Everest Three Passes Trek

Upon touching down at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, our private vehicle transfers you to your hotel in Thamel. You meet your Sherpa guide for a comprehensive pre-trek briefing, equipment check, and permit review.

In the evening, enjoy an authentic traditional Nepali welcome dinner featuring cultural dance performances. Prepare your gear for the high 5,000m+ passes and settle in for a restful night.

Board an early morning scenic flight to Tenzing-Hillary Airport in Lukla (2,860m), providing dramatic aerial views of Himalayan peaks. Meet your porter team and begin descending along the Dudh Koshi River valley.

The trail winds past pine woodlands, ancient carved mani stones, prayer wheels, and Sherpa hamlets like Ghat. Arrive at Phakding teahouse for your first mountain dinner alongside the river.

Cross suspension bridges adorned with prayer flags, entering Sagarmatha National Park at Monjo. Cross the high Hillary Suspension Bridge spanning the Dudh Koshi gorge before embarking on the famous climb up Namche Hill.

Halfway up the climb, catch your very first glimpse of Mount Everest peeking through pine trees. Emerge into the amphitheater of Namche Bazaar, the historic Sherpa capital.

First essential acclimatisation day. We undertake a morning ridge hike up to Everest View Hotel (3,880m) for panoramic views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Ama Dablam.

Descend through Khumjung village to visit the local monastery housing a Yeti skull relic. Return to Namche for afternoon rest, hydration, pulse oximeter monitoring, and bakery visits.

Branch west from Namche into the historic Bhote Koshi Valley towards Thame village, an off-the-beaten-path Sherpa valley rich in mountaineering heritage.

Visit the 350-year-old Thame Monastery perched high on cliff faces above the village, home to legendary Everest Sherpa climbers.

Follow ancient trade routes along the Bhote Koshi River toward the Tibetan border, passing through tranquil hamlets like Marulung.

Ascend stone terraces into Lungden, the staging village beneath Renjo La Pass. Rest early and review high-pass safety protocols with your guide.

Pre-dawn climb up stone steps and alpine scree to cross your first high pass, Renjo La (5,360m). Stand on the prayer-flag-strewn ridge for breathtaking views of Everest, Lhotse, Cho Oyu, and Gokyo Lakes.

Descend carefully down the eastern slopes to the 3rd Gokyo Lake (Dudh Pokhari). Check into your lakeside teahouse to celebrate crossing your first pass.

Early morning summit climb up Gokyo Ri (5,357m) for magnificent 360-degree views of four 8,000m giants: Mount Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu.

Descend for breakfast and spend the afternoon relaxing by the turquoise lake or exploring the 4th and 5th upper Gokyo Lakes under the massive Cho Oyu wall.

Cross the boulder-strewn lateral moraine of Ngozumpa Glacier, the longest glacier in the Himalayas, moving toward the base of Cho La Pass.

Arrive early at Thagnak hamlet for lunch. Spend the afternoon resting, drinking fluids, and preparing microspikes for tomorrow's pass crossing.

Early start up rocky boulder trails onto the Cho La glacier. Attach microspikes to navigate the icy glacier snowfield before reaching Cho La Pass summit (5,420m).

Descend steep scree switchbacks into the high plateau of Dzongla, enjoying dramatic close-up views of Cholatse and Ama Dablam.

Trek along high contour paths above Cholatse Lake, joining the classic Everest Base Camp trail at Lobuche village.

Check into your high-country lodge. Rest, hydrate, and prepare for tomorrow's push to Everest Base Camp.

Follow glacial moraines to Gorak Shep (5,164m), drop main packs, and press forward along the Khumbu Glacier to reach Everest Base Camp (5,364m).

Stand beside the iconic EBC rock marker beneath the Khumbu Icefall. Take celebratory photos before returning to Gorak Shep teahouse for dinner.

Pre-dawn summit climb up Kala Patthar (5,644m) for golden sunrise views over Mount Everest, Nuptse, and Changtse. Descend to Gorak Shep for breakfast.

Trek back past Lobuche and head east into the Imja Valley toward Chhukung village, the staging point for Kongma La Pass.

Tackle the third and highest pass of the circuit, Kongma La Pass (5,535m). Ascend steep scree ridges directly opposite the giant Nuptse wall and Pokalde Peak.

Navigate the glacier moraine descent into Dingboche valley. Check into your lodge to celebrate completing all three high passes!

Descend Imja Valley through Pangboche and Deboche woodlands, crossing the Imja River via a steel bridge.

Re-enter lush forests and ascend to Tengboche Monastery for sunset views over Ama Dablam and Everest.

Descend through rhododendron forests to Phunki Tenga, cross the Dudh Koshi River, and climb the scenic contour trail back to Namche Bazaar.

Enjoy warm showers, Wi-Fi access, and celebratory bakery treats in Namche. Reconnect with fellow international trekkers.

Descend Namche Hill for the final time, crossing high suspension bridges over the river. Walk past Monjo and Phakding on your final trail day back to Lukla.

Arrive in Lukla by late afternoon and check into your lodge. Host a festive farewell dinner to thank your Sherpa guide and porter team.

Board an early morning flight from Lukla back to Kathmandu or Manthali Airport. Transfer to your Thamel hotel for a shower and rest.

Our representative provides private airport transfer three hours prior to your international flight home. Safe travels and Tashi Delek!