Everest Three Pass Trek – 22 Days

After you arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you’ll be greeted by our representative, who will be waiting with a placard displaying our name. You’ll then be transferred to a 4-Star category hotel in a private vehicle. Once you’re refreshed, we will meet to brief you on the trek, itinerary, and gear check.

We will also introduce our crew members and trekkers who will be joining you on the journey. In the evening, we will host a welcome dinner where you can taste authentic Nepali cuisine like Dal Bhat, Momo, or Newari and Thakali sets. Stay overnight in a hotel.

In the morning, we will finish our final packing and get ready for the trek. If you need to do any last-minute shopping for gear or snacks, you will have time for that after lunch in Kathmandu. After that, we begin our 132km drive to Ramechhap. The road winds through the towns of Bhaktapur, then the hillsides of Banepa and Dhulikhel. We will follow the beautiful Sunkoshi River for a long stretch until the road runs alongside the Tamakoshi River. It’s a sign that you’ve reached the town of Manthali, where the Ramechhap airport is located.

This journey gives us a glimpse of Nepal outside the capital, with its changing landscapes and slower pace. In Ramechhap, we will stay overnight in Freedom Resort or a similar standard lodge near the airport. Our main goal here would be to rest and fuel up for the days ahead. The peaceful setting here adds to a good night’s sleep before tomorrow’s exciting mountain flight to Lukla and stepping into the Himalayas.

Depending on our flight time (typically early morning), we’ll transfer to the airport and get ready for the flight. The flight is considered thrilling, but it is also one of the most scenic air routes in the world. The plane flies at a much lower altitude throughout the flight, so we’ll see the bird’s view. At first, the valleys, rivers, and small villages fill the view. Soon after, the glistening mountains start to emerge as we fly over the Solukhumbu district. They’ll appear more dramatic and giant near Lukla. Upon the sight of the Tenzing Hillary Airport, our hearts will start racing. It only stops when the plane glides between hills and lands safely on the short runway.

Then we can take a short rest while waiting for the porters to gear up. Then, we’ll start our Everest 3 passes trek following the classic Everest Base Camp Route. We’ll walk on stone-paved paths through Sherpa villages, pass by mani walls, and fields of barley and potatoes as we follow the Dudh Koshi River. It translates to “Milk River,” named after its foaming white waters. This section of the trail is gentle, but we do have to cross 2-3 small suspension bridges, often decorated with prayer flags.

On the way, we’ll walk through forested hills and pass by friendly villagers. You may also get fleeting views of peaks like Kongde Ri and Thamserku that get more constant as we near Phakding. We arrive in Phakding in the afternoon. It is a small riverside village with cozy teahouses. Here we spend our first night in the Khumbu region, resting by the fire in the dining hall.

Leaving Phakding, we will walk along the Dudh Koshi River and enter the dense pine and rhododendron forests. We will cross suspension bridges and walk through dispersed houses of Zapute, Benkar, and Chumoa to reach Monjo, the entrance to Sagarmatha National Park. After the national park formalities, we can enter the park. Inside, we’ll still follow the Dudh Koshi river and walk through a mix of farmland and forests with waterfalls. But the paths become more rugged.

The trail gradually climbs to Jorsalle, our lunch stop by the river. After Jorsalle, the real challenge begins. We cross the famous Hillary Suspension Bridge, decorated with prayer flags. Then we climb the long zigzag trail uphill to Namche Bazaar. This steep climb tests our stamina, but the views you get from the resting spot make it feel worth it.  It doesn’t have a specific name, but most trekkers refer to it as the “First Everest Viewpoint”  as it offers us the first views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Thamserku, and Kongde Ri. 

Then, after 30 minutes of steep climb, we’ll reach lively Namche, also known as the heart of Sherpa culture. You can reward yourself with apple pies and pastries while enjoying the constant views of the Himalayas. We settle into our teahouse and rest for the evening.

Today is our first acclimatization day. So, we’ll hike up to the ridge above Namche and visit Everest View Hotel and Khumjung Village. A common day trip from Namche Bazaar is the short hike to Hotel Everest View. The trail is uphill and offers a wide view of Mount Everest, Ama Dablam, Lhotse, and other Himalayan giants. When you reach the hotel, you can sit on the terrace, have a drink or snack, and enjoy a clear view of Mt. Everest. From here, we will continue towards Khumjung village, a traditional Sherpa village. In Khumjung, we’ll visit the Hillary School and Khumjung Monastery, which holds the famous “Yeti Scalp.”

These side hikes follow the climb high, sleep low strategy. It helps our bodies adapt to higher altitudes, and we also gain more insights into authentic Sherpa life, which contrasts with the commercialized Namche region. After enjoying the quiet lanes and stone houses of Khumjung and the view of Everest from Everest View Hotel, we return to Namche for the night and prepare for the higher trails ahead.

Moving through the western Khumbu region, we will follow the quieter scenic path to Thame. Fun fact: It is part of the Nangpa La trade route, which was a significant trade route connecting Nepal and Tibet in the past. Here, we may spot Himalayan wildlife like Himalayan tahr, musk deer, yaks, dzos, Himalayan Monal, and blood pheasants. The walk feels peaceful as we pass long mani walls, colorful prayer wheels, and scattered farm fields.

After some time, the valley opens gradually. The pine forests give way to wider meadows, and the sound of the Dudh Koshi softens as the river spreads across the plain. We can see the Sunder Peak as we approach Thame, a village lying on its slope. It holds a centuries-old Thame Monastery above the main settlement, also known as Thambuche. So it allows us views that stretch far and wide across the valley. If there’s enough time, we may visit for the evening chanting. The village is less commercialized than Namche, so the experience feels more authentic. The teahouse is simple in Thame.

After early morning tea, we leave Thame and climb up following the Everest Three Passes trek trail through dispersed villages. The path soon enters a quieter valley, where scattered stone huts and dry-stone walls mark small fields. Trees grow fewer, replaced by juniper shrubs and alpine grasses. We may meet yak caravans carrying supplies, their bells echoing through the thin mountain air. On clear days, the white summit of Cho Oyu begins to appear far to the north, reminding us of the height we have reached.

From a place called Taranga, we will go over a series of steady ups and downs. This section will reveal views of surrounding peaks, including Mount Everest, Cho Oyu, and others. When we reach Lungden, the altitude will feel sharper. So we really need to walk at a leisurely pace, drink plenty of water, and keep warm. We gather around the stove in the teahouse dining hall in the evening to warm ourselves and enjoy a simple hot meal. The quiet of this valley reminds us that we are now in a remote Himalayan region, where the real adventure begins. Stay overnight at Lungden.

This is the second acclimatization day on the Everest Three Passes Trek. We have designed a rest day in an itinerary to help break the stress of the trek and adjust our bodies to the high altitude before crossing the first high pass. We can explore around Lungden on this day or hike to a nearby ridge that offers expansive views of the Nangpa Valley and Himalayan peaks like Cho Oyu, Chhupu Himal, Thyangmochen, Dragkya Peak, and Nangpai Gosum Glacier. We can also take a short trip to Darkyachhulung peak or visit the holy site of Warfield, located in Marlung.

In the afternoon, we will return to Lungden for rest and preparation. The day will be about hydrating, eating well, and conserving energy for tomorrow’s challenge. Our guides will brief us on the trail over Renjo La and check that we are ready for the early start. We will spend the evening by the stove in the teahouse, enjoying a calm night before the most challenging climb so far.

Today, finally, we will cross the first pass, Renjo La. It will be one of the most memorable days of the trek. We will start before sunrise and climb steadily toward Renjo La Pass. The trail will be steep and demanding, with stone steps and switchbacks, but the reward at the top will be unmatched. We will see a sweeping panorama of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu, along with the vast Ngozumpa Glacier stretching below from the pass. Prayer flags will flutter in the wind as we pause to take in the view.

From Renjo La, we will descend toward the turquoise waters of the Gokyo Lakes. The landscape will feel almost unreal as the blue lakes reflect the surrounding snowy peaks. Only by late afternoon will we arrive in Gokyo (4,750 meters), a small settlement by the third lake. Here we will rest in a simple teahouse, happy that our first high pass was successful, and excited for the next chapter of the trek.

We will wake up before dawn and begin the steep climb up Gokyo Ri, one of the best viewpoints in the Everest region. The climb will be challenging in the thin air, but as the sun rises, we will be rewarded with a panorama of the four 8000-meter peaks: Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu. If we look down below, the bird’s-eye view of the turquoise Gokyo Lakes and the Ngozumpa Glacier is equally beautiful. Many trekkers describe this as the most breathtaking moment of the entire three passes trek journey.

After descending back to Gokyo, we will spend the rest of the day at a relaxed pace. We may stroll along the Dudh Pokhari lakeshore (Gokyo Cho), the 3rd Gokyo Lake. We can also take a short walk to the nearby Thonak Cho (4th Gokyo Lake) and Ngozumpa Cho (5th Gokyo Lake) viewpoints. This will also be a valuable recovery day, giving us time to rest after Renjo La and before the next pass. In the evening, we will enjoy a warm meal in our teahouse, reflecting on the magic of the sunrise we experienced in the morning.

After two days in Gokyo, we will leave it behind and cross the vast Ngozumpa Glacier, the longest glacier in Nepal. The trail will be rocky and uneven, winding over moraine ridges and boulder fields. Walking here will feel like stepping into a different world. With ice hidden beneath the rubble and creaks echoing from the glacier below, we will move slowly and carefully. It’s necessary to take steady steps to keep balance on the shifting terrain.

By early afternoon, we will reach Dragnag. It is a small settlement on the eastern side of the same glacier. The lodges here are basic, but the atmosphere is welcoming. We will spend the rest of the day resting and preparing for tomorrow’s big challenge: crossing Cho La Pass. Our guides will remind us to layer up, keep water bottles from freezing, and be ready for an early start.

Today will be one of the toughest yet most rewarding days of the trek. We will begin before sunrise and climb out of Dragnag towards the base of Cho La Pass. The final ascent will be steep and often icy, with a short glacier crossing near the top. Here, we will use microspikes if needed and take careful steps as we move across snow and rock. Standing at the pass, we will see a wild and rugged landscape, with Cholatse and Ama Dablam rising sharply nearby.

Then, we will descend slowly from the pass and trek into the Dzongla side. Here, the trail winds through rocky slopes and high alpine meadows. The descent will test our knees, but the scenery will keep us inspired. As we walk forward, we’ll see a small cluster of lodges in a stunning location beneath towering peaks. That’s the village of Dzongla, where we rest after a long and demanding trek day on the Everest Three Pass Trek itinerary.

After the challenge of Cho La, today’s walk will feel shorter and gentler. We will walk over the ridges so grand views of Ama Dablam, Cholatse, and Taboche remain constant. Then, we’ll join the main Everest Base Camp trail near Lobuche. From here, the path will feel busier as trekkers from different routes merge. We’ll see the Khumbu Glacier with its shifting ice and moraine, adding a sense of drama to the landscape.

We only arrive at Lobuche at midday. The village is larger and has several lodges serving trekkers heading toward EBC. Although lodges here will be more crowded, the atmosphere will be exciting as trekkers, guides, and porters discuss the trekking days and share personal stories. In the afternoon, we will rest, hydrate, and prepare for tomorrow’s push to Everest Base Camp, one of the highlights of the entire journey.

This will be one of the most anticipated days of the trek. We will follow the moraine trail along the Khumbu Glacier first. As we walk, we’ll see stone memorials dedicated to climbers who lost their lives on Everest. The path will be rugged, with short ups and downs. However, the sight of the glacier and surrounding peaks will keep us motivated. By late morning, we will reach Gorakshep (5,164 meters), the last settlement before Everest Base Camp.

We’ll take a short rest and meal at Gorakshep, then set off for Everest Base Camp. We can walk slowly in the thin air. And eventually, we will stand at the legendary site where expeditions gather each spring. Surrounded by ice seracs and the Khumbu Icefall, we will celebrate this milestone with photos and quiet reflection. Then, we’ll return to Gorakshep for the night, tired but thrilled from the satisfaction of standing in Everest Base Camp.

We will start early in the cold morning to climb Kala Patthar (5,550 meters), the highest point of our trek. The ascent will be steep and challenging, but as the first light of day touches the summit of Everest, the view will be unforgettable. From this vantage point, we will see Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Pumori, and many other peaks in their full glory. This will be the closest view of Everest’s summit we can reach without climbing the mountain itself.

After that, we’ll return to Gorakshep for breakfast and retrace our steps down the glacier trail to Lobuche again. The descent will feel easier. The air thickens too, so we will receive the relative comfort of trekking at a lower altitude. In the evening, we will rest in Lobuche, proud of having completed two of the trek’s biggest highlights: Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar.

Now, it’s time to climb the highest and most challenging of the three passes, Kongma La (5,535 meters). For this, we will leave Lobuche early and climb steadily over rocky moraines toward the pass. The ascent will be long and demanding, with sections of loose rock. The combination of altitude, rugged terrain, and its long, remote nature makes it the most difficult. As we reach the top, we will witness the sweeping views of Makalu, Ama Dablam, Lhotse, and Nuptse. The pass itself is marked by cairns and prayer flags, a place where trekkers pause proudly after the climb.

The descent from the Kongma La summit isn’t easy either. It will be steep at first, so we have to be careful walking down. Then it will gradually ease as we enter the Imja Valley. From here on, the terrain will shift from barren slopes to open meadows with a view of Island Peak (Imja Tse) ahead. Then, we will reach Chukung, a small settlement with basic lodges. This will be a long and tiring day, but crossing Kongma La will feel like the final great achievement of the Three Passes circuit.

After many days in the high alpine terrain, today on the 17 days, we will descend into greener landscapes. We will retrace the trail through Dingboche and Pangboche. Here, we’ll pass by the fields of barley and small Sherpa homes. It’s a drop below 4,000 meters, so the air will feel thicker. Along this easier section, we will see Ama Dablam dominating the skyline with its unique pyramid shape.

By afternoon, we will arrive at Deboche and climb up about 20min to visit Tengboche Monastery, the spiritual heart of the Khumbu. We will join the monks for their afternoon chanting if we arrive on time. It’s a truly calming experience, with the sound of horns and drums echoing against the mountain backdrop. At Deboche, we will spend the night in a quiet teahouse. Forests surround the teahouses here. The warmth and greenery here will feel like a welcome change after the barren high passes.

We will begin with a gradual descent through rhododendron and pine forest, following the Imja Khola River. Along the way, we will pass mani walls, prayer wheels, and Sherpa villages that remind us of the deep culture in this valley. As we lose altitude, the air will feel warmer and more humid. The vegetation will grow thicker around this trail of the Everest Three Passes route.

We will arrive at Namche Bazaar again and spend a night here. After many days in remote valleys, we will finally return to a lively place and enjoy the comforts of a well-equipped lodge. You may just rest at the teahouse or explore the local market of Namche for souvenirs. We’ll enjoy a dinner, and the sense of accomplishment will be strong as we near the end of our circuit.

Today we will retrace our steps along the Dudh Koshi River, cross high suspension bridges, and pass through villages like Monjo, Phakding, and Chheplung. We’ll walk at a slower pace so we may notice different things on the way back. Yak trains and children on the path will remind us of the daily life that continues in these mountains.

We will arrive in Lukla in the late afternoon or evening. And this is where the Everest Three Passes circuit will officially end. In the evening, we will celebrate the trek’s end with our trekking crew and honor the memories we made together. This last night in the mountains will be filled with pride, relief, and a sense of achievement.

Early in the morning, we will take a short scenic flight from Lukla to Ramechhap. This 25-minute flight will give us one last chance to see the Himalayas from the air. After landing, we will meet our private driver and begin the drive back to Kathmandu. The road will retrace through hillsides, rivers, and small farming villages, bringing us gradually back into busier landscapes.

Once in Kathmandu, you will check into our hotel and have time to refresh and relax. In the evening, our whole team will gather for a celebration and a farewell dinner. This joyful night marks the successful completion of the Everest Three Passes Trek in Nepal.

Today will be kept flexible. If flights from Lukla are delayed, this day will serve as an emergency buffer. If everything goes as planned, it will be better for us. You will have time to enjoy a guided sightseeing tour in Kathmandu. Our guide will take you to visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Boudhanath Stupa, Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), or Pashupatinath Temple. These sites will give us a deeper understanding of Nepal’s spiritual and cultural richness.

In the afternoon, we will have free time to shop for souvenirs, explore the colorful streets of Thamel, or simply relax at the hotel. After weeks in the mountains, this day will feel both restful and inspiring.

This is your final day in Nepal. You can enjoy breakfast at the hotel before being transferred to Tribhuvan International Airport. Our team will assist with departure logistics and bid you farewell. As you look back on the memories of the high passes, the lakes, the Sherpa culture, and the moments of challenge and triumph, this marks the end of an unforgettable adventure in Nepal. We hope you had a great time with us on the Three Passes Trek and will remember us for your next journey.