Everest Three Pass Trekking

After breakfast, your cultural tour of Kathmandu begins. Our tour guide will provide a comprehensive briefing on Nepal’s rich history, culture, people, religion, geography, and the daily life of its inhabitants. You will visit some of Nepal's most iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites: 

Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple): A revered Hindu and Buddhist pilgrimage site offering panoramic views of Kathmandu Valley. 

Patan Durbar Square: The ancient royal palace complex of Patan, adorned with beautiful temples and traditional Newari architecture. 

Pashupatinath Temple: One of the most significant Hindu temples in South Asia, dedicated to Lord Shiva. 

Boudhanath Stupa: The largest Buddhist stupa in Nepal, surrounded by monasteries and a hub of Tibetan culture. 

This full-day guided city tour is an excellent opportunity to immerse yourself in Nepal's historical and cultural heritage. 

After returning to your hotel, you’ll meet with your trekking guide for a detailed briefing about your upcoming trek. This session will cover the itinerary, preparation tips, and any necessary adjustments. 

Early in the morning, our guide will meet you at your hotel to assist with your bag and transfer you to the airport for a scenic 35-minute mountain flight to Tenzing-Hillary Airport in Lukla. Upon arrival in Lukla, our guide will arrange porters for your trek while you enjoy your first cup of mountain tea or coffee at a local lodge. 

Today's trek is short and easy, leading to Phakding. The trail offers picturesque views of suspension bridges adorned with prayer flags, chortens, mani walls, and the flowing Dudh Koshi River. As you hike through charming Sherpa villages, you’ll also pass terraced potato fields and take in your first glimpses of the majestic mountain Kusum Kanguru. 

Being the first day of trekking, it’s a relaxed and comfortable downhill walk, allowing you to acclimate and enjoy the serene beauty of the Himalayan landscape. 

After breakfast at the tea house of Phakding, your trek begins with a pleasant walk alongside the Dudh Koshi River towards Monjo, the permit checkpoint for Sagarmatha National Park. The trail winds through lush forests of pine, rhododendron, magnolia, giant fir, and Himalayan pine, passing through Sherpa villages such as Benkar, Chumoa, Monjo, and Jorsalle. 

At Monjo, your permits will be checked by the national park office before you descend slightly along the Dudh Koshi River. You’ll then cross the iconic Tenzing-Hillary Suspension Bridge, an exhilarating highlight of the trek. From here, the trail becomes more challenging with a steep uphill climb to Namche Bazaar. Along the way, you’ll be rewarded with your first inspiring view of Mount Everest. 

The climb is tiring, with an elevation gain of nearly 900 meters, but arriving at Namche Bazaar makes it worthwhile. Namche is the commercial and administrative hub of the Khumbu region, offering stunning Himalayan views and a vibrant Sherpa culture to explore.

Today is dedicated to acclimatization, an essential step to adjust your body to the high altitude and prevent Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). Instead of staying idle, your guide will take you on an active exploration around Namche Bazaar, following the key principle of acclimatization: "Climb high, sleep low." Staying active, drinking plenty of water, and avoiding overexertion are crucial during this period. 

You’ll hike to the Everest View Hotel, a spot renowned for its panoramic vistas of the Himalayan range, including Mt. Everest (8,848m), Lhotse (8,516m), Nuptse (7,861m), Ama Dablam (6,812m), Thamserku (6,623m), Cholatse (6,440m), Taboche (6,542m), and other breathtaking peaks. 

Afterward, visit Khumjung Village to explore its rich Sherpa culture and see the famed "Yeti scalp" housed in the local monastery. Namche Bazaar itself is a vibrant Sherpa village brimming with tea houses, lodges, cafes, bakeries, and local markets, offering a lively atmosphere to enjoy. A leisurely walk around Namche provides additional opportunities to soak in the beauty of the Himalayan surroundings. 

After breakfast in Namche Bazaar, the trek to Tengboche begins with stunning views of Mt. Everest and Mt. Ama Dablam along the way. The trail features a mix of ascents and descents, with opportunities to spot wildlife such as musk deer, Himalayan thar, and colorful pheasants. 

The route takes you through alpine woodlands and past the trail leading to the Gokyo Valley before descending to the Imjatse River at Phunki Tenga, a small settlement with a handful of lodges. This is a popular lunch stop, as the next section involves a challenging uphill climb to Tengboche. 

Continuing through forests of rhododendron, oak, magnolia, pine, and fir trees, you’ll eventually reach Tengboche, home to one of the most famous and historical Buddhist monasteries in the Everest region. Surrounded by breathtaking Himalayan peaks, the monastery opens to visitors after 3:00 PM daily. Here, you can join local Buddhist monks for a peaceful meditation session inside the monastery, adding a spiritual dimension to your journey. 

After leaving Tengboche, the trail descends through the serene rhododendron and juniper forests of Debuche. You’ll cross a suspension bridge over the Imja River and arrive at the picturesque Sherpa village of Pangboche. Take some time to explore the ancient Pangboche Monastery, a spiritual and historical site in the region. 

From Pangboche, the path ascends to Somare, offering breathtaking views of Himalayan giants like Lhotse, Nuptse, and Ama Dablam along the way. Crossing the Imja Stream, you’ll gradually make your way to the charming Sherpa village of Dingboche. 

Dingboche is a popular stop for trekkers, known for its traditional stone walls protecting crops from the harsh mountain winds and its magnificent views of the surrounding peaks. 

Today is an important acclimatization day to help your body adjust to the altitude and prepare for the higher elevations ahead. Dingboche, also called the “Summer Valley” of the Khumbu region, benefits from occasional monsoon rains that nurture its farmlands, making it a unique settlement in the area. 

Instead of staying idle, your guide will lead you on an optional hike to Nagarjuna Peak, a perfect vantage point offering panoramic views of the Khumbu Himalaya, including Mt. Makalu, and a sweeping vista of the Imja Valley. This climb helps strengthen your body and balance for the trek ahead. 

Alternatively, you can hike to Chhukung Village, which provides stunning views of Island Peak, Ama Dablam, Makalu, and Taboche. Chhukung is also a hub for alpinists preparing to climb Island Peak, offering a lively atmosphere of climbers and adventurers. 

Stay active, drink plenty of water, and enjoy the magnificent surroundings during this acclimatization day. 

The trek from Dingboche (4,410 m) to Chukung (4,730 m) is a short but scenic hike that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and an opportunity to acclimatize before ascending higher. The trek typically takes about 3–4 hours depending on your pace and the weather conditions. 

The journey from Dingboche to Chukung offers a visual feast of some of the most iconic Himalayan landscapes. 

Island Peak (Imja Tse): Rising gracefully at 6,189 meters, Island Peak offers a striking sight with its glaciated face and pointed summit. It seems like a perfect island of ice amidst the surrounding sea of rugged peaks. As you hike closer, its towering presence becomes increasingly captivating. 

Lhotse: At 8,516 meters, Lhotse stands as the fourth-highest mountain in the world. Its massive ridges and icy walls loom majestically on the horizon, offering a dramatic contrast to the surrounding peaks. The South Face of Lhotse is particularly imposing, often leaving trekkers and climbers in awe. 

Ama Dablam: A jewel of the Khumbu region, Ama Dablam's pyramid-like shape and sharp ridges make it one of the most iconic peaks in the world. Known as the "Mother's Necklace," it gets its name from its hanging glaciers that resemble a mother embracing her child. Its elegance dominates the skyline throughout the trek. 

Surrounding Peaks: The trek also rewards you with breathtaking views of other peaks, including Nuptse, Baruntse, and Makalu in the distance. Together, they form a stunning amphitheater of snow-capped giants, creating a truly majestic Himalayan panorama. 

The trek from Chukung to Lobuche via Kongma La Pass is one of the most challenging and rewarding sections of the Everest region trek. It takes you across Kongma La Pass (5,535m/18,159ft), offering breathtaking views of the Himalayan peaks, pristine landscapes, and a sense of achievement.  

We start our trek very early in the morning as today’s journey is quite long and challenging. The highlight of the day is crossing Kongma La Pass (5,535m), the highest of the three passes in the Everest region. 

The pass rewards us with breathtaking views of Mt. Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Makalu, and the Khumbu Glacier, offering an unforgettable panorama of the Himalayas. 

The climb to the pass is steep and rocky, requiring focus and stamina. Once at the top, the sense of accomplishment is immense, but the journey is far from over. The descent from Kongma La is equally demanding, with the trail winding through glacial moraines and icy sections, adding to the adventure. 

Before reaching Lobuche, a small settlement of cozy teahouses, we cross the vast Khumbu Glacier, navigating its rugged and icy terrain. This final stretch is both challenging and rewarding, marking the end of an extraordinary trekking day. 

Today’s journey is a relatively short but memorable walk to Gorakshep (5,164m). The trail climbs gently through meadows and moraine stone steps, offering spectacular views of the surrounding glacier and towering Himalayan peaks. 

Upon arrival at Gorakshep, we check into a teahouse and enjoy a hearty lunch before starting our much-anticipated exploration of Everest Base Camp (5,364m). Starting from Gorakshep after lunch, we follow a rugged trail alongside the Khumbu Glacier, surrounded by breathtaking views of towering peaks and the icy landscapes. 

The hike takes approximately two hours to reach the Everest base camp, where we spend time exploring and soaking in the incredible atmosphere. During the spring season, the area is vibrant with colorful camping tents of climbers preparing for their Everest summit attempts, adding to the unique charm of the place. 

After celebrating this incredible achievement and taking memorable photos, we return to Gorakshep for dinner and an overnight stay. 

We start early in the morning from Gorakshep to hike to Kala Patthar (5,545m), one of the most popular viewpoints on the Everest Base Camp trek. This iconic ridge offers a breathtaking panoramic view of Mount Everest, along with Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Pumori, and many other majestic snow-capped Himalayan peaks. The massive Khumbu Glacier stretching below adds to the awe-inspiring scenery. 

Reaching Kala Patthar at dawn, we witness a mesmerizing sunrise over the Himalayas. The golden hues on the peaks create an unforgettable spectacle, making this early morning effort truly worthwhile. 

After soaking in the views and capturing memories, we descend back to Gorakshep for a well-earned breakfast. Following breakfast, we continue our journey, retracing the trail back down to Lobuche, where we will rest for the night.This day combines the thrill of reaching the best viewpoint in the Everest region with a descent into lower altitudes, balancing challenge with incredible rewards. 

The trek from Lobuche (4,940m) to Dzongla (4,830m) is a relatively short but scenic journey. After breakfast in Lobuche, we begin our walk heading towards Dzongla. The trail follows the Khumbu Glacier, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks. We continue along the moraine, passing through the rugged terrain of the Everest region. 

As we hike, we enjoy stunning vistas of some of the region’s highest peaks, including Cholatse and Taboche, with the Khumbu Glacier in the distance. The landscape is a mix of rocky paths, alpine meadows, and occasional glimpses of the pristine mountains that form the backdrop of the trek. 

After 3-4 hours of walking, we finally reach Dzongla, a small settlement situated at the base of the majestic Cholatse Peak. The village is peaceful and remote, providing a perfect spot for rest and relaxation after the day’s trek. 

The trek from Dzongla (4,830m) to Thangnag (4,700m) via Cho La Pass (5,420m) is one of the more challenging and rewarding sections of the Everest region trek. The day involves a significant ascent to the pass and a descent on the other side, offering stunning mountain views and a true high-altitude adventure. 

After an early breakfast in Dzongla, we begin our day with a steep climb towards Cho La Pass. The trail is rugged, passing through rocky paths and moraine fields as we ascend toward the pass.  

The trail to Cho La Pass is challenging, with sections that involve steep inclines and boulder-laden paths. As we gain altitude, the air thins, and it becomes essential to pace ourselves carefully to avoid altitude sickness. 

The views during the ascent are absolutely breathtaking, with sweeping panoramas of Cholatse, Taboche, and Ama Dablam as we approach the top of the pass. The snow-capped peaks surrounding the pass make it a truly majestic sight. 

Reaching Cho La Pass (5,420m): After several hours of strenuous walking, we finally reach the summit of Cho La Pass. The pass offers incredible views of the Khumbu Valley, the Khumbu Glacier, and peaks like Makalu, Lhotse, and Nuptse in the distance. The summit is often wind-blown and cold, so we take a brief moment to enjoy the views before starting our descent. 

Descent from Cho La Pass: The descent from Cho La Pass is tricky, with steep, rocky terrain and sometimes icy sections. We need to be cautious while navigating the steep slopes, and it is advisable to use trekking poles to maintain balance. 

After descending for several hours, we reach the small village of Thangnag, a peaceful settlement surrounded by the towering peaks of the Himalayas. 

The trek from Thangnag (4,700m) to Gokyo (4,800m) is a relatively short but scenic walk, taking around 3-4 hours. This section of the trek is often considered a more relaxed and enjoyable part of the journey as you continue to move closer to the magnificent Gokyo Lakes and Gokyo Ri. 

After breakfast in Thangnag, we begin our trek towards Gokyo. The trail initially descends through a moraine and crosses several small streams as we continue along the glacial valley. The path is well-defined, and the gradual ascent becomes more noticeable as we approach the beautiful Gokyo Lakes area. 

During the trek, we are surrounded by stunning views of Ngozumpa Glacier, which is the largest glacier in Nepal. The trail continues alongside the glacier, offering spectacular vistas of the snow-capped peaks such as Cho Oyu, Lhotse, and Makalu. The landscapes gradually change as we get closer to Gokyo, with alpine meadows and dramatic mountain scenery filling the surroundings. 

After a leisurely and scenic walk, we reach Gokyo, a small village set on the edge of Gokyo Lake, one of the most beautiful high-altitude lakes in the world. The settlement consists of a few teahouses, where trekkers can relax, enjoy a meal, and take in the incredible surroundings. 

Today’s trek involves crossing the Renjo La Pass (5,360m), one of the highest points on the trek, and descending into Lungden (4,350m). This journey offers a thrilling and challenging adventure with spectacular mountain views and a variety of landscapes. The trek takes approximately 8 hours, and the terrain includes steep ascents, rugged paths, and a long descent into a remote valley. 

After an early breakfast at your teahouse in Gokyo, we begin the trek by retracing our steps along the Gokyo Lake area. The morning is crisp, and the stunning Gokyo Lakes reflect the surrounding snow-capped peaks. We start by heading uphill through grassy areas and boulders, following a zigzag path that gradually gains altitude. 

As we continue the climb, the path steepens. The air becomes thinner, and we slowly gain elevation. The ascent is strenuous, but as we near the top of Renjo La Pass, the excitement of the views ahead pushes us forward. The Renjo La Pass is one of the quieter passes in the region and offers exceptional vistas. 

After soaking in the views, we begin the descent from Renjo La Pass. The descent is quite steep and requires careful footing. We trek down into a remote valley, passing through rugged terrain and stunning landscapes. The path follows an ancient trading route once used by Tibetan traders, which adds a historical aspect to the journey. 

After several hours of steady descent, we arrive in Lungden, a small village located at the base of Renjo La Pass. This is a quiet, remote settlement, offering a peaceful place to rest. The village has a few teahouses, where trekkers can enjoy a warm meal and relax. 

Today’s trek is a scenic descent from Lungden (4,350m) to Thame (3,850m), taking approximately 5-6 hours. This stretch offers a peaceful, gradual descent through traditional Sherpa villages, beautiful forests, and rich cultural landscapes. You will have the chance to visit the historic Thame Monastery and enjoy spectacular views of surrounding peaks like Teng Kangpoche and Kwangde. 

After breakfast, we begin our trek southward from Lungden. The first part of the trek is an easy descent, with the trail gently following the east side of the river. The trail offers views of the rugged mountains as we pass through several quiet villages that are untouched by the hustle of larger trekking routes. 

The path leads us through the small village of Marulung, where we continue walking downhill. We cross a bridge over the Bhotekoshi River, which is one of the key landmarks of the trek. After crossing the bridge, we continue along the trail with some ups and downs, making our way towards the village of Taranga. 

The trail continues to descend, and we pass by several old-walled Sherpa villages, each with its own unique culture and history. The traditional stone walls and prayer flags provide a glimpse into the Sherpa way of life, which has been shaped by centuries of Buddhist influence. 

After several hours of trekking, we finally reach Thame, a small and picturesque village set in a serene valley. Thame is one of the oldest and most culturally significant villages in the region. 

Today, we descend from Thame (3,850m) to Namche Bazaar (3,440m), the bustling Sherpa town and the main gateway to the Everest region. This trek takes approximately 5-6 hours and involves a mix of descent, river crossings, and gradual climbs through forests and picturesque villages. 

After a restful night in Thame, we begin our journey by leaving the village and heading towards Namche Bazaar. The trail first follows a glacial stream, and we make a gradual descent into the Bhotekoshi Valley, which is lush and beautiful. 

We continue down the valley, where we cross a suspension bridge over the Bhotekoshi River, offering fantastic views of the river gorge and surrounding landscapes. After crossing the bridge, we enter a mysterious forest filled with tall birch, rhododendron, and pine trees. This section of the trek is peaceful and shaded, providing a calm environment for walking. 

As we continue, we start a gradual climb up the hills above the Bhotekoshi River. The trail weaves through picturesque Sherpa villages, giving us the opportunity to interact with locals and experience their traditional lifestyle. These villages are beautifully set against the backdrop of the mountains and offer unique insights into Sherpa culture. 

After several hours of walking, we finally reach Namche Bazaar, the vibrant heart of the Everest region. Namche is a Sherpa town nestled in a bowl-shaped valley and is known for its colorful buildings, markets, and bustling atmosphere. It’s a popular stop for trekkers, providing a chance to rest, acclimatize, and enjoy the comforts of a small town.

On this final day of your trek in the Khumbu region, we will descend from Namche Bazaar to Lukla (2,800m), marking the end of the trekking portion of the Everest Base Camp trek. This is a relatively easier day compared to others, with about 7 hours of trekking, but still offers some scenic views and cultural insights. 

Highlights 

On this day, you will leave the Khumbu region and head back to Kathmandu, bringing to a close your incredible Everest trekking adventure. The day is filled with scenic views, cultural experiences, and a chance to relax after your long journey. 

After breakfast, we’ll head to Lukla Airport for an early morning flight back to Kathmandu. The flight from Lukla to Kathmandu is one of the most scenic flights in the world, offering breathtaking views of the Himalayas, including Mount Everest, Makalu, and Lhotse. You will have the opportunity to enjoy the aerial views of the snow-capped peaks one last time as you leave the mountains behind. Your trekking guide will accompany you on this flight, providing a final opportunity to reflect on the journey. 

Upon arrival at Kathmandu Airport, you will be greeted by a representative from our team and transferred to your hotel. After a comfortable ride, you can check in and rest. The day is free for you to relax and recover from the long trek. 

Before you settle in, you’ll say your goodbyes to your guide who has supported you throughout the journey. This is a moment to express gratitude for their hard work, knowledge, and guidance during your trek.