Everest Three Pass Trek - 19 Days

Upon arrival in Kathmandu, a team member picks you up from the airport and transfers you to your hotel. After settling in and resting, you attend a short briefing at our office. During this meeting, you can meet your trekking guide and other team members, ask questions about the Everest Three Pass Trek, and go over important details. In the evening, there is time to explore the streets of Thamel in your free time.

• Accommodation: 3 star standard Hotel
• Travel Distance:  6 to 8 kilometers
• Travel Hours: 20 to 30 minutes
• Maximum Altitude: 1,350 meters
• Meal: Welcome Dinner

After breakfast at the hotel, the full-day sightseeing tour begins around 8:00 AM. A private vehicle will be provided for the day, ensuring a comfortable and convenient trip. Our professional guide will accompany the tour to explain the history, culture, and significance of each site. The itinerary is relaxed, allowing ample time to explore each location without feeling rushed.

A. Pashupatinath (World Heritage Site)
Pashupatinath Temple is a major Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located on the banks of the Bagmati River. Non-Hindus cannot enter the main temple, but the temple complex and rituals can be observed from the eastern side of the river. The temple features a two-tiered pagoda design and is internationally recognized for its spiritual and architectural importance.

B. Boudhanath (World Heritage Site)
Boudhanath is one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in Kathmandu. Constructed in the 5th century, this large stupa has four pairs of Buddha’s eyes facing every direction, representing awareness. Devotees can be seen circumambulating the stupa while spinning prayer wheels and offering prayers.

C. Patan Durbar Square (World Heritage Site)
Situated in the heart of Lalitpur, Patan Durbar Square is a prime example of Newari architecture. Most of the buildings were constructed during the Malla period, showcasing intricate wood carvings and detailed craftsmanship.

D. Swayambhu Stupa (Monkey Temple)
Swayambhu Stupa sits atop a hill and provides wide views of the Kathmandu Valley. It is often called the Monkey Temple due to the many monkeys living around the site. The stupa is an important spiritual place for both Buddhists and Hindus.

• Accommodation: 3 star standard Hotel
• Travel Distance: 25 to 30 kilometers (total driving between sites)
• Travel Hours: 5 to 6 hours (throughout sightseeing)
• Maximum Altitude: 1,350 meters
• Meal: Breakfast

Depending on the departure point, you wake up early for the flight to Lukla. If you are flying from Manthali (Ramechhap), the day starts around 2 to 3 AM with a 4 to 5 hour drive followed by a short 20-minute flight. “And” if you are departing from Kathmandu, you wake up at around 5 AM for a 20-minute drive and a 30-minute flight to Lukla. After landing, the guide provides you a short briefing, and breakfast is served. The trek begins with a gentle downhill walk toward Phakding, passing through small villages, rhododendron forests, and areas where yaks, donkeys, and dzos graze. You reach Phakding by evening, which is located beside the Dudh Koshi River, and the trail descends gradually from Lukla, making it a comfortable start to the journey.

• Accommodation: Tea house/Lodge
• Travel Distance: 8 kilometersTrekking Hours: 3 to 4 hour
• Maximum Altitude: 2800 meters
• Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

After a restful night in Phakding, you continue the trek in the morning. The trail follows the Dudh Kosi River, crossing several suspension bridges along the way. You reach the entrance of Sagarmatha National Park at Monjo, where your permits are checked. From there, you pass through Jorsalle, the last village before reaching Namche Bazaar. As you climb, you can see stunning views of Everest and other surrounding peaks. The trek ends at Namche Bazaar, a busy town and commercial hub of the Everest region. You can spend two nights here to acclimatize to the higher altitude. Namche offers various facilities, including ATMs, stores, restaurants, cybercafes, banks, and even a bakery. If your visit coincides with Saturday, you can explore the colorful local market, which gives insight into the region’s culture and trade. It takes you around 5 to 6 hours to reach Namche Bazaar from Phakding.

• Accommodation: Tea house/Lodge
• Travel Distance: 11 kilometers
• Trekking Hours: 5 to 6 hour
• Maximum Altitude: 3,438 meters
• Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Namche Bazaar is an ideal place to rest and acclimatize during the Everest Three Pass Trek. You have a free day to explore the town and adjust to the increasing altitude. One popular activity is a short hike of about 4.5 kilometers (5 to 6 hours) to the Sagarmatha National Park Museum, where you can learn about mountaineering, local flora and fauna, Sherpa culture, and Buddhist traditions. From this scenic spot, you can enjoy breathtaking views of Mt. Everest and Ama Dablam. If you wish, you can continue on an optional uphill hike to the Everest View Hotel, which offers one of the best panoramic views of Mt. Everest and the surrounding peaks. This provides a chance to witness the grandeur of the world’s highest mountain while giving your body additional time to adapt to the altitude.

• Accommodation: Tea house/Lodge
• Travel Distance: 4.5 kilometers
• Trekking Hour: 5 to 6 hours
• Maximum Altitude: 3870 meters
• Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

After spending a restful day in Namche Bazaar, you continue the trek for about 10 kilometers (5 to 6 hours) through a forest filled with rhododendron, oak, and pine trees. The trail passes charming farm villages and follows alongside the Bhote Kosi River, flowing gently upstream. Along the way, you reach Thamo village, where a small hydroelectric project provides electricity to much of the Khumbu region. From Thamo, the trail leads to a small bridge decorated with Buddhist rock wall paintings on the rocky cliff. After crossing the bridge, a short optional walk brings you to Thame, a quiet village that sees fewer trekkers. Here, you can visit one of the oldest monasteries in the region and immerse yourself in the cultural and spiritual heritage of the Sherpa community.

• Accommodation: Tea house/Lodge
• Travel Distance: 10 kilometers
• Trekking Hour: 5 to 6 hours
• Maximum Altitude: 3870 meters
• Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Before continuing the trek, you can also participate in the prayer ceremony at Tengboche Monastery and have breakfast. The trail descends gently through a forest of pine and rhododendron, adorned with moss, down to Deboche (3,820m). From there, you walk about 9 kilometers (5 to 6 hours) toward Milingo, a small settlement above the Imja Khola. The trail continues to Panboche Village, and then ascends through the Imja Valley, passing Somare (4,010m) and Orsho (4,190m). This area is a good spot to pause for lunch while enjoying stunning mountain scenery. If you desire, you can also take an optional short hike around the valley to explore the surrounding landscapes and catch additional views of Ama Dablam and the peaks nearby. From here, you continue to Dingboche, taking the lower trail via Warsa and ascending to the crest of the hill. Crossing the Lobuche River, you’ll notice colorful Buddhist prayer flags marking the entrance to Dingboche Village (4,410m). Dingboche is an excellent place to rest and acclimatize before heading to higher altitudes on the following days.

• Accommodation: Tea house/Lodge
• Travel Distance: 9 kilometers
• Trekking Hours: 5 to 6 hours
• Maximum Altitude: 4360 meters
• Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

You spend this day as a rest and acclimatization day in Dingboche, allowing your body to adjust to the higher altitude. Also, you can take a short hike of about 4 to 5 kilometers in an around 4 to 5 hours to nearby viewpoints, such as Nangkartshang Hill, which offers panoramic views of Ama Dablam, Lhotse, and other surrounding peaks. The optional hike is moderately steep but manageable, giving you a gentle introduction to higher altitudes without overexertion. Alternatively, you can stay in Dingboche village, exploring the local tea houses, prayer flags, and small fields while enjoying the peaceful Himalayan atmosphere. This day also provides the chance to practice walking at altitude, take photographs, and rest fully in preparation for the higher passes ahead.

• Accommodation: Tea house/Lodge
• Travel Distance:  
• Trekking Hour: 4 to 5 hours
• Maximum Altitude: 4360 meters
• Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

From Dingboche, you trek approximately 14 kilometers (6 to 7 hours) to reach Chhukung, a journey that includes a relatively short walk of about 2 to 3 hours from Dingboche itself. Although the distance is not long, the higher altitude can make the trek feel more challenging, providing an important acclimatization step for your body. Once in Chhukung, you have two options. You can rest at the tea house, allowing your body to adjust further to the thinning air, or you can take an optional climb to Chhukung Ri (5,546m). This hike offers a 360-degree panorama of the surrounding mountains. From this point, you can also view Imja Lake and the nearby glacier, which you encounter the next day while crossing Kongma La Pass (5,535m). In the evening, it’s important to prepare for the high pass trek by filling water bottles, packing snacks and energy bars, ensuring your head torch is ready, and layering warm clothing. Proper preparation ensures you are ready for the first high-altitude pass on the following day.

• Accommodation: Tea house/Lodge
• Travel Distance: 14 kilometers
• Trekking Hour: 6 to 7 hours
• Maximum Altitude: 5546 meters
• Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

After an early breakfast and packing your lunch, you begin the ascent to Kongma La Pass (5,535m). The trail is rocky and narrow, with moderate inclines at first, passing Pokalden Base Camps and a small blue lake below the pass. The climb takes 3 to 4 hours, offering stunning views of surrounding peaks, glaciers, and the lake. After reaching Kongma La, you descend steeply toward Lobuche (4,940m), crossing parts of the Khumbu Glacier along the way. The descent also takes about 3 to 4 hours, and the trail provides breathtaking mountain scenery at every step. In Lobuche, you rest at a tea house, preparing for the next day’s trek.

• Accommodation: Tea house/Lodge
• Travel Distance:  10 kilometers
• Trekking Hour: 6 to 7 hours
• Maximum Altitude: 5,535 meters
• Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

From Lobuche, you trek 13 kilometers (6 to 7 hours) along the Khumbu Glacier, navigating loose rocks and windy conditions. The trail offers stunning views of Pumori, Lingtren, Khumbutse, and Nuptse. After 3 to 4 hours, you reach Gorak Shep (5,164m), the highest tea house settlement, and enjoy lunch and a short rest. Next, you can make an optional 2 to 3 hour hike to Everest Base Camp (5,364m), following the glacier ridge, rocky moraines, and streams. Springtime brings expedition teams, giving Base Camp a lively feel. After taking in the views, you return to Gorak Shep for the night, preparing for the climb to Kala Patthar the following day.

• Accommodation: Tea house/Lodge
• Travel Distance:  13 kilometers
• Trekking Hour: 6 to 7 hours
• Maximum Altitude: 5,364 meters
• Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

To witness the breathtaking sunrise view from the top of Kalapatthar, you can start our hike very early in the morning after enjoying a cup of hot tea or soup. The trail rises steadily along the ridge above Gorak Shep, and the climb takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. From the top, you get clear views of Mount Everest, Pumori, Nuptse, Lingtren, and the Khumbu Icefall. After spending some time at the viewpoint, you descend back to Gorak Shep. Following breakfast, you continue walking down the rocky trail toward Lobuche, retracing part of the glacier route. The descent is gradual and takes 4 to 5 hours. You rest overnight at a tea house in Lobuche.

• Accommodation: Tea house/Lodge
• Travel Distance: 7 kilometers
• Trekking Hour: 7 to 8 hours
• Maximum Altitude: 5,545 meters
• Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

After having breakfast in Lobuche, you begin a short and steady trek toward Dzongla, walking for about 3 to 4 hours over 6 kilometers. The trail gradually ascends and descends across rocky terrain, with clear views of surrounding peaks and glaciers. Although Mount Everest is now behind you, Cho Oyu and nearby mountains remain visible along the route. The walk is less demanding compared to previous days but still requires careful footing due to loose rocks and uneven trails. As you approach Dzongla, the landscape becomes quieter and more remote. Dzongla sits beneath rocky cliffs near the base of Cho La Pass, making it an important resting point before the next high pass crossing. 

• Accommodation: Tea house/Lodge
• Travel Distance:  6 Kilometers
• Trekking Hour: 3 to 4 hours
• Maximum Altitude: 4,830 meters
• Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

You start early from Dzongla and begin the climb toward Cho La Pass (5,367m). The trail rises steadily over rocky ground before reaching a snow-covered section and a small glacier, where careful footing is required. This is one of the more demanding days of the trek due to altitude and terrain. Reaching the top of the pass rewards you with views of surrounding peaks and glaciers. After crossing the pass, you descend carefully over loose rocks and icy sections before the trail eases into the Gokyo Valley. The landscape gradually changes as you approach the turquoise Gokyo Lakes. After 7 to 8 hours of trekking, you reach Gokyo village, where you rest overnight at a tea house.

• Accommodation: Tea house/Lodge
• Travel Distance:  1.5 Kilometers
• Trekking Hour: 7 to 8 hours
• Maximum Altitude: 4,800 meters
• Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

You spend the day in Gokyo Valley to rest and adjust to the altitude. After breakfast, you can take a 3 to 4 hour hike to Gokyo Ri (5,357m). The trail climbs steadily above Gokyo village and rewards you with wide views of Mount Everest, Cho Oyu, Lhotse, Makalu, and the Ngozumpa Glacier. After descending from Gokyo Ri, you have time to walk further into the valley to visit the 4th and 5th Gokyo Lakes, which sits in a quieter and more remote area. These optional walks help with acclimatization while allowing you to explore more of the landscape. You return to Gokyo village for the night and rest at a tea house.

• Accommodation: Tea house/Lodge
• Travel Distance:  
• Trekking Hour: 3 to 4 hours
• Maximum Altitude: 5357 meters
• Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Early in the morning, you start hiking toward Renjo La Pass, leaving the main Gokyo Valley route and following the quieter Renjo La trail through Dudh Pokhari. After around three hours of steady climbing, views of Everest, Lhotse, Cholatse, and Taboche begin to open up. The ascent to the pass is one of the more demanding sections of the trek, but reaching the top rewards you with wide 360-degree views, including Mt. Cho Oyu and other surrounding peaks. From the pass, the trail descends steep stone steps toward Angladumba Tsho, then continues past Relama Tsho and Renjo Lake. You trek through a rocky valley filled with large boulders before reaching Lumde, and after about an hour, arrive at Marlung village, where you stay overnight.

• Accommodation: Tea house/Lodge
• Travel Distance:  11 Kilometers
• Trekking Hour: 7 to 8 hour
• Maximum Altitude: 5,360 meters
• Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

From Marlung, you begin a long descent toward Namche Bazaar, following an old trade route once used by Tibetan traders. The trail passes along the Bhote Koshi River and descends through Taranga before reaching Langmuche Khola. As you approach Thame, you walk past lodges near the village monastery, with clear views of Thamserku, Khangtega, and Kusum Kanguru. After crossing a bridge to Samde, the trail climbs steeply to Thamo, where you can see Khari Gompa, a respected Buddhist nunnery. Continuing onward, you pass the highest hydropower station in the region, then walk through Phurte village, near Laudo Monastery. The final stretch leads you back to Namche Bazaar, passing prayer flags, chortens, mani walls, and small gompas along the way.

• Accommodation: Tea house/Lodge
• Travel Distance: 15 Kilometers
• Trekking Hour: 5 to 6 hours
• Maximum Altitude: 3,438 meters
• Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

After breakfast in Namche Bazaar, the trek for the day begins with a long descent on familiar trails. You walk through pine and rhododendron forests, passing villages like Monjo, Jorsalle, and Phakding. The trail crosses several suspension bridges over the Dudh Koshi River, decorated with prayer flags. After reaching Monjo, you officially exit Sagarmatha National Park. Lunch is usually taken along the way before continuing toward Lukla. The final section includes some gentle climbs and descents before arriving in Lukla, where the trek comes to an end. In the evening, you can relax at the teahouse and enjoy your last dinner in the Everest region, celebrating the completion of the Three Passes Trek.

• Accommodation: Tea house/Lodge
• Travel Distance:  19 Kilometers
• Trekking Hour: 6 to 7 hours
• Maximum Altitude: 2800 meters
• Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

You take a flight from Lukla back to Kathmandu or Manthali (Ramechhap), depending on flight availability. If you choose the Lukla to Ramechhap option, the scenic flight takes about 20 minutes, followed by a 3 to 4-hour drive to Kathmandu. Alternatively, a direct flight from Lukla to Kathmandu takes around 30 minutes. During the flight, you can enjoy stunning views of mountains, glaciers, and deep valleys from above. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you are transferred to your hotel, where you can rest and freshen up. This day marks the end of your Everest Three Pass Trek journey, leaving you with lasting Himalayan memories.

• Accommodation: 3 star standard Hotel
• Travel Distance:
• Travel Hour:
• Flight duration: 30 minutes
• Maximum Altitude: 1,350 meters
• Meal: Dinner