderate (initial descent followed by steep ascent)

  Points of Interest:

  • Tengboche Monastery (established in 1916)
  • Spectacular mountain panorama
  • Upper Pangboche Monastery
  • Ancient mani stones and chortens
• day 06
  Trek to Dingboche (4,410m/14,470ft)

  Leaving Pangboche, we enter a more arid region above the tree line. The landscape begins to change as we follow the Imja Valley with stunning views of Lhotse, Island Peak, and Ama Dablam. The final stretch to Dingboche involves a gradual climb through pastures. This hill station is cold and arid, and you might feel the first real signs of altitude as we approach 4,400m.

  Trek Distance: 5.7km (3.5 miles) | Trek Duration: 2.5-3 hours | Difficulty Level: Moderate

  Points of Interest:

  • Spectacular views of Ama Dablam (6,856m/22,493ft)
  • First views of Island Peak (6,189m/20,305ft)
  • Traditional Sherpa agricultural fields
  • Imja Valley landscapes

  • Accommodation: Guesthouse
• day 07
  Acclimatization Day in Dingboche (4,410m/14,470ft)

  Today is another crucial acclimatization day. After breakfast, we’ll hike to Nangkartshang Peak, a viewpoint above Dingboche. The climb is steep but rewarding, offering spectacular views of Makalu (the world’s fifth highest mountain), Lhotse, Chalotse, Tawache, and Ama Dablam.

  Hike Distance: 5km (3 miles) round trip | Hike Duration: 4 hours round trip | Difficulty Level: Moderate to Challenging

  Points of Interest:

  • Nangkartshang Peak viewpoint (5,083m/16,676ft)
  • Stone-walled fields of Dingboche
  • Local monastery
  • Views of Island Peak (Imja Tse)

  • Accommodation: Guesthouse
• day 08
  Trek to Chhukung (4,730m/15,518ft)

  Today we’ll trek to Chhukung, a small settlement in the Imja Valley. The trail gradually ascends through arid terrain with spectacular views of Lhotse’s massive south face. Chhukung will serve as our base before attempting the first of the three high passes, Kongma La.

  Trek Distance: 5km (3.1 miles) | Trek Duration: 2.5-3 hours | Difficulty Level: Moderate

  Points of Interest:

  • Lhotse’s south face
  • Amphu Lapcha pass views
  • Island Peak close-up views
  • Chhukung Ri (if time permits)

  • Accommodation: Guesthouse
• day 09
  Acclimatization Day in Chhukung (4,730m/15,518ft)

  This is our final acclimatization day before crossing the high passes. We’ll hike to Chhukung Ri, which offers stunning panoramic views of Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, and Ama Dablam. This hike will help prepare our bodies for the challenging passes ahead.

  Hike Distance: 5km (3.1 miles) round trip | Hike Duration: 3-5 hours round trip | Difficulty Level: Challenging

  Points of Interest:

  • Chhukung Ri (5,546m/18,196ft)
  • Panoramic views of 8,000m peaks
  • Lhotse Glacier
  • Island Peak Base Camp (optional extension)

  • Accommodation: Guesthouse
• day 10
  Trek from Chhukung to Lobuche via Kongma La Pass (5,535m/18,159ft)

  Today we face our first major challenge – crossing Kongma La, the highest of the three passes. We’ll start very early in the morning, ascending steeply on rocky terrain. The final approach to the pass is particularly challenging. From the top, we’ll be rewarded with spectacular views of Makalu, Lhotse, and the Khumbu Glacier. After celebrating at the pass, we’ll descend steeply to Lobuche.

  Trek Distance: 11km (6.8 miles) | Trek Duration: 8-9 hours | Difficulty Level: Very Challenging

  Points of Interest:

  • Kongma La Pass (5,535m/18,159ft)
  • Prayer flags at the pass
  • Khumbu Glacier views
  • Spectacular mountain panoramas

  • Accommodation: Guesthouse
• day 11
  Trek to Gorak Shep (5,164m/16,942ft) and Everest Base Camp (5,364m/17,598ft)

  Today is the highlight of our trek! We’ll start early, following the lateral moraine of the Khumbu Glacier. The trail undulates over rocky terrain with several short, steep sections. After reaching Gorak Shep, we’ll have a light lunch before continuing to Everest Base Camp. The two to three-hour walk to the base camp will bring us to the foot of the world’s tallest peak. After spending time at EBC, we’ll return to Gorak Shep for the night.

  Trek Distance: Lobuche to Gorak Shep: 4.5km (2.8 miles) | Gorak Shep to EBC and back: 7km (4.3 miles) round trip Trek Duration: Lobuche to Gorak Shep: 2-3 hours | Gorak Shep to EBC and back: 4-5 hours round trip Difficulty Level: Very Challenging

  Points of Interest:

  • Khumbu Glacier and Icefall
  • Everest Base Camp
  • Prayer flags marking the site
  • Views of Nuptse, Pumori, and Khumbutse

  • Accommodation: Guesthouse
• day 12
  Hike to Kala Patthar (5,545m/18,192ft) and Trek to Dzongla (4,830m/15,846ft)

  We’ll wake before dawn for the challenging climb to Kala Patthar, timed to reach the summit for sunrise (weather permitting). From here, you’ll get the best panoramic view of Everest along with the Khumbu Glacier and other Himalayan peaks. After returning to Gorak Shep for breakfast, we’ll begin our journey toward the second pass, trekking to Dzongla, which will be our base before crossing Cho La Pass.

  Wake-up Time: 4:00-4:30 AM for sunrise hike (recommended) Trek Distance: Gorak Shep to Kala Patthar: 2km (1.2 miles) round trip | Gorak Shep to Dzongla: 6.6km (4.1 miles) Trek Duration: Gorak Shep to Kala Patthar: 2-3 hours round trip | Gorak Shep to Dzongla: 2.5-3 hours Difficulty Level: Very Challenging (Kala Patthar), then Moderate (descent to Dzongla)

  Points of Interest:

  • Sunrise views from Kala Patthar
  • Closest view of Mt. Everest (8,848m/29,029ft)
  • Dramatic change in landscape
  • Cholatse and Tawache peaks

  • Accommodation: Guesthouse
• day 13
  Trek from Dzongla to Thangnak via Cho La Pass (5,420m/17,782ft)

  Today we cross our second high pass, Cho La. After an early start from Dzongla, we’ll climb steadily toward the pass. The approach involves some scrambling over rocks and potentially crossing a small glacier, depending on the season. The views from the top are spectacular, with Ama Dablam and Cholatse dominating the skyline. After crossing the pass, we’ll descend steeply to Thangnak, a small settlement on the edge of the Ngozumpa Glacier.

  Trek Distance: 9.38km (5.8 miles) | Trek Duration: 8-9 hours | Difficulty Level: Very Challenging

  Points of Interest:

  • Cho La Pass (5,420m/17,782ft)
  • Glacier crossing (seasonal)
  • Dramatic mountain views
  • Ngozumpa Glacier (the longest glacier in the Himalayas)

  • Accommodation: Guesthouse
• day 14
  Trek from Thangnak to Gokyo (4,790m/15,715ft)

  After the challenging previous day, today’s trek is relatively short and easy. We’ll walk alongside the Ngozumpa Glacier before reaching the beautiful turquoise lakes of Gokyo. The first view of the main Gokyo Lake is breathtaking, with the settlement of Gokyo situated on its eastern shore. The afternoon is free to rest and explore this stunning location.

  Trek Distance: 4.4km (2.7 miles) | Trek Duration: 3-4 hours | Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate

  Points of Interest:

  • Ngozumpa Glacier views
  • First, Second, and Third Gokyo Lakes
  • Gokyo village
  • Dudh Pokhari (the main Gokyo Lake)

  • Accommodation: Guesthouse
• day 15
  Acclimatization Day in Gokyo (4,790m/15,715ft)

  Today we’ll hike to Gokyo Ri (5,360m/17,585ft), one of the best viewpoints in the Everest region. The steep climb is rewarded with panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, and the Ngozumpa Glacier. In the afternoon, we can explore the upper Gokyo lakes, which offer spectacular scenery and solitude.

  Hike Distance: 4km (2.4 miles) round trip | Hike Duration: 3-4 hours round trip | Difficulty Level: Challenging

  Points of Interest:

  • Gokyo Ri (5,360m/17,585ft)
  • Panoramic views of four 8,000m peaks
  • Upper Gokyo lakes (Fourth and Fifth lakes)
  • Ngozumpa Glacier views

  • Accommodation: Guesthouse
• day 16
  Trek from Gokyo to Marlung via Renjo La Pass (5,360m/17,585ft)

  Today we’ll cross our final high pass, Renjo La. After an early start, we’ll climb steadily westward from Gokyo. The ascent to Renjo La is challenging but less technical than the previous two passes. From the top, we’ll enjoy one of the best views in the Khumbu, with Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Gokyo Lake all visible. We’ll then descend steeply to Marlung in the Bhote Koshi Valley.

  Trek Distance: 13km (8.07 miles) | Trek Duration: 7-8 hours | Difficulty Level: Challenging

  Points of Interest:

  • Renjo La Pass (5,360m/17,585ft)
  • Spectacular views of Everest and Gokyo Lakes
  • Bhote Koshi Valley
  • Remote trails less frequented by trekkers

  • Accommodation: Guesthouse
• day 17
  Trek from Marlung to Namche Bazaar via Thame (3,820m/12,533ft)

  Today we’ll trek through the beautiful and culturally rich Bhote Koshi Valley. We’ll pass through Thame, a historic village with one of the oldest monasteries in the region. The trail then continues through several small settlements before rejoining the main Everest trail and descending to Namche Bazaar. This is a long day of trekking, but mostly downhill or flat.

  Trek Distance: 18km (11.1 miles) | Trek Duration: 7-8 hours | Difficulty Level: Moderate (long distance but mostly downhill)

  Points of Interest:

  • Thame Monastery
  • Traditional Sherpa villages
  • Bhote Koshi Valley
  • Return to the comforts of Namche Bazaar

  • Accommodation: Guesthouse
• day 18
  Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla (2,840m/9,334ft)

  Our final day of trekking takes us back to where our journey began. From Namche, we’ll descend steeply to the Dudh Koshi River and cross the Hillary Suspension Bridge. We’ll follow the river, passing through the checkpoints and entrance gates of Sagarmatha National Park at Monjo, then continue through the villages of Jorsale, Phakding, and several other small settlements. The final section involves a short uphill climb to Lukla, where we’ll celebrate the completion of our epic trek.

  Trek Distance: 19km (11.8 miles) | Trek Duration: 7-8 hours | Difficulty Level: Moderate (long distance with varied terrain)

  Points of Interest:

  • Monjo (checkpoint)
  • Jorsale
  • Phakding
  • Final uphill climb to Lukla

  • Accommodation: Guesthouse
• day 19
  Fly to Kathmandu or Manthali from Lukla and drive to Kathmandu

  We’ll have an early breakfast and head to the Lukla airport for our return flight to Kathmandu. Morning flights from Lukla are often subject to weather conditions, so be prepared for possible delays. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you’ll be transferred to your hotel. The afternoon is free for shopping, sightseeing, or relaxing. In the evening, we’ll enjoy a farewell dinner together, celebrating our successful trek.

  Note: Lukla to Manthali Flight The flight from Lukla to Manthali is a 20-minute flight. After that, it is about a 5 to 6 hour drive to Kathmandu. Please note that the driving hours may vary according to the highway traffic condition. You’ll be transferred to the hotel in Kathmandu on a shared tourist vehicle

  Flight Duration: 20-35 minutes Drive Duration (if via Manthali): 5-6 hours

  Points of Interest:

  • Scenic mountain flight from Lukla
  • Kathmandu sightseeing (time permitting)
  • Souvenir shopping in Thamel
  • Farewell dinner celebration

  • Accommodation: 3 Star Hotel
  • Meal: Farewell Dinner
• day 20
  Final Departure

  After breakfast, depending on your flight time, you’ll have some free time for last-minute shopping or relaxation. Our representative will meet you at the hotel and transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your departure flight.

  Airport Transfer: Scheduled according to your flight time (typically 3 hours before international flights)

  Practical Information:

  • Standard hotel check-out time is 12:00 PM
  • Luggage storage available for those with evening flights
  • Late check-out may be arranged (subject to availability and additional cost)
  • Extension options available (Chitwan, Pokhara, Nagarkot)

  • Meal: Breakfast